Lowe down
While not necessarily a household name on this side of the pond, English singer-songwriter/producer Nick Lowe was a pivotal mover and shaker on the punk rock/new wave music scene of the late 1970s. “Cruel to be Kind” was his biggest hit in this country, but several of his compositions became chart-toppers here for other Brit musicians, including “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” by Elvis Costello and “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ’n Roll)” by Dave Edmunds. Lowe plays old favorites (as well as tracks from his 2011 release The Old Magic) at the Egg. Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. $29.50. Empire State Plaza, Albany. 518-473-1845 or www.theegg.org
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Photograph courtesy of the New Paltz Chamber of CommerceNosh fest
One of the mid-Valley’s favorite fall events, the Taste of New Paltz celebrates its 22nd birthday this month. More than 10,000 attendees are expected to flock to the Ulster County Fairgrounds to enjoy samples of fine gustatory fare prepared by dozens of local restaurants; fruit and veggies from area farms; and wines bottled at nearby vineyards. While food is the main event, there are antiques and fine arts dealers, craft artisans, health and wellness experts, and other businesses offering all manner of goods and services. And don’t forget the kid’s expo. Sept. 16 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $7, children under 13 free; taste tickets additional charge. Libertyville Rd., New Paltz. 845-255-0243 or www.newpaltzchamber.org
Black and white
Pop quiz: Do you know which American band opened for the Beatles at their first U.S. concert? It was Jay and the Americans, the ’60s quartet that went on to record 21 hit singles (“Cara Mia,” “This Magic Moment”). The distinctive voice behind most of those songs, Jay Black, now tours as a solo performer. This month, Black takes the stage at the Tarrytown Music Hall in a benefit performance for the Roy White Foundation, a charitable organization that provides college scholarships to disadvantaged youth. A 15-year veteran of the New York Yankees, White and some of his baseball buddies — including former Yankees Mickey Rivers and Chris Chambliss, as well as Met Ed Kranepool — will also be on hand. Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. $45-$120. 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 877-840-0457 or www.tarrytownmusichall.org
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Country comfort
Formed in California in 1966, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has been playing its unique combination of country, folk, and rock music for close to 50 years. The group had its greatest commercial success with its 1970 cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles,” although the 1989 release Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two nabbed two Grammys and the Country Music Association’s Album of the Year award. The band comes to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this month for the first time. Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. $25-$42. 30 Second St., Troy. 518-273-0038 or www.troymusichall.org
