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.

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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

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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

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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.