SAT 9/17: Daytime Cheapness

Yes, I believe nighttime and Sunday posts are coming.

If you're in the Faneuil Hall area and you see people dressed as if they're about to run with bulls, they definitely are drinking and they might run with a bull of some sort...

Hey, Mims, I hope you're having a good weekend.

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SAT 9/17 (and SUN 9/18)

11am to 6pm
South End Open Studios
at Various Locations, many around 450 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

More than 250 artists are displaying their work, and ain't it a great weekend to walk around this neighborhood? The Fall weather is making an early visit, and the buildings are pretty cool.

There are different open studio events in the South End during the year, but one of this weekend's selling points is that every major studio building is open this weekend.

Although I didn't realize there were artist studios above the Mills Gallery, I like the idea of walking around the BCA's Artist Studios Building and collecting stamps to enter raffles.

I like checking stuff out and having a conversation with the creator. If there's wine and cheese, even better. Of course, feel free to buy something -- as a gift or for yourself. Some artists are giving demonstrations too.

SAT 9/17

11am to 5pm
South Boston Street Festival
at East Broadway, between I and L Streets
FREE

Feat: Ayla Brown, Gentlemen Hall, Greg Luttrell, Thomas Park, Peggy Woods School of Irish Step Dance

Unless you want to see Ayla Brown or Gentlemen Hall -- or love Irish step dancing -- I probably wouldn't go out of my way for the street festival. It's not a bad stop if you're nearby or you want to do something else in Southie like walk around Castle Island and the beach.

It's also a chance to get some South Boston flavor that's not as beer-soaked as St. Paddy's day.

SAT 9/17

Noon to 6PM
Annual Boston Freedom Rally
at Boston Common, Boston
FREE

What used to be known as HempFest is now the Boston Freedom Rally. I'm not sure if the actual festival has been instrumental in relaxing marijuana-related laws in MA, but the speakers have probably had a hand in the baby steps towards decriminalization.

There are 2 stages on opposite sides of the Common. If I was you, I might do something like this:

Parade Ground Stage

12:05pm -- Brunt of It
12:35pm -- Casey Desmond
1:05pm -- The Force
1:40pm -- Mighty Mystic
2:20pm -- Farren Butcher Inc
2:55pm -- The 360's w/ David Peel

Parkman Bandstand

3:55pm -- Rob Potylo & the Lonely Planets
4:25pm -- That Handsome Devil

Either Stage

5:15pm -- TREE or Planetoid

I went a couple years ago, and it's a really chill crowd as expected. Good vibes and times, and a fine opportunity to get a jokey marijuana t-shirt (and a contact high).

SAT 9/17

2pm
Augustana, Brett Dennen, Kingsley Flood
at Stoneham Town Common, 35 Central St, Stoneham
FREE

There is so much free daytime music today that 3 really good bands playing as part of Stoneham Town Day.

While a bit out of my normal range, I was already going to suggest it for Brett Dennen and Augustana (that "move to Boston" song). Then I saw that my buddies Kingsley Flood are opening.

Could be worth a little trip to Stoneham, and I never thought I'd say that.

SAT 9/17

3pm to 6pm
SqueezeBox Slam
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: Michael McLaughlin, Joao Cerilo, Plamen Karadonev, Mariachi Estampa de America, Cirkestra, Roberto Cassan

Roll out the barrel for an afternoon of accordion music. Yeah… that seems like a lot, but think about how much guitar music you listen to in a day. It's a bit of a world tour from Europe to Mexico to Cape Verde back to America for a variety of styles.

Watch out for accordion flash mobs around town from noon to 3pm.

SAT 9/17

3:40pm
MixFest 2011
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Tentative schedule:

3:40pm -- Javier Colon
4pm -- Michelle Branch
4:40pm -- Sara Bareilles
5:45pm -- Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
6:50pm -- Lifehouse

Usually, this is a concert at a paying venue. For a free show, it's a pretty good lineup -- at least between Michelle Branch and Grace Potter.

They recommend leaving bags and crap at home.

SAT 9/17

4pm to 8pm
Somerville Riverfest
at Assembly Square, about 180 Foley St, Somerville
FREE

If you're in Somerville around 7:50pm, look towards Assembly Square for the fireworks. There's other stuff going on, if you're in the mood for family fun where a large commercial/residential development.