SUN 7/18: Sand, Bikes, Fiesta, Gospel, Rock

Yeah, it's a bummer that it's Sunday again. Still plenty of time to have fun...

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SUN 7/18

8am to Whenever you go...
Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival
at Revere Beach, Revere (closer to the Revere Beach T)
FREE

Tons and tons of sand are brought in for about 10 master sand-sculptors to work their magic (and are competing) with the theme of "Grimms Fairy Tales". If you're going to the beach, you might as well check out their efforts.

I went a few years ago, and it's a bit south of Kelly's (which is often the reason I go to Revere Beach), but not so far that I wouldn't walk up for fried clams and leave from Wonderland.

SUN 7/18

Noon to 3pm
Bike Wash
at Sennott Park, about 300 Broadway, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

This is just a happy, friendly time. People want to wash your bike for free out of the goodness of their hearts. Thanks to Liz W and her friends for contributing positive energy to the world.

If you want to join the washers, you can do that too… "Bring your bike, bring a sponge, or bring both."

Why not not have some wet summer fun?

SUN 7/18

1:30pm to 7pm
Annual Betances Festival
at Villa Victoria:
Plaza Betances, 100 W. Dedham St, Boston (South End)
O'Day Park, 85 W. Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Get a taste of Puerto Rican and Latino culture at the oldest & biggest Latin American festival in New England (named after the 19th-century Puerto Rican humanitarian, Dr. Ramon Betances). There will be 'mucho' pan-Latin American entertainment: music, dancing, arts, crafts, food, and a grease pole contest!

The schedule doesn't have the time, but the greased pole contest probably starts around 2pm at O'Day Park. You wouldn't think that a bunch of guys clamoring over a big greasy pole in the South End could be eventful, but it is exciting to watch... You'll cheer, you'll groan, and you'll be amazed people will get that dirty. The food and music are close by.

SUN 7/18

4pm to 8pm
Gospel Fest
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Y'know... It's hard to find out more info about the Gospel Fest besides the controversial headliner Donnie McClurkin.

In anticipation of potential protests, this year's concert has gotten less promotion than usual. If you like gospel music, there will be some…

Gospel fans and LGBT advocates unite!

SUN 7/18

Mrs. Danvers (11pm), Kid Savant (10pm), Sherman Burns (9pm), Vulture (8pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$7 / 21+

This gig appears to be similar to tomorrow night's show at Charlie's Kitchen with the exception of Mrs. Danvers, which is really the most appealing of the bands playing tonight. There's different flavors that grab you. Some may say dance-rock, but I'm hearing those beautiful, catchy tunes with loads of powerpop goodness in the mix. Yes, ladies are singing lyrics about ladies...

The synthy indie-rock of Chicago's Kid Savant has got more of a dance thing going on. The two early bands are progressive hard-rock/metal bands to make things confusing.

SUN 7/18

9:30pm
Suckers, Sean Bones, You Can Be A Wesley
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

I'm glad I'm not completely swayed by positive press blurbs. Suckers has collected accolades from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, "All Songs Considered", Interview Magazine, Time Out NY, and more -- yet they sound like some strange pop to me. You might like them.

I like the spunky indie-pop of You Can Be A Wesley. Sean Bones does his punker-turned-reggae, which ain't bad at all.