Meow mix Joyce Katzberg’s new disc; plus, Psicklops’ ‘Dark Cinema’ BY BOB GULLA

If you know acoustic music in Rhode Island, you know Joyce Katzberg. The inveterate folkie, producer, activist, and cultural organizer, patterned after the great folk artists of our time, is one of the local scene’s most prized acoustic music possessions. She’ll be backing that reputation up with a CD release gig and dance party on Saturday at the Nirvana Lounge in Katzberg’s hometown of Warren.

The Kat’z Meow was recorded live in April at Stone Soup Coffeehouse. Incredibly, it’s Joyce’s first release since ’87, when she put out the cassette-only It Shall Go On. Back then, Pete Seeger said her voice was "one of the best I have ever heard." On the new disc, Joyce provides those vocals as well as rhythm guitar, with guests Peter Breen on bass, Cathy Clasper-Torch on violin and keyboard, Phil Edmonds on whistles and button accordion, Otis Read on lead guitar, and Ronald Schmitt on percussion. The local luminaries bring a diverse range of styles and talents to the proceeding, giving the ensemble a fusion of contemporary and traditional influences. Together, they present material ranging from Katzberg’s new originals to material centuries-old, with covers right up to the present, stopping momentarily at Hank Williams and the Ink Spots. The gig begins at 8:30 with a cover charge of $10 counting toward the purchase of the CD. The Nirvana Lounge is wheelchair-accessible and fans are asked to attend fragrance free. Call 401.247.1434.

PSICKLOPS

The idea is coolly abstract: a pre-recorded, 64-minute piece of audio-based art presented in a public place, like a movie screening but without the visual — just the sound, allowing the audience to create its own visuals. This process, created by Raphael Lyon, is intended to bring the listener closer to the art. Lyon’s "Psicklops" (pronounced "cyclops") is an attempt to invent a new artistic vocabulary, what he refers to as "Dark Cinema," and it features undisclosed local music personalities behind the performances. It will also be airing on "conventional" radio in dozens of cities, and then be released as a CD. A list of international screenings is available at: www.freematterfortheblind.com/psicklops-screenings.html.

Lyon, a former Fort Thunder guy (aka Mudboy), is a Providence-based artist, filmmaker, and musician, and the mastermind of FreeMatterfortheBlind, which produces experimental "multi-textural audio ’zines" and releases records of "strange sounds for strange people." The event — which is tonight (Thursday the 29th) at the Carriage House, 7 Duncan Avenue, Providence, is part of a series of "Psicklops screenings" in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Japan, staged at public and private venues of all kinds. The Carriage House program starts at 7:30 pm, with a second screening two hours later. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, contact Jason McGill at 401.831.9479 or go to jmcgill@everettdancetheatre.org.

ELECTRONICA TO THE RESCUE

Tweak Entertainment and New Era are presenting "Rebuilding Paradise" — a 10-hour Hurricane Katrina benefit at Club Therapy in Providence. The space will host more than 40 of New England’s electronic artists in three rooms, all coming together in a single unified sound to help those in need. DJ Manolo, Alex Whalen, Melee, Joe Mama, Paul Dailey, Osheen, Rick Naples, Randy Deshaies, Eli Wilke, and many more are slated to spin, pound, and program their way through the night. Tickets are $30 at the door, cheaper in advance; more than $2500 in merchandise and gift certificates will be raffled during the night. After operating expenses, all of the proceeds (as well as revenues from door prize giveaways) will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to aid in rebuilding homes in the region.

WANDERING EYE

On Friday (the 30th) at Cats — Devoid, Natural Chaos (ex-Flip 22 & ex-Cooler Than Smack), Fear Nuttin, Risk of Reality, and Torn. It’s 21-plus and $6.

In Misquamicut on Friday you can catch some great blues at the "Pawcatuck River Blues Bash" at the Windjammer, featuring Sugar Ray, Johnny Nicholas, Duke Robillard, and Greg Piccolo. The show starts at 8 pm; call 401.741.0985 for more info.

The Lyres have not played a club show here for at least five years (not including the Underground Garage joke last year), which makes their appearance at Jake’s on Saturday (the 30th) that much more appealing. Frontman Jeff Connolly is one of those mesmerizing frontmen, with a modern garage rock legacy that is second to none. Turn that organ up, Monoman. It’s a free show, as usual, so there’s no excuse. Planet Groove plays the Century Lounge with Waterbed on Saturday (the 1st). Waterbed has added a new bass player and vocalist, which has changed the dynamic of the sound dramatically. They’ve also begun a monthly showcase at AS220, "Groove Night," featuring bands that have a strong element of, duh, "groove." The first installment is on Friday, and the series will continue on the last Friday of every month (except in October). This month’s lineup includes the Nice Ups and local hip-hoppers Exile and Lokey.

In case you didn’t know, the Goners are now a four-piece, having added Rob Sevigny (ex-Kill Tomorrow) on guitar. Rob’s first show with the band is on Sunday (the 2nd) at Jarrod’s Place in Attleboro at one of those all-day jobs. The Goners play first at 3, with the Cadence, Cherry St., Scarcasm, Goodbye Dolly, and the Midway Class to follow. Also on Sunday, surprisingly believable white-chick hip-hoppers Northern State open for Tegan & Sara at Lupo’s. Next Thursday (the 6th) at Bridge Street Station, 115 Main Street, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Jordohn Bileau celebrates the release of his debut CD. Jordohn will also be at Tazza in Providence on October 12.

E-mail me with your music news: big.daddy1@cox.net.