Backbone > Ear Whacks
Nightlife Highlights for June 2002

Yellowman
June 1 ~ Legendary rude boy Yellowman brings his Sagittarius Band to the Chance in Poughkeepsie for some classic bawdy rapid-fire toasting. Touring to promote his new album Yellow Gold, this show kicks off the series, Summer of Reggae Love 2002. 8:30PM. 471-1966. $25/$20.

Maria Zemantauski and Helen Avakian
June 5 ~ A night of flamenco and classical guitar at the West Strand Grill in Kingston as the Intimate Evening Concert Series by Great Dames Productions continues. These two talented guitarists will be joined by special guest guitarist Terry Champlin. 7:30PM. 331-8128.
www.greatdamesproductions.com

Medeski, Martin and Wood
June 6 ~ The jazz trio of Medeski, Martin and Wood has been enthusiastically embraced by the jam band scene for their progressive improvisations. Uninvisible is their 10th and latest album and it's appropriately named as they have evolved into one of the only rock star jazz bands. I'll be there checking them out at the Palace Theater in Albany. 8PM. $23.50. (518) 465-4663.

John Scofield Band
June 7 ~ John Scofield has played with Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Miles Davis to name a few of his collaborators. Touring to promote his latest release, überjam, the album finds him confirming his reputation as a peerless jazz guitarist while exploring newer avenues of groove and jam-oriented music. At the Towne Crier in Pawling. 9PM. $30/Members $27.50. 855-1300.

Trey Anastasio
June 13 ~ With Phish still on hiatus, what's a neo-prog hippie to do? The next best thing, which is go and see guitarist/lead singer Trey Anastasio as he tours to promote his self-titled solo debut at The Palace Theater in Albany. You might have to go through an agency to find tickets for this show or take your chances, hit the streets, and walk around with a finger up in the air. 8PM. 518-465-4663.

The Mammals
June 14 ~ The future of folk music is alive and well with the "contemporary, traditional, neanderthal thrash band," The Mammals. (Tao's description.) This folk trio, consisting of Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, (Pete Seeger's grandson), Ruth Ungar, (Jay Ungar's daughter) and Michael Merenda (who's probably related to somebody), has a traditional acoustic sound that is also dynamic and new. Playing a variety of old-time tunes and folk ballads as well as a host of original ones they are spreading the word that 'Trad is Rad' through their energetic string shows. At the Colony Café in Woodstock. 8PM. $8. 679-5342.
www.themammals.net

Jack DeJohnette and John Surman
June 15 ~ Local resident and jazz drummer extraordinaire Jack makes his annual appearance at the Kleinert/James Performing Arts Center in Woodstock. This year he will be accompanied by renowned improvisational saxophonist John Surman. 679-2079. $20/$15.

Erin Harpe
June 20 ~ Lovewhip's front woman Erin Harpe brings only her voice and a guitar for a set of acoustic delta blues in the vein of Memphis Minnie and early Bonnie Raitt. Part of the Women Making Music Series at New World Home Cooking. 9PM. $3. 246-0900.
www.newworldhomecooking.com

Pete Yellin All-Stars
June 22 ~ Be-bop on over to the Rosendale Café for a night of Be-bop jazz featuring veteran saxophonist Pete Yellin backed by Jimmy Cobb, drums, Cameron Brown, bass and John DiMartino, piano. 9PM. $12. 658-9048.
www.rosendalecafe.com

Tokyo String Quartet
June 29 ~ Performing on "The Paganini Quartet," a group of renowned Stradivarius instruments named for legendary virtuoso Niccolò Paganini who acquired and played them during the 19th century, the Tokyo String Quartet was founded over 30 years ago by violist Kazuhide Isomura. Regarded as one of the finest chamber ensembles in the world, they will perform Janàcek's String Quartet No. 1 (Kreuzer Sonata); the Hudson Valley premiere of Bard professor Joan Tower's String Quartet In Memory and Smetena's String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor, From My Life at Olin Hall, Bard College. 8PM. $25/$15/$5. 340-0044.