WED 6/30: Fest, Talk, Rock, Dance

Ain't it a beautiful day?

I wish I worked in Kendall Square. If there was a Wednesday to eat lunch with a bit of live music in the background, like the jazzy folk of Margaret Glaspy, today would be rather pleasant.

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WED 6/30 (thru MON 7/5)

Various Times
Harborfest
at Various Locations
Many under $10 or FREE

Yes, Harborfest begins today. Most of the daily events are probably more interesting to visitors than residents, but that doesn't stop anyone from having a little fun with history, etc.

My picks would be the tours of Fort Independence (SAT 7/3 to MON 7/5), watching the USS Constitution turnaround cruise (SUN 7/4), and Chowderfest (MON 7/5).

Many of the activities are $10 or less.

There's always the Boston Pops Fireworks show & rehearsal (SUN 7/4 and SAT 7/3, respectively). For what it's worth, Toby
Keith is the 'big name' joining the Pops this year, and Craig Ferguson hosts again.

"Boston Navy Week" is happening concurrently, so there are a couple more ships near the Constitution to tour, and sailors will be seen around town.

WED 6/30

7pm to 9pm
Rock Shop: "Bloggers Panel"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Bradley's Almanac, Clicky Clicky Music Blog, Ryan's Smashing Life

These discussions are geared towards local musicians, but anyone interested can show up. Rockers can listen and talk to some of the best bloggers in town. I imagine someone who wants to learn about music blogging could pick up some tips too. (I know you think I should go; maybe I will...)

WED 6/30

7pm
David Rakoff: Reading
at Marran Theater, McKenna Student Center, 47 Oxford St, Cambridge (Lesley Quad campus)
FREE

Whenever an event involves a contributor from "This American Life", I expect you'll hear something stimulating and/or funny. David Rakoff's appearance is in conjunction with Lesley's Creative Writing program, so I assume he'll read some essays and take questions from the crowd.

The info states the "entrance is on Mellen Street."

WED 6/30

Dex Romweber Duo (11pm), Jittery Jack (10pm), The Cobra-Matics (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

A bother-and-sister guitar-drum rock duo might sound familiar, but Dexter Romweber really is playing with his sister and he's making fierce rock since the '80s in the Flat Duo Jets. (Jack White does admit that they were a big influence on him.) The most recent album is a bit mellower, but I'm guessing they'll rip it up in their inimitable neo-rockabilly style.

Jittery Jack is a new rockabilly/country project led by Kevin Patey of the Raging Teens that incudes a bunch of local hotshot players. The Cobra-Matics drive up from Rhode Island to add some good ol'-fashioned rockabilly to the party.

WED 6/30

9:30pm
The Honors, The Daily Pravda, Cooling Towers, Ad Frank (acoustic)
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

Wow, this is quite a bit of kickass rock in one show. The Honors simply sound awesome. The band is usually playing something catchy, and it's far from pedestrian or derivative; the vocals are strong. At Halloween I recall they did a Smiths tribute set, which is a good analogue as a band who played original, compelling, guitar-based pop. I'm pretty sure The Daily Pravda has made Halloween appearances doing David Bowie, and you can hear it in the slightly glammy post-wave rock. Ad Frank often reminds me of Bowie with his clever songs and stylish delivery, and the rare acoustic gig should be a treat.

WED 6/30

10pm
Bodega Girls present "Cool Ranch"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: The Fire and Reason

What was once known as a "Lo-Fi Hedonistic Dance Party" has been abbreviated to "Cool Ranch". While they do perform live, a couple of the Bodega Girls usually DJ on the last Wednesday of the month, while inviting someone else to do a live set for the crowd to keep dancing or take a break.

They might keep dancing, because The Fire and Reason put together high-energy, Latin-flavored electro. There's also going to be cool visuals and giveaways (courtesy of BLVD Boston) throughout the night.