The Classics on Elmwood Concert Series kicks off its 2006-2007 season on Friday (Sept. 8) at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 695 Elmwood Ave., with a performance by world music ensemble Ghetto Gitano led by virtuoso guitarist Mir Ali. Joining him will be David Phillips on Flamenco and Arabic percussion and Jordan Marinov on guitar, with guest artists James Kurzdorfer on bass along with percussionists John Bacon, Jr. and Gary Rutkowski. It’ll be a rare treat to hear this much talent embarking on a journey through Cuban rhythms, Brazilian harmonies, Irish jigs, Andalusian Flamenco, transcendental music from the Orient and American and European Jazz—among other musical destinations. The show starts at 8pm

This weekend’s Samba Fest in Johnson Park features a kickoff performance on Friday by the Bellyqueen Dance Theater of NYC. The concert, entitled Kaleidoscope, also features Folkloric Productions Dance Co., with live music by Double Doom and Pete List (also of NYC). Kaleidoscope will be performed on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 8-9) nights at 8pm at the New Phoenix Theater, located at 95 N. Johnson Park. Activities continue in the park on Sunday (Sept. 10) from 1-5pm with a world marketplace, kids’ crafts and samba classes, a drum circle, international food, and much more, starting off with a “Meditation for Peace” at 1pm.

The Buffalo-Niagara Youth Hostel has organized a Moonlight Meander, set for Saturday (Sept. 9), modeled after the original St. Louis community bike-ride, the Moonlight Ramble. An evening bicycle tour designed for the whole family, the Meander will start at 7:30pm and last approximately an hour and a half. See Buffalo landmarks in the twilight and raise awareness for both the Youth Hostel and bicyclists’ rights —like a Critical Mass for a cause! Pre-register at www.moonlightmeander.com, or register the day of at the Youth Hostel (667 Main St.), where the ride will begin. Buffalo’s Blue Bicycles will also be on hand to offer rentals. Proceeds benefit the Hostel.

Earning accolades from music press as well as from artists such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Calexico and M. Ward, Brooklyn’s Oakley Hall is probably the most undeservedly overlooked band in the current state of underground music. Formed by former Oneida co-founder Pat Sullivan, Oakley Hall plays an unironic hybrid of country music and psychedilia utilizing fiddle, lap steel and banjo. The band’s most recent recording, Second Guessing, is a certified gem recalling American Beauty-era Grateful Dead or early Flying Burrito Brothers. File it next to your Black Mountain and Magnolia Electric Co. records and it won’t be the least bit out of place. They'll perform on a night off from their current tour with M. Ward at Mohawk Place on Sunday (Sept. 10) at 9pm. Also performing are Rochester’s Hinkley and Buffalo’s own Love Parade.

Jamaican born Beres Hammond has been a figure on the reggae scene since the early 1970’s, when he joined up as lead singer with the band Zap Pow. Influenced by reggae singers Alton Ellis and Peter Tosh as well as R&B artists Same Cooke, Otis Redding, and other greats of the day, Hammond created a style best described by his first solo album, entitled Soul Reggae (1976). He’s had a prolific career that’s stayed up-to-date through the decades, with the 80s dance hall hit “What One Dance Can Do” paving the way for the more hardcore sound he’s making today. But he’s still soulful, and the music is still the classic reggae that started it all. Beres Hammond appears at the Icon on Monday (Sept. 11). Doors open at 7pm.