SUN 5/1: Mayfair, Art, Sailing, Cocktails, Music

Happy May Day, comrades!

Yes, I went around Somerville Open Studios and got an overdose of art. Pace yourselves, folks. Enjoy a lovely day!

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SUN 5/1

Noon to 6pm
Annual MayFair
around Harvard Square, Cambridge
FREE

Crowds rarely get more crowded than the annual MayFair, and still there will always be the odd bicyclist or double-wide baby stroller wending their way through the mayhem of vendors and food stands.

The multiple stages of music, dance, etc. Normally, I'd suggest specific performers on the main stage, but it's solid bands all afternoon. I like a few on the Passim stage on Brattle down the street from the club.

Main Stage:

Noon -- The Grownup Noise
1pm -- Naked on Roller Skates
2pm -- Atlas Soul
3pm -- Spirit Kid
4pm -- Leo Blais
5pm -- Viva Viva

Club Passim Stage:

1pm -- The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library
2pm -- Margaret Glaspy
4pm -- Tall Heights
5pm -- Della Mae

Walk around and have a good time. There is plenty of entertainment. The Emerging America stage across from Border Cafe sounds interesting with the results of an improv/scavenger hunt (2:30pm), some comedy (4:30pm), and an Icelandic twist on Shakespeare's "The Tempest" (5pm).

SUN 5/1

Noon to 6pm
Somerville Open Studios
all over Somerville
FREE

There's a lot of painting, sculpting, photography, assembling, etc around Somerville. Over 300 artists in about 100 locations show you what they've been making. (They'll even sell you stuff.) Look for orange balloons.

If I were you, I'd take the T and walk around (or take the trolley). I read their tips, and I agree with them.

If you start in Davis Sq or Union Sq, you'll be sure to find maps/pamphlets in stands where you can see all the open studios and the trolley route. strategically located around town.

If you're in Teele Sq, don't forget to hear some cool music at the Nave Gallery.

If you go by Cedar Street Studios -- #42 on the map -- say hello to Andrea; she's friendly -- and Al, her neighbor.

SUN 5/1

11am to 6pm
Brookline Open Studios
all over Brookline [PDF]
FREE

Brookline artists are also opening their doors, but I'm partial to my Somerville homes.

SUN 5/1

Noon to 7pm
Stass Shpanin, "Age of Empires": Reception & Day of Russia in Boston
at From Russia With Art Gallery, 1977 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Porter Sq)
FREE

On May Day, some think of the International Workers' Day (and socialism). Stass Shpanin's art seems to look back before the revolution.

The Russian American Cultural Center of Boston (whose website is down) is teaming with this Russian gallery for a little bit of culture and art. Expect some music and food from the Motherland.

SUN 5/1

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

The weather is cooperating for a nice little ride in the Harbor. Go for a sail (first come, first served) and a tour of the facilities. They say no sailing experience is necessary -- all ages and sailors of all abilities are welcome. You don't have to sign up for anything, but they'll be offering discounts on classes and membership. Remember it will be cooler on the water.

SUN 5/1

5:30pm
Cocktail Wars: Semi-Finals #1
at Woodward at the Ames, 1 Court St, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE admission / 21+

One type of bartender is the badass mixologist, and Boston has been getting more attention for its master mixologists. "English Bill" at Woodward is hosting his second season of Cocktail Wars, which works something like "Iron Chef" with 2 secret ingredients that need to be used in their cocktail. Previous battles have been: Sambuca & meyer lemon, Pimms & kumquats, Jaegermeister & ruby red grapefruit, etc.

It's free to watch, but you know you'll want you drink a few...

SUN 5/1

7:30pm
"B.B. King: Why I Sing the Blues"
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

No, BB King is not performing. Guitarist Vernon Reid of Living Colour and soul-rock singer extraordinaire Nona Hendryx join Berklee students in their original musical "B.B. King: Why I Sing the Blues". The life story of the blues great will also include many of his classic numbers.

SUN 5/1

9:30pm
Poetry Jam
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 21+

Feat: Tui-Z

If nothing else appeals to you, maybe you should chill down in my favorite basement bar with some poetry and jazz. The session happens every Sunday night.