TUES 7/22: Three Free Gigs

Okay, I didn't give you the rest of the week in one big post, but I was busy losing the softball playoffs last night with my atrocious base running. Maybe later, we'll have the next few days up. Maybe.

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TUES 7/22

6pm
"Music in the Park": Casey Desmond, Ahmir
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Anything can happen -- or not happen -- but Casey Desmond has the pedigree that will one day make a free show in Columbus Park just another clip in her VH1 special. Her parents are the main force behind a legendary local art-rock group "The Bentmen" and also run a chain of rehearsal studios in the area. Casey has a beautiful voice and seems to have the songs and poise to connect with a lot people.

Ahmir sound very capable, and they're working hard to be successful. I just don't get excited by the pop-oriented R&B. I assume they'll perform for about 30-45 minutes; schedule your evening accordingly.

Update: There should be some free food (North End pizza, etc)...

TUES 7/22

6pm
Street Dogs
at Newbury Comics, 400 Franklin St, Braintree
FREE

I interviewed Mike McColgan of Street Dogs a few weeks ago, and he's a really cool guy. After high school, he joined the army and fought in the First Gulf War. He later co-founded the Dropkick Murphys as the original singer. After their first album, he decided to leave the band to join the Boston Fire Dept. (He never faked an injury to compete in a bodybuilding contest either!)

What started out as hanging out and playing music snowball into the Street Dogs. They're in town as one of the mainstage performers on the Warped Tour. I assume it won't be a full-volume affair, but I recommend stopping by if you're in the area for 30 minutes (or so) of Boston rock.

TUES 7/22

9pm
Preacher Jack (10:30pm), Ramblin' Souls (9pm)
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE (but drop a little something in the basket)

Everyone should experience Preacher Jack at least once in their life. It's rare that you can still hear a real, live gospel-fueled rockabilly/boogie-woogie man from the 50's. Okay, he plays in the Boston or Cambridge a few times per month, but there's not many like him anymore. And there's only one Preacher Jack! Bluesy rock 'n roll band The Ramblin' Souls will open up.