There are some really good cheap options in the next week. This is what I got right now... I hope you have a good time whatever you do. Enjoy the sunny weekend!
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FRI 7/11
* Free Slurpees
* Varsity Drag, Dirty Truckers, Buttercup, The Sneaks
* Dave Aaronoff
* Jacques Labouchere
* "Unbound 2008: A Festival of New Plays" -- to SUN 7/13
* "The Real Inspector Hound" w/ "Hidden in This Picture" -- to SUN 7/13 (and next week)
SAT 7/12
* "Big-Bugs": Opening Day
* "Gun Crazy": Free Screening & Discussion
* Trashfest
* Learn to Windsurf
* The Guess Who, John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band
* Riverfront Music Festival
* The Watson Twins, Tim Fite, The Everyday Visuals
* Bastille Day A-Go-Go
* Tango by Moonlight
* Micro- & Mini-Car Day
SUN 7/13
* Eric Peterson, Swaggerin' Growlers, Tomorrow The Gallows
* Bastille Day Party
* TraniWreck: "Drag, Decadence, Dissent and Duos"
* Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret
* Jeremy Lyons & The Deltabilly Boys
MON 7/14
* Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Ha Ha Tonka, The Motion Sick
* "Christmas in July & August"
* Nate Gibson & the Gashouse Gang, Elsa Cross, Blood Sweat and Gears
TUES 7/15
* Wendy Johnson, "Gardening at the Dragon's Gate": Reading
* Bluegrass Pickin’ Party w/ Uncle Monk, Boston Perfect 10's
* "Overheard/Underground": Milo Jones, Visitations, Life Partners, David Bernabo
WED 7/16
* "Free Vicente Lebron!" Benefit Concert
* Sorta The Drifters, Shirley of The Shirelles
* "As You Like It": Free Shakespeare - Open Dress Rehearsal - & THUR 7/17
THUR 7/17
* Annual Lantern Festival
* Neptune, Ho-Ag, Bone Zone, Summerduck
* Dennis Brennan
FRI 7/18
* Anita Coelho - Afro-Heritage Project
* ArtBeat Festival -- and SAT 7/19
* Italia Unita Festival -- to SUN 7/20
* Betances Festival -- to SUN 7/20
* "As You Like It": Free Shakespeare -- thru SUN 8/3
SAT 7/19
* "Back to the Beaches" at Spectacle Island
* Life is Good Festival
* Muck and the Mires, The Curses, The Sprained Ankles, The Ad Men
* "Labyrinth": Ancient Olympic Sport Training
* Sailing Open House
* Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival -- and SUN 7/20
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FRI 7/11
All Day Long
7.11-ounce Slurpees
at participating 7-Eleven stores
FREE
Yes, it's true. I try to go every year and have at least one free mini-slurpee. It's actually a good amount if you consider that a 7.11-ounce slurpee has 7 ounces of sugar. It's also sufficient to get a brain-freeze.
I assume most, if not all, stores are participating. I know I'd be pissed if I went to one that wasn't doling out the freebies. Back in L.A., the 7-11's were stacked like Dunkin' Donuts and CVS locations combined, but there are still enough in the Boston area to get multiples without much trouble...
(While cup supplies last.)
FRI 7/11
Varsity Drag (11:45pm), Dirty Truckers (10:45pm), Buttercup (9:45pm), The Sneaks (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8
I can tell you firsthand that The Dirty Truckers and Varsity Drag dole out some top-notch rock.
FRI 7/11
10pm
Dave Aaronoff
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3
Rocker extraordinaire Dave Aaronoff is showing off his fondness for country-western on his new CD and will likely be backed by some of his friends known as The Protagonists.
FRI 7/11
10pm
Jacques Labouchere
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE
Peculiiar American singer-songwriter decides to move to Sweden a few years ago and makes some good music. Not a bad free entertainment choice...
FRI 7/11 to SUN 7/13
7:30pm
"The Real Inspector Hound" w/ "Hidden in This Picture"
at Mary O’Malley Park, Commandant’s Way, Chelsea Waterfront
FREE
English Performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
~En Espanol~ on Fridays and Sundays:
"El Verdadero Inspector Sabueso" con/ "Escondido En La Imagen"
Here is your reason to go to Chelsea: two one-act comedy plays -- by Tom Stoppard and Aaron Sorkin. Take the #111 bus for an adventure in free theatre -- and who knows what else -- on the other side of the Tobin.
There are 2 more weeks with no Sunday show at the end, so other performances are on: 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 7/20 & 7/23, 7/24, 7/25, 7/26.
FRI 7/11 to SUN 7/13
Various Times (most 7:30/8pm)
"Unbound 2008: A Festival of New Plays"
at Boston Playwrights Theatre, 949 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$10 / $15 festival pass
What can I say -- they're new plays. Works from previous years have made it to Off-Broadway... You have a good chance of seeing something bold/adventurous/funny; it might be rough, but it won't be amateurish.
The schedule:
FRI 7/11
8pm: "Beautiful American Soldier"
SAT 7/12
8pm: "12 Dogs"
SUN 7/13
2pm: "Coma, Patient"
4pm: "Listening"
5:30pm: "Beautiful American Solider"
7pm: "12 Dogs"
I assume the festival pass is good for all 4 days, but you could see every play on Sunday for $15.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAT 7/12
10am to 4pm
"Big-Bugs": Opening Day
at New England Wild Flower Society, 180 Hemenway Rd, Framingham
$8 / $6 seniors & students / $4 ages 3 to 18 / FREE under 3
Giant bug art returns to their favorite botanical garden/nature walk in Framingham with a swarm of buggy activities/exhibits. It might geared towards young people, but anyone can enjoy art and nature. (Except Dick Cheney.)
To go along with the bugness, a Beatles tribute band, "HELP!", will play (1pm to 3pm).
SAT 7/12
10am to 6pm
Learn to Windsurf
at Community Boating, 21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston (Esplanade/Beacon Hill)
$10 / FREE 16 and under
Do you want to give windsurfing a try? The guy I talked to said the weather on Saturday should be "perfect" for whooshing across the Charles on a board with a sail...
As of Thursday afternoon, there are still some slots available. Call: 617-523-1038.
All equipment supplied but be prepared to get wet! You must wear sneakers or rubber booties to go on a windsurfer. They, and you will get soaked. Bring a clothing change.You can get a head start by watching video lessons here.
Classes start every thirty minutes.
(Whenever I see windsurfers on the river, I like to imagine it's John Kerry out there.)
SAT 7/12
11am
"Gun Crazy"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
This should be shown late at night, but this is the monthly Saturday series, "Elements Of Cinema". Wild characters + danger + romance + cool camera work + sassy script = great film noir.
Discussion to follow screening.
SAT 7/12
Trashfest
Feat: The Konks (Midnight), Leather Uppers (11pm), The Tampoffs (10pm), Almighty Terribles (9pm), Jay Allen & the Arch Criminals (8pm), Tunnel Of Love (7pm), Gozu (6pm), White Man's Magic (5pm), Starry Crown Nightstick (4pm), The Throwaways (3pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$10
I'm not associated with any of these bands, but should be a really fun show from beginning to end. Maybe a dozen bands playing punk/garage/rock/blooze is an excuse for people to get trashed, but that's fine. You don't have to drink to oblivion, but no one will judge you here...
Unfortunately, it looks like there's no free beer, but PBR tallboys are $2 from 2pm to 4pm (and won't be much more after).
SAT 7/12
3pm to 7pm
Riverfront Music Festival
Feat: Blind Melon, Need to Breathe, Matt Nathanson, The Brother Kite
at Market Landing Park, about 1 Merrimac St, Newburyport (Market Sq/Riverfront)
FREE
Blind Melon is back with a guy that sounds quite a bit like the late Shannon Hoon. Close your eyes and find out if you're happy, disoriented, or creeped out. Presented in cooperation with The River (92.5FM), so keep that in mind when you wonder about the other artists.
The Ipswich Ale Beer Garden will be open from noon to 6pm across the parking lot behind the Custom House Maritime Museum.
It's supposedly well-attended, and some people show up at the crack of dawn to get a sweet picnic spot...
A commuter rail ride would cost $7.75 each way -- but you're not driving (about 90 miles round-trip from Boston)...
SAT 7/12
1pm to 4pm
Micro- & Mini-Car Day
at Larz Anderson Museum, 15 Newton St, Brookline
$10 (includes Museum admission)
A MINI Cooper is a friggin' minivan compared to these miniscule marvels from the '50s and '60s. The extra cool part is that you can go for rides in some of these cars.
It's like a convention for the micro/mini-car owners, so you might just see the flock of them driving around the area this weekend...
SAT 7/12
7pm to 9:30pm
The Guess Who, John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE
"WODS Oldies in Concert" Series
FYI: John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band were formed in Narragansett, RI. (Do you suppose they will drive separately or go in a van together?)
SAT 7/12
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 7/13
(Regardless of clear or cloudy skies, raindates are used only if it is actually raining at 8 pm on the primary date.)
SAT 7/12
9pm
Shaun & Suzi's Annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+
Shaun Wolf Wortis and Suzi Lee have been doing this for 15 years where they "turn a Boston-area club into a New Orleans house party, albeit resplendent in French Revolution duds, and tongue firmly in cheek." It's like their Mardi Gras Ball but different. But similar. Expect to hear a bunch of NOLA-style R&B/jazz/etc with many special guests.
I don't know if it's because Suzi is out of town, but the special theme is "Duets Night", featuring local rock star couples singing duets together:
Laurie Sargent & Billy ConwayOther performers include Jim Infantino, Chandler Travis, and more.
Dave & Katie Champagne
Peter Moore & Sarah Rabdau
Jen D'Angora & Ed Valauskas
SAT 7/12
The Watson Twins (11:45pm), Tim Fite (10:30pm), The Everyday Visuals (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10
The Watson Twins are probably best know for their CD with Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis, "Rabbit Fur Coat". The really do sing beautifully, don't they? And The Everyday Visuals are so darn good in general.
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SUN 7/13
2:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+
Another edition of the best drawing session in Boston. Wilder and looser than any other art class you've been to. You won't feel so bad about your drawing skills. Crazy models, contests, and prizes -- oh my!
This month's model: Lola
A couple of tips: Come on time to get a seat up front. Keep it small so others can crowd in around you. Bring your stuff in a milk crate so you have something to sit on or put your stuff on. (we have lots of seats, but more is helpful) There will be some fancy paper for you to buy if you want.
SUN 7/13
3pm to 7pm
Eric Peterson, Swaggerin' Growlers, Tomorrow The Gallows
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
FREE (donations welcome)
A few years ago, Village Voice called Eric Peterson the "Best Anarchist Political Folk-Punk Singer" -- way to go out on a limb, guys... In regards to The Swaggerin' Growlers and Tomorrow The Gallows, you can decide for yourself if it's folky punk or punky folk.
SUN 7/13
3pm to 10pm
Bastille Day Party
along Holyoke Street, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Is one Independence Day party enough for you? Celebrate the French one too with food, drink, music, dance, and miscellaneous fun.
There's a bunch of kids' activities from 3pm to 5pm, followed by Traditional French waiters race ("La Course des Garcon de Cafe") at 5:15pm. Performances by: Afrobrazil & Cirkestra (5:30pm to 8pm), Hot 8 Brass Band (8pm), then DJ Kamal drops the jams "a la Francaise" (9pm)...
Participating restaurants: Sandrine's Bistro, Chez Henri, Brasserie Jo, The Elephant Walk, Rialto, Petit Robert Bistro
Katrina Ritaville Express will park a FEMA trailer on Mt Auburn St. to -- y'know -- remind people.
SUN 7/13
9:30pm
TraniWreck: "Drag, Decadence, Dissent and Duos"
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$8 / 21+
TraniWreck is an all gender, all genre, irreverent performance art cabaret/variety show... brings the best tranny, trashy, drag, and high femme, burlesque, etc talent to the stage.
This is their annual show to celebrate American Independence and freedom. It should a wild time!
SUN 7/13
10pm
Jeremy Lyons & The Deltabilly Boys
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE
Our tasty bit of New Orleans in Boston, courtesy of Hurricane Katrina.
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MON 7/14
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (10:40pm), Ha Ha Tonka (9:45pm), The Motion Sick (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10
This is crazy, but you can still catch S.S.L.Y.B.Y. for $10. These guys are awesome in their toned-down Weezerish way, but I figured they'd charge a higher cover like other "national bands". They're bringing Ha Ha Tonka, another Missouri band; and you get the very fine nerdy pop-rock of The Motion Sick.
MON 7/14
5:30pm
"Christmas in July & August"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE
This is the last July night to watch Xmas-themed film programs in the dark, air-conditioned Rabb Hall for a relaxing 2-1/2 hours. Tonight's line-up consists of two mid-80's shorts, "Curious George Goes Christmas Shopping" and "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" (narrated by Jeremy Irons), and a musical version of "Scrooge" with Albert Finney.
MON 7/14
9:30pm
Nate Gibson & the Gashouse Gang, Elsa Cross, Blood Sweat and Gears
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5
Country, rockabilly, and country-rock from New England. I hear the outdoor patio at Charlie's is now open...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TUES 7/15
6pm to 9pm
Overheard/Underground
Feat: Milo Jones, Visitations, Life Partners, and David Bernabo
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
$3.33 / All Ages
TUES 7/15
7 pm
Wendy Johnson, "Gardening at the Dragon's Gate": Reading
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE
Organic farming icon Wendy Johnson has written a book about her life and her work, which should be an interesting talk for people interested in sustainable agriculture with a side of Zen meditation. I have a feeling that she doesn't often travel from her Northern California farm.
TUES 7/15
8pm
Bluegrass Pickin' Party
Feat: Uncle Monk (8pm), Boston Perfect 10's (10pm)
at Cantab Lounge, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 Voluntary Donation
Dude, it's Tommy from The Ramones! The original drummer of one of the most influential bands in rock now sings and plays mandolin in alt-country/bluegrass duo, Uncle Monk. You gotta give the $5 to support a Ramone... The Boston Perfect 10's are group of local hotshots that play in other bands.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WED 7/16
8pm to 1am
"Free Vicente Lebron!" Benefit Concert
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10
Vicente Lebron is one of the percussionists for jazz ensemble Either/Orchestra, and something went terribly wrong when they returned from their last international tour. Dominican-born Lebron has been in Homeland Security detention for over a month, and there really isn't much available information about his case. This show is a benefit for the legal defense fund of a fine musician, family man, and US resident for more than 35 years. (They will accept more than $10, if you desire.)
Many excellent bands and singers to perform:
8pm:
Orchestra Morphine, Gypsy Schaeffer, Manguito
9pm:
Gabrielle Agachiko, Leo Blanco Group, I-Level
10 pm:
3Play, Jorge Perez w/ Juan "Cotito" Medrano, latin-ethiopian-jazz w/ singers: Ruthie Ristich, Christian McNeill, Willie "Loco" Alexander
11 pm:
Rhumbafrica, Charlie Kohlhase's Explorer's Club, Club D'Elf
Midnight:
Russ Gershon's Mood Elevator
This is the first article I read about the case.
WED 7/16
7pm to 9pm
Sorta The Drifters, Shirley of The Shirelles
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE
Most of the City Hall concerts on Wednesday don't interest me, but the songs will be good even if it will probably be one of those pedestrian nostalgia/oldies shows.
The Drifters were one of the premiere doo-wop groups ("There Goes My Baby", "This Magic Moment", "Save The Last Dance For Me", "On Broadway"), and The Shirelles did some of my favorite songs of all-time ("Will You Love Me Tomorrow", "Mama Said", "Baby It's You").
WED 7/16 and THUR 7/17
8pm
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park -- Open Dress Rehearsal
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE
Maybe fewer people will know about the dress rehearsals? The annual Free Shakespeare performances are really one of the best gifts to the city, so we should appreciate it and take in a performance.
It's one of the Bard's sylvan love stories, which the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will twist it in their way as they usually do each year. It looks like the sets might be reinterpreted in a 1930's/40's style.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THUR 7/17
6pm to 9pm
10th Annual Lantern Festival
at Lake Hibiscus, Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE ($10 suggested donation per lantern)
This is based on the Japanese midsummer Bon Festival, a Buddhist ritual in memory of loved ones in which lanterns represent the souls of the dead are floated out to sea and prayers are offered so that they might rest in peace. You can write some thoughts about your departed on the shades of the lantern, then watch it float about Lake Hibiscus. Flickr is full of beautiful scenes from previous years.
From 6pm to 8pm, the evening starts with performances from gospel singer Ron Murphy, the Samurai drummers of Tsuji Daiko, and dance performances from the Chu Ling Dance Academy & Showa Boston Institute.
It's okay to bring picnic. A flashlight is suggested (but you'd be okay without one).
(Rain date: THUR 7/24)
THUR 7/17
10pm
Dennis Brennan Band
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE / 21+
Dennis Brennan and his band have just begun a Thursday residency that will last 'til the end of August. If you don't know about this stunningly good rocker-songwriter, you better get knowledgable as soon as possible! He is a musical treasure that also surrounds himself with killer players.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FRI 7/18
6:30pm
Anita Coelho - Afro-Heritage Project
at Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center Courtyard, 41 Second St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE
Part of East Cambridge's Boom Town Festival.
FRI 7/18 and SAT 7/19
Various Times
ArtBeat Festival 2008
at Various places around Davis Square, Somerville
$3 donation suggested
Friday: 6pm to 10pm
Saturday: 11:30am to 6pm
The theme is "Green"
Some musical highlights should be: Freezepop, Akrobatik, Township, Audrey Ryan, Shrinking Islands
FRI 7/18 to SUN 7/20
Various Times
Annual Italia Unita Festival
at 1 Bennington St, East Boston (Central Sq, couple blocks north of Maveriick T station)
FREE
Friday: 6pm to 11pm
Saturday & Sunday: 3pm to 11pm
FRI 7/18 to SUN 7/20
Various Times
Annual Betances Festival
at Villa Victoria:
Plaza Betances, 100 W. Dedham St, Boston (South End)
O'Day Park, 85 W. Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE
Friday: 6:30pm to 9pm
Saturday: 3pm to 9pm
Sunday: 2:30pm to 8pm
The greased pole competition was really fun to watch.
FRI 7/18 thru SUN 8/3
8pm (SUN: 7pm)
"As You Like It": Shakespeare in the Park
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boson (Boston Common)
FREE
Also Playing:
TUES 7/22 to SUN 7/27
TUES 7/29 to SUN 8/3
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SAT 7/19
10am to 1pm
"Back to the Beaches" at Spectacle Island
meet location: TBD
Free w/ RSVP
SAT 7/19
1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE
This is the last open house of the season to try a free 'round-the-harbor sailboat trip.
SAT 7/19
3pm
"Labyrinth": Ancient Olympic Sport Training
at Boston Common, Boston
FREE
Details will supposedly be added to the Upcoming page.
SAT 7/19 and SUN 7/20
Various Times
Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival
at Revere Beach, Revere
FREE
They'll start working early in the week and should be done by Friday. (Normally lit for night viewing.)
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Link of the Week:
Send personalized phone calls from Big Papi and put your face on a virtual bobblehead.
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Quote of the Week:
"Conscience is the inner voice which warns us someone may be looking."
-- H.L. Mencken
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th-th-that's all, folks.
~r
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