Tuesday, August 31, 2010

TUES 8/31: Folkiness/Rootsiness


It's a rootsy/mellow night of cheapness.

For all of my Somerville peeps, this is a way to be charitable with very little effort: Some of the pizza sales proceeds at Flatbread (inside Sacco’s Bowl Haven) will benefit Oxfam. Yep, there's a restaurant/bar inside Sacco's now.

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TUES 8/31

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

Feat: Paul Janovitz, Tom Bianchi, Bethel Steele, Brendan Hogan, Lisa Bastoni, Danielle Doyle, Jacqueline Francis, Allysen Callery, more

Happy birthday to Van Morrison who turns 65 today! Throughout his catalog of amazing songs, I find it most admirable that Van is one of the few artists that consistently writes songs of joy. (Think about most of your favorite songs, and there's bound to be sadness and/or angst.)

As much as Facebook bugs me, there is info such as tonight's scheduled list of the 20 or so performers.

Of course, someone's doing "Moondance", "Brown Eyed Girl", and "Gloria". Others you should hear: "And It Stoned Me", "Crazy Love", "Tupelo Honey", "Caravan", "Have I Told You Lately", "Jackie Wilson Said", etc.

TUES 8/31

9:30pm
The Wooden Birds, Dan Mangan, St. Claire
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

If you're familiar with American Analog Set, The Wooden Birds is the new project from the main guy, Andrew Kenny. To my ear Wooden Birds may dial it down further to a hush rarely heard from an electric band -- there's no choice to listen closely to the folky indie-rock.

Keeping things on the chilled side is Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan and the local folk-noir goodness of St. Claire.

TUES 8/31

10pm
Jabe Bayer
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE / 21+

Although he's moved to Nashville, Jabe returns to the area every now and then. Besides this gig, there are a couple more free gigs at Toad this week.

Whether or not he's traveled up with some his Southern compatriots, I'd wager that many of his friends on the Boston Americana/roots scene will be joining him onstage for a rockin' good time.

Monday, August 30, 2010

MON 8/30: Film, Nerdery, Music


For all of you who aren't at Burning Man this week, I may try to keep things brief so I can finally get myself over the hump and have the listings for a whole week in advance.

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MON 8/30

7pm
"Grease Sing-A-Long"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

Some good, clean family-fun -- for those who are into such things. Maybe Mondays could use a bit of positive energy from joining in a group-sing and movie. Hey, I'd rather see the re-release of an original movie with a twist than a lousy remake.

If you're like me, you could be singing the wrong words since you were a kid, so the subtitles could provide some clarification as well as help match everyone else in the theater.

MON 8/30

8pm
NerdNite: "Lasers on Brains" & "Nerd Games"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Whether you've just returned or been here all summer, all nerds and nerd-friendlies can hang out and listen to a couple presentations.

Talk 1:
"Mind Control and Optogenetics: How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Virus"
by Azriel Ghadooshahy

Check it out -- Laser beams into your head could fight currently incurable brain maladies. Ghadooshahy shares some of his research as an MIT grad student in Brain and Cognitive Sciences.

Talk 2:
"Tolkien, D&D, RPG's, MMO's and me: one geek’s personal journey there and back again through fantasy and gaming subcultures."
by Ethan Gilsdorf

As far as 'nerds' are concerned, Gilsdorf's book "Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks..." (just released in paperback) explores role-playing games of various stripes and his own experiences in a volume that articulates that it's more than simple escapism.

DJ Claude Money will offer some funky, nerd-friendly tunes before, after, and in between.

MON 8/30

10pm
Coyote Kolb, Cat-Tooth Jim
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

There's a deep-country vibe to Coyote Kolb's sound, but they also rock in fuzzed-out dirges that Neil Young has excelled at over the years. Cat-Tooth Jim brings a punk sensibility to an acoustic, bluegrassy style.

MON 8/30

10pm
Hello Ninja, The Susan Constant, Chalk Talk, Wolves & the Radio
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

From my (limited) experience, the music at Charlie's usually starts around 10pm. Wolves & the Radio seem to have been added recently, so maybe they'll start early but it'll probably just finish later.

All in all, it should be a fun night of indie-rock from W&TR to the feral pop-punk of Chalk Talk to tuneful post-punk of The Susan Constant to the confidently swinging, snappy rock of Hello Ninja.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

SUN 8/29: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Ted Leo is already awesome. Extra kudos for taking the piss out of Green Day in the new video.

SUN 8/29: Classical, Film


Yep, not much cheapness that interested me today. Enjoy the beautiful day!

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SUN 8/29

4pm
Huntington Consort
at Longfellow National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St, Cambridge (near Harvard Sq)
FREE

A quartet of players (cello, oboe, violin, harpsichord) from the Handel & Haydn Society are getting their Baroque on.

Along with some good ol' Handel, they'll play pieces by other monsters of b'rock: Telemann, Castello, Uccellini, Gabrielli.

Chill out to some tunes that might have been faces of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and visit his crib.

SUN 8/29

8pm
"Children of Invention"
at Chinatown Park, Kennedy Greenway, North of Beach St, Boston
FREE

I thought "Films at the Gate" only screened martial arts flicks, but I guess the annual outdoor film series celebrates Chinese cinema in general.

When they started speaking English in the trailer, I was a bit confused. Then it sunk in that this is a indie film that played at Sundance Film Festival last year -- and it was made in the Boston area.

Unfortunately not a kung-fu movie, but a dramatic story on a Chinese-American single parent who are struggling to make it. From the trailer, this is mostly in English.

Folding chairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feel free to bring your own seating. (When I passed by on Friday night, there were a couple open chairs.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Sneak Peek: SAT 8/28

Boston Caribbean Carnival Parade
Enjoy the weather, friends.

I didn't find much non-musical cheapness for Sunday -- besides St. Anthony's Feast (that's also Friday & Saturday) in the North End. [shrug]

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SAT 8/28

Noon to 7pm
Boston Caribbean Carnival Parade
from MLK Blvd & Warren St, Roxbury
to Peabody Circle
, about 675 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester (Franklin Park)
FREE

What more do you want from a parade than colorful costumes and music?

SAT 8/28

5pm to 8pm
"Fandango!"
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: Radio Jarocho, La Tuza

"Celebrating Mexican Son Jarocho Music and Dance"

SAT 8/28

6pm to 8pm
"In a State of Glory": Poetry Reading [Facebook]
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 or b/o

Feat: Julie Doxsee, Sarah Goldstein, Janaka Stucky, Brian Foley

If you're on the fence about attending, there should be some free wine...

SAT 8/28 (and SUN 8/29)

7:15pm
"Films at the Gate": Night #3
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

7:15pm -- Tai Chi demonstration by Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association
8pm -- "Havoc in Heaven"
All of the movies will be screened al fresco in Chinatown with the original Chinese audio (and English subtitles).

Also SUN 8/29
8pm -- "Children of Invention"
Note: Saturday and Sunday's shows are at Chinatown Park on the Kennedy Greenway (on the other side of the Gate).

There are some folding chairs, but you're encouraged to bring your own seat if you really want it.

If you're hungry, there are plenty restaurants in the neighborhood to pick something up...

SAT 8/28

9:30pm
Old Jack, Brendan Boogie, The Charms
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Tremendous rock/powerpop punch

SAT 8/28

9:30pm
Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang, John Shade
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

Juston Stens used to be in Dr. Dog, and John Shade is brilliant.

FRI 8/27: Film, Music, Comedy


* Ugh, besides being stubborn this morning I don't know how to click the 'publish' button...

Felt the urge to go the Museum of Science, but not enough to pay? It's free today (sans movies and "Butterfly Garden") until 9pm.

For those who want to hear some live metal and Allston seemed too far, Born of Fire is doing a solidly heavy night at the Rosebud in Davis Square (yes, the back room is open again) for $6 instead of O'Brien's.

If you'd like to support and enjoy the work of young filmmakers, there's a free 'film festival' (6pm to 8pm) at the Strand Theater in Upham's Corner.

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FRI 8/27 (thru SUN 8/29)

7:15pm
"Films at the Gate": Night #2
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

7:15pm -- Lion dance & a Kung Fu demonstration by Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association
8pm -- "Drunken Master"
When I saw "Scott Pilgrim vs The World" last week, I was wishing that the fight scenes had the elan and humor of Jackie Chan's early films. I'm far from an expert on Kung Fu movies -- the curator of this film series does know her stuff -- but this is considered classic Chan.

All of the movies will be screened al fresco in Chinatown with the original Chinese audio (and English subtitles).

There are live demonstrations tonight and tomorrow before the screenings:

SAT 8/28
7:15pm -- Tai Chi demonstration by Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association
8pm -- "Havoc in Heaven"
SUN 8/29
8pm -- "Children of Invention"
Note: Saturday and Sunday's shows are at Chinatown Park on the Kennedy Greenway (on the other side of the Gate).

There are some folding chairs, but you're encouraged to bring your own seat if you really want it.
If you're hungry, there are plenty restaurants in the neighborhood to pick something up...

FRI 8/27

8pm
The Bengsons
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 (or b/o)

There's something about this duo that leads me to believe they give the audience a worthwhile performance. I've watched a few video clips, and here is more to it than the songs, which are quite good especially with Abigail's strong soulful voice. There's an element of storytelling and theater likely imbued with social justice themes.

FRI 8/27

Sunset
"Up"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

As you can tell, I have no problem with watching cinema without seats and walls. Chances of someone kicking the back of your chair on the lawn are close to nil...

The last Free Flick of the summer at the Hatch Shell, and I don't recall reading a bad review for the animated story of the widower and boy scout traveling to South America with the aid of multi-colored balloons.

(Does it sound weird when I put it that way?)

It'll probably start around 8:30pm, but it would be fine to get there early with picnicking stuff.

FRI 8/27

Muck & The Mires (Midnight), The Egos (11pm), The Acro-Brats (10pm), Sprained Ankles (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

I noticed this lineup is similar to another recent gig at another club, but that doesn't matter. Let's not dwell in the past, when there more Muck & The Mires in the near future. The band started out as a goof, and it's become a seriously good band like a Mersey-Ramones cocktail that was deemed the best garage-band in the country a few years back.

In between two different fine shades of punk rock to start the show, there will be some reverby, gothy garage-punk. Good stuff!

FRI 8/27

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

Guests: Eugene Mirman, Val Kappa

I happen to think the usual Round Table is rather laugh-inducing, and the "Self Improvement" theme has a lot of potential for a group of people that probably self-analyze quite a bit. I have been to USRT when Eugene Mirman and Val Kappa appeared, and they were really frickin' funny.

I really appreciate that Eugene Mirman's profile continues to rise, and he still joins in the fun a t this show. If he has become a stuck-up prick, one can't tell by looking at or talking to the unassuming guy who's propped up by the bar during the intermission.

Patrick Bryant is returning for another live segment of Somerville Speakout for everyone to get a taste of complaint letters from all corners of Somerville.

Musical guest, Zbornak (get the reference?), may or may not be playing their first show, but I dug the post-punk racket from this new group.

Sneak Peek: FRI 8/27 & SAT 8/28


A fuller Friday post is coming, but I stubbornly wanted to post the preview.

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FRI 8/27

9am to 9pm
"Free Fun Friday"
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

See the exhibits for free, but you still have to pay for Omni Theatre, Butterfly Garden, and 3-D Cinema.

FRI 8/27

12:30pm to 1:30pm
Robert Pinsky, Rakalam Bob Moses, Stan Strickland
at Courtyard, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Poetry and jazz meet for a courtyard concert.

FRI 8/27

7:15pm
Lion dance & Kung Fu demonstration by Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association
8pm
"Drunken Master"
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

Night #2 of "Films at the Gate" (thru SUN 8/29) features one Jackie Chan when he was young and relevant.

All movies have Chinese language audio and English subtitles. If subtitles are unavailable, bilingual summaries will be provided.

Folding chairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feel free to bring your own seating.

FRI 8/27

8pm
The Bengsons
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 (or b/o)

Husband-and-wife singers singers/storytellers/performers

(I like how this space says, "or best offer"...)

FRI 8/27

Sunset
"Up"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

The last Free Flick of the summer at the Hatch Shell.

FRI 8/27

9pm
Motherboar, Phantom Glue, Livver
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$6 / 21+

Born of Fire presents a night of metal

As they said in Clerks (NSFW), "Olaf, metal."

FRI 8/27

Muck & The Mires (Midnight), The Egos (11pm), The AcroBrats (10pm), Sprained Ankles (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Garage-rock and punk

FRI 8/27

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

Guests: Eugene Mirman, Val Kappa
Musical guest: Zbornak

Humor, rock, and who knows what else play together with a theme of "Self Improvement"

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

SAT 8/28

Noon to 7pm
Boston Caribbean Carnival Parade
from MLK Blvd & Warren St, Roxbury
to Peabody Circle
, about 675 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester (Franklin Park)
FREE

What more do you want from a parade than colorful costumes and music?

SAT 8/28

5pm to 8pm
"Fandango!"
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: Radio Jarocho, La Tuza

"Celebrating Mexican Son Jarocho Music and Dance"

SAT 8/28

6pm to 8pm
"In a State of Glory": Poetry Reading [Facebook]
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 or b/o

Feat: Julie Doxsee, Sarah Goldstein, Janaka Stucky, Brian Foley

If you're on the fence about attending, there should be some free wine...

SAT 8/28

9:30pm
Old Jack, Brendan Boogie
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Tremendous rock/powerpop one-two punch

SAT 8/28

9:30pm
Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang, John Shade
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

Juston Stens used to be in Dr. Dog, and John Shade is brilliant.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

THUR 8/26: Music, Baseball, Kung Fu Film


Okay, the last couple days should remind us that Summer is going to last much longer. Let's take advantage as long as we can.

I also saw that Mehran and a bunch of other funny people are doing a free comedy show at the House of Blues Front Room tonight that will probably start around 9:30pm. [Facebook]

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THUR 8/26

6pm to 8:30pm
Liz Longley
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE

The weather is cooperating to wrap up this summer's concert series outside the ICA with Liz Longley. All signs point to this singer-songwriter (and recent Berklee grad) is on the way to bigger things with a beautiful voice adorning her awrd-winning songs that comfortably sits in several genres at once.

Of course, you can go inside the museum for free on Thursday evenings.

THUR 8/26

7pm
Old-Time Baseball
at St. Peter's Field, 57 Sherman St, Cambridge (near Fresh Pond)
FREE

Every year since the '94 baseball strike, a bunch of mostly local college players put on various vintage baseball uniforms reproductions. Former big-leaguers Bill Monbouquette and Mike Pagliarulo (who both grew up in Medford) are the managers, Lou Merloni is going to play on one of the teams.

I even met Johnny Pesky a fwe years ago, and he'll probably be there again tonight.

There are some benches, but it would be a good idea to bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you'd prefer to sit while watching.

An annual charitable donation is made to a different organization that's funded by corporate sponsor, so spectators enjoy a free, casual evening of baseball. Food and drinks are available as well as raffles and auctions, and the proceeds will go to the Marley Jaye Cherella Memorial Fund to support research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

THUR 8/26 (thru SUN 8/29)

7:45pm
"Films at the Gate": Night #1
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

7:45pm -- Lion dance by Gund Kwok
8pm -- "Bodyguards and Assassins"
Four kung fu movies will be screened al fresco in Chinatown with the original Chinese audio (and English subtitles). With so many titles to choose from -- and this connoisseur choosing them -- there won't be a bad night to go.

I've watched the trailer for tonight's feature, and it looks quite the epic story of a good guys versus bad guys decideing the fates of millions in one brief episode.

Most nights begin live demonstrations of some sort. Tonight's performers are supposedly the only Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the U.S., and I have no proof otherwise.

The schedule goes something like this:

FRI 8/27
7:15pm -- Lion dance & a Kung Fu demonstration by Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association
8pm -- "Drunken Master"
SAT 8/28
7:15pm -- Tai Chi demonstration by Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association
8pm -- "Havoc in Heaven"
SUN 8/29
8pm -- "Children of Invention"
Note: Saturday and Sunday's shows are at Chinatown Park on the Kennedy Greenway (on the other side of the Gate).

There are some folding chairs, but you're encouraged to bring your own seat if you really want it.

If you're hungry, there are plenty restaurants in the neighborhood to pick something up...

THUR 8/26

8pm
Dennis Brennan Quatro, Brown Bird, Tripping Lily, John Colvert, The Rationales, Highway Ghosts, Kingsley Flood
at Hard Rock Cafe, 22 Clinton St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
$10 / 21+

On the third and final night of the New England Americana Festival Summer Series, they may not have purposely saved the best for last, but two of my faves are on this bill: Dennis Brennan and Kingsley Flood.

Dennis Brennan is one our musical treasures who is a fantastic singer-songwriter, and this guy rips it up whether he's playing solo or in any of the many groups he leads. The Quatro is designed to rock out, and you won't be disappointed. As I've said before: While Kingsley Flood's chassis has got some rootsy touches and a slightly sepia-tinted paint job, they definitely got a rock engine.

Host Eric Royer often does his one-man-band thing around Quincy Market (at least, that's where I've seen him).

THUR 8/26

9:30pm
Jeff Rowe, Movers & Shakers, Joe McMahon
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

When punk gets acoustic, you get the same intensity at lower volumes such as Jeff Rowe and Joe McMahon (of Smoke or Fire). I've been a fan of Movers & Shakers from the first time I heard them. These guys rock and have no problem in getting loud, but I love how they sound like they draw on a range of genres to make awesome punk roar that's rooted a bit deeper in a way similar how I enjoyed albums by The Clash when they expanded their sound.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

WED 8/25: Revue, Classical, Country, Film, Rock


I'm listing a couple outdoor events, because the rain is supposed to pass by the early afternoon. It's not going to be picnic weather, but you could stand around and listen to classical or country music.

On a rainy day, I love watching a movie: "Happy-Go-Lucky" is the most recent Mike Leigh movie. I don't think the North End Public Library (5:30pm) has a large viewing area, but British cinema doesn't get much better...

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WED 8/25

6:30pm to 9pm
"Skewed & Screwed Revue II"
at All Asia, 332 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 19+

Feat: Rob Crean, Ben Reynolds, Melsen Carlsen, Christina "Cricket" Barretti-Sigal, Bri Broken, Th' Bones & Roses Circus Sideshow, members of Rogue Burlesque

MC: Johnny Blazes

Most of these comedy/music/burlesque/carnival shows don't usually start this early, so one can see some wild fun and get home at a reasonable time.

This variety show is a benefit to assist a couple under financial stress after likely losing a job to transgender discrimination. A portion of the proceeds will also go to other LGBT folks who find themselves in similar situations. There will be live & silent auctions too.

WED 8/25

7pm
Boston Landmarks Orchestra, "Classical Gems"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
-or-
at Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Program:

Haydn, "Symphony No. 88"
Beethoven, "Symphony No. 1"
Prokofiev, "Symphony No. 1"
We don't need to question why this orchestra give us free 'gems'. Let's just share their love of music and enjoy a little culture.

I have a feeling this will be moved to the rain location (Church of the Covenant) for a more comfortable listening experience.

WED 8/25

7pm to 9pm
Danny Gokey, Jandee Lee Porter
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Umm, I don't watch "American Idol" (Season 8). When I have the urge to hear country music, I'm going to dial up some Hank or Cash or Merle or Yoakum.

If it's not raining, there will be country music on the stage. Thanks, Hopalong Menino.

WED 8/25

9pm
"Mission Park": Premiere Screening
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

A father-and-son director team have created a movie about local superheroes who have teamed up for a night of crime-fighting. They filmed the majority in front of a green screen, so the final product has been given the style of watching actors inhabiting a comic-book world.

I'm not sure if tickets are still available, but you can email them.

WED 8/25

The Major Stars (11pm), Martha's Vineyard Ferries (10pm), Tre Orsi (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

There are three good bands on the bill, but this may be the second performance on the The Martha's Vineyard Ferries who may or may not gig again after their next show. I'm not sure if you can manipulate the dates on MySpace, but Bob Weston (Shellac, etc), Chris Brokaw (Come, etc), and Elisha Wiesner (Kahoots) first started fooling around in '07 then recorded an EP last year (which may be for sale before official release). The one song sounds awesome, and there's doubt of full-on excellence from these friends' "fake band".

The Major Stars make some beautiful rock noise (and now you can't visit Wayne in Harvard Sq whenever you like). Tre Orsi also make a big, full din that's more NYC than their native Texas.

WED 8/25

9:30pm
Sean Bones, You Can Be a Wesley, The Novel Ideas
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8

Sean Bones and You Can Be a Wesley played a gig together last month, so it must've gone well. For a rocker who does this reggae-influenced thing on the side, Sean Bones sounds pretty good and is more convincing by not trying to sound like a Jamaican guy.

You may not be a "Wesley", but the message is apparently that you can. If it means playing tangy indie-pop, then you could stand back and let You Can Be A Wesley do their thing. The Novel Ideas cook up an understated rock that could easily get under your skin and become one of your favorites. Give them a listen even if you don't go.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

TUES 8/24: Film, Shakes, Talk, Rock


I didn't want to put an image of the "Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", because it might be rained out...

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TUES 8/24

6pm to 8pm
"Cinema Libertad/Liberty Cinema"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

El Salvador's contribution to the IberoAmerican Film Festival, about a dozen films from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula being screened through the end of September.

It's my understanding that most films are feature-length, but I think "Cinema Libertad" [Facebook] is about 30 minutes long. I watched the trailer, and it looks quite good as two kids bring a little life to a rundown movie theatre.

TUES 8/24

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

Update: Postponed

This might be postponed due to rain. The city is supposed to make a decision in the early afternoon, so I'll update this info when I hear/read something.

This final show of the year's Waterfront Performing Arts Series features three guys mashing up all of Shakespeare's plays into hilarious mess.

TUES 8/24

7pm to 8pm
Michael Capuzzo, "The Murder Room": Reading
at Harvard Coop, 3rd level, 1400 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

This could be a novel -- and there are probably similar fictional tales -- but there really is a group called the Vidocq Society that includes experts from many fields who regularly meet for lunch and attempt to solve cold cases.

TUES 8/24

Banditas (11pm), Shepherdess (10pm), Sister Spaceman (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

This should be a damn fine show. The more I listen to Banditas, I begin hearing a laid-back, twangy rock vibe that's reminiscent of early-70s Rolling Stones with female harmonies replacing Mick. Every Shepherdess gig is a chance to see frontwoman rockstar Hilken Mancini and company rip through a tasty set of indie-rock with some cool twists and turns. The reverby, blues-garage of Sister Spaceman which seems to be exploring new territory beyond Mr. Airplane Man since the former duo has added another guitarist.

TUES 8/24

9:30pm
David Wax Museum, Miss Tess
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 / 21+

The David Wax Museum is near the end of its Tuesday residency. Last month they were on tour with The Old 97's and played at the Newport Folk Festival, and now we've been able to enjoy their jaunty, Mexican-flavored folk/Americana at Lizard Lounge.

The wonderful Miss Tess is no longer based in Boston, but she and her band are swinging through town as the guest opener. And swing they do indeed, although with a relaxed groove while fall under the spell of Miss T's voice.

Monday, August 23, 2010

MON 8/23: Rock Talk & Rock Rock


Not much variety in cheapness, but still a few things to do... Mondays are especially Cambridge-centric, because there are two venues that usually only have live music at the beginning of the working week.

FYI: "One Night Band" was a lot of fun on Saturday night. Some bands were better than others, but it was all quite impressive since they started the process that morning. Even if any of you paid $12, I didn't even mention the ticket for a free Magner's and the goodie bag with a couple CD's and more. I took some pictures, so I'll try to share soon.

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MON 8/23

7pm
Rock Shop #6: "Less Rock More Talk"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / All Ages

Guests: Dave Duncan (Boston Accents, WFNX), Anngelle Wood (Boston Emissions, WZLX), Carmelita (Bay State Rock, WAAF), Tim Kelly (The Hidden Capital, WMBR)

When I went to "Rock Shop" a couple months ago, I heard a lot of tips that I already knew from experience and books and online forums, etc.

However I still went home with a couple new nuggets of knowledge in my mental pocket.

Tonight's panel will talk about how bands can get their music on the radio. The majority of time is dedicated to audience questions.

I'm not sure if it would work, but this would be a good chance to have a few (at least 4) CDs of your band with you so you can put it into their hands.

They would really appreciate if you RSVP on Facebook, but I doubt they will turn anyone away.

MON 8/23

10pm
Doomstar!, Hands & Knees
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Both bands are maybe too much rock fun for this tiny room. Doomstar! create a delightfully trippy, punchy ruckus with a lot of interesting melodic ideas and herky-jerky rhythms.

I like that Hands and Knees give their relatively straightforward songs a punky spirit with a dash of twang. It's like a rock equivalent of a killer barbecue sauce -- you recognize some of the ingredients, but the secret is in the preparation.

MON 8/23

10pm
The Spoilers, The Nose Jobs, Give Up
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

It's punk night at Charlies again. The Spoilers don't mess around with loud, fast tuneage that have good hooks, attitude, and female-fronted vocals. From the rough recordings that I heard, The Nose Jobs also play it loud and fast with a good amount of grrl power. Of course it's nearly impossible to find a good link for a band named "Give Up"; they may bring some heaviness and hard rock to the party based on the previous bands of the members.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

SUN 8/22: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Since "Jaws" screened at the Somerville Theatre this week (and sharks are generally swimming along our coast) -- and bunnies are funny:




And this clip of last year's Allston Squirt Gun Day made me giggle.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Sneak Peek: SUN 8/22


Since I've got it, I'm putting it up again.

I might add another gig. We'll see.

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SUN 8/22

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

Should be a pretty big celebration.

SUN 8/22

2pm to 4pm
Ice Cream Showdown
at SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
$9.43 advance / $8 door

Eat great ice cream on Sunday too.

SUN 8/22

9pm
The Arkanes, Streight Angular, My Own Worst Enemy
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$6 / 18+

Rock from Liverpool and Boston

SUN 8/22

9pm-ish
The Beat Awfuls
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

"A night" of rootsy indie-rock with The Beat Awfuls

SUN 8/22

All Day
Hannah Verlin, "Bloom": Interactive Art
Sat, August 21 & 22,. rain dates: August 28 & 29
at Prospect Hill Park, about 70 Munroe St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

"4,500 white paper flowers in a 40-foot circle on the hillside"

SAT 8/21: Green, Water, Ice, Arts, Crafts, Rock, Dance


Yeah! Plenty of good cheapness, my friends. One could hang out around Union Square all day and night without getting bored or boring.

Deep thought: Do cabbies ever get tired of talking on the phone?

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SAT 8/21

10am to 10pm
Boston GreenFest 2010
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Get some info, see exhibits, and enjoy activities and workshops related to the environment and sustainable living. I went last year and wasn't blown away, but there was some cool stuff.

The exhibits, etc are open from 10am to 4pm with stuff like a set of cars that can drive 100+ miles on 1 gallon of gas.

There is music/entertainment all day long, except for a 90-minute "Gubernatorial Green Debate" begins at 4pm. I assume most/all of the 4 candidates will appear.

If one gets a few tips to make a difference in a casual setting, it's worth it. Isn't it?

SAT 8/21

Noon to 5pm(?)
Allston Squirt Gun Day 3
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
FREE

The beauty of this happening is the absence of registration or secret location.

In a way, I'm a little sad that they've conceded the street intersection as their location. Not only was it a water gun fun, but it was subversive. Unfortunately, the Boston PD are not known for their open-minded sense of humor, and the action could only last for a few minutes.

At the park, there is the continuous aqua-pugilism to sustain the good times. I doubt they are going to have the record-breaking attendance of 1,500+, because I was looking for this event earlier in the week and couldn't find it.

Will it really last for 5 hours? I doubt. Of course, everyone won't be punctual either. Although the Facebook page didn't explicitly give the same instructions as years past, it wouldn't hurt to:

- Wear green
- Be respectful to non-participants
- Be creative
- Have fun
No jerks, please.

SAT 8/21

1:30pm to 3pm
Banditos Misteriosos Water Gun Fight
near the Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Okay, you really should've registered yesterday or before to join in the time-travel theme water gun fight. After two years of a 'Revolutionary War' theme, hundreds of people are going to participate in the most creative water gun fight around, so you flash-mob the flash mob if you got the guts and join in the fun.

A friend of mine is going, and they sent me the info for their team (past) who are meeting here at 1:30pm. (Wear gray and black.)

Supplies you should bring:
- 1 water gun of your choice.
- At least 2 FILLED two-liter bottles
- A back-pack to hold water bottles
- "As always, your fighting vigor and a bandana!"
If you want to scab your way onto the Future team (cyborgs, alien overlords, et al), wear primary colors.

SAT 8/21 (and SUN 8/22)

2pm to 4pm
Ice Cream Showdown
at Grand (adjacent lot), 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$9.43 advance / $8 door

Last year's event was pretty much word-of-mouth/web, and it was a good-sized crowd. I tried almost every delicious flavor, and some of the best local purveyors are participating again along with a few others; the tentative list includes: Stonyfield, Chilly Cow Custard, JP Licks, Christina's, Toscanini's, Picco, b. good

The advance tix are pretty much gone, but they say some tickets will be available at the door.

Sunday's Showdown in South End. (Tentative participants: Stonyfield, Toscanini's, Picco, Batch, Coop's MicroCreamery, Chilly Cow Custard, and Christina's)

If I wanted to pig out on ice cream for two consecutive days, this would be the weekend that I would try...

SAT 8/21

4pm
Battle House, Big Big Bucks, Thunderhole, The High Seas, Thief Thief, Beach Hair, Arvid Noe
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

Okay, so there probably won't be too much free food at the "BBQ". If you want to get there early and hang out, it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab a pack of hot dogs and buns to throw on the grill for your friends (and to share a few).

The whole day is a musical goodbye party for Ross, the bassist for Battle House, who is moving away. I listened to every band, and it's going to be an intense day of rock. And, yes, is a damn fine bass player.

There's a lot of cool stuff to hear, yet you're not going to hear much sonic sugar for standard head-bobbing listening. (My two faves may be The Big Big Bucks and Battle House at the end of night.) Your head may bob in fits and starts, and I might dance to it.

Tentative schedule:
3pm -- BBQ starts
4pm -- Arvid Noe
5pm -- Beach Hair
6pm -- Thief Thief
7pm -- The High Seas
8pm -- *Dinner Break* (no bands)
9pm -- Thunderhole
10pm -- Volcano Kings
11pm -- The Big Big Bucks
12pm -- Battle House
[Facebook]

SAT 8/21

4pm to 8pm
Bazaar Bizarre
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
- Whatever you buy

Feat: Whir, Dan Blakeslee, Cotton Candy, Jonnie Spaceman, Thick Shakes, DJ Mark E Moon

Bazaar Bizarre is my favorite market to ostensibly buy gifts for other people and end up buying way more stuff for myself.

While you're browsing or consuming, there will be loads of music. I don't know the order, but it's a solid lineup; I especially dig the garage awesomeness of Thick Shakes, and Whir was a very pleasant new listen.

SAT 8/21

8:30pm
One Night Band, Year #2
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$12 / 18+

As you read this about 40 awesome local musicians have been randomly separated into 8 bands, and they're trying to create 3 originals as well as learning a cover that they're going to play tonight.

I bet some of them brought a few ideas with them so they wouldn't have to start from scratch, but the results from the first time were impressively fun and fresh as you'd expect from new bands. All of these people can play, so there's a high probability that it won't suck.

I can't wait to hear it. If you don't like it, find me in the crowd and I'll give you the extra $2 back.

All proceeds benefit Zumix, which is a worthwhile youth-music community program in East Boston.

SAT 8/21

9pm to 1am
Project MUM: "5 Years of MUM"
Under the McGrath Highway, about 150 Medford St, Somerville (outside Union Sq)
$10

It's street disco time! Where the Allstonian water guns have retreated to the park, Somerville keeps it edgy and annually creates the best dance club in town with no walls and directly under the McGrath Highway...

George Clinton! I need not say more.

Five DJs (Flack, Pace, Axel Foley, Wayne & Wax, Brother Cleve) celebrating 5 years of "Music under McGrath" in a tribute to George Clinton & the P-Funk Mothership, so people are encouraged to come outfitted with their "best Funkadelic space attire."

This grimy spot is truly transformed with decor, lights, and projected video into a location where the Mothership would surely land to shake intergalactic booty.

If you need a little liquid courage to get started like me, be a funky little scout and prepare yourself ahead of time.

[Facebook]

SAT 8/21

10pm
BrownBoot, 5-Point, The Twangified Trio
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

The Rosebud Bar may be the best-kept secret of Davis Square. There's no line to get in, so most people don't know that the bar behind the diner is open again.

Besides being a low-key pub, the bands on the weekends are usually pretty damn good. There's also plenty of seating, which gives it a different vibe than most rock clubs but is more comfortable...

BrownBoot rocks with soulful vocals with a sizzling-hot rock band. Enjoy the Boston punk of 5-Point and what must be something casual with The Twangified Trio.

SAT 8/21 (and SUN 8/22)

All Day
Hannah Verlin, "Bloom": Interactive Art
Sat, August 21 & 22,. rain dates: August 28 & 29
at Prospect Hill Park, about 70 Munroe St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

If you're going to be in Union Square for other activities, you might as well walk up Prospect Hill to see this installation. Hannah Verlin (by herself?) has set up thousands of paper flowers with "loves me" and "loves me not" messages on the petals.

Visitors are encouraged to take the flowers with them, so you can walk away with some art that diminishes over the weekend.

SAT 8/21: Getting Wet


There's more than hot, wet, summer fun -- but I thought I'd throw this up for those interested...

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SAT 8/21

Noon to 5pm(?)
Allston Squirt Gun Day 3
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
FREE

The beauty of this happening is the absence of registration or secret location.

In a way, I'm a little sad that they've conceded the street intersection as their location. Not only was it a water gun fun, but it was subversive. Unfortunately, the Boston PD are not known for their open-minded sense of humor, and the action could only last for a few minutes.

At the park, there is the continuous aqua-pugilism to sustain the good times. I doubt they are going to have the record-breaking attendance of 1,500+, because I was looking for this event earlier in the week and couldn't find it.

Will it really last for 5 hours? I doubt. Of course, everyone won't be punctual either. Although the Facebook page didn't explicitly give the same instructions as years past, it wouldn't hurt to:

- Wear green
- Be respectful to non-participants
- Be creative
- Have fun
No jerks, please.

SAT 8/21

1:30pm to 3pm
Banditos Misteriosos Water Gun Fight
near the Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Okay, you really should've registered yesterday or before to join in the time-travel theme water gun fight. After two years of a 'Revolutionary War' theme, hundreds of people are going to participate in the most creative water gun fight around, so you flash-mob the flash mob if you got the guts and join in the fun.

A friend of mine is going, and they sent me the info for their team (past) who are meeting here at 1:30pm. (Wear gray and black.)

Supplies you should bring:
- 1 water gun of your choice.
- At least 2 FILLED two-liter bottles
- A back-pack to hold water bottles
- "As always, your fighting vigor and a bandana!"
If you want to scab your way onto the Future team (cyborgs, alien overlords, et al), wear primary colors.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Sneak Peek: SAT 8/21 & SUN 8/22

Banditos Misteriosos Water Gun Fight
Hey, folks, the weather is supposed to be good!

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SAT 8/21

10am to 10pm
Boston GreenFest 2010
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Get some info, see exhibits, and enjoy activities related to the environment and sustainable living. I went last year and wasn't blown away, but there was some cool stuff.

There is music/entertainment all day long, and the exhibits are open from 10am to 6pm today and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. (A "Gubernatorial Green Debate" begins at 4pm tomorrow.

SAT 8/21

1:30pm to 3pm
Banditos Misteriosos Water Gun Fight
TBA at 11:59pm, Boston
FREE

It's a time-traveling theme -- cool.

I think the secret location was on the Esplanade last year (last two years?). Expect somewhere with a water source to refill...

Registration requested before 6pm.

SAT 8/21

2pm to 4pm
Ice Cream Showdown
at Grand (adjacent lot), 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$9.43 advance / $8 door

This was SO GOOD last year. Still worth it at 4x the price.

Sunday's Showdown in South End.

SAT 8/21

4pm to 8pm
Bazaar Bizarre
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
- Whatever you buy

D.I.Y. vendors

Feat: WHIR, Dan Blakeslee, Cotton Candy, Jonnie Spaceman, Thick Shakes, DJ Mark E Moon

SAT 8/21

4pm
Battle House, Big Big Bucks, Thunderhole, The High Seas, Thief Thief, Beach Hair, Arvid Noe
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

Get there at 3pm for BBQ (included with cover) before the indie-rock party.

SAT 8/21

8:30pm
One Night Band, Year #2
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

Pretty simple and similar to last year: "40 Boston musicians randomly shuffled into bands of 5 and given one day to prepare a four-song set".

All proceeds benefit Zumix. Go before 7pm (I think) tonight for advance tix or do it online.

SAT 8/21

9pm to 1am
Project MUM: "5 Years of MUM"
Under the McGrath Highway, about 150 Medford St, Somerville (outside Union Sq)
$10

Five DJs (Flack, Pace, Axel Foley, Wayne & Wax, Brother Cleve) celebrating 5 years of "Music under McGrath" in a tribute to George Clinton & the P-Funk Mothership.

"Participants are encouraged to come outfitted with their best Funkadelic space attire!"

[Facebook]

SAT 8/21

10pm
BrownBoot, 5-Point, The Twangified Trio
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Rick, punk, and twang(?)

SAT 8/21 (and SUN 8/22)

All Day
Hannah Verlin, "Bloom": Interactive Art
Sat, August 21 & 22,. rain dates: August 28 & 29
at Prospect Hill Park, about 70 Munroe St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

"4,500 white paper flowers in a 40-foot circle on the hillside"

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

SUN 8/22

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

Should be a pretty big celebration.

SUN 8/22

2pm to 4pm
Ice Cream Showdown
at SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
$9.43 advance / $8 door

Eat great ice cream on Sunday too.

SUN 8/22

9pm
The Arkanes, Streight Angular, My Own Worst Enemy
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$6 / 18+

Rock from Liverpool and Boston

SUN 8/22

9pm-ish
The Beat Awfuls
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

"A night" of rootsy indie-rock with The Beat Awfuls

FRI 8/20: GreenFest, Film, Rock


If you want to do something for free during the day, the ICA is wide open thanks to "Free Fun Fridays".

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FRI 8/20 (and SAT 8/21)

10am to 10pm
Boston GreenFest 2010
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Get some info, see exhibits, and enjoy activities and workshops related to the environment and sustainable living. I went last year and wasn't blown away, but there was some cool stuff.

The exhibits, etc are open from 10am to 6pm today and 10am to 4pm on Saturday with stuff like a set of cars that can drive 100+ miles on 1 gallon of gas...

The music/entertainment continues throughout the day, except for a 90-minute "Gubernatorial Green Debate" begins at 4pm tomorrow. I assume most/all of the 4 candidates will appear.

If one gets a few tips to make a difference in a casual setting, it's worth it. Isn't it?

FRI 8/20

Sunset
"The Princess and the Frog"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

WBZ Free Flicks ends next week with "Up". I wouldn't mind seeing either film for free on a summer night. Yeah... These are Disney/Pixar films, however I've heard good things.

Expect the screening to start around 8:30pm. Obviously, people bring chairs, blankets, picnics, etc.

FRI 8/20

The Organ Beats (Midnight), The Backup Factor (11pm), Herra Terra (10pm), Marc Pinansky (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

The Organ Beats get loud and fuzzy while keeping it lean and mean that ends up somewhere between powerpop and full-on rawk. Take, for example, their cover of one of my favorite AC/DC tunes "Shake A Leg" that is faithful in many ways, but the personality of the band is there along with Noelle's powerhouse vocals.
http://organbeats.com/?p=189

I haven't heard The Backup Factor yet, however it has to be a rockin' party with band members from Okay Thursday and The Motion Sick. Herra Terra meld electronics with live rhythm section that gets a little heavy in a progressive electro/rock way. Whenever Marc Pinansky is going play either solo or with Rumble-winning band Township, the stage is set for a night of top-notch music.

FRI 8/20

8:30pm
Jay Brannan, Plushgun
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

For some reason, I think it's going to be a really young crowd. For singer-songwriter and pop-rock, the music is good but clean and mellow. From what I heard of Jay Brannan, he's a songwriter keenly focused on melody and lyrics while finding clever chords to match. Plushgun plays a tasty and somewhat minimalist brand of poppish, synthy rock.

Sneak Peek: FRI 8/20 to SUN 8/22


A full Friday post is forthcoming, and the calendar will be updated later.

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

FRI 8/20 (and SAT 8/21)

10am to 10pm
Boston GreenFest 2010
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Get some info, see exhibits, and enjoy activities related to the environment and sustainable living. I went last year and wasn't blown away, but there was some cool stuff.

There is music/entertainment all day long, and the exhibits are open from 10am to 6pm today and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. (A "Gubernatorial Green Debate" begins at 4pm tomorrow.

FRI 8/20

Sunset
"The Princess and the Frog"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

WBZ Free Flicks ends next week with "Up". I wouldn't mind seeing either film for free on a summer night.

FRI 8/20

The Organ Beats (Midnight), The Backup Factor (11pm), Herra Terra (10pm), Marc Pinansky (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

An impressive mix of rock.

FRI 8/20

8:30pm
Jay Brannan, Plushgun
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

For some reason, I think it's going to be a really young crowd. For singer-songwriter and pop-rock, the music is good but clean and mellow.

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

SAT 8/21

In or near Salem this weekend? There's a free Jazz and Soul Festival.

Plenty of garage-rock and punk downstairs at the Cantab.

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SAT 8/21

1:30pm to 3pm
Banditos Misteriosos Water Gun Fight
TBA at 11:59pm, Boston
FREE

It's a time-traveling theme -- cool.

I think the secret location was on the Esplanade last year (last two years?). Expect somewhere with a water source to refill...

Registration requested before 6pm.

SAT 8/21

2pm to 4pm
Ice Cream Showdown
at Grand (adjacent lot), 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$9.43 advance / $8 door

This was SO GOOD last year. Still worth it at 4x the price.

Union Sq is hopping on Saturday with this event, craft market, art installation, and dancing later.

Sunday's Showdown in South End.

SAT 8/21

4pm
Battle House, Big Big Bucks, Thunderhole, The High Seas, Thief Thief, Beach Hair, Arvid Noe
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

Get there at 3pm for BBQ (included with cover) before the indie-rock party.

SAT 8/21

8:30pm
One Night Band, Year #2
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

Pretty simple and similar to last year: "40 Boston musicians randomly shuffled into bands of 5 and given one day to prepare a four-song set".

All proceeds benefit Zumix. Go before 7pm (I think) tonight for advance tix or do it online.

SAT 8/21

9pm to 1am
Project MUM: "5 Years of MUM"
Under the McGrath Highway, about 150 Medford St, Somerville (outside Union Sq)
$10

Five DJs (Flack, Pace, Axel Foley, Wayne & Wax, Brother Cleve) celebrating 5 years of "Music under McGrath" in a tribute to George Clinton & the P-Funk Mothership.

Participants are encouraged to come outfitted with their best Funkadelic space attire!

[Facebook]

SAT 8/21

10pm
BrownBoot, 5-Point, The Twangified Trio
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Rick, punk, and twang(?)

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

SUN 8/22

It's "Go-Topless Day", ladies. I didn't see an organized Boston protest scheduled

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

SUN 8/22

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

Should be a pretty big celebration.

SUN 8/22

2pm to 4pm
Ice Cream Showdown
at SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
$9.43 advance / $8 door

Eat great ice cream on Sunday too.

SUN 8/22

9pm
The Arkanes, Streight Angular, My Own Worst Enemy
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$6 / 18+

Rock from Liverpool and Boston

SUN 8/22

9pm-ish
The Beat Awfuls
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

"A night" of rootsy indie-rock with The Beat Awfuls

Thursday, August 19, 2010

THUR 8/19: Films & Music


Cross your fingers, Boston. I think I'm in a good writing position for the weekend. If all goes well, I'll have some kind of weekend post up late tonight.

If you're looking for something educational, enjoy some animal and astronomical info at the Harvard Museum of Natural History this evening ($9 / $7 seniors & students).

Oh, and there's a performance of the play "As Bees in Honey Drown" at the Arsenal Center for the Arts that is "pay what you can" tonight. It's usually $15 to $20, so they shouldn't be insulted at $10 or less...

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THUR 8/19

Double Feature: "Brand Upon the Brain!" (2:45pm, 7:15pm), "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (5pm, 9:30pm)
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75

Michel Gondry is one of my favorite directors who imbues magic into his movies, and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" has been his most successful to date.

"Brand Upon the Brain!" is a black-and-white silent film from Canadian director Guy Maddin who makes art-house cinema in quirky, intelligent ways that used to be seen more frequently before "Pulp Fiction".

THUR 8/19

5pm to 10pm
Boston GreenFest: Kick-Off Concert
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Tentative: The Giving Tree (9:10pm), Batuku (8:20pm), Gilda Betancourt (7:30pm), Tem Blessed (6:45pm), Joy For The People (5:55pm), Native American Drum & Dance Ceremony (5pm)

Last year, there was a whole lotta rock which was pretty cool. Looks like the organizers might have less amplifiers to worry about this time around.

The Giving Tree seems like they put on a good indie-folk performance with many acoustic players in the group. In general, this is a generally pleasant mix of world, soul, hip-hop and folk.

There are a bunch of performers throughout GreenFest, where there is usually a lot of exhibits/info tables and some activities:

Friday -- 10am to 10pm
Saturday -- 10am to 10pm
THUR 8/19

8pm
"Jaws": 35th Anniversary Screening
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$8

The ultimate shark movie where you don't see the shark until almost the end is showing today and tomorrow at: 3pm, 5:30pm, 8pm, 10:30pm.

There was some talk about a free Narragansett for everyone over 21 at tonight's 8pm screening, but the theatre has publicly poo-pooed that notion. Maybe it'll be on the down-low anyway...? Maybe there will be very cheap 'Gansett...?

THUR 8/19

8:30pm
Stingray's 5th Anniversary Party
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Feat: The Welch Boys, Old Crow & The 45's, 100th Monkey Effect, Matalon

When your tattoo shop has been open for 5 years, you might as well throw a punk/hard-rock party with bands, fashion show, art show, prizes, etc. That's what the Matalons are doing. Their big, bad rock is joined by a couple Boston punk bands and a mystery band inspired by a monkey rumor.

THUR 8/19

9pm
The Vivs, Goli
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

This is part of the ThirdThursdays series from the folks that have brought us the NE Pop Festival in the past (and hopefully the future). The Vivs have rebooted their 90's indie-rock into solid songs of zingy, crunchy power-pop. For something a bit different, Goli is a not-quite rock, not-quite classical duo cello, marimba, and voices.

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