Thursday, July 31, 2008

THUR 7/31: King Khan, Pair of Jazz, Shakespeare

King Khan & the Shrines at Middle East Tonight
Even though the summer is well under way, there's still a ton of free music out there. You should see a post in the next week that's just a big list of all the free music out there. I'll even try to update it throughout the year...

I really think the musical highlight of the night is King Khan and The Shrines, but that's just me...

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THUR 7/31

9:30pm
King Khan and the Shrines, Live Fast Die, Colour Revolt
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

King Khan seems to usually tour the States with his stripped-down garage-punk project King Khan & BBQ Show, but this time he's out with a full band including a horn section and go-go dancer. You must seriously consider seeing the rock spectacle of Khan whenever you get a chance -- he's a wild man on- or off-stage. This is prime sweaty soul music played at about 112% intensity. (Yes, he's a Canadian of East Indian descent who moved to Berlin about 10 years ago.)

Even if you don't listen to the raw punk of Live Fast Die or the eclectic delta-blues-informed indie-rock of Colour Revolt, you will get your money's worth! If you can get in...

THUR 7/31

7pm to 9pm
Eguie Castrillo & His Orchestra
at O'Day Park, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

It's the last concert of this year's Tito Puente Latin Music Series, so it's a big band playing caliente Latin jazz & salsa. The Eguie Castrillo Orchestra is a big band (17-piece and a singer), and I immediately thought of Tito Puente when I listened to their stuff.

In case of rain, performances will take place at the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center adjacent to the park.

THUR 7/31

6pm
Sol Melodiq
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. Like the other summer performers, Sol Melodiq came out of Berklee so this band is wicked tight. Everyone says you gotta check out the Anish Kapoor exhibit inside; you might as well groove to some jazzy neo-soul outside...


Almost forgot about...

THUR 7/31 (thru SUN 8/3)

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE

The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.

It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. From what I can tell, it looks like the sets will be reinterpreted in a 40's style.

Free Shakespeare doesn't last forever -- the final shows are tonight through Sunday...

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

BlogLove: Locust St.

locust st image
I was doing some of my usual web-surfing, and I have to say that this is one of the best blog posts I've ever seen. I think I've been to "Locust St." before, but this is just a thoughtful mix of great mp3's, text, and images.

First, "Marie Provost" by Nick Lowe is one of my favorite songs. You gotta love a ditty about a failed actress who dies and is eaten by her dog. Check out the little unison piano-guitar break!

You get more mp3's from The Kinks, Prince, Vic Chesnutt, Lou Reed, and much more -- probably every song of early cinema... (There's a 'Part 2' post on the site that includes Roxy Music, Billy Bragg & Wilco, Leadbelly, Blue Oyster Cult, Nirvana, The Clash, The Beach Boys, Siouxsie & the Banshees, as well as Anita O'Day doing "Hooray For Hollywood"...)

I throw these damn posts together, but someone did solid research at this site to quote extensively and coherently accompanied by interesting and fresh pictures from the pioneering days of movie-making.

WED 7/30: Film, Dance, Talk, Boogie, Shakespeare

Christmas in July Film Series at Boston Public Library
I'm a bit of a nut, but I had a few things to add. And there's the Cheesecake Factory deal below...

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WED 7/30

5:30pm
"Christmas in July & August"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Stay cool most Mondays and Wednesdays in July and August on the city's dime for about 2-1/2 hours in the dark, air-conditioned Rabb Hall, downstairs at the Boston Public Library.

Not such a exciting lineup tonight but there's 30 minutes of "Night Before Christmas & Best-Loved Yuletide Carols" with Meryl Streep talking and singing, and one of those classics "White Christmas" starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney.

WED 7/30

7pm
"Dancing Under the Stars"
at Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard (near Courageous Sailing Center)
FREE

Try a few dance styles like swing/salsa/ballroom. There's a 20-30 minute lesson at the beginning, then it's "open dancing". No experience or partner necessary. Instructors from Charlestown SuperShag Dance Studios will be there to help. Could be fun... Could be lame...

"Beverages & snacks to be provided."

If you wanted to be cool, you could add this onto a dinner with your loved one at Tavern On The Water or Navy Yard Bistro...

WED 7/30

9pm to 11pm
"The Boston Film Race"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9

Filmmakers were challenged to create a short in 24 hours. The theme was "Dating", and they all had to include the element, "fluffing a pillow"... I don't think I recognize the names of the production teams, but here are some of the titles: "6 Months of Dating Bliss", "Daddy's Girl", "The Mashed Potato", "The Lobster Trap", "Flirty Face", "Trust the Process", "Jail Date", and "Pillow Talk - The Winston Merriweather Story".

Also screening on THUR 7/31 at 9:30pm.


From the Weekly List:

WED 7/30

6pm to 7pm
Midsummer Nights' Science Lecture: "A Race Against Resistance"
at Broad Institute, Room 1154, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP

It seems like bacteria is getting smarter and tougher to treat. But it doesn't just seem that way, it's really happening! There is hope, and you can hear about it without a lot of scientific know-how that you slept through. Dr. Deb Hung, MD, PhD will talk about research they are doing right there in Cambridge, Mass.

You might still be able to register to attend.

WED 7/30

9:30pm, 10:30pm, 11:30pm
Preacher Jack
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE (but drop a little something in the basket) / 21+

Three sets of real, live gospel-fueled rockabilly/boogie-woogie from the one and only Preacher Jack!

WED 7/30 (thru SUN 8/3)

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.

It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. From what I can tell, it looks like the sets will be reinterpreted in a 40's style.

Free Shakespeare doesn't last forever -- the final shows are tonight through Sunday...

WED 7/30: Cheap Cheesecake Today

The Cheesecake Factory, $1.50 slices on 7/30
All Day
Cheap Slices of Cheesecake
at all Cheesecake Factory locations
$1.50

Supposedly it's "National Cheesecake Day", which happens to coincide with the 30th anniversary of The Cheesecake Factory. Hmmm...

It doesn't really matter, because you can get a slice of any cheesecake for the original 1978 price of $1.50 (limit one per guest). You have about 30 varieties to choose from, and I assume it includes the special-anniversary chocolate cake cheesecake. They're going to give 25 cents to America's Second Harvest for every slice of it sold this year.

If you love cheesecake -- even I love cheesecake -- stop in for some dessert. I have to assume they're prepared for the masses converging to order solely cheesecake. (I'd get a cup of coffee too...)

Even though the website is down as I type, this is really happening. Here are nearby locations:

- 115 Huntington Ave, Boston
- 100 Cambridgeside Pl, Cambridge
- 300 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill
- 37 Forbes Rd, Braintree
- 75 Middlesex Tpke, Burlington
America's Second Harvest operates a network of more than 200 member food banks assisting over 25 million people every year.

Update: It's a good to note that you do have to eat it there (no "to-go" orders). But I think it would be really sneaky to require an entree order without mentioning it in the press release or on the website (now working)... Am not sure about this, but I'd go and make a big scene if that happened.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

TUES 7/29: Shakespeare, Folk, Art, Dance

Clear night for Shakespeare in the Common
If I heard it correctly this morning, the cutest weatherwoman in Boston (are there others?) Dylan Dreyer said it may be the best day of the week. Think about Shakespeare in the Common...

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TUES 7/29

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.

It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. From what I can tell, it looks like the sets will be reinterpreted in a 40's style.

Free Shakespeare doesn't last forever -- the final shows are tonight through Sunday...

TUES 7/29

The Starlings (10pm), Danielle Miraglia & Dana Price (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

My apologies, folks. Every Monday night at Toad has featured these acts. I always hope to check it out beforehand when I have these chances, but I usually flake. All the music tonight should be excellent; you can't lose. The early show features the bluesy folk of locals Danielle Miraglia & Dana Price. The Starlings are from Seattle, but it seems like they've spent the month playing around New England. Like the namesake bird, the singer of The Starlings has a beautiful voice that floats above the rootsy, old-time Americana.


From the Weekly List:


TUES 7/29

7pm to 10pm
"Sting 2"
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I'm pretty sure the first event in this series was called "Beehive-Art-Scope 1", but "Sting" has a more thematic ring. Kudos, Beehive. Since they are nestled into the Boston Center for the Arts,
it's good to see this place get more cultural than just interesting decor, good food, and expensive drinks. Artwork will be displayed by many artists as well as some live artist performances by Sarah Slifer and Jessica Gath. Some live reggae (thought I found a link for "Island Allstars" before, but...) and jazz by Phil Grenadier & Jerry Bergonzi will keep things in the mood for artsy socializing.

TUES 7/29

9pm to 1am
Bootie Boston #5
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & MIT)
FREE / 21+

Yes, take two cool songs and put them together in a crazy-techno-techie marriage. Hell, why settle for two songs? Make it 3 or 4... There's a chance that dj BC & Lenlow might play "Break Teen Spirit" (Britney Spears vs. Nirvana vs. Madonna vs. Justin Timberlake vs. Usher)! It might even be on the free CD that is given to the first 50 people. You will want to dance, I promise you.

Monday, July 28, 2008

MON 7/28: Ice Cream Art, Music Movies

ice cream people art party at milky way lounge tonight
I still think the "Ice Cream People" Party at the Milky is the best chance for fun tonight, but here are a couple other options...

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MON 7/28

5:30pm
"Endgame: Blueprint for Global Enslavement": Screening & Discussion
at Honan-Allston Public Library auditorium, 300 N Harvard St, Allston
FREE

Maybe I'd change my mind if I watched the film, but I'm pretty sure filmmaker Alex Jones is a kook. Do I think that the powerful do as much as possible to maintain their position? Yes, sure. Do I think they want to "exterminate 80% of the world's population"? Umm, no. Should be a spirited discussion afterwards...

MON 7/28

9:30pm
Viva Viva, Age Rings, Amoroso
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Late update: A 5 dollars well-spent!

MON 7/28

10pm
Tony The Bookie, Ryan Lee Crosby, Dave Godowsky
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I have to say I was a little hesitant to pay attention to Tony The Bookie at first, but his music is pretty good. Ryan Lee Crosby is a terrific songwriter, and Dave Godowsky knows his way around a melody. If I want to be out late on a Monday night, ZuZu is a good place to be.

From the Weekly List:

MON 7/28

9pm
"Ice Cream Art Project": Party
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Gotta love Milky Way Lounge. Bowling and pool are already free on Mondays. Still they have fun things going on like a party that celebrates anthropomorphic ice cream art. The premise these are
depictions of actual living things. Hey, I don't believe in Santa Claus either.

Look at the pictures... Draw your own... Watch others draw... Imbibe... Repeat... There's manic synth-rock from Thunderhole and ambient washes from Main Fader.

MON 7/28

10pm
Cocked 'N Loaded, The Throwaways, Mantra
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

Charlie's Kitchen is pretty damn cool bar with a great jukebox, but they might be close to jumping the shark after being mentioned in Esquire and opening a beer garden. Nah, I still love it there! Not aware of Mantra, but Cocked 'N Loaded rawk out just as you'd suppose a band with that name would. The Throwaways did the "fast and loud" quite well when I saw them, although I think they've changed singers since then.

MON 7/28 (to SUN 8/3)

7pm
Roxbury Film Festival Presents: "Pray The Devil Back To Hell"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10 / $8 students

This documentary about how a women's movement brought change to Liberia is supposed to be quite powerful. Many other films you might not see are screening at various locations of the next week as part of the Roxbury Film Festival. Most programs are $10 or under except for screenings at the MFA ($12). Some of the guests at the festival include: Robert Townsend, Charles Burnett, Ruby Dee, Sheryl Lee Ralph.

The pre-festival screening of the RFF takes place in Brookline, but don't dwell on that. It's one of those things that might make your head explode...

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sunday Night Vide-O-bama! #3

I watched the whole speech from Berlin, but here's a little remix called, "Barack Obama - Look at Berlin (Courtmasta Remix)":



Hey... I almost put the clip of the German guy dancing on MSNBC for about a minute...

SUN 7/27: Forecast -- Rain.

rainy day ahead
So, they say it's going to rain in a few hours... I wouldn't get excited about any of the outdoor activities today... There are a couple music shows tonight.

I saw "The Dark Knight" yesterday and it was really good... I know there's pub trivia out there too...

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SUN 7/27

11am to 3pm
Davis Square Community Yard Sale
at Hodgkins Park, about 100 Holland St, Somerville (near Teele Sq)
FREE-ish


UPDATE: POSTPONED 'TIL SUN 8/3

See the Facebook page for updates.

SUN 7/27

Noon to 10pm
Annual Lowell Folk Festival
at Various Spots in Downtown Lowell
FREE

It's not raining yet, so you might be able to hit the food stands...? Maybe catch some tunes...?

SUN 7/27

7pm
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

On the bright side, there are more shows from TUES 7/29 thru SUN 8/3...

SUN 7/27

9:30pm
Death Vessel, The Needy Visions, Meanings
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Exciting music in a mostly acoustic vein. Before Joel Thibodeau of Death Vessel was moved to Brooklyn, signed to Sub Pop or was a music blog darling, he grew up in Maine and Boston. He's going to do a solo set, but it should be really amazing. Apparently the high feminine vocals on the recordings are Joel. The Needy Visions have a joyfully ramshackle quality to them; I think it would be fun see them live. The fellow in Meanings sounds a bit like some other artist I love. I want to say Mark Eitzel/American Music Club, but there's plenty to enjoy without making a comparison.

SUN 7/27

9:30pm
Icy Demons, Pretty & Nice, Paparazzi
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

Quite a mixed line-up, but the music sounds good to me. Icy Demons take reggae and mix it all sorts elements. Pretty & Nice play delicious, hook-filled punk. Paparazzi are wild, angular indie-rockers who sound like they know how to rip it up.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Cheap Thrills: 7/26 to 8/1



Dang, is it midsummer already? Last night there was "A Midsummer Night's Wet Dream" at Midway Cafe... There's Midsummer Nights' Science Lecture on Wednesday... Shakespeare's free in the Common... I know the days are technically getting shorter, but I hope the summer really isn't half over.

I must go outside and frolic now. Some of my weekly email is below...

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SAT 7/26
* "The Fight 'N Fright Superhero Smackdown": Movie Marathon
* Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, The Cowsills
* Take You Higher
* The Mystix
* "As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park -- and SUN 7/27
* Lowell Folk Festival -- and SUN 7/27

SUN 7/27
* Davis Square Community Yard Sale
* Death Vessel, The Needy Visions, Meanings
* Icy Demons, Pretty & Nice, Paparazzi

MON 7/28
* Cocked 'N Loaded, The Throwaways, Mantra
* "Ice Cream Art Project": Opening Party
* "Pray The Devil Back To Hell": Roxbury Film Festival -- thru SUN 8/3

TUES 7/29
* "Sting 2"
* Bootie Boston

WED 7/30
* Midsummer Nights' Science Lecture: "A Race Against Resistance"
* Preacher Jack

THUR 7/31
* King Khan and the Shrines, Live Fast Die, Colour Revolt

FRI 8/1
* Tracy Bonham: Free Performance
* "Rock Band" Competition
* Nerd Nite w/ Wounded by Lazors, Cityscapes
* "Shakespeare in Harvard Sq" -- to SUN 8/3

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SAT 7/26

10am to Midnight
Papercut Zine Library Movie Marathon Benefit
"The Fight 'N Fright Superhero Smackdown"
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge
$5-ish

That is not a typo -- it's 14 hours of "Superheroes vs. Monsters and Monster-Heroes". It's probably going to be sunny tomorrow, but you can pretend it's a rainy day and watch day and night of campy action movies and cartoons. I haven't researched each flick yet, but here's the info from the P.Z.L.

10am: The Hulk (Rare '60s & '80s cartoons)
11am: The Herculoids (Rare '60s monster action cartoons)
Noon: Sentai "Smackdown" Collection (Japanese Superheroes)
2pm: Superargo vs. The Faceless Giants
3:30pm: Supersonic Man
5pm: Super Inframan
Rock'em, Sock'em '60s Sci-Fi Frankensteins
6:30pm: Frankenstein Jr. (Forgotten 60s Robot Superhero)
7:30pm: Frankenstein Meets The Space Monster
9pm: Frankenstein Conquers The World ("Ultimate Uncut" version)
10:30pm: War Of The Gargantuas / Frankenstein's Monster: Sanda Vs. Guira (direct sequel of "Frankenstein C.T.W.")
Papercut Zine Library is a free lending library of 'zines and other independent media. I think it's the "free" aspect that necessitates the occasional benefit to offset expenses. The free sharing of information and culture is something we can all support, so burn out your retinas for worthy cause. I bet there will be "free-trade popcorn" -- or stuff like that -- for sale.

(Remember to just go in next time you're passing by.)

SAT 7/26

7pm to 9:30pm
Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, The Cowsills
at the Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

With songs like "Good Lovin'" and "Groovin'", it's clear that Felix Cavaliere can't pronounce the "ing" sound! I imagine you'll also recognize a few by The Cowsills.

SAT 7/26

10pm
Take You Higher
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Normally tribute bands don't make the list, since most tend to copy their musical source. This is simply a bunch of killer musicians banded together to celebrate the awesome funk 'n soul of Sly and The Family Stone. Some of the The Family Stone have even jammed with Take You Higher...

SAT 7/26

9:30pm
The Mystix
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville
FREE

A kickass band of music vets playing bluesy-soulful-rootsy rock. And rock-y rock.

(Toast Lounge changed their name to Precinct, if you didn't know.)

SAT 7/26 and SUN 7/27

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.

It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. From what I can tell, it looks like the sets will be reinterpreted in a 40's style.

Free Shakespeare doesn't last forever -- the final shows are next week, Tuesday through Sunday...

FRI 7/25 to SUN 7/27

Various Times
Annual Lowell Folk Festival
at Various Spots in Downtown Lowell
FREE

FRI: 7pm to 10pm
SAT: Noon to 10pm
SUN: Noon to 10pm

There's more "folks from around the world" than "folk me, I'm a sensitive singer-songwriter"... This is a kaleidoscope of music played by various folks from around the country and the globe. There are performance areas throughout downtown Lowell where over 20 musical groups serve up dozens of musical flavors as well as other street entertainment.

As usual, there will be loads of food vendors with a wide variety of ethnic goodies; take a stroll around the festival to see & smell what you'll like. (I've heard that some people go mainly for the food.) Of course a 'family activities area' will be setup.

And the Revolving Museum will have workshops/activities for all ages.

The must-see is The Skatalites! They play each day, usually more than once. Bluesman Mighty Sam McClain is darn good too.

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

SUN 7/27

11am to 3pm
Davis Square Community Yard Sale
at Hodgkins Park, about 100 Holland St, Somerville (near Teele Sq)
FREE-ish


UPDATE: POSTPONED 'TIL SUN 8/3

If you buy stuff, it will benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

All are encouraged to bring stuff for fun in the park. Info is available on LiveJournal and Facebook.

SUN 7/27

9:30pm
Death Vessel, The Needy Visions, Meanings
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Exciting music in a mostly acoustic vein. Before Joel Thibodeau of Death Vessel was moved to Brooklyn, signed to Sub Pop or was a music blog darling, he grew up in Maine and Boston. He's going to do a solo set, but it should be really amazing. Apparently the high feminine vocals on the recordings are Joel. The Needy Visions have a joyfully ramshackle quality to them; I think it would be fun see them live. The fellow in Meanings sounds a bit like some other artist I love. I want to say Mark Eitzel/American Music Club, but there's plenty to enjoy without making a comparison.

SUN 7/27

9:30pm
Icy Demons, Pretty & Nice, Paparazzi
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

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

MON 7/28

10pm
Cocked 'N Loaded, The Throwaways, Mantra
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

Charlie's Kitchen is pretty damn cool bar with a great jukebox, but they might be close to jumping the shark after being mentioned in Esquire and opening a beer garden. Nah, I still love it there! Not aware of Mantra, but Cocked 'N Loaded rawk out just as you'd suppose a band with that name would. The Throwaways did the "fast and loud" quite well when I saw them, although I think they've changed singers since then.

MON 7/28

9pm
"Ice Cream Art Project": Party
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Gotta love Milky Way Lounge. Bowling and pool are already free on Mondays. Still they have fun things going on like a party that celebrates anthropomorphic ice cream art. The premise these are
depictions of actual living things. Hey, I don't believe in Santa Claus either.

Look at the pictures... Draw your own... Watch others draw... Imbibe... Repeat... There's manic synth-rock from Thunderhole and ambient washes from Main Fader.

MON 7/28 (to SUN 8/3)

7pm
Roxbury Film Festival Presents: "Pray The Devil Back To Hell"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10 / $8 students

This documentary about how a women's movement brought change to Liberia is supposed to be quite powerful. Many other films you might not see are screening at various locations of the next week as part of the Roxbury Film Festival. Most programs are $10 or under except for screenings at the MFA ($12). Some of the guests at the festival include: Robert Townsend, Charles Burnett, Ruby Dee, Sheryl Lee Ralph.

The pre-festival screening of the RFF takes place in Brookline, but don't dwell on that. It's one of those things that might make your head explode...

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

TUES 7/29

7pm to 10pm
"Sting 2"
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I'm pretty sure the first event in this series was called "Beehive-Art-Scope 1", but "Sting" has a more thematic ring. Kudos, Beehive. Since they are nestled into the Boston Center for the Arts,
it's good to see this place get more cultural than just interesting decor, good food, and expensive drinks. Artwork will be displayed by many artists as well as some live artist performances by Sarah Slifer and Jessica Gath. Some live reggae (thought I found a link for "Island Allstars" before, but...) and jazz by Phil Grenadier & Jerry Bergonzi will keep things in the mood for artsy socializing.

TUES 7/29

9pm to 1am
Bootie Boston #5
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & MIT)
FREE / 21+

Yes, take two cool songs and put them together in a crazy-techno-techie marriage. Hell, why settle for two songs? Make it 3 or 4... There's a chance that dj BC & Lenlow might play "Break Teen Spirit" (Britney Spears vs. Nirvana vs. Madonna vs. Justin Timberlake vs. Usher)! It might even be on the free CD that is given to the first 50 people. You will want to dance, I promise you.

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

WED 7/30

6pm to 7pm
Midsummer Nights' Science Lecture: "A Race Against Resistance"
at Broad Institute, Room 1154, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP

It seems like bacteria is getting smarter and tougher to treat. But it doesn't just seem that way, it's really happening! There is hope, and you can hear about it without a lot of scientific know-how that you slept through. Dr. Deb Hung, MD, PhD will talk about research they are doing right there in Cambridge, Mass.

You do have to register to attend.

WED 7/ 30

9:30pm, 10:30pm, 11:30pm
Preacher Jack
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE (but drop a little something in the basket) / 21+

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

THUR 7/31

9:30pm
King Khan and the Shrines, Live Fast Die, Colour Revolt
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

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

FRI 8/1

1pm
Tracy Bonham
at First Act Guitar Studio, 745 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

FRI 8/1

Midnight
"Rock Band" Competition
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
$7.75 advance / $9.75/door

Special offer: If you signup your complete band (four players) in advance for the Battle of the Bands on the Big Screen you can receive a 50% discount. To reserve a space for the special offer, email with the name of your band and its members. You will receive confirmation of entry.
FRI 8/1

9pm
Nerd Nite w/ Wounded by Lazors, Cityscapes
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$3

Josh Cook, "How To Read Ulysses" (9:15pm); John Fennel, "Can Psychologists Pick out the Pervert? Inherent Overreaching in Sexually Dangerous Person Hearings" (10pm); Brian Cawrse, "A Trip Through North America's Hallucinogenic Houseplants" (10:45pm); Wounded by Lazors (11:30pm); Cityscapes (12:30pm)

FRI 8/1 to SUN 8/3

Various Times
Shakespeare in the Square Festival
at Winthrop Park, corner of JFK St & Mount Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

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

Links of the Week:

See the winner of the Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach, because there's no chance the storms didn't wash them away

The Major Labels are Bleu, Mike Viola (Candy Butchers), and Ducky Carlisle. You can download the whole album for free (refer 3 friends, it was pretty innocuous) or pay-what-you-like. Pure awesomeness for your ears!

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

Quote of the Week:

"There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for."

-- Mohandas Gandhi

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

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Friday, July 25, 2008

Sneak Peek: FRI 7/25 to SUN 7/27

Varietae at Midway Cafe, 7/25
Yeah, so I slept too much last night (and there was unabashed debauchery on Wednesday night)...

More to come!

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FRI 7/25

8pm
"Grub Gone... Guilty"
at Grub Street, 160 Boylston, 4th floor, Boston (Boston Common)
$8 advance / $10 door

Readings and food and booze and more fun.

It looks like you could still buy advance tickets (via PayPal).

FRI 7/25

10:30pm
Varietae's Vice V'ersatile hosts: "A Midsummer Night's Wet Dream"
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10

It's going to be weird, wild, kinky show that is definitely not for those with a heart condition and/or conservative values...

Performers include: Lord Byron, PV-Scene, Machete, Goldie Peacock, Ximon, Erin Harpe, Katya, maybe more.

FRI 7/25

10:30pm
The Toothaches
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

Not so bubblegum pop that you'll get a toothache, but big scoops of powerpop goodness is here.

FRI 7/25

9pm
The Orange Ocean, Deer Tick, 28 Degrees Taurus
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 / 21+

FRI 7/25

9:30pm
Joy, Keys to the Streets of Fear, Milo Jones, Forsythe
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

FRI 7/25

10pm
Ukulele Noir
Feat: Craig Robertson, Tim Mann, Ian Schwartz, Tripping Lily, Robert Wheeler
at CastleBar, 575 Washington St, Brighton (Oak Sq)
$7

Ukulele music is all kinds of music played with a uke (sometimes with other accompaniment). Our local uke-sters are pretty witty too.

FRI 7/25 to SUN 7/27

Various Times
Annual Lowell Folk Festival
at Various Spots in Downtown Lowell
FREE

FRI: 7pm to 10pm
SAT: Noon to 10pm
SUN: Noon to 10pm

There's more "folks from around the world" than "folk me, I'm a sensitive singer-songwriter"... This is a kaleidoscope of music played by various folks from around the country and the globe. There are performance areas throughout downtown Lowell where over 20 musical groups serve up dozens of musical flavors as well as other street entertainment.

As usual, there will be loads of food vendors with a wide variety of ethnic goodies; take a stroll around the festival to see & smell what you'll like. (I've heard that some people go mainly for the food.) Of course a 'family activities area' will be setup.

And the Revolving Museum will have workshops/activities for all ages.

The must-see is The Skatalites! They play each day, usually more than once. Bluesman Mighty Sam McClain is darn good too.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAT 7/26

10am to Midnight
Papercut Zine Library Movie Marathon Benefit
"The Fight 'N Fright Superhero Smackdown"
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge
$5-ish

That is not a typo -- it's 14 hours of "Superheroes vs. Monsters and Monster-Heroes". It's probably going to be sunny tomorrow, but you can pretend it's a rainy day and watch day and night of campy action movies and cartoons. I haven't researched each flick yet, but here's the info from the P.Z.L.

10am: The Hulk (Rare '60s & '80s cartoons)
11am: The Herculoids (Rare '60s monster action cartoons)
Noon: Sentai "Smackdown" Collection (Japanese Superheroes)
2pm: Superargo vs. The Faceless Giants
3:30pm: Supersonic Man
5pm: Super Inframan
Rock'em, Sock'em '60s Sci-Fi Frankensteins
6:30pm: Frankenstein Jr. (Forgotten 60s Robot Superhero)
7:30pm: Frankenstein Meets The Space Monster
9pm: Frankenstein Conquers The World ("Ultimate Uncut" version)
10:30pm: War Of The Gargantuas / Frankenstein's Monster: Sanda Vs. Guira (direct sequel of "Frankenstein C.T.W.")
Papercut Zine Library is a free lending library of 'zines and other independent media. I think it's the "free" that necessitates the occasional benefit to offset expenses. The free sharing of information and culture is something we can all support, so burn out your retinas for worthy cause. I bet there will be "free-trade popcorn" -- or stuff like that -- for sale. (Remember to just go in next time you're passing by.)

SAT 7/26

7pm to 9:30pm
Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, The Cowsills
at the Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

With songs like "Good Lovin'" and "Groovin'", it's clear that Felix Cavaliere can't pronounce the "ing" sound! I imagine you'll also recognize a few by The Cowsills.

SAT 7/26

10pm
Take You Higher
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The awesome funk 'n soul of Sly and The Family Stone is celebrated.

SAT 7/26

9:30pm
The Mystix
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville
FREE

A kickass band of music vets playing bluesy-soulful-rootsy rock. And rock-y rock.

(Toast Lounge changed their name to Precinct, if you didn't know.)

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

SUN 7/27

11am to 3pm
Davis Square Community Yard Sale
at Hodgkins Park, about 100 Holland St, Somerville (near Teele Sq)
FREE-ish


UPDATE: POSTPONED 'TIL SUN 8/3

If you buy stuff, it will benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

All are encouraged to bring stuff for fun in the park. Info is available on LiveJournal and Facebook.

SUN 7/27

9:30pm
Death Vessel, The Needy Visions, Meanings
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Exciting music in a mostly acoustic vein.

SUN 7/27

9:30pm
Icy Demons, Pretty & Nice, Paparazzi
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

Quite a mixed line-up, but the music sounds good to me.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

FRI 7/25: "Secret Prize Inside!": Art Reception

Secret Prize Inside!, 7/25

6pm to 8pm
Dave McMahon & Chi-Yun Lau, "Secret Prize Inside!": Opening Reception
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

This gallery is only open during the opening reception -- but you can view the exhibit for the next month if you want to buy some art -- or if you have any business at the Weekly Dig office. It turns out that you'd walk through the artspace on your way to the workplace.

Supposedly the first major exhibition for both artists, they've done quite a bit on the local art scene. (e.g. Dave is involved with running Bazaar Bizarre and Magpie.) Their work is quite vivid and stimulating. You definitely won't need to try too hard to enjoy this stuff that might include "sad robots, angry mutant vegetables, humanized sushi, mechanical insects, alien ghosts, and a zombie roller derby".

Refreshments will be served, and it seems like the Dig staff are quite the boozers (in my limited experience of hanging with some). The artists and other cool people will be there. I might be there too. You might still ba able to RSVP to attend.

If you're wondering where it is, it's next to Medieval Manor.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

WED 7/23 & THUR 7/24: Movie, Music, Culture, Ice Cream

Breakfast Club/American Teen; I thought it was a remake when I first saw the poster.
I might try to update this before tomorrow. We'll see...

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WED 7/23

7:30pm
"American Teen"
Free Preview Screening

5:30pm
"The Breakfast Club"
$9.50

at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

Here's the deal: Those who watch the 5:30pm screening of "The Breakfast Club" will get into the "American Teen" screening. That's what you should do if you really want to get in. It's the perfect warm-up for the new documentary that probably falls somewhere between the 80's classic and reality television with humor and heart.

WED 7/23

7pm
Boston Landmarks Orchestra, "Gershwin and Gospel"
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

A "Night Of All-American Music"... featuring Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Excerpts from Porgy and Bess including "Summertime", and a handful of gospel songs with guest singers.

WED 7/23

Ed Harcourt (11pm), Jeff Klein (10pm), Boxborough (9:05pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

I really like Ed Harcourt's stuff. The clever songs are full of melody and intricate arrangements -- it's what I liked Rufus Wainwright before he got boringly self-indulgent.

WED 7/23

6:30pm
"Brazilian & Portuguese Culture in Somerville":
Presentation & Music w/ Andrea Allen, Receita de Samba, Folclorico Coraces Lusiadas
at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, Somerville
FREE

The first part might be TMI -- even for many Somervillians -- as anthropologist Andrea Allen has researched Brazilian and Portuguese culture in Somerville for a year to understand how the city can better serve these communities through the arts.

After the discussion, Receita de Samba will play samplings of early samba, bossa nova, and choro (described as traditional Brazilian improvisation music). A local dance group, Folclorico Coraces Lusiadas, will demonstrate some Portuguese dances.

(I bet some refreshments will be served...)

WED 7/23 thru SUN 7/27

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

Whoops! I forgot this begins on Tuesdays through Sunday...

The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.

It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. From what I can tell, it looks like the sets will be reinterpreted in a 1930's/40's style.

Also Playing: TUES 7/29 to SUN 8/3

WED 7/23 to SAT 7/26

7:30pm
"The Real Inspector Hound" w/ "Hidden in This Picture"
at Mary O’Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

There's more free open-air theatre!

English Performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

~En Espanol~ on Fridays and Sundays:
"El Verdadero Inspector Sabueso" con/ "Escondido En La Imagen"

Here is your reason to go to Chelsea: two one-act plays -- by Tom Stoppard and Aaron Sorkin. Both works are comedies in English and Spanish... Take the #111 bus for an adventure in free theatre -- and who knows what else -- on the other side of the Tobin.

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

THUR 7/24

5pm to 8pm
Neighborhood Nights
at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Hey -- if the weather is nice or not, the museum is amazing. This is the second of their annual trio of free summer night fun.

This week's theme is "Heritage Alive":

- Explore art from Egypt, China, Japan and Spain.
- Plant seeds in peat pots to take home. (Prob. for kids?)
- Listen to dancer and storyteller Tara Ahmed
- Groove to the world beat of Zili Misik
And really, go take a look at the current exhibit, "Luisa Rabbia: Travels with Isabella", that's inspired by Isabella's time in China.

THUR 7/24

7pm
"We Scream for Ice Cream"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I usually list their "Winedown" events, because I think this is a great bookstore in a easy T location. Don't go out of your way, but why not enjoy a enjoy a couple scoops of free ice cream (usually free glasses of wine)... I don't think author Sally Sampson ("Ice Cream: 52 Easy Recipes for Year-Round Frozen Treats") or Toscanini's founder Gus Rancatore (guess where the ice cream is from tonight) will speak for very long.

THUR 7/24

Killer Abs (12:10am), Sidewalk Driver (11:20pm), Pony (10:35pm), David Lee & His Mercenaries (9:45pm),
IZA (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

That's a whole lotta good rock, especially the last 3 bands of the night.

THUR 7/24

9:30pm
Serious Geniuses, Movers and Shakers, Get Bent
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE / 18+

Good free rock tahnks to the Weekly Dig.


THUR 7/24

I don't want too many people to go the Amstel Light party, but see below for something that needs an RSVP...

TUES 7/22: Three Free Gigs

Casey Desmond at Christopher Columbus Park, 7/22

Okay, I didn't give you the rest of the week in one big post, but I was busy losing the softball playoffs last night with my atrocious base running. Maybe later, we'll have the next few days up. Maybe.

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TUES 7/22

6pm
"Music in the Park": Casey Desmond, Ahmir
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Anything can happen -- or not happen -- but Casey Desmond has the pedigree that will one day make a free show in Columbus Park just another clip in her VH1 special. Her parents are the main force behind a legendary local art-rock group "The Bentmen" and also run a chain of rehearsal studios in the area. Casey has a beautiful voice and seems to have the songs and poise to connect with a lot people.

Ahmir sound very capable, and they're working hard to be successful. I just don't get excited by the pop-oriented R&B. I assume they'll perform for about 30-45 minutes; schedule your evening accordingly.

Update: There should be some free food (North End pizza, etc)...

TUES 7/22

6pm
Street Dogs
at Newbury Comics, 400 Franklin St, Braintree
FREE

I interviewed Mike McColgan of Street Dogs a few weeks ago, and he's a really cool guy. After high school, he joined the army and fought in the First Gulf War. He later co-founded the Dropkick Murphys as the original singer. After their first album, he decided to leave the band to join the Boston Fire Dept. (He never faked an injury to compete in a bodybuilding contest either!)

What started out as hanging out and playing music snowball into the Street Dogs. They're in town as one of the mainstage performers on the Warped Tour. I assume it won't be a full-volume affair, but I recommend stopping by if you're in the area for 30 minutes (or so) of Boston rock.

TUES 7/22

9pm
Preacher Jack (10:30pm), Ramblin' Souls (9pm)
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE (but drop a little something in the basket)

Everyone should experience Preacher Jack at least once in their life. It's rare that you can still hear a real, live gospel-fueled rockabilly/boogie-woogie man from the 50's. Okay, he plays in the Boston or Cambridge a few times per month, but there's not many like him anymore. And there's only one Preacher Jack! Bluesy rock 'n roll band The Ramblin' Souls will open up.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Sale @ Newbury Comics (Govt Center only)

Closing Sale, Govt Center storeThe graphic kinda says it all...

Get over to the Newbury Comics store at Government Center before the end of the month for savings on everything. A 30% discount on CD's & DVD's is pretty good, but a 50% savings on non-music merchandise is where it's at.

THUR 7/24: Psst... (free beer opportunity!)

free beer, 7/24
The Amstel Light will be flowing around Faneuil Hall on THUR 7/24. From 5pm to 8pm, expect to find drink specials and free shwag at these bars:

Bell In Hand, Green Dragon, Hennessy’s, Paddy O’s, The Point, Red Sky, The Tap, Purple Shamrock, Ned Devine’s
The Amstel Light "Beer Bike" will also be in the area. It looks like a mobile bar where the patrons pedal. (I wonder if this could be the solution of drinking and driving -- ride the bar to your home...?)

The best deal is --> this <-- from 8pm to midnight. When you RSVP, include your name and your guest's name.

MON 7/21: Xmas Free Flicks, Depression-era Arts, Acoustic Music Goodness

Jen Murdza, TT's, 7/21
It's going to be hot, and I think all of the places below have air conditioning -- or beer.

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MON 7/21 (and WED 7/23)

5:30pm
"Christmas in July & August"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

I made a mistake in earlier entries about the rest of July, because I didn't read the 2nd page of the PDF file. Stay cool most Mondays and Wednesdays in July and August on the city's dime for about 2-1/2 hours in the dark, air-conditioned Rabb Hall, downstairs at the Boston Public Library.

Tonight's program includes: a Disney short; a curious one from '56 called "How the Animals Discovered Christmas"; Bonanza dad and original Adm. Adama, Lorne Green, narrates a cartoon called "Little Brown Burro", and the feature-length movie is feel-good flick "Prancer".

On WED 7/23: "Charlie's Christmas Secret" (w/ a young Seth Green), a version of O. Henry's classic "Gift of the Magi", and my favorite Xmas movie "A Christmas Story".

MON 7/21

7pm
Susan Quinn,
"Furious Improvisations: How the WPA and a Cast of Thousands Made High Art Out of Desperate Times": Discussion & Screening
at Coolidge Corner Theatre,
$5

Author Susan Quinn looks at the WPA, a federal program that created jobs for millions of Americans in the '30s. Some of those jobs helped those in the Arts, for example some famous names associated with the Federal Theatre Project include Arthur Miller, Orson Welles, Elia Kazan, and John Houseman.

It seems Quinn will present some film footage from the 30's in her presentation tonight, and Howard Zinn will introduce the evening. This could be an interesting glimpse into the way Arts and the US government interacted a short time ago.

MON 7/21

Marc Pinansky (10:10pm), Brendan Boogie (9:20pm), Jen Murdza (8:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

Almost every Monday night, the "Other Side Of The Bear" acoustic music series hosts 3 performers for the low, low price of $3. Tonight's lineup is especially strong with Marc Pinansky of Rumble champs Township, Brendan Boogie formerly of Scamper, and soulful Jen Murdza.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Sunday Night Vide-O-bama! #2

Yes, I think before "60 Minutes" I'm going to post an Obama video every Sunday until the election -- or until I get tired of doing it...

Partisan? You betcha! But you watch and decide...

Once again, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show puts a non-story into perspective: the cover of New Yorker magazine.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

SAT 7/19 & SUN 7/20: Do Something!


There is still a lot of cheap fun this weekend. I hope you have a good time whatever you do! Send your positive vibrations as I'm DJ'ing someone's wedding tonight.

If you visited yesterday, think of this as "Sneak Peek, Mark II". Check again Sunday (hopefully) for the rest of week's fun. It will eventually be here...

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SAT 7/19
* ArtBeat Festival
* Sailing Open House
* Ultimate Harvard Scavenger Hunt
* "Labyrinth, The Lost Olympic Sport": Boston Training Event
* Field Trip #4 w/ Ryan Walsh, Brian S. Ellis, The Rex Complex
* Robert Randolph, Melvin Sparks
* King Wilkie
* Three Day Threshold, Summer Villains
* Annual Italia Unita Festival -- to SUN 7/20
* Annual Betances Festival -- to SUN 7/20
* "As You Like It": Free Shakespeare -- to SUN 7/20
* "The Real Inspector Hound" w/ "Hidden in This Picture" -- to SUN 7/20
* Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival -- and SUN 7/20

SUN 7/20
* "Understanding Argentine Tango II": Final Concert
* Gospel Fest
* "Discovering Spectacle Island"

--------------------------------------------------------------

SAT 7/19

11:30am to 6pm
ArtBeat Festival 2008
at Various places around Davis Square, Somerville
$3 donation suggested

Davis Square is already a cool spot to hang out on any weekend. A wonderful culture bomb of music, art, dance, food, crafts, etc. hits this weekend. Since the theme is "Green" (not exactly a fresh idea but still will be a good time), all will feel slightly more friendly to the environment.

Today is full-on arts festival with streets closed for exhibits, performance stages, activity areas, and food/craft vendors. Check out the odd bikes of the "Different Spokes" exhibit like the "fish bike". Decorate your own bike & helmet. Walk or ride in the "Green Brigade Parade" at 5:15pm.

Use the Bike Valet, so don't have to irritate everyone by walking your bike through the crowds! Jeez!

Bands I'd be interested in:

12:30pm: Knuckledusters -- Elm Street Stage
2pm: Sneaks -- Seven Hills Park
2:30pm: Audrey Ryan -- Elm Street Stage
4:30pm: Shrinking Islands -- Elm Street Stage
5pm: Township -- Seven Hills Park

SAT 7/19

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

People are practically begging you to get on the water! 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. This is the final open house event of the season.

SAT 7 /19

2pm to 4pm-ish
Ultimate Harvard Scavenger Hunt
meet at the John Bridge statue, about 1546 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Cambridge Common)
$10 suggested donation

This is a fundraiser for the 11:11 Theatre Co., so you could have a good time and possibly win prizes including a pair of Sox tickets for first place. Teams of two solve puzzles and explore a well-traveled patch of Cambridge. There is more info including a puzzle sample at the link.

SAT 7/19

3pm
"Labyrinth, The Lost Olympic Sport": Boston Training Event
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE

The way I understand it, a blindfolded person is guided along a chalked-out maze by a group of other people who create a moving stretch of "tunnel". It looks a bit disorienting and geeky, but it could be a lot of fun.

SAT 7 /19

4pm to 6:30pm-ish
Field Trip #4
Feat: Ryan Walsh, Brian S. Ellis, The Rex Complex, and Special Mystery Guest
meet at the fountain, JFK park, about 968 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (Harvard Sq/Charles River)
FREE

I went on the first "Field Trip", and it was great. Listen to some music. Walk around. Feel hip in the mid-afternoon sun. Uber-talented Ryan Walsh is the singer from Hallelujah the Hills

SAT 7/19

Robert Randolph (5pm), Melvin Sparks (3:30pm)
at Boston Common, Boston (Charles St Side)
FREE

I get the feeling that the "Life Is Good" World's Greatest Backyard Athlete Festival may not be that exciting to watch and it's more than $10 to participate. It is worth the trip to see the amazing guitar prowess of gospel-influenced rocker Robert Randolph. Funky jazz guitarist Melvin Sparks is pretty damn good as well. In between, I believe is the "finals" of the Backyard Athlete competition.

SAT 7/19

7:30pm
King Wilkie
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

A band that started out as bluegrass phenoms a few years ago have broadened their sound and slowed the tempos into something in a country-rock/Amerciana vein.

SAT 7/19

9:30pm
Three Day Threshold, Summer Villains
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Three Day Threshold went on a USO tour to Central America at the beginning of the month, so they're heroes in their own way. Salute them or just enjoy the beer selection while the alt-country is washing over you. Summer Villains will do a set before TDT takes the rest of the night.

SAT 7/19 and SUN 7/20

Various Times
Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival
at Revere Beach, Revere
FREE

They've been working on their giant sand works all week. Should be pretty cool addition to a day at the beach. There's a fireworks display around 8pm on Saturday. Throw in a fried clam plate from Kelly's, and life will seem beautiful and carefree.

SAT 7/19 to SUN 7/20

3pm to 11pm
Annual Italia Unita Festival
at 1 Bennington St, East Boston (Central Sq, couple blocks north of Maveriick T station)
FREE

On my first trip to Eastie's Italian festival, I had a terrific time. The vibe was similar to a North End street festa, but it had more room -- and there were little touches that made it feel like a neighborhood party. They still have more room than the North End, but it felt like any other Italian festival when I visited last year. Besides the usual food, carnival games, and C-level entertainment, they have some so-so kiddie rides.

Worth the T trip? Sure, if you wanted to go to an Italian street festa this weekend.

SAT 7/19 to SUN 7/20

Various Times
Annual Betances Festival
at Villa Victoria:
Plaza Betances, 100 W. Dedham St, Boston (South End)
O'Day Park, 85 W. Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Saturday: 3pm to 9pm
Sunday: 2:30pm to 8pm

Get a taste of Puerto Rican and Latino culture at the oldest & biggest Latin American festival in New England (named after the 19th-century Puerto Rican humanitarian, Dr. Ramon Betances). There will be 'mucho' pan-Latin American entertainment: music, dancing, arts, crafts, food, and a grease pole contest!

On Friday, the music will be traditional old-school folk music of Puerto Rico (Jibaro) and a Bolero band. Saturday is 'International Day' with sounds & styles from all over Latin America, and Venezuelan jazz flautist Huascar Barradas (6:15pm) should be a highlight. On Sunday, you'll hear various genres of Puerto Rican music. Although he's in his fifties now, headliner Ismael Miranda (6:30pm) was supposedly known as the "Pretty Boy of Salsa".

The Greased Pole Contest (aka Palo Encebao) happens from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at O'Day Park. You wouldn't think that a bunch of guys clamoring over a big greasy pole in the South End could be eventful, but it is exciting to watch... This annual highlight is definitely a sight to see at least once in your life.

I'm usually not hungry enough to try more than one meal, all of the food looked and smelled delicious.

FRI 7/18 thru SUN 8/3

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.

It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. From what I can tell, it looks like the sets will be reinterpreted in a 1930's/40's style.

Also Playing:
TUES 7/22 to SUN 7/27
TUES 7/29 to SUN 8/3

7:30pm
"The Real Inspector Hound" w/ "Hidden in This Picture"
at Mary O’Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

There's more free open-air theatre!

English Performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

~En Espanol~ on Fridays and Sundays:
"El Verdadero Inspector Sabueso" con/ "Escondido En La Imagen"

Here is your reason to go to Chelsea: two one-act plays -- by Tom Stoppard and Aaron Sorkin. Both works are comedies in English and Spanish... Take the #111 bus for an adventure in free theatre -- and who knows what else -- on the other side of the Tobin.

Four more performances next week: WED 7/23 to SAT 7/26.

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

SUN 7/20

2pm
"Understanding Argentine Tango II": Final Concert
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

A bunch of musicians become a tango ensemble after four days of study and rehearsal that culminates in this concert.


I heard from Bernardo Monk, and this show is unfortunately canceled.

SUN 7/20

4pm to 8pm
Gospel Fest w/ Israel Houghton & New Breed, LeRoy Streat w/ Grace, Major Choir Boy
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Holy moley, this is a lot of gospel music at one time!

SUN 7/20

1pm and 3pm
Christopher Klein, "Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City's Hidden Shores"
at Visitor Center, Spectacle Island (Boston Harbor)
$14

If you didn't get on Saturday's free trip, it's only slightly more than $10 to spend Sunday out there and learn more about the Harbor Islands from author Christopher Klein. You could just walk around, relax, picnic, whatever. There will be some live music too.

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Links of the Week:

Take all the pieces of your web presence and meld it together in a easy-to-read interface.

I consider it fulfillment of my community service to point you to this site of volunteer opportunities.

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Quote of the Week:

"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world."

-- Ada Louise Huxtable

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th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Friday, July 18, 2008

Sneak Peek -- Mark I

Smuttynose IPA

I'd like to thank everyone at Smuttynose Brewing Company for getting home late last night and falling asleep on the futon before doing my CTB stuff.

Here's something... There is SO MUCH cheap fun out there this weekend! I have to put some of this out.

Also look into Super 400 at Tommy Doyle's (Harvard Sq) tonight. It'll be the best $2 you can spend. (Unless you can find a $2 Smuttynose...)

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FRI 7/18

6:30pm
Anita Coelho - Afro-Heritage Project
at Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center Courtyard, 41 Second St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

I'm pretty sure that I saw Coehlo perform in the CMAC courtyard last year, and it was an enjoyable set of Latin jazz. There was some gentle prodding for crowd participation, but it's a low-pressure atmosphere -- so go ahead and clap/dance...

A nice start to the night.

Part of East Cambridge's Boom Town Festival.

FRI 7/18

6pm
Informal Grammar Girl Gathering
at Tavern in the Square, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge
FREE

If you're a fan of "Grammar Girl", you might already be aware of this. She seems way more popular than I am. (Oprah likes her!?) Perhaps it's time to take your talk of dangling participles out of the chat room and get it into the bar room to see how the participles dangle IRL.

Mignon says, "Let's just hang out, take pictures, and talk about grammar."

FRI 7/18 and SAT 7/19

Various Times
ArtBeat Festival 2008
at Various places around Davis Square, Somerville
$3 donation suggested

Friday: 6pm to 10pm
Saturday: 11:30am to 6pm

The theme is "Green"

Some musical highlights should be: Freezepop, Akrobatik, Township, Audrey Ryan, Shrinking Islands.

FRI 7/18 to SUN 7/20

Various Times
Annual Italia Unita Festival
at 1 Bennington St, East Boston (Central Sq, couple blocks north of Maveriick T station)
FREE

Friday: 6pm to 11pm
Saturday & Sunday: 3pm to 11pm

FRI 7/18 to SUN 7/20

Various Times
Annual Betances Festival
at Villa Victoria:
Plaza Betances, 100 W. Dedham St, Boston (South End)
O'Day Park, 85 W. Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Friday: 6:30pm to 9pm
Saturday: 3pm to 9pm
Sunday: 2:30pm to 8pm

The greased pole competition was really fun to watch.

FRI 7/18 thru SUN 8/3

8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE

Also Playing:
TUES 7/22 to SUN 7/27
TUES 7/29 to SUN 8/3

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SAT 7/19

10am to 1pm
"Back to the Beaches" at Spectacle Island
Meet at Gate C (Mass Bay Lines), Rowes Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE w/ Luck

The boat is full, but you could show up to see if there are no-shows...

Spectacle Island is a 120-acre landfill island with beaches, a visitor center, and 5 miles of walking paths. Walk around with the guide or chill out & and enjoy the view. The ferry starts boarding at 12:30pm.

SAT 7/19

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

This is the last open house of the season to try a free 'round-the-harbor sailboat trip.

SAT 7/19

3pm
"Labyrinth": Ancient Olympic Sport Training
at Boston Common, Boston
FREE

Details will supposedly be added to the Upcoming page.

SAT 7/19 and SUN 7/20

Various Times
Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival
at Revere Beach, Revere
FREE

They'll start working early in the week and should be done by Friday. (Normally lit for night viewing.)

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