Backbone > Ear Whacks
Nightlife Highlights 9-02

Saltwater Trolls
September 1 If you’re over end-of-the-world rock and gangsta bling-bling, look for the silver lining of young new bands who still offer a little hope for the world. One to watch is Saltwater Trolls, a local trio where only two of ‘em can buy cigs or beer. Their tunes, if not full of wide-eyed wonder, show intelligence and promise. For this show, the Trolls are right where they belong, under the bridge at the alive-again Rhinecliff Hotel. 9pm. $3. 876-8688.

Matthew Finck Organ Trio
September 7 The classic jazz-organ trio—guitar, drums, and Hammond organ doubling on lead and bass—makes everyday tunes groovy and irresistible. At Ship to Shore’s weekly Saturday session, jazz-guitar whiz Matthew Finck gets his mojo working with Jerry Z. on the organ and Mike Nappi on skins. Sit outside early and watch the boats bounce to the beat along the Rondout Creek. 7pm. No cover with two-drink minimum. Kingston. 334-8887.

Gus Mancini/Jemeel Moondoc Quintet
September 11-12 Free-jazz lives! The Uptown, next to Alternative Books in Kingston, has manifested not one but two regular happenings for avant-garde and free-jazz. Every other Wednesday, sax guru Gus Mancini hosts his version of an open mike, featuring original tunes and improv sessions with some of his many virtuoso pals. On the anniversary of 9/11, Gus will lead the ensemble in ancient “healing tone” solos. The “Turning Point” series on consecutive Thursdays expects an audience of “people who are open to the next thing,” according to Ulster jazzman Joe Giardullo, who co-produces with The Uptown. The enigmatic Jemeel Moondoc, underground since his East Village octets of the mid ’80s, surfaces with an explosive new group. (Giardullo’s own Undersound trio appears on the 26th.) 9pm. $10. North Front Street, Kingston. 339-8440.

Blues 2002
September 13-15 The B2K crew returns their bluesy bacchanal to the overstuffed glory of the Nevele Grand’s (believe it) Stardust Room and Safari Lounge. Non-stop music all weekend includes Saturday afternoon BBQ, Sunday acoustic brunch, and spontaneous jam sessions in the lobby. Ann and Tom of NPR’s “Rock ‘n’ Roots” host Friday night with headliner Melvin Sparks. Other winners include legendary (and reclusive) harpist Lazy Lester, NYC blues kitten Pat Cisarano, Dallas Fisher, The Hoo Doo Man, plus vendors, tastings, and more. $30-per-day. See Web site for schedule and packages. Ellenville. (866) 258-3720. www.blues2000.com.

Indigo Girls/Willie Nelson
September 14 & 20 The Girls carved their names on the tree together many moons ago. Now that they’ve bloomed into world-class performers, expect a sell-out at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center when they appear with a full band. Multi-branded cowboy Willie Nelson, touring in support of a new CD, new book, and sponsored by Old Whiskey River bourbon, croons away on the 20th. Despite the logos, Nelson remains an American rebel icon in these days of “homeland security.” Indigo Girls: $33, general admission. Willie Nelson: $35/$30, reserved seating. Poughkeepsie. 454-5800. www.midhudsonciviccenter.com.

Helen Avakian
September 20 Avakian, consistently voted Best Acoustic Performer and Best Songwriter in Hudson Valley music polls, lives up to her rep with guitar virtuosity and deep, meaningful songs about love, longing, and social issues. She may soon win Hardest-Working Performer, as she gigs non-stop in Dutchess and Ulster. If you’re lucky, her partner and classical-guitar ace Terry Champlin will join her at Cappuccino’s North. 8pm. No cover charge. Red Hook. 876-1331.

Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds
September 29 Electric-blues pioneer Simmonds leads his roots revival to Pawling’s Towne Crier, the outpost of outstanding music and grub at the Dutchess-Putnam border. Savoy Brown recorded their first UK cross-over hits in the mid ’60s and paved the way for future phenoms like the Yardbirds and Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Simmonds, the only original member not to bail to Foghat in 1971, later moved to the US and has diligently pounded out records every-other-year since. Check the Crier’s Web site for more great info on Simmonds and all upcoming acts in their smoke-free digs. 9pm. $20/$17.50. 855-1300. www.townecrier.com.

—Wavy Davy