Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tuesday Calendar -- Plus

Am heading off to the beach, so it's another slim offering.

Maybe some exercise or performance/education about aquatic wonders...?

Monday, July 30, 2012

MON 7/30: Big Quiz Thing, Beach Boys, and more





Some people would not do this at my stage of vacation, but I tell people around me I have to talk about Big Quiz Thing -- the best free trivia night in town (discussed here).

Or you can enjoy the folky Beach Boys tribute or 'Metal Monday' or other fun found on the calendar.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

SAT 7/28: Skills, Art, Music, Shakespeare, Opera


Since the internet connection may be spotty in the hinterlands of Maine, I was hoping to have all of the next week prepared. Alas, we're touch and go this week. Good luck to you and me both.

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SAT 7/28

11am to 6:30pm
Boston Skillshare 2012
at Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St, Jamaica Plain
$3 to $10 sliding scale donation

Isn't it nice that people with knowledge are willing to share with you? The donation is probably going to cover costs of putting on the event, so no one is getting rich telling you how to 'forage for edible wild plants.' It's a sliding scale on what you can afford, and you don't have to pay anything.

Besides foraging tips, some of the 30 or so topics include: "Canning & Pickling", "Bikes 101: mechanics and urban skills", "Diagrams that Get to the Roots of Complex Systems", "Meeting Facilitation Trouble Shooting", "Traditional Chinese Medicine", and "The no gun guide to home tattooing". Yikes!

Most skillshares are scheduled for an hour; some are 30 minutes and some are 90 minutes.

SAT 7/28 (and SUN 7/29)

Various Times
FIGMENT Boston 2012
at Kennedy Greenway, Boston (from South Station to Faneuil Hall)
FREE

Saturday -- 11am to 11pm
Sunday -- 11am to 6pm
If you're in town this weekend, walk around Downtown Boston! With professional concerts in Copley Square and Shakespeare in the Common, you wouldn't think there could be a giant experimental arts festival on the Greenway.

All sorts of installations and performances will be strewn about to gawk as well as to interact. Some of the things that caught my eye include a 20 foot tall dome, "Blindfolded Musical Chairs", a fiberglass moose as blank canvas, a 4 foot kaleidoscope, two giant-sized battleship game boards, "Twisted Twister", and spray paint stencils for whatever clothes you bring. There's plenty of music and dance along the way.

The whole thing could probably be considered a large-scale art piece. I saw some photos from last year, but it may be completely different.

SAT 7/28

Noon to 9pm
Starlab Fest 2012
at Starlab, 32 Prospect St, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 Suggested Donation

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Main Stage: Movers & Shakers, Creaturos, Skaters, The Proselyte, Coyote Kolb, Dan Webb & the Spiders, The New Highway Hymnal, Courters

Acoustic Stage: Larcenist, Jeff Rowe, Civil Warblers, Tony the Bookie, Amelia Emmet, Man Alive!, Cask Mouse

Add this as one of the cool things that happen in the Union Square area. The first Starlab Fest in 2010 was a benefit to to offset flood damage repair costs, and they've kept doing it.

If I wasn't leaving town, I'd be at Starlab for a long friggin' day of kickass bands. Go anytime, and you won't be disappointed with 2 stages. I suspect the most excellent Movers & Shakers will take the last slot of the day. Sadly it's their final gig. (Maybe we'll get a couple new bands out of it. Perhaps 'movers' in one group and 'shakers' in the other?)

When I've been before, the hipsters often give me that "what are you doing here" look -- screw them as long they make this a public event. Don't be bashful about grabbing some of the complimentary food. I don't recall a formal cash bar in my previous visit, but it doesn't hurt to get a little organized. (Psst, I think there will be a special on Narragansetts.)

SAT 7/28 (and SUN 7/29)

Various Times
Annual Lowell Folk Festival
at Various Spots in Downtown Lowell
FREE
Friday -- 6:40pm to 9:15pm
Saturday -- Noon to 10pm
Sunday -- Noon to 6pm
While others may be heading to Newport this weekend to get one kind of folk music. The Lowell Folk Festival emphasizes folks playing music from around the country and all corners of the globe.

There are performance areas throughout downtown Lowell where dozens of groups serve up dozens of musical flavors as well as other street entertainment.

Every year there's at least one special guest, and the LFF doesn't disappoint with Magic Slim who moved to Chicago in the '50s to play the blues. He's not considered one of the pantheon of blues guitarists (like his mentor Magic Sam), but Slim has been an much-loved and award-winning bluesman ever since.

As usual, there will be loads of food vendors with a wide variety of ethnic goodies; take a stroll around the festival to see & smell what you’ll like.

SAT 7/28

3:15pm
The FUs, Antibodies, Brunt Of It, The Stretchers, More Beer Please
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

Schedule:
3:15pm -- More Beer Please
4pm -- The Stretchers
4:50pm -- Brunt Of It
5:45pm -- AntiBodies
6:40pm -- The F.U.'s
I saw this gig listed on Facebook as the Midway Cafe's 25th anniversary show. Maybe it isn't, but it's completely plausible the Midway would neglect to provide this kind of information.

To give credit where it's due, the expanded club was a great idea. And they still hold killer punk matinees with the likes of classic Boston hardcore band The FU's.

SAT 7/28 (and SUN 7/29)

Various Times
"Summer Arts Weekend"
at Copley Square, about 600 Boylston St, Boston
FREE

Saturday:
11am to 4pm -- Various kids' music performers
4:15pm -- The Low Anthem
5:45pm -- Poncho Sanchez
7:30pm -- Suzanne Vega
9:15pm -- Soul Rebels
Sunday:
1pm -- New England Conservatory: Contemporary Improv Showcase
2:15pm -- Anderson & Roe
3:30pm -- Igudesman and Joo
4:45pm -- Alison Balsom w/ Landmarks Orchestra
It's been a while since I've noticed big concerts like these on the lawn in front of Trinity Church. It gives me the urge to buy a newspaper or renew my public radio subscription to keep them coming.

During Saturday afternoon, there are a bunch of performers aimed towards kids (such as Dan Zanes). The second half features indie-folk from The Low Anthem and Suzanne Vega, the classic Latin jazz of Poncho Sanchez, and more New Orleans horn-power thanks to the Soul Rebels brass band.

Sunday's program leans in the classical direction, so it might be easier to find a spot on the lawn...

SAT 7/28

The Pomegranates (7:45pm), River City Extension (6:45pm), Kitten (6pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

It's a weird time for a show, but I've enjoyed The Pomegranates' textured, catchy pop from the first time I heard them and every subsequent swing through Boston. If that ain't enough, River City Extension is a big, amped-up folk-rock behemoth from New Jersey.

SAT 7/28

Happy Lives (10:45pm), Ceschi (9:45pm), Lord Jeff (8:45pm), Sun Sister (7:50pm), Bacharachattack! (7pm)
at UnchARTed Gallery, 66 Merrimack St, Lowell
FREE / Donations Gladly Accepted

If you're going to be in Lowell for the folk festival, you might as well check out the opening of the UnchARTed Gallery. It's open throughout the day for art before the music starts -- and no band on the bill is folky.

The folks that run the gallery play in a Burt Bacharach tribute band that seems to be popular in Lowell. Then it's mainly weird, noisy, synthy pop thereafter.

SAT 7/28

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE
Friday -- Spanish
Saturday -- English
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

Tomorrow is one more chance to see it performed in English. Si habla Espanol, press 2 and enjoy it tonight.

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

For the record, this is the 'nice part' of Chelsea.

SAT 7/28 (thru SUN 8/12)

8pm
Shakespeare on the Common: "Coriolanus"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE
Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm
In its 17th year, Shakespeare on the Common is perennially one of the best cheap thrills you'll find in Boston. Sure... New York has 'Shakespeare in the Park', but not every town has professional actors bringing the Bard to life outside where anyone can walk up and get cultured.

The story in "Coriolanus", a play set in Rome and written 400 years ago, might be familiar to the contemporary audience: People rioting in the street, because resources are being withheld from the masses. Those in power think they don't deserve it, and the main character has a special disdain for the common person although he's encouraged to run for office.

Although last year's film may have earned some accessibility for the play, it's long been said to be one the lesser works of Shakespeare. Like the movie, the costumes don't look like Roman garb; there will also be some fight scenes -- on a smaller scale.

Despite my indifference to the selection, I will still list the play every night, because 1) you might like it anyway and 2) this is an annual gift to the residents (and visitors).

"May not be appropriate for all ages. Parental discretion is advised."

Show up early between 8/3 and 8/12 for live music performances.

SAT 7/28 (and SUN 7/29)

Various Times
"Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld"
at Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester (Upham's Corner)
FREE
Friday & Saturday -- 8pm
Sunday -- 3pm
Based on the Greek myth where a great musician goes to Hell to retrieve his wife, Offenbach created a parody that also tweaks an opera that was written about 100 years earlier. "Orpheus in the Underworld" may be best known for the excerpt that's known as the can-can, which is kinda cool.

I assume the production will be sung in French with the English projected above the stage.

SAT 7/28

8:30pm
Milo Greene, Family of the Year
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

If you like lush indie/folk-rock from Los Angeles with waves and waves of boy-girl harmonies, then be prepared for tingling sensation to last for a couple hours.

SAT 7/28

10pm
Andrea Gillis Band
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
$5 / 21+

I experienced bar-band Nirvana on a Friday night at the Plough & Stars when the Andrea Gillis Band were mowing through songs like a locomotive with Andrea's voice like a soulful horn leading the charge that's barely staying on the tracks. Then she sang while strutting on top of the bar.

That isn't as feasible tonight, but it should be a pretty awesome Saturday night soundtrack. Think of it as a preview of tomorrow's Boston Rock and Soul Festival without having to get on a boat for several hours.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Weekend Calendar

Some kind of Saturday post is on its way, but the calendar on the front page ain't bad...

FRI 7/27: Fun, Music, Dance, Comedy, Shakespeare, Opera, Film


I will try to have the weekend up stuff soon, since I'm going out of town. The CTB calendar can point you in directions for the next week. Let's cross our fingers for the outdoor events...

Update: There's also a bluegrass/folk show at the Massasoit Lodge near Central Square ($5).

I've been to many North End feasts, but I still like going for my favorite calamari every now and then. (Look for the old guy with old sailor's cap.) It's the St. Joseph’s Feast this weekend, and a variety of saints are feted through August by setting up vendor booths and carnival games.

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FRI 7/27 (thru FRI 8/31)

Various Times
"Free Fun Fridays"
at N.E. Historic Genealogical Society, 99 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
at New Repertory Theatre, Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown
FREE

ALSO:
at Children’s Museum in Easton
at Springfield Museums

One of the best free summer programs lets you choose from a different set of cool places around the Commonwealth for 10 Fridays in a row. If you've got visitors or you take a Friday off, you've got some to do -- if you're not going to the Cape (or wherever).

It's not exactly the most exciting Friday of the summer. The New England Historic Genealogical Society could get started looking around your family tree. You don't need to take youngsters to the 2pm or 5pm performances of "Tales of Poe" by the New Repertory Theater, there may be a bunch of them in the crowd.

Next week's destinations include the Museum of Fine Arts, Arnold Arboretum, Fuller Craft Museum, and the Norman Rockwell Museum (road trip).

FRI 7/27

6pm
Jazz Funeral for Passed WGBH Music Programs
at Copley Square, about 600 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

You may or may not know that jazz programming has been significantly reduced on WGBH radio, and there was already one protest in front of the station earlier this month.

Prior to the kickoff of the "Globe/WGBH Summer Arts Weekend" (see below), a jazz funeral is planned to bring attention to GBH's short shrift to classical and folk music as well.

All musicians are welcome to join in on the tunes and are asked to show up 15 minutes early.

FRI 7/27 (to SUN 7/29)

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

Friday -- 6:40pm to 9:15pm
Saturday -- Noon to 10pm
Sunday -- Noon to 6pm
While others may be heading to Newport this weekend to get one kind of folk music. The Lowell Folk Festival emphasizes folks playing music from around the country and all corners of the globe.

There are performance areas throughout downtown Lowell where dozens of groups serve up dozens of musical flavors as well as other street entertainment.

Every year there's at least one special guest, and the LFF doesn't disappoint with Magic Slim who moved to Chicago in the '50s to play the blues. He's not considered one of the pantheon of blues guitarists (like his mentor Magic Sam), but Slim has been an much-loved and award-winning bluesman ever since. He's playing tonight and tomorrow.

As usual, there will be loads of food vendors with a wide variety of ethnic goodies; take a stroll around the festival to see & smell what you’ll like.

FRI 7/27 (to SUN 7/29)

Various Times
"Summer Arts Weekend"
at Copley Square, about 600 Boylston St, Boston
FREE

Friday:
7pm -- Sierra Hull & Highway 111
7:45pm -- Preservation Hall Jazz Band
8:30pm -- Del McCoury w/ Preservation Hall Jazz Band
9:15pm -- Irma Thomas
Saturday:
11am to 4pm -- Various kids' music performers
4:15pm -- The Low Anthem
5:45pm -- Poncho Sanchez
7:30pm -- Suzanne Vega
9:15pm -- Soul Rebels
Sunday:
1pm -- New England Conservatory: Contemporary Improv Showcase
2:15pm -- Anderson & Roe
3:30pm -- Igudesman and Joo
4:45pm -- Alison Balsom w/ Landmarks Orchestra
Despite WGBH co-sponsoring free concerts that bring nationally recognized acts in various genres including jazz, folk, and classical; some people will still point to the 362 other days of the year (see above).

The rest of us can sit back and appreciate the big names. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is living-breathing New Orleans history, and they're in Boston tonight before tomorrow's Newport Folk Fest gig. In addition to their own set, PHJB will back bluegrass legend Del McCoury before the "Soul Queen of New Orleans" hits the stage with songs like "It's Raining", "Wish Someone Would Care", "I Done Got Over It" and "Time Is on My Side" (made famous by The Stones).

During Saturday afternoon, there are a bunch of performers aimed towards kids (such as Dan Zanes). The second half features indie-folk from The Low Anthem and Suzanne Vega, the classic Latin jazz of Poncho Sanchez, and more New Orleans horn-power thanks to the Soul Rebels brass band.

Sunday's program leans in the classical direction, so it might be easier to find a spot on the lawn...

FRI 7/27

7pm to 10pm
Somerville Dance Fest
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

It's the time of the season when you can walk around Union Square on the weekend and have a good chance that something cultural and/or peculiar is happening.

The Zoe Dance Company have organized about a dozen dance groups of different styles from around town as well as Philly, New York and Ireland. They will all use video projections to augment the choreography or improvisation, which should be pretty cool.

Rain date: SAT 7/28

FRI 7/27

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "Philadelphia Comes to The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Alex Grubard, Alex Pearlman, John Nunn, Tim Vargulish, Nate Johnson

Anderson Comedy has The Gas every Friday, and I'm an advocate of the idea of early Friday fun so you can spend the rest of the night doing anything else.

Three funnymen of Philly will mix it up with some local guys. We'll see how much regional rivalry pops up.

The price is right for a bunch of laughs and a few beers. And there's nothing wrong with staying at Great Scott and dancing (or standing around) with "The Pill" at 10pm.

FRI 7/27 (and SAT 7/28)

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE
Friday -- Spanish
Saturday -- English
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

Tomorrow is one more chance to see it performed in English. Si habla Espanol, press 2 and enjoy it tonight.

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

FRI 7/27 (thru SUN 8/12)

8pm
Shakespeare on the Common: "Coriolanus"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE
Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm
In its 17th year, Shakespeare on the Common is perennially one of the best cheap thrills you'll find in Boston. Sure... New York has 'Shakespeare in the Park', but not every town has professional actors bringing the Bard to life outside where anyone can walk up and get cultured.

The story in "Coriolanus", a play set in Rome and written 400 years ago, might be familiar to the contemporary audience: People rioting in the street, because resources are being withheld from the masses. Those in power think they don't deserve it, and the main character has a special disdain for the common person although he's encouraged to run for office.

Although last year's film may have earned some accessibility for the play, it's long been said to be one the lesser works of Shakespeare. Like the movie, the costumes don't look like Roman garb; there will also be some fight scenes -- on a smaller scale.

Despite my indifference to the selection, I will still list the play every night, because 1) you might like it anyway and 2) this is an annual gift to the residents (and visitors).

"May not be appropriate for all ages. Parental discretion is advised."

Show up early between 8/3 and 8/12 for live music performances.

FRI 7/27 (to SUN 7/29)

Various Times
"Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld"
at Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester (Upham's Corner)
FREE
Friday & Saturday -- 8pm
Sunday -- 3pm
Based on the Greek myth where a great musician goes to Hell to retrieve his wife, Offenbach created a parody that also tweaks an opera that was written about 100 years earlier. "Orpheus in the Underworld" may be best known for the excerpt that's known as the can-can, which is kinda cool.

I assume the production will be sung in French with the English projected above the stage.

FRI 7/27

Jabe (8pm), Three Day Threshold (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Although he's moved to Nashville, Jabe returns to the area every now and then. Whether solo or with Southern compatriots, I'd wager that some of his rootsy friends/ex-bandmates may get onstage for a rockin' good time. It looks like he'll be at Atwoods on WED 8/1 too.

Three Day Threshold kicks the alt-country/Americana party up a few notches because Harvard Square audio store Sound Lion will be handing out 'shwag' and will buy 15 drinks at some point during TDT's set.

FRI 7/27

Sunset
Movies by Moonlight: "Jaws"
at Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE

In case you're wondering, I did find the retro Narragansett cans. You can buy them in 6-pack, they don't taste better than the usual cans, and they are NOT made of tin like the 1975 version. You probably won't find any at the screening.

Quint will drink it, and he will crush that can in his hand. There will be a killer shark threatening the tourists on a New England island, and that shark will build the suspense and show up at the very end!

There is space to sit and see the screen at the BHH even if you're not dining/drinking, and it's kinda cool to sit on the waterfront. Then there are the family films at the Hatch Shell on Fridays.

FRI 7/27

Aloud (Midnight), Sidewalk Driver (11pm), Dirty Wings (10pm), Parlour Bells (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

[Facebook]

If you want to see a great rock show, this is my pick of the night for the quality and variety. After a decade of rocking with great songs and passion, Aloud is still kicking ass and continue getting better that should be in arenas and stadiums. Sidewalk Driver is an awesome 21st-century glam-rock band with an amazing singer who also signs on to the flamboyant look. To even things out, Parlour Bells make moody, classy, dramatic pop and NYC's Dirty Wings are a punky bunch of heartland rockers.

FRI 7/27

Sweatshop (Midnight), The Nickel & Dime Band (11pm), Epileptic Disco (10pm), The Tom Appleman Band (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

[Facebook]

Are you ready for a rap-rock-funk party?

I haven't really given it much thought lately. Epileptic Disco spent a big chunk of the '90s making bro's dance around in funny ways. They had a 10-year reunion a couple years ago, and tonight they're joining funky-rap whippersnappers Sweatshop.

Of course some of the Epileptic Disco guys currently play in The Nickel & Dime Band including Tom Appleman who will have a night with his own band's set.

FRI 7/27

9:30pm
By the Throat (Midnight), Mung (11pm), White Dynomite (10pm), The Black Cheers (9pm)
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Are you ready for a punk party?

Unlike rap-rock groups (exception for Epileptic Disco), hardcore punk bands never die -- they keep popping back up as long as some of the guys are still alive. Whenever Mung emerges from hibernation, the claws and fangs will likely be out. If there's a name that says 'hardcore', it's By the Throat. The Black Cheers bring it on loud and fast. We'll have to keep the faith about the 'punk-soul explosion' that is White Dynomite, because I haven't heard them.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

THUR 7/26: Music, Shakespeare, Opera


I don't know if it's going to be a good night to sit outside, but I'm listing the 'al fresco' stuff anyway. Check the appropriate websites/Facebook pages or take your chances...

Did you see Liverpool and Roma playing soccer (umm, football) at Fenway Park last night? It's a strange sight.

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THUR 7/26

6pm to 8:30pm
Harborwalk Sounds: Adrianne Lenker
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE

Argh! I just can't bear to spend any time on MySpace, so I'd rather just listen to the brief teaser on Adrianne Lenker's Bandcamp (above). It's enough to expect that I'd enjoy hearing more. And there is still a month of Thursdays to hear bands on the Harborwalk underneath the museum.

Going to the ICA on any Thursday night for a free stroll through the galleries is a good idea. I want to see the Josiah McElheny exhibit (through 10/22), because he does amazing things with glass and mirrors.

Whether or not modern art is your game, there is a hallway with a breathtaking view of the Harbor.

THUR 7/26

6:30pm
Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Mango Blue
at Caboose at The Greenway, about 74 Marginal St, East Boston
at Zumix Hall, 260 Sumner St, East Boston
FREE

It's just a short walk from the Maverick T for an evening of really nice Latin jazz, and there's no shortage of Latin-American eateries in the area.

THUR 7/26 (thru SAT 7/28)

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

Alternating Bilingual Nights:

English: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Spanish: Friday
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

Tonight and tomorrow's show will be dramatized in English, the Spanish-language cast takes over every other night.

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

THUR 7/26 (thru SUN 8/12)

8pm
Shakespeare on the Common: "Coriolanus"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE
Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm
In its 17th year, Shakespeare on the Common is perennially one of the best cheap thrills you'll find in Boston. Sure... New York has 'Shakespeare in the Park', but not every town has professional actors bringing the Bard to life outside where anyone can walk up and get cultured.

The story in "Coriolanus", a play set in Rome and written 400 years ago, might be familiar to the contemporary audience: People rioting in the street, because resources are being withheld from the masses. Those in power think they don't deserve it, and the main character has a special disdain for the common person although he's encouraged to run for office.

Although last year's film may have earned some accessibility for the play, it's long been said to be one the lesser works of Shakespeare. Like the movie, the costumes don't look like Roman garb; there will also be some fight scenes -- on a smaller scale.

Despite my indifference to the selection, I will still list the play every night, because 1) you might like it anyway and 2) this is an annual gift to the residents (and visitors).

"May not be appropriate for all ages. Parental discretion is advised."

Show up early between 8/3 and 8/12 for live music performances.

THUR 7/26 (to SUN 7/29)

Various Times
"Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld"
at Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester (Upham's Corner)
FREE
Thursday to Saturday -- 8pm
Sunday -- 3pm
Based on the Greek myth where a great musician goes to Hell to retrieve his wife, Offenbach created a parody that also tweaks an opera that was written about 100 years earlier. "Orpheus in the Underworld" may be best known for the excerpt that's known as the can-can, which is kinda cool.

I assume the production will be sung in French with the English projected above the stage.

THUR 7/26

8:30pm
The Roy Sludge Trio feat. Duke Levine
at Cantina La Mexicana, 247 Washington St, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

For some reason, listening to country music at a Mexican restaurant amuses me. Maybe there are some parallels between county and band, but I doubt Sludge and gang will be wearing fancy matching outfits.

THUR 7/26

Louder My Dear (9pm), The MIlling Gowns (10pm), To The Wedding (11pm), Sarah Walk (Midnight)
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

Even if they don't start exactly at 9pm, you won't want to miss a bit of the bands. One of the first things about Louder My Dear: Is that a guy from Boston singing with a vaguely British accent? That might be the case, but the indie-rockers shouldn't mind celebrating what must be influences from '80s/'90s UK bands.

I've also heard similar Brit leanings from The Milling Gowns who have labeled themselves "gloom pop" which might make Morrissey proud. They sound even better lately with a change to a more traditional rock format ('hello guitar, bye piano & viola'). It keeps on getting delightfully shoegazier with To The Wedding, then stay for Sarah Walk's interesting take on a piano-trio rock.

THUR 7/26

9:30pm
Shonen Knife, White Mystery, The Moan
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

It seemed like a novelty when Shonen Knife blew up in the '90s. On the other hand, you couldn't deny that pop-punk from these three gals from Japan rocked! They haven't stopped performing and releasing albums, so I was wrong. I'm betting they still knock people on their heels.

Unlike the White Stripes, White Mystery really seems to be a brother-sister duo out of Chicago. (How likely could these ginger dopplegangers not be related?) Like Jack and Meg, they rip it up in a garagey rock explosion.

The Moan are a blues-rock duo that seems to keep it closer to their roots.

THUR 7/26

10pm
Into The Alpha
at W Hotel Lounge, 100 Stuart St, Boston (Theater District)
FREE / 21+

The Boston Phoenix is curating an "Electric Summer Music Series" at the W Boston Hotel for 5 upcoming Thursdays beginning tonight.

There are a couple tracks on Facebook that gives the impression that Gentleman Hall guitarist Cobi Mike's side project is equal parts electro and rock.

These type of events are usually a good excuse to walk around a fancy hotel and feel like one belongs there.

I should have mentioned the other day that the first 100 to RSVP would get a free Mount Gay rum cocktail. (You could give it a try.)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Goldstar Pick o' the Week -- A Sci-Fi Gangster Fairy Tale

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

The Goldstar people approached me to spread the word about their website, so I decided to share one of their deals now and then. I had already used their service, so I know it works.

They offer various 50% (or more) discounts to a variety of events like theater, comedy, music, etc.

Yes, you have to register. And they send emails on a regular basis -- but you can read/delete them as you like. I suggest reading them more often than not, because some early-bird discounts provide almost free admission.

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THUR 8/9 (thru SAT 8/18)

Various Times
"The Third Story"
at Arsenal Center for the Arts, Black Box Theatre, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown
$7 or $19 Goldstar price (vs $25.50)

I can't tell you how funny this is. Seriously, I can't tell you.

When I saw a photo of a not-quite-handsome man in drag, my gut senses that it may be a gutbuster. Set in the '40s, "The Third Story" takes a wild ride through Hollywood, the Midwest, romance, witchcraft, gangsters, and cloning.

Playwright Charles Busch has written many comedies (e.g. "Psycho Beach Party", "Die, Mommy, Die!", "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife"), and this play has received many positive reviews since it debuted in 2008.

No offense to the fine performers, but I'm more likely to take a chance for $7 instead of $25. Act soon for the lowest price tickets available on THUR 8/9 and SUN 8/12.

Note: "This show is not suitable for children. The performance includes the use of strobe lighting and simulated gunfire."

ALSO:

At Club Oberon on Fridays, you can catch the boozy sketch comedy show "Bye Bye Liver: The Boston Drinking Play". There are $10 (plus $3.50 service fee) tickets which is better than the $20 full price.

Want to see Rufus Wainwright & Ingrid Michaelson on SUN 7/29? You could save $15...

WED 7/25: Talk, Music, Shakespeare


There are 8 happenings listed below, and 6 of them are free. Hell, yeah, Greater Boston area!

Interesting that there's a Shakespeare play in one park and a play about a Shakespeare play in another...

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WED 7/25

6pm to 7pm
Max & Whit Alexander, "Bright Lights, No City": Author Talk
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Have you ever played "Cranium"? Not only does Whit Alexander create a great board game, he and his journalist brother come up with a business idea to assist people in Ghana.

Of course, the next step is to write a book about it.

WED 7/25

6:30pm
PanNeubean Steel
at Titus Sparrow Park, 200 W. Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

It seems like PanNeubean Steel plays the music series at this park every year. It should be a beautiful night to soak in the island sounds led by the steel drummer.

Whether you dance away or close your eyes pretending to be on distant beach, be careful about dancing with your eyes closed.

WED 7/25

7pm
Boston Landmark Orchestra, "At the River" Clean Water Concert
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Program:

Strauss, "On the Beautiful Blue Danube"
Duke Ellington, "The River"
Schumann, "Symphony No. 3, Rhenish"
Smetana, "The Moldau"
For the last 6 years, one of the Landmarks Orchestra's seasonal concerts has been a general tribute to nature with the Charles River as their inspiration. Of course the music is inspired by the Danube, the Rhine, and the Moldau.

I'm not sure if Duke Ellington was thinking of a specific river, but he did grow up in DC. "The River" is meant to represent the journey of life -- maybe life is like the Potomac...

If you get there early, you could win a prize by visiting the info tables of various local environmental groups.

Maybe concertgoers will be able to jump into the Charles in the near future.

Rain location: Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St, Boston

WED 7/25

Chris Wilson (8:30pm), Ross Niblock (7:45pm), Michael Joseph (7pm)
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$5

Singer-songwwriter Chris Wilson has left Los Angeles without most of his band except the saxophone player. They're hitting the road to share soulful songs and see the country. Not a bad idea.

From what I heard of Wilson, I liked. I couldn't find anything notable on the openers. Good luck.

WED 7/25 (thru SAT 7/28)

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

Alternating Bilingual Nights:
English: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Spanish: Friday
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

Tonight and tomorrow's show will be dramatized in English, the Spanish-language cast takes over every other night.

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

WED 7/25 (thru SUN 8/12)

8pm
Shakespeare on the Common: "Coriolanus"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE
Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm
In its 17th year, Shakespeare on the Common is perennially one of the best cheap thrills you'll find in Boston. Sure... New York has 'Shakespeare in the Park', but not every town has professional actors bringing the Bard to life outside where anyone can walk up and get cultured.

The story in "Coriolanus", a play set in Rome and written 400 years ago, might be familiar to the contemporary audience: People rioting in the street, because resources are being withheld from the masses. Those in power think they don't deserve it, and the main character has a special disdain for the common person although he's encouraged to run for office.

Although last year's film may have earned some accessibility for the play, it's long been said to be one the lesser works of Shakespeare. Like the movie, the sets probably won't look like Rome; there will also be some fight scenes.

Despite my indifference to the selection, I will still list the play every night, because 1) you might like it anyway and 2) this is an annual gift to the residents (and visitors).

"May not be appropriate for all ages. Parental discretion is advised."

On more note, live music precedes the drama from 8/3 to 8/12.

WED 7/25

9:30pm
Private Shapes, The Long Tones
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE / 21+

Let me share a little something with you. I was dancing in my chair while listening to the synth-popping Private Shapes and the slinky funk from The Long Tones. If you're in the mood for some fun and dancing at a place with a bar, this is not a bad way to stay out late on a Wednesday.

WED 7/25

9pm
Boston Accents Funeral Parties
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+
Feat:Gentlemen Hall, Black Light Dinner Party, Bearstronaut, Stereo Telescope
As of Friday, WFNX ceased to exist as we knew it. Until the new format begins, a zombie-style music station can still be heard. It's too bad that radio doesn't play the same role in discovering new music as it did years ago.

While radio doesn't break national bands anymore, FNX was tremendously supported to local bands via "Boston Accents" (and continued exposure via the Phoenix). New bands can get attention through other channels, but it sucks to see the options decrease.

On the third and final night of the 'Funeral Parties', the line-up is giving a middle finger to anyone expecting a sad farewell. Get ready to dance and party the night away.

Hey, turntable owners: Black Light Dinner Party could be giving away 40 vinyl copies of their album to people who ask for them.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

TUES 7/24: Talk, Film, Music


So the other tasks in my multitasking got the better of me today.

FYI: The CTB calendar is populated with most of my cheap suggestions through next Friday.

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TUES 7/24

6pm to 7pm
Gerald Chertavian, "A Year Up: How a Pioneering Program Teaches Young Adults Real Skills for Real Jobs with Real Success": Author Talk
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Whatever programs that can successfully even the playing field in terms of education/career opportunities should be applauded.

Gerald Chertavian applied his Harvard Business School to create a program that annually provides training in real-world technical & professional skills to more than 1,000 disadvantaged young people. The next step is to place them in 6-month internships.

These are just the basics that will be expanded upon in tonight's discussion.

TUES 7/24

6pm to 7:30pm
“The Justice For Trayvon Martin NAACP Rally": Screening
at Mattapan Public Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan
FREE

Filmmaker Paul Morgan appears to be the creative force behind the community TV program "Community Is Us". There was an NAACP rally for Trayvon Martin in April, and this is a chance to see Morgan's program and discuss the case.

It's interesting to see the reactions immediately after the tragic events and compare it to the current mood. I imagine that assumptions made at the rally may have different meaning as the case unfolds.

TUES 7/24

7pm
"Shellshocked": Screening
at Haller Hall, Room 102, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

It appears the space in front of the Natural History Museum is hosting a farmers' market on Tuesdays (Noon to 6pm) through the end of October. There are various food/green demonstrations and activities in conjunction with the market including tonight's screening.

Although the film focuses on the history of oysters in New York Harbor and the struggle to restore the oyster beds, it should remind us of the fragile existence of delicious bivalves along our shores.

TUES 7/24

Abbey Barrett & The Last Date (9:30pm), Frank Morey & Michael Tarbox (8pm)
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

It appears that the performers are treating it as separate early and late shows. So one can enjoy a pair of bluesy guys or some folky indie-pop -- or both.

It's free entertainment while enjoying beverages in Union Square (like Bull McCabe's and Sally O'Brien's).

TUES 7/24 (and WED 7/25)

9pm
Boston Accents Funeral Parties
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Tonight:Mean Creek, Mellow Bravo, Soccer Mom, Dirty Virgins

Wednesday:
Gentlemen Hall, Black Light Dinner Party, Bearstronaut, Stereo Telescope
As of Friday, WFNX ceased to exist as we knew it. Until the new format begins, a zombie-style music station can still be heard. It's too bad that radio doesn't play the same role in discovering new music as it did years ago.

While radio doesn't break national bands anymore, FNX was tremendously supported to local bands via "Boston Accents" (and continued exposure via the Phoenix). New bands can get attention through other channels, but it sucks to see the options decrease.

Far from a morose affair, Boston Accents is going out with a bang over three nights that have been basically broken down into "...a bit of rowdy garage rock, a a slathering of pure rock and roll adrenaline, and the slickest electronic-pop beats..." that recent host Michael Marotta has been playing since he took the show's reins.

He said:
When I booked these shows 2 months ago I used the term "Funeral Party" because I was bummed out by the station being sold. Now I just feel more celebratory and grateful for Boston Accents ever existing in the first place so fuck it, it's a celebration. Let's do it up.
With one more rock night and a pop/electro night to go, there is a quick way to sample a smog from each of the participating bands on Bandcamp.

I wonder if Mean Creek will be playing rooms this small for much longer. Among their local music awards and high-profile gigs, they went on tour with Counting Crows a couple months ago. (It's not the same as the mid-'90s, but those were a lot of fresh ears for the band.) Their modern big-rock sound is joined by Mellow Bravo's nod to an earlier big-rock reminiscent of big hair. Good stuff!

Soccer Mom will get good 'n fuzzy, while Dirty Virgins will hopefully be messy and punky.

The word on the web is that Grillo's Pickles will be giving away spears tonight, and they're the best pickles I've ever eaten.

TUES 7/24

Turf War (10:30pm), Mighty Tiny (9:45pm), Northern Lands (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

We can assume that putting Turf War's drunken rock swagger together with Mighty Tiny's experimental cabaret-rock. One is a loose group of Georgia boys who look like they put equal effort into partying and performing, and the other have a sophisticated image highlighted by the Carnevale masks they wear onstage.

They both sound really good, so it could be a splendid happy accident that the crowd will enjoy. Providence rockers Northern Lands get the party started.

Have you seen this 'Gansett can?



If I'm going to drink a mediocre beer, I gladly choose Narragansett for its local roots and their desire to open a dedicated brewing facility in Rhode Island. (I believe they produce at a 3rd-party brewery in upstate NY.)

As a "Jaws" fan, I think it would be cool to look like ol' Quint and spout movie quotes while I'm quaffing a few beers this summer:



I'm on their mailing list, and the retro cans were supposedly available as of July 12. Although I haven't been actively searching, the 18-packs were not in the package stores I've visited.

Of course there are more flavorful beers to promote locavore drinking, but feel free to leave a comment if you see the old-school cans in the Boston area.

If you want to win a BluRay copy of the shark movie, post a photo or video that involves crushing the can on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr -- and use hashtag #CrushItLikeQuint.

Monday, July 23, 2012

MON 7/23: Country & Rock


Just music on today's list. You can look at cheapness for the next few days on the calendar.

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MON 7/23

8:30pm
Sarah & The Tall Boys
at Smoken' Joe's BBQ, 351 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
FREE-ish

This may be one of the few bands that comes to Smoken' Joe's with a pedal steel guitarist. Sarah and her bassist-husband are originally from Rhode Island and have been based in Chicago for about a decade where the Tall Boys are more country than blues.

Sarah has a great voice that leads people to make pairings like 'Johnny Cash meets Bonnie Raitt' or 'Janis Joplin meets 'Asleep at the Wheel', but I suggest you give a listen and make up your own mind -- or take a honky-tonkin' chance tonight.

And she hasn't forgotten the Ocean State based on the jumping Western swinger "Jonesin' for Little Rhody".

MON 7/23 (thru WED 7/25)

9pm
Boston Accents Funeral Parties
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Tonight:
Viva Viva, RIBS, earthquake party!, Fat Creeps

Tuesday:
Mean Creek, Mellow Bravo, Soccer Mom, Dirty Virgins

Wednesday:
Gentlemen Hall, Black Light Dinner Party, Bearstronaut, Stereo Telescope
As of Friday, WFNX ceased to exist as we knew it. Until the new format begins, a zombie-style music station can still be heard. It's too bad that radio doesn't play the same role in discovering new music as it did years ago.

While radio doesn't break national bands anymore, FNX was tremendously supported to local bands via "Boston Accents" (and continued exposure via the Phoenix). New bands can get attention through other channels, but it sucks to see the options decrease.

Far from a morose affair, Boston Accents is going out with a bang over three nights that have been basically broken down into "...a bit of rowdy garage rock, a a slathering of pure rock and roll adrenaline, and the slickest electronic-pop beats..." that recent host Michael Marotta has been playing since he took the show's reins.

He said:
When I booked these shows 2 months ago I used the term "Funeral Party" because I was bummed out by the station being sold. Now I just feel more celebratory and grateful for Boston Accents ever existing in the first place so fuck it, it's a celebration. Let's do it up.
As a rock guy, the first 2 nights interest me more than night #3. There is a quick way to sample a smog from each of the 12 bands on Bandcamp.

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 scuzzy/rootsy indie-rock vibe. It's really some of the best stuff coming out of Boston and should be gaining fans on Conan and Letterman.

Likewise could be said of the RIBS who would be hard-rock radio darlings if radio still played fresh and interesting music. I enjoy both the noisy bounce of earthquake party and the lo-fi, bored-gal garage pop of Fat Creeps.

MON 7/23

10pm
Julia Easterlin, This Old Ghost
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

As she builds loops with her voice, Julia Easterlin could be a one-woman band. She does play with a band to support her catchy tunes with a jazzy lilt that gently cascade into your ears and some will likely burrow deep into your brain.

I don't know many acts that have played Zuzu have also appeared at Lollapalooza, however the answer is at least one.

After a pass through the 6 songs on This Old Ghost's EP, it seems like there may be a narrative through the songs and the music weaves its way through a spectrum of indie-rock moods.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

SUN 7/22: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

In case you missed Jeremiah McDonald's viral video from a couple weeks ago...

SUN 7/22: Cars, Fiesta, Who, Music, Theatre

Greased Pole Competition at Festival Betances
Hey: If you feel like going to the beach, the remains of the New England Sand Sculpting Festival are probably still intact at Revere Beach.

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SUN 7/22

10am to 2pm
American Car & Truck Day
at Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton St, Brookline
$10 / $5 military, seniors, students, children under 12

Based on photos from a few years ago, the lawn should have quite a few muscle cars and old hot rods parked upon it.

The event is no longer called the "Hot Rod & Muscle Car Day", so people who think their truck or Cadillac or whatever will drive up to be admired.

SUN 7/22

1pm to 8pm
Festival Betances
around Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham St, Boston (South End)
FREE

If you go today, get there as close to 1pm for the greased pole competition (see above). It's pretty wild to see something like that in person, and you may find yourself cheering like a life-long fan.

The performers include a mix of reggaeton, salsa, hip-hop, and other styles for a sense of being south of the border. There's a rather good selection of food that aren't your typical vendors.

SUN 7/22

Various Times
"Hooked On Who"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7 Suggested Donation

Schedule:

1:30pm -- "Carnival of Monsters"

9:30pm -- Torchwood: "Everything Changes" & "They Keep Killing Suzie"
For those who only know the last couple of 'cute Doctors', today's early program features the older Third Doctor who's outfit looks cornier than a bowtie and fez. Two fan-favorite episodes of spinoff show "Torchwood" are tonight including the first episode.

From my experience, the audience will laugh and scream like a midnight movie. Good times.

SUN 7/22

3pm
Unger Fest
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$6 / 21+

Feat: Motherboar, Mellow Bravo, Cult 45, Cocked N' Loaded, White Dynomite, Roadsaw, Black Thai, Tired Old Bones, Stil de Grain, Cropduster, Blackwolfgoat

What is "UngerFest"? It took me a while to figure it out, but David Unger must be a pretty cool guy. He's one of the main guys from Cropduster and has played in other bands including boozy, rockin' Santas The Scrooges.

Today is his birthday, and a load of hard and heavy bands are rocking all day for the heck of it.

SUN 7/22 (thru SAT 7/28)

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

Alternating Bilingual Nights:
English: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Spanish: Friday, Sunday
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

There are still 6 performances: 3 in English and 3 en Espanol (like tonight).

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

SUN 7/22

9pm
Sarah Siskind w/ Duke Levine
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

It's surprising to see an unfamiliar playing at Toad then seeing blurbs about her from Bon Iver, Bonnie Raitt, NRBQ's Big Al Anderson, and other well-known musicians.

Siskind is an impressive singer-songwriter who's a little bit country and a little bit folk. It turns out she has performed with the amazing Bill Frisell, and she has local guitar ace Duke Levine by her side.

SUN 7/22

9pm
Marc Pinansky & The Bored Of Health, Swamp Bear
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

I think Marc Pinansky will be doing his acoustic thing at Precinct for only a few more Sundays versus the big rock of his current band Township. The Bored of Health consist of stand-up bass and steel-guitarist as seen in this clip.

Showing he's a mighty man of music and facial hair, Marc is giving us free music after last night's reunion gig with Runner & The Thermodynamics. (Maybe some special guests tonight?) Opener Swamp Bear makes a dark, bluesy, twangy, rootsy sound.

SUN 7/22

Freedy Johnston (11:30pm), M.G. Lederman (10:30pm), Adam White (9:30pm)
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10

[Facebook]

All respect to MG Lederman and Adam White who are fine performers, but Freedy Johnston is the reason to attend. In the '90s, he released a few albums that contained some of the best pairings of poignant lyrics and melodies with songs such as "Can You Fly" and "Bad Reputation".

If you go downstairs for the bathroom, you could hear the woman from The Spinanes (that I mentioned yesterday in regards to 2-Piece Fest).

Saturday, July 21, 2012

SAT 7/21: Night Cheapness

Runner & The Thermodynamics, at Great Scott tonight
I screwed up the time for "2-Piece Fest", so we're starting the night listings at 6pm...

Still plenty of time for daytime cheapness (below).

Sunday fun and beyond can be found on the calendar.

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SAT 7/21

6pm
2-Piece Fest
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

Feat: The Clippers, Fat History Month, Lushes, King Orchid, Black Norse, Trach

If all 2-piece sounded like The White Stripes, it would be difficult that to Wye Oak, Japandroids, Matt & Kim, Death From Above 1979, The Ting Tings, No Age, Quasi, The Spinanes, and all the bands on this bill.

Two of the these bands that I really like are The Clippers that bash through fun, punky pop and the heavy, instrumental King Orchid who swing in a way that made me yearn to hear Chris Cornell scream over it (his Soundgarden days, not Audioslave). The other bands add a variety of indie, post-punk, metal sounds and other sonic territories.

If you get there early, the grill will be going in the back.

SAT 7/21 (thru SAT 7/28)

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

Alternating Bilingual Nights:

English: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Spanish: Friday, Sunday
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players i Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

There are still 7 performances: 4 in English and 3 en Espanol.

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

SAT 7/21

8pm
JVD & the Backporch Smokers (Midnight), The Big Lonesome (11pm), The Buckners (10pm), Tall Boys (9pm), American Beauties (8pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

The Buckners caught my eye on this lineup, because I've enjoyed their crunchy powerpop in the past. The rest is a mix of twangy/folky rockers and heavy/blues-rock.

SAT 7/21

9:30pm
Runner & The Thermodynamics, Gnarlemagne, Ken Reid
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Around the beginning of the millennium, Runner & The Thermodynamics was kicking ass all over the place with fresh take on classic power-trio rock yet pulled the plug after 5 years. They played a reunion gig a couple years ago and are playing a couple more shows for the love of rock 'n roll. Why else would they also record 2 phenomenal new songs as a free download?

It's going to be a fun night with soul-rocksters Gnarlemagne and the very funny Ken Reid opening up.

I wonder Runner's Marc Pinansky will be joined by his former bandmates at Precinct on Sunday night?

SAT 7/21 (and SUN 7/22)

Various Times
"Hooked On Who"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7 Suggested Donation

Saturday:
9:30pm -- "Destiny of the Daleks"
Sunday:
1:30pm -- "Carnival of Monsters"

9:30pm -- Torchwood: "Everything Changes" & "They Keep Killing Suzie"
The improbable popularity of Doctor Who is greater than my childhood watching the curly-haired 4th Doctor on PBS when I thought I was the only kid watching.

Today's 4-episode arc is a classic from that era with the (now) hilariously evil Daleks. Tomorrow goes back and forth in time with a story featuring the Third Doctor in the afternoon; take a romp through contemporary Wales where things get weird in the spinoff show "Torchwood".

SAT 7/21: Day Cheapness


It's a beautiful day to do anything, and there's no need to spend anything.

Have you heard of the New England Food Truck Festival? It's making stops in Brighton (7/28), Falmouth (8/25), Lowell (9/8), and Hingham (9/29).

The Globe has a drawing to win $80 in food tickets, which should be enough for 2 people. As I read it, you have until 9am on WED 7/25 to enter for the Artesani Park event.

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SAT 7/21

11am to 6pm
Allston DIY Fest
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
FREE

When was the last time you had some good old-fashioned, anarcho-communist, anti-authoritarian, sober, all-ages fun?

A whole semester of gender studies couldn't have had this many bands, and no camping accessories are required like the Occupy movement.

The whole park experience is to celebrate "DIY culture, freedom of individual expression, community building and alternative education, promoting a gift economy in place of money and oppressive consumerism."

So don't expect to see a sausage cart or anything like it. There should be a record swap, a book swap, and workshops including: “Hula Hooping 101” (11am), “Homebrewing Kombucha” (1:15pm), and “Learn to Crochet & Make 'Yarn' from Plastic Bags” (3:15pm).

Electric Bands:

Noon -- Onslo
12:15pm -- Cultured
12:30pm -- Holiday Mountain
12:45pm -- Zip Tie Handcuffs
1pm -- CreaturoS
1:20pm -- Stay On Top
1:40pm -- Ancient Filth
2pm -- 92 Protons
2:20pm -- Kal Marks
2:40pm -- Dirty Virgins
3pm -- Fort! The Band
3:20pm -- ABADABAD
3:40pm -- Scamps
4pm -- Pile
Acoustic Bands:
11am -- Spider Cider
11:30am -- Jack Haley
Noon -- Allison Francis
12:30pm -- Treehorn
1:00pm -- The Phobia
1:30pm -- Sonny Jim
2pm -- Anthony Savino
2:30pm -- Lily Richeson
3pm -- Streight Angular
3:30pm -- Catalion
4pm -- Mark Bodio
4:30pm -- Jake and the Infernal Machine
5pm -- Mornin’ Old Sport
I've listened to some of these groups, and I would try going early or late -- or anytime or all day. The electric bands are probably using bicycle-powered generators; you might even get a chance to give aspen and help out.

SAT 7/21

11am to 6pm
ArtBeat Festival 2012: "Migration"
all around Davis Square, Somerville
$3 donation suggested

As much as you may like Davis Square, it gets a little bit cooler as it overflows with music, art, dance, food, crafts, etc. It may be more commercial than the Allston DIY Fest, but there's plenty of things to do without spending a penny.

You're not even forced to donate but you'll definitely get $3 worth of fun (and a dogtag -- or something -- to show you chipped in). The money funds events like ArtBeat.

Whether or not the performances represent the theme of "Migration", there should be enough art and activities to represent.

Seven Hills Stage:
Noon -- Mariachi Estampa de America
1pm -- Jenee Halstead
2pm -- Roy Sludge Trio
3pm -- Cruzamente
4pm -- Bent Shapes
5pm -- Jorge Arce & Raíz de Plena
Elm Street Stage:
11:30am -- Steppers Heaven
12:30pm -- Patrick Coman & the Lo-Fi Angels
1:30pm -- Michael Murray & Tsoysli
2:30pm -- Butterknife
3:30pm -- Samba Viva
4:30pm -- 27
Starbucks Plaza:
1:15pm -- Len Solomon
2:15pm -- Jef Czekaj & Jarrett J. Krosoczka
3:15pm -- Patrick Coman & The Lo-Fi Angels
4:15pm -- Lizard Lounge Poetry Slam Team
Somerville Theater:
Noon -- Weber Dance
1pm -- Renée Amirault, Sarah Mae Gibbons Dance, Kate Nies Brigham, Sara Miller Duet, EgoArt Inc, Maggie Husak
2:30pm -- Contrapose Dance
3pm -- Kairos Dance Theater
Davis Square Theater:
1pm -- "The Carrot Salesman"
2pm -- "The Three Pigs and Other Tales"
3pm -- "Around the World in Four Months: One Man's International Search for Love"
4pm -- Kevin Brooks & Lani Peterson
Walk around and sample the tunes ( a good chance to appreciate the awesomeness of Bent Shapes). If it's too hot, check out dance or theatre/storytelling at one of the indoor venues.

SAT 7/21 (and SUN 7/22)

Various Times
"Hooked On Who"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7 Suggested Donation

Saturday:
1:30pm, 9:30pm -- "Destiny of the Daleks"
Sunday:
1:30pm -- "Carnival of Monsters"

9:30pm -- Torchwood: "Everything Changes" & "They Keep Killing Suzie"
The improbable popularity of Doctor Who is greater than my childhood watching the curly-haired 4th Doctor on PBS when I thought I was the only kid watching.

Today's 4-episode arc is a classic from that era with the (now) hilariously evil Daleks. Tomorrow goes back and forth in time with a story featuring the Third Doctor in the afternoon; take a romp through contemporary Wales where things get weird in the spinoff show "Torchwood".

SAT 7/21 (and SUN 7/22)

Various Times
Festival Betances
around Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham St, Boston (South End)
FREE
Saturday -- 2:30pm to 9pm
Sunday -- 1pm to 8pm
What started as a Puerto Rican festival has transformed into something generally Latin American, which is cool.

The music throughout both days consist reggaeton, salsa, hip-hop, etc. I recommend going tomorrow at 1pm to see the greased pole competition. The food selection is pretty darn excelente at whatever time you go

SAT 7/21 (thru SAT 7/28)

7:30pm
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
at Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE

Alternating Bilingual Nights:
English: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Spanish: Friday, Sunday
The movie was rather funny in an absurd way, so I can imagine the source play should be even better.

The titular characters were two minor players i Shakespeare's "Hamlet" who do play an important part in serving the overall plot despite their short appearances. The premise of this play is "What were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing?"

There are still 7 performances: 4 in English and 3 en Espanol.

The #111 bus may be your best bet for an adventure in free theatre on the other side of the Tobin. (They recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets -- I sat on the grass.)

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