DON’T DON’T DO IT “Rock out for a good cause,” says the press release for this Tuesday’s Bands Against Suicide concert at Northern Lights. I can’t really think of a better cause, really—this one’s all about life affirmation. A slew of young punk and hardcore bands are on the bill for this benefit show, including a bunch of names I’m seeing for the very first time like Burnwall Street, Bury Lexington, the Ashbury, Pom Pom Death (Is that a Homestar Runner reference?), and the Black Tie Operation (wait—that one I’ve heard of). Anyway, this is a 16-and-over show—or you can attend with a parent—so y’all kids can have a good time at a big rock show. Call the box office at 371-0012 for tickets, or contact show organizer Tanya Springer at 813-5599.

LA CUCARACHA Some bands go away mad; others just go away. And some never go away. Case in point: Americana collective Knotworking looked to be a done deal when singer-songwriter and band nucleus Ed Gorch shuffled off to Brooklyn a few years back. But lo and behold, they continue to make semi-regular appearances—we’ll stop calling them “reunions” now—in the Capital Region, much to the delight of their close-knit circle of followers. They taped a segment for WAMC’s Performance Place, which aired yesterday and will be archived at wamc.org/prog-performance.html, and they have a show lined up tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 16) at Red Square with guests Palatypus and Katie Haverly. For show info, call the club at 465-0444; visit knotworking music.net for more on the band.

ALL DANCE The Saratoga County Arts Council presents something resembling a rave this Saturday night, minus the K-hole. Soundtherapy is being billed as an “all-ages, no-alcohol evening of underground house, techno and beyond,” and features the stylings of DJ Maro, aka Paul Weil. Weil relocated to the Saratoga area from northern England, where he spun at parties and dance events in the early 1990s; his mission with this weekend’s event is to allow people to “be able to experience this style of music in an environment that is accessible to people of all ages.” Hence, no alcohol. The event runs from 7:30 to 11:30 PM on Saturday (Nov. 17) at the Arts Center on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Cover is $3. For more details, e-mail DJ Maro at pauldweil@yahoo.com.

TOGA PARTY Speaking of the Saratoga County Arts Council, they’ve announced another fine tutorial for you music-makers out there. Copyright Law for Musicians will be presented by Washington, D.C.-based public-interest group Public Knowledge on Dec. 3 at the Arts Center. The evening is geared toward helping musicians understand their legal rights, particularly in regard to the Internet’s place in the realm of copyright. It’s co-sponsored by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the Arts Center of the Capital Region (the one in Troy), and registration costs just $5. Reserve a spot by calling 584-4132.

WHAT’S THAT SOUND? Jan. 19, 2008, is the date for Feedback 2008, our yearly Local Music Bash and Food Pantries Benefit. It’ll take place on both stages at Valentine’s once again, and the expected lineup will include some of the best bands our region has to offer, plus some surprises new for this go-’round. Keep your eyes on Metroland for more on this show!

—John Brodeur

Let us know about local-music news and happenings for inclusion in Rough Mix: E-mail John Brodeur at jbrodeur@metro land.net or call (518) 463-2500 ext. 145.