Backbone > Ear Whacks
Nightlife Highlights 2-03
by Wavy Davy

PeachJam for Peace
February 7. Here’s the real story: during the Vietnam War, a reporter asked Duane Allman what he was doing for the anti-war effort, and came the reply: “Every time I’m in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace!” (Sorry dudes, he never collided with a peach truck.) This from Tommy Booth, bassist for PeachJam, who heard the tale from Gregg Allman himself. PeachJam’s roots spread wide to include Santana, The Band, and of course The Allmans. Take a bite as they spread the peace at New World Home Cooking. 9pm. No cover. Saugerties. 246-0900. www.newworldhomecooking.com.

Don Byron and Music for Six Musicians
February 8. Jazz at Bard presents another world-class evening in their Bertelsmann Campus Center. Clarinetist, composer, and arranger Don Byron fears no musical genre, from funk to klezmer, salsa to jazz, so no surprise that Downbeat voted him 1992’s “Artist of the Year.” Byron formed Music for Six Musicians in 1994 as an outlet for his own compositions, and it’s his longest-running ensemble to date. (That afternoon he’ll also host a free lecture/demonstration at 3pm in Bard Hall.) 8pm. $20, $15, free for Bard students. Annandale-on-Hudson. 876-7666. www.bard.edu/jazzatbard.

Francesca Tanksley/Friends of Hudson Benefit
February 9. Do manufacturers and corporations still not get it? Leave our beautiful river alone already! The Friends of Hudson, with over 2,500 members, is opposed to the construction of the huge St. Lawrence Cement plant in Hudson and Greenport. Hudson Valley resident and jazz pianist Francesca Tanksley (with her trio) will headline an foh afternoon benefit at the Pleshakov Music Center, 544 Warren Street in Hudson. $40 ticket includes refreshments. 2pm. (518) 822-0334. www.friendsofhudson.com.

Valentine’s Day 2003
February 14. Lucky for lovers and especially music lovers, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year. Here are some menu choices for dinner and dancing (flowers and chocolate not included. Helen Avakian at Gadaleto’s in New Paltz, 6-10pm (255-1717); Wooden Rope with Messenjah at the Loft in Poughkeepsie, 8:30pm (471-1966); Amy Fradon and Friends at the Rosendale Cafe, 9pm (658-9048); The HooDoo Man at the Round Up in Kerhonkson, 9pm (626-0102); Madeline Peyroux at the Stissing House in Pine Plains, 9pm ((518) 398-8800); and the Steve Kimock Band at Bearsville Theater (call Burt’s Electronics for tickets at 331-5011).

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
February 16. When vocal groups ruled the airwaves, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons dominated the charts. Even after their many hits of the ‘60s, Valli went on to solo stardom with some of pop’s greatest tunes, including “Swearing to God,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and the wedding classic “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, Valli and the Four Seasons bring their pristine harmonies to upac’s historic Broadway Theater. 7:30pm. $44.75/$39.75. Kingston. 339-6088. www.upac.org.

The Laurel Masse Show
February 26. After all those pledge drives, wamc returns the favor with outstanding (and affordable) shows at their year-old Linda Norris Auditorium. Laurel Masse the sultry songstress carries the torch monthly for live vocal jazz and backs it up with cool guest musicians. This time her old friend, drummer Bill Goodwin debuts Neo Trio, a hip organ combo. See them live, tune in your radio, or log on in cyberspace, but don’t miss ‘em. (Masse also hosts her regular combo at the Towne Crier in Pawling, February 8.) 9pm. $5. Albany. (800) 323-9262 x4. www.wamc.org.

John Menegon Ensemble featuring Dewey Redman
March 1. Bassist, composer, arranger, and local resident John Menegon plays all the time, whether with partner Teri Roiger or saxophone legends David “Fathead” Newman and Dewey Redman. To release his new all-original cd Searchlight, Menegon invites Redman back to the Rosendale Cafe, where they have reigned several times before. This gifted new combo also features John Gunther (sax/flute), Mark Dziuba (guitar), Mark McLean (drums), Tani Tabbal (percussion), and Teri Roiger (voice). Expect standing room only. 9pm. $12. 658-9048. www.rosendalecafe.com.

—Wavy Davy