Cheap Thrills: 5/30 to 6/6

You have to expect that these lists after holiday-shortened weeks are going to suck. There is some stuff that I'll try to flesh out as the week goes by -- or take a chance on something.

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

FRI 5/30
* Jim's Big Ego
* Muck & The Mires
* Lock and Key, Mean Creek, Movers and Shakers, Serious Geniuses
* Festa della Repubblica -- to SUN 6/1

SAT 5/31
* Love During Wartime 2
* "Dr. Dog on Dunster Street Block Party"
* "Sew What?!?"
* Girls Guns & Glory, The Molenes, Shay's Rebellion
* Charlie Chesterman & The Legendary Motorbikes
* The Radio Knives

SUN 6/1
* Hot Dog Safari
* Angels Of Meth, Mammoth Grinder, Ramming Speed, Fruit Salad
* Beacon Hill Art Walk
* Dummy Hoy: A Deaf Hero

MON 6/2
* The Toothaches, Husband and Wife, Alexander The Great, Pray For Polanski
* The Murder, Faulty Conscience, The Designer Drugs
* Anita Diamant & Jennifer Dundas, "The Taming of the Shrew": Discussion

TUES 6/3
* Folk Dancing by the Fountain
* Milo Jones

WED 6/4
* Naked Comedy Showcase
* The Boylesque Follies
* Free Wednesday Nights at MFA

THUR 6/5
* Township, Pet Genius, Cortez, Handsome Jack
* Richard Knox & Doctors Without Borders, "On the Medical Frontlines": Discussion
* George Lakoff, "The Political Mind"

FRI 6/6
* Preacher Jack, Thunderpants Johnson's Hillbilly Orchestra, Gilded Splinters, Birdwatchers of America, Dearborn Valley
* Mieka Pauley Band, Bronze Radio Return, Phil DaRosa
* Boston Pride Week -- to SUN 6/15
* Boston International Film Festival -- to SUN 6/15

SAT 6/7
* Lewis Black, "Me of Little Faith": Reading

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

FRI 5/ 30

8pm
Jim's Big Ego
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

I guess there Jim's ego was so big, there wasn't enough room for opening bands. I personally think it's great. Jim's Big Ego has hours of excellent songs to play.

FRI 5/30

9:30pm
Lock and Key, Mean Creek, Movers and Shakers, Serious Geniuses
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Sadly, this is Lock and Key's final show. All four bands are top-notch, so you've got a great night of punk/indie rock ahead of you.

FRI 5/30

10pm
Muck And The Mires
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

Two sets of the best garage-rock in the country (according to Little Steven). If you get there early enough, you won't have to pay a cover...

FRI 5/30 to SUN 6/1

In celebration of the Festa della Repubblica, there's a few things going on organized by the Dante Alighieri Society. Think of this as a warm-up to the North End festa season (next week).

FRI 5/30

7:30pm to 8:45pm
Coro Dante Concert
at Dante Alighieri Society, 41 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

Opera pieces and traditional songs by a chorus and soloists.

SAT 5/31

10am to 6pm
Bocce Tournament
at Langone Park, Boston (North End)
FREE

If these guys are like my Uncle Valdo, there will be quite a few tryiong to hog the bocce courts. You could watch at least... Maybe bring a cooler...

SUN 6/1

10am to 5pm
“La Piazza Exhibit”
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End)
FREE

This could be interesting -- or lame. Perhaps part of a nice Sunday walk...

- A reproduction of a typical Italian Piazza
- Various Exhibits
- Entertainment, Popular, Modern & Classical Music
- Italian Cafe

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

SAT 5/31

1pm to 6pm
"Dr. Dog on Dunster Street Block Party"
between Forbes Plaza (1350 Mass Ave) & Dunster St Harvard Square
FREE

Dr. Dog was supposed to play at Harvard Mayfair, but they couldn't make it for the make-up date after the flaming manhole weekend in Harvard Sq. They're getting bigger all the time, like doing the late-night talk show circuit, but the Dogs appreciate their early fans in Boston so a whole new outdoor party with various local vendors before Dr. Dog performs around 5pm and Cassavettes opening at 4pm.

It's probably going to rain by then, but it was worth a try...

SAT 5/31

3pm to 7pm
"Sew What?!?"
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St , Bow St)
FREE

Bring some stuff you don't like to wear and make it better. If not, there will be some clothes vendors there... Have fun with clothes in all sorts of ways with help from people who know what they're doing.

SAT 5/31

5:30pm to 8pm
Charlie Chesterman & The Legendary Motorbikes
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Kickass, roots-rock/rockabilly can be played anytime of day. Pre-game for the night ahead, or settle in for night on the couch afterwards. Chaz and the Motorbikes deliver the goods for good hanging-out music for many moods!

SAT 5/31

9pm
Love During Wartime 2
at Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm Ave, Boston
$10 / 18+

More than a dozen DJ's & VJ's to make you dance and support local arts. The concept is to throw a dance party with lots of killer DJ's etc, but the cover charge actually goes to a local artist as a grant. The first L.D.W. party raised $1,000, which was given to a photographer. (See Link of the Week below.) There will be so many styles and the crowd will be pumped!

Stay 'til the end for some arty-dance rock from Bone Zone, who claim they building "a giant cop head with flashing eyes" for their performance. (They will probably be huge in the underground within 12 months.)

Some of the scheduled DJs include:
Lone Wolf, Etan, Claude Money, Dan Shea, Colbourne, Baltimoroder, Gross Anatomy

Plus you'll get a special mix CD by Chris Devlin (of Spank Rock).

SAT 5/31

Girls Guns & Glory (11:30pm), The Molenes (10:15pm), Shay's Rebellion (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

Boston's current Rock N Roll Rumble winners Girls Guns & Glory top a night of Alt-country/Americana. "The first 75 people through the door receive a free copy of the new Molenes CD."

SAT 5/31

10pm
The Radio Knives
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

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

SUN 6/1

9am to 4pm
Hot Dog Safari
at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, 111 Waldemar Ave, East Boston
$12 advance / $15 door / FREE (children 6 and under)

All-you-can-eat hot dogs, sausages, and ice cream sundaes for 7 hours has to be worth more than $12. Don't eat until Sunday... (Keep in mind: You could bet on all 9 races for less than $20.)

Advance tix available at Sovereign Bank branches, Kelly's Roast Beef, Halfway Cafe (all 5 locations), Kowloon, and Fuddruckers.

SUN 6/1

Noon to 6pm
Beacon Hill Art Walk
start at 135 Charles St, Boston (Beacon Hill)
FREE

Check out art in various media, but more importantly walk around in the alleyways and backyards of Beacon Hill without getting arrested or yelled at by Boston Brahmins.

SUN 6/1

3pm to 7pm
Angels Of Meth, Mammoth Grinder, Ramming Speed, Fruit Salad
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
FREE / Donations Welcomed

Hardcore/thrash matinee show. Angels Of Meth sound really good; even if you're only into "hard rock", you'd dig these guys -- and you can just show up around 6pm, if you feel like it. It's free! (Maybe give a buck or two, buy a CD...)

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

MON 6/2

8:30pm
The Toothaches, Husband and Wife, Alexander The Great, Pray For Polanski
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$3 / 18+

MON 6/2

10pm
The Murder, Faulty Conscience, The Designer Drugs
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

The Murder are a Boston-punk band with loads of swaggering attitude and catchy, in-your-face tunes. The other bands are in the same vein for music too loud for the venue, but Esquire magazine did name Charlie's Kitchen one of the top bars in the country...

MON 6/2

7:30pm
Anita Diamant & Jennifer Dundas, "The Taming of the Shrew": Discussion
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart St, Boston (Theatre District)
FREE

From the folks that bring us Free Shakespeare in the Common (FYI: "As You Like It" in '08), this is the first in a new series "Shakespeare Salons" that bring together writers and actors to talk about The Bard's various plays. We'll see how often this series is presented...

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

TUES 6/3

7:30pm to 9pm
Folk Dancing by the Fountain
in front of Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Pretty slim pickings for cheap entertainment this Tuesday. Every Tuesday in the summer, there is free instruction in various traditional dances. On a good night, you can sit there with beverages and laugh at the dancers.

Umm, I guess the listing is actually to encourage people to dance... You don't need to bring a partner to join in, btw.

TUES 6/3

10pm
Milo Jones
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

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

WED 6/4

10pm
The Naked Comedy Showcase
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Naked Comedy Showcase takes place the first Wednesday of every month, but I think summertime is the best time to go, at least the best time to perform without any clothes. Comedians of both genders will entertain you beyond the gimmick (in the case of the female comedians, "gimmicks").

WED 6/4

10:30pm
The Boylesque Follies w/ Sway, "Good Anatomy"
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5

Yes, boylesque -- male dancers. I can imagine all sorts of entertainment with a bit of an edge: comedy, magic, dancing. Sway will perform a set of sounds like modern Appalachian mountain music to me.

WED 6/4

4pm to 9:45pm
Free Wednesdays
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Maybe you forgot that you can go on any Wednesday evening for free?

You got a collection that includes ancient art from around the world, Renaissance art, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, Picasso, Van Gogh, Turner, Jackson Pollock. It's there and much more.

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

THUR 6/5

Township (Midnight), Pet Genius (11pm), Cortez (10pm), Handsome Jack (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Pet Genius is another stoner-rock permutation of the fantastic Stephen Brodsky. I think I said this recently, but every band he has played in (Cave-In, Octave Museum, etc) has a twisted beauty and original flair. Township is a throwback to classic 70's-rock in a modern way and without the scarf on the microphone stand (I hope). Cortez plays some cool, heavy rock. Buffalo's Handsome Jack must've gotten a good reception a few weeks ago, because they're back and ready to rock your face off.

THUR 6/5

7pm
Richard Knox & Doctors Without Borders, "On the Medical Frontlines": Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

6:30pm
George Lakoff, "The Political Mind: Why You Can't Understand 21st Century Politics with an 18th Century Brain"
at Abbey Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

In the basement, you can either hear four aid workers from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, who help the sickest of the sick around the world. Or in the McKim wing, George Lakoff (who's a professor of Linguistics & Cognitive Science at UC Berkeley) will try to explain why people vote for republicans even when it won't serve their interests. Or something like that...

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

FRI 6/6

8:30pm
Preacher Jack, Thunderpants Johnson's Hillbilly Orchestra, Gilded Splinters, Birdwatchers of America, Dearborn Valley
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

FRI 6/6

10pm
Mieka Pauley Band, Bronze Radio Return, Phil DaRosa
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

FRI 6/6 to SUN 6/15

Various Times
Boston Pride Week
at Various Locations
Some FREE

The Parade is on SAT 6/14, but this is a great week to avoid the crowds in P-town...

FRI 6/6 to SUN 6/15

Various Times
Boston International Film Festival
at Loews Boston Common, 175 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
Most $10

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

SAT 6/7

7pm
Lewis Black, "Me of Little Faith": Reading
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515)

Cheapest way to see Lewis Black...

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

Links of the Week:

Lissa Rivera is the photographer who got the previous "Love During Wartime" grant. Her pictures remind me of Radiohead songs.

Do people know to check this site to check the veracity of crazy stories sent to you via email?

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

Quote of the Week:

"Do not resent growing old, many are denied the privilege."

-- Irish Proverb

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

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Sneak Peek: FRI 5/30 to SUN 6/1

Damn, it's nice outside! Before it gets any later, here are a few cheap ideas for the weekend.

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

FRI 5/30

8am to 8pm
"Next Stop...Canada"
between Trinity Church & Boston Public Library, Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

I love Canada, so I like to spread the good word. This week I asked a woman from Niagara Falls what the difference was between the two sides, and she remarked that it was further North -- or something like that... Maybe the point is there is just as much stuff to do in Canada. Inside the streetcar today you can sample some wine (I didn't like the rose). There'll be some street performers around. Again, the action is probably happening from noon to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm.

FRI 5/ 30

8pm
Jim's Big Ego
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

I guess there Jim's ego was so big, there wasn't enough room for opening bands. I personally think it's great. Jim's Big Ego has hours of excellent songs to play.

FRI 5/30

9:30pm
Lock and Key, Mean Creek, Movers and Shakers, Serious Geniuses
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Sadly, this is Lock and Key's final show. All four bands are top-notch, so you've got a great night of punk/indie rock ahead of you.

FRI 5/30

10pm
Muck And The Mires
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

Two sets of the best garage-rock in the country (according to Little Steven). If you get there early enough, you won't have to pay a cover...

FRI 5/30 to SUN 6/1

In celebration of the Festa della Repubblica, there's a few things going on organized by the Dante Alighieri Society. Think of this as a warm-up to the North End festa season (next week).

FRI 5/30

7:30pm to 8:45pm
Coro Dante Concert
at Dante Alighieri Society, 41 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

Opera pieces and traditional songs by a chorus and soloists.

SAT 5/31

10am to 6pm
Bocce Tournament
at Langone Park, Boston (North End)
FREE

If these guys are like my Uncle Valdo, there will be quite a few tryiong to hog the bocce courts. You could watch at least... Maybe bring a cooler...

SUN 6/1

10am to 5pm
“La Piazza Exhibit”
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End)
FREE

This could be interesting -- or lame. Perhaps part of a nice Sunday walk...

- A reproduction of a typical Italian Piazza
- Various Exhibits
- Entertainment, Popular, Modern & Classical Music
- Italian Cafe

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

SAT 5/31

1pm to 6pm
"Dr. Dog on Dunster Street Block Party"
between Forbes Plaza (1350 Mass Ave) & Dunster St Harvard Square
FREE

Dr. Dog will probably perform at 5pm with Cassavettes at 4pm.

SAT 5/31

3pm to 7pm
"Sew What?!?"
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St , Bow St)
FREE

Bring some stuff you don't like to wear and make it better. If not, there will be some clothes vendors there...

SAT 5/31

5:30pm to 8pm
Charlie Chesterman & The Legendary Motorbikes
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

SAT 5/31

9pm
Love During Wartime 2
at Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm Ave, Boston
$10 / 18+

More than a dozen DJ's & VJ's to make you dance and support local arts.

Plus you'll get a special mix CD by Chris Devlin (of Spank Rock).

SAT 5/31

Girls Guns & Glory (11:30pm), The Molenes (10:15pm), Shay's Rebellion (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

First 75 people through the door receive a free copy of the new Molenes CD.

SAT 5/31

10pm
The Radio Knives
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

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

SUN 6/1

9am to 4pm
Hot Dog Safari
at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, 111 Waldemar Ave, East Boston
$12 advance / $15 door / FREE (children 6 and under)

All-you-can-eat hot dogs, sausages, and ice cream sundaes for 7 hours has to be worth more than $12. Don't eat until Sunday... (Keep in mind: You could bet on all 9 races for less than $20.)

Advance tix available at Sovereign Bank branches, Kelly's Roast Beef, Halfway Cafe (all 5 locations), Kowloon, and Fuddruckers.

SUN 6/1

Noon to 6pm
Beacon Hill Art Walk
start at 135 Charles St, Boston (Beacon Hill)
FREE

SUN 6/1

3pm to 7pm
Angels Of Meth, Mammoth Grinder, Ramming Speed, Fruit Salad
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
FREE / Donations Welcomed

Hardcore/thrash matinee show.

THUR 5/29: Canada Stuff, DIY Porn Advice, Rock, Talk, Cambridge TV

I usually try to put the weekly listings in chronological order, so let me say that the rock at the Middle East is really good tonight. I'm torn, because I want to go -- but that means I may not have anything close to a "Cheap Thrills" list for tomorrow. I don't even think I'll have a "Sneak Peek" until tonight...

I will admit I was a little hesitant to list the first event below, because this isn't a sex-blog or an X-rated blog. I don't know who reads this, but I like to think that mature, open-minded people read my stuff. So don't freak out at me, folks! "Live and let live."

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

THUR 5/29

6:30pm to 7:30pm
DIY Porn Panel
at Good Vibrations, 308A Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Hey -- we're all adults here, right? (Oh, we're not? Hmm, sorry.)

Apparently there's more to a good sex video than 'good sex' and some kind of 'video'. Sexologists Jamye Waxman (advice columnist for Playgirl -and- adult film director, among other things) and Megan Andelloux are expected to appear as well as someone from the Boston Underground Film Festival.

If you're thinking about doing it or are already having fun with ol' video camera, you can pick up a bunch of tips on making "dynamic porn on a budget" -- and who doesn't like the sound of that?

From what I've heard, the atmosphere at this shop is a pretty comfortable for both men and women. However, the directions say to enter through the "rear" of the building...
(sophomoric chuckling)

THUR 5/29

8am to 8pm
"Next Stop... Canada"
between Trinity Church & Boston Public Library, Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Oh, Canada is a beautiful country; and they're visiting Boston for a few days to invite us up. Today, there are some people from Ottawa to encourage you. The pictures I've seen show a lovely place, and there seems to be plenty of interesting things to do.

Although people will be there from "8am to 8pm", the action is really going to take place from noon to 2pm and from 4pm to 6pm. You'll see an Aboriginal hoop dancer, an amazing food carver Chef Armando from their Le Cordon Bleu school, and a shucker from The Whalebone Oyster House, who'll give out free shucked oysters. Boston piano player David Maxwell has played at the Ottawa Blues Festival and will be out there at some point today. If you're considering a trip to Canada, you can get some literature and talk to Canadians all day long. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way -- except for the guy shucking out free oysters around lunchtime and quitting time...

Other Thursday stuff from the Weekly List:

THUR 5/ 29

6:30pm to 8pm
"Banned in Boston: The Silent Speech of Margaret Sanger": Discussion
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

About 80 years ago, pioneering birth-control advocate famously did NOT give a speech in Boston, but her remarks were read by someone else (at a Ford Hall Forum) while she sat with a gag over her mouth. This was the "Banned in Boston" era, and she was told she could not deliver her remarks. Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood and Susan Shaer of Women's Action for New Directions will be two of the speakers that will discuss Sanger's speech, her message, censorship, and so on.

"Equal time will be provided for the speakers' remarks and questions from the audience."

THUR 5/29

6pm
Russell Banks, Mike Gravel, Howard Zinn: "A Conversation about American Identity"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515)

With wacky former presidential candidate Mike Gravel involved, this should be a wild discussion. All three have recently published books. Gravel has released an autobiography. Novelist Russell Banks (The Sweet Hereafter, Affliction, etc) has written a nonfiction examination of the arcs of the American story from colonial days on. Howard Zinn has an updated & illustrated version of his classic that's been re-titled "A People's History of American Empire".

EVENT UPDATE: Please note that due to personal matters, Professor Zinn will not be attending tonight's event with Russell Banks and Mike Gravel.

THUR 5/29

8pm
"(In)Famous: 20 Years of CCTV’s Most Talked About Programming"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$2

For an extra two bucks, stay and watch some of the classic and infamous clips of the last 20 years Cambridge Community Television. Besides the typically proud moments of local TV, see footage of "gratuitous frontal nudity, the violation of an uncooked chicken, and a bunch of other shows that prompted residents to file complaints with the FCC."

If you want a commemorative t-shirt as well, you can get the advance shirt/ticket package for $20 here. But I assume they'll sell t-shirts that night as well...

THUR 5/29

9pm
MSPCA Natural Disaster Relief Fundraiser
Feat. The Rudds, The Gobshites, Andrea Gillis, The Silver Lining, Erica Owen
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

There are so many reasons to check out this show from the powerful, clever pop-rock of The Rudds to the punky Irish folk of The Gobshites to soulful vocals of rockin' Andrea Gillis. Unfortunately I read this may be your last chance to see the neo-psychedelic folk/pop of The Silver Lining. They'll probably do one-offs here and there, but this is the last gig. The good news is that you'll probably walk away with a free copy of their new CD tonight. Heck, you might even be an animal-lover (in the platonic sense); the proceeds will benefit the MSPCA.

WED 5/28 to FRI 5/30: Whoa, Canada... (in Boston)

I just started writing, and...

8am to 8pm
"Next Stop... Canada"
between Trinity Church & Boston Public Library, Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

The Canadians (not the Canadiens) are in town for the next few days to show us what an awesome place it is. I've always had a good time in the Great White North, and it really isn't that "white" in the summertime. For the next 3 days, a different area is highlighted. If you're in Back Bay, you should definitely swing through. Grab some travel info and freebies. You could take a picture with a Mountie or win a trip.

I couldn't find an official webpage, but I contacted someone at the Canadian Tourism Commission (true!), and they confirmed this is really happening. (some of you might even be able to look out your office window.) Look for the old Toronto streetcar (the photo above) and all the other hubbub. I'm going there tonight and will probably report back.

Wednesday, it's Quebec City. Yes, there's more to Quebec than Montreal. It's a beautiful place (like much of Canada), and it's their 400th anniversary this year. Along with the usual fun, they have a Summer Festival in July that includes days of entertainment and concerts of all genres (some of the big names include: Wyclef Jean, Feist, Primus, Young Dubliners, Secret Machines, Balkan Beat Box, The Bravery, Plain White T's, Calexico, NOFX, etc).

Thursday, the spotlight is on Ottawa. I know it's the capital, but that's about it. At various points today, you might see an Aboriginal hoop dancer, an amazing food carver Chef Armando from their Le Cordon Bleu school, and a shucker from The Whalebone Oyster House, who'll give out free shucked oysters.

Finish the work week on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Besides street performers and daredevils, there'll be samplings of Niagara wines. And you can get a free picture of yourself in a barrel behind a faux Falls. Sing Loverboy's "Everybody's Working for the Weekend" when you're there; it's like the second national anthem.

I have no problem shilling for Canadian tourism. It's a cool place. (I like even thinking about visiting Canada.) I've noticed an effort over the years by Canada to encourage Bostonians to visit. It makes sense -- we're so close! At the very least, Copley Square is close...

WED 5/28: Free & Cheap Music, JFK Forum, & "FiLmprov"

One Statement on the Nature of Free Stuff:
Free entertainment is sometimes the exhilaration of experiencing something that you would've paid to attend. Sometimes it's the chance to go see something you wouldn't ever pay for -- or so you think. Every now and then you'll discover something you really love but didn't know it. Many times, it's a good laugh even though it's not that great.

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

WED 5/28

8pm
FiLmprov: "Eight: Infinity On Its Side"
at Dudley House, Lehman House, Cambridge (Harvard Yard)
FREE

I can't tell you what you'll think about FiLmprov. The assurance I can give you is that the filmmaker, the musicians (some of Aardvark Jazz Orchestra), and poets are all very accomplished. I think it'll be interesting, stimulating, humorous, and/or exciting. (Yes, exciting.) If you don't enjoy this, then you probably won't like any performances of experimental film with poetry and improvised jazz. The site says one of the films will be accompanied by a poem and Bach Goldberg Variation #25 on piano.

WED 5/28

8pm
Two Loons For Tea
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
FREE

This quirky pop duo from Seattle are doing a free set before the Dennis Brennan Band residency ($5).

WED 5/28

9:30pm
The Submarines, Headlights, Nat Baldwin
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard of the The Submarines could have happily stayed in Boston, but they moved to LA a few years ago and split up romantically. They still make beautiful power-pop together as heard on their new CD. Headlights aren't shabby either, and Nat Baldwin might just show up from NH joined only by his vocals and big ol' bass.

WED 5/28

5:30pm to 7pm
"An Evening with Ted Sorensen": Panel Discussion
at JFK Presidential Library, Columbia Point, Boston (UMass Boston campus)
FREE w/ RSVP

When I saw this guy was a close advisor, I thought, "Whoa, he's still alive?!" (No offense to anyone in that age group!) Sorenson began working with "Senator" Kennedy in '53 and continued through the beginning of the Johnson administration. Decades after ghost-writing "Profiles in Courage", he's finally written his memoirs.

Tonight's discussion should be especially interesting with scheduled participants from the Kennedy administration: Robert McNamara, Carl Kaysen, Lee C. White, and others. It looks like you can still register for this event here.

WED 5/28

9pm
Zox, The Sterns
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE w/ RSVP/ 21+

My friends at Going are offering another free show along with Miller Lite. There might be other free options tonight; but I listened to a little Zox, and they offer a lot of variety. Adult pop-rock fans will enjoy their dabbling in different styles and instrumental touches. And I really like The Sterns.

It doesn't hurt to RSVP and register on Going -- it looks like you can still RSVP for this too, but it's first-come up to club capacity.

Going recently changed their look/interface, so you might want to take a look again. The last time I checked, you could control the amount of email you get from Going to the point rarely getting anything from the site.

TUES 5/27: Music, JFK Advisor, & RSVP for tomorrow

Man, I had a nice Memorial Day weekend. If you're in Portland, you should definitely catch a Sea Dogs game. The tickets in the 2nd section behind third base were $8... There were no lines at the concessions for hot dogs ($2.75), peanuts ($2.75), and beers ($4.50/$5). Watching the game was so much fun without the concern of who's going to win. Really good, relaxing time. Easily walkable from Old Port too.

I don't really have anything to add for today, but check a free rock show for tomorrow that needs a RSVP.

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

Stuff from the Weekly List:

TUES 5/27

8:30pm
Jabe & The All Night Circus, Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

It's really going to be a night of well-written, well-played Americana/roots music.

TUES 5/27

9pm
Paul Ahlstrand Quartet
at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

If you've heard saxophone on a Boston band's recording, it was probably Paul. His quartet is classic straight-ahead jazz. It's top-notch stuff; I'm surprised we can hear them for free, you'll probably feel the same way. (You can always buy a CD.)

TUES 5/27 and WED 5/28

Tuesday:

6pm
Ted Sorensen, "Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History": Reading
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515)

Wednesday:

5:30pm to 7pm
"An Evening with Ted Sorensen": Panel Discussion
at JFK Presidential Library, Columbia Point, Boston (UMass Boston campus)
FREE w/ RSVP

When I saw this guy was a close advisor, I thought, "Whoa, he's still alive?!" (No offense to anyone in that age group!) Sorenson began working with "Senator" Kennedy in '53 and continued through the beginning of the Johnson administration. Decades after ghost-writing "Profiles in Courage", he's finally written his memoirs.

There's a reading on Tuesday. The Wednesday discussion should be especially interesting with scheduled participants from the Kennedy administration: Robert McNamara, Carl Kaysen, Lee C. White, and others. Register for the JFK Library event here.

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

WED 5/28

9pm
Zox, The Sterns
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE w/ RSVP/ 21+

My friends at Going are offering another free show along with Miller Lite. There might be other free options tonight; but I listened to a little Zox, and they're not bad. I really like The Sterns though.

It doesn't hurt to RSVP and register on Going. They recently changed their look/interface, so you might want to take a look. The last time I checked, you could control the amount of email you get from Going to the point rarely getting anything from the site.

WED 5/28

6:30pm to 8pm
Complimentary Mojitos
at Terrace Bar, Hyatt Regency, 1 Avenue De Lafayette, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE / RSVP Required

This was listed only on my e-mail list, and I've been told it's now full.

If you're going, I think you should enter through the Avenue One restaurant.

SUN 5/25: Coffin Lids, Free Beer, Abbey Lounge

2pm
"Be Part Of The Coffin Lids Video Shoot"
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
FREE

It's on the Abbey's calendar, so I assume it's on. I didn't get a response from the band, but it would be a good idea to look cool/punk-rock.

I love The Coffin Lids, so it would be fun even if they played the same song a dozen times. For your trouble, there will be free "beer" while it lasts. (Hopefully a few rounds...)

I was in a friend's music video; I'm sure it's on the web somewhere.

When you read this I will be out of town for the weekend, so don't expect any updates until Monday or Tuesday.

Cheap Thrills: 5/23 to 5/30

Not a lot of venue variety, but that's how it goes sometimes. Have a nice, long weekend! At least, have a nice or long weekend...

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

FRI 5/23
* "Winedown" w/ Dance Lessons
* Liam Finn -- Free Performance
* Laura Veirs, Liam Finn, Sarah Blacker
* Rock Bottom, Downbeat 5
* HUMANWINE, The Paperdolls, Amatul & Natebox, Evan Greer, Bambuu Waza, Adelaide

SAT 5/24
* EarthFest
* Tango by Moonlight
* Boston Zombie March IV
* Sailing Open House
* Elemental Zazen, Elephant House, ViceVersah, Dysfunctional Genepool, Left Over Wine
* A.K.A.C.O.D. -- and SUN 5/25

SUN 5/25
* Forest Hills Memorial Day Walking Tour
* The Bellrays, The Architects, Balls
* Sad Marvin, Everyday Disaster, The Big Disappointments

MON 5/26
* MFA Open House
* A Memorial Day For Peace
* Skeptics in the Pub
* Extreme Bingo (Final Send Off)

TUES 5/27
* Jabe and The All Night Circus, Bow Thayer
* Paul Ahlstrand Quartet
* Ted Sorensen, "Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History" -- and WED 5/28

WED 5/28
* Two Loons For Tea
* The Submarines, Headlights, Nat Baldwin

THUR 5/29
* "Banned in Boston: The Silent Speech of Margaret Sanger": Discussion
* Russell Banks, Mike Gravel, Howard Zinn: "A Conversation about American Identity"
* "(In)Famous: 20 Years of CCTV’s Most Talked About Programming"
* The Rudds, The Gobshites, Andrea Gillis, The Silver Lining, Erica Owen

FRI 5/30
* Jim's Big Ego

SAT 5/31
* Love During Wartime 2
* "Dr. Dog on Dunster Street Block Party"
* "Sew What?!?"

SUN 6/1
* Hot Dog Safari

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

FRI 5/23

7pm
"Winedown" w/ Dance Lessons
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Not a bad way to start the weekend. The Sox are in Oakland, so you're not going to miss any of the 10pm game if passing through Harvard Sq for a glass of wine or two. Dance instructors from Cambridge Center for Adult Education will somehow demonstrate all sorts of styles (Latin, Swing, Disco, Greek, Bollywood). I don't know where they'll do this, but you might end up dancing if you get too close.

FRI 5/23

7pm
Liam Finn: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, 36 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Check Neil Finn's (Crowded House) son out for free, and you might want to pay $12 as he opens (along with local chanteuse Sarah Blacker) for the wonderful Laura Veirs at the Middle East - Downstairs.

FRI 5/23

9:30pm
Laura Veirs, Liam Finn, Sarah Blacker
at Middle East - Downstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$12 / 18+

Worth a couple extra bucks. If you love songwork and don't like this show, contact me and we'll figure out a $2 refund...

FRI 5/23

10pm
Rock Bottom, Downbeat 5
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

The Downbeat 5 are the perfect blend of 60's soul and old-school punk into great Boston garage-rock. Rock Bottom consist of guys from great Boston punk bands who do 70's rock classics. Great fun!

FRI 5/23

6pm to 10pm
Climate Confluence Benefit Show
w/ HUMANWINE, The Paperdolls, Amatul & Natebox, Evan Greer, Bambuu Waza, Adelaide
at Acorn Housing, 1486 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester (near Fields Corner T)
$7 to $15 -- sliding scale / pay what you can

Where does the young revolutionary find entertainment on a Friday night? Fields Corner. I did a Google Street View, and it looks sketchy -- but that's half the fun, right? Proceeds benefit the Northeast Climate Confluence and "a bail fund for activists who will be protesting the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul."

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

SAT 5/24

Noon
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

The big ones are Cake (4:45pm), Cracker (3:15pm), The English Beat (2pm), The BoDeans (12:45pm).

Cake AND Cracker! Why not get 70's soft-rockers Bread while they're at it... If I don't stop at a bar or abandoned condo for cocktails, I expect to have a good time even though the crowd will be massive.

There is a secondary "Boston Music" stage with guys like Adam Ezra (12:15pm) and Tim Blane (1:30pm), and a "Kids Stage".

SAT 5/24

7:30pm to 11pm
Tango by Moonlight
over the Charles River on the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Memorial Drive side, near Dewolf St, Cambridge
FREE

It's the first night of "dance on a bridge" season that lasts for the next 5 full moons or so. As usual, they'll start with brief period of tango instruction, then you can try for as long as you like until you feel like dancing any way you like. It's a fun time with and without a partner, since you can usually find a partner or two. It'll be too nice to be inside, so you might enjoy the atmosphere. Perhaps the spirit will move you.

Raindate: SUN 5/25
(Regardless of clear or cloudy skies, raindates are used only if it is actually raining at 8 pm on the primary date.)

SAT 5/24

2pm
Boston Zombie March IV
at South Station to Newbury St to Boston Common
FREE

I've only observed zombie marches, but I think this is a hilariously good time. There should be a lot of zombies who really get into their zombie-ness with very cool outfits and makeup. The plan is to finish at Boston Common, and play games -- as zombies. Bring frisbees, wiffle ball, hacky sacks, etc; then play in your lumbering undead way.

In case you don't Facebook, here are some guidelines:

* No running in the STREET
* No touching outsiders unless they wish to be transformed
* If a kid starts to cry, walk away!
* Do not chase/run after people, especially children. This means you can walk after people (in zombie fashion) but do not make them run for their life!
* No breaking and entering.
* No vandalism.
* If you go into a building, leave it as it was.

The people-watching on Newbury will be WAY better than usual...

SAT 5/24

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. Again, this on Lewis Wharf by the Marriot; look for the riverboat. As they say, "No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Free refreshments, too."

SAT 5/24

9:30pm
Elemental Zazen, Elephant House, ViceVersah, Dysfunctional Genepool, Left Over Wine
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $13 day of show / 18+

There still might be a chance to get an advance ticket when you read this, because most of the performers on this hip-hop show are really good. Elemental Zazen deftly and sincerely raps about his life story as well as peace and justice. Elephant House is something I haven't seen before: jazzy funk/rock with a monster bassist who's also the MC. Dysfunctional Genepool and Left Over Wine both have a cool, indie/underground style.

There was a good Elemental Zazen profile in The Phoenix this week .

SAT 5/24 & SUN 5/25

10pm
A.K.A.C.O.D.

Saturday:
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Sunday:
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Two chances (both around 10pm) to see one of my fave bands around. AKACOD features saxophonist Dana Colley (Morphine/Twinemen), vocalist/bassist Monique Ortiz (ex-Bourbon Princess), and drummer Larry Dersch of Binary System. Picking up where Mark Sandman and Morphine left off, the instrumentation (including the slide-style bass parts) still churns a jazzy/noir "low rock".

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

SUN 5/25

2pm
Al Maze's Annual Memorial Day Walking Tour
at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
$9

It's not as strange as it sounds: I love walking through Forest Hills Cemetery anytime with or without a guide. (It's free to walk around independently.)

Celebrate Al Maze's Heroes on his Annual Memorial Day Walking Tour
One of his most popular tours: a walk exploring the stories of soldiers and survivors of the Civil War and other battles.
Al will read excerpts from letters, diaries and newspaper accounts that illuminate the experiences and emotions of the men and women who have served during wartime.

Meet at Main Gate. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; this is a 2-mile walk (with frequent stops) over varied terrain.

SUN 5/25

The Bellrays (11:30pm), The Architects (10:30pm), Balls (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

The Bellrays rock so hard, your head might explode. Frontwoman Lisa Kekaula has a massive, soulful sledgehammer of a voice and a tremendous stage presence. It really does make you think of The Stooges being fronted by Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner. "Balls" includes 2 SnowLeopards and a Bang Camaro (for a little metal?). Heidi Saperstein of SnowLeopards is a powerful singer, and she'll hold her own. Likely to be a draining show, but you hopefully have Monday off.

SUN 5/25

9:30pm
Sad Marvin, Everyday Disaster, Never Whispered
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

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

MON 5/26

10am to 4:45pm
Memorial Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

One of the MFA's open house days that includes guided tours, family activites, and special events with a Spanish flavor like: Aztec & Mayan multi-media culture performance (11am), Basque short films (12:30pm), traditional flamenco (3:15pm).

The regularly $23 "El Greco to Velazquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III" exhibit is also free (first-come, first-served). If you really want to enjoy it without a big crowd, I'd get there before 10am... And "Rhythms of Modern Life: British Prints 1914-1939" is ending next week.

MON 5/26

2pm
A Memorial Day For Peace
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Various veterans groups for peace will have representatives to speak at a ceremony to remember and mourn those who died for our country, and convey that we should protect our soldiers from dying in "endeavors not for the common good." (If you know what I mean...)

MON 5/26

7pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub w/ Patty Pieniadz
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

This guest speaker Patty Pieniadz is an ex-Scientologist big-wig. I think it would be funny if Scientologists put on Tom Cruise masks and protested outside of this -- like the "V for Vendetta" anonymous protestors...

MON 5/26

10pm, 11pm, Midnight
Extreme Bingo (Final Send Off)
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

Yes, it really looks like the last Extreme Bingo as the hostesses are moving away. Three games of bingo with cool prizes. It looks like free pool starts at 6pm, and free bowling at 9pm. This will be a party, and I'm going to try to be there.

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

TUES 5/27

8:30pm
Jabe & The All Night Circus, Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

It's really going to be a night of well-written, well-played Americana/roots music.

TUES 5/27

9pm
Paul Ahlstrand Quartet
at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

If you've heard saxophone on a Boston band's recording, it was probably Paul. His quartet is classic straight-ahead jazz. It's top-notch stuff; I'm surprised we can hear them for free, you'll probably feel the same way. (You can always buy a CD.)

TUES 5/27 and WED 5/28

Tuesday:

6pm
Ted Sorensen, "Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History": Reading
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515)

Wednesday:

5:30pm to 7pm
"An Evening with Ted Sorensen": Panel Discussion
at JFK Presidential Library, Columbia Point, Boston (UMass Boston campus)
FREE w/ RSVP

When I saw this guy was a close advisor, I thought, "Whoa, he's still alive?!" (No offense to anyone in that age group!) Sorenson began working with "Senator" Kennedy in '53 and continued through the beginning of the Johnson administration. Decades after ghost-writing "Profiles in Courage", he's finally written his memoirs.

There's a reading on Tuesday. The Wednesday discussion should be especially interesting with scheduled participants from the Kennedy administration: Robert McNamara, Carl Kaysen, Lee C. White, and others. Register for the JFK Library event here.

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

WED 5/28

8pm
Two Loons For Tea
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
FREE

This quirky pop duo from Seattle are doing a free set before the Dennis Brennan Band residency ($5).

WED 5/28

9:30pm
The Submarines, Headlights, Nat Baldwin
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

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

THUR 5/ 29

6:30pm to 8pm
"Banned in Boston: The Silent Speech of Margaret Sanger": Discussion
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

About 80 years ago, pioneering birth-control advocate famously did NOT give a speech in Boston, but her remarks were read by someone else (at a Ford Hall Forum) while she sat with a gag over her mouth. This was the "Banned in Boston" era, and she was told she could not deliver her remarks. Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood and Susan Shaer of Women's Action for New Directions will be two of the speakers that will discuss Sanger's speech, her message, censorship, and so on.

"Equal time will be provided for the speakers' remarks and questions from the audience."

THUR 5/29

6pm
Russell Banks, Mike Gravel, Howard Zinn: "A Conversation about American Identity"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515)

With wacky former presidential candidate Mike Gravel involved, this should be a wild discussion. All three have recently published books. Gravel has released an autobiography. Novelist Russell Banks (The Sweet Hereafter, Affliction, etc) has written a nonfiction examination of the arcs of the American story from colonial days on. Howard Zinn has an updated & illustrated version of his classic that's been re-titled "A People's History of American Empire".

EVENT UPDATE: Please note that due to personal matters, Professor Zinn will not be attending tonight's event with Russell Banks and Mike Gravel.

THUR 5/29

8pm
"(In)Famous: 20 Years of CCTV’s Most Talked About Programming"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$2

For an extra two bucks, stay and watch some of the classic and infamous clips of the last 20 years Cambridge Community Television. Besides the typically proud moments of local TV, see footage of "gratuitous frontal nudity, the violation of an uncooked chicken, and a bunch of other shows that prompted residents to file complaints with the FCC."

If you want a commemorative t-shirt as well, you can get the advance shirt/ticket package for $20 here. But I assume they'll sell t-shirts that night as well...

THUR 5/29

9pm
MSPCA Natural Disaster Relief Fundraiser
Feat. The Rudds, The Gobshites, Andrea Gillis, The Silver Lining, Erica Owen
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

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

FRI 5/ 30

8pm
Jim's Big Ego and more
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

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

SAT 5/ 31

9pm
Love During Wartime 2
at Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm Ave, Boston
$10 / 18+

More than a dozen DJ's & VJ's to make you dance and support local arts.

SAT 5/31

1pm to 6pm
"Dr. Dog on Dunster Street Block Party"
between Forbes Plaza (1350 Mass Ave) & Dunster St Harvard Square
FREE

Dr. Dog will probably perform at 5pm with one opening band at 4pm.

SAT 5/31

3pm to 7pm
"Sew What?!?"
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St , Bow St)
FREE

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

SUN 6/1

9am to 4pm
Hot Dog Safari
at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, 111 Waldemar Ave, East Boston
$15

All-you-can-eat hot dogs, sausages, and ice cream sundaes for 7 hours has to be worth more than $15. Don't eat for the prior 2 - 3 days...

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

Link of the Week:

Download the Manny Ramirez tribute song by Pernice Brothers for free until he's his 500th home run.

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

Quote of the Week:

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet."

--Roger Miller

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

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

SAT 5/24: Annual GIRLS Conference

10am to 3pm-ish
Annual GIRLS Conference
at Kotzen Room, Simmons College Main Bldg, 2 Ave Louis Pasteur, Boston (The Fens)
FREE - 18 and under / $10 adults

I have a confession to make.

Contrary to what I've said in certain corners of the Internet, I am not a teenage female... I don't even think any under-18 woman reads this doo-dad that I do. However you might KNOW a young person that would be interested in some empowerment and positivity -- and I'm all for that -- so I pass this along.

This probably wouldn't be my bag if it was a BOYS conference, but you can discreetly leave during transition times if you don't like it. (Btw: G.I.R.L.S. = Growing Individuals Reacting to Life's Struggles...)

Here's part of the official description:

This is an exciting day filled with dynamic speakers, performances and interactive breakout groups that will address issues of importance to girls and the communities they live in. The program will focus on public service and leadership opportunities for young women and girls. Part of our conversation will include the presidential election and ways to get involved in your community. The conference is open to all teen girls and women in the New England area.

I don't know the theme, but I do know the featured speaker will be Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, who has an amazing life story.

Keep in mind: There appears to be free breakfast during registration and free lunch... If you can hang for the whole day, there's also auditions for GIRL TV -- from 2:30pm on -- for young women who are interested in producing and hosting the weekly live TV show...

Advance registration is closed, but walk-in registration will be accepted. You can find the printable form (.doc or PDF) here that you should fill out ahead of time and present at the sign-in desk.

I feel something like this wouldn't last 12 years if it didn't help people...

Note: Parking on campus is currently unavailable due to construction, and visitors are strongly urged to take public transportation.

Sneak Peek: FRI 5/23 to MON 4/6

Have fun this long weekend! I know I will... :-)

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

FRI 5/23

7pm
Liam Finn: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, 36 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Check Neil Finn's (Crowded House) son out for free, and you might want to pay $12 as he opens (along with local chanteuse Sarah Blacker) for the wonderful Laura Veirs at the Middle East - Downstairs.

FRI 5/23

10pm
Rock Bottom, Downbeat 5
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

The Downbeat 5 are the perfect blend of 60's soul and old-school punk into great Boston garage-rock. Rock Bottom consist of guys from great Boston punk bands who do 70's rock classics. Great fun!

FRI 5/23

6pm to 10pm
Climate Confluence Benefit Show
w/ HUMANWINE, The Paperdolls, Amatul & Natebox, Evan Greer, Bambuu Waza, Adelaide
at Acorn Housing, 1486 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester (near Fields Corner T)
$7 to $15 -- sliding scale / pay what you can

Where does the young revolutionary find entertainment on a Friday night? Fields Corner. I did a Google Street View, and it looks sketchy -- but that's half the fun, right? Proceeds benefit the Northeast Climate Confluence and "a bail fund for activists who will be protesting the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul."

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

SAT 5/24

Noon
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

The big ones:
Cake (4:45pm), Cracker (3:15pm), The English Beat (2pm), The BoDeans (12:45pm)

Cake AND Cracker! Why not get 70's soft-rockers Bread while they're at it...

SAT 5/24

7:30pm to 11pm
Tango by Moonlight
over the Charles River on the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Memorial Drive side, near Dewolf St, Cambridge
FREE

The first night of season. Go. Dance. Feel the "Amor"...

SAT 5/24

2pm
Boston Zombie March IV
at South Station to Newbury St to Boston Common
FREE

Finish at Boston Common for some zombie games. Bring frisbees, wiffle ball, hacky sacks, whatever but you must stay in zombie mode!

In case you don't Facebook, here are some guidelines:

* No running in the STREET
* No touching outsiders unless they wish to be transformed
* If a kid starts to cry, walk away!
* Do not chase/run after people, especially children. This means you can walk after people (in zombie fashion) but do not make them run for their life!
* No breaking and entering.
* No vandalism.
* If you go into a building, leave it as it was.

For more info, you can try this email, but zombies don't type very quickly.

SAT 5/24

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

Enjoy a free sail in the harbor -- not the Charles River.

No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Free refreshments, too.

SAT 5/24

9:30pm
Elemental Zazen, Elephant House, ViceVersah, Dysfunctional Genepool, Left Over Wine
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $13 day of show / 18+

Local Hip-Hop is good for you.

SAT 5/24 & SUN 5/25

10pm
A.K.A.C.O.D.

Saturday:
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Sunday:
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Two chances (around 10pm) to see one of my fave bands around.

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

SUN 5/25

2pm
Al Maze's Annual Memorial Day Walking Tour
at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
$9

It's not as strange as it sounds: I love walking through Forest Hills Cemetery anytime with or without a guide.

Celebrate Al Maze's Heroes on his Annual Memorial Day Walking Tour
One of his most popular tours: a walk exploring the stories of soldiers and survivors of the Civil War and other battles.
Al will read excerpts from letters, diaries and newspaper accounts that illuminate the experiences and emotions of the men and women who have served during wartime.

Meet at Main Gate. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; this is a 2-mile walk (with frequent stops) over varied terrain.

SUN 5/25

The Bellrays (11:30pm), The Architects (10:30pm), Balls (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

The Bellrays rock so good, your head might explode. Balls includes 2 Snowleopards and a Bang Camaro.

SUN 5/25

9:30pm
Sad Marvin, Everyday Disaster, Never Whispered
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

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

MON 5/26

10am to 4:45pm
Memorial Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

One of the MFA's open house days that includes guided tours, family activites, and special events with a Spanish flavor like: Aztec & Mayan multi-media culture performance (11am), Basque short films (12:30pm), traditional flamenco (3:15pm).

The regularly $23 "El Greco to Velazquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III" exhibit is also free (first-come, first-served). If you really want to enjoy it without a big crowd, I'd get there before 10am...

MON 5/26

2pm
A Memorial Day For Peace
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Various veterans groups for peace will have representatives to speak at a ceremony to remember and mourn those who died for our country, and convey that we should protect our soldiers from dying in "endeavors not for the common good." (If you know what I mean...)

MON 5/26

7pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub w/ Patty Pieniadz
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

This guest speaker Patty Pieniadz is an ex-Scientologist big-wig. I think it would be funny if Scientologists put on Tom Cruise masks and protested outside of this -- like the "V for Vendetta" anonymous protestors...

MON 5/26

10pm, 11pm, Midnight
Extreme Bingo (Final Send Off)
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

Yes, it really looks like the last Extreme Bingo as the hostesses are moving away. Three games of bingo with cool prizes. It looks like free pool starts at 6pm, and free bowling at 9pm. This will be a party, and I'm going to try to be there.

THUR 5/22: Updates to Weekly List + WebToons

One screening was cancelled, so I added another funnier one that's not about soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners...

Hey, it's almost Friday! I should have a sneak peek up soon. Maybe around lunch time...

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

THUR 5/22

7pm
"Standard Operating Procedure"
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Errol Morris was going to attend for a post-film discussion with Homi Bhabha, director of Harvard Humanities Center, but I guess he can't stand interviews without his giant interrogating film-machine in between... You can still see his Abu Graib documentary though.

Maybe Errol read my comments and took his print back, but this screening is cancelled.

THUR 5/22

7pm
Animation WebJam 2008
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$8.50

I'm somewhat ambivalent about this, but I know that I'd LOL, ROFL, LMAO, etc. This is a chance to see the best web cartoons at one time without going to a dozen websites and waiting for the video to laod. It's also on the big screen. Hmmm, at first I was wondering why I'd pay $8 on top of my monthly internet service, but it doesn't seem so bad after all...

Expect to see cyber-humor from Happy Tree Friends, JibJab, 30 Second Bunny Theater, Odd Todd, Joe Cartoon, Xeth, Low Morale, Its JerryTime! and more. (No bizarre, wordless Weebl and Bob...?)

Hosted by Jerry & Orrin Zucker from "Its Jerrytime!" will host tonight.

Two midnite screenings on FRI 5/23 & SAT 5/24 for $7.75

THUR 5/22

5pm to 7pm
Rock Climbing Wall Open House
at Fitness and Recreation Center, 915 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE w/ Registration

This is a good chance to try rock climbing at no cost -- and you don't need to crack your head open at the quarry where no one will find you for days. For some reason, BU is offering their climbing wall for free. Warning: This is may be exhilarating, and you'll want to pay to do it again.

I think you can still register here. There are a few steps, but maybe you'll want to do something free again in the future. You'll be halfway there for the next time...

THUR 5/22

Air Traffic (11:30pm), The Douglas Fir (10:30pm), Senor Happy (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

Air Traffic are an English rock band with some musical variety; nothing immediately hummable for me, but they sound good as they try to be Coldplay and The Kooks at the same time. It's near the end of the American smallish-club tour, they could be on the verge of something medium-sized. Even if these guys are running a B&B back in Bournemouth a few years from now, you won't be disappointed. Thankfully, we're in a period where the excellent Douglas Fir is playing some gigs again. With an English, noir post-wave sound, they've stuck out on the Boston over the years -- and others are starting to catch on to their wave. If that isn't enough, you should dig the rootsy pop-rock of Senor Happy.

THUR 5/22

Varsity Drag (11:45pm), Two Saints (10:45pm), lump (9:45pm), The Von Ehrics (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

It's kinda one of those mish-mash lineups that usually bother me, but this one is so interesting. What can I say -- Varsity Drag is my favorite new-old band. The songs are so catchy, and the guitars churn loudly yet tunefully. Leader Ben Deily was also the co-main Lemonhead for the first 3 albums. Two of the other bands are reunited from the 90's: the boozy-punkish rock of Two Saints and noisy post-punk of lump who played SXSW this year. Back in '93, The Noise described them as "Husker Du on diet pills". The Texas cow-punk of The Von Ehrics will get you in the mood to rock.