Bits and pieces Bill Harley, Torn, and Mary Bue; plus, a very busy weekend BY BOB GULLA

Local Grammy Award-winning singer-storyteller Bill Harley has a full plate. "I’m planning a couple of new recordings, and working on a chapter book," he says. "This fall is busy, with a new recording coming out, a new picture book on HarperCollins, a chapter book coming online with the Maricopa Library system in Phoenix, a songbook with [publisher] Hal Leonard, and a bunch of performances." Is that it, Bill? "I’m also working long-term on a show for Vermont Public Radio, where I’m host for Camel’s Hump, a show focusing on some of the best new books in children’s literature [which] we hope will go national eventually. I’m working on trying to finish one thing at a time, but the prognosis is not good for that. I’m just trying to breathe and enjoy it." You might enjoy Bill’s new disc, blah blah blah: stories about clams, swamp monsters, pirates & dogs, which is out this week on Round River Records.

Sounds like Torn is pretty happy about its move from Seattle to Providence. Their current EP, Reincarnate, has moved more than 36,000 units since its April release. It’s certainly cause for celebration, especially considering they’ve accomplished this feat without the muscle of a major label. Their success, which began in Providence and migrated north to Boston, is steadily spreading to a broader audience. Torn continues to support the album by gallivanting around the region. The boys’ next stop is JR’s Bourbon Street inside Mardi Gras in Cranston tonight (Thursday the 10th), which many of you readers probably already missed. Of course, there will be more opportunities. Looking ahead to the New Year, Torn is anxious to move ahead with its relationship with Starbucks’ Hear Music division, which will launch nationally. The coffee vendor plans to install music kiosks in bars so casual sippers will be able to sample tunes with their grande Ethiopian. Go to www.tornband.com to catch up.

Mary Bue wasn’t around here long — just short of two years — but it was long enough to make an impact. Having established unofficial residency for herself, Mary was subsequently nominated for Best Local Folk Act in this paper’s Best Music Poll last spring. Mary sings in a marvelously sultry and cool voice over a fusion of classical, folk, and ambient piano music. She began turning heads here at home, but also throughout the country. After her time clock lapsed here, Mary returned to her beloved Duluth, Minnesota, where she continues to write and perform. "I’ve also been awarded an artist-in-residence opportunity for all of January to live in a cottage in Seaside, Florida and work on my songwriting undisturbed," she said in an e-mail. For those of you that may have missed her while she was here, Mary’s back in town on a very short tour of the Northeast. She’ll be playing the University Heights Whole Foods Market’s Elegant Afternoon on Saturday (the 12th) from 1 to 4 pm. On Sunday, she’s guesting at the "Songwriters In the Round" show at AS220, with Keith White, Mary Ellen Casey, and Ryan Fitzsimmons. The theme for November is "A Well Used ’66 Buick." That show is at 7 pm and costs $5. But that’s not all. Mary will be hitting Tazza on Wednesday with Fitzsimmons and chanteuse Mare Wakefield, whose new album will be released in January on Nettwerk, and at the Made From Scratch restaurant in Cumberland on the 18th. Keep track at www.marybue.com.

WANDERING EYE

This Friday (the 11th) at AS220, two old friends will be taking the stage in a show set to begin at 9 pm. Plan 9 and Jungle Dogs will surely be bringing it, helped out by Chasers and the Color Guard. Plan 9 will be performing songs from their forthcoming release The Heads. I remember listening to the band, well, a really long time ago and they’re surely an institution in local and national psychedelic rock and roll.

On Friday, Planet Groove play in the Kobalt Room at Lincoln Park. It’s an 18-plus show that starts at 9 pm. At the Rocky Point Pub on Friday, it’s rock and roll with Fresh Crop and Mirror Image.

Jeri and the Jeepsters are busy again this weekend. On Friday they’re at Mulhearn’s in East Providence, and on Saturday Jeri will play solo (with a little help from her friends) at Eddie’s 529 in Warwick. Late night Saturday at Club Therapy on Dike Street features Alex Whalen with special guests DJ Dena and Ede Armand in the main room. Rooms 2 and 3 feature Project Underground with Mike Hoska, Kevin Nazty, Knowlton Walsh, DJ Diesel, Brain G, Jason Grey, DJ Styles, DJ Sarin, and Mistress Pink. The pulse jumps at 2 am.

On Saturday, the Ooga Boogas will be splitting sets with Johnny Carlevale and the Broken Rhythm Boys at Jake’s. The free show starts at 10:30. The Oogas will have special guest Pam Murray from the Superchief Trio on trombone, and the Broken Rhythm Boys will feature Greg Burgess (ex-Royal Crowns) on guitar. There’s another free "75orless" show coming up on Saturday at Houlihan’s in East Providence. The Chris Brokaw Band (ex-Karate and Rodan) will headline, with NY-based Mason Dixon and locals Six Star General opening.

On Sunday at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston, there’s a benefit for the Louisiana Musicians Hurricane Relief effort organized by Lagniappe Productions. Marcia Ball, Duke Robillard, the Creole Cowboys, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, Dikki Du & the Zydeco Crew, Jesse LegŽ & Friends, and Planet Zydeco will all give their time. The event kicks off at 1 pm and goes til 9. The suggested minimum donation is $25. For information call 401.783.3926 or check www.mardigrasri.com.

At Lupo’s on Monday, Fungus Amungus opens for Mix Master Mike. On Tuesday, Bridgewater’s Tomorrow’s Remedy, fresh off an appearance on the Warped Tour this summer, is set to perform at CBGB’s in NYC. Good luck boys! On Wednesday at Giza, Home BRU’d Live presents Marion Cobretti, Ellis Ashbrook, and Rectangle Club. Last but not least, next Thursday (11/17) at Jake’s, you can catch Slim Cessna’s Auto Club in a free show with the Wrong Reasons. You might know Slim from the Blackstone Valley Sinners, and if you don’t, you probably should. Great music at no cost to you. Drink up!

Shoot me an e-mail big.daddy1@cox.net with your music news.