Nine different bands will make one-night appearances at Pete’s Saloon in Elmsford during January 2010, playing on every Friday and Saturday night, except for New Year’s Day.

“One-night performances are typically what we schedule,” said owner Pete Riekstins, explaining his restaurant and club prefers to showcase Westchester musical talent one evening at a time rather than book groups for long runs. He pointed out that as new bands come along this policy provides the flexibility needed to accommodate promising newcomers, along with established crowd favorites.

A new expanded version of the existing open-mike-night program will provide opportunities at Pete’s Saloon for audience members, including vocalists to perform with live musicians one evening a month in 2010. Previously, open-mike night afforded only instrument-playing members of the audience an opportunity to jam with professional jazz musicians. Karaoke will continue every Thursday night.

Teri Lamar & New Company, dubbed “Westchester’s Friendliest Band” by a music industry publication, will make a repeat appearance at Pete’s Saloon on January 9. Helping the group make friends is its willingness to play requests, capability to draw from an expansive repertoire of oldies and standards, and skill in motivating the audience to participate as well as listen.

“Our band members like to interact with the audience,” said vocalist Lamar in explaining how the band acquired its reputation for being so friendly. “They talk to the audience, joke with them, encourage them to sing along, and get them up to dance. On breaks, they don’t disappear; they sit with and talk to the public.”

For the New Year, the opening act is Buried in Blue—led by singer/guitarist Tom Dowd. The Yonkers-based group brings its extensive library of classic, rock, pop and blues to Pete’s Saloon on January 2.

The Grind, formed three years ago, is scheduled for a January 16 appearance; it plays the foot tapping and hip swaying rock music of the 1980s. The “live energy” group consists of drummer Ernie Spatafore, guitarist Jimmy Vas, Gary Dohrmann at keyboard and Rich Sileo, vocalist and bass.

The month’s program of nine musical performances closes on January 30 with the Cover-Up Band, a group celebrating ten years together playing late1960s to 1980s rock and roll, Motown and danceable classics.

Pete’s caters to an age 30-plus crowd. A $5 cover charge applies on Friday and Saturday nights and all performances begin at 10:30 p.m. Call 592-5849