The Rascals formed as the Young Rascals in early 1965, when singer Eddie Brigati, organist-vocalist Felix Cavaliere, and guitarist Gene Cornish left the Starliters and recruited drummer Dino Danelli. Legendary music manager Sid Bernstein got them signed to Atlantic Records after they turned heads at NYC's Phone Booth nightclub. Their biggest hit, "People Got to Be Free," was an impassioned response to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The hits of Orleans, a group founded by Hudson Valley locals John Hall, Wells Kelly, and the Hoppen brothers, Larry and Lance, include "Dance With Me" and "Still the One." South Africa's Sharon Katz & The Peace Train open this Labor Day love-fest at Belleayre resort. $65-$45. Highmount. (845) 254-5600. www.belleayremusic.org.

Pianist and visionary David Arner is the hardest-working man in free jazz. His libertine New Vanguard series at Alternative Books on Wall Street, in conjunction with Deep Listening Institute, consistently scores the most expressive avant-jazz musicans and combos. This month, Arner, on solo piano, kicks the Sunday series off on September 3; followed by Connie Crothers (piano) and Kevin Norton (percussion) on September 10; and the dynamic Michael Bisio Quartet, featuring Avram Fefer (reeds), Steven Gauci (reeds), Michael Bisio (bass), and Jay Rosen (drums), on September 17. All shows are highly recommended. $10/$8. Kingston. (845) 338-5984. www.deeplistening.org.

After the New Vanguard's afternoon set (see above), zip up Glasco Turnpike to the Red Onion Restaurant on Route 212 for its classic jazz Sunday session. Woodstock guitarist Peter Einhorn leads the set, backed by bassist (and well-known producer) Malcolm Cecil on bass, George Deleon on tenor sax, and Steve Haas on drums. Their collective talent bridges all styles, from swing to ballads to bossa nova. It's free jazz, too—but only because there's no cover charge. "Saugerstock". (845) 679-1223. www.redonionrestaurant.com.

Speaking of hard-working musicians, Murali's busy schedule grooves its way into e-mail in-boxes everywhere. After a busy summer tour, this local legend returns for two hot September sessions. Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse on Route 28 hosts Murali and the band on September 9. For a kick, board the Teal motor yacht from the Rondout on Septmber 14 for a bluesy dance party sponsored by Ship to Shore restaurant. By land or by sea, Kingston is the place to boogie. Hickory: $6 Teal: call for tickets. Kingston. Hickory: (845) 338-2424 Teal: (845) 334-8887. www.hickoryrestaurant.com www.shiptoshorehudsonvalley.com.

This Americana trio was midwifed at a late-night jam session during the 2004 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and returns to this year's Harvest Moon Folk Festival at Warwick Valley Winery. Abbie Gardner (vocals, Dobro, guitar), Laurie MacAllister (vocals, guitar, banjo), and Carolann Solebello (vocals, guitar, bass, mandolin) were brought together by a love of traditional American music—old gospel, bluegrass, and contemporary roots artists like Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss. These ladies are multi-talented, too: MacAllister left a career in psychology to pursue music; Gardner studied classical flute as a child; and Solebello spent several years on tour as a professional theater actor. $10. Warwick. (845) 258-4858. www.redmolly.com.

Duwayne Burnside, son of the late, legendary R.L. Burnside, grew up hearing his family and neighbors play guitar-driven Mississippi hill country blues, and picked up the guitar before he was old enough to walk. In nearby Memphis, Duwayne began sitting in with musicians like Albert King, B.B. King, and Bobby "Blue" Bland. After touring 250 days a year for three years with the North Mississippi Allstars, Duwayne returns to rock the room with his own band at Club Helsinki. $15. Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-3394. www.clubhelsinkiweb.com.