Put simply, buddhahood is the state of perfect enlightenment; whether local outfit The Buddhahood achieves that in its music is a question that will go unanswered, but the eight-piece purveyors of "world-ternative" music continues to try and attain it. Meshing strains of funk, blues, and reggae (among other genres) into an pioneering amalgam of music, the band has been performing together since the mid-90's, and continues to tour despite the loss of its leader, Tony Cavagnaro, in late 2007. The band plays its 4th Annual January Thaw concert this weekend, celebrating Cavagnaro's birthday and life, with proceeds from the event benefitting A Caring Place.

January Thaw takes place Saturday, January 28, 10 p.m. at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N. Water St. $5-$10. 325-5600, waterstreetmusic.com.