SUNY Ulster's current artist-in-residence, Artie Traum, kicks off the month (12/1, 7pm) with an evening of improvisation, original songs, and amazing friends, including vocalist Leslie Ritter and neighbors Tony Levin (bass) and Warren Berhnhardt (piano). On Friday, enjoy classical and popular music by the college's chorus, conducted by George Strauser (12/2, 12:15 & 7:30pm). Lee Herrington directs the 55-member SUNY Ulster College-Community Band (12/7, 7:30pm), and bring your tuba or euphonium to the increasingly-popular Tuba Christmas concert (12/10, 4pm). The season finale (12/12,  7:30pm) is a recital by students in the college's Applied Music program. Free (except Traum, $8). Stone Ridge. (845) 687-5262. www.sunyulster.edu.

This follow-up mega-fest (part one was 11/19) features more than 15 bands in all three rooms of The Chance complex. Murphy's Law headlines the big room, while Club Crannell Street and The Loft will pump ska and hardcore from bands like makeoutmusic, Skamakazi, and the adrenaline-fueled Honeycreeper. Definitely more fun than a barrel of moshing monkeys. (The Machine channels Pink Floyd 12/3 and Rusted Root returns 12/6.). $17. Poughkeepsie. (845) 471-1966. www.thechancetheater.com.

The Fisher Center at Bard College hosts this "Build a Levee" benefit for Hurricane Katrina/Rita response, with proceeds to benefit the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Salvation Army. The spirit of unity and compassion is buoyed by artists from here (Merchant) and there (Dr. John). Presented by the Hudson Valley Levee Board, with assistance from Jazz at Bard. $100. Annandale-on-Hudson. (845) 758-7900. www.bard.edu/fishercenter.

Back in the day, 'DST would score one headliner and a handful of "breaking" bands for their annual holiday show. This year the bounty is overflowing with not one but four world-class shows spread throughout the Valley, starting with Assembly of Dust at Backstage Studio Productions (12/10). Next, Kingston's own Mercury Rev (pictured left) (12/16) and the miraculous Martin Sexton (12/17) let the fur fly at the Bearsville Theater. Save room for dessert when Robert Randolph—who credits 'DST as "the first radio station to play our records"—and the Family Band bless UPAC December 28. Times and prices vary. Kingston/Bearsville. (845) 679-7600. www.wdst.com.

SSB formed in 1994 when former Monkee Tork and friends were asked to perform a benefit for Felicity House, a women's recovery program in California. Requests then poured in for their set of rock, blues, and R&B covers, original numbers, and even some Monkees' tunes. More than a novelty act, Tork has mastered the 5-string banjo, keyboard, drums, guitar, and bass. Bandmates on this Towne Crier gig include Michael Sunday (bass), John Palmer (drums, harmonica, vocals), and Richard Mikuls (guitar, vocals), who have collectively played with Chaka Khan, B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, and Ray Charles. Jeff Pitchell opens. $20, $17.50. Pawling. (845) 855-1300. www.townecrier.com.

It's always a pleasure to highlight the Valley's best New Year's Eve parties, if just because of the unique opportunities the night offers. Albeit still early, smart money is on these two shindigs. At press time, disco-funk sensations Monica's Kneepads are booked into the red-hot Alamo in Rosendale, with a full buffet, lighted dance floor, and glorious specials throughout the evening. Area favorite Dave Leonard of JTD productions and his Octagon of DJs are rumored to be throwing a bash at the Bearsville Theater, so bookmark www.jtdproductions.com for info. Rosendale/Woodstock. (845) 658-3300. www.eatatthealamo.com.