Monday, June 30, 2008

MON 6/30 & TUES 7/1: Rock, Folk, Dance+, History, Free Rock Climbing

Madonna with acoustic guitar
Here is something until I find my computer's power cord as I unpack tonight... Expect updates to be back on track soon.

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MON 6/30

10pm
Keys to the Streets of Fear, DJ King Satan, Ryan Lee Crosby
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Keys to the Streets of Fear are bringing their bluesy psych-rock weirdness for the last night of the June Residency. Tony the Bookie spins as DJ King Satan, and Ryan Lee Crosby will whip out a bunch of his finely written songs.

MON 6/30

7pm
Madonna Tribute Night
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

As I understand it, these tribute nights at Passim pull 10 to 15 singer-songwriters doing at least one song by the artist of the night. Might be interesting to hear earnest folkers play through the ever-changing Material Girl's catalog.

Some of the performers: Laura Bullock, Mark Stepakoff, Joe Kowan, Emilia Dahlin, Ryan Schmidt

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TUES 7/1

9:30pm
Studio Kaiju Presents: Rocktapussy
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
http://www.mideastclub.com/
$8 advance / $9 day of show / 18+

Hosted by the monsters of Kaiju Big Battel. Kaiju Big Battel Video Installation and giveaways by Rockstar Games. (with DJ Clashious Clay)

TUES 7/1

7:30pm
"Crankee Yankees All Together Now!": A Solo Actor's Reflections
at Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton
FREE

TUES 7/1

5pm to 7pm
Rock Climbing Wall Open House
at Fitness and Recreation Center, 915 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE w/ Registration

If you didn't go 5/22, here's another chance to try rock climbing at no cost (all equipment is provided) -- and you don't need to crack your head open at the quarry where no one will find you for days. For some reason, BU is offering their climbing wall for free.

Register here. There are a few steps, but maybe you'll want to do something free again in the future. You'll be halfway there for the next time...

TUES 7/1 thru SUN 7/6

Various Times
Boston Harborfest
at City Hall Plaza and other spots around Boston
Most under $10 or FREE

A lot of touristy stuff, but there's always the popular, all-you-can-eat Chowderfest ($10).

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Sneak Peek: FRI 6/27 to SUN 6/29

Cambridge Dance Party
Hey, the move to Somerville is going well. I won't even tell you where I am right now, but it's not at my trusty computer desk... I'm keeping it short with a few ideas for the weekend. Even more incomplete than usual, but I've added a lemony scent.

It'll be interesting to see when/if I get the Weekly List out...

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FRI 6/27

7pm to 11pm
Cambridge Dance Party
in front of City Hall, 795 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I went last year, and it was good clean fun -- if you're into that sort of thing...

FRI 6/27

Aloud (Midnight), The Lights Out (11pm), McGee & The Hollow Speed (10pm), Johnny Nobody (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8

Aloud and The Lights Out both rock. I think I have positive memories of The Hollow Speed and/or Johnny Nobody.

FRI 6/27

9pm
The Everyday Visuals, Magic Magic
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between
Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10

Tough entertainment choices tonight, because The Everyday Visuals are just so damn good! I might want to hear 2 sets from them then 2 really good bands, but it won't be the loud rock show you'd see at Church...

FRI 6/27

10pm
Superhoney, Tons of Chill
at Bill's Bar, 5.5 Lansdowne Street, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
$10 / 18+

A sweaty night of funky soul/rock.

FRI 6/27

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

The theme is "The New Sincerity", and I have to believe it will be an ironically humorous expression of sincerity with: Eugene Mirman, Nick Branigan, Keira Horowitz, Steven Derocher, Ben Dryer, TD Sidell
Chris Braiotta, and Caitlin Roy.

The Awesome Brothers will be the musical guests.


FRI 6/27 to SUN 6/29

Various Times
Puerto Rican Festival & Parade
at Playstead Park, Franklin Park, 143 Seaver St, Dorchester
FREE

FRI 6/27: 5pm to 11pm
SAT 6/28: Noon to 11pm
SUN 6/29: Noon to 11pm

The festival and parade are back this year. (I talked to someone.) The parade is on Sunday and supposed to start at Madison Park High (75 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury) and finish around 3pm.

Big-time reggaeton team Luny Tunes, who started their career as kitchen help at Harvard, will be there too. (Maybe Sunday only?)

FRI 6/27 thru MON 6/30

8pm
"Look Back In Anger"
at the Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Hey, it's free. If you don't like it, walk out. Someone from The Phoenix went...

Performed every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until MON 7/6 (2pm on 7/4 & 7/6)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 6/28

10am to 4pm
Really Really Free Market
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
Um, FREE

I wrote to these guys and didn't read the response before posting, so you just have the info at the link above...

SAT 6/28

12:30pm to 4pm-ish
First Annual Boston Scavenger Hunt
Meet up across from the Boston Common Garage, Charles St, Boston
FREE

I'm guessing this will be a really good time. Register on the site, please.


SAT 6/28

Sidewalk Driver (Midnight), Gene Dante & The Future Starlets (11pm), Mercy James Gang (10pm), Vivian Darkbloom (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

My music pick for Saturday night, and no -- I didn't throw a dart at the club listings...

SAT 5/17 and SUN 5/18

10am to Noon
Last Chance to see the old Fogg/Busch-Reisinger Museum for Free
at Fogg Museum, 32 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

I listed this last month. Believe it or not, the Fogg Museum is closing on June 30 for major renovations (and the Busch-Reisinger Museum will be probably be torn down altogether). Take one last look at the old layout for free this weekend. Construction is supposed to begin in '09 and finish in '13...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 6/29

9:30pm
Times New Viking, Hallelujah The Hills, Titus Andronicus
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

This could be one of the most killer shows you see in a long time. Three great bands playing on a Sunday night... You want to go, but do you want to be sleepy and hungover at work after you've already had so much fun over the weekend... BUT it's 3 awesome bands...

SUN 6/29

9pm
DJ Deano Sounds & Afro Juice Present:
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

Or THIS could be one of the most killer shows you see in a long time. Barrence Whitfield is one of the most brilliant stars in music, but the telescopes aren't pointed in his direction. It'll probably be one set, but that'll be enough.

DJ Deano Sounds will spin on both sides.

SUN 6/29

9:30pm
Headband, MMOSS, Thick Shakes
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Sorry, Folks...

Sorry, Home
I'm moving today, and I spent most of the night finishing my packing. I still have a wee bit to do before the movers get here. There's a slight chance that I'll get a sneak peek out tonight. I'm not even sure how much I'll get done tomorrow either.

We'll see...

~r

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

WED 6/25 & THUR 6/26: Books, Music, Games

Jeoparody
I don't know why I initially only listed the reading for today; there's cheap stuff out there. There's always something cheap to do -- whether you're interested is another matter...

Please send out your good vibrations! I'm moving tomorrow, and it's going to be hairy if I get everything done. If I'm lucky, I'll have electricity and internet on Friday...

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WED 6/25

7pm
Sasa Stanisic, "How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone": Reading
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave
FREE

There's not much cheap stuff this Wednesday, but this guy has written a novel that's semi-autobiographical in that his family escaped war-torn Bosnia when he was a kid.

WED 6/25

9:30pm
Dennis Brennan Band
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between
Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5

Wow, this has been a long stretch for Dennis Brennan, but he's taking a break from Lizard Lounge. It looks like the last night of his Wednesday night residency (for now). Dennis and band will play two sets of rootsy-rock with gusto and verve. Great songwriting combined with top-notch playing. This guy keeps getting better and is not slowing down.

There's a FREE set at 8pm by Kier Byrnes of Three Day Threshold tonight.

WED 6/25

9pm
Poetic Escape
at Blue Wave, 343 Congress Street, Boston (Fort Point/Seaport)
$5 / 21+

I really don't have much faith in this listing, because I haven't been to this poetry & music night. It could be awesome, but I couldn't really sample much of the performers. The Jason Hunter Quartet are a totally capable jazz band. I'm not even sure if I've been to Blue Wave...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THUR 6/26

7pm to 9pm
"Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex": Book Party
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston St, 4th floor, Boston (near Boston Common)
FREE

Need I say more?

From sexual relationships to sexual positions, from the classics to contemporary twists, Dirty Words collects the most titillating and provocative definitions of the most outlandish and often unspeakable sexual terms, as defined and explained by some of today's most exciting writers.

Coming on like a literary Joy of Sex minus the awkward illustrations, one hundred horny authors expound on their own private entries in this hilarious and essential encyclopedia.
Refreshments provided.

You can also buy the book there (list $19.99).

THUR 6/26

9pm
The Hold Steady, Aberdeen City
at the Paradise, 967 Comm. Ave., Boston (near BU)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

My friends at Going have outdone themselves with this free show. Everyone can RSVP, but I think this is the one that will definitely have more interested people than capacity allows. This must be the best band I'm not already into; do I hear Bruce? The Replacements? I don't normally post mp3's to download, but you could check out Ryan's Smashing Life.

Get there early if you really want to get in, and don't be afraid of spam by joining Going.

THUR 6/26

Hilken Mancini (10pm), Bitters (11pm)
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Who knows what to expect from Hilken Mancini except compelling delivery of her songs. She's been with a bunch of bands from Fuzzy to most recently Shepherdess and she co-created Punk Rock Aerobics. She collaborated with Buffalo Tom's Chris Colbourn on a really good CD a couple years ago. Bitters is a new group with a jazzy experimental-pop sound. Gotta love the vibraphones...

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

TUES 6/24: Fireworks Filler



Until I get a chance to polish up the post, here's some fireworks over Boston Harbor last night. I started to hear a lot of explosions -- too much to be gunfire -- so I went up to the roof with my camera. I don't know why it happened, but I think it's an annual pre-Independence Day event.

If you hear the music, it's "Red" by Okkervil River. Better than the Boston Pops in my opinion.

(I guess one YouTube leads to another...)

By the way, this is not going to be a good year to watch the July 4 fireworks in person. With the Longfellow closed to spectators this year, every other spot is going to be more crowded.

Monday, June 23, 2008

George Carlin, On Death

George Carlin
The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends.

I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus?

I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement.

You do drugs, alcohol. You party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating...

And you finish off as an orgasm.

-- George Carlin

###

Thanks for all the laughs, George. And for making us think. I remember that his "stuff" routine was one of the first that I heard:

MON 6/23: Music, Book-B-Que, Drama

Drinking and Drawing Boston II, Video
On Sunday night -- when I wanted to listened to the bands below to write something fresh, insightful previews -- MySpace audio wasn't working for me. Darn it. Another day where the world is deprived of my oh-so-scary-witty music criticism...

If you stopped by last week, you might have seen the Drinking and Drawing event on Wednesday. Perhaps you don't have drawing ability and didn't feel like sharing your drinking ability with animators, but you could watch the final product online. Check it out -- pretty cool... (Some photos here.)

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MON 6/23

9:30pm
White Hinterland, Deer Tick, Virgin Forest
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

I think White Hinterland and Deer Tick are quite good. NY Times even mentioned their enjoyment of White Hinterland at SXSW. You might be surprised by how much you'll like Deer Tick. I was when I first heard their gentle blend folk and indie-rock; I hear a unique voice there that makes any music special and memorable.

MON 6/23

6:30pm
Book-B-Que w/ Myfanwy Collins, Patrick Duggan, Gabe Durham, Yes, But Slowly
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Even I sometimes feel like I have a bear-trap on my leg when I go to a reading, but I like when there's a fun aspect -- like calling it a Book-B-Que... Besides the food (6:30pm) and the readings (7pm), a folky-indie guy will perform at some point.

MON 6/23

9:30pm
Lemuria, The Serious Geniuses, Where The Land Meets The Sea, The Hollow Sound
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

If you yearn for some indie-rock, whether or not you went to the Book-B-Que...

MON 6/23

8pm
"Look Back In Anger"
at the Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Hey, it's free. If you don't like it, walk out. You don't even need to look back -- with any particular emotion.

Performed every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until MON 7/6 (2pm on 7/4 & 7/6)

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Cheap Thrills: 6/21 to 6/28

Fundraiser for Chinese earthquake victims, Milky Way, 6/24
This week's list is bare like Hubbard's cupboard, but I'll try to flesh it out over the week when I can. Happy Summer Solstice!

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SAT 6/21
* Arts on the Shore
* Boston Sailing Open House
* 1st Annual Make Music Cambridge
* Muck and the Mires, Coffin Lids, Prime Movers, Cougars Kill Cobras
* Field Trip #2: Mike Fiore, Hello, Shark, Christine Hayward, boy without god
* Cheap Thrills A-Go-Go
* All Night Milonga
* Toad Celebrates 15 Years! -- and SUN 6/22

SUN 6/22
* Community Day at the MFA
* Annual Chinatown Main Street Festival
* Make it New Night
* Monique Ortiz
* Symposium on the Iraqi Refugee Crisis
* Day of Portugal Parade

MON 6/23
* White Hinterland, Deer Tick, Virgin Forest
* Book-B-Que w/ Myfanwy Collins, Patrick Duggan, Gabe Durham
* Lemuria, The Serious Geniuses, Where The Land Meets The Sea, The Hollow Sound

TUES 6/24
* Burning Brides, Year Long Disaster, The Last Vegas
* Sichuan, China Earthquake Fundraiser

WED 6/25
* Sasa Stanisic, "How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone": Reading
* You tell me...

THUR 6/26
* "Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex": Book Party
* Hilken Mancini, Bitters
* The Hold Steady, Aberdeen City

FRI 6/27
* Superhoney, Tons of Chill
* Union Square Round Table
* Cambridge Dance Party

SAT 6/28
* Really Really Free Market
* First Annual Boston Scavenger Hunt

SUN 6/29
* Times New Viking, Hallelujah The Hills, Titus Andronicus

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SAT 6/21

Noon to 4pm
Arts on the Shore
at Wollaston Beach, Quincy Shore Dr, Quincy
FREE

I've greatly enjoyed walking down Wollaston Beach with only the view and fried clams to amuse me, but there will be art and sand sculpture and chalk to draw on the sidewalk and more to celebrate the 100th birthday of the beach. (The sand is probably much older.)

If you have any doubt Wollaston would probably be the closest T station.

SAT 6/ 21

1pm to 4pm
Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Go for a sail and a tour of the facilities. You don't have to sign up for anything. Note this is on the harbor, not on the Charles River.

SAT 6/21

1pm to 10pm
1st Annual Make Music Cambridge
around Harvard Sq, Cambridge
FREE

We expect at least 100 musicians/bands of many genres will play at a walking distance around the heart of Harvard Square. Also, a program with a map will be available, showing the different spots where you can find musicians. With 20 spots around Harvard Square, you can't miss it!
Should be a nice change of pace from the guy playing the Asian 2-string violin...

SAT 6/21

5pm
Field Trip #2
Feat: Mike Fiore, Hello, Shark, Christine Hayward, boy without god
meet at Modica Way/Graffiti Alley, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I went to Field Trip #1, and it was awesome. Take a walk through Cambridge while listening to some acoustic music. Maybe there'll be my post about it on Saturday's Bostonist.

(Rain Date: SUN 6/22)

SAT 6/21

Muck and the Mires (11:45pm), Coffin Lids (10:45pm), Prime Movers (9:45pm), Cougars Kill Cobras (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

If Lyres are the kings of Boston garage-rock, then Muck & the Mires, Coffin Lids, and Prime Movers are the most of the royal court.

SAT 6/21

10:30pm
Cheap Thrills A-Go-Go w/ Babes in Boinkland
at Common Ground, 85 Harvard Ave Allston
$5 / 21+

I have to give a little love to the other 'Cheap Thrills' guy in town. People really get in to the "Swinging 60's" vibe, but anyone who enjoys dancing to classic soul music, etc should feel fine. The crazy lighting and Babes In Boinkland burlesque dancers should be mood-enhancers.

SAT 6/21

1am to 5am
All Night Milonga
at Brookline Tai Chi, 1615 Beacon St, Brookline
$10

Tango the night away until it's called Sunday morning. I think $10 includes breakfast; maybe $5 without.

SAT 6/21 & SUN 6/22

4pm to close
Toad Celebrates 15 Years!
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE (as usual)

There's not much I can say about this. You could head in at anytime and hear some great folk/roots with a very good beer selection. It will probably be packed though...

Day 1:
Rick Berlin (4:30pm), The Low Anthem (6pm), The Family Jewels (7:30pm), Dennis Brennan Band (9:30pm), Christian McNeill & the Redeemers (11:30pm)

Day 2:
Lori McKenna (4pm), Todd Thibaud & Sean Staples (5:30pm), The Heygoods (7pm), Session Americana w/ Tim Gearan & others (10:30pm)

SAT 6/21 and SUN 6/22

5pm to 9pm
Revels SummersDay Concerts
along Fort Point Channel Basin, 300 Congress St, Boston
FREE

Celebrate summer and diversity with all sorts of international flavors in music, entertainment, and food.

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SUN 6/22

10am to 4:45pm
Community Day
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Enter through the renovated, reopened Fenway Entrance for free general admission, activities, and celebration.

Even admission to "El Greco to Velazquez" will be free!

SUN 6/22

11am to 4:30pm
Annual Chinatown Main Street Festival
near the Chinatown Arch, 70 Beach St, Boston
FREE admission

Food, traditional entertainment, arts/crafts.

SUN 6/22

Noon to 2:30pm
Symposium on the Iraqi Refugee Crisis
at Barristers Hall, School of Law, 765 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Not exactly "summer fun", but it will be than you'd ever hear on television news.

(Well, until "Frontline" does a show about it...)

SUN 6/22

2pm to ?
Day of Portugal Parade
from Concord Sq, Somerville to King Open School, 850 Cambridge Ave, Cambridge
FREE

Watch the parade, or go to the end & buy some Portuguese food.

SUN 6/22

10pm
Monique Ortiz
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Monique will sound more angsty with AKACOD's sax and drums, but you rarely hear vocals & fretless bass performances.

SUN 6/22

10pm to 1am
Rebound's Make it Sunday w/ DJ Die Young & DJ Baldur
at Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / Ladies FREE before 11pm

When it's almost the end of the weekend and you haven't had enough fun, dance the Sunday blues away to "underground electronica" until you won't even notice it's Monday with your bleary eyes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MON 6/23

9:30pm
White Hinterland, Deer Tick, Virgin Forest
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

I think White Hinterland and Deer Tick are quite good. NY Times even mentioned their enjoyment of White Hinterland at SXSW.

MON 6/23

6:30pm
Book-B-Que w/ Myfanwy Collins, Patrick Duggan, Gabe Durham, Yes, But Slowly
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Even I sometimes feel like I have a bear-trap on my leg when I go to a reading, but I like when there's a fun aspect -- like calling it a Book-B-Que... Besides the food (6:30pm) and the readings (7pm), a folky-indie guy will perform at some point.

MON 6/23

9:30pm
Lemuria, The Serious Geniuses, Where The Land Meets The Sea, The Hollow Sound
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

If you yearn for some indie-rock, whether or not you went to the Book-B-Que...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TUES 6/24

9:30pm
Burning Brides, Year Long Disaster, The Last Vegas
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

TUES 6/24

6pm to 9pm
Sichuan, China Earthquake Fundraiser
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10

This benefit for the victims and survivors of the earthquake in China is hosted by the great Rick Berlin with performances by:
Todd Drogy & Abby Driscoll, Rick Berlin, Leo Blais, Dave Aaronoff, Travis Pullman, Roger Poulin, Hilken Mancini, Cassy Malloy, Iliya (sitar), Two Thieves, Tom Janovitz, and who knows...

And free Chinese food from Food Wall.

"NOTE: The money raised will channeled directly to the people, rather than through the Chinese government."

Tuesday's regular karaoke party happens after 9pm.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WED 6/25

7pm
Sasa Stanisic, "How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone": Reading
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave
FREE

There's not much cheap stuff this Wednesday, but this guy has written a novel that's semi-autobiographical in that his family escaped war-torn Bosnia when he was a kid.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THUR 6/26

7pm to 9pm
"Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex": Book Party
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston St, 4th floor, Boston (near Boston Common)
FREE

Need I say more?

THUR 6/26

9pm
The Hold Steady, Aberdeen City
at the Paradise, 967 Comm. Ave., Boston (near BU)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

My friends at Going have outdone themselves with this free show. Everyone can RSVP, but I think this is the one that will definitely have more interested people than capacity allows. Get there early, and don't be afraid of spam by joining Going.

THUR 6/26

Hilken Mancini (10pm), Bitters (11pm)
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FRI 6/27

10pm
Superhoney, Tons of Chill
at Bill's Bar, 5.5 Lansdowne Street, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
$10 / 18+

FRI 6/27

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

Feat:
Eugene Mirman, Nick Branigan, Keira Horowitz, Steven Derocher, Ben Dryer, TD Sidell
Chris Braiotta, Caitlin Roy, and Awesome Brothers

The theme: "The New Sincerity".

FRI 6/27

7pm to 11pm
Cambridge Dance Party
in front of City Hall, 795 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 6/28

10am to 4pm
Really Really Free Market
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
Um, FREE

SAT 6/28

12:30pm to 4pm-ish
First Annual Boston Scavenger Hunt
Meet up across from the Boston Common Garage, Charles St, Boston
FREE

Register on the site, please.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 6/29

Doors Open: 9pm
Times New Viking, Hallelujah The Hills, Titus Andronicus
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Links of the Week:

How do your favorite websites do on Vanity Fair's Blog Chart? I like that each graphic is a link.

See this year's best websites.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Quote of the Week:

"Those who wish to sing always find a song."
-- Swedish proverb

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Friday, June 20, 2008

FRI 6/20: Amanda Palmer w/ Boston Pops


8pm
EdgeFest: Amanda Palmer
at Symphony Hall, 310 Mass Ave, Boston (South End-ish)
$10 Balcony

If you're a diehard Dresden Dolls fan, you probably went last night or have tix for tonight. For the casual or curious, there are plenty of balcony seats for $10. Such a deal!

A friend went last night and said it was tremendous. The Pops do about 30-40 minutes, then Amanda joins them for after the intermission.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Sneak Peek: FRI 6/20 to SUN 6/23

Velazquez, Old Woman Cooking Eggs -- at MFA, Free on 6/22
Okay. Let me be straight: I have new, worse technical issues this week -- and my personal life is in the midst of a major (positive) change, so I'm probably going to be a little light again on the Weekly List.

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FRI 6/20

12:30pm
Esperanza Spalding
at Borders, 10 School St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

FRI 6/20

9pm
Lyres, The Black Hollies, Traveling Circle, The Time Beings, Black Box Revelation
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

FRI 6/20

5:30pm to 7:30pm
Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars
at Boston Center for the Arts Plaza, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

FRI 6/20

7pm
Winedown: Summer Solstice Eve
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge
FREE

Have a glass of wine with bibliophiles.

FRI 6/ 20

Doors Open: 8:30PM
Muy Cansado, Brett Rosenberg, Diamond Mines, Archelon
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

FRI 6/20

7pm to 10pm
Funbrain, Spacefaces, Big Problem, Guatemala City
at Rutledge VFW Post, 386 Washington St, Brookline
$4 / All Ages

"Half-Dance, Half-Thrash" 3-hour all-ages freakout.

FRI 6/20 to MON 6/23

8pm
"Look Back In Anger"
at the Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

More on the play.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 6/21

Noon to 4pm
Arts on the Shore
at Wollaston Beach, Quincy Shore Dr, Quincy
FREE

SAT 6/ 21

1pm to 4pm
Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

SAT 6/21

1pm to 10pm
1st Annual Make Music Cambridge
around Harvard Sq, Cambridge
FREE

We expect at least 100 musicians/bands of many genres will play at a walking distance around the heart of Harvard Square. Also, a program with a map will be available, showing the different spots where you can find musicians. With 20 spots around Harvard Square, you can't miss it!
SAT 6/21

5pm
Field Trip #2
Feat: Mike Fiore, Hello, Shark, Christine Hayward, boy without god
meet at Modica Way/Graffiti Alley, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

(Rain Date: SUN 6/22)

SAT 6/21

Muck and the Mires (11:45pm), Coffin Lids (10:45pm), Prime Movers (9:45pm), Cougars Kill Cobras (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

SAT 6/21

10:30pm
Cheap Thrills A-Go-Go w/ Babes in Boinkland
at Common Ground, 85 Harvard Ave Allston
$5 / 21+

We're not affiliated -- just kindred spirits.

SAT 6/21

1am to 5am
All Night Milonga
at Brookline Tai Chi, 1615 Beacon St, Brookline
$10

Tango the night away until it's called Sunday morning. I think $10 includes breakfast; maybe $5 without.

SAT 6/21 & SUN 6/22

4pm to close
Toad Celebrates 15 Years!
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE (as usual)

Day 1:
Rick Berlin (4:30pm), The Low Anthem (6pm), The Family Jewels (7:30pm), Dennis Brennan Band (9:30pm), Christian McNeill & the Redeemers (11:30pm)

Day 2:
Lori McKenna (4pm), Todd Thibaud & Sean Staples (5:30pm), The Heygoods (7pm), Session Americana w/ Tim Gearan & others (10:30pm)

SAT 6/21 and SUN 6/22

5pm to 9pm
Revels SummersDay Concerts
along Fort Point Channel Basin, 300 Congress St, Boston
FREE

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SUN 6/22

10am to 4:45pm
Community Day
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Enter through the renovated, reopened Fenway Entrance for free general admission, activities, and celebration.

Even admission to "El Greco to Velazquez" will be free!

SUN 6/22

11am to 4:30pm
Annual Chinatown Main Street Festival
near the Chinatown Arch, 70 Beach St, Boston
FREE admission

Food, traditional entertainment, arts/crafts.

SUN 6/22

Noon to 2:30pm
Symposium on the Iraqi Refugee Crisis
at Barristers Hall, School of Law, 765 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

SUN 6/22

2pm to ?
Day of Portugal Parade
from Concord Sq, Somerville to King Open School, 850 Cambridge Ave, Cambridge
FREE

Watch the parade, or go to the end & buy some Portuguese food.

SUN 6/22

10pm
Monique Ortiz
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

THUR 6/19: Sloan (sorta Cheap) -- and More

Sloan
Hey, it's my blog. I can do what I want to do.

A 'Sneak Peek' should be up later...

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Sloan (10:40pm), The Golden Dogs (9:45pm), Corin Ashley (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$15

It's not $10 but if the Beatles were playing at TT's for $15, that would be a 'cheap' thrill. It's a lazy comparison, which the band is probably sick of hearing, but Sloan is Canada's answer to The Beatles. Simply the most consistently good rock music with melody and musicianship. These guys are incredibly good in concert; they deserve to play bigger venues in Boston after more than 15 years, but it's awesome that we can see them this close for a decent amount. Power-pop lovers should need no encouragement. Music fans should do themselves a favor and go. (I'd be there if I wasn't moving in a few days.)

Fellow Canadians, The Golden Dogs, and brilliant Bostonian Corin Ashley (a fave of mine) will open.

Other stuff going on today:

THUR 6/19

6pm
Maeve Gilchrist
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE

Every Thursday night is free at ICA, and outdoor music is happening throughout the summer.

THUR 6/19

7pm to 8:30pm
"Abandoned in the Arctic": Screening & Discussion
at Science Center Hall B, One Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

This documentary tells the harrowing story of Adolphus Greely and his team of 24 men who set out in 1881 to build an arctic research station. What began as an ambitious expedition descended into a three-year journey of starvation, mutiny, and cannibalism, which only six men survived.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Gino Del Guercia, executive producer Geoffrey Clark, and James Shedd, great-great-grandson of Adolphus Greeley.
THUR 6/19

9:30pm
Bill Janovitz & His Band
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Bill claims it will be "shambolic hootenanny" with all sorts of players and songs at his Thursday residency. This is where Eddie Vedder jams with Theo Epstein when Eddie's in town...


THUR 6/19

>Carolyn Wonderland (9pm to Midnight); >Rollo Tomasi Quartet (8pm).
at >Cantab Underground, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & Harvard Sq)
$10

Carolyn Wonderland could be the next big thing -- as much as America is willing to embrace rootsy singer-songwriters from Austin. I do believe she'll be playing higher-profile gigs when she comes back to Boston. Local jazzers Rollo Tomasi Quartet open.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party -- Proceed with Caution!

Plate from last year's BBQ Beach Party
WED 6/18 to SUN 6/22

10am to 11pm
Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
Admission: $5 -- WED thru FRI / $10 -- SAT & SUN

I remember speaking to some people about this event last year, and 90% of the feedback was negative.

At least they're not charging $10 to get in like last year (it could be $10 if you don't puchase your tix in advance) -- on the other hand "long lines" was one of the big complaints, and I don't see that improving.

You could eat for $10 or so. Samplers will range between $6 to $15, depending on the size and vendor (10 BBQ options including local Firefly's). Beers should be $5, but my problem with the "beer garden" system is that you can't hold your beer while you wait in line for food. Bottled water may be $3, so you might want to discreetly pick up beverage at CVS ahead of time...

I don't doubt that the food will be good -- and it's a chance to try some excellent out-of-town barbecue -- but just be prepared to wait much longer than you will actually spend enjoying your plate.

I suggest going with low expectations. Your best bet is to swoop in as soon as they open, which may or may not work on the weekends. Get some friends to join you, so you can split up and enjoy a little from each other's plates. IF they are really going to serve until 11pm, it could be a really good late-night meal option.

Maybe the Phantom Gourmet is going to be pissed off at me, but I don't write for them...

"Beach Party"? There's some sand.

Update: I went by last night, and admission was not $1 but $5; I guess that's the advance price. Have adjusted the admission price above to refelct the change until I can confirm (web page not loading for me). I almost went in (the lines seemed long, but bearable), but couldn't justify paying - $5 - to buy my dinner... And screw them for not leaving a path through Govt Center for pedestrians...

* * * * *

I've heard that Kevin Garnett is a regular "Cheap Thrills Boston" reader, so:

Congrats to all of the Celtics!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Cheap Thrills: TUES 6/17 to THUR 6/19

The Black & White Years
Hey, howdy. Some will watch the NBA Finals tonight, but there's other stuff going on -- including some stuff for tomorrow and Thursday.

Want to hear something weird? While I was crossing from Govt Center to Haymarket (near the Holocaust Memorial) yesterday, I saw a single rubber boob. It looked like it had been rolling around in the street for a while. Weird... I would've taken a photo, but I was in a hurry.

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TUES 6/17

3pm to 5pm
Boston All-City Baseball Classic
at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

If you have the afternoon off, there's a free baseball game at Fenway Park. It just happens to be a Boston high school all-star game. I'm not sure if the beer concessions will be open for something like this, so allow some time to pre-game...

TUES 6/17

9:30pm
Jeremy Lyons
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Dang, this guy can play guitar. Jeremy Lyons moved from New Orleans to avoid this chick named Katrina, and we should be glad to have such a fine slide-player around. I'm not sure if he'll be playing solo or with a band, but it’s a good option if you feel like some swampy blues tonight.

TUES 6/17

9:30pm
The Black & White Years, Parlour Steps, Action Verbs, Anthems MA
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

A couple touring bands are joined by a couple cool local bands, presented by Ryan’s Smashing Life. I like what I hear from The Black & White Years. Maybe it's because they're from Austin, but their sound reminds me of Interpol if they were in a good mood. And the songs have some hook to them. Parlour Steps visit all from Vancouver, and they play some interesting, multi-layered rock. Both Action Verbs and Anthems MA add to an excellent lineup. Kudos, Ryan.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WED 6/18

7pm & 8:30pm
Boston Derby "Dames": Documentary
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

A short film about the Boston Derby Dames.

WED 6/18

7:30pm
Drinking and Drawing II
at Paddy O's, 33 Union St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE / 21+

The first Boston session worked, so they're doing it again. If you're an artist or just someone who has a knack for drawing, join in a collaborative art party to make an animated film. You sit down for 10 minutes to draw 8 frames on index cards, then you hang out. The frames are compiled later, music is added, and the product is posted on the internet to show your friends and family.

WED 6/18

7:30pm
Philosophy Cafe
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge
FREE

Discussion Topic: "The Uncanny Effectiveness of Mathematics: Is Nature Ultimately Quantifiable?"

$3 suggested donation (to cover cost of coffee, tea, cookies)

WED 6/18

8pm
"Essential Self-Defense": Pay What You Can Night
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$5 minimum

Some cheap, interesting theatre about a guy who gets beat up for a living and enjoys improvised karaoke.

"Pay What You Can" means just that (regularly $20), but you have to give at least $5.

WED 6/18

8pm
Boston Babydolls: "Play Ball!" @ Ladies Night
at Boston Billiard Club, 126 Brookline Ave, Boston
FREE, RSVP by midnight 6/17 / $10 door

You RSVP before midnight on TUES 6/17 to get in for free.

Two shows, second show about the same as the first.

Note: Ladies Night is a monthly deal where women play pool for free from 8pm to close.

Free burlesque and plenty on pool-playing women -- should be a good destination for single/unattached guys, which should it a good destination for single/unattached women... Right?
WED 6/18

The Colonials (11:40pm), Mike Gent (10:45pm), John Charles (10pm), Matt Caldeira (9:15pm), David Sperring (8:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

Acoustic Showcase (with Mike Gent of The Figgs & The Gentlemen)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THUR 6/19

6pm
Maeve Gilchrist
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE

Every Thursday night is free at ICA, and outdoor music is happening throughout the summer.

THUR 6/19

7pm to 8:30pm
"Abandoned in the Arctic": Screening & Discussion
at Science Center Hall B, One Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

This documentary tells the harrowing story of Adolphus Greely and his team of 24 men who set out in 1881 to build an arctic research station. What began as an ambitious expedition descended into a three-year journey of starvation, mutiny, and cannibalism, which only six men survived.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Gino Del Guercia, executive producer Geoffrey Clark, and James Shedd, great-great-grandson of Adolphus Greeley.
THUR 6/19

9:30pm
Bill Janovitz & His Band
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Bill claims it will be "shambolic hootenanny" with all sorts of players and songs at his Thursday residency. This is where Eddie Vedder jams with Theo Epstein when Eddie's in town...

Monday, June 16, 2008

Cheap Thrills: MON 6/16 & TUES 6/17

Rock at Charlie's Kitchen
I apologize about the weekly list, but there were some technical difficulties that were compounded with my desire to have fun this weekend. I should be back on track -- maybe even better -- this week.

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MON 6/16

4pm to 9:30pm
Bloomsday Boston 2008: "Love Across Boundaries"
at Bapst Art Library, 140 Comm Ave, Chestnut Hill (BC campus)
FREE

Chances are that you haven't read James Joyce's "Ulysses", but you accept that it's the greatest unreadable book of (something like) English literature. The whole 1,000+ page story takes place on June 16, so cities around the world celebrate 'Bloomsday' with readings, music, pub crawls, etc.

This year's theme is "Love Across Boundaries". Before tackling one of the monsters of literature, you could dip your toes over several hours of outdoor cheer and music from 4pm to 6:30ish with Irish food & drink for sale. The panels will include local "personalities" reading excerpts, a discussion with 3 'modernly-mixed couples' (Bloom & Molly wouldn't have been a trad. couple), and the usual capper of Molly's final monologue about love and life.

Recently departed WBZ A&E reporter Joyce Kulhawik will moderate the event.

MON 6/16

10pm
The Sunsets Quick, Cherryaxe, Ladies and Gentleman
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

In a way I don't want more people to go to Charlie's, but there's not much more damage to be done after Esquire magazine names it one of the best bars in the country. You should still be able to get tonight if you're in the mood for some catchy indie-rock from The Sunsets Quick (fka Drugs Delaney). Cherryaxe is a bit quirkier in a Pavement kind of way, but it doesn't seem insincere. Nothing is known about Ladies and Gentleman, but I assume they're friends of the other bands so how bad can they be...?

MON 6/16

Sam Gilman (7:30pm), Caitlin Rodgers (9pm)
at Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$5 suggested donation

Sam Gilman usually handles a Hammond organ for funky/jammy jazz combo, Otis Grove. Tonight is billed as his first solo piano recital where you'll likely hear a healthy mix of covers from the bop period, way-back piano history, and hip covers you might expect from someone like Brad Mehldau -- along with some originals. Sam will also accompany the folkish Caitlin Rodgers whose high, pliable voice should sound good with a jazzy pianist & drummer.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TUES 6/17

3pm to 5pm
Boston All-City Baseball Classic
at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

If you have the afternoon off, there's a free baseball game at Fenway Park. It just happens to be a Boston high school all-star game. I'm not sure if the beer concessions will be open for something like this, so allow some time to pre-game...

TUES 6/17

9:30pm
Jeremy Lyons
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

TUES 6/17

9:30pm
The Black & White Years, Parlour Steps, Action Verbs, Anthems MA
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Presented by Ryan’s Smashing Life.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Sneak Peek: FRI 6/13 to SUN 6/15

Boston Derby Dames, SAT 6/14
Here are some ideas for the weekend. (I wouldn't expect much from the "Cheap Thrills" today; there was a lot of Sox & Celtics revelry last night...)

I don't think I'll make it to the Boston Derby Dames, but it will be worth all $14 (advance price).

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FRI 6/13

Varsity Drag (Midnight), The Divorced (11pm), The Perennials (10pm), Jeffrey Simmons (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

FRI 6/13

9:30pm
Kurt Vile & The Violators, MMOSS, Reports, Ganja
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

FRI 6/13

6pm
Boston Dyke March
at Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, Boston (Tremont St Side)
FREE

FRI 6/13 and SAT 6/14

Various Times
Boston International Film Festival
at Loews Boston Common, 175 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
Most $10

Best bets: Flashover, Sweet Thing (6/13); Remarkable Power (6/14); Killer Poet (6/14.

FRI 6/13 to SUN 6/15

Various Times
Greek Festival
at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 14 Magazine St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE admission

Not much entertainment, but the food was good. It gets really crowded around 6pm if I remember correctly.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 6/14

Noon to 6pm
Cambridge River Festival
along Charles River, Memorial Dr, Cambridge (near Harvard Sq)
FREE

Some good jazz and folks, such as: Charlie Kolhase’s Explorers Club, Dwight & Nicole, Rose Polenzani, Session Americana, Adam Ezra, Alastair Moock & Pastures of Plenty.

SAT 6/14

Noon to 6pm
Boston Pride Parade & Festival
from Tremont St & Clarendon St to City Hall Plaza
FREE

Some entertainment at the festival includes Kimberley Locke, Kat DeLuna, local drag-kings All The Kings Men, and more. All are welcome.

SAT 6/14

7pm
America, Marty Balin (ex-Jefferson Airplane/Starship)
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

"WODS Oldies in Concert"

SAT 6/14

10pm
The Rudds, Downbeat 5
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

SAT 6/14

10pm
Madi Diaz
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

SAT 6/14

BLOWW (Midnight), Buried In Leather (11pm), Pulp 45 (10pm), Apple Betty (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10/21+

SAT 6/14

6pm to 9pm
Boston Derby Dames: Season 2 Championship Bout
at Shriner's Auditorium, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilmington
$14 advance / $16 door

A little over $10, but this should be awesome. A live set by Campaign for Real Time. After-derby dance party 'til midnight with DJ Boo Boo Danger.

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SUN 6/15

Doors Open: 9pm
Love Is All, Mean Creek, Big Digits
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Presented by WZBC's "Mesmerization Eclipse".

SUN 6/15

7pm
"Who's Your Daddy": A Father's Day Reading
at Grub Street, 160 Boylston, 4th floor, Boston
FREE

The Dirty Water Reading Series offers free drinks & eats (a donation bowl on the table) – oh, and readings by Chris Siteman, Elisa Gabbert, Christen Enos, and Joshua Harmon. Crowd participation mad-libs after every reader! There is an ugly tie contest, so think about wearing one (not kidding)...

Thursday, June 12, 2008

THUR 6/12: Taste of Fort Point, 2 Great Documentarians, Scooper Bowl, Music

Scooper Bowl, 2008
Now there's the look of joy from unlimited ice cream! If you're downtown today, you might want to fight the crowds in Fort Point for free grub. (To make my brother's saying more poetic, "Two's company; free's a crowd."

I wanted to write more about the music playing tonight -- but I didn't... I really should've added this "Rock the Runway" thing too, which is a fashion show with bands: Aloud, Rogue Heroes, Lannen Fall, and more.

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THUR 6/12

6:30pm
Facing Realities: Dialogues in Boston Documentary Film
at Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (Seaport / Waterfront)
$10 / $7 students & seniors

Maybe other people don't share my love of documentaries, but I oftentimes find them more interesting and gripping than fictional films. The extra cool aspect of this program is the appearance of the filmmakers tonight.

I haven't seen "Backyard" ('84), but Ross McElwee made one of the best documentaries I've ever seen: "Sherman's March" ('86). It was supposed to be a Civil War piece, but he turns the camera towards himself and examines his love life and anxiety about nuclear holocaust. There's so much more that happens; there's narrative strength, subtlety, and humor that would be hard to recreate. Michael Moore said it was his inspiration to make "Roger & Me" -- for what that's worth to you. "Backyard" is a portrait of his Southern family and racism (and likely much more).

"Operation Filmmaker" sounds a little like a comedy. A news crew takes footage of a distraught Iraqi film student after his school was destroyed by Allied bombs. Actor Liev Schrieber sees it and invites to guy to work on a film that's shooting in Europe. It's eventually discovered that he's far from a hard-working, earnest film student, and it happens to be captured in this documentary.

The director, Nina Davenport, and Ross McElwee will have discussion after the screenings. There may even be free refreshments.

Today's stuff from the Weekly List:

THUR 6/12

Noon to 1:30pm
Annual Taste of the Fort Point Channel
at Children’s Wharf Park, 300 Congress St, Boston (Waterfront/Seaport)
FREE

If you work or live around Fort Point, you may already know this -- but anyone can head over to try samples from the neighborhood's restaurants. There are quite a few nice ones participating. I'd ask why, but I don't care.

THUR 6/12

11am to 7pm
Last Day... Scooper Bowl
at City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
$8

All-you-can-eat ice cream, 'nuff said! There are 11 companies who each usually have 2 to 4 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and/or sorbet. I've seen people seemingly satisfied at 7 or 8 scoops, but you really should try as many flavors as possible -- at least multiple cups of your favorite...

Proceeds benefit the Jimmy Fund / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

THUR 6/12

10pm
Chris Wilhelm
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Boston folk singer has a clean, earnest style that is very compelling. You get the feeling that his catchy songs have a meaning that begins somewhere in his torso -- and not simply on a piece of paper.

THUR 6/12

9pm
Ryan Fitzsimmons Band, Kill The Alarm, Joel Ackerson
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 / 21+

Three killer folk/pop/rock artists at one of the best darkish, intimate clubs in town.


Ask Cheap Thrills Rob

Zoltan
If anyone happens across my little ol' blog -- or someone in town – has a question about Boston, feel free to ask me. If you don't find what you're looking for, I might know some other cheap fun in Boston or other free things to do.

Your query could be about saving a buck or whatever. I'll try to give some kind of answer within 24 hours or less. I might even admit I don't know the answer (or make up a funny answer)...

You can leave a comment or send me a email at:
cheapthrillsboston ]at[ gmail ]dot[ com

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QUESTION: Event Listing?

How do I encourage you to post an event I have coming up?

ANSWER:

Easy. Just ask nicely. If it's interesting and costs $10 (or less) to get in, there's a very good chance that I'll try to tell people about it.

Leave a comment or send me a email at: cheapthrillsboston ]at[ verizon ]dot[ net

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QUESTION: Hanging out together?

I'm interested in going to an event. Would you like to attend one with me?

ANSWER:

Hmm... I try to go to at least one cheap event every week. My girlfriend and/or some friends will normally go along with me. Sometimes I ride solo.

It never hurts to ask if I'm going to something. I am a beatnik-style free spirit, so I don't mind meeting anyone. In the case you are a crazy person, I would like to check you out before giving you a chance to chainsaw my loved ones in tiny pieces -- or whatever.

So the bottom line is: Maybe.

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QUESTION: Second Date?

Hey Rob,

I am trying to choose a place for a second date. Last week we went to dinner which was amazing but I am looking for something different. We are both in our twenties. Doesnt have to be partcularly cheap... anywhere in cambridge/boston

Any thoughts?

Thank you!!

(submitted: 2/17/09)

ANSWER:

I started thinking about it, and I went a bit overboard. I hope there's something below that appeals to you.

Have a good time. Enjoy yourself! :-)

[Note: I'm not a "dating expert", but I generally like to plan an "activity" or "destination" then keep the rest of the plan fairly flexible. Oh, and just be yourself...]

Bowling or pool is a casual date activity where you can talk to each other AND have considerable opportunity to check out their butt. There's Jillians, but it feels too much like an obvious choice. I'd even prefer Kings. It's not as isolated, and Bukowski Tavern is next door for good grub and better beer.

I love the dark, kitschy ambience at the Milky Way. It's one of my favorite places, and they're moving in March to another location in JP (minus candlepin bowling). During February, bowling is free from 6pm to 9pm on Sundays thru Wednesdays. Sacco's Bowl Haven hasn't redecorated in decades, but that's part of the fun. No alcohol is served, so I'd suggest stopping at any of the bars/restaurants in Davis Sq. (Downstairs at Redbones wouldn't be a bad date dinner spot, imho.)

It's winter time, so ice skating is an outdoor option. I'm a lousy skater, so it's not my first choice. On the other hand, some awkward skating could make for some laughs... Break the ice, but not by falling own your ass too hard. Frog Pond, Kendall Sq Community Skating, and The Charles Hotel come to mind, but here's a list of public rinks around the area.

I like a trip to an art museum or gallery, because there's something else to occupy the time between normal 'getting-to-know-you' conversation. The Phoenix has a list of almost every gallery and museum.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is packed with so much amazing stuff, and the Italian palazzo interior is romantic without being blatantly so. I'm a dork, but I love the glass flowers and weird animal fossils at The Harvard Museum of Natural History.

I went to the Shephard Fairey at ICA last weekend and that's accessible for someone who isn't the "museum-going type". ("OBEY!") The ticket line was long, but it moved fast. Be sure to linger in the long window corridor overlooking the harbor. Sit down and enjoy the view; it might be the best sight in the museum (to date). (And Thursday nights are free.)

If you haven't gone on the Sam Adams brewery tour, that's about an hour of interest for the beer lover, which ends with a fairly generous tasting. Perhaps a good beginning to an afternoon/early evening date. (My party went to Doyle's Cafe afterwards...)

As for specific potential dates happening this weekend, here are a couple ideas:

On Friday 2/20, the good times are rolling early at Johnny D's. Mickey Bliss's annual "Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and Zulu Parade of the Golden Blade" ($10) has several NOLA-style bands, dancing, and party favors. There are four good bands at Lizard Lounge, and you can talk to each other as much (or little) as you like if you grab a spot at one of the tables in the back.

On Saturday (2/21) afternoon, you can "get physical" at a free capoeira open house in Chinatown that's includes demonstration and participation. Or you can participate in Allston-style spectacle at the Rock City Prom & Masquerade Ball ($15 advance/$20 door) at The Draft (more info on Yelp).

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QUESTION: Place to Dance?

I'm fairly new to the boston going out scene & am planning a bday gathering for my honey. My dilemma...i dunno a fun, chill, non-pretentious bar in the city or cambridge/somerville to invade. Ideally, i would love a spot that has a dj or some music...chill vibe. We frequent an.tua.nua which is great for food and their special drinks but its hella expensive and no dancing - boo!

would you have any recs?

thanks,
lost in the city

ANSWER:

Ooooh... Dance places are my weakness, but I do have a couple thoughts. I'm going to think about this a little more, but a couple spots came to mind.

In Central Sq, there's a couple ideas depending on the size of the group. On most nights, there's a DJ at ZuZu that's pretty chill. It's a bit on the small side, drinks are reasonable, but meals are a bit on the high side. (Maybe hang at nearby spot? One of other Middle East clubs, etc.) Phoenix Landing has okay food with good proces, and dance nights at least on the weekends. Middlesex Lounge is a good dance club that's a little outside of Central Sq; Miracle of Science is owned by the same people, and I love their burgers -- and their good beer selection.

The Burren in Davis Sq has decent food & prices (as I recall from last time I ate there), and pretty close to 'real Irish pub' feel. They often have a cover band in the back room on weekends. I've even seen people dancing...

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QUESTION: Twitter?

I come here once or twice a week. Why on earth don't you have a twitter?

ANSWER:

I did set up a Twitter account, and - as of now - I will update it when posts are up. Maybe I'll add other little tidbits too.

When I'm confidently ahead in Cheap Thrills information, I might even set up a Facebook page...

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I don't feel like taking down my placemarker GIF. (Who doesn't love "The Big Lebowski"...) You know I'll never throw a stapler at you! (Does this work?)

The Big Lebowski

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