Off-Topic: "If you see something, say something..."

To remind you how funny Rick Moranis is, this was in the NY Times a couple weeks ago:

MON 5/31: Folk, Film, Nerds, Jazz, Rock

Whoops! I guess I pressed the wrong button...

Happy Memorial Day!

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MON 5/31

Noon
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day

The real good news is that the weekend is jam-packed with wall-to-wall folky goodness as well as a few groups that don't really sit under the "folk" umbrella like Treat Her Right and Goli.

Performers will sing some songs solo as well as join together for impromptu collaborations -- just like a... campfire sing-along!

Better than most campfires due to fewer mosquitoes -- although no fire for s'mores. On the other hand, Passim serves beer and wine now...

Monday schedule:

Noon -- Sarah Green, Brian Schwartz, Heather Erickson, Bethel Steele, Sierra, Tim Riordan, Julia Brown
2:45pm -- Pesky J. Nixon
3:30pm -- Treat Her Right
4:15pm -- Lydia Warren, Danielle Doyle, Angela Reed, Cariad Harmon
5:45pm -- Adrian Hardkor, David Tanklefsky, Josh Caress, Dave Ellis
7:15pm -- Maeve Gilchrist
8pm -- We're About 9
8:45pm -- Barnaby Bright
9:30pm -- Goli
10:15pm -- Blue Moose & The Unbuttoned Zippers

Am pretty sure you can get back in, if you need to take a break.

MON 5/31

6pm & 9:30pm
Double Feature: "La Dolce Vita" & "Ocean's 11"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75

There seems to be a lot of double-features on deck at the Brattle in the next month. They have a connection, such as "both movies were released 50 years ago" -- which happens to be the case for these flicks.

One of Fellini's most popular movies is paired with the original Rat Pack romp that has spawned a modern series of heist films.

MON 5/31

8pm
Nerdnite: Beer n' Hackin'
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

Yes, you're destroying brain cells when you drink. Think how much smarter the survivors will be if you're listening to presentations with similarly curious people around you! You might even remember some of this stuff the next day..

I guess brewing your own beer can be nerdy. I've considered it, but I know from drinking my friends' attempts is that the first few batches can be so-so. Maybe it's nerdier when a Harvard astrophysicist presents "Preparing for the next prohibition: a primer on brewing your own beer."

The second talk is "Attack of the Packets!: A brief history of Internet Denial of Service attacks", which should be rather insightful if more thorough than the average person might be interested in.

DJ Claude Money will offer some funky, nerd-friendly tunes before, after, and in between.

MON 5/31

8pm
G. Calvin Weston: "A Tribute To Ornette Coleman & Free Jazz"
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 or b/o

The stuff on Weston's MySpace is funky jazz and Calvin Weston's drumming is all over the place in a good way. I'm thinking that they're going get into Ornette territory, because Weston and keyboardist Dave Bryant both played in Coleman's Prime Time band.

You don't need a sax player to pay tribute to Coleman and play some free jazz, but I'm a little less excited because this performance doesn't have one...

MON 5/31

9pm
Rob Potylo, Bacchus King
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$6 / 18+

Rob Potylo has left his Roadsteamer persona behind, but it's going to be a while before people will forget the impression of that character. He's working on it with new music that is simple, straightforward tunes that humorous and earnest. On the other hand, Bacchus King offer big, loud, trippy hard-rock splendor.

MON 5/31

10pm
Viva Viva, Doomstar!, SkiMask
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

If you don't go to Charlie's tonight, you should listen to Viva Viva's new album. It's one of those great rock records that's filled with diversity yet maintains a continuity through the chugging and churning and chilling. You also get the hyper-garage psych-rock of Doomstar. Speaking of free jazz at Outpost 186 (above), SkiMask shares a similar abandon except that it's louder and snarlier.

5/31 to 6/5: Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

A Monday post will be up shortly.

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MON 5/31 to SAT 6/5

Various Times
Try a Spicy Chicken
at Participating Chick-fil-A locations
FREE

It doesn't look like much, but it may be worth stopping at a Chick-fil-A.

The only two nearby locations are in Burlington and Peabody, so you can reserve a free spicy chicken sandwich if you're going to pass by this week.

There are limited number of free sandwiches, and both stores have some available sandwiches as of Monday morning.

SUN 5/30: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video(s)

Has it only been a week since the finale of "Lost"? I watched it just to see how it would end after enjoying the first couple of seasons.




This is my cousin John singing his original "Hallelujah" (not the Leonard Cohen song):

SUN 5/30: Learn, Pow Wow, Listen, Tour, Watch

Hard to believe that Dennis Hopper outlived Gary Coleman, huh?

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SUN 5/30

10 am to 7 pm
2010 Boston Skillshare
at Simmons College Main Bldg, 300 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
$3 to $10 sliding scale donation

People showing other people how to do stuff in 90-minute workshops that start at 11am, 12:45pm, 3:15pm, and 5:25 pm. There's a free lunch at 2:15pm with vegan, raw, and gluten-free options and will be "a bit simpler than it has been in years past."

Today's sessions range from fun (Urban Gardening Basics, Beginner Level Juggling, Roadkill Arts & Crafts) to functional (Basic Non-Macho Auto Maintenance, How to Fix Your Credit, Safe City Bicycling 101, Starting a Worker Cooperative) -- and points in between (Acupressure, Lesbian Dating 101, What's Wrong With Processed Foods?). Check the schedule for whatever floats your boat.

Pay what you can afford, maybe less if you're going for one thing or more for staying the whole day.

SUN 5/30

11am to 6pm
Native American Spring Moon Pow-Wow
at Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St, Marshfield
$5 / $2 ages 4 to 12

If you feel like a drive, you can absorb some Native American culture like dancing, singing, storytelling, games, arts/crafts, etc. The stuff that was popular before casinos…

"Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating" and other details are in the PDF guide.

SUN 5/30 (and MON 5/31)

Noon
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day

The real good news is that the weekend is jam-packed with wall-to-wall folky goodness as well as a few groups that don't really sit under the "folk" umbrella.

Performers will sing some songs solo as well as join together for impromptu collaborations -- just like a... campfire sing-along!

Better than most campfires due to fewer mosquitoes -- although no fire for s'mores. On the other hand, Passim serves beer and wine now...

Sunday schedule:

Noon -- Rock My Soul
12:45pm -- Baby Soda
1:30pm -- Vol de Nuit
2:15pm -- John Gerard, Joel Ninesling, Joe Kowan, Mark Stepakoff
3:45pm -- Allysen Callery, Mary Bichner, Suzie Brown, Charlene Kaye
5:15pm -- Sonya Cotton
6pm -- Kat Goldman, Sara Kamin, Bob Bradshaw, Laura Meyer
7:30pm -- Nini+Ben
8:15pm -- Hallie Pritts, Bearkat, Amber deLaurentis, Chantilly
9:45pm -- Christopher Williams, Willy Mason, Ralston, Ed Romanoff
11:15pm -- David Wax Museum

Monday schedule:

Noon -- Sarah Green, Brian Schwartz, Heather Erickson, Bethel Steele, Sierra, Tim Riordan, Julia Brown
2:45pm -- Pesky J. Nixon
3:30pm -- Treat Her Right
4:15pm -- Lydia Warren, Danielle Doyle, Angela Reed, Cariad Harmon
5:45pm -- Adrian Hardkor, David Tanklefsky, Josh Caress, Dave Ellis
7:15pm -- Maeve Gilchrist
8pm -- We're About 9
8:45pm -- Barnaby Bright
9:30pm -- Goli
10:15pm -- Blue Moose & The Unbuttoned Zippers

Am pretty sure you can get back in, if you need to take a break.

SUN 5/30

2pm
Al Maze's Annual Memorial Day Walking Tour
at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
$9

Every year, the cemetery's favorite tour guide offers a Memorial Day perspective from its origin at the Civil War. As you explore the graves of those who fought to reunify the country while ending slavery. Along the way contemporary letters, journal entries and news reports will be read.

Meet at Main Gate.

"Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; this is a 2-mile walk (with frequent stops) over varied terrain."

Have you tried the shortcut via Tower Street?

SUN 5/30

8pm
"Back Alley Cinema's Sunday Sci-Fi Freakout"
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$3 / All Ages

The only problem with watching these cheesy old sci-fi flicks from the '60s is that the venue doesn't allow "smoking, alcohol, ether, qat or laudanum".

7pm -- "The Human Duplicators"
8:30pm -- "Wild Wild Planet"
10pm -- "Goke Body Snatcher From Hell"

I'd like to think people are going to wisecrack like a space janitor and a couple robots.

SUN 5/30

9:30pm
The Macrotones
at House of Blues -- Front Room, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

Hey, you probably have tomorrow off. Why not party with some afro-funksters at the beginning of summer. Even better than seeing free tonight would be them playing on the beach while you have a very cold beverage -- but it should still be a good chance to get loose.

If you wanna party on the other side of the river, Jesse Dee and Christian McNeill lead the Sea Monsters every Sunday ($7-ish) at Precinct (Union Sq). It's another hornsy party with less afro-funk and more folk-soul. I can't guarantee it's happening though...

Sneak Peek: SAT 5/29

Lots of Saturday cheapness! Cross your fingers for more posts soon. Stuff for the whole weekend on the calendar.

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SAT 5/29

9am to 4pm
"Small Ships Boston"
at USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

This just amuses me:

Miniature ship model exhibit and hobby fair, sponsored by the Society of Miniature Ship Collectors.

Event features small scale ship models from around the world.

Ship modelers, producers and collectors will be available to discuss miniature ship building and collecting with the public.

SAT 5/29 (and SUN 5/30)

10am to 7pm
2010 Boston Skillshare
at Simmons College Main Bldg, 300 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
$3 to $10 sliding scale donation

There are different sessions throughout the day. Previous skillshares have been in the main building.

Some of the sessions over the weekend:

Learn how to Freestyle (Hip Hop), Gluten-Free and Loving It, Zine Making / DIY Event Promotion, Art of the Schmooze, Embroidery Stitches, Fun With Wild Fermentation, Introductory Argentine Tango, Build your online presence, Edible Wild Plants, Female Ejaculation, Secrets of the Prolific, Urban Gardening Basics, Basic Non-Macho Auto Maintenance, Starting a Worker Cooperative, Bike Maintenance, How to Fix Your Credit, Make Your Own Tofu, Urban Beekeeping, Learn To Knit

SAT 5/29 (and SUN 5/30)

11am to 6pm
Native American Spring Moon Pow-Wow
at Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St, Marshfield
$5 / $2 ages 4 to 12

Dancing, singing, storytelling, games, arts/crafts, etc.

"Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating."

[Details in PDF]

SAT 5/29 (thru MON 5/31)

Noon
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day / $30 weekend pass

The weekend is jam-packed with wall-to-wall folky goodness as well as a few groups that don't really sit under the "folk" umbrella.

Saturday schedule:

Noon -- Americana Ensemble
12:45pm -- Amanda Penecale, Beth Colegrove, Levi Schmidt, Rebecca Correia
2:15pm -- Dolce Agitato
3:00pm -- Flightless Buttress
3:45pm -- Andy Cambria
4:30pm -- The Brilliant Inventions
5:15pm -- Heather Maloney, Vikesh Kapoor
6:15pm -- Gem Club
7:00pm -- South China
7:45pm -- Louis Ledford, Joe Baer Magnant, Brendan Hogan
9:00pm -- The Callen Sisters
9:45pm -- Swing Caravan
10:30pm -- Christian McNeil, Paul Janovitz, Dave Champagne, Lloyd Thayer

SAT 5/29

2pm
Howard Zinn's "Marx in Soho"
at Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St, Jamaica Plain (near Stonybrook T)
$10 to $20 sliding scale

A play by Howard Zinn comes returns from the afterlife to defend his reputation.

Proceeds benefit Greater Boston Stop the Wars Coalition and the Socialist Party of Boston.

SAT 5/29

3:30pm
Zombie March Boston VI
meet at South Station, Boston
FREE

Zombies to shuffle off at 4pm. They usually have gone down Newbury Street, but who knows...

Silent rave to follow [Facebook]

SAT 5/29

4pm to 7pm
Soft Serve Ice Cream
at Bleacher Bar, 82A Lansdowne St, Boston (Fenway Park)
FREE

If you're going to the game or in the area, you might as well... "stop by the Bleacher Bar Take Out Window anytime between 4pm to 7pm to get your free soft serve!"

SAT 5/29

6pm
Jason Crigler & Goats In Trees
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Folk/rock from a guy with an amazing personal story.

SAT 5/29

9:30pm
Chauncey, My Radio, Circle Circle Star
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door / 21+

A Chauncey Reunion along with a performance by My Radio, a band with an ex-Chauncey singer.

SAT 5/29

9:30pm
Taxpayer, The Russians, Hot Protestants, Aaron Perrino
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 21+

Four heaping scoops of Rock

SAT 5/29

9:30pm
The Honors
at House of Blues -- Front Room, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

Free Rock

SAT 5/29

10pm
Old Jack, Forest Fires, I Pistol
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Rock-plus at my new fave bar. Eat/drink early (and often) and probably avoid cover charge.

SAT 5/29

Midnight
"Journey of The Childmen: The Mighty Boosh On Tour"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

I'm not sure if a concert film is the appropriate introduction to "The Mighty Boosh", however I think it's frickin' spectacular for its dry, absurd British humor -- heaping with mysticism to explain many of the bizarre situations.

Special pre-show: "Mighty Boosh celebration and costume contest"

Save $3 if you have purchase "Book of the Boosh" from Brookline Booksmith and bring receipt.

FRI 5/28: Music, Art, Theatre, Magic, Comedy, Film

Wow, Memorial Day weekend feels like the start of summer. So happy it's here! If you stay in town, there's plenty to do -- for not a lot of money...

For those who feel lucky or don't mind spending a lot of money, I saw that The Smithereens are playing a free show at Mohegan Sun tonight.

Also it doesn't hurt to be on the Kings Back Bay email list; you would've received this coupon for a free game of bowling between 5/28 to 5/31. (Limit 1 Free Game per customer.)

Hey, did you see there's a Saturday Sneak Peek below?

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FRI 5/28 (to MON 5/31)

6pm
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day / $30 weekend pass

The real good news is that the weekend is jam-packed with wall-to-wall folky goodness as well as groups that don't really sit under the "folk" umbrella.

Performers will sing some songs solo as well as join together for impromptu collaborations -- just like a... campfire sing-along!

Better than most campfires due to fewer mosquitoes -- although no fire for s'mores. On the other hand, Passim serves beer and wine now...

Today's schedule:

6pm -- Small Houses
6:45pm -- Jesse Scheinin Band
7:30pm -- Andrew Vladeck, Dan Blakeslee, Mark Bates, Bhi Bhiman
9pm -- Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys
9:45pm -- Peter Mezoian
10:30pm -- Margaret Glaspy, Jennah Bell, Hannah Read, Tamsin Wilson, Kellen Zakula
Midnight -- Anne Heaton, Rose Polenzani, Antje Duvekot

The music starts at 6pm, but the festivities begin at noon over the next 3 days.

FRI 5/28

6pm to 8pm
"Splatter! Smudge! Smear!": Opening Reception
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

A group of local artists presents an exhibit that celebrates comic art such as comic pages, original pieces, and prints. Some other pieces include a "full 22-page full issue of "Batman: Gothic Knights" (2000) and an original Paul Ryan "Phantom" cover (#11, Sweden, 2004)."

You might still be able to RSVP. When I've gone in the past (scroll down), they didn't seem to check after people started to go out for smokes...

FRI 5/28 (and SAT 5/29)

7pm
Howard Zinn's "Marx in Soho"
at Encuentro 5, 33 Harrison Ave, 5th Fl, Boston (Chinatown)
$10 to $20 sliding scale

In this one-man play written by Howard Zinn about 10 years ago, Karl Marx returns from the afterlife to present-day New York to attempt to set the record straight about his work and to generally speak about his life and his family.

Proceeds benefit Greater Boston Stop the Wars Coalition and the Socialist Party of Boston.

Tomorrow's performance is at Nate Smith House (near Stonybrook T) on SAT 5/29 at 2pm.

FRI 5/28

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE / 18+

Feat: Lillian DeVane, Jono Zalay, Josh Gondelman, Dean Abbott, Tim Messanger, Danny Richardson, Matt D, Danny Solomon, Jason Saenz, Rob Crean

This weekly comedy show is a great chance to start the weekend with a bunch of funny people... Low cover... Drinks aren't overpriced with no minimum (or maximum)... Stick around to dance at The Pill for one low price...

There are a lot of funny people tonight. I saw Josh Gondelman and Rob Crean a couple weeks ago, and it was good stuff. There are even a couple comedians from NYC up.

FRI 5/28

8:30pm to 9:30pm
"Magical Mayhem"
Feat: Will the Amazing Mentalist
at Out of the Blue Art Gallery, 106 Prospect St, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 donation / All Ages

After reading the Wikipedia article, looking at his site, and watching a couple videos; Will seems to blend aspects of "magic" with "mentalism" into what should be about an hour or entertainment -- and maybe an hour or so of "How does he do that?" After almost 10 years of performing magic, he should make it look easy.

The gallery is not a big room, so you'll probably be able to watch closely if that's your thing.

FRI 5/28

9pm
Sam Wheeler, The One Smith, Naked On Rollerskates, The Rationales
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

I used the phrase "rock with snap, crackle, and twang" on yesterday's sneak peek, and I consider this to mainly be a good mix of powerpop and Americana. The Rationales and The One Smith both combine the elements yet produce different results.

Naked on Roller Skates doesn't get too rootsy, I do enjoy their fun, fresh pop-rock flavor. I'm not sure if singer-songwriter Sam Wheeler is going on first or last; one would expect a mainly acoustic, minor-key folk to begin the the night.

Dennis Brennan & Mike Dinallo lay down some bluesy grooves from 6pm to 8pm.

FRI 5/28

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Fan Fiction"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

I find tonight's theme to be amusing in general, but I leave it to the USRT folks to generate the laughs and smiles about the democratic creativity that makes fans write new stories about Buffy the Vampire Slayer or characters from Star Trek.

Tonight's musical guest Fred the Donkey includes Jesse Gallagher (of Apollo Sunshine) and his father playing a swinging collection of jazz/country.

FRI 5/28 (and SAT 5/29)

Midnight
"Journey of The Childmen: The Mighty Boosh On Tour"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

I'm not sure if a concert film is the appropriate introduction to "The Mighty Boosh", however I think it's frickin' spectacular. If you're interested in dry, absurd British humor -- heaping with mysticism to explain many of the bizarre situations -- it's shown on Adult Swim/Cartoon Network (and there are usually a few episodes "On Demand" with Comcast).

As is the case with their midnight shows, there will be a costume contest and other Might Boosh fun.

Save $3 on admittance if you have purchase "Book of the Boosh" from Brookline Booksmith and bring receipt.

Sneak Peek: FRI 5/28 & SAT 5/29

I've updated the calendar through Sunday with some cheapness, so I thought about giving you a heads-up for the weekend.

(Subscribers, this could bode well for the return of the weekly list...)

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FRI 5/28 (to MON 5/31)

6pm
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day / $30 weekend pass

A ridiculous amount of (mostly) folky goodness.

Music starts at Noon from Saturday to Monday.

FRI 5/28

6pm to 8pm
"Splatter! Smudge! Smear!": Opening Reception
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

Celebrating Comic Art, features work by Jamie Buckmaster, Craig Bostick, Alison Cowell, Andy Fish, Veronica Hebard, Bret Herholz, Mike Leslie, Derek Ring, Paul Ryan, and Tak Toyoshima.

...including comic pages, original pieces, and prints. [e.g. full 22-page full issue of "Batman: Gothic Knights" (2000) and an original Paul Ryan "Phantom" cover (#11, Sweden, 2004)]

You can still probably RSVP. When I went they didn't check after people started to go out for smokes...

FRI 5/28

7pm
Howard Zinn's "Marx in Soho"
at Encuentro 5, 33 Harrison Ave, 5th Fl, Boston (Chinatown)
$10 to $20 sliding scale

A play by Howard Zinn comes returns from the afterlife to defend his reputation.

Proceeds benefit Greater Boston Stop the Wars Coalition and the Socialist Party of Boston.

Also at Nate Smith House (near Stonybrook T) on SAT 5/29 at 2pm.

FRI 5/28

8:30pm to 9:30pm
"Magical Mayhem"
at Out of the Blue Art Gallery, 106 Prospect St, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 donation / All Ages

Feat: Will the Amazing Mentalist

Magic in a very intimate venue.

FRI 5/28

9pm
Sam Wheeler, The One Smith, Naked On Rollerskates, The Rationales
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

Rock with snap, crackle and twang.

Dennis Brennan & Mike Dinallo play from 6pm to 8pm.

FRI 5/28

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Fan Fiction"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Comedy, etc with a new theme each time.

Musical guest: Fred the Donkey (Feat: Jesse Gallagher)

FRI 5/28 & SAT 5/29

Midnight
"Journey of The Childmen: The Mighty Boosh On Tour"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

Look at us, Boston. This is apparently the US premiere of the concert film.

Special pre-show: "Mighty Boosh celebration and costume contest"

Save $3 if you have purchase "Book of the Boosh" from Brookline Booksmith and bring receipt.



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

SAT 5/29

9am to 4pm
"Small Ships Boston"
at USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

Miniature ship model exhibit and hobby fair, sponsored by the Society of Miniature Ship Collectors.

Event features small scale ship models from around the world.

Ship modelers, producers and collectors will be available to discuss miniature ship building and collecting with the public.

SAT 5/29 (and SUN 5/30)

10am to 7pm
2010 Boston Skillshare
at Simmons College Main Bldg, 300 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
$3 to $10 sliding scale donation

There are different sessions throughout the day. Previous skillshares have been in the main building.

SAT 5/29 (and SUN 5/30)

11am to 6pm
Native American Spring Moon Pow-Wow
at Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St, Marshfield
$5 / $2 ages 4 to 12

Dancing, singing, storytelling, games, arts/crafts, etc.

"Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating."

[Details in PDF]

SAT 5/29

3:30pm
Zombie March Boston VI
meet at South Station, Boston
FREE

Zombies to shuffle off at 4pm.

Silent rave to follow [Facebook]

SAT 5/29

4pm to 7pm
Soft Serve Ice Cream
at Bleacher Bar, 82A Lansdowne St, Boston (Fenway Park)
FREE

If you're going to the game or in the area, you might as well... "stop by the Bleacher Bar Take Out Window anytime between 4pm to 7pm to get your free soft serve!"

SAT 5/29

6pm
Jason Crigler & Goats In Trees
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Folk/rock from a guy with an amazing personal story.

SAT 5/29

9:30pm
Chauncey, My Radio, Circle Circle Star
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door / 21+

A Chauncey Reunion along with a performance by My Radio, a band with an ex-Chauncey singer.

SAT 5/29

9:30pm
Taxpayer, The Russians, Hot Protestants, Aaron Perrino
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 21+

Four heaping scoops of Rock

SAT 5/29

9:30pm
The Honors
at House of Blues -- Front Room, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

Free Rock

SAT 5/29

10pm
Old Jack, Forest Fires, I Pistol
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Rock-plus at my new fave bar. Eat/drink early (and often) and probably avoid cover charge.

THUR 5/27

Man, that was a tough loss for the Celtics last night... Am not feeling verbose today.

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THUR 5/27

7:30pm
Trampled by Turtles, Poverty Line Old Time Band, Spitzer Space Telescope
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

A sorta bluegrass band comes to town from Minnesota and plays with a local group that sorta plays bluegrass, and they're joined by an exuberant folksinger.

THUR 5/27

8pm to 10pm
Brendan Boogie w/ Township, Henry Beguiristain
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7 / All Ages

This is the last night of Brendan Boogie's May residency where he not only invited top-notch performers every Thursday, he also wrote a new song with each of them that links the first set to his middle part. The torch-song is then passed from Brendan to the third act.

I have a feeling that this is one of the few times where you'll see an acoustic version of Township even though Marc Pinansky has been known to play solo shows here and there. I think Aloud is a great band too, so Henry Beguiristain's set should include some quality tunes.

A bunch of videos from the first two weeks are on YouTube.

THUR 5/27

Miss Fairchild (Midnight), Hello Ninja (11pm), Pray For Polanski (10pm), Leaders Led (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

This is a promising notion with a couple of fun rock bands like Hello Ninja and Pray For Polanski along with the good-time blue-eyed funkiness of Miss Fairchild.

THUR 5/27

10:30pm
Movers & Shakers, The Wrong Reasons, Jeff DaRosa
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

It's also the end of the Movers & Shakers residency, so there's no reason to miss some great free music if you're out late in Cambridge tonight. Unless the place is full or you're under 21...

Back in the day before they had so many positive reviews from better-known sources they had this little bit from CTB on their MySpace:

Movers & Shakers don't offer sugar with their strong, steaming cup of rock; but they stir in a lot of heart and grit and decades of American music. (I wish I were in this band.)

They're joined by alt-country dudes, the Wrong Reasons, and singer-songwriterish dude, Jeff DaRosa.

WED 5/26: Talk, Trivia, Music

The hump has arrived, and it's better to be out on a hot night.

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WED 5/26

6:30pm to 8pm
Michael Marx, "Advanced Googling for Genealogists"
at Orientation Room, 1st Fl, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Although I'm skeptical that you can draw a family tree through Google, maybe it's because I've never tried to find this kind of information. Despite the genealogical angle, one might find tips for improving Google searches as well as pointers to...

find photographs and images of your ancestral town, get maps for towns and regions of interest, translate documents in other languages, connect with other researchers with similar interests, find unique resource materials which can be downloaded, and some of the new tools and finding aids coming out of Google Labs that allow you to customize Google to your specific interests.

Michael Marx of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston has written articles and presented programs on the subject.

WED 5/26

7pm to 8:30pm
Stump Trivia Red Sox Edition
at Cask'n Flagon, 62 Brookline Ave, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

New musical "Johnny Baseball" is debuting at the A.R.T., and one of the related events is this baseball trivia night. I'm not sure how hardcore the baseball questions will be, but this could be a good time to corral a couple of sports-trivia buddies. There will supposedly be many prize opportunities including Red Sox tickets.

Wednesday trivia at the Cask usually starts at 8pm, but I received an email from the Weekly Dig that put the start time at 7pm. It looks like you could be in for an hour of bar time if you really want to play. (The email implied they wanted to do it before the Celtics game.)

WED 5/26

9pm
Ian Adams, Eldridge Rodriguez, Audrey Ryan, Greg Lyon, Dave Grabowski
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$6 / 21+

I didn't really pay too much attention when I read this quartet of Wednesday shows were called "The Eldridge Rodriguez 100 Percent Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution Residency", but it's been pretty much the case.

He's played an acoustic(?!) set with The Beatings, and many of the acts each week have been associated with record company they founded.

I think with the exception of the amazing Audrey Ryan, that describes all of the people joining him tonight. It really doesn't matter, because there's 5 excellent sets ahead of you for $6. (And PBR is $3, I think.)

In most cases, you're catching these folks in a mellower mood than you may have heard them before. Greg Lyon plays with Rodriguez in The Beatings. Ian Adams may be better known as the former frontman of the horrorbilly Rock City Crimewave. Dave Grabowski of indie-rockers Scuba may be playing solo. I have a feeling that you'll see a lot them jumping on stage with each other too.

DJ Ryan Spaulding of the excellent music blog Ryan's Smashing Life will likely rock the laptop between sets.

WED 5/26

9:30pm
Wicked Whiskey, Lonesome Republic, King Sickabilly One Man Band
at House of Blues Front Room, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

In a clever bit of scheduling, Reverend Horton Heat is playing in the main venue and couple hopped-up rockabilly acts are in the front room. Besides Wicked Whiskey and King Sickabilly, Lonesome Republic adds some Americana to the party.

WED 5/26

10pm
Rick Berlin, Emily Eastridge, Steve Lawrence
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Whether in bands (Shelley Winters Project, Orchestra Luna) or sitting solo at a keybord, Rick Berlin's songs and performance are an experience that you won't soon forget. The charming and emotionally potent songster is joined by a guitarist and cellist/trumpeter tonight.

Emily Eastridge of Pariah Beat may be playing a solo set. I'm having a difficult time believing that Steve Lawrence of "Steve & Eydie" fame is appearing tonight, but who knows...

I'm not sure if there's a sign at Alchemist Lounge, but I'm pretty sure this is one of the last shows under the current sign. It's not like this place has the history of the Triple D's that they replaced, but it seems like they've been good neighbors over the past few years -- and they offered lots of free music.

TUES 5/25: Art, Pop, Americana

I think it's going to be a short one today. I do actually have some stuff for tomorrow already on the calendar.

Hey, have you been to any free shows at the House of Blues Front Room yet? When I see the June schedule, I'll try to let you know.

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TUES 5/25 (thru THUR 5/27)

Noon to 9:30pm
Aliza Shapiro, "DATUM"
at MEME Gallery, 55 Norfolk Street Central Square Cambridge
FREE

Over three days, Aliza Shapiro is setting up shop at the gallery for "an installation and performance of archiving, displaying and distributing" her photographs.

This could be a pretty unusual process since she has been taking pictures since she was six years old, and she still has all of them. I think the idea is to set them up over time, and maybe replace them as people purchase them.

Whatever's happening, it'll be worthwhile to support the project. Shapiro has organized hundreds of cool, wild events as the mastermind of Truth Serum. From the brief conversations we've had -- and what I've read -- she's really cool, awesome person and artist.

Open daily from Noon to 9:30pm as Aliza sets up her photos, a process over 3 days. There's an "opening party" tonight at 6:30pm and "closing party" at 6:30pm.

TUES 5/25

8pm
One Happy Island, Allo Darlin', Hearts!Attack, Horowitz, The Smittens, A Smile and a Ribbon
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance or door / 21+

You may think, "Wow! This is a lot of indie-pop." It's not as much as the NYC PopFest that happened over the weekend where most of these bands played. Tonight local band One Happy Island is celebrating their CD Release which is being released in the UK. Many of the acts are from England besides A Smile and a Ribbon (Sweden) and The Smittens (Vermont).

I saw a schedule, and it might be close...

8pm -- Hearts!Attack
8:40pm -- Allo Darlin'
9:20pm -- Horowitz
10pm -- One Happy Island
10:50pm -- The Smittens
11:30pm -- A Smile and a Ribbon

Should be a fun night, heavy on the twee-pop. Personally, I really liked Allo Darlin'.

TUES 5/25

9:30pm
Larcenist, Have Gun Will Travel, Girl Haggard, Banditas
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 18+

Now this is a strong night of Americana. These TWO PLUS TWO take place on Tuesdays at O'Brien's, and two local bands are joined by a couple of out-of-town bands, which is the brainchild of Josh from HeadsUpBoston to offer a consistent spot to catch bands that don't normally play in the area.

Larcenist is a fine local purveyor of heavy, rockin' Americana. On the other hand, Have Gun Will Travel is Florida group that has a more traditional sound. You don't have to believe me that it's fresh and modern in its own way -- they were featured on NPR a couple years ago.

Some names fit really well: Girl Haggard is a punky alt-country outfit from Rhode Island with a female vocalist and songs such as "Providence & Bourbon" and "Thinkin' About Drinkin". The charm of Banditas is the laid-back rootsiness and female harmonies.

MON 5/24: Film, Stories, Music

Lots of library items tonight. Not usually too exciting, but you don't have worry about the heat in your apartment for an hour or two.

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MON 5/24

6pm
"Touching the Game: The Story of the Cape Cod Baseball League": Screening
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

The title of this documentary spells it out. Although I've never been to a CCBL game, it's supposed to be pretty amazing experience -- especially if one considers that about 15% of the players end up in the majors.

Filmed during the summer of 2003, you get a look into the players' summers on the Cape (along with their host-families and day jobs) as well as interviews from fans to players like Varitek and Nomar.

Filmmaker Jim Carroll, who started out at NESN, will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A session.

MON 5/24

6:30pm to 8pm
All-Star Story Slam
at Lecture Hall (basement), Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge (near Harvard Sq)
FREE

For those who enjoy hearing a good story, 12 people who have previously won "Story Slams" in the past year will present 5-minute stories of any theme to represent Massmouth at the National Story Slam in Chicago next month.

Be ready to pay attention, because the audience will vote on who will be heading the Windy City. Each storyteller throws in $20, and the winner gets the kitty to defray their travel expenses.

MON 5/24

7pm to 8pm
Beacon Hill Chamber Group Classica
at Charlestown Public Library, 179 Main St, Charlestown
FREE

A classical quintet plays some Haydn and Vivaldi in what should be an air-conditioned room.

Program:

Haydn, "Menuetto"
Vivaldi, "Concerto in F Major, op. 323"
Haydn, "Divertimento 'Der Geburtstag', Hob.II"
Haydn, "London Trio No. 1 in C Major, Hob.IV"

MON 5/24

7pm
"Sustainable Seafood Isn't Just for People": Lecture
at Harborside Learning Lab, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE w/ RSVP

Jennifer Goldstein and Michelle Cho (wild fisheries specialists) discuss how the aquarium tries to provide environmentally sustainable diet for the inhabitants since they studied the subject last year. With the variety of sea life, it must be challenging.

Apparently there is a "learning lab" in the parking garage, and this is where free lectures are taking place on many Mondays and Tuesdays over the next couple months.

The program should last about an hour with a reception afterwards. (Probably no seafood served...)

Registration is required.

MON 5/24

The White Owls (8pm), Jen Kearney & The Lost Onion (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The White Owls are killer blues squad that has Dennis Brennan ripping through classic tunes with yet another set of top-notch players. It's one of the benefits of living in the area: the amazing Brennan often plays with various outfits usually for free or a small cover. Those who go will hear the blues played head and shoulders above other bar bands.

Jen Kearney & The Lost Onion keep the place jumping for the rest of the night with some solid soul/funk with Latin accents.

MON 5/24

9pm
Have Nots, Sonic Boom Six, Knock-Out, Brunt Of It
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

There's a range of ska-punk happening tonight. The local bands Have Nots and Brunt Of It carry the torch for Boston punk and ska with high-energy stuff. Sonic Boom Six from Manchester (England) mix ska, reggae, hip-hop, and punk into something that doesn't excite me immediately; but you might find it interesting.

MON 5/24

10pm
Pants Yell!, A Smile and a Ribbon
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

After 7 years of jangly, melancholy indie-pop, Pants Yell are going to "pursue other opportunities and spend more time with the family." Well, maybe just pursuing other opportunities...

Since a final show usually brings out more people, Pants Yell could easily be playing a much larger room (see above photo of a November gig). I get the feeling that the Swedes have an appreciation for their music from other shared gigs. Swedish twee-poppers A Smile and a Ribbon are opening with some quirky, effervescent tunes.

Off-Topic: Pub Pirates

After doing some shopping at Haymarket, I wanted to wash down the cherrystones I had just outside of The Point. Folks from a Pirate Pub Crawl were there, and I said I'd post their photo.

Arr, I already forgot to focus after one beer. My apologies to the pirates.

Monday cheapness on the calendar. More forthcoming...

SUN 5/23: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Hey, when I noticed that the Sunday post wasn't up, it was ridiculously too late. Stay tuned; I think this is the week that we make the leap to prompt & early posts...


As for tonight's video:

I'm not an "insider", but I agree with most of Rob Potylo (fka Robbie Roadsteamer) in this video. I believe Boston has been and can be a special place for music. It would be great if radio stations played local bands.

There's lots of excellent music being made, yet corporate control has sucked out the originality all over the country. Still let's not let cynicism overwhelm us. The music industry is in the process of being turned upside-down, so the future is wide open for quality music.

I like this web show Quiet Desperation. Maybe it isn't for everyone, but I think it's funny. I hope the creative team keeps it going

This was filmed at the faux Rumble last month.

SAT 5/22: EarthFest, Hugs, Art, Sailing, Music

I have to go out, get a haircut, and enjoy the day.

Unfortunately, I didn't see a zombie march for this weekend. They coincided with EarthFest last year, and it's amusing to think of them as 'recycled people'...

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SAT 5/22

11:30am to 5pm
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Feat: Collective Soul (3:45pm), Gin Blossoms (2:30pm), Crash Kings (1:15pm), Marcy Playground (Noon)

If the Crash Kings weren't wedged into this lineup, you could close your eyes and pretend it's 1997. If you liked "Sex & Candy" and the other couple Marcy Playground tunes you may have heard, you'll probably like the rest.. As far as the Gin Blossoms, you'll probably recognize about 7 or 8 guilty pleasures if you were listening to top-40 radio back in the day. Crash Kings aren't bad at all; I read several band comparisons, but I hear a triangulation of Ben Folds, Maroon 5, and Queen.

Jackson Wetherbee Band from Duxbury won a contest to be the local opener (11:30am), and it's fine acoustic rock to arrive to. (I'm pretty sure I would be there if Naked on Roller Skates were opening...)

There's still a kids' stage; it's a little disappointing there isn't a secondary stage for local bands. Maybe the economy will be better next year..

Hey -- keep in mind it's "EarthFest", so let's be cool with the trash, etc.

SAT 5/22

Noon to 4pm
Give/Get a Hug
from Park Street T to Downtown Crossing
FREE

Hugs are awesome. I love hugs. If it's been a while since you've hugged a stranger, this is a good time to do it. It's apparently "Free Hugs Day".

If you're going to be part of the giving team, you should think about being outside of the Park Street T around noon. (I also suggest showering before hand.) As time goes by, wander towards Downtown Crossing.

If you see the huggers, don't linger if you haven't showered beforehand.

Feel free to make a sign and make your own vigilante hug team. People at EarthFest might appreciate one..

SAT 5/22 (and SUN 5/23)

Noon to 6pm
Cambridge Open Studios: Central
around Central Sq & Cambridgeport, Cambridge
FREE

About 75 artists in various media are showing their stuff at about 50 locations, and most of them are between Central Square T and the river according to the map and brochure [PDF]. Walk around or seek out something that catches your eye in the brochure...

SAT 5/22

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

Enjoy a free sail in the harbor. If you want to sign you up for lessons, you can -- or you could just check it out and enjoy the ride and free refreshments.

People get a sail on a first-come, first-served basis, so keep that in mind. And don't complain if you get there too late; there will be other sailing open houses this year, and I will try to give advance notice.

As they say, "No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Sailors of all abilities are welcome."

Again, this on Lewis Wharf by the Marriot; they saylook for the riverboat.

SAT 5/22

007Hundred Club (9pm), Drago (8:15pm), The Spoilers (7:30pm), By The Throat (6:45pm), Up For Nothing (5:30pm), The McGunks (4:45pm), The Doll Eyes (4pm)
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

Sure, an all-ages punk show means people under 18 can go -- but it also means people of ALL ages, man...

Besides it's a birthday party for a couple people in The Spoilers and By The Throat, and they're probably older than 21...

It may have been the bands, but the last all-ages show I went saw at the Midway was really friggin' loud.

SAT 5/22

8pm to Midnight
Saint Stanislaus Day Polka Party
Feat: Al Janik's Plastyczny Ser Orkestra
at the Polish American Club, 747 Cambridge Street, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10-ish

Roll out at the barrel, and we'll have a barrel of fun. Al Janik and the Plastic Cheese Band really plays polka with a sense of humor and laissez-faire/WTF attitude.

The time I only notice the "plastic cheese band" playing for Saint Stanislaus Day (technically May 8). Since the Abbey Lounge closed, they've moved to the Polish American Club. Honestly I want to go to the gig, so I have an excuse to go into this place. It doesn't look inviting to strangers, and I doubt it's very hospitable tonight.

Cover charge usually includes a Polish buffet, and the beers have to be cheap. Sure, it's fine to enjoy this in an ironic way, but you should dance at some point. If not the whole night, dammit.

SAT 5/22

9pm
Humanwine, Mighty Tiny, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Dave Magario
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

While I said that I was rooting for Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling when the first Rock 'n Roll Rumble of the year took place last month. Humanwine won that night, and I'm always rooting for them too. They make deep music and they take social and political stances; and I think they live on a bio-diesel bus. The more I listen, the more I like; but there is background reading to do for the songs to really delve into it. Whoa...

More like a loveliest than a rematch, D.N.F.M.O.M.D. are playing a set of marvelously minimalist, punchy art-rock inspired by "The Prisoner" -- cool stuff. Mighty Tiny fits right in with a sound that falls in the neighborhood of gypsy-jazz/carnival-rock, and they all wear masks like a cabaret-punk version of Slipknot. Dave Magario will open with thoughtful solo acoustic songs.

The opening sets may be slightly briefer than usual, since Humanwine may play about 90 minutes including "guests from Somerville Symphony Orchestra."

SAT 5/22

9:30pm
Morrissey's Birthday Tribute
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 21+

Feat: The Honors, Jay Marsh, Ad Frank, Jake Zavracky, Jesse Duquette, more

Some of you will want to celebrate Morrissey's birthday. There are those who will want to blast The Smiths with some wine and candles in front of their home shrine. Others may feel like the communal celebration.

From what I've read the live performance will start around 10pm. The solo guys like Jay Marsh from Taxpayer, Ad Frank, Jake Zavracky from Cyanide Valentine, and Jesse Duquette from Emergency Music will go on first. The Honors should do something close to their Halloween set from last year as The Smiths. A band comprised of local Moz-lovers will join forces for a tribute set as Unhappy Birthday.

DJ's Michael V, David Day, and Dave Duncan Virr have plenty of related material to play defer, after, and between.

SAT 5/22

10pm
Deva Mahal
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I've looked in a few (legal and otherwise) spots, and I had a difficult time downloading any Deva Mahal or Frederick's Brown songs. Take a listen, and experience what may be on your iPod in the future because sometimes you're in the mood for jazz-funk-soul singing. (Yes, she's the daughter of bluesman Taj Mahal.)

Here's my little formula from yesterday: Sublime soulful singing [minus] cover charge [plus] overpriced drinks [equals] a potentially good night if it's not too out of the way.

Sneak Peek: SAT 5/22

See? A lot of daytime cheapness...

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SAT 5/22

10:15am to 12:30pm
GoGreen Bicycle Tour: "Exploring Cambridge through Public Art"
meet at Cambridge Common (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Ride around and see public art; about 12 miles total with a couple stops.

SAT 5/22

11:30am to 5pm
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Main Stage Schedule:

11:30am -- Jackson Wetherbee Band
Noon -- Marcy Playground
1:15pm -- Crash Kings
2:30pm -- Gin Blossoms
3:45pm -- Collective Soul

What do you want for free?

SAT 5/22

Noon to 4pm
Give/Get a Hug
from Park Street T to Downtown Crossing
FREE

It's "Free Hugs Day".

SAT 5/22 (and SUN 5/23)

Noon to 6pm
Cambridge Open Studios: Central
around Central Sq & Cambridgeport, Cambridge
FREE

Walk around, see some art, talk to artists, maybe find some wine and cheese...

[PDF brochure]

SAT 5/22

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

"No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Sailors of all abilities are welcome."

SAT 5/22

8pm to Midnight
Saint Stanislaus Polka Party
Feat: Al Janik's Plastyczny Ser Orkestra
at the Polish American Club, 747 Cambridge Street, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10-ish

Yes, polka. Really... (Cover charge usually includes a Polish buffet.)

SAT 5/22

9pm
Humanwine, Mighty Tiny, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Dave Magario
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Premium art-cabaret-many-hyphen-not-necessarily-applying-to-each-band rock , etc.

SAT 5/22

9:30pm
Morrissey's Birthday Tribute
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 21+

Feat: The Honors, Jay Marsh, Ad Frank, Jake Zavracky, DJ's Michael V, David Day, Dave Duncan Virr, more

When he was in The Smiths, Morrissey sang "I want to wish you an unhappy birthday."

We still lovingly celebrate his.

SAT 5/22

10pm
Deva Mahal
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Sublime soulful singing minus cover charge plus overpriced drinks equals a potentially good night if it's not too out of the way.

FRI 5/21: Art, Tango, Comedy, Rock

Lots of options this weekend. Darn, I hope I can get more posted soon.

Have a good Friday night - whatever you do!

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FRI 5/21

6pm to 9pm
Caleb Neelon, "Imagination Wall": Reception
at Fourth Wall Gallery, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

Caleb Neelon became involved with an art-therapy program at Children's Hospital Boston and created two large murals that can be seen at the gallery as well as other works.

I'm not sure if he gets tired of people saying how good he is for bringing art to young people when they're suffering, but he should be there tonight.

FRI 5/21

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

I'm surprised there haven't been other mentions of the season debut of moonlight dancing on the bridge. I wish I had been more ahead of it, but they'll be out there every time the moon is full, at least, through September

As usual, they'll start with brief tango lesson for the first 15 minutes or so, then you can try for as long as you like until the tango stymies you and dancing and sway in your own style.

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. I've gone several times over the years, and it's always a good time.

Date material? Yeah, I think so.

If you think the nerdy-romantic approach will work, you could start at the Harvard Book Store for a reading from the book "The Art of the Sonnet" (7pm) then walk over to the river.

FRI 5/21

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE / 18+

Feat: Andrew Mayer, Blake Wexler, Janet McNamara, Nate Johnson, Niraj Shah, Benny Bosh, Tim Vargulish, Sarah Heggan, Scott McLaughlin, Rob Crean

There's another comedy show tonight (below), but I can't guarantee that you'll be able to get a drink. Not that you'll need it with the plentiful roster of comedians, but a few pops do make it easier to laugh, no?

For you "American Idol" fans, you might remember Janet McNamara from her humorous audition...

FRI 5/21

8pm
BLVD Comedy
at blvd, 251 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
$5 Suggested Donation

Feat: Ben Kronberg, Sameer Naseem, Dan Boulger, Sharkee Katz, Matt Kona, more

I'm not sure how this is going to work, but having a comedy show in a skater-fashion store on Newbury Street is intriguing. The suggested donation is meant to support the out-of-town comics like Ben Kronberg (who's done a couple of the late-night talk shows). And there are several very funny folks performing.

FRI 5/21

9pm
The Gondoliers Prom, w/ Big Digits, The Secret Sea
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

The Gondoliers have thrown a "prom" gig for the past three years, and it looks like it's becoming a tradition for people who either didn't go or hated it the first time around. They actually do a good job of decorating the club, and people do get gussied up in semi-cheesy attire. You can see photos from 2008 and 2009 to get an idea.

Besides their own guitar-and-drums noise rock, The Secret Sea brings the synthy new-wave/indie-rock, and it's always a party when Big Digits are in the house. (Did I just say, "In the house"? Yes, I did.)

FRI 5/21

9pm
Paul & The Strings, The Marvels, The Allstonians, Burning Streets
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

After playing in hardcore bands like The Unseen and Pinkerton Thugs, Paul (with The Strings) is still a punk at heart while adding a folkier/bluesier element.

The Marvels returned last year after a long break, and they may be my fave in the line-up for the way they rip it up and bash it out in near-perfect amount to my punk-lovin' ears. If you want to hear good ska, The Allstonians are where it's at. And Burning Streets may get it started with a set of Boston punk.

FRI 5/21

Hurricane Bells (Midnight), The Fatal Flaw (11pm), Reverse (10pm), Thick As Thieves (9:05pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Do you like the band Longwave? Well, we've got one of them tonight. Singer-guitarist Steve Schiltz is taking his solo project Hurricane Bells on the road, and it doesn't stray too far from his previous stuff other than seeming to be a bit mellower.

I wholeheartedly give two thumbs up to The Fatal Flaw led by Joel Reader (Pansy Division, Mr T Experience, Avengers). The tunes are rocking with great melodies and clever lyrics occasionally referring to other bands. There's going to be some high-quality, heavy riffing with Reverse and Thick As Thieves that doesn't insult your intelligence.

FRI 5/21

10pm
Hands & Knees, Girlfriends
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

Two sweet bands at my new favorite bar in Davis Square. I like that Hands and Knees give their relatively straightforward songs a punky spirit with a dash of twang. It's like a rock equivalent of a killer barbecue sauce -- you recognize some of the ingredients, but the secret is in the preparation. The might be said about Girlfriends who simply classifying them like "garage-rock" doesn't do justice blissfully fuzzy approach takes them up a notch.