THUR 8/26: Music, Baseball, Kung Fu Film

Okay, the last couple days should remind us that Summer is going to last much longer. Let's take advantage as long as we can.

I also saw that Mehran and a bunch of other funny people are doing a free comedy show at the House of Blues Front Room tonight that will probably start around 9:30pm. [Facebook]

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THUR 8/26

6pm to 8:30pm
Liz Longley
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE

The weather is cooperating to wrap up this summer's concert series outside the ICA with Liz Longley. All signs point to this singer-songwriter (and recent Berklee grad) is on the way to bigger things with a beautiful voice adorning her awrd-winning songs that comfortably sits in several genres at once.

Of course, you can go inside the museum for free on Thursday evenings.

THUR 8/26

7pm
Old-Time Baseball
at St. Peter's Field, 57 Sherman St, Cambridge (near Fresh Pond)
FREE

Every year since the '94 baseball strike, a bunch of mostly local college players put on various vintage baseball uniforms reproductions. Former big-leaguers Bill Monbouquette and Mike Pagliarulo (who both grew up in Medford) are the managers, Lou Merloni is going to play on one of the teams.

I even met Johnny Pesky a fwe years ago, and he'll probably be there again tonight.

There are some benches, but it would be a good idea to bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you'd prefer to sit while watching.

An annual charitable donation is made to a different organization that's funded by corporate sponsor, so spectators enjoy a free, casual evening of baseball. Food and drinks are available as well as raffles and auctions, and the proceeds will go to the Marley Jaye Cherella Memorial Fund to support research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

THUR 8/26 (thru SUN 8/29)

7:45pm
"Films at the Gate": Night #1
at Vacant Lot near Chinatown Gate, about 10 Hudson St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

7:45pm -- Lion dance by Gund Kwok
8pm -- "Bodyguards and Assassins"

Four kung fu movies will be screened al fresco in Chinatown with the original Chinese audio (and English subtitles). With so many titles to choose from -- and this connoisseur choosing them -- there won't be a bad night to go.

I've watched the trailer for tonight's feature, and it looks quite the epic story of a good guys versus bad guys decideing the fates of millions in one brief episode.

Most nights begin live demonstrations of some sort. Tonight's performers are supposedly the only Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the U.S., and I have no proof otherwise.

The schedule goes something like this:

FRI 8/27

7:15pm -- Lion dance & a Kung Fu demonstration by Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association
8pm -- "Drunken Master"

SAT 8/28

7:15pm -- Tai Chi demonstration by Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association
8pm -- "Havoc in Heaven"

SUN 8/29

8pm -- "Children of Invention"

Note: Saturday and Sunday's shows are at Chinatown Park on the Kennedy Greenway (on the other side of the Gate).

There are some folding chairs, but you're encouraged to bring your own seat if you really want it.

If you're hungry, there are plenty restaurants in the neighborhood to pick something up...

THUR 8/26

8pm
Dennis Brennan Quatro, Brown Bird, Tripping Lily, John Colvert, The Rationales, Highway Ghosts, Kingsley Flood
at Hard Rock Cafe, 22 Clinton St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
$10 / 21+

On the third and final night of the New England Americana Festival Summer Series, they may not have purposely saved the best for last, but two of my faves are on this bill: Dennis Brennan and Kingsley Flood.

Dennis Brennan is one our musical treasures who is a fantastic singer-songwriter, and this guy rips it up whether he's playing solo or in any of the many groups he leads. The Quatro is designed to rock out, and you won't be disappointed. As I've said before: While Kingsley Flood's chassis has got some rootsy touches and a slightly sepia-tinted paint job, they definitely got a rock engine.

Host Eric Royer often does his one-man-band thing around Quincy Market (at least, that's where I've seen him).

THUR 8/26

9:30pm
Jeff Rowe, Movers & Shakers, Joe McMahon
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

When punk gets acoustic, you get the same intensity at lower volumes such as Jeff Rowe and Joe McMahon (of Smoke or Fire). I've been a fan of Movers & Shakers from the first time I heard them. These guys rock and have no problem in getting loud, but I love how they sound like they draw on a range of genres to make awesome punk roar that's rooted a bit deeper in a way similar how I enjoyed albums by The Clash when they expanded their sound.