Backbone > Ear Whacks
Nightlife Highlights 11-02
by Wavy Davy

Geoff Muldaur
November 2. The London Times said it best about vocalist-guitarist Muldaur, that “there are only three white blues singers, and Muldaur is at least two of them.” Geoff, ex-hubby of vocalist Maria Muldaur, is a veteran of Paul Butterfield’s Blues Band and the Woodstock folk scene, and has performed every place from Carnegie Hall to the Prairie Home Companion. He comes off tour for a homecoming of sorts at the airy, unfettered Unison space outside New Paltz. 8pm. $10 Unison members, $14 nonmembers. 255-1559. www.unisonarts.org.

Fourth Annual Haitian Peoples Support Project Benefit with Sonando
November 8. This annual shindig remains one of the area’s brightest points of social light for its ideal pairing of social conscience and tropical revelry. New World gurus Ric and Liz take good causes seriously, and the momentum behind this yearly event has built it to capacity turnout. A party with Sonando is great, but the outpouring of love for Haitian families that comes with this event warms your soul as well as your soles. 9pm. $15. Woodstock. 246-0900. www.newworldhomecooking.com.

Honeycreeper
November 8. Albany-based Honeycreeper revives the odd concept that alt-rock doesn’t have to whine and self-possess. This hard-working quartet—a perfect blend of accomplished musicians, tight songwriting, and a stage-ready front woman/saxophonist—becomes more polished with every show. Promoting a stellar debut album (Ajiva) and a roster of shows from New York City to New England, they return to the Rhinecliff Hotel to fulfill the promise of “Next Big Thing.” 9pm. $4. Rhinecliff. 876-8688. www.honeycreeper.net.

Monica’s Kneepads
November 16. For the name alone they get kudos, but Monica’s Kneepads has local roots in retro-hipsters Funktional Loonacy, a popular party-unit that burned up dance floors back in the day. “Get down” takes on new meaning when they light up the Oasis Cafe with funky bass lines and shag hair-dos. And shame on the club owner who turned them down because of their name (you know who you are!). 10pm. $4. New Paltz. 255-2400.

Jeremy Baum Trio
November 22. Hudson Valley’s “Jam Master” is at the top of his game: a smokin’ combo, new CD release and more talent than one white guy should be allowed to have. The vintage grooves of McDuff and McGriff flow through Jeremy’s nimble fingers to the double-deck of his Hammond B-3 and into your head like ear candy. With a new funky drummer and smooth sideman Chris V. on guitar, the trio will rock the rafters at the intimate Black Swan Pub. (Look for their new release, Lost River Jams, on Jeremy’s own Yak Records label.) 9pm. $5. Tivoli. 757-3777.

The Roots
November 23. We’re still mad at Vassar for not publicizing this spring’s P-Funk reunion show, but this time the word is out. Hip-hop innovators The Roots, the biggest rap act to successfully rock a live band (Stetsasonic tried first in the late ’80s) dazzles both fans and neophytes every time with musical chops and lyrical prowess. Brave the patchouli and get yer swerve on at the Walker Fieldhouse. 8pm. $35. Poughkeepsie. www.vassar.edu.

Pinetop Perkins and George Kilby Jr.
November 29. We’ll have what Pinetop is having, since the octogenarian blues piano legend has yet to slow down. From Muddy Waters Chicago band to Levon and the Barn Burners, Pinetop reminds you why his hands win W.C. Handy awards year after year. Guitarist Kilby, a Perkins sideman for over 10 years, is described as having “New Orleans soul with New York City attitude.” Not bad for Rhinebeck, y’all! 7:30pm, $35. 876-3080. www.centerforperformingarts.org.

Wet Paint
November 30. The concept behind Dug Elliot’s Wet Paint is as cool as its performance: Elliot’s “scat-jazz” experience channels unbridled creativity from his outstanding New York City sidemen, including (for this show at The Uptown) guitar ace Jonathon Townes and free-jazz stalwart Daniel Carter (Sun Ra) on trumpet, saxes, and clarinet. Since the line-up, repertoire, and mood remains fluid right up to and into the gig, the “paint” never dries. And why stop with music? Elliot’s poet-wife Elizabeth and painter extraordinaire Larry Jackson will create in real time as well. $10. Kingston. 339-8440. www.wetpaint.net.