Dec 8: Blood, Sweat, and Tears featuring Bo Bice This 1960s band has been touring with their rock/blues/jazz/pop hybrid sound for nearly 50 years. Now with their new frontman Bo Bice from American Idol fame, they’ll perform Grammy hits such as “Spinning Wheel” and “Hi-De-Ho.” 8 p.m., $40. • Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St, Peekskill, 914.739.0039; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
Dec 2: Rock the Future with the Murali Coryell Band A singer/songwriter with a blues/soul/rock sound rising among contemporary bands and acclaimed by Rolling Stone Magazine and the New York Times. Benefit concert to aid refugee children. Silent auction: 6 p.m., show: 7:30 p.m., $25 advance, $30 at the door. • Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker St, Woodstock, 845.679.4406; www.bearsvilletheater.com
Dec 3: Gary Lucas An established classic rock guitarist/songwriter and Grammy nominee, Lucas will perform a solo acoustic set in the vein of Lou Reed and Patti Smith among others. 9 p.m., $10. • Quinn’s, 330 Main St, Beacon, 845.202.7447; www.facebook.com/pg/QuinnsBeacon/events
Dec 7: Alternate Routes A pop group with socially-conscious lyrics, they’ve appeared on such shows as NCIS and Late Night with Conan O’Brien and were featured at the 2014 Olympics. Hits include “Safe Haven” and “Nothing More.” 8 p.m., $15. • Daryl’s House Club, 130 Route 22, Pawling, 845.289.0185; www.darylshouseclub.com
Dec 21: Will Hoppey Acoustic singer/songwriter performing his blend of coffeehouse folk-rock for a casual evening of contemporary entertainment. 7 p.m., free. • Pamela’s on the Hudson, 1 Park Place, Newburgh, 845.562.4505; www.pamelasny.com
Dec 23: The Jon Bates Band A powerful collaboration of amazing musicians and vocalists performing a truly unique blend of soul, classic rock, Motown, and the best dance party mix. 9:30 p.m., $10. • 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar, 12 North Division St, Peekskill, 914.737.6624; www.12grapes.com
Dec 31: A Shipwrecked New Year’s Eve Party The Desmond Hotel in Albany will be transformed into a pirate-themed adventure filled with villains and mermaids, complete with live performances by themed actors, an open bar, live music, a sumptuous gourmet buffet, fine liquor tastings, dancing, DJ entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. Single and couple packages must be reserved in advance; check website for costs. 9 p.m.–1 a.m. • The Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, 800.448.3500; www.desmondhotelsalbany.com
Our Picks
The Paper Bag Players: That’s Quite Absurd! This incredibly talented and creative troupe is a hit with children and adults alike performing a brand-new show that’s packed with stories, songs, freewheeling dances, painting, audience participation, paper bag costumes, and scenery. It’s a funny and thrilling hour of adventurous theatre for children ages 3+. Dec 26–27, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., $15. Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, 914.698.0098; www.emelin.org
Melissa Etheridge, an Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist known for her iconic voice, profound lyrics, and riveting stage presence, comes to the Hudson Valley to perform her greatest hits including “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs,” “Ain’t It Heavy,” “I’m the Only One,” and “Come to My Window,” plus a few holiday tunes as well. Dec 16, 8 p.m., $43+. Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston, 845.339.6088; www.upac.org