This surefire-hit café adds a shmear of music to its already-winning menu. Baker and CIA alum Jesse Gelber, formerly of The Bakery in New Paltz, serves H&H bagels (made on-premise) in an early-1900s New York setting. Wednesdays at 7pm the special is poetry/spoken word (hosted by Debra Budnick), with acoustic music served up Saturdays (with Acoustic Blush) at 8pm. Free wired and Wi-Fi networks, to boot!No cover. Poughkeepsie. (845) 463-3370. www.nybagelry.com.

Perennial Woodstock muse Paul McMahon possesses a biting wit and a wellspring of inspiration. On a spiritual journey with a guru, a former soldier, McMahon dreamt up an "army of love" made up of saints and good-hearted people to combat pervasive bad vibes. With Amanda Williams sharing the mike, Drew North on bass, and Max Parker on drums, this show at the bustling Black Swan offers a modern poignancy to American roots music. Tivoli. (845) 757-3777. www.armyofloveband.com.

Peekskill son Fred Gillen Jr., a Hudson Valley favorite, leads New York City-singer/songwriters Bruce Balmer and Katherine Pritchard in this intimate Colony Café revue. Gillen, a New York State Foundation for the Arts grant recipient, appears in support of his fifth CD, Gone, Gone, Gone. Gillen has previously appeared at the Colony as part of the Woody Guthrie tribute band Hope Machine. $6. Woodstock. (845) 679-5342. www.fredgillenjr.com.

Singer/pianist Russell is often heard backing friends like Amy Fradon and Mindy Jostyn. They return the favor (among others) on Russell's second CD, Welcome Home, so perchance a few will join her at this Full Moon Resort show. Russell's versatile vocal palette brushes from urban chanteuse to country crooner, and her polished songs provide the perfect frame. Free. Oliverea. (845) 254-5117. www.vickierussell.com.

Belladonna screamed for Anthrax from 1985-1992, during which the metal band earned three Grammy nominations and ran amok with Public Enemy on "Bring The Noise." With two solo albums under his belt, Belladonna hits the road in support of his next CD. Vyle, herded by Tim Roger of Kerhonkson's Dynamic Drum shop, is so loud they'll be heard from The Chance all the way back to Pa's farm. $12. Poughkeepsie. (845) 471-1966. http://vyle.tk.

The hardest-working little band in Albany returns to Forum for another lesson in funk/punk/rock. You wouldn't guess lead singer/saxophonist Mandy Beck is actually a music teacher from her frenetic wailing, but that's what it takes to overpower Honeycreeper's wall-of-sound. As shown on their new CD Freakqualizer, no other band in our region is so polished and primal at the same time. $5. Kingston. (845) 331-1116. www.honeycreeper.net.