*MOPPIN’ SAUCE has a couple of shows set up for the first weekend of September, including a gig for the Newtown-based band in its home town. The group will be at Amberjacks in South Norwalk on September 7, and the following night is the big hometown show. The band will be at Hot Shots II, which is on Mt Pleasant Road in Newtown, up on the hill where Route 25 meets Route 6, on Saturday, September 8.

*A concert-picnic featuring THE HOLDEN TRUELOVE BAND is being planned for Sunday, September 9, at Dickinson Park, also right here in Newtown. In addition to a performance by the 12-year-old Thomaston resident and his band, an opening set will also be performed by Holden’s father and friends. Manny Pavone on lead guitar, Kenny Cavanaugh on drums, Richie Evon on rhythm guitar and Richie Truelove on bass — a/k/a THE MANNY PAVONE BAND — will open the stage Sunday afternoon.

The concert picnic is not only a cool way to spend an afternoon, it’s also being put together as a fundraiser for John McCourt, who is dealing with liver cancer. Mr McCourt’s co-workers at Georgia-Pacific in Newtown are organizing the event, and everyone involved is donating their time and services. The sound engineer, the food, the bands – they’re all donating. Every cent of the money generated will go to John McCourt. The concert picnic will start round 2 and is expected to last until about 6 pm.

The event will include a pig roast plus hot dogs, hamburgers, and other picnic-style food. Tickets are available in advance for $10 per person by calling 203-888-7008 and leaving a message, or at the gate for $15.

*DUNCAN SHEIK is at the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield for a “Stage A: Performances” concert on Friday, September 7, at 7 pm show. Tickets are $42 each, limited to only 100 seats, and include a pre-show wine tasting. Because the tickets must be purchased in advance, this is the final reminder for that show. Call the museum at 203-438-4519.

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

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks, c/o Bee Publishing Co., 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or shannon@thebee.com; or call The Bee office at 426-3141.

Shows listed on the calendar at club locations are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

AUGUST 31 — Johnny Rawls at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford; Styx at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theater, Ledyard; The Wallbangers at Tuxedo Junction, Danbury; Candiria at Toad’s Place, New Haven, Edipus opening (all ages).

SEPTEMBER 1 —The Yes Symphonic Tour at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford; Erykah Badu at Foxwoods, Ledyard; Darik & The Funbags at Tuxedo Junction, Danbury; Greg Piccolo at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford;

September 2 — Sol Dog at The Avenue Café, Black Rock (**mid-afternoon show); W.A.SP. at The Webster Theatre, Hartford (all ages), with Mushroomhead, Flotsam & Jetsam, et al (mini metal festival, additional bands to be announced); 2 Skinnee J’s at Toad’s Place, New Haven, Slackjaw opening (all ages);

September 3 —radio 104 Fest 2001 at ctnow.com Meadows Music Center featuring Blink 182, The Crystal Method, Dave Navarro, Alien Ant Farm, Sum41, Scapegoat Wax, Newfound Glory, Prime S.T.H., Stereomud, Saliva, Boy Hits Car, Crash Palace, The Start, Jimmy Eat Wrld, Bad Ronald, Cold, The Calling, et al; The Yes Symphonic Tour at Ives Concert Park, Danbury;

September 4 — Disco Biscuits at Toad’s Place (all ages);

September 7 — REO Speedwagon at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theater; Moppin’ Sauce at Amberjacks, South Norwalk; Duncan Sheik at Aldrich Museum, Ridgefield (**note: space is limited, call the museum before driving over, 203-438-4519); The Love Dogs at Blac-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café;;

September 8 — Moppin’ Sauce at Hot Shots II, Newtown; Disco Biscuits at The Webster Theater;

September 9 — Alabama at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre; Soulcracker at The Webster Theater, Missing Joe, Eclectic Nobodys and Save Face opening (all ages);

September 11 — Buju Banton at Toad’s Place, New Haven, Slightly Stoopid opening (all ages); Earth, Wind & Fire at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre with Rufus featuring Chaka Khan;

September 12 — John Mellencamp at Meadows Music Centre, Hartford, The Wallflowers opening.