Battle of the (local) bands

There were so many Halloween parties this past weekend, I was literally scratching my head in an attempt to determine which events to attend. Costume contests, haunted houses and full-moon hay rides were in abundance. Sadly, the weather was not perfect for trick-or-treating, but turned out to be ideal for indoor venues that were showcasing local musicians throughout the Hudson Valley.

My first stop was at Benji and Jake’s, located at 5 Horseshoe Lake Road in Kauneonga Lake, NY ( www.myspace.com/benjiandjakes ). Brothers Benji and Jake Friehling created their unique establishment, founded in 2005, based on the popularity of their brick oven pizzas, but have since expanded their repertoire to include a larger menu of specialty foods and beverages served in a beautiful setting, overlooking the water.

The band OFFTRAX was in fine form as the many costumed patrons flowed in and out of the gorgeous eatery. Lead guitarist Ted Friehling and bassist Bryan Raybuck rocked the house accompanied by percussionist Aldo Esposito, along with keyboard musicians Glenn Schuster and Jon Buder as hosts Benji and Jake schmoozed the revelers.

This multifaceted group formed while most of the original members were in medical school, subsequently developing careers in cardiology. Doctors who rock and roll? Only in the Catskills! According to their website ( offtrax.com ), OFFTRAX has played many benefit performances, including the Northern Virginia Heart Ball for the American Heart Association- along with fundraisers for breast cancer, AIDS, the Fairfax Children’s Hospital and Inova Fairfax Heart Center.

Classic vocals, creative musicianship and flawless, toe-tapping entertainment is all in a day’s work for this unusual doctor-rocker band and the place was literally hopping as I snaked my way through the crowd in search of more local talent, snagging a menu on my way out, for I will surely be returning to Benji and Jake’s. For more info on this dynamic duo, call 845/583-4031.

With no time to lose, I hightailed it to the Monticello Racino to catch even more local flavor, as the Rausch Brothers Band ( myspace.com/rauschbrothersband ) was in the house. The crowd may have skewed a little older—and the casino atmosphere might have appeared (in my humble opinion) a little tired, but this family-based band brought the evening up more than a notch with their consistently solid showmanship and musical abilities. Be it a wedding, a festival or corporate gig, this band always deliver a great show.

The Rausch Brothers Band (RBB) has been together for many years, and their comfort with the material and connection to the crowd on hand is indicative of their popularity. Based in Forestburgh, NY, this “family affair” is one to be seen, heard and danced to as they rock the night away wherever they go. It was clear that everyone enjoyed the band as the dance floor swelled with party goers from all walks of life. The RBB entertains from the moment they hit the stage, and it is a testament to their likeability that folks from all over the region showed up in droves (and costumes) to dance, dance, dance with this talented troupe. Apparently their dance card is full of opportunities, as they play gigs galore, so it is always a pleasure to know that the band makes time in their busy schedule to perform close to home whenever they have the time. A part of the local music scene since the ‘60s, this group shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon and for that, we thank them.

Later that same night, I managed to make a pit stop at Dutch’s Tavern. ( I know,I know... I’m exhausted just recapping the evening!) Located in Rock Hill, NY, Dutch’s ( myspace.com/dutchsofrockhill ) is a popular spot and has no difficulty in drawing large crowds to the venue, holiday or not.

Sonic Circus, a four-piece “progressive rock” band consisting of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, prides itself on being a group that “combines tight musicianship, great vocal harmonies and high energy dance rock to keep people on their feet.” Judging by the enthusiastic party atmosphere, Halloween night was no exception. The place was mobbed and thrumming with youthful abandonment by the time I arrived, and still going strong, before the costume contest and long after my tired, old departure.

Performing a wide variety of styles, from the Beatles to Kid Rock, Sonic Circus has an impressive array of music to share and their motto says it all. “Sonic Circus brings the party to you every time we perform.”

As usual, there is a plethora of events, parties and places to see and be seen, ‘round every corner here in the Catskills. My only problem remains the same—I need a serious nap.

- Jonathan Fox