ROCK | Winter Creek Fest 

You are almost certainly six degrees of musical separation away from Max Creek. Chances are you or someone you know has laced up his shoes, buttoned his fly, and danced to Creek's improvised blend of rock, jazz, reggae, folk, bluegrass, and blues. Forty-two years is a long time to make friends, and Max Creek's train keeps on rolling. The Connecticut-based quintet retains an intact core of John Rider (bass, vocals), Scott Murawski (guitars, vocals), Mark Mercier (keyboards, vocals) and has recently added Jamemurrell Stanley (percussion) and Bill Carbone (drums). Max Creek — the original Northeast jam band —headlines Winter Creek Fest, a two-night stand that also features local groups Friday In America, Fire Wheel, Bowla Cheats, Cravin' Bliss, Third Wind, and Axis Armada. 

Winter Creek Fest takes place Friday, February 1, and Saturday, February 2, at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N Water St. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m., and the bill is different each night. Tickets cost $15-$25. waterstreetmusic.com.