SAT 8/11: Late Cheapness

The evening cheapness from today's earlier post is included.

It's still possible to learn about Cambridge history or drink with Waldos, if you're so inspired...

It may have been selective amnesia, but I kept forgetting that I saw that people can get their first 2 draught beers for FREE today at Olde Magoun's Saloon. (Many drinkers don't need this incentive to show up...)

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SAT 8/11

6pm to 10pm
Hungry Tiger Street Food Festival
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Rain Date -- SUN 8/12

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The restaurants of Union Square span the culinary globe from India through Latin America and the good ol' USA. Taking inspiration from Asian night markets, many local eateries are offering street food option sin the plaza.

Of course there will be local artisans/craftspeople along with performances such as fire dancers and martial artists, which looked pretty cool last year.

SAT 8/11 (thru SUN 8/19)

7pm
Jean Renoir’s "Grand Illusion": 75th Anniversary Restoration
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
$9 / $7 Non-Harvard students, senior citizens

One usually falters when trying to convince someone about the greatness of a movie, but this is one of the masterpieces. Besides being the foundation of every prisoner-of-war movie of the last 75 years, there's a story that examines class issues and nationalism. It wouldn't happen in modern war, but analogies still apply today in other ways.

As I read about movie projectionists in the Phoenix recently, the HFA is one of the best rooms in ton to see a pristine, restored version.

It plays at various times through Monday, then next Friday through Sunday.

(Yes, it's a French black & white film with subtitles.)

SAT 8/11

8pm
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy": Screening
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Speaking as someone who paid to watch it last year, I'm not sorry I didn't wait for the free screening. It was really good.

It might be helpful to know the story beforehand, because the opening 15 minutes or so are a bit vague. However the film encapsulates the story rather well despite the time limits not shared by a novel or mini-series.

SAT 8/11 (and SUN 8/12)

8pm
Shakespeare on the Common: "Coriolanus"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE

Sunday -- 7pm

Again let's hope it doesn't rain, because tonight and tomorrow are your last chances to see this production.

In its 17th year, Shakespeare on the Common is perennially one of the best cheap thrills you'll find in Boston. Sure... New York has 'Shakespeare in the Park', but not every town has professional actors bringing the Bard to life outside where anyone can walk up and get cultured.

The story in "Coriolanus", a play set in Rome and written 400 years ago, might be familiar to the contemporary audience: People rioting in the street, because resources are being withheld from the masses. Those in power think they don't deserve it, and the main character has a special disdain for the common person although he's encouraged to run for office.

Although last year's film may have earned some accessibility for the play, it's long been said to be one the lesser works of Shakespeare. Like the movie, the sets probably won't look like Rome; there will also be some fight scenes.

Despite my indifference to the selection, I will still list the play every night, because 1) you might like it anyway and 2) this is an annual gift to the residents (and visitors).

"May not be appropriate for all ages. Parental discretion is advised."

Show up early for musical performances from 6:20 to 7pm for jazz-rock from Ro Sham Beaux.

SAT 8/11

8pm
40 Oz To Freedom, Blue Light Bandits
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10

(Advance tix available until 7pm.)

It's true I've generally ignored when Badfish, the regional Sublime tribute band, has come through town. As much as I love Sublime, I didn't want to encourage a tribute although other people love it. (Maybe it was more than $10.)

San Diego-based 40 Oz To Freedom tries to sound closer to the original with extended jam sections, which some people may prefer. The folky soul-pop of Blue Light Bandits should warm things up nicely.

SAT 8/11

9pm
HR / Human Rights w/ Scotch Bonnets, Ska-Prest, Super Ska, DJ Ford E. Buxworth
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Some folks may be into seeing the Sublime tribute on the other side of the river. Of course, the real Sublime would probably try to get out of their gig to see the lead singer of Bad Brains.

I'm a little confused at this point, but his backing band will be the all-female reggae outfit The Scotch Bonnets -- or he will be guesting with them. Either way, it should be really damn cool. Some our local ska/reggae stalwarts are providing support for a skunking good time.

SAT 8/11

9pm
The Barley Hoppers, Lynnette & the Longshots, DJ Easy Ed’s Record Hop
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$7

The Midway is better than most venue to sub as a country/rockabilly honky-tonk in the Boston area. Besides hosting a bunch of gigs like this, it could be a funky version of a roadside joint if you squint your eyes a bit.

The Barley Hoppers nail the sound of the early rockabilly trio just a short evolutionary step past country/western, and their repertoire is filled with classics and forgotten chestnuts. I suspect Lynnette & the Longshots will sound much like Lynette's old band, The Stumbleweeds.

As DJ Easy Ed has said, he'll be "spinning records (suitable for dancing, drinking, or both -- simultaneously)."

SAT 8/11

10:30pm
Hands & Knees, Vulcans, Summer Cult
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish / 21+

The punky, twang-alicious indie-rock of Hands & Knees is a wonderful sound that has originated in the Boston area. They'd be superstars if I ruled the world. Keep listening because one song can reveal only a bit about H&K.

Alt-country and folk-rock dudes from PA (Vulcans) and upstate NY (Summer Cult) round out the night.

SAT 8/11

11:15pm to 6am
Annual Boston by Bike at Night
Start at Trinity Church, about 600 Bolyston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Think of it as a fun, zero-emission sightseeing adventure around town. The ride usually attracts well over 100 bicyclists to roam the the streets of Boston until dawn. The route changes every year, but it’s about 30 miles of riding with occasional stops that could take you through Cambridge, Charlestown, as far down as JP, or even towards Brookline.

It will end up at Christopher Columbus Park in North End, and it would be nice to bring something for a potluck breakfast.

The rules of the road are generally followed, but do you think any cars are going to screw around with a massive bicycle gang? Some requirements/recommendations I've seen in the past:

* You should bring a bike with lights, and you should wear something reflective.
* It’s strongly suggested that you bring a spare inner tube for your bike.
* Helmets are recommended.
* Commemorative t-shirts will be available (probably $15ish).

The ride starts to leave around 11:45pm, but it’s a good idea to get there early.

FYI: Here’s the MBTA policy on bikes.