Rosanne Cash

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Friday

Grammy winner Rosanne Cash has had a couple of distinct musical careers. From 1979 to 1989, she was a chart- topping country artist with 11 No. 1 singles—including “Seven Year Ache,” “The Way We Make a Broken Heart,” and a nifty cover of the Beatles’ “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party”—and two No. 1 albums. She was even Billboard magazine’s Top Singles Artist of 1988. Since 1990, Cash and mainstream country have parted ways, as she has become more introspective (if no less tuneful and engaging), while country has become, more-or-less, all-Eagles retreads, all the damn time. Cash’s music has grown ever more textured and compelling, including last year’s critically acclaimed Black Cadillac. Guitarist Murali Coryell, who’s built a local following with his superb sol blues guitar shows, opens. (May 18, 8 PM, $48, $38, 14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass., 413-528-6415)

Acoustic Trauma 10th Anniversary Show

Valentine’s, Friday

The average lifespan of a rock band is about three or four years. Only the highly successful or doggedly persistent (or just plain idiotic) manage to pull it out for a decade or more. So it’s encouraging to see area trio Acoustic Trauma celebrating their 10-year anniversary. Chalk their longevity up to dedication: Rather than ride the coattails of the latest musical trend, Acoustic Trauma, led by bald-headed guitarist- mandolin player Paul Maceli, have stuck to their prog-metal-folk guns right along. They’re currently prepping a live CD-DVD package for release this summer; this Friday, they’ll blow out the candles at Valentine’s, with help from another long-running local, Blackcat Elliot. (May 18, 9 PM, $5, 17 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 432-6572)

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Proctor’s Theatre, Friday

Sure, they have a still-running, hit Broadway show (Jersey Boys) based on their long, bumpy career. Yes, they’re in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and all, too, but somehow, however, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons still seem underappreciated. Their best records (“Let’s Hang On,” “Dawn,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Walk Like a Man”) are vocally over the top, musically precise and ridiculously entertaining. Looks like their natural fan base, the baby boomers, feel the same way; this, former teenagers, is the hot ticket this week. Dawdle not, because only “single and partial view seats” are still available at Proctor’s. Remember, big girls don’t cry—they buy their tickets early. (May 18, 8 PM, $49.75-$29.75, 432 State St., Schenectady, 346-6204)

The Edgar Winter Band, Orleans

The Egg, Saturday

A more complementary pair of ’70s acts would be hard to find. Orleans were one of the most successful soft-rock acts of the latter half of the “me decade,” with fiendishly catchy hits like “Dance With Me” and “Still the One.” The Edgar Winter Band played their rock & roll loud. While ex-Orleans member and now-U.S. Congressman John Hall (D-Dover Plains) was the marquee name of the group, it was Larry Hoppen who sang that pair of hits, and is “still the one” who will be fronting the band at the Egg on Saturday night. After Orleans have revved you up, headliners the Edgar Winter Band will rock you with their hard-and-heavy hits like “Frankenstein” (BA-dum-dum-dum, de-dum-dum-DUM; BA-dum-dum de-dum) and “Free Ride.” Be assured that Winter still has both the big sound and the big hair. This should be a classic time-trip back to circa 1976, so, as Pink Floyd once suggested, set your controls for the heart of the sun. (May 19, 7:30 PM, $28, Empire State Plaza, Albany, 473-1845)

Michael Bisio Quartet

Sanctuary for Independent Media, Saturday

International jazz luminary and Troy native Michael Bisio moved back to the Capital Region a couple of years ago after decades of living and working in Seattle. The bassist has collaborated with both local and international jazz artists, toured with renowned ballets and symphonies, and has been revered by critics throughout his impressive career. All Music Guide has said that Bisio’s “ability to project such a diverse array of timbre and technical skill mark him as one of the leading bassists of his time.” The other three members of the quartet are Avram Fefer and Stephen Gauci on winds, and Jay Rosen on drums. The quartet will play selections from their new CD Circle This (CIMP 360). According to press, the new disc should be available by concert time. This is a rare chance to hear Bisio present his music in his hometown before he jets off to perform at the Vision Festival in New York City. (May 19, 8 PM, $10, 3361 6th Ave., Troy, 272-2390)

Lukomski/Majer/Lail

Saratoga Arts Center, Saturday

For those who are turned way on by the gloriously weird guitarscapes of Sonic Youth’s late ’90s SYR recordings, or the dreamy, sometimes atonal soundwaves of Hovercraft, this Saturday’s show at the Saratoga Arts Center should be a safe bet. Using a lineup of processed guitars, loops, and samples, Lukomski/Majer/Lail press deep into the avant garde on their new CD Motherheart of God the Father. Live, the three men—Bob Lukomski (former of once-upon-a-time area band Home), Thomas Lail, and Hajji Majer—reconstruct and interpret their miniature symphonies on-the-spot, giving their audience a neat view of the creative process. Free your mind before taking your ass to this one. (May 19, 8 PM, free, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-4132)

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