Yeah, it's fair to say former New London Whaler (class of '85) Jeff Slate hangs with some fairly elite musical company - not that he hasn't earned it. After relocating to New York years ago, Slate formed a group called The Badge, an international recording and touring band with the chops and wit to call a compliation album "The Best of The Badge - 13 Years of the Greatest Rock 'n' Roll You've Never Heard."

Well, anonymity isn't exactly a problem as Slate brings his new band, Birds of Paradox, to Misquamicut Beach for a show Monday. The group will play material from a new album that also features performances from former members of Wings, the Plastic Ono Band, Procol Harum, the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers and Prince's touring group.

So, ah, yeah - it's fair to expect some killer rock tunes and out-of-the-world musicianship.

- RICK KOSTER

Jeff Slate's Birds of Paradox,

6 p.m. Monday, Misquamicut Beach, 337 Atlantic Ave., Westerly; free; (401) 348-2597, tunesonthedunesri.com.