Has anyone else noticed the explosion of notably-talented teen bands in the area? Four of the best—The Chills (first runners-up of Kristen Garnier's Garage Rumble), Mango, Preferably Tapioca, and Tragic Miracle—take over the Forum stage with rock, punk, funk, and electric cellos. See the next musical wave at this all-ages Sunday matinee. Dads, take note: Super Bowl will be on the TV. $5. Kingston. (845) 331-1116. www.forumlounge.com.

This alt-chick quartet are like shadows, always packing up when I arrive, but the buzz on them is red-hot after gigs at Forum and BSP. Double-check their website before you go, as the Collective Space on Main Street changed hands recently. It's also an after-party for a "Vagina Monologues" benefit performance earlier in the day. New Paltz. www.thewifeys.com.

Don't we wish this was one ticket!? Alas, the gris gris spreads thick this month, with Mardi Gras filling a ripe 10 days from the 18th to the 28th. These two bandleaders are heirs apparent to the zydeco crown, with a knight's nod to the Towne Crier for scoring them both this month. High-heeled sneakers a must! Buck: $30/$27.50. CJ: $25/$22.50/$15. Pawling. (845) 855-1300. www.townecrier.com.

Another double-barred bill of Cajun craziness on the eve of Mardi Gras, as New World takes their holiday fetes seriously, with Fat Tuesday near the top of the list. No doubt Chef Ric has copious Creole creations ready to eat, but he lays the music on thick too. Friday night whirl & twirl to Captain Squeeze and his Zydeco Moshers, and Saturday night reel 'em in with the blues, funk, and Cajun rock of Jimmy Eppard and Crawdaddy. It'll kick your ash 'til next Wednesday! No cover. Sauger-Stock. (845) 246-0900. www.newworldhomecooking.com.

Singer-songwriter Howe Gelb of Giant Sand (originally the Giant Sandworms) brings his twisted desert songs to John Doe Books in Columbia County. After Gelb's 20 years of indie rock tenacity, emusic.com calls his music "a highly original take on Southwestern roots and garage rock." Call ahead for reservations as seating is extremely limited. $20. Hudson. (518) 632-4273. www.giantsand.com.

Close your eyes and imagine the mighty Mississippi in Orange County. OK, it's the Hudson River and the flavors of New Orleans are flowing from the kitchen of the Big Easy Bistro. The Saints, featuring legendary vocalist Rene Bailey, comprise both first and second lines, marching through the restaurant and serenading diners, Dixieland style. No cover with drinks/dinner. Newburgh. (845) 565-3939. www.saintsofswing.com.

It was no fluke that in the Times Herald-Record's Top Ten Live Shows of 2005, three of them (The Pixies, Los Lonely Boys, and Robert Randolph) were at UPAC, more than any other venue on the list. This gem of a theater will shine brightly when the original '80s hit-men Daryl and John light up their 80-year-old stage. Don't be surprised to see the hip-hop contingent out in force, who've quietly been sampling H&O since De La Soul's 1989 hit "Say No Go." Presented by The Bardavon. (Murali Coryell rocks the after-party at Forum.) $90/$55/$50. Kingston. (845) 339-6088. www.upac.org.