Cheap Thrills: MON 6/16 & TUES 6/17

I apologize about the weekly list, but there were some technical difficulties that were compounded with my desire to have fun this weekend. I should be back on track -- maybe even better -- this week.

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MON 6/16

4pm to 9:30pm
Bloomsday Boston 2008: "Love Across Boundaries"
at Bapst Art Library, 140 Comm Ave, Chestnut Hill (BC campus)
FREE

Chances are that you haven't read James Joyce's "Ulysses", but you accept that it's the greatest unreadable book of (something like) English literature. The whole 1,000+ page story takes place on June 16, so cities around the world celebrate 'Bloomsday' with readings, music, pub crawls, etc.

This year's theme is "Love Across Boundaries". Before tackling one of the monsters of literature, you could dip your toes over several hours of outdoor cheer and music from 4pm to 6:30ish with Irish food & drink for sale. The panels will include local "personalities" reading excerpts, a discussion with 3 'modernly-mixed couples' (Bloom & Molly wouldn't have been a trad. couple), and the usual capper of Molly's final monologue about love and life.

Recently departed WBZ A&E reporter Joyce Kulhawik will moderate the event.

MON 6/16

10pm
The Sunsets Quick, Cherryaxe, Ladies and Gentleman
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

In a way I don't want more people to go to Charlie's, but there's not much more damage to be done after Esquire magazine names it one of the best bars in the country. You should still be able to get tonight if you're in the mood for some catchy indie-rock from The Sunsets Quick (fka Drugs Delaney). Cherryaxe is a bit quirkier in a Pavement kind of way, but it doesn't seem insincere. Nothing is known about Ladies and Gentleman, but I assume they're friends of the other bands so how bad can they be...?

MON 6/16

Sam Gilman (7:30pm), Caitlin Rodgers (9pm)
at Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$5 suggested donation

Sam Gilman usually handles a Hammond organ for funky/jammy jazz combo, Otis Grove. Tonight is billed as his first solo piano recital where you'll likely hear a healthy mix of covers from the bop period, way-back piano history, and hip covers you might expect from someone like Brad Mehldau -- along with some originals. Sam will also accompany the folkish Caitlin Rodgers whose high, pliable voice should sound good with a jazzy pianist & drummer.

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TUES 6/17

3pm to 5pm
Boston All-City Baseball Classic
at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

If you have the afternoon off, there's a free baseball game at Fenway Park. It just happens to be a Boston high school all-star game. I'm not sure if the beer concessions will be open for something like this, so allow some time to pre-game...

TUES 6/17

9:30pm
Jeremy Lyons
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

TUES 6/17

9:30pm
The Black & White Years, Parlour Steps, Action Verbs, Anthems MA
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Presented by Ryan’s Smashing Life.