TUES 8/3: Zoo, Talk, Music, Shakespeare

To the guy that approached me on the street the other day, I apologize for thinking that you were angling for some money. It's just so common in downtown Boston.

I didn't feel so bad, after you spent 5 minutes yelling at a women by basically repeating, "Kelly, please come back! I left my stuff in the car! Turn around, Kelly!"

Hey, do you want to see The Rapture (band, not apocalyptic event) and drink Amstel Light tomorrow?

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TUES 8/3

5pm to 8pm
"National Night Out"
at Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd, Dorchester
FREE

Feat: Zili Misik, Estrellas Tropicales

If you don't mind the cages, you're not going to see most of these animals in other parts of Boston... They say:

You can go in either entrance starting at 5pm. Music should start around 6pm.

Along with the free food, the purpose of the event is to "strengthen neighborhood spirit" and "generate support for local anticrime programs".

I just wanted to warn you to expect a very positive, family-friendly atmosphere -- but those aren't controversial ideas.

TUES 8/3

7pm
Andrew Bacevich, "Washington Rules": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Most of us don't get to sit in Prof. Bacevich's international relations courses at BU, so I think it's good to see him appear at local bookstores when he releases a new title. It's like an abbreviated class for the lay person.

As a former Army colonel, he has additional perspective to write on subjects like US military policy as he does in "Washington Rules". Whether or not you agree with his opinions, but you'll hear an intellectual, honest position.

TUES 8/3

8pm
Svedka Vodka Sessions: Jose James
at Woodward, Ames Hotel, 1 Court St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

One of the best records I've heard in my life is "John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman", which isn't much more than vocals, piano, and the master touch of Coltrane, and it's definitely an influence on James and his pianist. As you'd expect, they put their own modern twist on the idea.

Hang at one of the newest fancy bars, listening to jazz, and enjoy a couple free vodka cocktails from Svedka (the sexy robot ads).

RSVP for you and a guest; first-come, first entry.

TUES 8/3 (to SUN 8/15)

8pm
"Othello"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE

Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm (2pm matinee on 8/8)

I'll try to write something fresh this week. Until then:

If my count is correct, "Shakespeare on the Common" is returning for its 15th season. Even if one doesn't make a donation, we shouldn't take for granted what is one of the highlights of free/cheap Boston culture. Take the time to go in the next three weeks.

The productions are always well done, and "Othello" is especially one of the Bard's best. As usual, the design has been moved to a different time period. The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company seems to favor the early 20th-century; the set and costumes have a '40s influence.

You'll probably recognize Seth Gilliam, who plays the title character, as Sgt. Ellis Carver on "The Wire" or Clayton Hughes on "Oz" among many film & TV appearances.

TUES 8/3

9:30pm
David Wax Museum, Wooden Dinosaur
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 / 21+

The David Wax Museum have to be feeling good after playing the Newport Folk Festival this past weekend. They went over really well from the little I've read.

They're starting an August residency at my favorite tiny basement club where you can hear the Mexican/American folk brew that had the crowd going at one of America's historic music festivals. (Btw: I'd like to coin the term "Mexi-mericana".) And, yes, that is a daonkey's jawbone being used as percussion.

A different guest opens each week, such as Wooden Dinosaur's vibrant folk from Vermont.

PS: David Wax Museum is playing a lunchtime gig at Kendall Square tomorrow.