FRI 6/17: Film & Music

Okay, I may have a strange affection for simple, straightforward, delicious Greek food (and they feel like my family except with less pasta). There's a Greek festival this weekend near Central Square. Caution: The lines get long at the usual meal times.

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FRI 6/17

Dusk
Movies by Moonlight: "Laura"
at Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE

Sundown
Free Friday Flicks: "Daddy Day Care"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

What can I say about these films? I wouldn't go out of my way for either one, especially "Daddy Day Care".

This happens to be the first night for both locations that will screen open-air movies every Friday through the summer -- through 8/26 at the Hatch Shell and 9/2 at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

As one might expect at a high-end hotel, BHH is showing more adult and classic fare. Upcoming films include "Field of Dreams", "Double Indemnity", "Back to the Future", and "Raiders of the Lost Ark".

There will be a lot of animated films at the Hatch Shell like "Megamind", "How To Train Your Dragon", "Toy Story 3", and finishing up with "Iron Man 2". It seems geared for a night with kids of all ages that could include a blanket, picnic, etc.

Regarding the times, Boston Harbor Hotel can start a little earlier thanks to geography and architecture. You're looking at start times between 8pm and 8:25pm.

There is space to sit and see the screen at the BHH even if you're not dining/drinking, and it's kinda cool to sit on the waterfront. I prefer the Hatch Shell's wide open space, although you could end up far back if you don't get there early.

(Umm, like every event that happens at the Hatch Shell...)

FRI 6/17

9pm
Paul Collins Beat, Muck & The Mires, Watts, The Dirty Shames
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

For lovers of power-pop, garage-rock and the area between the two; it doesn't get much better than this gig.

There's the Paul Collins Beat who were part of the LA scene in '70s/'80s. (If that means anything to you, Paul Collins was originally in a band with Peter Case of The Plimsouls.)

It's not much of an exaggeration to say Muck & The Mires are the best garage-rock band in the country. Little Steven had a national competition a few years back, and they won. They truly kick ass in what sounds like a Merseybeat band that love The Ramones.

Yes, Watts and The Dirty Shames also rock.

FRI 6/17

9pm
St Helena, The Future Everybody, Muy Cansado, Parlour Bells
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

I especially dig St. Helena and Muy Cansado (who are in the middle of playing every Friday in June at the Rosebud) -- however there is going to be a complementary variety of catchy, rockish song-oriented music from top to bottom.

If you haven't been to the bar behind the dining car, get yourself hip to one of the hidden bars in Davis Square that is less of a secret everyday.

FRI 6/17

9:30pm
Mascara, A Bit Much, The New Highway Hymnal, Lion Cub
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$7 / 21+

Well, you're not going to be disappointed by Chris Mascara and his power trio as they rip through clever, twisted glammy-garagey material. These guys know how to play and put on a show.

They might be the closers with a set of bands that go in various directions like progressive rock, semi-psychedelic, and indie-pop.