CTB Calendar: First 10 Days of July

As I get back on the Cheap Thrills horse, I have some fun for the next week or so on the calendar.

This guy is heading to the Cape tomorrow morning. If I don't post anything in the next couple days, I want to share my idea for watching the fireworks on July 4th:

The roof of this MIT parking garage that should have a good, elevated view. You can't park there, but you should be able to walk up there with a chair and cold beverages...

Stay tuned...

Happy B-Day, USA

So this was the "Poem of the Day" in my inbox, and I wanted to share. I like to imagine Amy Lowell writing this many July 4th's in Brookline or Cambridge.

To Recap:

There is a lot to do today...

Including Harborfest & Tall Ships and fireworks...

It's probably too late to print out decorations or get a cheap boat ride, but there's always next year.

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"Pyrotechnics"
by Amy Lowell

I

Our meeting was like the upward swish of a rocket
In the blue night.
I do not know when it burst;
But now I stand gaping,
In a glory of falling stars.

II

Hola! Hola! shouts the crowd, as the catherine-wheels sputter and turn.
Hola! They cheer the flower-pots and set pieces.
And nobody heeds the cries of a young man in shirt-sleeves,
Who has burnt his fingers setting them off.

III

A King and Queen, and a couple of Generals,
Flame in colored lights;
Putting out the stars,
And making a great glare over the people wandering among the booths.
They are very beautiful and impressive,
And all the people say "Ah!"
By and by they begin to go out,
Little by little.
The King's crown goes first,
Then his eyes,
Then his nose and chin.
The Queen goes out from the bottom up,
Until only the topmost jewel of her tiara is left.
Then that, too, goes;
And there is nothing but a frame of twisted wires,
With the stars twinkling through it.

WED 7/4: Harborfest, Tall Ships, Cape Verde, Theater, Music

(Can you figure out what's going on in the painting?)

Honestly, I like being low-key on the 4th of July. A cookout with friends/family is perfect. A cookout with strangers is okay too; I would look for a building with a roof deck...

There are bars with roof decks, although most probably don't have a good view for the fireworks above the Charles. The Baseball Tavern has a deal for BBQ Buffet and a "specialty cocktail" ($15) on their top floor. Across the street, I assume Jerry Remy's will be open. Maybe Daedalus has a decent view as well.

For some reason, there are freebies/discounts to be found at different places on the USA B-day. For example:

* Starbucks will give you a free tall hot brewed coffee. (Yep, walk in and get a coffee -- so leave a nice tip.)
* Instead of cooking al 3 meals tomorrow, Boston Market is offering 50% off 'any family meal' with this coupon/promo code.

Today's Harborfest highlights are listed separately for (hopefully) easy reading.

BTW: Industrious hosts can find links to printable decorations below.

I doubt there are tix available for discounted boat rides today, but you can check...

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WED 7/4

10am
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
outside Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Maybe one year I'll get up early enough to hear the Declaration on the same balcony as it was first heard in Boston on July 18, 1776.

Anyone can read the Declaration of Independence at home if they don't want to imagine what it was like for early Americans to hear the intellectual salvo that changed history...

At 11am, someone traditionally gives a speech upstairs at Faneuil Hall. I couldn't find the speaker's name (again).

WED 7/4

11am to 1pm
USS Constitution: Turnaround Cruise
from Charlestown Navy Yard to Castle Island, Boston Harbor
FREE

No, you're not going to get on "Old Ironsides" on the bicentennial of making naval history.

Once per year, the oldest ship in the Navy takes a sail in the Harbor. Well... other boats tug it around -- let's not get bogged down in details. The US Coast Guard's Eagle is a three-masted cutter and will join the Constitution.

CTB reader aek suggested to watch from the back side of the Aquarium. I like Castle Island where they usually fire the 21-gun salute around noon.

The Blue Angels and other military planes will fly over town from noon to 1:15pm.

WED 7/4

Noon to 3:30pm
Tours of Fort Independence
at Castle Island, South Boston
FREE

Besides seine the USS Constitution, you could see a little history inside the fort where Edgar Allan Poe was posted as a soldier. The hourlong tour is the only way to walk around inside, and the last tour likely begins at 4pm today.

It's also possible to just sit on the lawn enjoying a burger or fried clams.

WED 7/4 (and THUR 7/5)

Various Times
Boston Navy Week
OpSail Tall Ships 2012
at Various Locations
FREE

Today's visiting hours:

Fish Pier -- Noon to 10pm
Black Falcon Cruise Terminal -- Noon to 8pm

As we celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, we're reminded that the USS Constitution earned its nickname "Old Ironsides" 200 years ago and has been afloat ever since. So Navy Week and the visit of the tall ships are really entwined as quite a few of the tall ships will be US and foreign naval ships.

The Google map is my attempt at making a helpful resource that includes locations and visiting hours. I think this is accurate based on various sources. Besides the links above, I suggest the Harborfest ship schedule, the USS Constitution Museum info, and the BostonUSA page.

I visited the Tall Ships by the World Trade Center in 2009, and it was a wonderful experience to see how they're put together around giant masts and miles of rope.

The Leap Frogs are parachuting at the Seaport's Fan Pier at noon. That's also around the time that the Blue Angels and other planes are flying over Boston between noon and 1:15pm.

WED 7/4

2pm to 7pm
Cape Verde Independence Celebration
at North Stage, City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Cape Verde's Independence day is actually July 5, but it's been celebrated in Boston with America's birthday for about 25 years.

It's not going to be as crowded as the Esplanade, the local Cape Verdean population has estimated at 40,000. (See a few pix from a few years ago.)

On stage, there's going to be dance and music performances as well as Kriolu food and craft vendors.

WED 7/4

7pm to 9pm
"Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play"
at Beale House Lawn, Adams National Historical Park, 181 Adams St, Quincy
FREE

The source material is an established history book that has probably been a reference for any creative endeavor about Adams and Jefferson over the last 30 years.

This 3-person production encompasses the love-hate relationship between two of our most prominent founding fathers as demonstrated by their decades-long correspondence, so the language should be clever. The third character is Adams' wife, Abigail. It appears that tonight's cast have performed together before, so expect a professional performance.

Seating is limited under the theatre tent; "feel free to bring you own lawn chairs."

(Hat Tip to Boston Events Insider.)

WED 7/4

7:30pm
Cheryl Aruda w/ Alizon Lissance
at Smoken' Joe's BBQ, 351 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
FREE

Ain't it something that some of our fine blues musicians have decided to jam on a day when there isn't much non-festival music. Both singer Cheryl Aruda and keyboardist Alizon Lissance are top-notch veterans who'd make it worth your while with or without a rhythm section.

I don't know when they open, but the food is really good. While the place doesn't really have much of a bar area to sit and listen, I imagine there will be room at the tables for beverage-buying blues-lovers.

WED 7/4

8:30pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Schedule:

9am -- Oval opens
Noon -- Recorded music begins in Boston
6pm -- Recorded music begins in Cambridge
8pm -- Broadcast begins on WBZ-TV
8:30pm -- Boston Pops concert begins
9:30pm -- "1812 Overture" is played
10:30pm -- Fireworks begin

None of you were actually going to scrum for a spot in the "Oval"? As I said before, you should see our fireworks show in person at least once in your life.

I'd rather watch the fireworks from the Longfellow Bridge. I was close to the Mass Ave Bridge last year, and it was a good view from there.

The area along Memorial Dr between the bridges would obviously be a good spot, however people will fill this space way before the pyrotechnics begin.

Hey, you won't hear the Dropkick Murphys and Jennifer Hudson play with the Pops ever again. For the record, the "1812 Overture" was not written for the War of 1812.

Other towns have fireworks displays too.

Free "Fourth of July" Decoration Printables

I saw a slideshow where they linked to various sites with free printable decorations.

Since I hate subjecting people to these often shameless excuses to increase website statistics, I picked the best ones to share.

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"America Banner" (seen above):
Who needs ribbon like the photo? Any kind of tape, tacks, clips, etc should do the trick.

The anagram generator didn't come up with anything pithy, but you can add more A,M,E,R,I,C's then see what you want to spell out.

"Bunting & Toothpicks":
If you do have string and/or toothpicks, a set of ambiguous red/blue patterns are available.

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"Tags, Signs, and Party Circles":
These are just a part of a whole plan to decorate on a budget which includes a zip file with 3 PDFS.

They contain 12 circles (3 of each), 8 labels, and 2 'signs' -- my image is not to scale.
.
"Plethora of Printables":
Use them however you'd like, although these are meant to be tags, straw flags, labels, mini notecards, and a party banner. While the top of the page tells you to email Brandi to get all 8 files, it looks like there are individual download links for all of them.
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"Candy Wrappings":
For the more ambitious 'party patriot', there are a few applications for these printable-foldables.

Goldstar Pick o' the Week: Get on a Boat

(Original photo from Wikipedia)

Since tomorrow is Independence Day, I will allow myself the freedom to go above $10.

Among the various discounted entertainment offers, my pals at Goldstar are offering half-off tickets for some Harbor rides in the next few days.

It looks like tickets are still available for everything listed below. It could be fun, and you'll feel better about the drink prices aboard since you've saved a couple bucks.

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TUES 7/3 & THUR 7/5

7pm
90-Minute Tall Ships Sunset Cruise
at Massachusetts Bay Lines Vessels, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
$13.75 Goldstar price (vs $27.50)

Someone could check out all of the Tall Ships from Charlestown to the tip of the Seaport in a 90-minute walk/T-ride, but you'd feel rushed and have to deal with throngs of unwashed masses.

The advantage of taking a harbor cruise is the different perspective and someone else is behind the wheel. There is a "live narration" as well.

WED 7/4

3pm, 4pm
90-Minute Tall Ships Cruise
at Massachusetts Bay Lines Vessels, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
$13.75 Goldstar price (vs $27.50)

There are a couple rides happening tomorrow during the day to sail by the tall ships.

WED 7/4

7:30pm
"IndepenDance Party Cruise: Rock the Boat in Boston"
at Provincetown II, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston
$15 Goldstar price (vs $30)

Departing: 8pm
Returning: 11pm

About 900 people will be on a boat with a DJ and a bar. I expect they'll stop in a good spot to see the fireworks before getting back to the dock.

FRI 7/6 (thru FRI 9/7)

8:30pm
Night Cruise on The Freedom
at Rowes Wharf, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
$15 Goldstar price (vs $30)

On most Fridays in the next couple months (not FRI 7/20), it's like a floating dance party. It could be fun for a few hours.

I would rather watch the song 'n dance of last week's Goldstar pick "Roller Disco the Musical!" on an upcoming Wednesday or Thursday.

7/3 & 7/4: Fireworks, The Pops

It's a milestone year for Boston due the bicentennial of the War of 1812, since the USS Constitution became known as "Old Ironsides" 200 years ago this month. (So you can remind people about that when you're at a cookout.)

Besides this stuff, there is other cheap fun today. (Stay tuned.)

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TUES 7/3 & WED 7/4

Various Times
Independence Day Fireworks, Etc
at Boston and Various Locations
FREE

Of course, showering the Boston sky above the Charles River is the big kahuna on 7/4 with the Dropkick Murphys and Jennifer Hudson joining the Boston Pops.

Last week, I mentioned the Commonwealth PDF list along with some towns relatively near Boston.

When I checked the specific locations, I noticed that some of dates didn't match the MA list. Whoops! I believe this information is more accurate:

TUES 7/3

Andover, North Andover, Lincoln PDF, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Stoughton, Gloucester, Haverhill, Needham, Nahant, Newton, Waltham, Weymouth, Winthrop

WED 7/4

Beverly, Marblehead, Salem, Wakefield (at least 3 of these 4 can be seen from the Salem-Beverly bridge), Lowell, Brockton (multiple days)

If you are interested in other locales, I'd suggest the WBZ list then confirm it anyway.

The Globe has their Independence Day section that also has an option where to find fireworks.

TUES 7/3 & WED 7/4

Tuesday:

8:20pm to 10pm
Boston Pops Pre-Concert
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Wednesday:

8pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

From my experience, tonight's rehearsal concert is reasonably crowded (see some photos below). Although there are no fireworks, the Dropkick Murphys and Jennifer Hudson will still perform like it's the Fourth.

The prime seating in the "Oval" will open at 6pm tonight (and 9am on Wednesday). Even though you can't see the fireworks when you're seated so close to the stage, people will race like maniacs on the morning of 7/4. Read the FAQ's to prepare yourself.

The space along the Esplanade will fill up slightly less quickly, and there should be more day picnic space on the Memorial Drive side of the Charles.

Since you have the opportunity you should stand there at least once in your life and see one of the best annual pyrotechnic shows in person at least once in your life. No matter how big the TV is, it cannot do justice to the real thing.

The later you go, the more crowded it will be. The first time I went, the Longfellow Bridge was open to spectators and 7pm was a really long time to wait. The last time I went, we strolled to the Mass Ave Bridge area about 10pm and still found a good view.

The music? At least the Dropkick Murphys are going to play at some point.

The scene from July 3, 2009:

Fireworks on 6/28, 7/3 & 7/4

As we celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, it was a battle around Chesapeake Bay where Francis Scott Key saw the bombs bursting in air.

Honestly, fireworks on any day is fine with me. Since my town of Somerville is starting on Thursday night, one doesn't have to wait until the nation's birthday for the pyrotechnics.

As usual, the Commonwealth has compiled a PDF list of towns' displays in chronological order.

The Globe has their Independence Day section that also has an option where to find fireworks.

Of course, showering the Boston sky above the Charles River is the big kahuna on 7/4 with the Dropkick Murphys and Jennifer Hudson joining the Boston Pops -- I assume separately.

Update: I initially used the MA list, and the towns had different dates.
Some of the other towns inside Route 128 (or thereabouts) lighting up the same night include:

Beverly, Marblehead, Salem, Wakefield (at least 3 of these 4 can be seen from the Salem-Beverly bridge), Lowell, and Brockton

On Wednesday 7/3, some locales prematurely launching in Eastern MA include:

Andover, North Andover, Lincoln, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Stoughton, Gloucester, Haverhill, Needham, Nahant, Newton, Waltham, Weymouth, and even Winthrop

BTW:

Cheapness through Saturday is on the calendar.

Although the free/$7 tickets to "Roller Disco the Musical!" that I mentioned last week are no longer available, Goldstar still has discounted tickets for the shows that start thie Wednesday and Thursday.

MON 7/4: July 4th Stuff & More

Happy Independence Day!

For those aren't going to a cookout (some liquor stores could be open), there is other cheapness today.

Maybe something Harborfesty? My faces are below.

My buddy, Prof. Michael J. Epstein, wrote a hoppin' little single (free download) about the Declaration of Independence in a disco-dominated alternate universe.

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MON 7/4

10am
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
outside Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Maybe one year I'll get up early enough to hear the Declaration on the same balcony as it was first heard in Boston on July 18, 1776.

That's rather historic and probably very patriotic, darn me...

MON 7/4

10:30am to 1pm
USS Constitution: Turnaround Cruise
from Charlestown Navy Yard to Castle Island, Boston Harbor
FREE

No, you're not going to get on "Old Ironsides".

Once per year, the oldest ship in the Navy takes a sail in the Harbor -- and that's pretty good for a 200+ year-old warboat.

MON 7/4

11am to 9pm
Peace Loving
at Weirdo Records, 844 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE / $5 donation appreciated

If you can find any reason to walk down Mass Ave between Central and Harvard, be prepared to stop for a while and absorb the bold effort of a 10-hour musical performance of weird, wild experimentalism.

This feels like classic Cambridge for an avant-garde band to celebrate Independence Day by playing all day outside of a record store.

You might even feel the patriotic spirit and buy something inside or donate $5 and maybe enjoy a beer. Wave your freak flag high, everybody.

MON 7/4

Noon to 3:30pm
Tours of Fort Independence
at Castle Island, South Boston
FREE

There is more to Castle Island besides burgers and fried clams.

If you get there before noon, you'll probably see the USS Constitution. Or you could get a little history inside the fort where Edgar Allan Poe was posted as a soldier.

MON 7/4

2pm to 4:30pm
McAlister Drive, 2Face Dejavu
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Take some hearty, local upbeat American rockers and a solid local rapper. Put them on the same stage, and that's a little slice of America in the middle of Boston.

MON 7/4

2pm to 7pm
Cape Verde Independence Celebration
at North Stage, City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

The funny part is that the Cape Verdeans are going to celebrate their Independence Day around the corner from the above concert. To the crowd, it's two events for the low price of free.

There's going to be live music as well as Kriolu food and craft vendors.

MON 7/4

8:30pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

9am -- Oval opens
Noon -- Recorded music begins in Boston
6pm -- Recorded music begins in Cambridge
8pm -- Broadcast begins on WBZ-TV
8:30pm -- Boston Pops concert begins
9:30pm -- "1812 Overture" is played
10:30pm -- Fireworks begin

Yeah, it's going to be crowded. I'd rather watch the fireworks from the Longfellow Bridge. I was close to the Mass Ave Bridge last year, and it was a good view from there.

And there are other towns with fireworks tonight.

I got an email from Jacob Wirth saying they're doing "25 cent wings & $15 pitchers of select beers" after 10:30pm.

Fireworks: THUR 6/30 to MON 7/4

I love eating and drinking, but pyrothenic bombs bursting in air are what sets Independence Day apart from other summer parties. Oh, and the birthday of the nation...

Besides tonight's fireworks, a few nearby weekend locations are listed below.

There is a statewide PDF list compiled by the Commonwealth (organized by date). I also noticed Boston Events Insider had a detailed list organized by region that covers a wide area (scroll down).

Of course, the Globe has a handy section on their site.

A short Thursday post is coming. Cheapness through Saturday is the calendar.

Did you know about getting into the MFA for free -- all day on Friday?

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THUR 6/30

9:15pm
Somerville Fireworks
at Trum Field, about 550 Broadway, Somerville (Magoun Sq)
FREE

Broadway closes, and it's a pretty good display (from my window, at least). Live entertainment begins at 6pm, and Booty Vortex plays at some point before 9:15pm.

The #80 & #89 buses will still take close to the festivities.

THUR 6/30

9:50pm
Extreme Sailing Series: Fireworks
at Boston Harbor (Fan Pier, North End, Eastie, etc)
FREE

I suspect the best viewing is supposed to be at Fan Pier, because that's where the Extreme Sailing races are based.

I also suspect there might be fine viewing anywhere on the Waterfront.

SAT 7/2

9:30pm -- Lexington

SUN 7/3

8:30pm -- Gloucester
9pm -- Lynn (Rain date: 7/5)
9:30pm -- Danvers (Rain date: 7/5)

MON 7/4

8pm -- Waltham (Rain date: 7/5)
9pm -- Salem, Beverly, Marblehead (Once, I saw the multiple displays while standing on the Beverly-Salem bridge.)
9pm -- Winthrop
10:30pm -- Boston (of course)

SUN 7/4: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

The fireworks are always world-class, however Craig Ferguson's dancing was one of the highlights last year. I will definitely have to try harder to hang out with him next year...

SUN 7/4: USA, Cape Verde, Burma, Punk

Happy Independence Day!

A couple other things:

I called the USS Constitution about the turnaround cruise. It's supposed to start at 11:30am. The sailor said it would be better to get closer to 10:30am -- probably to deal with the crowd and see whatever ceremony before they set sail. It sails to Castle Island, so you don't have to be in Charlestown to see the ship.

There's also a party at the Fenway Victory Gardens from 2pm to 6pm, and everyone is welcome with free food (people are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share). I've gone to one of these shindigs, and it felt like a close-knit community. They're open to outsiders, but most people seemed like they were already Victory Garden members.

One more thing: I saw this link about free stuff on July 4, and I was reminded that I posted about a free 60-day membership to BJ's coupon. I apologize for pimping it (with no compensation, btw) because I went recently, and it was no big deal. I really thought these places were overflowing with major savings, and I didn't really find that to be the case. It was okay, but nothing special in my opinion.

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SUN 7/4

11am to 6pm
Boston Thingyan Water Festival
at Pageant Field Park, 1 Merrymount Pkwy, Quincy
$10

Sure... Thingyan was months ago, but did you really want to have a water fight in April?

This may be the first time where the Burmese community has held a giant festival in the area. Who knows what to expect other than lots of music, food, and getting drenched. Really. Take a look at Atlanta's fest from earlier this year.

SUN 7/4

2pm to 7pm
Cape Verdean Independence Celebration
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Although the website has 2009 info, Cape Verdeans have annually celebrated at Government Center for a while. And it's still on the city's calendar. Technically their day is July 5, but why not celebrate with the US?

SUN7/4

2pm
Star Fu*king Hipsters, Have Nots, Spanish Gamble, Get Laid
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / All Ages

9pm
Star Fucking Hipsters, Brunt Of It, OFC
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

If the Star Fucking Hipsters had asked me, they would've called themselves the "Star Spangled Fucking Hipsters" for these two shows. See? I know how to leverage our country's birth!

I have a feeling both of these punk/ska-punk shows are going to skew towards the young side, and old people are welcome. Hey, they explicictly say "all ages" on the early show. (And I left with the PG-13 that I copied/pasted...)

SUN 7/4

8:30pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

It's going to be crowded, but you can do whatever you want (as long as they say it's okay). The Longfellow Bridge has treated me well as a site to watch the fireworks and hear the music.

(I did think about rooftop bars. The Baseball Tavern came to mind, then I saw they're having a rooftop party for $25, which might include some food.)

9am -- Oval opens
Noon -- Recorded music begins in Boston
4:30pm -- Recorded music begins in Cambridge
7pm -- WBZ News Radio 1030 simulcast begins
8pm -- Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast begins
8:30pm -- Boston Pops concert begins with the National Anthem and flyover
9:30pm -- "1812 Overture" is played
10pm -- CBS Network national broadcast begins
10:30pm -- Fireworks begin
11pm -- Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends

Like I said before, you should see our fireworks show in person at least once in your life. Feel free to go to another city near you for pyrotechnics.

SAT 7/3 + SUN 7/4: The Pops & Fireworks

SAT 7/3

8:30pm to 10pm
Boston Pops Pre-Concert
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

SUN 7/4

8pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

If you think going to the rehearsal show on Saturday, I took a few pictures last year. It isn't as jam-packed as the main event.

You might find some space in or near "The Oval" if you get there early enough. You really should read all the details and rules before you go. I'll tell you the prime seating opens at 4pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday.

It will be possible to find somewhere to sit on the Esplanade on Saturday at least...

If you've never stood by the Charles to see the fireworks, you really should do it at least once in your life. Craig Ferguson is back as host (yay), and the musical guest is Toby Keith (hmm).

Both should be there on at the Saturday pre-concert too. No fireworks display unless you imbibe the right ingredients...

Of course, there will be fireworks in various communities around the Commonwealth.

Some images from July 3, 2009 (not great, but I think I'm getting better):




An interesting patriot:

7/4: Happy Birthday, America!

Ladies and gentleman, the Declaration of Independence...

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

[woman having fun with red, white, and blue]

SAT 7/4: Harborfest, Cape Verde Fest, Boston Pops, Jazz, Art

Have a few hot dogs (or lobster, mmmm) and a few beers! If you're interested in more, these are some options.

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SAT 7/4

Various Times
Boston Harborfest
at Various Locations around Boston
Many under $10 or FREE

There's other historic/patriotic crap going on, but this is the meaty stuff. I even think it's possible to do all this if you have a visitor in town. And it's also possible if you don't have a visitor in town...

10am to 10:30am

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
at Old State House, State and Devonshire Streets

Read from the same balcony on July 18, 1776

11am to Noon

Annual Oration
at Great Hall, Faneuil Hall (upstairs)
FREE

"A traditional oration given by a prominent citizen"

(It was Craig Ferguson last year, maybe Jason Bay this time?)

Noon to 12:05pm

"Salute to the Nation"
off the US Coast Guard Base, North End
FREE

I'm not sure this is happening, but usually the USS Constitution goes out into the harbor "fires her 21-gun salute."

Noon to 3:30pm

Tours of Fort Independence
at Castle Island, Southie
FREE

One of my favorite places is Castle Island in Southie; there are tours of Fort Independence on Saturday and Sunday. I guess the fort is open on all summer weekends, but could go this weekend...

SAT 7/4

2pm to 7pm
Cape Verdean Independence Celebration
at City Hall Plaza, Congress Street side stage, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Cape Verde's Independence day is actually July 5, but in Boston it's been celebrated with America's birthday since 1987. I've seen this listed in previous years but haven't gone. See a photo from a past festival. The turnout is estimated at 15,000 to 20,000. (The local Cape Verdean population is approx. 40k)

Like most of these festivals, there's going to be food, 'family' activities, arts, and crafts. I assume the food has a Portuguese influence, and the sausage guys from North End festas better not be there.

On stage, there's going to be dance and music performances that have been described as "kriol-jazz, hip-hop kriol, and kriol-reggae" as well as traditional styles (which is especially beautiful when Cesaria Evora is singing).

SAT 7/4

8:30pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

If you've never stood by the Charles to see the fireworks, you really should do it at least once in your life. It's so spectacular in person.

A roof deck party with a good view should suffice, but it wouldn't kill you to stand/sit with the masses. The Longfellow Bridge is open to spectators again, so alternate spots like the other bridges or the Memorial Drive shore shouldn't be as bad. I stood on the Longfellow years ago, and you could hear the music, if not see the big screen.

The concert starts at 8:30pm, and the 21 minutes of fireworks goes off at 10:30pm. Craig Ferguson is back as host, and you know Neil Diamond is going to sing "America" and "Sweet Caroline".

SAT 7/4

10pm
Blaque Lyte
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8

It's pretty good funky jazz. I don't know if I'd pay $8, when there's a giant fireworks show over the Charles River. Maybe if you got there an hour or two before hand for drinks, you might be able to skip the cover charge... Johnny D's is a spot that I enjoy with or without music. They might even have a TV on the Boston Pops simulcast.

SAT 7/4 & SUN 7/5

Noon To 5pm
Nick Z, "Don't Hassle Me I'm Local": Exhibition
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave., Boston (near Fenway Park)
FREE

We (I) missed last week's reception where the food & drink would have been enough to make it worth a trip. There's not much but a cool art exhibit. You can see photos as the art is being installed, and that'll make you want to see it.

FRI 7/3 & SAT 7/4: Music and Fireworks

FRI 7/3

8:30pm to 10pm
Boston Pops Pre-Concert
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

SAT 7/4

8:30pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Our national holiday should be celebrated with food and drink, but a fireworks display separates it from your average cookout. There are some other cheap options for Independence Day weekend, but I wanted to start with the "Big Kahuna".

If you've never stood by the Charles to see the fireworks, you really should do it at least once in your life. I'm thinking of going again. I haven't been to Washington DC for Independence Day, but our show was the best I've ever seen in person.

People freak out about getting a spot in the "Oval" in front of the Hatch Shell, but are it really worth it to fight people for a 14-hour squat on a 5' x 7' spot? (As I realized last year, a cell at Guantanamo Bay is 6' x 10'...)

A roof deck party with a good view should suffice, but it wouldn't kill you to stand/sit with the masses. The Longfellow Bridge is open to spectators again, so alternate spots like the other bridges or the Memorial Drive shore shouldn't be as bad. I stood on the Longfellow years ago, and you could hear the music, if not see the big screen.

The concert starts at 8:30pm, and the 21 minutes of fireworks goes off at 10:30pm. Craig Ferguson is back as host, and you know Neil Diamond is going to sing "America" and "Sweet Caroline".

You can always try hitting the Boston Pops concert-only show on Friday from 8:30pm to 10pm for a little picnic music (maybe they'll even shoot the cannons for the 1812 Overture).

You won't see fireworks -- unless you imbibe something on your own -- or hear Neil Diamond, but there won't be million other people there.

It might still be crowded, but nothing like the 4th of July. (The Oval opens at 4pm; there be a better chance, but I can't say for sure.)

* "The Oval is the restricted lawn area located directly in front of the Hatch Shell."

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Boston isn't the only celebration in the area. (One year, I stood on the Beverly Bridge and watched the fireworks for their display as well as three other nearby towns...)

The Commonwealth has a fireworks/concert/parade/other quick reference chart; click on a town to go to the detailed list.

I noticed "Friday night lights" in Needham, Lexington, and Lowell.

Relatively near towns like Newton, Waltham, Lincoln, Salem, Wilmington, and Braintree are having fireworks on Saturday 7/4.

Somerville was going to light it up tonight, but it's been postponed until next Thursday 7/9.

The Globe also has a bunch of July 4 info and links.

FRI 7/4: Happy B-Day, USA

8:30pm to 11pm
Boston Pops Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Honestly, I like being low-key on the 4th of July. A cookout with friends is perfect. A cookout with strangers is okay too; I would look for a building with a roof deck... I do recommend going down to the Charles and see the fireworks in person at least once in your life. It was the most impressive fireworks show you'll ever see.

I doubt that I will ever try to get a spot in front of the Hatch Shell. People get really gung-ho and make the mad dash at 9am to get the same spot as last year; I can only imagine that there are more people every year. So you got the spot -- now what? Someone has to watch that spot until the concert starts at 8:30pm... The fireworks start at 10:30pm... I like host Craig Ferguson, but do I need to see musical guest Rascal Flatts? I'm not interested in being tied to a 5' x 7' spot for more than 14 hours. Yes, blanket size is just one of the restrictions. (Keep in mind that a cell at Guantanamo Bay is 6' x 10'...)

With the Longfellow bridge closed to spectators this year (maybe next year too), your best bet might be the area along Memorial Dr, from Wadsworth St to Mass Ave.

I was going to list all of the nearby (and sorta nearby) cities with fireworks shows, but there's already a list available that I'm not going to improve before Friday.

You can always try hitting the Boston Pops concert-only show on Thursday from 8:30pm to 10pm for a little picnic music. It might still be crowded, but nothing like Friday. (The "Oval" in front of Hatch Shell opens at 4pm.)