MON 8/17: Pop, Bowling, Rock

Well, "Somerville... In Shorts" was pretty fun on Friday night, and it felt like a cheap, fun success.

Hey, there's a chance to see a sneak preview screening in another part of Somerville tomorrow night.

If you're not working tomorrow, there may still be space for a free trip to Spectacle Island...

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MON 8/17

5:30pm to 7pm
Gina Cimmelli
at Charles Hotel Courtyard, One Bennett Street, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

It's probably going to be hot and humid tonight. While you may be able casually listen while enjoying a cool drink, Gina Cimmelli and band are going to keep things light while they're sweltering -- hopefully equipped with cool drinks.

On the the last evening of this courtyard music series, the music is going be a little jazzy and a little poppy tied together by silver strand of vocals that sometimes gets high and jazzy a la Blossom Dearie. Not a bad stop for a drink if it's on your way home.

MON 8/17

6pm
"Kingpin" 13th Anniversary Party
at Kings, 50 Dalton St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Who keeps track of when a movie was first released? At first I thought the folks at Kings circled this date on the calendar every year, but it's really the 13-year, 3-week anniversary of "Kingpin".

So this is just an excuse for a party/promo, which is fine with me. There is going to be free bowling, but these parties are usually well-attended. Show up whenever your enthusiasm level dictates. I'm guessing you may be able to shoot an email to get on the list.

Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. It's a perfect night to pull out your Amish (cheesy bowler or slut) outfit out of the closet. And you should be able to "take your picture with authentic Kingpin movie memorabilia." Wouldn't it be cool to see Bill Murray's ball...?

MON 8/17

10pm
Triple Thick, Ross Phazor, MG Lederman
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

Why is Charlie's usually on my Monday list of fun? Because $5 isn't bad for a cover charge, and the bands are often good and loud. By the end of the night, you won't even remember that you paid a cover...

There is probably going to be an incremental increase in loudness tonight. MG Lederman and his trio seem to have quite a few sad songs. The band sounds good, but I don't pick up the lyrics easily. (It may be the gravelly vocals and melancholy keyboards; feel free to enlighten me.)

After spending way too much time on YouTube, the Ross Phazor story in a nutshell is: These guys started together in high school, and got back together last year. After recording some of the old stuff and some new stuff, this is going to be their first gig in about 20 years. I've heard guitarist Charles Hansen play with various bands, and he always stands out.

I could be wrong, but Triple Thick would be the ideal crescendo. Apropos of the handle, it's a thick, fuzzy, brew of heavyweight garage-rock that barrels along but stays on track. Hey -- how many bands have a dedicated maracas/tambourine player these days? Triple Thick does!