Normally, the "Sibilance" staff revel in their self-absorbed superegos, but this week we’ll be giving up our gossipy space to cover the numerous Katrina relief benefit shows being put on by Maine/New Hampshire’s generous local music community. If medals are given out for that sort of thing, let us know. We like medals. And if you’re doing a benefit show you don’t see listed here, make sure we know about it by sending in a message to submit@phx.com, as we’ll post more shows in the weeks following.

First up is a gig featuring many of Maine’s finer string bands, at Thompson’s Orchard, in New Gloucester (a right turn onto New Gloucester Hill Road off of Route 100 between Gray and Auburn), this Sunday, September 18. It’s a sweet setting, we can attest, and you’ll need to bring a blanket or beach chair, bluegrass-festival style. Dave Rowe has done much of the initial organizing, and beyond his band playing, you can also hear the Denny Breau Trio, the Half Moon Jug Band, Boreal Tordu (Frano music, baby), Turkey Hollow, the Douce, Chuck Kruger, long-time blues gal Pam Baker (recently out of semi-retirement), Mom’s Home Cookin’, Jim Gallant, and members of the Maine Songwriters Association. Whew! No wonder the show runs from 10 am to 6 pm. There will also be food available, alt-energy booths, apple picking, and visual art on display. You can get yourself in for a measly $8 donation, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross’s disaster relief fund, and kids under 12 get in free.

Next up is one that makes a lot of sense: the Big Easy helps the Big Easy, on September 25. That’s right, Portland club the Big Easy (no longer really into New Orleans–style music, but that’s alright) will be playing host to a benefit show featuring Graham Isaacson, show organizers the I-Rates (the reggae band formerly known as Soul Shakedown Party), Dominic and the Lucid, and Headstart! (in that order). Door will be a paltry $7 and all proceeds will be donated to Red Cross hurricane relief efforts. If you’re looking for variety in your benefit show, this is your best bet.

Also on September 25, New Orleans funk group Brotherhood of Groove will be playing a benefit for the Backbeat Foundation at the Muddy River in Portsmouth. The Backbeat Foundation has been set up specifically to help musicians in New Orleans (and there are many) get through the tragedy of Katrina. Imagine what a Hammond B3 must look like after sitting in stink-water for three months! BOG are one of the top New Orleans funk groups, featuring "bandleader, guitarist, and singer Brandon Tarricone, Geoff Vidal on saxophone, and Jon Massing on drums. An array of special guests and friends are also scheduled to appear at [this event] including Sam Kininger (Soulive), Dave Grippo (Trey Anastasio Band, Phish), Garrett Savluk, and Henley Douglas Jr. (Boston Horns)." Tix are $15 and the Jeff Harris band open.

Finally, also on September 25, go to the Wharf, in Hallowell, to check out Cookie Cutter Girl, Kip of the 45s (and Elvis thing, apparently), Mark "Guitar" Miller, Mandy Hoffman & Steve Mingo (’70s soul), classic rock from Bruce Holly Band, RPM (not, we think, the hip-hop DJ of the same name), and possibly Martin Swinger, Jane Burke, Joey St. Amand, and Billy Baird. Cover is $5 and the show runs from 2 to 9 pm to benefit the Red Cross hurricane relief fund.