SAT 7/30: Bits o' Cheap

As you saw on the calendar, I really think the Shakespeare on the Common is a great way to spend a night outside. You could head up to Lowell for the Folk Festival (try to check out Debo Band). Or Girls Guns & Glory is doing it up with twang at Lizard Lounge tonight as well; it could be $12 but worth it.

- or -

Celebrate Australia Day (about half past the actual date) with female rugby players (2pm) at a downtown bar with a patio ($10 probably for fundraising).

Union Square will be full of arts/crafts stuff (3pm to 7pm) and live music by One Happy Island and The Weisstronauts at some point.

There is a Latin Music concert (7pm to 9pm) at Boston City Hall headlined by merengue queen Milly Quezada with Ritmo Masacote opening.

The reason people offer free food is for people to enjoy it. Like the Asian Street Food Festival (7:30pm to 10pm) in the courtyard of the Sidney Pacific building at MIT. Hey, it's free...

If you want to rock, your best choice is Township (11:30pm), Black Thai (10:30pm), and Viva Viva (9:30pm) at Precinct ($10).

Friday Cheaply Briefly

Well traveling and preparing for my brother's wedding has been time-consuming. I might have some time to post more later tonight.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

WED 7/27: Museum, Talk, Music, Shakespeare

By the way, there is a lecture at the Coolidge Corner Theatre tonight at 7pm. It's called "Buddhism and Science" by a British psychologist and a Buddhist. The suggested donation is $10.

(Wish me luck with the next couple days of bloggin while I'm travelin'...

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WED 7/27

5pm to 8pm
Summer Nights at the Museum: "Hogwarts at HMNH"
at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
$4.50

Maybe if I paid attention to Harry Potter, I understand why museums like HMNH and Museum of Science (exhibit last year?) try to tie these stories to the real world -- other than attracting young people.

They say:

...find the real specimens that inspired magical objects in the Harry Potter books. Come dressed as your favorite magical character or creature, and discover how the fictional potions, wands and magical creatures have an origin in the natural world.

Harvard's Museum of Natural History is already one of those weird places that I encourage people to visit for more than the glass flowers. There's another half-off admission evening sessions on WED 8/24.

WED 7/27

6pm
Ethan Daniels, "Under Cape Cod Waters": Author Talk
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Add another level of appreciation for the beauty of the Cape by going under the surface of the water.

It looks like Ethan Daniels has put together a lovely book on the aquatic life around the geographic arm of the Commonwealth. I suspect there will be a slideshow tonight.

WED 7/27

7pm to 10pm
St. Joseph's Unity Festival
at Paul Revere Mall, about 400 Hanover St, Boston (North End)
FREE
Klezmer, Irish, and Chinese -- oh, my! Although it's not on the Saint Joseph Society website, I'm willing to bet that there will be some music on the Prado tonight before this weekend's St. Joseph feast.

The Klezwoods and Devri Band have stated they're playing, and more diversity like Chinese music is expected.

WED 7/27 (thru SUN 8/14)

Various Times
"All's Well That Ends Well"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE

Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm

I've said it before, I'll say it again: Shakespeare on the Common is one of the best cheap thrills every year. Let a professional production of Shakespeare's wit and verse entertain you for a couple hours.

Just as a glimpse of this year's play: It's a comedy about girl loves boy, chases him to Paris, weds against his will, follows him to Florence, tricks him into bed, and -- after more confusion -- they live happily ever after.

Hey, get culture and fun rolled into one...

WED 7/27

9:30pm
The Gay Blades, Cold Fronts, Worried Well, Yale MA
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

The last time that NYC's The Gay Blades were in town, I was totally impressed with this guitar-drums duo for being so loud 'n hooky. As they thrash around, I want to lash along.

There are any slouches on the bill with loads on modern indie-rock with bits of electro here and there.

WED 7/27

9:30pm
The Diamond Mines, Night Manager, Naga Gaga
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 (or FREE?) / 21+

I'm not sure if it's actually free, but The Diamond Mines say it is. There's no reason to make it up, because $5 is still a pretty good deal for such a kick-ass rock band. The saxophone is gone from earlier days, but they're still swinging in a punky, powerpop kind of way.

Jeez, I really want to predict that Night Manager is going to take the music blogosphere by storm and will be giant darlings of noisy garage-pop. But I won't do that -- I'll just say that they're pretty darn cool, and I dig 'em. I like Naga Gaga too.

You Ask, I Answer: Bingo?

This is an easy one.

Jessica "asked":

Quick question -- have you been to Rock N Roll Bingo at Bella Luna/Milky Way?

Is it fun?

No, I haven't.

But I did enjoy my bingo when I went to the same game (i.e. same people) at the Model Cafe.

Isn't the secret that you don't have to be old to enjoy bingo?

It's another way to compete with others in the room -- without having to know the longest-running sitcom or being able to hit a double-bullseye.

It's been a while since I've listed it on the front page, but I leave it on the calendar as a regular thing on the last Wednesday of the month.

Before the Milky Way moved, there was another regular bingo night. So JP folks might have an inclination for inkspotting numbers as quickly as possible.

I suspect people are still having fun, and a few people are still winning prizes (like free drinks).

There might even be free cupcakes every now and then...

TUES 7/26: Music, Shakespeare, Drawing

Darn, this list was close to being an all-Orange Line night.

Besides my preferred route to Franklin Park, Club Cafe is close to the Back Bay Station. It's not exactly around the corner from the Mass Ave station, but I guess it's only a couple blocks to O'Day Park.

FYI: Print the coupon below, and there's a free order of fried green beans waiting for you at TGI Friday's. It may not be healthy, but there is something that's usually nutritious in the middle...

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TUES 7/26

6pm
Zili Misik
at Elma Lewis Playhouse, 143 Seaver St, Dorchester (Playstead/Franklin Park)
FREE

There is nothing wrong with Zili Misik and their multi-cultural sonic blend of African, Latin, reggae, etc. However for a certain span it seemed like they were at every outdoor festival that I went, so I've had my fill of there earnest lyrics heavy on social justice.

Still it's full of strong rhythms, and this feels like warm/sunny weather music. And there's other Tuesday entertainment in the park for a few more weeks.

The Franklin Park people suggest the #22/28/29 buses, but I like taking the Orange Line to Green Street and walking into the park from the other side.

TUES 7/26

6pm
"Shakespeare On Love"
at O'Day Park, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

One of the best perennial cheap thrills in town has to be "Shakespeare on the Common" every summer since 1996.

Their production of "All's Well That Ends Well" begins tomorrow night (through SUN 8/14, except Mondays).

If you don't want to sit through one story for 2 hours and 45 minutes, another 55 minute option is available from the the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's Summer Academy Apprenticeship performs a mix of Shakespeare sonnets and scenes on the theme of love.

It's like short attention span Shakespeare. This troupe hits a couple more parks in the next 2 weeks.

TUES 7/26

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Dr. Sketchy Boston: Evening Sessionat Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
$8

Models: Brandy Wine & Amy Macabre

From first-timers to professionals, all are welcome to have some art fun with no one to tell you what to do. If there's an art class that's cheaper, they won't have burlesque dancers as models. As they say:

We start with short poses to get you warmed up and then move on to longer and longer poses, but that's about where the traditional life drawing session stops...

Just bring something to draw on and enjoy a judgement-free session. Yeah, there's a bar in the other room. And, yeah, you can tip the models.

7/25 & 7/26: Free Green Bean Fries at TGIF's

Various Times
Crispy Green Bean Fries
at participating T.G.I. Friday's
FREE w/ Coupon

When you think football, think chowing down Green Bean Fries at T.G.I. Friday's on a Sunday afternoon? Maybe.

Maybe more so now that you can get a free order today and tomorrow in celebration of the impending NFL season.

There are a few nearby locations such as: Brigham Circle, Everett, Braintree, Dedham, Danvers, Framingham, Norwood, and Stoughton. (I assume all stores in Patriots Country will be "participating locations".)

As you can see on the coupon, it's a "dine-in" offer only. Still, it's probably a $7 to $10 appetizer, so grab a beer and enjoy!

MON 7/25: Games, Music, Talk

If you're going to be around Davis Square tonight, you might as well go to Kickass Cupcakes's Cupcake Cocktail Hour from 5pm to 8pm. Enjoy free tastings of mini-cupcakes that happens on the last Monday of the month. Tonight's flavors are inspired by tiki bar drinks...

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MON 7/25

6:30pm to 11pm
Rockathlon: Trials #2
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Hayley Jane & the Primates, Roots of Creation, ElecSonic

I swung by last week, and I don't expect it to start on time. Roadies and musicians seek glory in categories such as:

-- Roadie Cup: Fastest String Change & Tuning * 50' Cable Wrap * Two-Minute Speed Shine
-- Headliners: Epic Performance * Ultimate Pick Toss
-- Encore: T-shirt Make-Off * Stage Dance

My understanding is that competitors have already been chosen except the crowd may get nivoved in the "Encore" events.

There is a cash bar and all the free Vitamin Water you can drink.

MON 7/25

7pm to 9:30pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub: Elegy For A Spaceplane: 30 Years of Space Shuttles
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Feat: Jonathan McDowell

Perhaps not so much skeptical but an open-minded(?) presentation will be given about the history of the Space Shuttle program and other spaceplanes as well as discussion about the future of manned spaceflight.

MON 7/25

8pm to 10pm
The Big Quiz Thing
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The Cheap Thrills team won't be able to make it this month to see if we could improve upon our tie for 2nd place.

It is probably the most entertaining pub-trivia game I've seen.

MON 7/25

The White Owls (8pm), The Gilded Splinters (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Dennis Brennan leads the White Owls through a bluesy set or two. Stick around for Stone-sy Americana from The Gilded Splinters.

MON 7/25

10pm
Columboid, Mattress, Biographers
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Columboid from NYC and Mattress from Portland (the other one) make unsettling but interesting music. Biographers mix up the electro with some acoustic sounds.

SUN 7/24: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Does it feel cooler with Kingsley Flood and some bears running around Cambridge (and Malden) in the snow... Great song, great video!

SAT 7/23: Night Cheapness

Egads, as they used to say. Sunday stuff is on the calendar.

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SAT 7/23

9pm
Mrs Danvers, Mitten, Lydia Fischer Band, DJ LeahV
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 21+

Besides the music, Mer+ge Apparel is having a 'fashion show' who seem to mainly do t-shirts. Personally I think Mrs Danvers is brilliant with some well-crafted powerpop. Synthy pop duo Mitten from Brooklyn got a good sound. After the live music, there will be dancing and maybe a few ladies dancing with ladies.

SAT 7/23

9:30pm
Lovewhip & the Whipettes, Bonfire Bandit, The IOA
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

It's good night to go out and dance. Either here or the Cantab, bands are going to have a better than good chance at getting people to move. The very funky Lovewhip will also have assistance from The Whippettes who will be backup dancing.

Things get warmed up with Bonfire Bandit's electro-rock, and The IOA are a charmingly trippy/tribal ever-changing group. So it's a good time.

SAT 7/23

9:30pm
William Elliott Whitmore, Laura Stevenson, Mark Lind
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

For the people in the mood for singer/songwriter types, you'll want to hear William Elliott Whitmore. He looks like a rather average white dude then the voice of a weathered, old black guy comes out when he sings. Laura Stevenson is performing without her usual band, and he songs will still be pretty damn cool. After punk youth with The Ducky Boys, Mark Lind has brought down the volume significantly.

SAT 7/23

10pm
Fredericks Brown, Bella Kalolo
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Although I sometimes whinge about the Beehive's slightly expensive drinks, it is A) in the South End and B) they give Bostonians a chance to hear Fredericks Brown for free.

One day you might have to pay bucks to see them at a large theater and will kick yourself for not grooving to their funky-soulful goodness all these times. As a partly New Zealand band, they're bringing another soulful kiwi Bella Kalolo and her band along.

SAT 7/23: Daytime Cheapness

Am I crazy or was the rain a welcome respite?

Definitely wild weather!

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SAT 7/23

10am to 6pm
Allston DIY Fest
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
FREE

Isn't Allston wonderfully creative, funky, and low-rent? It doesn't get much better than free, and this is free on top of free on top of free.

Hours of bands playing with and without electricity. They're not even paying for the juice because bicycle-powered generators do the trick.

People are sharing knowledge in sessions like "Fix-A-Flat", "Poi & Hooping", "Self Defense Training", "Alternative Menstrual/Contraceptive Products", and "Make Your Own Sauerkraut". (Jeez, I hope the last two are led by different people.) The schedule is on the DIY Fest Facebook page.

There was a "Really Really Free Market" event a couple years ago, and it's happening again where anyone can bring stuff and/or take stuff home.

Bike Generator Stage:

Noon -- GG Noise
12:15pm -- Eatin'
12:30pm -- The Many Peoples Band
12:45pm -- Deafbabe
1pm -- Scouter
1:20pm -- Hyena
1:40pm -- Secret Jones
2pm -- Melodeego
2:20pm -- Arvid Noe
2:40pm -- Chris North Dream Quartet
3pm -- Brunt of It
3:20pm -- New Highway Hymnal
3:40pm -- Fat History Month
4pm -- Doomstar!

Acoustic Hang:

11am -- Christa Gniadek
11:30am -- Dandy & Andrew
Noon -- Susanna Kavee
12:30pm -- Tayla Roberge
1pm -- Reeling Kites
1:30pm -- Heather Foxwell
2pm -- Sonny Jim
2:30pm -- ** Open Jam **
3pm -- Little Liars
3:30pm -- Deezy and the Brobots
4pm -- Wounded Knees
5pm -- The Hogstompers
5:30pm -- Mornin' Old Sport

Yeah, the bands I recognize are playing towards the end on both stages. I suspect there will be a lot of good sounds throughout.

Artists will be doing their thing too, and I bet there will be stuff to buy. (Hey, people gotta eat.) Records and 'zines, etc too.

It's a park and a DIY fest, so feel free to do something creative or constructive along with everyone else. Or just soak it in...

SAT 7/23 (and SUN 7/24)

Various Times
"BeanTown BreakDown"
at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
$10 each day

Saturday -- 11am to 5pm
Sunday -- Noon to 9pm

When I was a kid, I remember corny movies that showcased breakdancing. Of course it was awesome, and we all tried to figure out how to do it.

These are the people that gave it the practice and dedication to be frigid' awesome. The prize money probably helps as well.

SAT 7/23 (and SUN 7/24)

Various Times
Puerto Rican Festival & Parade
at Playstead Park, Franklin Park, 143 Seaver St, Dorchester
FREE

Friday -- 5pm to 11pm
Saturday -- Noon to 11pm
Sunday -- Noon to 3pm

Have you ever said to yourself, "I don't see enough Puerto Rican flags." Maybe like the single star or the fewer stripes.

You can enjoy some carnival rides and a bunch of food stands all weekend, and the parade happens on Sunday from Madison Park High School to the park. Of course there will be live performances.

Hang out in the park and imagine you're visiting the future 51st state…

SAT 7/23

7pm
Eddie Money, Marty Balin
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

At these oldies shows, they usually seem to get a covers/tribute band to open. You have to think Eddie Money is going to deliver his hits like “Two Tickets To Paradise”, “Take Me Home Tonight”, “Baby Hold On” -- but now you've got ex-Jefferson Starship singer Marty Balin opening.

He seems like the guy who will play a bunch of new songs that no one wants to hear, but I'd to think he'll do "Miracles" too.

Hot Boston -- Holy Crap!

I wasn't planning to mention my "Stay Cool" post again, but I was shocked to see the temperature.

If the power is on at home, expect more weekend cheapness later.

FRI 7/22: Free Stuff, Comedy, Music

Some good stuff hapening tonight. Hopefully this heat wave will pass soon!

Stay cool, friends!

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FRI 7/22

Various Times
"Free Fun Fridays"
at Various Locations
FREE

Today: Franklin Park Zoo (Dorchester), The Sports Museum (TD Garden), Peabody Essex Museum (Salem), Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge)

The "Free Fun Fridays" program has expanded this year to include several locations around the Commonwealth every week through FRI 8/26.

I have mixed feelings about the zoo. Yes, it's wonderful to gain first-hand observations about animals that aren't seen in normal urban settings. On the other hand, it is a bummer that we keep these animals incarcerated.

If you're near the Green Line or Orange Line, you could stop at North Station to visit the Sports Museum and check out the Boston sports memorabilia.

FRI 7/22 to SUN 7/24

Various Times
Puerto Rican Festival & Parade
at Playstead Park, Franklin Park, 143 Seaver St, Dorchester
FREE

Friday -- 5pm to 11pm
Saturday -- Noon to 11pm
Sunday -- Noon to 3pm

Whether or not you goo to the zoo today, the Puerto Rican Festival is happening right behind it this weekend. You can enjoy some carnival rides and a bunch of food stands all weekend, and the parade happens on Sunday from Madison Park High School to the festival.

FRI 7/22

5pm to 11pm
Beantown Breakdown Pre-Party
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway)
FREE w/ RSVP / 17+

I'm not sure if you can get in, because people are supposed to email CrazyFreddy with their "full real name ASAP" to get on the guest list. They say 2-vs-2 battles start at 7pm sharp, and about 21 teams will compete.

You can still try -- if you want to see some breakdancing prior to this weekend's Beantown Breakdown. Maybe join in during the cipher.

I was a little late to notice the Vitamin Water events at the Fourth Wall Project, but there are still a few things happening, and they have a decent set-up with coolers of free Vitamin Water, a foosball table, a display of various Ray Allen shoes, and a cash bar.

FRI 7/22

7:30pm to 9:30pm
"The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5

Feat: Matt Kona, Dave McDonough, Alana Eisner, Peter Bowers, Theresa Condito, Dave Boz, Laura Clark, Andy Haynes, Steve Cronin

I didn't notice a 2-for-1 ad in the current free weeklies (as I mentioned a couple months ago). Still I think it's not a big cover charge, and you can stick around and dance with The Pill at 10pm.

There's quite a few funny people tonight, and Rob Crean hosts. (Not to suggest Rob isn't funny.)

FRI 7/22

8:30pm
Free Friday Flicks: "Despicable Me"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

If there's nothing else you were going to do besides being your apartment, you could watch a film at the Hatch Shell...

FRI 7/22

9pm
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Parlour Bells, Merrily James
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

If you go, you should wish Glenn of Parlour Bells a happy birthday and/or buy him a drink. He may be the most warm & cuddly guy I've net, but I've enjoyed talking to him on a couple occasions.

Both Parlour Bells and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling make some intriguing, artful music. I tend to prefer DNFOMD's raw 'n punky energy to the Bells' dramatic pop.

If you didn't see the perfect "Prisoner" tribute in DNFOMD's first video, you should! (I posted it last month.) It will whet your appetite to see the premiere of their video for "First We Take Manhattan" tonight.

Recent Berklee grad Merrily James will probably open with her beautiful voice and a guitar, and she doesn't need anything else.

FRI 7/22 (and SAT 7/23)

10pm
Fredericks Brown, Bella Kalolo
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Although I sometimes whinge about the Beehive's slightly expensive drinks, it is A) in the South End and B) they give Bostonians a chance to hear Fredericks Brown for free.

One day you might have to pay bucks to see them at a large theater and will kick yourself for not grooving to their funky-soulful goodness all these times. As a partly New Zealand band, they're bringing another soulful kiwi Bella Kalolo and her band along.

THUR 7/21: Film, Museum, Music, Comedy

If you're interested in the German arts and classical music scene -- or want to peek in -- there's a reception & concert with artist/pianist Peter Dopatka at Goethe-Institut Boston (Back Bay) on TUES 7/26, but you need to RSVP by today at this email (I think).

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THUR 7/21

11am, 6pm
Double Feature: "The Godfather" & "The Godfather, Part 2"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75 / $7.75 student / $6.75 senior

Dude, the first 2 Godfather films... That's six hours of some of the best cinema for one low price. (And they serve beer now.)

THUR 7/21

5pm to 8pm
Neighborhood Nights: "Summer Sensation"
at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

The Gardner is a wonderful and peculiar landmark that I've always enjoyed thoroughly on every visit. Just like Isabella did when she was alive, the museum is opening the doors on a few summer nights for the community to enjoy the collection. (Tell them I sent you, if they ask...)

Go tonight or THUR 8/4.

THUR 7/21

Duppy Conquerors (6pm), Monkeyhouse (5:15pm)
at Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center Courtyard, 41 Second St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

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

7pm to 9pm
Cincoson
at O'Day Park, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

More al fresco music choices:

Jeez, there's going to be an outdoor dance performance before a reggae band? That's going be an admirable performance in East Cambridge by Monkeyhouse and Duppy Conquerors. There are plenty of steps for seating.

The ICA offers a similar seating program for tonight's jazz trio Sons of Daughters as part of the summer music series. When you feel like going inside, it's free on Thursday nights.

When you think about it, salsa music might feel more authentic when it's hot and humid. These guys are the real thing, and now it's time to listen and dance as part of Tito Puente Latin Music Series.

THUR 7/21

8pm
Harold Night Tournament
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / $7 with student ID

For the next 3 weeks, ImprovBoston's Harold Night is holding a 'tournament' where 2 teams will compete tonight and next Thursday where the winners go head-to-head on the following Thursday.

If you've seen improv comedy before, you might be familiar with the Harold format. There's several performances every Thursday, but people get more excited when there's competition.

Four teams make a small bracket, but your guess is as good as anyone else...

THUR 7/21

JJ & Thee Cuban Heels (11pm), The Weisstronauts (10pm), Baby Ray (9:15pm), Hillbilly Holiday (8:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

If you want to hear great rock 'n roll, just look for JJ Rassler. Through an assortment of great bands (DMZ, Queers, Downbeat 5, etc), he never fails to make great music and Thee Cuban Heels are no exception. Not exactly punky as other outfits, but there's still a ferocity.

Besides some cool instrumental rock from The Weisstronauts, most of Hillbilly Holiday played in the tunefully clever rock band Baby Ray, so that band is getting back together for a one-off(?) reunion set. Good stuff!

THUR 7/21

9:30pm
Howlies, Pray For Polanski, Bearstronaut, Beat Surrender
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

There are some Canadian indie-rockers with a couple good local bands at Great Scott, yet I really enjoyed the powerpop of Chicago's Howlies. Pray For Polanski are celebrating their album release, and their twangy indie-rock is pretty awesome in my book. (They're also at PA's Lounge on Friday.)

Kudos to Beat Surrender for naming themselves after a Jam song, and you can hear the influence.

Stay Cool (Cheaply)

Since it's getting pretty damn hot, I thought I'd offer a couple ideas to stay cool without running the air conditioner.

If you have any ideas, leave a comment and I'll probably add it to the list.

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1) Go to the Library

There are lots of books, and you don't have to buy anything. Did you know about free Wi-Fi at Boston Public and Minuteman libraries?

2) Go for a Dip

Is it going to be the most relaxing experience? No, but there are more free swimming pools than you might think. And some are open until 9pm.

On the City of Boston heat advisory page, there's various information including a PDF that lists locations in: North End, South End, Southie, Eastie, Chinatown, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, West Roxbury, and Roslindale.

The Mass DCR site has more locations in Brighton, Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown. I could even go farther and mention spots from Chelsea to Worcester (although some are wading pools).

Heck, I don't have a problem jumping into one of the fountains like those on the Greenway, Copley Square, or even Christian Science Plaza (not the pool). Personally, there's too many kids at the Frog Pond.

3) Cold Wet Towel

It's an oldie but a goodie, and it works well enough. Better than ice cubes in your underwear...

WED 7/20: Museum, Music, Science, Comedy

There quite a bit of outdoor music happening tonight (and tomorrow). It may be hot, but that's why trees provide shade...

Maybe a trip on the Blue Line for fried clams and relatively intact sand sculptures on Revere Beach sounds appealing...

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WED 7/20

5pm to 8pm
"Summer Evenings"
at Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord
FREE

If one feels like taking a drive up Route 2, I get the feeling that this is a pleasant visit with American history that is better when it's free.

I've heard the Concord Museum pieces owned by Emerson and Thoreau as well as one of the lanterns that Paul Revere saw in the Old North Church steeple...

You can get in free on the evening of 8/17 also.

WED 7/20

6:30pm
PanNeubean Steel Band
at Titus Sparrow Park, 200 W. Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Part 1 of "Sit in a park and chill to some music":

It could be hot and humid enough to feel like being on a Caribbean island. Close your eyes and be transported by the steel drums and some imagination (and/or the substance of your choice).

Isn't summer ideal for reggae, calypso, soca, etc? It's just off of Columbus Ave between Dartmouth & Mass Ave.

WED 7/20

Women of the World (7pm), Vaughnette (6pm)
at Mother's Rest Playground, about 34 Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Part 2 of "Sit in a park and chill to some music":

The Women of the World take their backgrounds and heap on other international influences for a rather vibrantly jazzy melange with lots of deep harmonies.

When listening to Vaughnette, there are moments when she really shines. Other times it's still good, funky vocal jazz that wouldn't bother me while I was sitting in the grass and soaking in the sun.

WED 7/20

7pm
Landmarks Orchestra, "Tchaikovsky Spectacular"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Program:

Tchaikovsky, "Concerto for Violin in D major, op. 35"
Tchaikovsky, "Symphony No. 4 in F minor, op. 36"
Kevin Kim, "Soaring Over the Vast Expanse" (World Premiere)

Part 3 of "Sit in a park and chill to some music":

It's something like Independence Day on the Esplanade, except that the Boston Pops won't be there and they're not playing the 1812 Overture.

I'm guessing at least some of the Landmarks Orchestra play or have played with the Pops, and two other significant Tchaikovsky works will be played along with the premiere of a piece by a New England Conservatory student.

I initially saw this subtitled as a "Tribute to Charles Ansbacher", the orchestra's founding conductor who died last year.

WED 7/20

8pm
Don Kurtz, "The Real Music of the Spheres": Observatory Night
at Phillips Auditorium, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Porter Sq & Fresh Pond)
FREE

It's not such a crazy theory that the Universe is in the midst of a brilliant symphony. Maybe the ancient science wasn't perfect, but there is something to be said about the concepts.

Prof. Don Kurtz seems to be kind of a big deal in astronomy/astrophysics, but these monthly observatory night lectures are meant to be understood by lay people.

Yes, you will hear something that can be described as the 'sound of stars'. Kinda cool. Might even be cool to look at some stars on the roof afterwards.

WED 7/20

9pm
Walter vs. Himself presents: StoryLiar
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Lillian DeVane, Ken Reid, Ted Pettingell, Laura Crawford, Langston Kerman, Shea Spillane, Will Noonan, Guitler Raphael, Rob Crean, more

So a bunch of comedians walk into a bar and start telling stories and one of them is lying. This is not the beginning of a joke but the premise. It's not necessarily stand-up comedy, but there is bound to be some funny stories.

The game you can play with friends and others in the audience is figuring out who is lying.

WED 7/20

9:30pm
Naga Gaga (11:30pm), Thick Shakes (10:30pm), The Magic People (9:30pm)
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

If you go to a show where the Thick Shakes are playing, chances are good that you're going to walk away satisfied. They have the intangible factor that raises their turbulent garage-rock goodness a notch above many other bands that play in a similar vein.

I've listened to Naga Gaga a couple times so far, and I'm not sure if I like any of their songs yet. I really like parts of songs, but they usually seem to veer back and forth between artful noise and what sounds like unintentional sloppiness. I think I like it overall, but am not convinced yet.

A band that has grown on me is Magic People -- or maybe I had them confused with some other band. Upon re-listening, I found this guitar-less group to be brash and quirky in a good way.

TUES 7/19: Shakespeare, Grains, Dylan

If you want to grab a free drink or two on Wednesday at Splash Ultra Lounge near Chinatown, you might still be able to RSVP for another Stuff Boston's "Year of Party" things.

I assume biking geeks know about the "bike-in movie" event at the Papercut Zine Library deep in Somerville.

And it's a good night to be in Jamaica Plain (below).

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TUES 7/19

6pm
"Shakespeare On Love"
at Art Park/South Street Mall & Courts, about 54 South St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

One of the best perennial cheap thrills in town has to be "Shakespeare on the Common" every summer since 1996.

In association with the professional production of "All's Well That Ends Well" from WED 7/27 to SUN 8/14, students from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's Summer Academy Apprenticeship are going to different parks and performing a compilation of Shakespeare sonnets and scenes on the theme of love.

I'm not sure how much performance space they have at this location, but the organizers know better than me.

TUES 7/19

7pm
Maria Speck, "Ancient Grains for Modern Meals"
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

Cooking with stuff like quinoa doesn't have to be intimidating. Maria speck might even be able to share some ideas to make it tasty...

TUES 7/19

9pm
"If Not For You - A Tribute to Bob Dylan": Benefit for JP Music Fest
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$7

Performers include: Rick Berlin, Jeffrey Chasse, Adam Aslan, Heather Foxwell, David Wildman, Cloud Factory

If the schedule I got my hands on is correct, more than 20 performers are going to take turns and perform a little less than 50 Dylan tunes from classics to well-loved deep tracks -- so I assume they plan to start on time.

Help the JP community pay for August's Music Fest.

MON 7/18: Film & Rock

Yes, I'm disappointed with my blogging over the weekend. I won't apologize though.

Expect short posts this week to prevent it from happening this week.

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MON 7/18 (and TUES 7/19)

Various Times
Double Feature: "The Birds" (2:30pm), "Psycho" (5pm)
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75 / $7.75 student / $6.75 senior

Tuesday schedule:

"The Birds" (2:45pm, 7:15pm)
"Psycho" (5:15pm, 9:45pm)

Why do people go to the movies in the summer? Some media folks were discussing this question recently, and no one mentioned the comfort of a cool theater. There are few homes that can chill the viewer like any movie house.

As many times as I've seen these films, I'd consider a 4-hour break from the heat. There is another Civil War film at the BPL, but browsing the stacks may keep you just as cool.

MON 7/18

6:30pm to 11pm
Rockathlon: Trials #2
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Julia Easterlin, Visions, Jaguar

I missed the first Rockathlon prelim last Monday, but you can get the idea tonight or try going to finals next Monday.

Roadies and musicians compete in categories such as:

-- Roadie Cup: Fastest String Change & Tuning * 50' Cable Wrap * Two-Minute Speed Shine
-- Headliners: Epic Performance * Ultimate Pick Toss
-- Encore: T-shirt Make-Off * Stage Dance

My understanding is that competitors have already been chosen except the crowd may get nivoved in the "Encore" events.

There will also be performances by the fantastic, loop-y songstress Julia Easterlin, alt-country Visions, and hip-hopper Jaguar.

From what I can guess including Facebook pix, it's 21+ because there may be some 'free refreshments'.

On the bright side, none of the Japanese women's soccer team is competing tonight...

MON 7/18

Hallelujah The Hills (11pm), The Poison Control Center (10pm), Red Quiet (9pm), Snow What (8pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 18+

There aren't enough rock bands like The Poison Control Center. On stage his Midwest band pretty much lose their minds by jumping around and standing on their heads while pounding out some delightfully skewed indie-pop.

When it comes to the nexus of noisy and melodic, our local Hallelujah The Hills danced around that intersection with excellent results. In that I still love "Collective Psychosis Begone" more than their subsequent recordings, I accept that they've grown and I'm living in the past.

MON 7/18

9:30pm
The FU's, Lenny Lashley's Gang Of One
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

Wow! Direct from the original Boston hardcore scene, The FU's are playing at Charlie's Kitchen. This is a sign to me that people really love these Monday night shows. They played a couple reunion gigs last year, and it looks like a handful of shows are happening this year.

If that isn't enough for you, Darkbuster frontman Lenny Lashley's current project is something similar to his former "down-homey" side-project, Lenny & the Piss Poor boys. Even alone with an acoustic guitar, whatever he does feels like punk.

SUN 7/17: Sunday Night On-Topic Video

Ah, I hope everyone had a good weekend.

In case you didn't go to ArtBeat or the New England Sand Sculpting Festival or Festival Betances, 2 out of the three videos below were filmed in the past two days.

Saturday Skeleton

Is it annoying when put the calendar on the front page when I may not be timely?

FRI 7/15: Festivals, Shakespeare, Film, Music

Hey, folks. This is the festival triangle weekend. From Somerille's ArtBeat to Festival Betances in South End to the annual Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach, there's a lot of outdoor amusement.

There's Saturday cheapness on the calendar, btw.

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FRI 7/15

Various Times
"Free Fun Fridays"
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
at Garden In The Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd, Framingham
FREE

ALSO:
at The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St, Acton
at Higgins Armory Museum, 100 Barber Ave #11, Worcester

I'm not sure I'd want to go to the Museum of Science on a summer Friday even if it wasn't free. Hey, it might not be a bad idea if you have to occupy a young person...

The Garden In The Woods has intrigued me over the years. It might be a pleasant way to spend a couple hours without paying the usual $10 (or less) admission.

FRI 7/15 (to SUN 7/17)

Various Times
Annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival
at Revere Beach, Revere (closer to the Revere Beach T)
FREE

At this point, I suspect the 14 sculptors have made substantial progress to their projects.

In the past, their creations can still be seen (in some condition) for a few weeks, but there's some kind of entertainment nearby this weekend including fireworks on Saturday night.

To make it worth my while, I need to make this ride to Revere for a trip to Kelly's besides a walk on the beach.

FRI 7/15

6pm
"Shakespeare On Love"
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

One of the best perennial cheap thrills in town has to be "Shakespeare on the Common" every summer since 1996.

In association with the professional production of "All's Well That Ends Well" from WED 7/27 to SUN 8/14, students from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's Summer Academy Apprenticeship are going to different parks and performing a compilation of Shakespeare sonnets and scenes on the theme of love.

FRI 7/15 (to SUN 7/17)

Various Times
Festival Betances
around Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Friday Schedule:

6pm -- Opening Procession
6:30pm -- Family Day
7pm -- "Noche de Bohemia" with Gilberto Rivera and Rumba 4

Saturday -- 2:30pm to 9pm
Sunday -- 1pm to 8pm

What started as a Puerto Rican festival has transformed into something generally Latin American, which is cool.

It looks like tonight's program includes family-friendly activities and some more traditional music (compared to many acts on the following days that'll include reggaeton, hip-hop, etc).

My highlights include the greased pole competition (Sunday, 1pm) and the food...

FRI 7/15 (and SAT 7/16)

Various Times
ArtBeat Festival 2011: "Red"
all around Davis Square, Somerville
$3 donation suggested

Friday Schedule at Seven Hills Park (behind Somerville Theatre):

6pm -- Jef Czekaj, "Cat Secrets"
6:30pm -- Sam Reid & The Riot Act
7:30pm -- Atlas Soul
9pm -- Mean Creek

It's one of those weekends when Davis Square gets cooler and hipper than usual. It's going to be a beautiful night to hang out on the lawn behind the T station and hear some great music culminating with Mean Creek. Even Jef Czekaj's reading of his kids' book probably won't be boring since he's a Big Digits guy.

The traffic stops on Saturday for more music and more art and vendors (although you can see a fire sculpture tonight).

Yeah, you don't have to donate $3 but you get a dog-tag to show you're a patron of the arts...

FRI 7/15

8:30pm-ish
Free Friday Flicks: "Megamind"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Set your expectations low, and you might have a good time.

FRI 7/15

8:30pm
Wolf's Annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Feat: Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints, Ad Frank, Jed Parish, Holly Brewer, Mick Mondo

As a companion to the annual Mardis Gras shows, Shaun "Wolf" Wortis and his cohorts celebrate French independence as they might in New Orleans -- with a big, old-time R&B show with a bunch of guest singers.

The horns may even expand with soul mavens Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints -- not to mention Humanwine's Holly Brewer and Boston Rock Opera's Mick Mondo. It should be a fun night to jump and dance.

FRI 7/15

9:30pm
Full Body Anchor, The Acro-Brats, Cradle To The Grave, The Scandals
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

Yeah, there was an awesome, stacked rock show last night. It's Boston, so there's going to be a few good shows on a Friday too. Beside 3 top-notch punk bands who have different approaches to keep things interesting, you should check out Full Body Anchor. It's heavy and pummeling that comes from a '90s alt-rock direction that's really interesting, and the band is rather compelling to watch as well. Good stuff!

Free MP3: Billy Bragg, "Never Buy The Sun"

While you're waiting for Friday & Saturday cheapness, I'll share a link for my song of the week.

I've loved Billy Bragg from the first Cockney yelp that landed on my ear. And gotta love public radio for turning me on to his new anti-tabloid song in the wake of the News of the World scandal.

Short version: Many people from Liverpool (aka "scousers" in the song) protest the related Sun paper for their disgusting -- and false -- reporting about a soccer tragedy in 1989.

A little celebrity news here and there won't kill you, but listening to song reminded me that we're supporting whatever they do by reading/watching.

I'm just sayin'...

THUR 7/14: Lantern Fest, Bastille Day, Photo, Book, Music

On such a beautiful day, anywhere outside is a good idea. There are a couple options where you'll get more than the view.

I guess the sand sculptiors of the annual Festival may have started yesterday, but I think I'd wait another day or two before heading to Revere Beach.

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THUR 7/14

5pm
Bastille Day Celebration
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

6:30pm to 8:30pm -- The Chicken Thieves
9pm to close -- DJ Kamal

Hey, it's Bastille Day!

Raise a toast to the French while listening to the classic gypsy-jazz sound a la Django Reinhardt from The Chicken Thieves. Or go later and pretend you're descending into a French disco with DJ Kamal.

The Beehive does a good job of altering their menu for events like this -- not a cheap thrill but tasty.

THUR 7/14

5:30pm to 7:30pm
"Let's Play Ball: A baseball-themed exhibition": Opening Reception
at Panopticon Gallery, Hotel Commonwealth, 502 Comm Ave, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

Feat: David Levinthal, Arthur Griffin, Ernest Withers, Stephen Sheffield, Jim Dow, Tony King

If you don't go tonight for the reception tonight, a baseball photography exhibit might be something one could add onto a Fenway Park trip (through TUES 9/6).

I'd like to see scores of people wearing anti-Yankees shirts and clopping their flip-flops into the Hotel Commonwealth to the gallery.

THUR 7/14

6pm to 9pm
Annual Lantern Festival
at Lake Hibiscus, Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE / $10 requested donation per lantern

Feat: Grand Master Tsuji's Taiko drummers, Showa Institute & Gund Kwok dancers, Ron Murphy, The Whiskey Boys

Based on the Japanese midsummer Bon Festival, a Buddhist ritual in memory of loved ones in which lanterns represent the souls of the dead are floated out to sea and prayers are offered so that they might rest in peace.

You can send a lantern(s) floating into Lake Hibiscus at sunset in memory of loved ones. Purchase a lantern with a message in Japanese calligraphy and/or write some of your own thoughts on the shades. (In my experience, it seemed like they sell fast.)

You can watch for free too. There is a variety of music and dance from 6pm to about 8pm, including Samurai Taiko drummers, Japanese & Chinese dancers, a gospel singer, and some Irish music.

It's a beautiful sight, and I found it difficult not to feel some emotion and meditate on those who have departed.

Have I mentioned the shortcut from Forest Hills T via Tower Street lately?

PS: While not exactly nearby, you could continue hanging out in JP by heading to The Haven and check out Naga Gaga and Mr Sister.

THUR 7/14

7pm to 9pm
Ray Gonzalez
at O'Day Park, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

As part of Tito Puente Latin Music Series, the veteran Ray Gonzalez is bringing up some tasty salsa from CT where he's involved with a large Latin music program that includes a festival with his name on it.

THUR 7/14

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

Not only do I like the idea of indie-rock with a Latin-American influence, I like it in practice as well. Take a listen in the summer air and visit the galleries inside -- all for free!

And similar to the Latin music series, there is more free music on a weekly basis.

THUR 7/14

7pm
Adam Mansbach & Ricardo Cortes, "Go the F*** to Sleep": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

This has to be the best title for a children's book ever! Maybe some may not find it suitable for their kids, but I have to believe some have read this to their little brats -- I mean, precocious tykes.

The author and illustrator will both be on hand.

THUR 7/14

Taiwan Typhoon (11:50pm), The Rationales (10:50pm), Reverse (9:55pm), I Pistol (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Are you ready to rock? It's past Memorial Day and July 4th, so it's about time to get a big blast of rock in your face. (Wait, did that come out right?)

Two bands that I really dig are kicking things off. You can't go wrong with the heavy crunch that surrounds I Pistol's big melodies. Even as Reverse has changed over the years, they still got a big bag of sturdy yet agile riffage. As a bit of palate cleanser, The Rationales dish up some catchy, rootsy rock before Taiwan Typhoon rocks hard from guys who can really play and keep bringing down the hammer.

WED 7/13: Music, Talk, Comedy

Again, keeping it brief in hopes of getting the weekend stuff up sooner.

(Lots of Thursday cheapness on calendar.)

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WED 7/13

6pm to 9pm
Waitiki
at Children's Wharf Park, 300 Congress St, Boston (outside Boston Children's Museum/Fort Point)
FREE / 21+

Kids won't be welcome outside of the Children's Museum as Waitiki performs their loungey, Polynesian grooves known as exotica.

Drinks will be available including cocktails by Scott Marshall of the nearby Drink.

There are two more world-music concerts in this series for grown-ups on 8/3 ("Afro-funk/pop") and 8/17 ("Zydeco").

WED 7/13

7pm
Landmarks Orchestra, "Heavenly Mozart"
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Program: "Magic Flute Overture", "Exsultate jubilate", "Mass in C Minor"

The New World Chorale joins the orchestra for some really wonderful music.

Some guy recently said something like, "People should love The Magic Flute in the same way people love a sunset," as if it's a basic part of humanity.

WED 7/13

8pm
Summer Dance Lecture Series: James Whiteside
at Seully Hall, 4th Fl, Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

If I was interested in ballet, I'd like hear a principal dancer of Boston Ballet talk about dance and maybe ask him a question.

There's another dance talk tomorrow night too.

WED 7/13

9:30pm
Comedy at the LP
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$6

Feat: Laura Crawford, Sharkee Katz, Cam MacNeil, Sean Wilkinson, James Creelman, Will Noonan

I haven't noticed before that the Lily Pad hosts comedy on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays that intends to showcase New England and NY comics. It is really happening, because I was sent a Facebook link...

From the several names I recognize, you have a strong likelihood of laughing. They don't serve drinks, so budget some time to pound a couple pints at The Druid next door.

WED 7/13

9:30pm
Jeff Rowe, Dan Webb & The Spiders, Ghost Robot Ninja Bear, The Fake Boys
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

It's mainly a night of punk and rock with loud guitars that might end with Jeff Rowe, his acoustic guitar, and his manly folky songs.

Gotta a give Rowe some kudos for touring Russia & Ukraine last month. There's a video of him on stage over there (and it looks loke some dudes are drinking tequila? to the side).

TUES 7/12: Music, Science, Music

Keeping it brief today.

Wednesday stuff is on the calendar, and some cool stuff is happening on Thursday.

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TUES 7/12

6pm
The E-Water Band
at Elma Lewis Playhouse, 143 Seaver St, Dorchester (Playstead/Franklin Park)
FREE

A funk/dance/jazz covers band (who does weddings, etc) opens the series of Tuesday night music & movies in Franklin Park through 8/19.

Whether you take the #16 bus or walk from Forest Hills or whatever, it should be easy to see the action when you get to the open green space.

TUES 7/12

7pm to 9pm
Science by the Pint: "Engineering Life: Learning from Models"
at Tavern on the Square, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Read the event title again, because I doubt fashion models will be explaining about applying engineering to biology research.

Jim Collins and people from his BU Applied BioDynamics Lab will be there to discuss their work. If it sounds like a dry subject, these are the some of the people who are creating new drugs and energy sources.

(Bring some friends, so you won't be bored... Oh, there's a raffle at the end for a Tavern gift certificate.)

TUES 7/12

8pm
Bess Rogers, Allison Weiss, Ryan Harris Brown
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

The two Brooklynite singer-songwriters are quite good and have been growing on me. Ryan Harris Brown doesn't sound bad either.

TUES 7/12

9pm
The Wooden Birds, The Okay Win, Eldridge Rodriguez
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

The band that's passing through town is The Wooden Birds who's fronted by the main guy from American Analog Set and has been involved with Broken Social Scene. Listen closely to their folky indie-rock because they don't play very loud -- and there's plenty of good things to hear.

Eldridge Rodriguez and The Okay Win will also be somewhere in quirky/rootsy territory.

MON 7/11: Slurpees, Film, Salsa, Rock, Rap

See below for my mini-slurpee retrieval technique.

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MON 7/11

All Day Long
7.11-ounce Slurpees
at participating 7-Eleven stores
FREE

It may not actually help you BE cooler, but doesn't it make you feel that way? It works at least for a minute.

MON 7/11

6pm
Civil War Film Series: ">The Red Badge of Courage"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, >Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

I liked the book in school, but I haven't seen this 1951 John Huston film.

While the picture quality is not close to "Hi-Def", however it's never been hot and humid in the BPL's basement theater.

MON 7/11

6:15pm to 9pm
Salsa in the Park 2011
at Blackstone Community Center courtyard, 50 West Brookline St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Feat: DJ Hernan

6:15pm -- Lessons for all levels
7:15pm -- Additional lessons for beginners

This is a monthly reminder that there's free salsa dancing outside for another 6 weeks.

All are welcome, supposedly hundreds of people of all ages would come out last year...

MON 7/11

Kim Lenz & Her Jaguars (10:30pm), The Raging Teens (9:30pm), Roy Sludge (8:30pm), DJ Easy Ed (8pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

It's a sweet rockabilly night with the return of Kim Lenz after about 10 years away from the rock'n'roll lifestyle. Additionally we get one of the occasional yet still very welcome return of The Raging Teens. Get there early, and DJ Easy Ed will spin records for appropriate hopping and bopping.

MON 7/11

9:15pm
The In Out, Guinea Worms, MG Lederman
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

MG Lederman often does a solo keyboard thing anchored by his deep voice, and then things get weird and punky.

There was a Cleveland band in town last week; not Guinea Worms bring the noise from Columbus, OH.

MON 7/11

9:30pm
Mark Merren, Dutch Rebelle, Moe Pope, International Show, Lyric Jones, Mecca Cashier
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 18+

Tentative schedule:

11:30pm -- Mark Merren
11:05pm -- Dutch Rebelle
10:40pm -- Moe Pope
10:15pm -- International Show
9:50pm -- Lyric Jones
9:30pm -- Mecca Cashier

Mark Merren has a new CD called "Motivate", so this gig is titled "Motivate Monday". It's going to be a variety of local rap and hip-hop including Phoenix music poll-winning Moe Pope and singer Lyric Jones.

MON 7/11

10pm
Banditas, Life Partners, Steel Garter
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Monday night at Zuzu is usually a good spot to chill out to some cool and/or left-of-center live music. Banditas should provide the former, while Life Partners is the latter. I read that Steel Garter is a Ladies Rock Camp who will do a short set at the beginning.