Not since Thelonious Monks, a band wherein actual Carmelites re-envisioned bebop classics through Gregorian chants, has there been such a juxtaposition of styles!

We're referring to Van Hayride, of course, an outfit that originally performed honky-tonk arrangements of David Lee Roth-era Van Halen songs.

Van Hayride's interpretive originality has garnered a solid following and emboldened the band, who perform Saturday in New London's Hygienic Art Park, to expand their horizons. They now offer similar C&W treatments of material by such acts as Black Sabbath, Metallica, AC/DC as well as - are the rumors true? - the entire "Brain Salad Surgery."

By the way, there could be no more ideal support act than New London's Full Moon Jamboree, whose spot-on recitations from the cream of the pure country songbook are brilliant. Plus, they'll do a karaoke set so audience members can help out with Hank Williams songs.

- RICK KOSTER

Van Hayride, 7 p.m. Saturday, Hygienic Art Park, 79-83 Bank St., New London; Full Moon Jamboree also performs; $8 suggested donation; (860) 443-8001, hygienic.org.