Singer/songwriter Marc Berley has been rocking out since before he could walk. Born in Brooklyn, this alternative rocker began his musical education with guitar lessons, which ultimately lead him into a promising career. Berley just released a new album entitled Kick the Machine and he is now on a regional tour from New England to Washington DC promoting it. Berley’s songs can sound completely new and original and at the same time like treasured classics. Join Berley and his band this Friday (Jan. 12) for an energizing show at Merlin’s with supporting acts the Found and the Dreaming. Show starts at 9pm.

Area-based rock band Roses are Red must be glad to get back home, what with their tour van losing wheels and almost exploding on the road in Texas. That sense of danger combined with the excitement of performing live has been a big influence on the band’s sophomore record, What Became of Me (Trustkill Records), a blend of catchy hooks and melodic guitars. This group has established a reputation as a breakthrough live act, and the band is very happy with the direction this latest release has been taking. Roses Are Red plays next at Club Diablo, on Friday (Jan. 12) at 6pm. Also on the bill for the night are Rookie of the Year, Four Letter Lie, Scenes From a Movie, As Summer Dies, and the Common Kings.

The Mohawk Place hosts a CD Release Party/Reunion Show on Saturday (Jan. 13) beginning at 10pm. The concert features the Happy Roving Troubadors and the resurrected Mexican Cession, who are reuniting this one night to celebrate the completion of a never released though long-awaited album (fittingly entitled Mexican Cession Sleeps With the Fishes). Mexican Cession, a ska-rap-punk-pop band formed in the 90s, co-headlines this shindig with the Troubadors, along with special guests the Czech Mates and Baby Maker & Kats. This is a one-time-only event, which makes it a no-miss for fans both new and old.

The Buffalo Friends of Folk Music (BFFM) brings Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen to Williamsville’s Village Meeting House this Saturday (Jan. 13) for a concert beginning at 8pm. Gillette & Mangsen are partners in Compass Rose Music, a Bennington, VT based record label that has been championing the cause of traditional-contemporary folk music for well over a decade. The couple’s latest joint effort is called Being There (2006), a long-awaited release featuring brand new songs from the husband and wife team. Joe Head will open Saturday’s show. Contact www.BFFM.org for details

Carl Andolina and Patricia Parete have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the name of serving and protecting. Both Buffalo police officers are deeply rooted WNY natives who were wounded last month in a senseless tragedy. As fellow Buffalonians, let’s not allow their valiant actions to go unobserved: Please come and demonstrate why Buffalo is referred to as the “City of Brotherly Love” at a benefit for officers Andolina and Parete and their families. This event takes place at Nietzsche’s on Sunday (Jan. 14) starting at 3pm. There will be live performances by Babik, Amy Glidden of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Mir Ali, Anne Philipone, the Allen Street Jazz Band with Rose Bond, Alison Pipitone (pictured) and John & Mary. We will also have a Chinese Auction and food from 4pm on. Suggested donation is $5

Formed in 1997, Chicago’s Pinebender is a fierce trio that integrates psychedelic riff heavy jams with disjointed post-punk pop. Working with Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago, Pinebender recorded “Things Are About To Get Weird” for the tiny Ohio Gold label before signing to Lovitt Records in Virginia, where they released 2003’s The High Price Of Living Too Long With A Single Dream to critical acclaim. Last year’s Working Nine To Wolf is even better, with the 14-minute opening track, “Parade of The Horribles,” a contender for their definitive song. A sea of distortion, ”Parade” has vocalist Chris Hansen trying his best to sing over the layers of harsh yet trippy sound. Pinebender performs at Mohawk Place on Wednesday (Jan. 17) at 9pm. Sharing the stage are the Exit Strategy and London Vs New York, both of whom have records due out in the coming months.