September 3. The power of Rastafari has sent more than one Jamaican dance-hall singer (Capleton, Buju Banton) to the Jah side. Luciano, blessed with one of reggae's purest voices, was never a "roughneck" even though dreads and beads now prevail. Supported by old-school legends Dean Frazier and Mikey General, this Chance/Upstate Reggae 20th-year show is crowned by Plattekill's own Hollywood DJs. 8pm. $30 ($25 advance). Poughkeepsie. (845) 471-1966.
www.reggaewoodstock.com.
JAZZ AND ART AT SAUGERTIES
September 12. Thanks to the vision of the village, and the rolodex of musician Steve Satten, JAS has bloomed overnight into a leading art and music street fest. This year enjoy 40 booths of fine artists, kids' activities, and three stages of continuous music. Headliner Al Foster and his quartet lead a roster that includes Sonando and Satten's All-Stars, featuring Matt Finck and Marvin "Boogaloo" Smith. After-hours open jazz jam at the Chowhound Cafe on Partition Street. (Rain date Sept. 19.) 1:30pm. Free. (845) 246-2321.
SUZANNE VEGA + FRIENDS
September 10-12. All the seats at Tom's Diner will be full, so Ms. Vega and The Vigil Project head to the Full Moon Resort for a 9/11 victims' memorial concert. The singer's acutely sensitive material sets the show's tone, tempered by guests Joey Eppard of Three, Ina May Wool, and others. The weekend also includes readings and a street art exhibit by Vega's late brother Tim. $32.50 (show only) and full packages available. Oliverea. (845) 254-5117.
www.fullmooncentral.com
THE PUSH STARS
September 17. The Stars show true grit as they evolve from ever-touring label darlings to ever-touring indie rockers. With roots in our area (bassist Dan McLoughlin is from Dutchess County) they never fail to rock a stage big or small. Local heroes band Jake opens this show in support of their current CD Bridge (Desert Dog Records). (The Trapps with BriteMan play Sept. 11 and Sept. 25 is Forum's first African night.) 8pm. $10. Kingston. (845) 331-1116.
www.forumlounge.com
CHARLIE KNICELY QUARTET WITH PETE LEVIN
September 24. NH was lucky to catch Knicely in August laying it down with Dug Elliot's Wet Paint. Now the ubiquitous bassist brings his all-star band to the rockin' Rosendale Cafe for a night of original jazz. Keyboardist Pete Levin, a veteran of everyone from Gil Evans to Uncle Funk, is a treat to hear. Rounding out the sound is Bob Shaut on sax and Gene "Rock Steady" Randolph on drums. 9pm. $10. Rosendale. (845) 658-9048.
www.rosendalecafe.com
BANSHANACHIE & FRIENDS
September 24. Alas, another Celtic jam was disbanded when the Rhinecliff Hotel closed last year. But the collective known as Banshanachie keeps the beat alive at the Olde Clove Café. A new chef (and a ping-pong table) has re-energized the place, but live Irish music still has a special flavor at the base of Mohonk Road (not to mention the Guinness on tap). 7pm. Pass the hat (collections benefit Clearwater). High Falls. (845) 687-7911.
ALICE COOPER
September 26. It's a thin line between rock dinosaur (Blue Oyster Cult) and legend (Cooper) and the Mid-Hudson Civic Center has all the action this month. Cooper was the self-anointed antidote to glam rock (make-up and all) but his rebellious hits like "18" and "School's Out" still ring the anthem bell. (A rock & roll resurrection takes place when Lynyrd Skynyrd takes the MHCC stage Sept. 21 featuring a who's-who of Southern rock guitarists.) 7pm. $57.50, 47.50, 37.50. Poughkeepsie. (845) 454-5800.
www.alicecooper.com
