*Music at Mocha this week will begin with THE BOB ONDEK TRIO headlining on Friday night, followed by COPESETIC and BERN AND THE BRIGHTS co-headlining on Saturday.

Trio members Eric Larsen (guitar), Ian Tait (bass) and Bob Ondek (drums) have been friends for years, and have played in countless performing groups in and out of school. They will be jazz standards and originals for the Sandy Hook show on June 26.

Copesetic’s members — brothers Matt and Henry Prol, Jason Van Dyke and Michael Durek — meanwhile cover everything from making whoopees to speaking out for frogs, trees, peace, love and gin and tonic, according to their press materials. The band puts its emphasis on three-part vocal harmony, the “simple beauty of the acoustic guitar, the confounding uniqueness of the modern synthesizer, and the relentless upbeat rat-a-tat of the Cajon.” Find out what all that sounds like on Saturday.

Bern and the Brights is a female fronted indie rock band who describes their sound as romantic and emotional while maintaining “sonic depth and raw energy.” Influences include U2, Jeff Buckley, The Clash, Metric, PJ Harvey and Mazzy Starr. Sounds interesting.

*Also in the local music vein (or local musicians, anyway). THE DOUG WAHLBERG BAND has a pair of shows this weekend at The Kicking Horse Grill in Southport. The guys will be there tonight (June 26) for a 10 pm show, and then return on Sunday to be part of a fundraiser that should start around 3.

On April 16, five-year old Frankie Flora of Duchess County, N.Y., was attacked by a pit bull and suffered life-altering injuries. Funds are needed to help Frankie’s family cover the extensive medical procedures necessary for his recovery, and the music community is reaching out to lend a hand to restore some hope for a promising future. Performers will include ROXY PERRY,  VICIOUS COUNTRY with Galea, POPA CHUBBY, RICHIE SCARLET, JAY STOLLMAN, OTIS & THE HURRICANES and at least 30 additional bands and solo musicians at last count.

Tickets are $20, and 100 percent of the ticket sales, along with the musicians’ performances, raffle prizes and even the use of The Kicking Horse Grill are being donated for this benefit.

The restaurant is at 17 Pease Avenue in Southport. Give ‘em a call at 203-254-1600 to reserve tickets, for directions, or any additional information.

Until next week I’ll be seeing you... on the road.

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks c/o The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com, or call the office at 426-3141. Shows listed at clubs are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

UPCOMING SHOWS

JUNE 26 — The Bob Ondek Trio at Mocha Coffee House, Sandy Hook; Rascal Flatts at The Comcast Theatre, Hartford, with Darius Rucker opening; The Doug Wahlberg Band at The Kicking Horse Grill, Southport;

June 27 — Copesetic and Bern & The Brights at Mocha Coffee House; The Motels at Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk;

June 28 — Doug Wahlberg Band, Roxy Perry, Popa Chubby, Richie Scarlett, et al at The Kicking Horse Grill (3 pm start, fundraiser for pit bull victim Frankie Flora); Aerosmith at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, ZZ Top opening.­