FRI 6/29: Free Fun, Music, Dance, Comedy

Yes, the calendar is populated through 7/4. And there is Harborfest and Tall Ship fun.

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FRI 6/29 (thru FRI 8/31)

Various Times
"Free Fun Fridays"
at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
at Museum of African American History (Boston & Nantucket)
at Peabody Essex Museum (Salem)
at Tanglewood (Lenox)
at Heritage Museums & Gardens (Sandwich)
FREE

One of the best free summer programs lets you choose from a different set of cool places around the Commonwealth for 10 Fridays in a row. If you've got visitors or you take a Friday off, you've got some to do -- if you're not going to the Cape (or wherever).

The Gardner Museum violated Isabella's wishes and built a beautiful Renzo Piano-designed annex that should be experienced whether it's free or not. Like some of these free events, there is a slight catch that you have to pick up tickets where they are admitting a limited number of people every 30 minutes. So you pick up tix and may have to wait before going in. (Cross the Fens and have a drink at Church while you wait...)

And you have to register for today's family fun at Tanglewood (in case you're in the Berkshires).

FRI 6/29

6:30pm
John Lefler
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / All Ages

Hey, you like Dashboard Confessional? This is the other guy who plays guitar and sings next to Chris Carrabba, and he has his own sensitive set of songs.

FRI 6/29

7pm to 11pm
Cambridge Dance Party
in front of City Hall, 795 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

Cambridge stops the traffic to get down and boogie, and all are welcome. There’s dancing in the street for 4 hours, and it really is a party.

For some reason, there's an uninhibited atmosphere that might come from the big crowd of all ages. The light projections are colorful, and most of these people would never be seen in a 'dance club'.

(There are bars in either direction, if you need a bit of liquid inspiration.)

FRI 6/29

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Ethan Marsh, Jimmy Anicet, Chris Trew, Rob Gagnon, Christian Polanco, Ryan Douglass

Anderson Comedy has The Gas every Friday, and I'm an advocate of the idea of early Friday fun so you can spend the rest of the night drinking yourself to oblivion -- or whatever you'd like to do.

The cover and a few tallboys should total in the neighborhood of an Andrew Jackson. I have a feeling it's going to be a really friggin' funny night. It's Ethan Marsh's birthday, so laugh anyway. And Chris Trew just looks really funny; he's in town to host the Boston round for the Air Sex World Championships.

There is nothing wrong with staying at Great Scott and dancing (or standing around) with "The Pill" at 10pm.

(I'm also looking into free late-night comedy on Friday and Saturday at ImprovBoston.)

FRI 6/29

8pm
"No Room For Wishing": Workshop Production
at Central Square Theater, 450 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP

Danny Bryck has threaded together the words of many people that were at what I assume were at the initial Occupy Boston encampment, because they're still active.

He also happens to be the performer in this one-man play that may be able collect more relevant, thought-provoking ideas and experiences than could really come out of one individual.

Seating is limited. They request an email to reserve seats.

FRI 6/29

8:30pm
HookerClops, OTP, Mod Gun, Sand Reckoner, Tensor
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Since I didn't cover the first 2 'CD release' shows (on 6/1 and 6/15), I should take this moment to say I dig OTP's punky-folky party sound -- whatever OTP stands for. It should good time all the way through with some punk/pop bands, and a little bit modern blues rock.

Not only will you enjoy the OTP CD, $1 (out of the $5 price) benefits the mentally-challenged artists of Creative Union who hand-colored the covers.

FRI 6/29

9pm
Sinnet, Spoilsport, Eddie Japan
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

Maybe the guy from Sinnet can be one more inspiring case of recording a kick-ass bunch of songs in your bedroom then go on a tour of the Midwest with your own band. (Remember to write write really good indie-pop that people don't want to stop listening to. Give them your love before they hit the road for 2 weeks.

Spoilsport support them roughly; Eddie Japan keeps it smooth and classy. It's a win-win-win.

FRI 6/29

9pm
Mieka Pauley, Casey Shea
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10

Mieka Pauley's voice has always flowed like a sultry honey even when she was more crunchy folky singer-songwriter. (She also happens to be a fantastic, poignant lyricist.) There a few strummy moments on the new album, but it's much more of a soulful indie-pop affair.

I sorta expected Casey Shea to be a chick, but Casey's a dude -- with an acoustic guitar.