Monday, August 31, 2009

MON 8/31: Cupcakes & Rock


What can I say Boston? Cheap fun was found on the other side of the river tonight.

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MON 8/31

5pm to 7pm
Cupcake Tastings
at Kickass Cupcakes, 378 Highland Ave, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

In the mood for cupcakes?

Just off the epicenter of Davis Sq, there are a smattering of cool stores that offer delicious wares of high quality. Many people deservedly rave about Dave's Fresh Pasta (and other goodies) on Holland St.

In the other direction on Highland Ave -- just a little past the comics shop, the hipster gift stores, and the spot where gaming geeks can get supplies -- Kickass Cupcakes makes a wild variety of flavors of the personal-size cakes.

If you're in the area, you should try a mini-cupcake or two. The taste and presentation are excellent, so you'll probably want to take some home with you. They're not cheap, but you've had some for free so average out the cost with the amount in your belly.

The tastings on the last Mondays of the month could be anything like Cinnamon Chai Pecan Sticky, The Mojito, Cinna Punk, etc...

MON 8/31

9pm
Piles, Nassy, Bacchus King, Quoins
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

If there's going to be progressive rock, I prefer when it's half-metal/half-jazz like Piles. Every now and then, they crank up the noise for mini-bursts of cool atonality. I guess this falls under math-rock, which normally leaves me cold but these bands keep me listening for the most part.

Nassy have a new CD that meshes angular tunes with a poppish, indie-rock sensibility. Bacchus King makes me think of rock that's made in the desert by a bunch of stoners, and that gets a big thumbs up from me. From a YouTube clip I saw, Quoins put clever songs together.

MON 8/31

10pm
Viva Viva, Animal Hospital, Royalty in Exile
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

When I first heard Viva Viva, they seemed to chug along like a more straightforward rock locomotive. It seems like they've taken a turn towards a lo-fi, rootsy indie-rock vibe. The intensity is still there, and the stage presence is as strong as you'd expect from guys who've led a bunch of excellent bands such as The Lot Six, Officer May, The Beat Awfuls, etc.

After listening to Animal Hospital several times, I'm not sure if the artist has become more accessible or whether I'm listening more closely. It may be a combination of the two, but the whisper level of ambient layers are louder as the one-man music machine carefully builds songs surround by drums, guitar, and a menagerie of effects. Worth a few listens...

I didn't find any samples of Royalty In Exile, but it seems like a group of talented folks gathered to make musical merriment.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

8/30: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Let's take the torture debate to a ridiculous level for the sake of incisive satire.

The video wouldn't cooperate when I tried to resize it, but...

Is Using A Minotaur To Gore Detainees A Form Of Torture?

Saturday, August 29, 2009

SUN 8/30: Bloodshot Beer-B-Q


4pm
Bloodshot Records Beer-B-Q
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 18+

Feat: Bobby Bare Jr, Graham Parker, Charlie Pickett, Ha Ha Tonka, Dead String Brothers, Justin Townes Earle

There may not be a better way to spend your Sunday afternoon. As much as it is an effort to hear the artists of Bloodshot Records, it's also simply a chance to hear so many good bands. (Most of the music has a bit of twang.)

If it was only Graham Parker, it'd be worth more than $5. I didn't confirm it, but the surprise artist is probably Justin Townes Earle (Steve's son, btw). He's on Bloodshot, and he's done other Beer-B-Q's in various cities.

Doors at 4pm, music starts around 5pm. Free food for the first 150 people.

Free sampler CDs, while supplies last.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Sneak Peek -- SAT 8/29


Yep, yep, yep...

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SAT 8/29

Noon to 7pm
Boston Caribbean Carnival Parade
from MLK Blvd & Warren St to Franklin Park, Dorchester (Seaver St / Blue Hill Ave side)
FREE

...what to expect: "streams of vividly costumed, scantily clad masqueraders shaking their booties to DJs and steel-drum bands playing soca and calypso plus some spooge, reggae, salsa, and zouk"
The parade at the beginning is the highlight.

SAT 8/29

1pm to 4pm
"Powderhouse Camera Obscura"
at Nathan Tufts Park, Broadway & College Ave Rotary, Somerville (Powderhouse Sq)
FREE

Local artist Annie Smidt is temporarily turning the Powder House into a "camera obscura" and she'll take digital photos to record the images. If you want to be a part of the art project -- or have a love of optics -- just walk in front of the window and make a funny pose.

SAT 8/29

4pm to 7pm
"Big Fat Whale" & "Keef Knight": Slideshow, Book Signing, Etc.
at The Burren, Back Room, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)

FREE

The "Big Fat Whale" comic is one of the consistent reasons to pick up The Phoenix every week (along with several other comics, the articles, and the event listings). Brian McFadden has compiled a "best-of" book called, "Fun Stuff for Dum-Dums". It's quite a funny mix of topics.

After looking at a few of the archives, the format is usually a group of fictitious/ridiculous ideas, objects, or people types in 9 panels or less. Every one isn't a masterpiece, but there's always one item that makes me laugh.

Malden native Keith Knight is an extra treat. I'm not sure if any local publication currently carries his comic, but his mainly autobiographical comics are often hilarious with a few touching episodes here and there.

There will be sales and signings before and after the 5pm presentation.

SAT 8/29

8:30pm
One Night Band
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

Boston Band Crush presents a big ol' musician swapping rock-fest.

It's a pretty crazy musical experiment that they're putting together -- Take 40 musicians, split them into 8 new bands, and give them 12 hours to put 3 originals and 1 cover together. I wrote a little more below. (Or you can read all the stuff on Boston Band Crush...)

SAT 8/29

9pm to 1am
Project Mum: "Space: The Final Frontier"
Under the McGrath Highway, about 150 Medford St, Somerville (outside Union Sq)
$10 suggested donation

This is the best night of the year to dance under the McGrath Highway... because other people will also be dancing.

They transform the dance area every year with decor and video projections. Unfortunately I was stone sober when I showed up, so it was difficult to get into the dance mood. Otherwise it's a cool open-air dance party with musical turns to space you out by DJ Flack, Wayne and Wax, Axel Foley, and DJ Pace.

There's also a "Space Costume Contest", so think about dressing up...

SAT 8/29

9pm
Girls, Guns & Glory, The Dejas, Trucker Mouth
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$8 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

I'm guessing the more quiet Dejas will go on before the Southern-rock fans Trucker Mouth and alt-country Rumble winners Girls, Guns & Glory.

SAT 8/29

9:30pm
The Rex Complex, Monique Ortiz, Railbird
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 / 21+

Wow, this is going be an intense night of moody, atmospheric music. The Rex Complex have a new CD out, and a dark basement is a really good place to listen to it. Too bad it couldn't be smoky too.

Monique Ortiz is going to be joined by second bassist Steve Breman and drummer R.L. Hulsman for her brand of low-rock stomp.

SAT 8/29: "One Night Band" (or 8 Bands)


I was in the middle of whipping up a Saturday preview post when I wrote too much about this show. More to come...

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8:30pm
One Night Band
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

I have nothing but respect and admiration for the folks at Boston Band Crush. They have a very impressive site with lots of detailed posts about the local music scene, but they may be insane.

It's a pretty crazy musical experiment that they're putting together -- Take 40 musicians, split them into 8 new bands, and give them 12 hours to put 3 originals and 1 cover together.

On the bright side, BBC has gathered some of the most solid musicians in town. It's so hard to resolve my desires to be comprehensive and succinct. Listing everyone isn't helpful, and some of these people have been in dozens of bands. These are some of the bands that represented:

Aloud, The Lights Out, Diamond Mines, MeandJoanCollins, Apple Betty, Girls Guns and Glory, Ad Frank, The Fatal Flaw, The Rudds, Logan 5 & The Runners, Muy Cansado, Count Zero, Static of the Gods, The New Alibis, The SnowLeopards, St. Helena, Campaign for Real-Time, The New Collisions, Sidewalk Driver, The Motion Sick, Brendan Boogie, and mandolin master Jimmy Ryan
It should be lots of fresh flavors as if you're making a suicide soda of Boston rock. There's bound to be many levels of success and failure.

I think the flops may end up being the most interesting sets. There may even be some friendly competition as someone (jokingly?) told The Phoenix they hope to see some tough times for the guys from The Luxury.

You can even buy discounted advance tickets with no fee via PayPal.

Proceeds benefit Zumix, a youth music program based in Eastie. A Zumix band is opening the night at 8:30pm, followed by mad-musical-scientist monsters of rock.

I predict that one of these bands will stick together!

FRI 8/28: Art, Film, Music, Comedy

Annual Viva La Vinal Festival, today and tomorrowIt seems like most Fridays have a good array of cheap art, film, music, and comedy options. If one had the time, motivation, and a T pass; you could hit several events for 10 measly dollars -- or less!

(Due to a combo of technical difficulties and time-management issues, there's a 50-50 chance of getting more today...)

Update: Hey BU students, did you hear about the textbook company that's offering free late night sausage? You probably haven't even gone to a frat party this semester...

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FRI 8/28

10am to 9:45pm
Free Community Day
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

It's a long free day at the MFA!

There some really good exhibits currently: "Viva Mexico: Edward Weston & His Contemporaries", "Contemporary Outlook: Seeing Songs", "A New and Native Beauty: The Art and Craft of Greene and Greene"

If you're 21+, there's a cash bar and DJ to mix 'n mingle in the courtyard after 5:30pm.

FRI 8/28 (& SAT 8/29)

4pm to 10pm
Viva la Vinal Festival
at The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE, donations appreciated / All Ages

If you haven't been to The Growing Center, it's a lovely space of landscaped trees, bushes, flowers, vines, grass, and stone -- a good place to chill to music only a short stroll from the center of Union Sq. This annual festival offers generally acoustic music in a variety of genres.

"People are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and spend the evening in this unique garden setting.

There will be a concession stand with affordable and healthy snacks and beverages, with all proceeds going to the artists and the Growing Center."

Schedule:

FRI 8/28

4pm -- Charlie Hope (children's music)
5pm -- David Wax Museum
5:45pm -- Abbie Barret
6:30pm -- Akshara Percussion Ensemble
7:15pm -- Dan Blakeslee
8pm -- The Accident That led Me to the World
8:45pm -- Jennifer Greer
SAT 8/29
4pm -- Julie Dougherty
4:45pm -- Chuck Muldoon
5:45pm -- Rakiya
6:30pm -- Audrey Ryan
7:15pm -- Danielle Miraglia
8pm -- Seymour
8:45pm -- The Points North
FRI 8/28

6pm to 8pm
Opening Reception
Scott Murry, "Dirty Duality"
Ellen Crenshaw, "Gramps & Scamps"
Amanda Atkins: "The Foxtrot Code"
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

You can probably still RSVP, but it's a casual start to the weekend with some art and a drink or two. The exhibits are interesting, so I've had a good time whenever I go.

FRI 8/28 (thru SUN 8/30)

6:30pm
"Fist Of Legend": Films at the Gate 2009
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

In "Fist of Legend", Jet Li steps into the shoes of Bruce Lee by playing the same character from "Fist of Fury". Everybody knows that Jet Li is a badass, right?

The film begins at 8pm. There will be a martial arts demonstration by the Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association at 6:30pm and a local short film "Five Minutes Flat" will be shown at 7:30pm.

The rest of the schedule is:
SAT 8/29 -- "Drunken Master"
SUN 8/30 -- "Shaolin Soccer", "American Chop Suey" (at 7:30pm)
You should check the site for details like pre-movie entertainment and the different location on Saturday.

All films are presented with the original Chinese audio and English subtitles. Seats are first-come, first-serve; but feel free to bring your own. And there are all sorts of Asian takeout food options in the neighborhood.

It's free, but the hat may be passed for a charity.

FRI 8/28

7pm
The Gas
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

"NSFW Video Showcase"
Feat: videos from Jenny Zigrino, Jeff Ledellaytner, TLG Media, Anderson Comedy as well as live comedy from Shane Webb

FRI 8/28

Sunset (about 8pm)
Friday Flicks: "Iron Man"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

"Iron Man" the movie was faithful to the spirit of the comic book, and Robert Downey Jr. nailed it as usual. It would've been the best comic-book of recent memory, if "The Dark Knight" hadn't come out.

FRI 8/28

9pm
Keep Me Conscious, Roman Traffic, The Vital Might, The States
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

A couple local bands are traded in their old names: Keep Me Conscious was formerly known as Cherry S/T. Roman Traffic was fka Gravehaven. I recall Cherry S/T headlining nights at Harpers Ferry; I guess it was time for a "rebranding", but the band is still a bit too "emo" for my taste. Who knows about Roman Traffic/Gravehaven who lean toward progressive-rock.

The Vital Might and The States get my rocking thumb up. Give a listen, and you might dig them.

FRI 8/28

The Gentlemen (Midnight), Watts (11pm), Phil Aiken Army (10pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

This could be the best show of the night. The Gentlemen are celebrating 10 years of sheer musical awesomeness when Mike Gent of the brilliant Figgs corralled most of Boston's rockalicious Gravel Pit into this new project. They haven't played a gig in about a year, so it would be a special gig. On top of that, they may play their first CD "Ladies and Gentlemen..." in its entirety -- which wouldn't be a bad blueprint for any band that want to make vital, visceral power-pop/rock.

Watts and Phil Aiken Army are both excellent bands. This has a "Cheap Thrills seal of good times"!

FRI 8/28

10:30pm
Barrence Whitfield & The Monkey Hips
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

It's amazing that Barrence Whitfield deigns to play these tiny gigs when he returns to Boston. He is something like a missing musical link that skipped from Little Richard directly to the Boston rock scene of the '80s. With his mighty soulful singing, he should be in the pantheon of rock/r&b singers. The Monkey Hips are a squad of rockin' dudes including a sax player.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

THUR 8/27: Kung-Fu Film, Rock, Etc


Today's good news is that it's almost Friday!

Hey, isn't it great to hear the Remdawg back on Red Sox broadcasts?

If you didn't go to the Ice Cream Block Party on Saturday, I posted some thoughts and pix at Bostonist. (May post something a bit more casual here.)

Update: Anything that's going to make the "Friday list" is on the Calendar.

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THUR 8/27 (thru SUN 8/30)

8pm
Films at the Gate 2009: "A Chinese Ghost Story"
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

You can't go wrong with any night of this annual outdoor film series of kung-fu movies. It's not surprising since the person who picks the films was a at now-shuttered, and she knows her movies.

Sadly there are the theatres in Chinatown closed about 20 years ago.. When life gives you lemons, sometimes you can make a lemon-chicken entree... The "Films at the Gate" series returns with 4 more awesome examples of kung-fu cinema

I could assure you all of these are top-notch examples from "thoroughly entertaining" to "entertaining sublime", but the curator is a kung-fu movie maven and used to be a projectionist at a couple of those Chinatown moviehouses.

Tonight's feature is apparently a classic about a guy who falls in love with a ghost, so there are elements of horror and comedy besides some incredible fight scenes. (Yes, there is some sword-fighting while flying around in trees -- and more.) Some monster effects are cheesy, and some are supposed to be really amazing.

All films are presented with the original Chinese audio and English subtitles.

Seats are first-come, first-serve; but feel free to bring your own. And there are all sorts of Asian takeout food options in the neighborhood.

The rest of the schedule is:

FRI 8/28 -- "Fist Of Legend"
SAT 8/29 -- "Drunken Master"
SUN 8/30 -- "Shaolin Soccer", "American Chop Suey" (at 7:30pm)
You should check the site for details like pre-movie entertainment and the different location on Saturday.

It's free, but the hat may be passed for a charity.

THUR 8/27

9:30pm
The Macrotones, The Highway, Kuuluuko, Jill & the Peacocks
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 21+

This isn't your usual night at the Cantab. Most of the downstairs shows are teeming with garage/punk, but tonight's show is anchored by The Macrotones (who claim they're playing at 10:30pm).

One of the sounds that seems to be gaining traction is funky instrumental music loads of horns and percussion like Budos Band or Antibalas. The Macrotones are right in the thick of it by rolling out tasty grooves that brushes up to jazz and Afro-beat.

Also on the bill are The Highway, some guys from Venezuela who've move to Boston and play easygoing, slightly-psych, country-rock. Kuuluuko is a blues-rock duo that seem more rock-edged than The Black Keys for comparison. I assume the jazzy singer-songwriterly Jill and the Peacocks will open up.

(I've been assured this is the correct lineup despite what the Club Bohemia site may say.)

THUR 8/27

9pm
The Lights Out (Midnight), The Future Everybody (11pm), Gene Dante & The Future Starlets (10pm), Golden Bloom (9pm)
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

If you go tonight, don't be late! When Golden Bloom's Shawn Fogel opened a show last year, I missed his set and didn't think too much about him even though I liked the recordings. It would've been nice to keep tabs, because the his Golden Bloom album is pure power-pop gold! Truly excellent, catchy stuff. (Oh, and the drummer is probably the author of the best Nirvana biography out there.)

Gene Dante & the Future Starlets took some people by surprise at this year's Rock n' Roll Rumble, but he advanced to the finals with tight modern-glam tuneage and strong vocal chops honed in shows like "The Rocky Horror Show", "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", etc

It should be interesting to see the debut show of The Future Everybody since it includes a couple guys from fondly-missed pop-rockers Scamper. According to available resources they might sound pleasantly familiar to Scamper fans...

Those guys from The Lights Out are so clever for saying this is their last Boston show for the summer. Does that mean they're playing again next month...? Without a doubt they will rock you, rock you! Lean, mean songs overflowing with hooks are delivered with fuzzy, thumping sweetness. You might even leave the club buzzing with energy...

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

WED 8/26: Music & Vodka


Now that Teddy is gone, it feels like the end of an era. One of the historic Senators will belly up to the "big country club lounge in the sky"...

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WED 8/26

9pm
Larcenist, Static of the Gods, The Shondes, Ian Adams
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Fantastic local music blog Ryan's Smashing Life has put together another smashingly fine lineup of bands. As usual, they get a nice variety.

Larcenist is bound to touch on lots of influences when there are 4 songwriters (and 5 singers) in one band. There's still an earnestly rockin' continuity though. R.S.L. must really like Static of the Gods, because they book this band for most of their shows. When I saw Static of the Gods, they made quite a turbulent, melodic, riff-tastic noise for three people. The Shondes offer their personal version of the oh-so-typical queer, Jewish rock band... Don't miss Ian Adams who has chilled out from his previous horror-billy projects (e.g. Rock City Crimewave) to make something pretty damn cool.

WED 8/26

Mr. Sister (11:30pm), Ryan Lee Crosby (10:40pm), Sydney Wayser (9:50pm), St. Claire (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Wow. This is a night of evocative songs and intense singers in a generally quiet mode. When Sydney Wayser was a student at Berklee, it seemed like she played every week at Matt Murphy's, and now the Brooklyn-based artist has fully developed into a major-league singer-songwriter.

WED 8/26

9:30pm
The Mieka Canon, Bess Rogers & Her Band
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 21+

Mieka Pauley = awesomeness. This is the last Wednesday in August, but let's hope she returns soon. Bess Rogers & Her Band = potentially awesome. On first listen, her songs didn't grab me by the throat and wrestle me to the ground -- but that would be a rather aggressive music... I sense a sassy attitude on top of well-written and lovingly-performed songs.

WED 8/26

9:30pm
Holy Ghost Tent Revival
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8 / 21+

When I saw the name, I expected hippie-bluegrass for some reason. The sound is mainly acoustic that includes banjo and trombone, so there's a big stew with chunks of jazz and rock. I'd recommend them if you dig the bands that play at the Honk Festival.

WED 8/26

10pm
Absolut Boston Tasting
at District, 180 Lincoln St, Boston (Ladder District)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

You probably still have a chance to RSVP, since I read about it in an email from yesterday afternoon (and passed it on). Be fabulous and drink tea & elderflower vodka for free.

When you RSVP, be sure to give your full name.

RIP Ted Kennedy


The inevitable has occurred. Senator Kennedy was a flawed man who engenders strong emotions from both sides of the political spectrum, but he championed causes for people who weren't as fortunate as him (which was pretty much everyone else, but you get the idea).

We may even feel his influence more strongly now that he's sailed away...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

8/26: Free Vodka with RSVP

10pm
Absolut Boston Tasting
at District, 180 Lincoln St, Boston (Ladder District)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

As part of their City series, Absolut has created a Boston-inspired vodka of black tea and elderflower.

Obviously, it's a reference to the Boston Tea Party -- along with a trendy cocktail flavor (paraphrasing Absolut's marketing guy). My buddy, Rick, suggested it should be Charles-River-flavored. I would've suggested clam or roast beef.

If you wanted something disgusting yet popular, they could have taken a season's worth of Kevin Garnett's sweat and put a few drops in every bottle (with elderflower, of course).

Based on pictures, District is the kind of place that "doesn't appreciate" people like me who like to wear sneakers. Bottom line: It's fancier than where I personally like to hang out.

This event is associated with The Weekly Dig, and they suggested the possibility of "multiple tastings" in their "Daily Dig" email. So think about that...

When you RSVP, be sure to give your full name.

TUES 8/25: Drawing, Singing Actress, Strings

Alicia Witt, tonight at Bell in Hand
Do you recognize this woman as the little girl in "Dune"? She's in town tonight.

Good news (for me): I got into "The Big Lebowski" party last night. Will tell you about it in the near future.

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TUES 8/25

6:30pm to 8:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Burlesque: Life Drawing Session
at O'Brien's, 3 Havard St, Allston
$8 / 18+

It's an evening version of the monthly Sunday sessions that are usually held at Great Scott. Maybe Tuesday night works better for you.

Anyone can give it a shot. From first-timers to professionals, all are welcome to have some art fun with no one to tell you what to do.

A couple of tips: Come on time to get a seat up front. Keep it small so others can crowd in around you. Bring your stuff in a milk crate so you have something to sit on or put your stuff on. (we have lots of seats, but more is helpful) There will be some fancy paper for you to buy if you want.
You're not going to find a cheaper art class -- mainly because it's not a class. Just go and have some fun.

Tonight's model: Kitty Fox of Can Can Revolution (who posed as a group last year)

TUES 8/25

9:30pm
Alicia Witt, The Soap Stars
at Bell In Hand Tavern, 45 Union St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE-ish

Yes, Alicia Witt the actress is quite an accomplished pianist with rather nice voice who also writes songs. I especially liked her twisted, dissonant cover of Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al".

She's performed in film, TV, and stage. She was the daughter on "Cybill", but I liked her in "Dune", "Cecil B. DeMented", the "Sopranos" episode when she had a one-nighter with Chris.

According to her hometown paper (Worcester Telegram & Gazette), Alicia is filming in New Hampshire so she found a show to play. Apparently she used to do piano lounge gigs when she was a kid.

Yes, there's a curiosity factor, but the music is good. She's opening for The Soap Stars, a friend's pop-rock band (who also happens to be an actor).

TUES 8/25

10pm
String Quartet Showdown
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

You just don't hear a lot of string quartet music in a bar. Even less frequently would be two live string quartets battling each other. Cellist Jeremy Harman organizes this madness.

I know it really happened in previous weeks, and it looks like it's going down again tonight. Wouldn't it be cool if the devil showed up and challenged someone to a violin showdown...?

Monday, August 24, 2009

MON 8/24: Yoon, Lebowski, Blues, Rock


The Monday affirmation: "Hang in there, little buckaroos! We're going to make it."

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MON 8/24

5:30pm to 7:30pm
Sam Yoon Meet and Greet
at McFadden's, 128 State St, Boston (Financial District)
FREE

You may or may not know that City Councilor Sam Yoon is running for mayor. He may not have a lot experience in Boston politics, but that might be good. You can talk to him a little bit and see what you think. Yoon's campaign had a promotion about Sox tix last week, so maybe there'll be some giveaway or something...

He'll probably be friendly even if you're not a Boston resident. Find out answers to burning questions like: What beer does Sam Yoon drink?

MON 8/24

7pm
"The Big Lebowski" Party
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

Last year tried to go and was shut out. I even wore a bowling shirt to get in the spirit of the event. My -- and your -- chances may be slightly better this time.

A certain amount of diehards show up every year, but I wonder if others are likely to show up based on the Coolidge's web page. If you don't read closely, you may think it's just a screening.

BUT they're having all the bells and whistles to be our warm-up to LebowskiFest's visit to Boston next month. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and Big Lebowski trivia knowledge. Other contests in previous years have included (and why break something that doesn't need fixing...?):

- "most convincing nihilist quip"
- "most impassioned Walter rant"
- "toy bowling"
Who knows what other wacky fun may be had. There will be plenty of folks that are dressed up for the occasion, so I suggest just showing up with a few white Russians in your belly.

The movie usually starts around 8pm -- depending on when they can corral the audience into the theatre. (I hope this doesn't turn into a "quote-along" screening, because I've been-there, done-that with some friends...

MON 8/24

The White Owls (8pm), The Tim Gearan Band (10:30pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The White Owls are killer blues squad that has Dennis Brennan ripping through classic tunes with yet another set of top-notch players.

For about ten years, Tim Gearan has anchored almost every Monday night at Toad, and he's far from getting stale. His deep, soulful vocals and guitar-playing are surrounded by bluesy/rootsy/rock band with horns.

If one needs a good reason to go out on a Monday night, these are two good ones.

MON 8/24

10pm
The Acro-brats, Noble Rot, The Curses
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

If it's Monday, there must be ballsy, punky rock upstairs at Charlie's. My favorite may be The Curses, because I hear Devo and Dead Kennedys in their sound. The Acro-brats have a new CD and they hand-printed the first 200 covers like this. (Wow.) For those who are about to rock, there is no doubt that Nobe Rot salutes you. It may be a one-finger salute, but that's rock attitude...

MON 8/24

10pm
Lindsey Starr & the Chemical Smiles, Paul Rosevear
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Lindsey Starr & the Chemical Smiles will be rocking at ZuZu, but slightly quieter than at Charlie's. Singer-songwriter Paul Rosevear sounds like he knows how to write good songs.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

SUN 8/23: Sunday Night Off/On-Topic Video(s)

These aren't really off-topic videos this week, since both of the videos were shown at "Somerville in... Shorts" that I mentioned last Friday ago.

Not all of them were comedic, but I love to laugh...


"The Beatbox Bastard On A Date" by Joel Frenzer




"Einstein's Riddle" by Gina Kamentsky


Yes, it's based on a riddle attributed to Albert Einstein.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

SUN 8/23: Art, Music, & August Moon Fest


Oh, boy. If you weren't one of the 400 or so people at the yesterday's Ice Cream Party in Union Square, you missed out on a great deal. It really was $2 for all the delicious locally-made ice you could eat! The organizers are going to do other food events, so I'll hopefully keep you posted...

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SUN 8/23

11am to 5pm
Annual Quincy August Moon Festival
around 1400 to 1600 Hancock St, Quincy (Quincy Center)
FREE

If you were interested in going to Chinatown's August Moon festival last week, here's another chance. This usually has a good crowd as well.

I go to these things for the variety of authentic food that's available, which seems appropriate for what is apparently the equivalent to Chinese Thanksgiving. I also walk around and absorb some of the music, dance, and other cultural elements.

Look for the mooncakes.

SUN 8/23

Noon to 8pm
Exposure Arts Boston
at DeFilippo Playground, about 115 Prince St, Boston (North End)
FREE

I think the name must be a bit of a joke. I found out about this event from a band's MySpace that didn't even mention the name, then I saw a flyer at a pizza shop. They have one site and a blog, and neither mentions the current show.

Artists are going to display their work, and bands will play throughout the day. There's no festa in North End this weekend, so if you're walking through, could swing by. Some of the musicians scheduled to play: Pierce Cailan, Kellee Webb, and The Devil and a Penny.

SUN 8/23

These United States (11pm), Sleepyhead (10pm), Phonograph (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

I found These United States somewhere between triptastic, down-homey rootsiness and clanging indie-pop, and I nodded my head and hope they spread the good feelings for these United States.

It's a nice treat to also have Sleepyhead on the bill. If I was aware of them previously, it seems like I've forgotten. As soon as the song started playing, I was bowled over by the catchy, angular indie-pop. They're actually an established NYC band that hip people would know about; they moved to Boston for some family life, but they still rock!

One might guess Phonograph is on the alt-country tip because they all have flannel shirts, but there's some cool musical twists that happen quite splendidly throughout their songs. Those little bits of noise and/or electronics might otherwise seem forced, but it really works in a edgy yet comfortable manner. Space cowboys in the best possible way!

SUN 8/23

9pm
Manners, The Points North, tiny mtns, Dreamtigers
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

It's another Grinding Tapes showcase as they curate some of the most interesting (mostly) acoustic acts around.

It's a stretch to simply call Manners a "folk act", when it's more like ambient, melodic tone-poems. On the other hand, listening to The Points North gives you the impression that these are age-old songs that were only recently dug out of the ground. Maybe it's the acoustic guitars, accordions, flutes, etc; but it's beautiful stuff that would sound great electric as well.

tiny mtns is the new project from Elijah Wyman who must be enjoying New England as he's spending quite a bit of time away from North Carolina. Of the four artists, his lyrics hit me most immediately. There's strong emotions and ideas in his musical tales. I'm beginning there really may be something in the water or the air in that state that gave us James Taylor, Ryan Adams, and many others.

Although there's a hint of synth in Wyman's new songs, Dreamtigers seems all-out electric. It's probably feels like mellow music to the band who used to be in various hardcore bands.

SAT 8/22: Kites, GreenFest, Water Guns, Ice Cream, Rock


Stay cool today, whether or not you eat ice cream.

I hang out around Cambridge quite a bit, so I'm a sucker for the Harvard Book Store. If you're like me, you need more books like a hole in your head -- but they are having their own version of a tax-holiday sale this weekend.

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SAT 8/22

10am to 4pm
"Kites on the River": Neponset River Greenway Festival
at Pope John Paul II Park, 899 Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester (Neponset Greenway)
FREE

When I went to a kite festival at this park (not too far from Ashmont T station), I laid down on the grass and enjoyed the view. But it'd be nice to BYO kite...

The question is: where can one buy just a simple kite? Maybe CVS or Walgreens? I know there's a specialty store somewhere, but a cheap kite isn't easy to find. I saw a "kite in a bag" thing at Brookline Booksmith a couple weeks ago...

Kite flying is a smile-inducing, zero-emission fun and relaxation. Some say kite-flying improves eyesight and Yin-Yang balance, reduces excess body heat, and helps you avoid bad luck.

SAT 8/22

10am to 10pm
Boston GreenFest 2009
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Having fresh food and drinking water is cool. Being alive is cool. Sustainability is therefore something to think about. Let's try to live in a responsible manner with respect for limited resources.

These festivals and fairs are great places to gain some knowledge and practical tips. GreenFest looks like they've put a lot thought into making it fun with activities, etc.

Or you can ignore the environment and listen to the bands. A very cool part is the massive amount of music going on all day long today and tomorrow. There are two main stages and a family stage.

I went last night, and the info booths were a bit quiet, but The Neighborhoods were rocking. The green fun should be bustling today.

These are the bands of note (imho). Check out Lucero from Memphis if you like southern-tinged rock (like Kings of Leon, rough around the edges)...

Main Stage

1:15pm -- Michael & Marisa
3:15pm -- Mighty Mystic & The Strings Of Thunder
5pm -- The Dirty Truckers
6pm -- Midatlantic
7pm -- John Powhida International Airport
8pm -- *AM Stereo
9pm -- Lucero

Second Stage

3pm -- Auto Interiors
4pm -- Watts
4:45pm -- Cassavettes

SAT 8/22

11:45am to 12:15pm
Allston Squirt Gun Day 2
at Intersection of Brighton Ave & Harvard Ave (about 150 Brighton Ave), Allston
FREE

Both of our annual water fights are happening today. This is the easy one: no registration or secret location.

Show up about 15 minutes before noon on one of the four corners -- y'know... near Blanchard's, Big City Billiards, Store 24, and Herrell's (which isn't Herrell's anymore).

Everyone floods the intersection at noon with water guns and and water balloons for about 15 (or more) minutes. It supposedly lasted for almost a half-hour last year before the cops broke it up.

This is a chance to keep "Allston weird". I love the idea of the traffic stopping once a year for some harmless fun. The drawback with announcing the time and location is that the police will be there to ruin the fun whenever they feel like it.

Remember:
- Wear green so it's easy to tell who's participating.
- Be respectful to non-participants.
- Be creative
- Have fun.

SAT 8/22

3pm to 6pm
Sugarbomber/eatBoston Ice Cream Block Party
at Grand (adjacent lot), 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$2 suggested donation

Eating ice cream for a good cause is considered guilt-free, right?

Sugarbomber and @eatBoston have organized a rather wonderful win-win situation, if I understand it correctly. For a $2 donation, you can sample at least 5 different ice creams (probably) from: Christina's, Toscanini's, JP Licks, Chilly Cow, Wheeler’s Frozen Desserts, and b.good.

Wheeler’s has made a special "Death by Chocolate" flavor, which is vegan and made with Taza chocolate. b.good is sending its shakemaking rickshaw, and it looks like a clever little invention.

Proceeds go to the Juniper Fund to offer a scholarship to a local high school senior who has a passion for music like the honoree John S. Hall, a bassist who died of cancer in '04. (Let's not bring up the "Death by Chocolate" ice cream, mm-kay?)

[Facebook]

SAT 8/22

9pm
This Car Up, Quiet Loudly, Hot Box, Gunfight!
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 21+

It's a couple Boston bands and a couple Brooklyn bands, and let's try not to associate any baseball rivalry (esp. after the Friday night game). Just focus on hearing loads of melodic (and often gentle) indie-rock.

Unfortunately, it's the final gigs for both locals, This Car Up and Hot Box. For some reason, I never paid too much attention to This Car Up, because the name reminded me of a mediocre band when they're quite good. I simply don't remember seeing their name except for a gig they did with The Diamond Mines in February. It's all good...

I hate to say it, but the NY bands are quite good. Quiet Loudly has a new CD of quiet gems, and they're supposedly going to be joined by horns and organ tonight. Gunfight! may be going on first tonight, but they should shake things up by making a hoedown-like party. They may sound like revved-up country boys dressed up as hipsters, but let's remember they're hipsters having a good ol' time.

Friday, August 21, 2009

FRI 8/21: GreenFest, Film, Much Rock

The Marvels Reunion
Umm, I don't know what happened with today's post. It's been a busy day, and I hadn't checked it... (I edited the GreenFest to be a bit more current.)

Oh, and... You have until 6pm to sign up for tomorrow's Revolutionary Water Gun Battle.

(FYI: I've got a surprise coming for e-list subscribers.)

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FRI 8/21 & SAT 8/22

10am to 10pm
Boston GreenFest 2009
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

My favorite "green" word that I hear more and more is "sustainability". (I like it even better than "green".) It more aptly expresses efforts to live in a responsible manner with respect for limited resources.

These festivals and fairs are great places to gain some knowledge and practical tips. GreenFest looks like they've put a lot thought into making it fun with activities, etc.

Or you can ignore the environment and listen to the bands. A very cool part is the massive amount of music going on all day long today and tomorrow. There are two main stages and a family stage.

Here are links to bands I like or heard of. There's a great string of rock bands this afternoon, and a special rock treat from Memphis, Lucero, is playing tomorrow night.

FRI 8/21

Main Stage

3pm -- Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents
4pm -- The Lights Out
5pm -- The Gentlemen
6pm -- The Neighborhoods
6:50pm -- Bill Thomas of Eco Answers US talks about "Green Jobs" for 15 minutes
7pm -- Soulshot
8:10pm -- Incus
9:10pm -- Mamadou

SAT 8/22

Main Stage

1:15pm -- Michael & Marisa
3:15pm -- Mighty Mystic & The Strings Of Thunder
5pm -- The Dirty Truckers
6pm -- Midatlantic
7pm -- John Powhida International Airport
8pm -- *AM Stereo
9pm -- Lucero

Second Stage

3pm -- Auto Interiors
4pm -- Watts
4:45pm -- Cassavettes

FRI 8/21

Sunset (about 8pm)
Friday Flicks: "Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Did you wan to see the latest Indiana Jones movie but were afraid to be disappointed? You can chill by river and watch it.

FRI 8/21

9pm
The Marvels, The Dirty Truckers, Vagiant, Pulp 45
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

The highlight of this gig is the reunion of The Marvels who vigorously rocked the town for a few years, and they're returning from a 4-year hiatus. I think I was at one of their last shows at the Abbey Lounge (soon to reopen as a restaurant). I remember thinking what a shame to end the band, because it was just about the perfect recipe of propulsive punk-rock with cool songs to provide the frame. I have no doubt they'll pick up where they left off.

Every band on the bill is pretty damn awesome. A lot of bands say it, but I'd be shocked if this doesn't sell out.

FRI 8/21

MeandJoanCollins (Midnight), Thick As Thieves (11pm), A Wish For Fire (10pm), Oranjuly (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

If you're looking for more of a twist in your rock experience, there's the MeandJoanCollins gig. I highly recommend seeing MandJC whenever you can. A couple months ago, I postulated that they may be the best Boston band of the year. I don't think they're my favorite band (yet), but I recognize MeandJoanCollins are doing the most stimulating music that I'm aware of.

Thick As Thieves and A Wish For Fire both make respectable, progressive, modern rock. I dig Oranjuly's powerpop vibe.

FRI 8/21

9:30pm
Frederick's Brown, The Nephrock Allstars
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

This show probably has the biggest, under-the-radar surprise potential of the week. Frederick's Brown is soulful, bluesy, jazzy project that sounds so good, it's hard to believe they're playing at Lizard Lounge! It's not just about the vocals of Deva Mahal who happens to be the daughter of great bluesman Taj Mahal, but her singing is all there. It's a musical crime that this isn't on the radio and a million ipods.

it was hard to find info on The Nephrock Allstars. Earlier there was a tidbit on this bassist's MySpace that listed the players (Amy Bowles, Jeff Lockheart, Jack Deboe, Nephtalleum Mcrarrie, [himself]. Hellacious funkiness was promised...

FRI 8/21

9:30pm
The Needy Visions, Hilken Mancini
at New Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$3 / 21+

Hey, JP folks. You probably already know that live rock is happening for the first time at the new Milky Way Lounge. Hilken Mancini radiates rockstar-cool, and I'm a fan of whatever she's doing. The Needy Visions make fun, joyously messy indie-rock.

The new place is really more of an expanded version of the upstairs restaurant with elements of the old downstairs club, but it's good to support local business people who've done a lot of good and who got screwed over which forced them to move.

On the bright side, the new place is closer to the T.

Members of Certainly Sir are going to DJ between sets, and I assume one of the Sirs will be Phoenix editor Michael Brodeur.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

THUR 8/20: Music, Fossils, Shakespeare, Film

Boston GreenFest
Instead of not writing at home last night, I was not writing while watching bands at the Middle East. All the bands sounded great, and the crowd was accordingly large as if it was a weekend show.

It was a certain singer-drummer's birthday, and it was a damn good party. I saw some friends and met some musicians from bands I like.

Yes, I had a vegan cupcake and it was delicious -- although I shuddered at the thought of the soy beans that were slaughtered for my pleasure...

Not much late cheapness tonight. I can't remember if I didn't search well enough or if nothing jumped out at me.

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THUR 8/20

5pm
Boston GreenFest: Kick-Off Concert
Feat: Mr. Lif (9pm), Tem Blessed (8:15pm), Samba Tremeterra (7:15pm), The Click 5 (6pm), The Motion Sick (5pm)
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

If I still worked downtown, I'd go listen to the awesomeness that is The Motion Sick and stick around for the other bands. I hear The Click 5 is no longer aiming their music at prepubescent girls, so guys don't have to feel weird for enjoying their pop-rock.

After Brazilian drum and dance excellence from Samba Tremeterra, two of the best local hip-hop acts are performing.

There's going to lots of exhibits, workshops, activities, etc on Friday and Saturday (10 am to 10pm), but I'm surprised by the ridiculous amount of music all day long on multiple stages. You should check it out even if you don't want to lead a more environmentally responsible life.

THUR 8/20

5pm to 8pm
Summer Museum Nights: "The Best Fossils Darwin Never Saw"
at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$4.50 / $3.50 seniors, non-Harvard students / $3 ages 3 to 18

After the "Glass Flowers", the next HMNH exhibit I rave about is the collection of strange fossils (because the coelacanth is ugly). There are some crazy specimens from the miniature horse to the 6-foot sloth to the giant aquatic dinosaur.

Grad student Ben Kotrc will give "gallery talks" -- at 6pm & 7pm -- on the absence of fossils from certain prehistoric eras that puzzled Darwin (but have since been discovered). Ben is from Austria, so I imagine his accent will add some scientific authority to the already interesting topic.

This is the third and last summer night when you can visit the HNMH for half-price. Sure, Mass residents get in free on Sunday mornings, but who wants to go to a museum when it's time for brunch & Bloody Mary's?

THUR 8/20

6:45pm
"The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (abridged)"
at Christian Herter Park, 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Brighton (near Charles River, across from WBZ)
FREE

This is it -- the Orfeo Group's last free performance (until more are announced)...

If you're not interested in watching just one play, this is short attention span Shakespeare.

You could still pay a reasonable $15 to see it on Friday or Saturday.

THUR 8/20

7pm to 11pm
Inman Under The Stars: Movie Night & Neighborhood Social
at the East Cambridge Savings Bank's parking lot, 1310 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
FREE

Most "family-oriented" events don't grab my attention, but it might be a good night to get out of the house. If you're in the area and feel like watching "ET the Extra-Terrestrial", the movie starts around 8pm. There is going to be free popcorn, bottled water, and iced tea.

Pre-movie entertainment includes "Jungle Jim's Big Balloon Alien Show" (7pm)

"Light rain or shine"

BYO chair, blanket, etc.

* * * * *

I was compelled to include this green rap by Tem Blessed and his crew (playing at tonight's GreenFest concert:

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Sneak Peek: SAT 8/22 -- Fun with Water Guns

For two years in a row, there are TWO water battles in town -- and they're happening on the same day. Hurricane Bill may be threatening our shores this weekend, but I sense he won't ruin to hot 'n wet fun.

The approaches differ, but both will be fun. Every has fun with water guns -- until the rare gouging of the eye...

I don't know if one would really want to do both, however the timing is feasible even with a mystery location for battle #2.


11:45am to 12:15pm
Allston Squirt Gun Day 2
at Intersection of Brighton Ave & Harvard Ave (about 150 Brighton Ave), Allston
FREE

This is the easy one: no registration or secret location.

Show up about 15 minutes before noon on one of the four corners -- y'know... near Blanchard's, Big City Billiards, Store 24, and Herrell's (which isn't Herrell's anymore).

Everyone floods the intersection at noon with water guns and and water balloons for about 15 (or more) minutes. It supposedly lasted for almost a half-hour last year before the cops broke it up.

This is a chance to keep "Allston weird". I love the idea of the traffic stopping once a year for some harmless fun. The drawback with announcing the time and location is that the police will be there to ruin the fun whenever they feel like it.

Remember:
- Wear green so it's easy to tell who's participating.
- Be respectful to non-participants.
- Be creative
- Have fun.



1:30pm
Revolutionary Water Gun Battle
at Somewhere around Boston [Location will be in registration email]
FREE

Most war reenactments are boring compared to these campaigns led by Banditos Misteriosos.

Last year, more than 300 folks donned red or blue shirts for an epic water battle on the Esplanade.

It's easy to register for the event by entering your name and email, so they can split the group into the British soldiers (red) and the Colonials (blue). They're also looking for people with revolutionary soldier costumes and drums & fifes players (who won't get wet).

The deadline is: 6pm on FRI 8/21. You'll get an email later on Friday night with the battlefield location and your shirt color.

Supplies you should bring:
- 1 UNLOADED water gun of your choice.
- At least 3 FILLED two-liter bottles
- A back-pack to hold water bottles
- Red or blue shirt (depending on army assignment)
- Any other revolutionary paraphernalia you don’t mind getting wet
- As always, your fighting vigor and a bandana!

I'm not going to guess about the location this year, but it'll probably be some kind of water source. The Esplanade was a brilliant location since people could refill in the Charles and prolong the fun.

WED 8/19: Music & Dance


Keeping it brief today, so the CTB team can get the weekend (and beyond) in good shape...

There's a lot of female-powered music tonight. Does anyone say "girl power" anymore? Or "grrrl power"? Are the Powerpuff Girls in high school now and dress like goth chicks?

See the bottom for the spare details I have about drinking some free light beer tomorrow.

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WED 8/19

7pm to 10pm
Outdoor Dancing
at Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard (near Courageous Sailing Center)
FREE

Try a few dance styles like swing/salsa/ballroom. There's a short 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...

Sample plan: Have a few beverages at Tavern On The Water then casually suggest a stroll along the water.

(Also next Wednesday.)

WED 8/19

9pm
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Sarah RabDAU & Self-Employed Assassins, The Sun Lee Sunbeam, Highly Personal Trash, Apple Betty
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Tentative schedule:
9pm -- Apple Betty
9:45pm -- Highly Personal Trash
10:30pm -- The Sun Lee Sunbeam
11:15pm -- Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins
Midnight -- Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling

Singer-drummer Sophia of D.N.F.M.O.M.D. is celebrating her birthday with a bunch of musical friends and the first full performance of this duo with Motion Sick frontman Michael on bass. I've heard a few songs, and the minimalist, arty, punky approach works! She's also bringing vegan cupcakes to share with people.

Someone called it a "celebration of chick rock". All of the bands are led by women, and Apple Betty is a straight-up rocking trio of dames; they could start the party, cap it off, or create a party out any gig. Highly Personal Trash and The Sun Lee Sunbeam deliver fine pop-rock; the former leaning pop and the latter leaning rockwise.

When I went to Bastille Day A-Go-Go last year, there were many duets with the band throughout the night. The uncontested highlight was Sarah Rabdau's performance with Peter Moore. Since that night, I adore all of her stuff.

Should be a good time. That drunk goofball next to you could be me...

WED 8/19

10:30pm
Kay McKinstry & The Good Pour
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

One day, you will be able to hear the melodious tones of Kay and The Good Pour. You'll have to take a leap of faith until then, but it's hardly a leap to hang out at the Plough and listen to chilled alt-country/Americana. Trust me, Kay sings like an angel -- a sassy one who'd have a shot in one hand and a butt in the other...

The Good Pour is taking a little break after this show.

THUR 8/20

6:30pm to 8:30pm
Blue Man Group Party
at Bleacher Bar, about 75 Lansdowne St, Boston (under Fenway Park bleachers)
FREE w/ RSVP

Seems like there'll be complimentary MGD 64. You might even win Blue Man Group tix, etc. Those blue guys are cool, and I like Friday night karaoke at the bar under the theatre.

Like other Stuff parties, everyone needs to RSVP individually. Their emails aren't really that bad, and you might see these things before I tell you about it.

Monday, August 17, 2009

TUES 8/18: Shakespeare, Film, Jazz, Rock, Roots


There's no judgement if you missed "Shakespeare in the Common" this year. Let's hope they'll be back next year! You can still get a little bit of "Comedy of Errors" in the Compete/(abridged) performance.

Before it gets any later in the week, there's going to be one of those RSVP parties at the Bleacher Bar on THUR 8/20. I doubt I'd ever buy a MGD 64, but I'll drink it for free...

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TUES 8/18

6pm to 8pm
"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)"
at Christopher Columbus Park, about 225 Atlantic Ave, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Could this be the last free Shakespeare event of the summer? Not really because the Orfeo Group has one more free performance on Thursday at Herter Park, even though the free Thursdays were initially slated to end a couple weeks ago. The production ends on SAT 8/22.

After a month of shows, they must be firing on all pistons as three guys take a romp through all 37 of Shakespeare plays in slightly more than 90 minutes. It debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival about 20 years ago, it's been done by thousands of different trios, and the results still range from amusing to hilarious.

TUES 8/18

7:30pm
"Fifty Dead Men Walking": Sneak Preview
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
FREE w/ Flyer

This is probably going to be a film that lovers on the thoughtful, gripping thriller will want to see when it comes out in a few weeks; so you could see it for free before all of your friends and rave about it ahead of time.

Don't get too caught up with the details as this is a fictionalized version of the memoirs by the actual informant who infiltrated the IRA in the 80's and who saved an estimated 50 lives by snitching to the Brits. (Btw, I'm not an "anti-snitching" advocate.)

The protagonist is played by Jim Sturgess who has a likable charm in most films and interviews, and he's scheduled to appear for a post-screening Q&A. Ben Kingsley is his English handler, and I can't remember the last crappy film he's appeared. ("Ghandi", maybe... Kidding!)

Print flyer [PDF] to admit two.

"Please arrive early. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is NOT guaranteed."

[Quicktime trailer]

TUES 8/18

9pm
Bitches Brew Band
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$8

Some local jazz vets celebrate the "electric period" of the Miles Davis catalog that began in 1969 with "In a Silent Way" and pioneered jazz-fusion. In my opinion, jazz-fusion was often too noodly for me after Miles did it. This is funky yet swinging, and the electricity is in more than the amps.

In three albums, Miles and company set the foundation for Weather Report, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, countless others, and... Bitches Brew Band.

TUES 8/18

9:30pm
The Konks, Daily Void, The Tampoffs, The Hospital Rats
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Would it be Boston without a garage-punk show? Maybe, but there usually is at least one gig every night.

When I first saw The Konks a few years ago, they knocked my socks off with reverb-soaked, tribal rhythm that was partly a throwback to primeval rock goo and partly jagged punk energy like flossing with barbed wire.

I suspect most people either think of Daily Void as dark, grinding punk sound of evil or as liberating, noisy nihilism. It's both but not all; they definitely don't make easy, by-the-numbers punk. It gets under the skin -- and you may need a tetanus shot...

Both The Tampoffs and The Hospital Rats excel at fast, loud, trashy garage-punk. I like how the Hospital Rats prominently feature that old (not-quite-farfisa) organ sound that adds a dimension.

TUES 8/18

10pm
"Barry, Child, Levine, Sands, and Staples"
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

It's one of those local ad-hoc, roots-music "supergroups" that can just spring up around here since these guys have all played together in a dozen (or so) different bands. Take a local guitar hero (the amazing Duke Levine), a couple of the guys from Session Americana (Dinty Child & Sean Staples), Aimee Mann's drummer (John Sands), another fine local guitarist (Kevin Barry), and you've got a dream band for any self-respecting, folky singer-soongwriter. (I think Jim Gilmour will be on bass.)

They probably haven't even rehearsed for this gig. They may have come up with a list of songs, or they might just decide as they go along. Nary a bad note will be heard in any case.

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