Abe Lincoln was standing tall next to me, playing electric guitar. Neil Diamond was behind the drums. I was at a keyboard, wearing a blonde “hair metal” wig, a Rush muscle tee and sunglasses, an unlit cigarette dangling from my mouth and a backstage pass hanging from my neck, trying to be the best cartoon of a roadie I could be.
That’s how I spent a Halloween gig on Cape Cod 11 years ago. The dress-up holiday usually brings out the best in bands and audiences alike, with costumes and high spirits resulting in inspired performances. This year the Valley has a number of shows happening on the weekend before Halloween; here are some of the ones being planned among the pumpkins and piles of crunchy leaves.
The hardworking, movin’-on-up Northampton trio And the Kids (whose latest album is “Friends Share Lovers”) teams up with Palm (disorienting and innovative indie rock from Philly) at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke Saturday at 9 p.m.
“Night of the Living Dead” features bands from Hampshire and Franklin counties celebrating the legacy of musicians who’ve died during the past year. The local artists will be in costume to perform the music of Prince, David Bowie, Earth, Wind & Fire and others. The show, held in conjunction with the Turners Falls Pumpkin Fest, takes place at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls Saturday at 7 p.m. Participating artists include the Soul Magnets, Daniel hales, and the frost heaves., The Warblers, Bourquensweeno and Steve Koziol — plus The River’s Monte Belmonte appearing as Jareth the Goblin King (aka David Bowie’s role from the 1986 Jim Henson film “Labyrinth”).
“Hollerween” is what they’re calling the Halloween costume party and live show featuring The Suitcase Junket (Matt Lorenz’ percussive, bluesy and uniquely creative one-man band, which needs to be seen live to be truly appreciated) and Twisted Pine (a Berklee-born bluegrass quartet). The two acts appear at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls Friday at 7 p.m.
Guitarist/vocalist Koziol (a member of such bands as Span of Sunshine and Dingo Roi) has participated in a number of music benefits in Turners Falls over the years, and for this one he’ll appear throughout the night, between bands, singing songs by departed artists.
Koziol was still planning the details at press time, but guessed he’d do songs by Ralph Stanley, Gene Wilder (who eternally brings a tear to the eye as Willy Wonka singing “Pure Imagination”), Sonny James and others. He’ll also perform a set with bassist Trevor Bourque and drummer Sean Sweeney, doing songs by Keith Emerson and Jefferson Airplane.
Greenfield offers more Halloween fun with five bands on three stages: The Mary Jane Jones (playing two sets with a horn section), Trailer Park (bringing along double saxes and songs built for dance floors), Wishbone Zoe (“anti-boring” avant-indie artist with banjo, electric guitar and homemade junkyard instruments), The Leafies You Gave Me (10-piece theatrical music ensemble described as “high school drama club meets Mr. Bungle”) and Darklight (soundscapes with guitar, synth and more). All this plus live immersive art from Max Rudolph and Project Hexagon, as well as raffles, food, drink and a prize for Best Costume. At the Arts Block and The Wheelhouse in Greenfield Saturday at 8 p.m.
Since it’s “Trick or Treat” season, here’s some great news if you prefer the treat side of things: beginning Saturday, The Parlor Room in Northampton will sell sweet and savory pies from the Florence Pie Bar at all their concerts (as well as tea and coffee). Expect a rotating menu of seasonally inspired pies with handmade crusts and locally sourced ingredients — good food to compliment the good music at the intimate venue. The pies will be in the house starting with the Hannah & Maggie show Saturday at 7 p.m.
Ken Maiuri can be reached at clublandcolumn@gmail.com.