Calling all groundlings! The Woodstock Shakespeare Festival needs your help. Rennie Cantine and crew have nearly completed the new stage at Comeau, but are running short of finishing nails. So the Woodstock Blues gang has stepped up to lend a hand, presenting an all-star benefit at the Woodstock Playhouse. Headlining harpist James Montgomery has been burning up microphones for 30 years, and New York City-based guitarist Jeremiah Lockwood is nothing short of amazing. They're joined by Rennie with Blue Train, featuring the town's best bluesmen. 7pm. $20 advance $25 day of show. Woodstock. (845) 247-4007.www.woodstockblues.com.

Their publicist apologized for not sending out CDs, and their myspace.com page couldn't load the player on IE 5.0, so we still haven't heard what they sound like. But Ani DiFranco must like 'em, as she's set to release their third Righteous Babe album, Battles Ole, the week of this show at The Wave nightclub. For ten years the unlikely trio—Brian Wolff (tuba), Tony Nozero (drums), and Neil McKeeby (guitar)—has been rocking the free world, touring with DiFranco, Les Claypool, and Galactic. Their merch webpage describes the music as "stuffed with finely crafted, intricately structured songs that are captivating, exploratory and loads of fun to listen to." 8pm. Call for ticket info. New Paltz. (845) 256-1717.www.drumsandtuba.com.

What began as a humble street stage has bloomed (like the Garlic Festival) into one of the region's best events. Juried artists of all media display their work outdoors while some of the town's best restaurants offer fine fare. An impressive schedule of music runs all day on three stages, with: Steve Satten and a kicking line-up including Pete Levin, Mike DeMicco, and the phenomenal Sal G.; Cliff Korman and Sounds of Brazil with live samba dancing; and Latin dance sensation Alex Torres. Bring the little ones to check out the new interactive kids' tents. Rain date is September 18. (September 10, Arkadia Records hosts a jazz jam-session and JAS pre-party 7pm at Inquiring Mind Gallery.) 1pm. Free. Saugerties. (845) 246-2321.www.jazzartsaugerties.com.

Dave Ellison and Gian Starr's harmonic blend sounds like a favorite leather jacket that fits perfectly. After meeting in 1999 at SUNY New Paltz, Ellison (mandolin) and Starr (guitar) couldn't get rid of each other, tearing up every open mic and acoustic night in town. The duo is finally getting some well-deserved attention from their fine new CD Take it With You (see review this issue.) They seem to have found a new home at Rosendale's red-hot Alamo, with a CD-release party during the Street Festival. Catch them back again, conveniently scheduled so you can try the great grub, too. 6pm. No cover. Rosendale. (845) 658-3300.www.ellisonstarr.com.

Boston-based Lovewhip makes plenty of stops in our area, and it's a good thing, as they are one fun band. They call their Afro-electro-dub sound "bouncehall" but it also refers to fans carooming around packed dance floors. Lead bombshell Empress Erin and the boys bless us twice this weekend—Friday at New World Home Cooking and Saturday at Oasis Café, supporting their new CD Virtual Booty Machine. With or without the spicy green beans, Lovewhip delivers. 23: 9pm. No cover. Saugerties. 24: 11pm. $5. New Paltz.www.lovewhip.net.

Dimeola re-wrote the book on virtuoso guitar with his classic LP Casino (1978) a smoldering medley of Flamenco, rock, and jazz. Hundreds if not thousands of guitar students ran back to their teachers begging to learn the warp-speed licks Dimeola threw out. His website shows a busy schedule in 2005 with one area show at The Chance, where the retro-rock vibe perfectly adorns DiMeola's legendary wail. 7pm. $45, $32.50. Poughkeepsie. (845) 471-1966.www.aldimeola.com.