Joe Russo has picked up some old friends and a new band name for his appearance at New Yorks Knitting Factory Old Office tonight. The busy drummer will perform a set of freaky jazz-metal with former Fat Mama guitarist Jonathan Goldberger and guitarist/bassist Brandon Seabrook as the Anti-Jazz Ray Gun at 8 PM. Russo has also confirmed a series of new shows as the drummer for American Babies, including this Thursday at Teaneck, NJs Mexicali Blues, this Friday at Philadelphias Khyber, October 2 at Norfolk, VAs The NorVa Theatre and October 4 at Gainesville, FLs Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The latter two gigs find the Americana-rock outfit supporting the Derek Trucks Band.

Not to be outdone, Russos other half, Marco Benevento, will play a pair of shows with in support of his new solo album this October. Benevento will perform with sax player Timo Shanko and Slip drummer Andrew Barr at Bostons RegattaBar on October 16 and with JFJO bassist Reed Mathis and Barr at New Yorks Joes Pub on October 19. The Benevento-Russo Duo has also picked up some additional gigs, including a performance at and a performance at Nothhampton, MAs Pearl Street on November 17. In addition, The Duo will also anchor a night of music at Los Angeles The Mint on October 27 after performing a free show at LAs Getty Museum earlier in the afternoon. The event is being billed as Makers, Moonshine and Martinis featuring the Benevento-Russo Duo and Friends and will draw in a number of the paired performers closest west coast associates throughout the night.