THUR 6/24: Bike, Hip-Hop, Americana, Gaga-oke, Rock

I'm not sure if I'd want to sit outside for lunch today, but I mentioned the Wednesday lunchtime concert yesterday, so I'll let Harvard Square people that mighty fine folker Chris O'Brien is playing on Palmer St outside of Club Passim at noon as part of Thursday lunchtime concerts.

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THUR 6/24

5:30pm to 7:30pm
Roxbury Bike Tour
meet at Main Gate, Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Boston
$5

The forecast suggests this ride -- through Forest Hills Cemetery, Franklin Park, and notable/historical spots in Roxbury -- will be cancelled. (Info stated, "Weather permitting.")

You can call 617-427-1006 or email to be sure.

You have to wear a helmet. (And umbrella?)

THUR 6/24

7:30pm
Theophilus London, The Cool Kids
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / All Ages

I didn't know that Mountain Dew had a "record label"...?! Well, they're involved with this tour.

Other than that, two underground hip-hop acts who are not that underground at this point. Both have collaborated with a load of big names (Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Drake, A-Trak, Damon Albarn, Mark Ronson, etc).

Opening and closing DJ sets by the Flavorheard DJs

THUR 6/24

8:30pm
Jimmy Ryan & Hayride, Sam Reid & the Riot Act, Eric Robertson & the Boston Boys, Jeff Conley, Eric Royer One Man Band
at Hard Rock Cafe, 22 Clinton St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
$10 / 21+

This night is stacked with loads of Americana/bluegrass/roots-rock bands, and the Hard Rock has monthly concerts scheduled through August with like-minded performers. Hey, anytime Jimmy Ryan is playing there will be some awesome music.

THUR 6/24 (and 7/1)

9pm
Lady Gaga Karaoke
at King's, 50 Dalton St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

This might be interesting to watch, because you know there is going to be a few trainwrecks as people will do their best Gaga impersonation to win tickets to the pantless pop monster's show at the Garden next week.

You could compete too. "Contestants will be judged on voice quality, originality, charisma and audience response."

THUR 6/24

9:30pm
Hey Mama
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

I soaked in the Hey Mama experience last Thursday, and they kicked ass. They were all over the rock map while still being very "Hey Mama". Besides the bluesy, rootsy rockers that get my blood pumping there was a slightly psychedelic touch here and a summery 70s soul jam there. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The best part is that there is so much good vibes emanating from the stage. The crowd was dancing, clapping hands, and so on. I dare someone to not have a good time!

I screwed up, but I'll still post a review and photos soon.

THUR 6/24

9:30pm
The Murder Mile, Cult 45, Brown Boot, Cheap Leather
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

You could've seen The Murder Mile for free last night, but it's worth a few bucks to catch their big-fisted attack on the songs. There's a whole lotta rock through the hole lineup.

Cult 45 brings balls-to-the-wall bluesy metal with a chick singer whose vocals are tough yet provide the high end to give a good balance to the band. Brown Boot started out as a one-off Black Crowes tribute, then a one-off Jeff Beck/Faces tribute, has decided to stick together as an original band mixing soulful vocals and crunchy rock.