Sneak Peek -- FRI 8/22 to SUN 8/24

I spent most of the morning talking to a DEA agent, and I didn't get arrested. It was really cool. Here are some ideas for the weekend.

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

FRI 8/22 to SUN 8/24

7pm (Sun: 4pm)
"Romeo and Juliet"
at Gore Place, 52 Gore St, Waltham
FREE

A newish group called the "Lonesome Coyote Theater" presents a minimalist outdoor production of the classic play with no set or costumes. Does true love really need that stuff?

Update: I went last week, and this was exceptionally good! This is an affirmation that you don't need a web presence to be good!

The way it's presented brings the play to life in a way that speaks to a contemporary audience. I felt like I understood the play more than any other time seeing it live or on screen. (Unfortunately when they said "no costumes", the women were still wearing clothes...)

Tip: Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

"To check on weather cancellations, call: 978-314-6403"

FRI 8/22

9:30pm
Band In Boston Residency
Feat: Baker, Marc Pinansky, George Lewis Jr, Drug Rug, American Car, The Needy Visions
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 -- 21+ / $10 -- 18+

Band in Boston rocks! They don't know any bad bands -- let alone be on friendly terms with any...

FRI 8/22 and SAT 8/23

9:30pm
The Figgs w/ John Powhida
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

I think The Figgs are one of the greatest rock bands of all-time. I can't believe they're playing in such a tiny room. The line will be so long... You probably won't get in, but I can't stop you...

Featuring "many new songs, some covers, and maybe a couple of old tunes."

FRI 8/22

10pm
Chris Wilhelm
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

10pm
Jabe Beyer and The One-Night Stands
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Your choice of excellent rootsy music. (Jabe doesn't live in Boston anymore, but I think Toad might have a better chance of getting to full capacity.)

FRI 8/22 & SAT 8/23

10pm
ALVIS
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10

This will be the most amazing, outta-control, boozalicious Elvis tribute show. Alvis (Allan Sheinfeld of The Spurs, etc) returns after a long, long absence (liver transplant technology?) to lead an all-star "F.T.W. Band" and back-up singers "Nutra-Sweet Sensations". I read that the Amazing Alvis will hit the stage around 11pm, but there might be an opener -- and you'll definitely want to get into the spirit with some cocktails/beer/paint thinner/whatever you like...

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

SAT 8/23

9:30am to 12:30pm
WIFFLE Boston 2008
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

I don't think you can sign up to play at this point, but you can watch. There's some games (e.g. "home run derby", "fast pitch challenge") & fun for spectators...

SAT 8/23

11:45am
Allston Squirt Gun Day
at Allston Four Corners, (about 150) Brighton Ave & Harvard Ave, Allston, MA Map
FREE

No sign-ups. No secret location. Follow the plan:

- Gather about 15 minutes before noon.
- Wear green.
- Squirt guns & water balloons only
- Be respectful to non-participants.
- No jerks, please.

There's another round at 8:30pm (or 8:15pm, if you know what I mean)...

SAT 8/23

1pm to 7pm
Boston Caribbean Carnival Parade
from MLK Blvd & Warren St to Franklin Park, Dorchester (Seaver St / Blue Hill Ave side)
FREE

I don't think you'll want to get up at dawn for the J'ouvert ceremony, so you can check out the parade at a more reasonable time... It's also the 35th anniversary of Boston Carnival.

...what to expect: "streams of vividly costumed, scantily clad masqueraders shaking their booties to DJs and steel-drum bands playing soca and calypso plus some spooge, reggae, salsa, and zouk"

SAT 8/23

3pm to 6pm
Second Annual Free Beer Mess
at The Wine Gallery, 375 Boylston St., Brookline
FREE

If you're traveling down Route 9 or somewhere in the area -- heck, make this the destination instead of the detour -- this is a giant beer tasting (around 50 beers) at a tremendous liquor store.

SAT 8/23

8:30pm
Three Day Threshold, Autumn Hollow, Tin Can Tele, Bean Pickers Union, The Patmos Brothers Revival
at Church, 69 Kilmarnok St, Boston
$8 Advance / $10 Day Of Show / 21+

A night of good-time music for a good cause: Charity Music, who gets musical instruments to people who want to play. "Special Interludes By A Real Jug Band!"

SAT 8/23

9pm - 1am
Project MUM: Somerville's Final Frontier
under the McGrath Highway (Union Sq)
$10 suggested donation

When I went, my only regret is that I showed up basically sober too early in the night. It's going to be fun with an outer-space theme and go-go dancers from other planets (that might look like Earthlings).

Open-air dance party under McGrath Highway becomes an intergalactic space odyssey featuring 4 hours of music led by DJ Flack and DJ Yamin.

SAT 8/23

10pm
Jordan Valentine & The Sunday Saints
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

From Sinner to Saint: Super soul singer Jordan Valentine fronted the World's Greatest Sinners, and now she brings a new band, The Sunday Saints, for 2 sets of her new Southern/New Orleans sound. Horn section and kickass band included.

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

SUN 8/24

Noon to 6pm
Cambridge Carnival Parade
from Central Sq to Kendall Sq, Mass Ave to about 450 Main St, Cambridge
FREE

If you can't make it to Saturday's parade & party, there's another one in Cambridge.

SUN 8/24

4pm to 6pm
"Dog Day Afternoon"
in Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mt. Auburn) Harvard Square
FREE

Bring your dog for a talk about doggie-friendly hiking places around Boston. Then there'll be a group walk around, which should be so organized with dozens of strange dogs. (Argh!) Contact the Globe Corner Bookstore in advance, and they can have a canine goodie bag for your friend.

Jenna Ringelheim, author of Best Hikes With Dogs: Boston and Beyond, will talk about her favorite dog hikes, discuss hike planning and safety, and answer questions about how all hikers can have a tail-wagging, good time.

I didn't realize it, but there are a lot of dog-friendly businesses in Harvard Sq...

SUN 8/24

8pm
Aoife O'Donovan (and friends)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

SUN 8/24

10pm to 1am
Rebound Sundays: "Lean Back"
at Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 19+ / (FREE For Ladies Before 11pm)

Dubstep, Reggae, Dancehall, Garage, and Grime with DJ Pandai'a, Incyde, and DJ Skunk

My online friend Max says this is the best shot at "under 21" club dancing in the area...