Wuji Tableaux
Chapel + Cultural Center, Friday

We have been assured that Wuji Tableaux are like nothing you’ve experienced before. That, you may retort, is a bold statement. Well, how many self-described “Dharma Pop/Chinese poetry” acts have you seen lately? Their baroque-pop cabaret won over attendees at their earlier Troy performance last April; one wag was moved to write that Wuji Tableaux’s “music is delightful, whimsically serious, lyrical with high energy, profound and unique.” It’s hard to add anything to that. Also appearing will be singer-songwriter Tom Ross, whose tunes are a blend of world music, American jazz and poetry. Ross takes his inspiration from sources like Pablo Neruda, Emily Dickinson and the immortal Krazy Kat comic strip. You remember—Krazy Kat was a cat in love with Ignatz the mouse; Ignatz would regularly slam Krazy Kat in the head with a brick (that’s love for you). We can’t add anything to that, either. (Oct. 10, 8 PM, $10, $5 student, 274-7793)

Jonathan Richman
Valentine’s, Friday

Jonathan Richman really seems to love Valentine’s. He’s performed there, to adoring audiences, a buttload of times, and he’s coming back to play a special happy-hour show on Friday. Those who know and love him will be there with bells on, no doubt—he can whip even the stiffest Albany crowds into a frenzy—but in case you don’t know and love him (Seattle Times has said, “There are two types of people in this world: Jonathan Richman fans, and those that aren’t yet aware that they are Jonathan Richman fans”), here’s some lowdown. Founder of the influential proto-punk band the Modern Lovers, Richman struck out on his own in the early ’80s, recording poetic pop and dabbling in county and Latin music, with nearly a couple dozen records to show for it. His rock & roll ballads touch even a frosty heart, and his quirky delivery and boyish persona don’t hurt none. Perhaps you’re aware of his appearance, with his drummer Tommy Larkins (who will be with him on Friday), in There’s Something About Mary, but you should become better acquainted with “Vampire Girl,” on the archetypal intrigue of goth chicks, and “I Was Dancing in a Lesbian Bar,” about his nightclub exploits. (Oct. 10, 6 PM, $10, 432-6572)

Tony Levin and Rachel Z.
The Van Dyck, Saturday

Tony Levin is probably best known as Peter Gabriel’s bassist of choice, though he’s played with King Crimson, Paul Simon, Lou Reed and a whole host of others. On Saturday, he’s turning up at the Van Dyck to lend a hand to another musician in the frequent employ of Mr. Gabriel, pianist Rachel Z. As you might guess—given Gabriel’s taste in support players—Z.’s got a lengthy list of accomplishments of her own. Among many others, she’s played with jazz and fusion greats like Wayne Shorter, Larry Coryell and Stanley Clarke, and she’s established herself as a solid fusion artist in her own right. In 2002, she released a full-length work of Joni Mitchell covers, which we’re guessing she’s more than eager to unleash on an audience, since shortly after the album hit the shelves she was off on another jaunt around the globe with Gabriel. (Oct. 11, 7 and 9:30 PM, $15, 381-1111)

Catch 22
Valentine’s, Saturday

“The scene in New Jersey was alive but stagnant,” explains the press bio for punksters Catch 22, “and young Kevin Gunther was determined to bring something new and refreshing to the world of punk rock.” This was in 1996. Since then Gunther and the ska-lovin’ cats (they were the first ska band signed to Victory records) have put out two albums (Keasbey Nights and Alone in a Crowd) and an EP (Washed Up!); toured with the Suicide Machines and Agent Orange; and built a legion of “sweaty, loyal, screaming fans.” Catch 22 are a little bit punk, a little bit more ska (they have a horn section) and completely high-
energy—and they have a brand spankin’ new disc due in November, Dinosaur Sounds. (Expect plenty of this spankin’ new material at the show.) Also on the program for this all-ages show will be Boys Night Out, the Goodwill and Worthless United. (Oct. 11, 8 PM, $12, 432-6572)

Jupiter Circle, David Greenburger
Caffe Lena, Sunday

Senior-citizen dialogue meets chamber music as David Greenburger teams up with the quintet Jupiter Circle on Sunday at Caffe Lena. The performers go for an intimate feel as Greenburger shares comical stories formed from conversations with residents of nursing homes and senior centers, while Elizabeth Woodbury, composer for Jupiter Circle, draws from many different sounds such as classical, jazz and a diverse collection of world music influences. The Duplex Planet, which is Greenburger’s ongoing work of discussions with seniors, began in 1979 with a magazine that is still published today. More than 20 years later, his Planet has transformed into book collections, spoken-word recordings, a radio show and gallery exhibitions. Jupiter Circle will feature violinist Michael Emery, cellist-bassist Jeff Parker, woodwinds by Mike Flanagan, percussionist Zak Trojano and Woodbury on piano. (Oct. 12, 7 PM, $10, $6 seniors and students, 583-0022)

Fountains of Wayne, Matchbox Twenty
Glens Falls Civic Center, Wednesday

Technically, Matchbox Twenty are headlining this show, but it’s Fountains of Wayne making the kids dizzy, thanks to the heavy rotation of their mesmeric sing-along, “Stacy’s Mom.” Their candy pop is the kind that makes teeth fall out. Originally from New Jersey, Fountains of Wayne have enjoyed moderate success with two excellent albums prior to their newest, Welcome Interstate Managers (S-Curve/EMI). But an already infectious song, with a video featuring Rachel Hunter as, well, Stacy’s mom, have flung this act into the consciousness of otherwise Matchbox Twenty fans nationwide. Frontman Adam Schlesinger has had his fingers in all kinds of pop happenings: He’s in the laid-back pop band Ivy and is partner of Scratchie Records along with James Iha and D’Arcy of Smashing Pumpkins. He also got an Academy Award nomination for cowriting the title track for That Thing You Do!, a song meant to epitomize all things irresistible and fun about early 1960s pop—a feeling his current band certainly captures. So maybe Matchbox Twenty are the reason his show is now standing-room only, but there’s no way on earth that Fountains of Wayne should be overlooked; their songs are catchier, smarter and more fun. (Oct. 15, 7:30 PM, $29.50, 798-0366)

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