Let's skip Jim Weider's well-known credits (The Band, Mavis Staples, et al.) and cut right to his new CD Percolator, a smokin' album of instrumental guitar grooves featuring pals Tony Levin, John Medeski, Carlos Valdez, and others. The signs were on the wall when Weider covered Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" (on 2003's Remedy) the way Jeff Beck or Buddy Guy might have. $20/17.50 members. The Towne Crier, Pawling. (845) 855-1300. www.jimweider.com.

Remember how great Lenny Kravitz was before he sold out? Then you'll dig funky artist Prez, a nouveau-retro funkster with a new CD, Welcome to My World (Perfectly Cool Records), in the can (and available at www.cdbaby.com). He also arranged and recorded "Ain't No Way" for Aretha Franklin's recent CD So Damn Happy. $10 (reservations recommended). Uncommon Grounds Coffeehouse, Wurtsboro. (845) 888-2121. www.ugcoffee.com.

Quite the tribute when your anniversary show moves to a larger stage, namely the Julien Studley Theater at SUNY New Paltz. The modest Unison Arts Center's 30th will include many a "Happy Birthday" crooned by Natalie Merchant, Amy Fradon, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Leslie Ritter & Scott Petito, the Traums, and others. $40. New Paltz. (845) 255-1559. www.unisonarts.org.

Their sound defines "Catskill rock" in many ways, with a down-home sound and hot acoustic and electric licks.  Singer/guitarist Sean Schenker hails from an Athens, GA scene, but the other dudes, Warren Gold (lead guitar, slide guitar) and Jason Sarubbi (backing vocals, bass), are straight outta New Paltz. $10. Joyous Lake, Woodstock. (845) 679-8100. www.thetrappsband.com.

An original blues-and-folk man, Smither is still getting lots of mileage on 2003's Train Home (HighTone), featuring his growling vocals and finger-picking magic. Hop aboard his website for an unbelievable ride through his credits, including duets with Jorma and an appearance on NPR's "Mountain Stage 20th Anniversary" concert. Even jazz crooner Diana Krall covers Smithers's "Treat Me Like a Man" on her new CD The Girl in the Other Room (Verve). Next stop, Rosendale Café! $18. Rosendale Café, Rosendale. (845) 658-9048. www.chrissmither.com.

Monade is the new band from StereoLab founder Laetitia Sadier. Their second album, A Few Steps More (too pure/DuophonicHFD), features Laetitia's trademark vocal stylings (and trombone playing) amidst minimal percussion and the band's understated sound. $17. Blu Lounge, formerly the Hudson River Theater. (518) 822-8189. www.thrilljockey.com.

On punk legends Social Distortion (here at The Chance), hardcore bible Altercation says they "were one of the first bands in the punk landscape to combine searing guitar hooks with Johnny Cash-inspired, rebel-without-a-cause imagery." Culture, featuring lead singer Joseph Hill, has 28 albums to prove their legacy as one of reggae's greatest roots-harmony bands. Just added: May 7, The Wallflowers.$25/20 advance (both shows) . The Chance Theater, Poughkeepsie. (845) 471-1966. www.thechancetheater.com.