SAT 8/8: Baseball, Rock, Tango, Shakespeare, Bike

Okay, here it is... Another beautiful day in Boston! Has anyone gone to Shakespeare in the Common yet?

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SAT 8/8

12:05pm
"Futures at Fenway"
at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston
$5, $10

* Portland Sea Dogs vs. Bowie Baysox
* Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Norfolk Tides

Yes, Virginia. You can see a game at Fenway Park on the cheap... Minor league baseball is fun. You go and just enjoy the game. When I go, there's no anxiety about who wins... It's not as crowded... The tickets and concessions are cheaper...

Over the last four seasons, this is one day when average people can afford to watch a game at Fenway. At least the tickets are still cheaper, but I don't know about the -- supposedly discounted – concessions. I wouldn't even be upset if the Paw Sox or Sea Dogs (who are both playing affilliate teams for the Orioles).

They're bringing some 'minor league' entertainment between innings, so expect stuff like t-shirt slingshots, kids racing mascots, frisbee-catching dogs, etc.

One of great parts about rooting for the Sox is that they really do bring up players through their farm system. Some recent players to wear these uniforms in the last few years include Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, Jed Lowrie, and Justin Masterson. (Missing you, Justin.) You can even get a future Ebay item at the autograph sessions...

Tickets in the bleachers ($10) and upper bleachers ($5) may still be available...

It might be a long day, but you've got extra money for beer and peanuts -- and who needs food anyway...

Note: You can't leave the park between games.

SAT 8/8

7pm
Sidewalk Driver, The Dirty Truckers, The Wynotts, Pony, 1977, The Killer Abs, Jay Allen
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

Ostenisibly it's a going-away party for Michele of The Killer Abs and The Wynotts, but it truly is a rock fiesta whether you know her or not. Honestly, listening to Jay Allen on acoustic guitar doesn't float my boat; it would probably be okay to show up no earlier than 7:30 or 8pm, because you don't want to miss The Killer Abs. (I believe the bands are (probably) listed last-to-first.)

You're probably gonna hear a lot great old-school punk from Killer Abs through to The Wynotts. There is a boatload great players from many Boston bands in there, and it's a big boat! The Dirty Truckers simply rouck out; they came so close to winning the Rumble this year. Sidewalk Driver is one of the bands that keeps glam-rock alive and kicking, in Boston -- and in sparkly platform boots. Stick around, and you'll be blown away.

SAT 8/8

7:30pm to 11pm
Tango By Moonlight
at Weeks Memorial Footbridge, Memorial Dr & DeWolfe St, Harvard Sq
FREE

Did anyone notice the reddish hue of the moon on Monday? It should be a clear night, but I can't say what the moon will look like -- besides full. I can confidently say a lot of people will tango on the bridge. The weather couldn't be better, so the crowd will be thick for couples (and singles) to dance the night away.

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. Perhaps the spirit will move you. And if the tango stymies you, it's fine to sway and turn however you like...

There is only two more sessions after this one...

Rain date: SUN 8/9

Note: "Regardless of clear or cloudy skies, raindates are used only if it is actually raining (pouring) at 7 pm on the primary date. Call 617-699-6246 if unsure."

SAT 8/8

8pm
"The Comedy Of Errors"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE

Shakespeare with salsa poured all over. It's a comedy... It's clever... It's free, but a donation wouldn't hurt...

Shows run through SUN 8/16 from Tuesdays to Sundays -- 8pm on most nights, 7pm on Sundays. Additional performances on SUN 8/9 (1pm) and WED 8/12 (12:30pm).

SAT 8/8

9pm
The Everyday Visuals, The Shills, The New Collisions, The Motion Sick, Hymns
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

"The Third Annual 08.08 Show" seems to mean Dave Duncan from WFNX puts a show together on August 8 for some weird numeralogical reason like he's a wiccan or a druid... I liked the flyer for this show, but one of the bands listed has decided to open for the B-52s instead. (Btw: Drug Rug is also playing downstairs for $12...)

There is an overflow of sick bands playing at one spot. The Everyday Visuals are awesome bushel of powerpop goodness, and they're new CD progresses their sound without sounding forced -- in fact, it's damn near-perfect next step.

Listening to a couple tracks from their new CD, I was wonderng why I haven't paid more attention to The Shills. Their previous stuff was decent pop-rock land, but they've sailed to an island in the Radiohead archipelagos.

From the quirky songwriting to the adenoidal singing to the crisp and clever playing, The Motion Sick always mean a quality rock experience to me. These deserve all the attention they may get.

It's not hard to believe that two guys from North Carolina would make southern-tinged indie-rock, especially since one of them used to play guitar for Ben Kweller. They live in NYC, and they're new EP seems to have abosrbed the metropolitan vibe.

SAT 8/8

11:15pm to 6am
Annual Boston by Bike at Night
Start at Trinity Church, Copley Sq, Bolyston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
(although you will need to fill out and sign a liability waiver before the ride begins)

Think of it as a fun, zero-emission sightseeing adventure around town. Ride through Boston 'til dawn with more than 100 bicyclists. The rules of the road are generally followed, but do you think any cars are going to screw around with a massive bicycle gang?

The ride starts to leave around 11:45pm, but it’s a good idea to get there early. The leaders of the Back Bay Midnight Pedalers are an urban planner and an architect, so they throw in some tasty, little known Boston info every now and then.

The route changes every year, but it’s about 30 miles of riding that could take you through Cambridge, Charlestown, as far down as JP, or even towards Brookline; it usually ends at Christopher Columbus Park in North End. It’s not fast or challenging except that you'll be in the saddle for a good part of the 6 hours -- and your booty might get tender.

There are some requirements/recommendations:

* You should bring a bike with lights, and you should wear something reflective.
* It’s strongly suggested that you bring a spare inner tube for your bike. With 100+ people out there, someone will probably get a flat.
* Helmets are recommended.
* You may want to bring something for breakfast
* Commemorative t-shirts will be available (probably $15ish).
Here’s the MBTA policy on bikes.

There’s no website, but here’s some semi-official info and photos from previous years.