Metroland Online - Noteworthy

We’re betting that about 10 percent of our readers saw that header and said, “No effing way.” To them, we say, “Yes effing way”; for the other 90 percent or so, here’s what’s so un-effing-believable: Tony Clifton is the hysterically repellent “alter ego” of the late, great comic Andy Kaufman. Kaufman, known for frequently pushing his comedy to and over the edge, supposedly “discovered” Clifton in a Vegas nightclub in 1969. As promised, Clifton returned to the stage on the one-year anniversary of Kafuman’s 1984 passing, sparking rumors that Kaufman faked his own demise (though in all likelihood Clifton is, and was often, played by Kaufman’s writing partner Bob Zmuda). Now, after years of relative seclusion, Clifton is back with a 10-piece band and a three-hour show (proceeds benefit Hurricane Katrina relief, by the way) that are sure to thrill the audience—and test their patience. Tony, are you goofing on Elvis? Eff yeah. (Sept. 12, 7 PM, $18, 425 River St., Troy, 274-2553)

Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies

Old Songs, Friday

Got a thing for Northumbrian Pipes? Fancy a salty yarn, told to a cittern-led waltz? Well, well; the BBC Radio nominee for 2008 “Folksinger of the Year” is bringing his band across the pond to little old Voorheesville for an evening of that and more. For 15 years, Jez Lowe has been writing songs that have since become standards within his scene. If you’re hip to the folk/acoustic/Celtic circuit, this has got to be as big as when Yanni tours Mexico (seriously, the dude sells out soccer stadiums). Backed by fiddle, bass, and pipes of the above variety, this one promises to be more than your average barroom sing-along. (Sept. 12, 8 PM, $20, 37 S. Main St., Voorheesville, 765-2815)

Bill Charlap Trio

A Place for Jazz, Friday

Bill Charlap’s bio reads like a how-to guide for aspiring jazz pianists: The son of a singer and Broadway composer, he took up piano at age 3; studied classical music but opted for jazz; gigged with Gerry Mulligan, Benny Carter and Tony Bennett; landed a deal with Blue Note; married another jazz pianist; and took his place among the greats of his instrument. A classicist, Charlap takes a literal approach to the Great American Songbook and is known for his delicate respect for melody. He performs Friday with longtime rhythm section Peter and Kenny Washington. (Sept. 12, 8 PM, $15, Whisperdome, First Unitarian Society, 1221 Wendell Ave., Schenectady, 393-4011)

Ill Bill

Northern Lights, Saturday

You best check yourself before you wreck yourself because Ill Bill, Brooklyn’s own record producer/rapper savant, is in town to spit some politically themed vitriol. On tour supporting a new record (The Hour of Reprisal) that features guest appearances ranging from Massachusetts metal band Killswitch Engage to rapper-turned-country-rocker Everlast and Bill’s own brother, rapper Necro, Bill will bring a spectrum of influences to the stage. Bill lays it down on the political tip about 9/11 conspiracy theories, America’s imperialistic tendencies, not snitching, Hennessy, and, as he puts it, being a “goon.” As Bill puts it, “You can’t kill bill/That was a movie/You can’t move me.” (Sept.13, 7 PM, $15, 1208 Route 146, Clifton Park, 371-0012)

Chiwoniso

Sanctuary for Independent Media, Tuesday

Madonna. Prince. Beyoncé. Chiwoniso. Who’s that? In Zimbabwe, Chiwoniso Maraire is a popular-music star worthy of the same single-name treatment with which we regard some of our country’s biggest acts. Perhaps it’s no coincidence, then, that the singer was born in the States (in Olympia, Wash.)—but make no mistake about it, her music is uniquely and specifically of her family’s homeland. Zimbabwe’s recent turmoil has been a considerable influence on the singer’s soulful blend of sounds, native both to Africa and America, and her lyrics convey messages of struggle, strife, and ultimately the hope to overcome all setbacks. This week, Chiwoniso’s songs of freedom come to life on the Sanctuary stage, where she’ll be backed by an eight-piece Afro-soul band. (Sept. 16, 7 PM, $10, ages 16 and under free, 3361 6th Ave., Troy, 272-2390)

Also Noted

The Sadies

The Felice Brothers bring their short bus full of big fun to the Linda tonight (Thursday) for their third regional show in a week, with guest AA Bondy opening (8 PM, $15, 465-5233 ext. 4). . . . Anaïs Mitchell and Rachel Ries teamed up for the new Country EP; they’ll perform together tonight at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, Mass. (7 PM, $13, 413-586-8686). . . . Laugh your folking head off at Caffe Lena tomorrow (Friday), when Carla Ulbrich, George Wurzbach, and Mike Agranoff team up for an evening of Side Splittin’ Songs (8 PM, $15, 583-0022). . . . The Egg jams four great songwriters into two great nights this weekend: Friday, catch the double-bill of Lori McKenna and Mary Gauthier (8 PM, $22, 473-1845); Saturday, Dar Williams and Shawn Mullins share the stage (8 PM, $24, 473-1845). . . . Saturday is busy above-ground as well: Tiempo Libre and Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra close out the free-music series at the Empire State Plaza (3 PM, free, 473-0559). . . . Toronto-based country-rockers the Sadies set up shop at Valentine’s Saturday night (7 PM, $10, 432-6572). . . . Also Saturday, at RPI’s Ground Zero performance space, Brooklyn indie-pop band Via Audio make their area debut (8 PM, $3, gzbase ment.net). . . The Iron Horse hosts two underheralded songwriters back-to-back this week: On Monday, it’s Canadian slow-folker Hayden (7 PM, $15, 413-586-8686); on Tuesday, Nebraska-via-Brooklyn songsmith Josh Rouse plays his “bedroom classics” (7 PM, $25, 413-586-8686).

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