This multitalented instrumentalist (he plays trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, and soprano sax) and Rio Jazz return to Dutchess Community College for their 19th Brazilian Jazz concert. Finley, a founding director of the Albany Symphony, has led Rio JAZZ since 1988 and they're joined here by vocalist Denise Jordan Finley. Matt's new CD of his originals, Brazilian Wish, was produced by Jon Werking, tonight's special guest artist. Free. Poughkeepsie. (845) 431-8050. www.denisejordanfinley.com.

Trivia time: Who was the original host of MTV Unplugged? Take a stuffed monkey if you said Jules Shear, who retired after 13 episodes when they moved the show to a single-artist format. Shear, a Pittsburgh native who tonight plays at Club Helsinki, is the songwriter most songwriters admire. His tunes "All Through the Night" (recorded by Cyndi Lauper) and "If She Knew What She Wants" (The Bangles) likely help pay the bills, but he still appears to enjoy life on the road. $18/15. Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-3394. www.clubhelsinkiweb.com.

Glam-rock lives! Valeze, hosts of The Circus party at legendary NYC nightspot Don Hill's, struts into forum lounge with a slicked-down band and sparkling lead singer named Tiffany. New Paltz-based Fantom Frequency cuts trad emo with a virtuoso edge. Producer Jimi Goodman of Stone Ridge plays ringmaster to this spring fling, which includes a late-night drum'n'bass set by DJ Claw. (The Charms and The Wifeys rock forum 4/14 and DJ Paul Nice kicks it 4/22.) $8. Kingston. (845) 331-1116. www.leopardstudio.com.

Much of this month's column was written with LTW's home page open in the background, just for the totally catchy hard-rock instrumental loop. From the attitude alone, Mike, TJ Thomas, Dennis, and Pete look like they could be the house band at Orange County Choppers. This month they creep north with stints at Dominick's (4/7) and Mercury Grill (4/28).Dominick's, Route 9W, Newburgh, ; Mercury Grill, Route 209, Wurtsboro. (845) 568-0981; (845) 888-2004. www.lessthewiser.com.

Celebrated worldwide for his flawless technique, guitarist Romero is constantly in demand for his classical and flamenco performances. Born in Málaga, Spain, Pepe is the second son of Celedonio Romero, head of The Romeros Quartet, aka "The Royal Family of the Guitar." The younger Romero has performed for Pope John Paul II, Prince Charles, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophía of Spain, and Queen Beatrice of Holland. Be king for a night at the Julien J. Studley Theater at SUNY New Paltz (produced by Unison Arts). $30/$25/$23 Unison members/15 students. New Paltz. (845) 255-1559. www.unisonarts.org.

Vocalist-songwriter Fradon is the next featured performer in Hyde Park Free Library's Living Room Concert series and is accompanied by Paul Duffy (Mambo Kikongo) on keys and Jim Barbaro on harmonies and guitar. Fradon will also lead an afternoon workshop, "The Singing Body," which will explore how the voice is produced from the whole body. No singing experience is necessary and all are welcome. The 1-4pm workshop costs $45 and includes one ticket to the evening concert (advance reservations required) $10. Hyde Park. (845) 229-7791. hpflconcerts@aol.com.