Even though I should've had this up last night, most of the below are also happening tomorrow...?
It's the 25th anniversary of "Top Gun", so they're showing on the big screen ($9.50) around the country today at 12:30pm and MON 5/2 at 7pm. There's a list of AMC theaters that are screening it. "Guests will receive a theatre-sized commemorative poster while supplies last."
Keep in mind that the Boston Cyberarts Festival is still in swing.
--------------------------------------------------------------
SAT 4/30
10am to the slowest paddler
Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race
from Great Plain Ave, Needham to Herter Park, Brighton
FREE
Similar to the Head of the Charles, canoes & kayaks race on the Charles but for much longer distances. There is an all-day festival at the finish line next to Artesani/Herter Park with food vendors, etc.
Stand along any part of the river to watch canoes and kayaks paddle quickly, or go to the end in Brighton. It should be in full swing by noon.
SAT 4/30 (thru SUN 5/8)
Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
At Various Locations
Many FREE
Some of us believe that science is fun. Not all of the cool, cheap stuff is happening at MIT, but wouldn't expect a bunch of it would be? Today's schedule includes free admission to the MIT Museum (10am to 5pm) and a bunch of activities on campus (11am to 4pm).
Oh, and a timeline of the Earth's history has been set up along 500 meters of Memorial Drive for the duration of the Festival. There are guided tours on the weekends (11am & 1pm).
SAT 4/30 (and SUN 5/1)
Noon to 6pm
Somerville Open Studios
all over Somerville
FREE
There's a lot of painting, sculpting, photography, assembling, etc around Somerville. Over 300 artists in about 100 locations show you what they've been making. (They'll even sell you stuff.) Look for orange balloons.
If I were you, I'd take the T and walk around (or take the trolley). I read their tips, and I agree with them.
If you start in Davis Sq or Union Sq, you'll be sure to find maps/pamphlets in stands where you can see all the open studios and the trolley route. strategically located around town.
If you're in Teele Sq, don't forget to hear some cool music at the Nave Gallery.
If you go by Cedar Street Studios -- #42 on the map -- say hello to Andrea; she's friendly.
SAT 4/30 (and SUN 5/1)
11am to 6pm
Brookline Open Studios
all over Brookline [PDF]
FREE
Brookline artists are also opening their doors, but I'm partial to my Somerville homies.
SAT 4/30
12:30pm to 4:30pm
2nd Annual Shakespeare Parade, Festival and SLAM
at Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
It was the Bard's birthday this week, so why not celebrate like last year? The Actors' Shakespeare Project and Orfeo Group along with others have put together performances and activities in Shakespeare's honor.
Schedule:
12:30pm -- Parade leaves Hotel VeritasThe Shakespeare SLAM is an assortment of scenes, songs, etc that are inspired by the birthday boy. While it's free, you have to pick up tickets at the Orfeo Group table on Palmer Street.
1pm to 3:30pm -- Activities & Performances
3pm to 4:30pm -- Shakespeare SLAM at Redline (free food, cash bar)
5:30pm -- Cake and ice cream on Palmer St (or inside Harvard Coop)
The 4th annual Bookish Ball is also happening from noon to 5pm where you get a 'passport' at the Harvard Square Business Assoc. table and you walk around the boosters and have it stamped to win a prize.
SAT 4/30 (and SUN 5/1)
1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE
The weather is cooperating for a nice little sail in the Harbor. Remember it will be cooler on the water.
"No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Sailors of all abilities are welcome."
SAT 4/30 (and SUN 5/1)
7:30pm
"B.B. King: Why I Sing the Blues"
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10
No, BB KIng is not performing. This is an original musical created by Berklee students, and they've told the story of the blues master's life that includes many of King's classic numbers.
Although BB won't be there, killer-guitarist Vernon Reid of Living Colour and the amazing Nona Hendryx who sang in Labelle before going solo.
Maybe watch some of it on the web tonight and see it all tomorrow.
SAT 4/30
9pm
Tom Waits Tribute
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+
Feat: Coyote Kolb, Dan Baker, Danielle Miraglia, Dave Aaronoff & The Protagonists, Joe Fletcher, Movers & Shakers, The Resurrectionists, Sleepy Very Sleepy, Tig & Bean, Tim Gearan, Tony the Bookie
Tom Waits is still cool even though he's been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
There are lots of excellent bands, and the songs will be excellent regardless of the performances. Most of these tribute shows at PA's have a 'second stage', so there's little down time.
Actually, this is also a benefit for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, and Tom has raised funds and awareness of the homelessness issue.
[Facebook]
SAT 4/30
9pm
Old Jack, Sam Otis Hill, Newton Gang
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+
Fresh from their appearance in the Rock 'n Roll Rumble Finals (congrats to winners John Powhida International Airport), Old Jack is joined by a couple country-flavored acts. I normally hear a soulful-rock vibe in Old Jack, but there's a lot of country sympathy in there.
SAT 4/30
9:30pm
Andrea Gillis, Banditas
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+
One Friday at the Plough & Stars, the Andrea Gillis Band were the perfect bar band: mowing through songs like a locomotive with Andrea's powerful pipes in front. Then she sang and strutted on the bar. The clearance is too low for a repeat this weekend...
For the second night of the CD Release party, Banditas will open before 2 sets of Andrea & company.