SAT 5/15: Stuff for the Rest of the Day

Okay, I guess I didn't post after the Bruins won. I guess the Bruins didn't even win, and I was ready to celebrate in a bar close to the Garden..

Here's a few ideas for the evening (and art for tomorrow).

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SAT 5/15 (and SUN 5/16)

11am to 6pm
SoWa Art Walk (& Open Market Opening Weekend)
at 560 Harrison Ave and around there, Boston (South End)
FREE to walk around

11am to 5pm
Open Studios 2010
around Newton
FREE

The funny thing about the SoWa "art walk" is that the site doesn't really give you a clear idea where to walk. It's more of a "this is where we are you'll know when you get here." I think I was in the area last year, and there seemed to signs to guide you around.

They are mainly in a few big buildings that are in a 3 or 4 block area.

Harrison Ave:
#433, #450, #460, #486, #522, #530, #725

Wareham St:
#35, #49, #59

Thayer St:
#37, #49

46 Waltham St

I have been to the First Friday Open Studios, and there is loads of cool stuff in just that one building.

The South End Open Market is also beginning again for the next 4-5 months with all sorts of arts, crafts, collectibles, home goods, clothes, food, etc, etc. They should be open from 10am to 5pm both days this weekend at 560 Harrison Ave; Sundays only for the rest of the season.

Say what you want about Newton, but they do have a good online map where you can locate studios by media type and a PDF guide. About "175 emerging and established artists and craftspeople" are participating. As you might guess, it's a bit spread out for a walk to every location.

SAT 5/15

7:30pm
Sarah Borges
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

It's not on Sarah's sites, but I don't doubt the Toad folks that Sarah is going to do an early set. I think she's awesome -- voice of an angel, great material, great attitude, easy on the eyes... Some of my friends initially dismissed her as "country", but listen a bit longer and you see she's more like Donny & Marie ("a li'l bit country, a li'l bit rock 'n roll"). And the twang factor was dialed down quite a bit on the latest CD.

Summer Villains are also playing at 10pm.

SAT 5/15

8pm to 10:30pm
Valentiger, Audrey Ryan, The Waylons, Eric Stepanian
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7

This show is teeming with folk/pop indie-rock goodness. Valentiger has traveled from Michigan to meet you. I read on their website:

We’re setting a minimum of hands to shake (literally) for each of us, with respective free singles to distribute. Therefore, if you come find us in your city, we’ll give you free music.

The music is damn good, so don't hesitate to take it if offered; I imagine you could even buy some...

Audrey Ryan is simply fantastic, and her presence alone makes any gig worthwhie. serves up some smart lyrics dancing on the inventive melodies. Guitar, accordion, kick drum... It's Audrey Ryan music! And The Waylons aren't really as country as you'd expect from their name; it's really just tuneful rock.

SAT 5/15

9:30pm
Kingsley Flood, Sand Machine
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

This is how music should be at a bar! I reviewed Kingsley Flood's CD on Bostonist (and there are a couple mp3's to download at the bottom). I really dig their sound. As I said, "Unlike most albums lately, the dynamic mix of mood and tempo makes for compelling listen from beginning to end. The band drives the music around in a rootsy chassis, but the vigorous roar is coming from a rock engine."

Really good stuff, and the the Rosebud is cool spot behind the diner that most people wouldn't notice. They have top-notch bands on the weekends, the people are friendly, and there's plenty of seating.

"Old-time hockey, coach?" I thought of the Hanson brothers from "Slap Shot" when I listen to Sand Machine: straight-up rock with a rough grace, and there are brothers in this band...