November 3. Tipping the calendar into next month, what can be said about the immortal Merle Haggard? Considered by many to be country music's greatest songwriter, Haggard emerged from Bakersfield, California's rich country scene in the 1960s and has penned such American classics as "Mama Tried," "Swinging Doors," "The Bottle Let Me Down," "Sing Me Back Home," "The Fightin' Side of Me," and, of course, the hilarious and controversial "Okie from Muskogee." No doubt he'll revisit many of the above, as well as other jewels from his vast, shining catalog, when he makes this long-awaited return to the region at UPAC. (Diana Krall sings October 13; comedian Brian Regan yuks it up October 24.) 7pm. $54, $59, $74. Kingston. (845) 339-6088; UPAC.org.
