March 8. The uber-hip Bearsville Theater and Rock City Promo offer live music in a multimedia setting when Red Car Records of Boston (home to indie darlings The Charms) launches The Esperantos, a garage trio from the wastelands of Michigan. The band’s debut CD, produced by Richard Marr (The Charms) has already scored spins on the hip “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” radio show. Opener Rob Hervey plays didgeridoo, electronics, and singing bowls, and the Lazy Suns lead the new wave in sophisticated punk. DJ Primitive and video artist Jim C. round out this rock ‘n’ roll circus. 8:30pm. $8. Woodstock. (845) 679-4406. www.bearsvilletheater.com.
Neil Alexander and NAIL
March 9. You’ve heard of P-Funk? This is V-Funk, with the V for virtuosity.
Alexander, former keyboardist for Pink Floyd tribute act The Machine, celebrates the release of his phenomenal new CD, Tugging At The Infinite (P-Dog Records), with a release party at the Bearsville Theater. NAIL lays cutting-edge instrumental electric jazz over a spectrum of drum ‘n’ bass and boombastic funk beats. And when Alexander promises “special” guests, he’s not kidding. 8pm. $10. Woodstock. (845) 679-4406. www.nailmusic.com.
Saturday Soiree with Helen Avakian
March 10. Our favorite Dutchess County chanteuse makes the trip deep into southern Ulster to light up the already sizzling Aroma Thyme Bistro. Avakian promises spontaneous sets from her extensive catalog, plus requests from the music menu. The restaurant is well-known for its wide selection of organic food from vegan to free-range meat to seafood. Reservations recommended. 8pm. No cover with dinner. Ellenville. (845) 647-3000. www.helenavakian.com.
Chris Trapper/John Schrader Band
March 9, 16. The happening Skytop Steakhouse and Brewery presents not one but two of WDST’s darling singer-songwriters this month. Chris Trapper, best known as front man of the Push Stars, drops a new CD, Hey, You (Starlit Records), with a solo show on March 9. Local boy Schrader and his band return home on March 16 to survey their domain from high above the traffic circle. Start with the Skytop’s six-beer sampler, then grab a pint of your favorite (save us a Winkle Lager). 9pm. Trapper: $14; Schrader: Call for tickets. Kingston. (845) 340-4277. www.skytopsteakhouse.com.
Comedy-O-Rama Live On Stage
March 20. Dutchess Community College’s communications and media arts program presents radio personalities and voice impressionists Joe Bevilacqua and Lorie Kellogg of XM radio’s “Comedy-O-Rama Hour” re-enacting episodes of vintage “Fibber McGee and Molly in The House of Wax” and “Duffy’s Tavern” radio shows for their “New Old-Time Radio Hour.” The shows will feature a full sound-effects table, live music, and five radio actors. Under the direction of professor Dana Dorrity, DCC students will be shooting this live-style recording for broadcast on Channel 42. 7:30pm. Free. Poughkeepsie. (845) 431-8612. www.comedyorama.com.
Cassettes Won’t Listen, Bisc1, DJ ESE
March 23. Down In The Valley Promotions presents a night of electronic and classic hip hop at the Stray Bar on Warren Street. Cassettes Won’t Listen offers a tight mix of electronic and urban folk (a la Beck or the Postal Service), while Bisc1 spits level-headed knowledge. DJ ESE glues it all together with sets of fresh ‘n’ fly but classic flava. Lacing the evening will be giveaways from Synthesis Magazine, Definitive Jux, Embedded Music, and the World’s Fair Label Group. 8pm. Hudson. www.myspace.com/cassetteswontlisten.
Kanatsiohareke Gathering
March 25. The lights will be up at the Rosendale Theater for this righteous event to support the community and programs at Kanatsiohareke, a working farm preserving the Mohawk language and traditions in the Mohawk Valley west of Albany. Director and tribal elder Tom Porter will present traditional Mohawk addresses before and after the concert that are open to audience participation. Performers include country rocker Roy Hurd, Native American storyteller Kay Olan, The Hawk Project, Native American musicians Powhatan and Matoaka Eagle, and master drummer Fode Sissoko. 1pm. $20, 15. Rosendale. (845) 255-2151. www.mohawkcommunity.com.