Off-Topic: Pub Pirates

After doing some shopping at Haymarket, I wanted to wash down the cherrystones I had just outside of The Point. Folks from a Pirate Pub Crawl were there, and I said I'd post their photo.

Arr, I already forgot to focus after one beer. My apologies to the pirates.

Monday cheapness on the calendar. More forthcoming...

SUN 5/23: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Hey, when I noticed that the Sunday post wasn't up, it was ridiculously too late. Stay tuned; I think this is the week that we make the leap to prompt & early posts...


As for tonight's video:

I'm not an "insider", but I agree with most of Rob Potylo (fka Robbie Roadsteamer) in this video. I believe Boston has been and can be a special place for music. It would be great if radio stations played local bands.

There's lots of excellent music being made, yet corporate control has sucked out the originality all over the country. Still let's not let cynicism overwhelm us. The music industry is in the process of being turned upside-down, so the future is wide open for quality music.

I like this web show Quiet Desperation. Maybe it isn't for everyone, but I think it's funny. I hope the creative team keeps it going

This was filmed at the faux Rumble last month.

SAT 5/22: EarthFest, Hugs, Art, Sailing, Music

I have to go out, get a haircut, and enjoy the day.

Unfortunately, I didn't see a zombie march for this weekend. They coincided with EarthFest last year, and it's amusing to think of them as 'recycled people'...

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SAT 5/22

11:30am to 5pm
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Feat: Collective Soul (3:45pm), Gin Blossoms (2:30pm), Crash Kings (1:15pm), Marcy Playground (Noon)

If the Crash Kings weren't wedged into this lineup, you could close your eyes and pretend it's 1997. If you liked "Sex & Candy" and the other couple Marcy Playground tunes you may have heard, you'll probably like the rest.. As far as the Gin Blossoms, you'll probably recognize about 7 or 8 guilty pleasures if you were listening to top-40 radio back in the day. Crash Kings aren't bad at all; I read several band comparisons, but I hear a triangulation of Ben Folds, Maroon 5, and Queen.

Jackson Wetherbee Band from Duxbury won a contest to be the local opener (11:30am), and it's fine acoustic rock to arrive to. (I'm pretty sure I would be there if Naked on Roller Skates were opening...)

There's still a kids' stage; it's a little disappointing there isn't a secondary stage for local bands. Maybe the economy will be better next year..

Hey -- keep in mind it's "EarthFest", so let's be cool with the trash, etc.

SAT 5/22

Noon to 4pm
Give/Get a Hug
from Park Street T to Downtown Crossing
FREE

Hugs are awesome. I love hugs. If it's been a while since you've hugged a stranger, this is a good time to do it. It's apparently "Free Hugs Day".

If you're going to be part of the giving team, you should think about being outside of the Park Street T around noon. (I also suggest showering before hand.) As time goes by, wander towards Downtown Crossing.

If you see the huggers, don't linger if you haven't showered beforehand.

Feel free to make a sign and make your own vigilante hug team. People at EarthFest might appreciate one..

SAT 5/22 (and SUN 5/23)

Noon to 6pm
Cambridge Open Studios: Central
around Central Sq & Cambridgeport, Cambridge
FREE

About 75 artists in various media are showing their stuff at about 50 locations, and most of them are between Central Square T and the river according to the map and brochure [PDF]. Walk around or seek out something that catches your eye in the brochure...

SAT 5/22

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

Enjoy a free sail in the harbor. If you want to sign you up for lessons, you can -- or you could just check it out and enjoy the ride and free refreshments.

People get a sail on a first-come, first-served basis, so keep that in mind. And don't complain if you get there too late; there will be other sailing open houses this year, and I will try to give advance notice.

As they say, "No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Sailors of all abilities are welcome."

Again, this on Lewis Wharf by the Marriot; they saylook for the riverboat.

SAT 5/22

007Hundred Club (9pm), Drago (8:15pm), The Spoilers (7:30pm), By The Throat (6:45pm), Up For Nothing (5:30pm), The McGunks (4:45pm), The Doll Eyes (4pm)
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

Sure, an all-ages punk show means people under 18 can go -- but it also means people of ALL ages, man...

Besides it's a birthday party for a couple people in The Spoilers and By The Throat, and they're probably older than 21...

It may have been the bands, but the last all-ages show I went saw at the Midway was really friggin' loud.

SAT 5/22

8pm to Midnight
Saint Stanislaus Day Polka Party
Feat: Al Janik's Plastyczny Ser Orkestra
at the Polish American Club, 747 Cambridge Street, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10-ish

Roll out at the barrel, and we'll have a barrel of fun. Al Janik and the Plastic Cheese Band really plays polka with a sense of humor and laissez-faire/WTF attitude.

The time I only notice the "plastic cheese band" playing for Saint Stanislaus Day (technically May 8). Since the Abbey Lounge closed, they've moved to the Polish American Club. Honestly I want to go to the gig, so I have an excuse to go into this place. It doesn't look inviting to strangers, and I doubt it's very hospitable tonight.

Cover charge usually includes a Polish buffet, and the beers have to be cheap. Sure, it's fine to enjoy this in an ironic way, but you should dance at some point. If not the whole night, dammit.

SAT 5/22

9pm
Humanwine, Mighty Tiny, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Dave Magario
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

While I said that I was rooting for Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling when the first Rock 'n Roll Rumble of the year took place last month. Humanwine won that night, and I'm always rooting for them too. They make deep music and they take social and political stances; and I think they live on a bio-diesel bus. The more I listen, the more I like; but there is background reading to do for the songs to really delve into it. Whoa...

More like a loveliest than a rematch, D.N.F.M.O.M.D. are playing a set of marvelously minimalist, punchy art-rock inspired by "The Prisoner" -- cool stuff. Mighty Tiny fits right in with a sound that falls in the neighborhood of gypsy-jazz/carnival-rock, and they all wear masks like a cabaret-punk version of Slipknot. Dave Magario will open with thoughtful solo acoustic songs.

The opening sets may be slightly briefer than usual, since Humanwine may play about 90 minutes including "guests from Somerville Symphony Orchestra."

SAT 5/22

9:30pm
Morrissey's Birthday Tribute
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 21+

Feat: The Honors, Jay Marsh, Ad Frank, Jake Zavracky, Jesse Duquette, more

Some of you will want to celebrate Morrissey's birthday. There are those who will want to blast The Smiths with some wine and candles in front of their home shrine. Others may feel like the communal celebration.

From what I've read the live performance will start around 10pm. The solo guys like Jay Marsh from Taxpayer, Ad Frank, Jake Zavracky from Cyanide Valentine, and Jesse Duquette from Emergency Music will go on first. The Honors should do something close to their Halloween set from last year as The Smiths. A band comprised of local Moz-lovers will join forces for a tribute set as Unhappy Birthday.

DJ's Michael V, David Day, and Dave Duncan Virr have plenty of related material to play defer, after, and between.

SAT 5/22

10pm
Deva Mahal
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I've looked in a few (legal and otherwise) spots, and I had a difficult time downloading any Deva Mahal or Frederick's Brown songs. Take a listen, and experience what may be on your iPod in the future because sometimes you're in the mood for jazz-funk-soul singing. (Yes, she's the daughter of bluesman Taj Mahal.)

Here's my little formula from yesterday: Sublime soulful singing [minus] cover charge [plus] overpriced drinks [equals] a potentially good night if it's not too out of the way.

Sneak Peek: SAT 5/22

See? A lot of daytime cheapness...

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SAT 5/22

10:15am to 12:30pm
GoGreen Bicycle Tour: "Exploring Cambridge through Public Art"
meet at Cambridge Common (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Ride around and see public art; about 12 miles total with a couple stops.

SAT 5/22

11:30am to 5pm
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Main Stage Schedule:

11:30am -- Jackson Wetherbee Band
Noon -- Marcy Playground
1:15pm -- Crash Kings
2:30pm -- Gin Blossoms
3:45pm -- Collective Soul

What do you want for free?

SAT 5/22

Noon to 4pm
Give/Get a Hug
from Park Street T to Downtown Crossing
FREE

It's "Free Hugs Day".

SAT 5/22 (and SUN 5/23)

Noon to 6pm
Cambridge Open Studios: Central
around Central Sq & Cambridgeport, Cambridge
FREE

Walk around, see some art, talk to artists, maybe find some wine and cheese...

[PDF brochure]

SAT 5/22

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

"No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Sailors of all abilities are welcome."

SAT 5/22

8pm to Midnight
Saint Stanislaus Polka Party
Feat: Al Janik's Plastyczny Ser Orkestra
at the Polish American Club, 747 Cambridge Street, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10-ish

Yes, polka. Really... (Cover charge usually includes a Polish buffet.)

SAT 5/22

9pm
Humanwine, Mighty Tiny, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Dave Magario
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Premium art-cabaret-many-hyphen-not-necessarily-applying-to-each-band rock , etc.

SAT 5/22

9:30pm
Morrissey's Birthday Tribute
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 21+

Feat: The Honors, Jay Marsh, Ad Frank, Jake Zavracky, DJ's Michael V, David Day, Dave Duncan Virr, more

When he was in The Smiths, Morrissey sang "I want to wish you an unhappy birthday."

We still lovingly celebrate his.

SAT 5/22

10pm
Deva Mahal
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Sublime soulful singing minus cover charge plus overpriced drinks equals a potentially good night if it's not too out of the way.

FRI 5/21: Art, Tango, Comedy, Rock

Lots of options this weekend. Darn, I hope I can get more posted soon.

Have a good Friday night - whatever you do!

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FRI 5/21

6pm to 9pm
Caleb Neelon, "Imagination Wall": Reception
at Fourth Wall Gallery, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

Caleb Neelon became involved with an art-therapy program at Children's Hospital Boston and created two large murals that can be seen at the gallery as well as other works.

I'm not sure if he gets tired of people saying how good he is for bringing art to young people when they're suffering, but he should be there tonight.

FRI 5/21

7:30pm to 11pm
Tango By Moonlight
at Weeks Memorial Footbridge, Memorial Dr & DeWolfe St, Harvard Sq
FREE

I'm surprised there haven't been other mentions of the season debut of moonlight dancing on the bridge. I wish I had been more ahead of it, but they'll be out there every time the moon is full, at least, through September

As usual, they'll start with brief tango lesson for the first 15 minutes or so, then you can try for as long as you like until the tango stymies you and dancing and sway in your own style.

It's a fun time with and without a partner, since you can usually find a partner or two. Perhaps the spirit will move you. I've gone several times over the years, and it's always a good time.

Date material? Yeah, I think so.

If you think the nerdy-romantic approach will work, you could start at the Harvard Book Store for a reading from the book "The Art of the Sonnet" (7pm) then walk over to the river.

FRI 5/21

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

Feat: Andrew Mayer, Blake Wexler, Janet McNamara, Nate Johnson, Niraj Shah, Benny Bosh, Tim Vargulish, Sarah Heggan, Scott McLaughlin, Rob Crean

There's another comedy show tonight (below), but I can't guarantee that you'll be able to get a drink. Not that you'll need it with the plentiful roster of comedians, but a few pops do make it easier to laugh, no?

For you "American Idol" fans, you might remember Janet McNamara from her humorous audition...

FRI 5/21

8pm
BLVD Comedy
at blvd, 251 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
$5 Suggested Donation

Feat: Ben Kronberg, Sameer Naseem, Dan Boulger, Sharkee Katz, Matt Kona, more

I'm not sure how this is going to work, but having a comedy show in a skater-fashion store on Newbury Street is intriguing. The suggested donation is meant to support the out-of-town comics like Ben Kronberg (who's done a couple of the late-night talk shows). And there are several very funny folks performing.

FRI 5/21

9pm
The Gondoliers Prom, w/ Big Digits, The Secret Sea
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

The Gondoliers have thrown a "prom" gig for the past three years, and it looks like it's becoming a tradition for people who either didn't go or hated it the first time around. They actually do a good job of decorating the club, and people do get gussied up in semi-cheesy attire. You can see photos from 2008 and 2009 to get an idea.

Besides their own guitar-and-drums noise rock, The Secret Sea brings the synthy new-wave/indie-rock, and it's always a party when Big Digits are in the house. (Did I just say, "In the house"? Yes, I did.)

FRI 5/21

9pm
Paul & The Strings, The Marvels, The Allstonians, Burning Streets
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

After playing in hardcore bands like The Unseen and Pinkerton Thugs, Paul (with The Strings) is still a punk at heart while adding a folkier/bluesier element.

The Marvels returned last year after a long break, and they may be my fave in the line-up for the way they rip it up and bash it out in near-perfect amount to my punk-lovin' ears. If you want to hear good ska, The Allstonians are where it's at. And Burning Streets may get it started with a set of Boston punk.

FRI 5/21

Hurricane Bells (Midnight), The Fatal Flaw (11pm), Reverse (10pm), Thick As Thieves (9:05pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Do you like the band Longwave? Well, we've got one of them tonight. Singer-guitarist Steve Schiltz is taking his solo project Hurricane Bells on the road, and it doesn't stray too far from his previous stuff other than seeming to be a bit mellower.

I wholeheartedly give two thumbs up to The Fatal Flaw led by Joel Reader (Pansy Division, Mr T Experience, Avengers). The tunes are rocking with great melodies and clever lyrics occasionally referring to other bands. There's going to be some high-quality, heavy riffing with Reverse and Thick As Thieves that doesn't insult your intelligence.

FRI 5/21

10pm
Hands & Knees, Girlfriends
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Two sweet bands at my new favorite bar in Davis Square. I like that Hands and Knees give their relatively straightforward songs a punky spirit with a dash of twang. It's like a rock equivalent of a killer barbecue sauce -- you recognize some of the ingredients, but the secret is in the preparation. The might be said about Girlfriends who simply classifying them like "garage-rock" doesn't do justice blissfully fuzzy approach takes them up a notch.