Sneak Peek -- SAT 5/2

Dammit. I know this doesn't sound good, but it's been hard to narrow down all the good stuff happening in the next 7 days. I'm working on it!

Don't forget the Cambridge Science Festival has loads of happenings through Sunday.

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SAT 5/2

Various Times
Free Comic Book Day
at Participating (Cool) Stores
FREE

Pick up a free comic book, or take a kid you know to the comic book store. (It's mainly good writing & artwork these days -- and considering other things they could be doing, reading comic books is good behavior.)

According to the website, these are some participating shops:

* Newbury Comics (Govt Center, Back Bay, Alewife)
* New England Comics (Coolidge Corner, Allston, Harvard Sq)
* Hub Comics (Union Sq)
* Comicopia (Kenmore Sq)
* Million Year Picnic (Harvard Sq)

SAT 5/2

10am to 2pm
Tennis Block Party
at Shattuck Grove Courts, about 72 Circuit Dr, Boston (Franklin Park, near Shattuck Hospital)
FREE

"Events include free tennis lessons, cardio tennis, healthy living and community information, and more. All events are free, open to all ages and levels!"

SAT 5/2

1:15pm
Opening Day / Kentucky Derby Day
at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, 111 Waldemar Ave, East Boston
$2

There are other "Kentucky Derby"-theme events going on, but wouldn't it be fun to bet?

I think the main race is at 6pm. I predict the winner will be I want Revenge (silks remind me of Patriots), Friesan Fire (Celtics), Musket Man (Red Sox), or Papa Clem (Bruins)...

SAT 5/2

8:30pm
Jonathan Richman Tribute Night
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 18+

Scheduled: Ponies in the Surf, Hands and Knees, The Double Stops, Young & Old, Lou Bunk, Bill Trudell, Hot Molasses, The Woodrow Wilsons, Two Thieves, Merganser, The Diamond Mines, Thick Shakes, and more...

A benefit for the Somerville Arts Council.

Each performer do about 3 Jonathan Richman songs.

SAT 5/2

9:30pm
Jason Palmer
at Wally's Cafe, 427 Mass Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

According to his MySpace, trumpeter Jason Palmer plays at Wally's almost every Friday and Saturday -- but he's definitely going to be there (barring unforeseen circumstances) as "part of Jazz Week." (Yeah, right.) If you're in the mood for modern bebop, it doesn't get much better than this.

SAT 5/2

The Motion Sick (11:45pm), Red Quiet (11pm), Hypernova (10pm), Talk Modern (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

This is going to a monstrously good rock show with The Motion Sick and Hypernova, who left Iran to rock since they could be killed in their homeland. Red Quiet and Talk Modern sound really good too.

Thanks to Semi-Precious Weapons for cancelling, because I wasn't even paying attention to show.

SAT 5/2

10am to 6pm
Open House and Tour
at Taza Chocolate Factory, 561 Windsor St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

See some of the operation and taste uniquely delicious chocolate. Also check out Albertine Press and QRST's Shirt in the same building.

Below, you can read about my trip to Taza last week.

SAT 5/2 & SUN 5/3

Noon to 6pm
Annual Somerville Open Studios
all over Somerville
FREE

Over 300 artists in over 100 venues show you what they've been creating. Physical maps/pamphlets are in stands strategically located around town.

Brookline is also has a bunch of "Open Studios" this weekend.

SAT 5/2 & SUN 5/3

1pm to 6pm
Spring Celebration & Open House
at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge
FREE

It may sound weird, but this place is beautiful. You can always walk around independently for free, but there are free walking tours, trolley rides, and activities.