SUN 9/30: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

I saw Les 7 Doigts de la Main when they were in Boston last year with their show based on various mental conditions, and it was awesome. I enjoyed the thematic acrobatics without the affected whimsy of another famous Canadian cirque...

If you want to splurge for something over $10, there are 5 more shows of the current program "Sequence 8" from TUES 10/4 to FRI 10/7 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre.

SUN 9/30: Cars/Bikes, Booze, Rock

Since a few of today's cheap thrills have been cancelled due to weather and the RSVP list has closed on another, the list is a bit short. (I'm assuming about the Franklin Park event, but who wants to exercise outside on a day like this?)

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SUN 9/30

10am to 2pm
Japanese Car & Motorcycle Day
at Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton St, Brookline
$10 / $5 military, seniors, students, children under 12

Japanese cars were touted for years as dependable cars. Although I don't pay attention to such things anymore (thanks, MBTA), I assume that most drivers have owned one at some point.

Based on photos from a couple years ago, the highlights are old Datsun/Nissan Z series (including some Corvette engines) as well as old and tricked-out Subarus, Hondas, Mazdas, and Acuras. There are a lot of crazy motorcycles too.

SUN 9/30

8pm to 11pm
"Beat It Rummy"
at jm Curley, 21 Temple Pl, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE-ish / 21+

There's going to be a Sailor Jerry rum cocktail competition in several round tonight, and it seems like Narragansett is getting in on the fun in some way, so the chances of a free beverage or two seems strong.
http://sailorjerry.com/
http://www.narragansettbeer.com/

Early reports from the Phoenix mentioned a pizza party that would keep expenditures in the $10 range.

If you haven't been to jm Curley yet, it's one of the best pubs in the Downtown Crossing area. I like they've spelled out where they stand on bar etiquette.

SUN 9/30

9pm
The Silks
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Whenever I listen to The Silks, I'm reminded how much I like these guys who play a bluesy rock 'n roll without the gross baggage that bands with less sensitivity add to make it seem different than their predecessors. These guys have the right touch to make it seem smooth as silk.

If I wanted to hear music tonight, I'd listen to The Silks who are playing rock 'n roll -- and not imitating it.

SAT 9/29: Day & Night Cheapness

I'm listing the day stuff too, because you can have fun even when the sky is gray.

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SAT 9/29

10am to 7pm
Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo
at Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

For 3 years, MICE is has been a daylong reminder that comics are more than superheroes and bubble gum jokes. There's nothing wrong with those bits, but over 150 artists from the area show us some of the local variety.

There are workshops and discussions from Noon to 5pm such as "Injury Prevention for Cartoonists" or "R. Sikoryak: Classics and Career".

SAT 9/29

Noon to 6pm
Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival
at Columbus Avenue (between Mass Avenue & Burke Street), Boston (South End)
FREE

Strolling up and down the street at any time will provide some wonderful music. Some of my highlights for the afternoon include: Jason Palmer & Willy Rodriguez Group (Noon), Marcus Santos & Bloco AfroBrazil (1pm), Paula Cole feat. Kevin Barry (2:15 pm), Hailey Niswanger Quartet (3:30pm), Terri Lyne Carrington's Mosaic (3:30pm), Ralph Peterson Sextet (4:45pm).

SAT 9/29

3pm to 7pm
"What the Fluff?" Festival
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: Hot Molasses, The Burlies, Hornography

Can you imagine Somerville's Archibald Query selling his marshmallow invention from door to door? That's fluffed up... Almost a century later, that weird white edible goo is the centerpiece of an annual street fest.

Fluff Fest might be more fun if you like eating the stuff, but I do enjoy looking at the silly Fluff combinations and the Fluff-related fun.

Besides the live music and the old-school Flufferettes, I enjoy everyone else having a good time -- and I can drink at The Indo and still feel I'm in the middle of the fun. The Boston Derby Dames are going to compete in a 'fluffernutter relay'.

Expect a 'Space' theme since astronaut Rick Linnehan will be on hand.

SAT 9/29

3pm to 6pm
MassMouth Story Slam: "Labels"
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8 advance / $10 door

Hmm, I'm guessing a story about buying a can on minestrone then finding clam chowder inside might not be a winning story. The official tips on the theme say:

Have you ever mislabeled something? Ever been mislabeled? Did you clarify, to great and/or disastrous effect? We want to hear about it.

Special guest Cacky Mellor of The Label Project will likely talk about stereotypes and those sorts of labels.

SAT 9/29

7pm
An Evening of Recent Films by The Quay Brothers
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
$10 / $8 students

Feat: "Through the Weeping Glass: On the Consolations of Life Everlasting", "Mask"

The Brothers Quay created "Institute Benjamenta", which stands out as one of the strangest movies I've ever seen, and I like to think I've seen quite a few peculiar films. Their most recent shorts include a visit to Philadelphia's bizarre Mütter Museum and a fictional robot story.

SAT 9/29

JJ & Thee Cuban Heels (10pm), Pamela Means (7:30pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

For the early crowd, Pamela lays downs the jazzy singer-songwriter vibe. Then it's local legend JJ Rassler leads his latest band in old-time rock 'n soul.

SAT 9/29

9pm
Shadwell, Jim’s Big Ego, Stranger Islands, Brendyn Schneider
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 advance / $10 door

It's funny that it's a gig to celebrate 10 years of Mr.Shadwell's music-making, he just may be a little too polished for my taste. It will be a great night of catchy music with the incredible folk-pop genius of Jim's Big Ego and sweet duo Stranger Islands. Storyteller Brendyn Schneider will host and do his thing.

SAT 9/29

9pm
"Midriff Records vs. Boston Band Crush"
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

Feat: Eldridge Rodriguez, The Daily Pravda, Relations, Eksi Ekso

What may be dubbed as a 'monkey vs. unicorn battle' is really an awesome mix of noisy, modern-glam, synthy indie-rock. Heck, you might even win some CD's from Midriff Records. Good stuff!

SAT 9/29: Day Cheapness

If you're in the mood for some spontaneous philanthropy, you could give a few bucks to a very good friend's home-building trip to Haiti with Habitat for Humanity.

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SAT 9/29

Various Times
National Public Lands Day
at Various Locations in USA
** Your time and effort

I doubt anyone would be turned away if you wanted to help beautify one of the dozen or so nearby public spaces that are participating in National Public Lands Day.

Or you could pick up some litter and put in a bin every day.

SAT 9/29

Various Times
Smithsonian Museum Day
at Various Locations
FREE w/ Registration

Our nation's museum offers a freebie annually to those who can't visit DC, where anyone can choose from a long list of museums in the USA and print a free pass for two...

It's an easy process to basically enter your name, address, and email -- then you print an "admission card" for you and a guest. Some of the participating institutions include:

- Places that I think everyone should visit (Museum of Fine Arts, Mapparium at Mary Baker Eddy Library)

- Others that are pretty darn cool (Harvard Art & Natural History Museums, Museum of African American History, Nichols House Museum)

- Houses & sites that are interesting to see (JFK National Historic Site, Lyman Estate Greenhouses, Gropius House, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House)

- Locations that I'm happy to visit without paying admission: (Old South Meeting House, Otis House, Shirley-Eustis House, Armenian Library & Museum)

If you're outside of town or feel like a ride, one might go to Battleship Cove, Beauport, or the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

You might get on museum mailing lists, but it hasn't been too bad over the past couple years...

SAT 9/29

10am to 7pm
Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo
at Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

For 3 years, MICE is has been a daylong reminder that comics are more than superheroes and bubble gum jokes. There's nothing wrong with those bits, but over 150 artists from the area show us some of the local variety.

There are workshops and discussions from Noon to 5pm such as "Injury Prevention for Cartoonists" or "R. Sikoryak: Classics and Career".

SAT 9/29

Noon to 6pm
Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival
at Columbus Avenue (between Mass Avenue & Burke Street), Boston (South End)
FREE

Strolling up and down the street at any time will provide some wonderful music. Some of my highlights for the afternoon include: Jason Palmer & Willy Rodriguez Group (Noon), Marcus Santos & Bloco AfroBrazil (1pm), Paula Cole feat. Kevin Barry (2:15 pm), Hailey Niswanger Quartet (3:30pm), Terri Lyne Carrington's Mosaic (3:30pm), Ralph Peterson Sextet (4:45pm).

SAT 9/29

3pm to 7pm
"What the Fluff?" Festival
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: Hot Molasses, The Burlies, Hornography

Can you imagine Somerville's Archibald Query selling his marshmallow invention from door to door? That's fluffed up... Almost a century later, that weird white edible goo is the centerpiece of an annual street fest.

Fluff Fest might be more fun if you like eating the stuff, but I do enjoy looking at the silly Fluff combinations and the Fluff-related fun.

Besides the live music and the old-school Flufferettes, I enjoy everyone else having a good time -- and I can drink at The Indo and still feel I'm in the middle of the fun. The Boston Derby Dames are going to compete in a 'fluffernutter relay'.

Expect a 'Space' theme since astronaut Rick Linnehan will be on hand.

SAT 9/29

3pm to 6pm
MassMouth Story Slam: "Labels"
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8 advance / $10 door

Hmm, I'm guessing a story about buying a can on minestrone then finding clam chowder inside might not be a winning story. The official tips on the theme say:

Have you ever mislabeled something? Ever been mislabeled? Did you clarify, to great and/or disastrous effect? We want to hear about it.

Special guest Cacky Mellor of The Label Project will likely talk about stereotypes and those sorts of labels.

SAT 9/29

7pm
An Evening of Recent Films by The Quay Brothers
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
$10 / $8 students

Feat: "Through the Weeping Glass: On the Consolations of Life Everlasting", "Mask"

The Brothers Quay created "Institute Benjamenta", which stands out as one of the strangest movies I've ever seen, and I like to think I've seen quite a few peculiar films. Their most recent shorts include a visit to Philadelphia's bizarre Mütter Museum and a fictional robot story.

Friday to Sunday Calendar

Oh, woe unto me, your pitiful blogger!

I suspect the next update won't appear until late tonight...

Hey, coffee drinkers. I think you can still get a free small coffee at most McDonald's through Saturday. And there's also coupons for Dunkin' Donuts.

Happy Friday!

Tuesday to Friday Calendar

It's a good week for coffee drinkers. I mentioned the Dunkin' Donuts coupons yesterday yet omitted the McDonald's offer for a free Small Newman's Own Organics Hot Coffee through SAT 9/29. You don't have to purchase anything from what I've read.

General CTB good news-bad news:
The calendar is updated through Friday, and I expect more updates tonight. I suggest getting advance tickets for David J (ex-Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) on Thursdays or the the weekend's "Crash Safely" shows.

On the other hand, it's almost noon without a post for today.

It's game night in Downtown Crossing...

Another film festival begins tonight...

If I were going for live music tonight, I'd head to Great Scott or Lizard Lounge...

MON 9/24: Coffee, Science, Talk, Music, Film

Alas, another lopsided post...

The majority of us are going to Dunkin Donuts ate some point in the next week. Check out the printable coupons at Boston on Budget.

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MON 9/24

Noon to 4pm
National Coffee Day w/ Baileys Coffee Creamers
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Isn't everyday National Coffee Day?

It seems silly to add Baileys to your coffee if there's no booze included, however you could give it a shot if you're near Government Center this afternoon.

MON 9/24

5pm
College Night
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE w/ valid college ID

If you have a college ID and haven't been to the MOS before -- and crowds don't bother you -- you might as well go.

MON 9/24

5pm to 6:30pm
Shafeeq Ghabra, "The Gulf Today: Assessing the Impact of the Arab Transformation": Lecture
at Allison Dining Room, Taubman Bldg, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Kennedy School)
FREE

A political science professor at Kuwait University is going to have an insight to the state of affairs. (Everyone has their bias, so it might be a good idea to process the info with a healthy skepticism. Right?)

MON 9/24

Various Times
Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse/Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St, Boston (Theatre District)
$10

Schedule:

5pm -- Documentary/Shorts Program
6:45pm -- "Stranglehold: In the Shadow of the Boston Strangler"
8:45pm -- "Free Throw"

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution; so this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians.

It's documentary night. Choose from a program of 3 shorts or two world premieres from local filmmakers: a revived investigation of the Boston Strangler case by one of the investigator's grandson or a free-throw competition in L.A. to win a college scholarship.

MON 9/24

6pm to 8pm
"Earth & Alchemy: Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture": Opening Reception
"Zandra Rhodes: A Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles": Opening Reception
at Bakalar & Paine Galleries, South Hall, MassArt, about 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Earth & Alchemy features 3-D pieces from about 25 artists to showcase different techniques and approaches to transform earth into something far from mundane.

The Zandra Rhodes exhibit showcases how the British designer transforms textiles into fashion statements.

MON 9/24

6:30pm to 8:30pm
"Stirring the Pot: Women in Early Massachusetts": Panel Discussion
at Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston (Government Center)
FREE

Panel: Charlotte Gordon, Cornelia H. Dayton, Jonathan L. Fairbanks

Doesn't it seem like women are overlooked in early American history with the exception of a Native American here or a seamstress there?

MON 9/24

7pm
Science & Cooking Lecture: Enric Rovira
at Science Center, Hall C, 1 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

While I've missed the first few sessions of the new term, there are plenty of weekly lectures to go (through MON 12/3). Perhaps master chocolatier will provide samples, however this series has become more and more popular since they began a couple years ago.

MON 9/24

7:30pm
A Night of Little Music with Claassen and Inserto
at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St, Boston (Berklee / Back Bay)
FREE

Large band jazz is led by Berklee profs, Jeff Claassen and Ayn Inserto.

MON 9/24

8pm
David Byrne & Steven Pinker, "How Music Works: Are We Born Musical?"
at Tsai Performance Center, Boston University, 685 Comm Ave, Boston
FREE w/ RSVP

You might still have a chance to hear two great thinkers talk about music.

Call 617-353-8725 or hope that people don't show up, because "Tickets must be picked-up at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the discussion or they will be re-issued".

MON 9/24

8pm
Rushad Eggleston, Maeve Gilchrist & Mike Barnett
at The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / All ages

Things are going to get weird/bluegrassy/celtic.

MON 9/24

The White Owls (8pm), Andrea Gillis Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Two great bar bands that go great together.

MON 9/24

9pm
The Can't Tells, Slowdim, Friendly People, The Lousy Instruments
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

Things are going to get melodic in an indie-rock kind of way.

MON 9/24

9:30pm
Yale MA, Cassanovas in Heat, Lube
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

Things are going to get punky.

MON 9/24

10pm
Akashic Record
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE

Things are going to get punky.

SUN 9/23: Art, Fests, Music, Film

Hard to believe that Summer is officially over, but that doesn't mean we can't have outdoor fun.

It's New England, baby. This is when we thrive!

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SUN 9/23

11am to 6pm
Annual Jamaica Plain Open Studios
all around Jamaica Plain [PDF Pamphlet/Map]
FREE

Some kind of art is being made behind every other door in Jamaica Plain. You can walk in on a well over a hundred of those artists this weekend. And in most cases they won't be stoned out on the couch... In other cases, art will exhibited in galleries, churches, and businesses -- indoors and out.

While there are a few open studios that are sprinkled in other parts of JP, the majority of artists are swathed from the Stony Brook T stop to Green Street T stop to the south end of Centre Street.

SUN 9/23

Noon to 6pm
Allston Village Street Fair
on Harvard Ave, from Brighton Ave to Cambridge St, Allston
FREE

Stage performers: The Latin Heartbeat Orchestra, The Shills, The Force, Planetoid, Bonfire Bandit, Garvy J, Brunt of It, The New Highway Hymnal, Alchemilla, more

Street performers: Bloco Afro Brazil, Jenny the Juggler, Boston Hoop Troop, Melodeego, Sidewalk Sam, Boston League of Women Wrestlers, BU Fencing Club, Rhythmic Explorations, more

This block of funky storefronts epitomizes Allston, and it's great to see it turn into the cooler version of Harvard Square's Mayfair.

I didn't see a hard schedule for the performers, so you may not be able to show for a specific band. Just show up and enjoy the ambience.Of course you'll find food vendors, arts/crafts, kids crap, etc to amuse and satisfy to various degrees.

Part of the event's beauty is that it can't look much worse even after all the trash that might be left behind...

I'd love to say, "Let's keep Allston beautiful", but can we at least get most of the trash into bins?

SUN 9/23

Noon to 6pm
Annual Serbian Festival
at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 41 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge (North Cambridge)
FREE

Schedule:

Noon -- Balkan Express Boston
2pm -- Folk Dance Performance
3pm -- Tamburitza Trubadura
4pm -- Grupa 381

Like a lot of countries in the Balkans, it's been a tough road for centuries. I admire these Eastern Europeans for a strong sense of family and a music that makes you want to dance even in a minor key.

The food matches a region that has ben in transit for so long, so it's probably a hearty mix of European, Mediterranean, Turkish, etc.

SUN 9/23 (and MON 9/24)

Various Times
Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse/Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St, Boston (Theatre District)
$10

Schedule:

2:30pm -- "Greedy Lying Bastards"
4:45pm -- "Wolves Unleashed"
7pm -- "The Sessions"
9pm -- "The Shining" - Restoration & Panel Discussion

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution; so this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians.

I've heard a lot of buzz about "The Sessions", which means you could wait or see it first and act cool when your friends ask if you've seen Laura Dern as a sex surrogate to a dying, disabled man.

When you see a documentary called "Greedy Lying Bastards", you know there's a certain point of view. When you're central point is the Gulf-spill crisis, you may be onto something.

Restored or not, "The Shining" will scare the crap out of you.

SUN 9/23

3pm
Vanya Records One Year Anniversary BBQ
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE / 18+

As an ancillary event to the Allston Village Street Fair, feel free to hang out with the Vanya Records crowd. These are the folks behind the Boston foundation dance night The Pill, and I've seen Mr. Vanya contribute to the Boston Phoenix.

Expect DJ sets from Bearstronaut, Andre Obin, the New Highway Hymnal, Glass Teeth for a party that might include some free vittles from the grill.

SUN 9/23

6pm to 7:30pm
9th Annual Revels RiverSing
over the Charles River, near the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Cambridge or Boston
FREE

Pre-Autumnal Equinox Celebration at Winthrop Park:

3pm -- New School of Music Kid’s Cabaret
3:45pm -- Historical Fun about the Equinox
4:15pm -- The Dirty Water Brass Band
5pm -- Revels 'Family Fun'
5:45pm -- Parade to the River

If any part of the nation should celebrate the change of seasons, it's New England that undeniably benefits from the most fantastic vistas and weather and apple-picking (the original version).

Why not sit by the river and sing along while the the chorus and giant puppets and jazz saxophone welcome the autumnal equinox. Or just listen and absorb the good vibes.

SUN 9/23

4pm
"The Last Days of Pompeii": Screening
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

In 1926, this was the longest, grandest Italian film produced. Think of it as a Shakespearean love story under the undeniable catastrophe with an Italian twist.

Pianist Robert Humphreville provides live soundtrack.

SUN 9/23

7pm
Acappella Night
at The Lansdowne Pub, 9 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
$5 suggested donation

Feat: The Nor'easters, Fermata Town, Redline, Pitch Please!, The BosTones

I'm not sure if I'll ever get excited enough about a cappella music to get off the couch, but you might feel like it. I acknowledge the genre is more contemporary then ever, yet it's not my thing.

SUN 9/23

8pm to 10pm
Trivia Sundays: "P!nk Album Release Party"
at Geoffrey's Cafe, 142 Berkeley St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

There's nothing wrong with the dominant trivia conglomerate, but I love the independent nights with their own take. Like drag queens hosting trivia.

Topics are said to include The Golden Girls, GLBTQ history, Drag drama, 80's pop culture; so you've got an idea where this is going. Among the prizes are copies of Pink's new CD.

Hosted by Rainbow Frite, Raquel Blake, Brian Spencer

SUN 9/23

9pm
The Tin Thistles, Welter, Hooker Clops, Old Hat, 3TV’s
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

It's a bummer when a band breaks up as they release an album, but don't focus on that when Boston punks The Tin Thistles rip it up tonight on their farewell (for now, I don't believe most goodbyes anymore). Philly rockers Welter, local punkers with a great name Hookerclops, and folk-punks Old Hat make it a party.

The 3TV’s may be great, but I don't like that they have any music easy to find online. So I say, "3TV’s may be the worst band in Boston." Quote me on that.

SAT 9/22: Games & Music

So I went out and about without thinking of you, dear readers. I am a bad boy, so I will go back to the corner after making sure this is published. (It will be a short stay in the corner.)

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SAT 9/22

Now to 10pm
Boston Festival of Indie Games
at EG&G Education Center, 50 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Wouldn't you like to play a new game? Counting out-of-state license plates and screwing with people's esteem can only amuse someone for so long...

Game creators from the New England region are sharing their new diversions and adventures of the video, table-top, and card games -- maybe even some LARPing.

If your friends think they're so interesting, then put the Settlers of Catan away, and go to MIT.

SAT 9/22

7pm
Weihenstephan Oktoberfest Celebration & Opera On Tap
at Jacob Wirth, 37 Stuart St, Boston (Theater District)
FREE

Yes, real Oktoberfest starts in September. This may not be an 'event' event like I normally list, Jacob Wirth is the oldest restaurant in Boston that doesn't feel like a tourist trap -- and it's a great beer bar.

Have some German beer and listen to opera. It'll be fun.

SAT 9/22

9pm
Cortez, Black Pyramid, Birch Hill Dam, Heaving Mass
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

It's going to be a great night for metal. This is the hard, thick stuff that will instinctively make you bang your head from 3 local bands and Chicago's Heaving Mass.

SAT 9/22

9pm
John Powhida International Airport, Amy Correia, Fireking
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

Two of my favorite singers are John Powhida and Amy Correia (and John sings the high parts when they do AC/DC covers). Between his peculiar, soulful powerpop and her amazing folky songwriting, it's going to be guaranteed awesomeness. Fireking rocks out too.

SAT 9/22

9pm
The Titanics (Midnight), Banditas (11pm), Big Digits (10pm), White Pages (9pm)
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

On the FB page, Banditas explain their newly released long-player title "Save the Rats" is nod to an art project to tweak the nipples of the Big Dig. Their twangy fuzz is more of a nipple-rubber in a good way, but don't do that because it may seem to be perky since it's three women on stage. It's going to be a rad night of garage and punk with Big Digits as the hip-hopping palate-cleansing party set.

SAT 9/22

9:30pm
Joan Jett Birthday Bash
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Feat: "Fit To Be Tied" (11:30pm), The Other Girls (10:50pm), The Acro-Brats (10:10pm), Cradle to the Grave (9:30pm)

Let's raise a glass* to the woman who didn't need a renaissance but got one with "Bad Reputation" in one movie and a whole other movie about her first band in the past couple years. Joan Jett is a rock chick -- and one of the best ones.

Like last year "Fit To Be Tied" includes members of The Dirty Truckers, Tijuana Sweetheart, Full Body Anchor, and other cool bands. The Other Girls are an all-star team of women rockers in Boston that appears from time to time when a good time is in desperate need. Metal dudes and punk dudes Cradle to the Grave & The Acro-Brats join the party, and they will play Joan Jett tunes.

Boston Band Crush posted a couple videos from last year's party at the Rosebud in their write-up.

(*If you get there early, you might get a free PBR.)

Weekend Calendar

Something short 'n sweet is forthcoming, but there's a lot of stuff to do on Saturday.

Gameplayers can check new stuff out at the Festival of Indie Games...

Or walk around Jamaica Plain as artists open their studios this weekend..

Or celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Shipyard Sculpture Park in Eastie...

You could party with the Serbs or see a flick at the Boston Film Fest...

Pro and amateur bicyclists are racing around Government Center, and scientists briefly describe their wacky research...

It's Hispanic Heritage Month, and they know it in the South End. And adults are playing games from childhood.

One of tonight's musical highlights is a Joan Jett Birthday Bash...

Thursday & Friday Calendar

Gah! Not even clearing my usually low standards, but I'm not giving up...

WED 9/19: International Talk Like A Pirate Day

I expect ye be lookin' fer cheap thrills. They be comin', lads an' lasses. Eyeball the calendar.

In th' mean time, 'tis nay too late t' start celebratin' "Talk Like A Pirate Day".

Thar be nothin' specific that be closer than Weymouth tonight.

Darrrn...

TUES 9/18: Games, Talk, Film, Music

Okay, now this is a diverse set of options for those who want to do something tonight!

FYI: Wednesday cheapness is on the calendar (with more to come later).

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TUES 9/18

6pm
"Game Over": A Night by Gamers for Gamers
at Good Life, 28 Kingston St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE / 18+

Although I haven't gone yet, the photos must be a good indicator that plenty of people are showing up. "Game Over" begins its run as a weekly night.

It should be quite a crowd tonight due to their write-up in the Metro yesterday. Whatever your game may be (board, cards, electronic), you'll probably find it and some people to play with you. You'd probably find some takers for something you bring from home

TUES 9/18

6pm to 7pm
Sam Adams Stein Hoisting Competition
at Boston Beer Garden, 734 East Broadway, Boston (Southie)
FREE

You may think you can hold a stein up for 10 minutes with no problem, but that was near the top times when I last looked at the leaderboard.

Someone will win a trip to next year's Oktoberfest in Munich, and I'd like to think you have a chance at some tix to the local event this weekend.

(There are a few more contests in the upcoming days.)

TUES 9/18

6:30pm to 8pm
"Life After Prison: A Different Kind of Sentence?": Dialogue
at Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Panel: Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral, Daniel Cordon, Janet Rodriguez, Lyn Levy

In tandem with the current production of "The Motherfucker with the Hat" whose main character is an ex-convict, The Suffolk County Sheriff and panel that assist similar, real-life characters will examine what it's like when prisoners are released in today's America.

Registration is recommended.

TUES 9/18

7pm to 9pm
"American Autumn: an Occudoc": Screening
at Bright Screening Room, Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

The Occupy Wall Streeters moved into Zuccotti Park one year ago yesterday. That encampment lasted about 2 months, but it sparked a wave of similar movements including Occupy Boston that's still active today.

After the screening of the documentary that might satisfy the curious more than the diehard, director Dennis Trainor Jr will be joined by Emerson professor Yasser Munif and Boston Phoenix's Chris Faraone (who wrote "99 Nights with the 99 Percent") for a discussion.

TUES 9/18

7pm
Sam Baltrusis, "Ghosts of Boston: Haunts of the Hub": Book Launch Celebration
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$6

Special guests: Jim Luletta, Dan Blakeslee, Adam Berry, Mike Baker & Scott Trainito, Wendy Reardon

No offense to all of the 'ghost hunters' out there, but I'm so skeptical about ghosts that I don't care to waste hours waiting to hear a noise or record a change in temperature.

Some of these guys as well as comedian Jim Luletta and musician Dan Blakeslee join author Sam Baltrusis as they celebrate what is most likely the definitive book on local spirits of the non-liquid kind.

Mike Baker & Scott Trainito of Para-Boston will even give a report on the Old South Meeting House's haunting horse...

TUES 9/18

8pm
The Bass, Placci, Rider Trio: "Live from Japan!"
at Seully Hall, 4th Fl, Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Program:

Haydn, "Gypsy Trio"
Brahms, "Piano Trio in B Major"
Shostakovich, "Piano Trio No. 2"

In case you couldn't make it to the Chichibu International Music Festival, the trio of Conservatory faculty on piano, cello, and violin will perform the same program from last month.

TUES 9/18

Scale The Summit (10:45pm), Trioscapes (9:45pm), Protean Collective (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

This is one of those cases when I read an email before the concert date and find something I wouldn't normally post -- progessive metal and metallic jazz-fusion. While I don't regularly listen to bands like Dream Theater, I respect the musicianship.

When I saw that Scale The Summit didn't have a singer, I wanted to say they make up for it with 7- & 8-string guitars and 6-string bass. Then you have Trioscapes with a sax/flute over a crazy rhythm section. Local prog-metal dudes Protean Collective hold up their end of the deal and goes one better with a singer!

TUES 9/18

9pm
Tall Heights, Aunt Martha
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door

Now for something completely different: Tall Heights consist of two guys who share delicate harmonies over guitar and cello. It's really lovely stuff, and they've been at Lizard Lounge every Tuesday this month with different guests.

I'm pretty sure that Aunt Martha lived in New Hampshire at some point. The rootsy racket should be a nice complement. And they played Bonnaroo last year, which is pretty cool.

TUES 9/18

9:30pm
The Young Leaves, The Fake Boys, Mercy Case, The BF's, Billy Raygun
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

Now for something completely different again: With 5 bands there might even be a chance that the punky good time will start at 9pm, but I doubt it. I really dig The Fake Boys and power-poppish The BF's. The Young Leaves hark back to loud, noisy '90s indie-rock for a little variety.

MON 9/17: Talk, TV, Music

It's one of those nights when we should be called 'Cheap Thrills - Camberville/JP', but what is a guy supposed to do? I wish there was more cheap/free stuff happening in Boston proper.

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MON 9/17

6pm
Paul Auster, "Winter Journal": Reading
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

Tix are available at Harvard Book Store or by phone 617-661-1515.

Whenever I hear Paul Auster mentioned, I have to pay attention. He's so connected with New York City and Brooklyn that his writing captures the the ability to tough and tender and compassionate and joyful. His new memoir is about getting old.

Poet Bill Corbett will introduce his friend.

MON 9/17

7pm to 9pm
"Star Trek Night"
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
FREE / All Ages

Vintage "Star Trek" will be shown... They definitely serve more beer & wine than your average cafe...

Special effects may be more realistic these days -- maybe even realistic acting without William Shatner -- but the original series had cool stories and sci-fi campiness.

I wish I could say which episodes will be shown, but doesn't it sound fun to get on the #88 or #90 in full costume and pretend it's the bridge of the Enterprise?

MON 9/17

7pm
MassMouth Story Slam: "Rock & Roll"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $5 students

Host: Scott Schultz

If you feel like telling a story, ten people will do more than listen at the story slam. Tonight's tales must give their spin on the theme of "rock 'n roll".

Other than your desire to get on stage, the reason why you're paying to listen to stories is that the winner moves on the next level in a competition culminating in April with a killer grand prize (weeklong trip to Italy).

A lot of people have rock stories, so you might want to brush up on the guidelines.

MON 9/17

The White Owls (8pm), Andrea Gillis Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Two great bar bands that go great together. Dennis Brennan captains a kick-ass team of players through blues classics and hidden gems. Andrea Gillis is the big, soulful voice in front of her punky bar-band.

MON 9/17

9pm
The Decent Lovers, Stereo Telescope, Personal Finance
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Let's enjoy the sound of The Decent Lovers who used to be super-folky, and now the autoharp is surrounded by more intsruments and electronics for a pretty sweet indie-pop vibe. When I first heard Stereo Telescope, it sounded full-on electropop but they're rock roots show through. My first impression of Personal Finance: guitar rock that leads you in peculiar and awesome directions.

MON 9/17

10pm
Akashic Record
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE

Akashic Record have been laying down funky soul-jazz grooves on Mondays for almost 2 months, and who knows how long the good times will last.

If you get there early, Mondays also feature Stump Trivia (8pm to 10pm) and 50-cent wings (7pm to 9pm).

SUN 9/16: Sunday Night Vide-O-bama

Just for the heck of it, the 2008 Sunday video mainstay will come back every now and then this election season.

No... The President hasn't been perfect, but Snoop Dogg/Snoop Lion gives his defense with some *NSFW* vocabulary.

SUN 9/16: Art, Music, Film

In case you’re not watching football...

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SUN 9/16

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

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

Over 200 artists are displaying their work, and it may not be too early for holiday shopping or the random upcoming birthday -- perhaps not cheap but original.

SUN 9/16

12:30pm to 3pm
Boston Musica Viva
at Carroll & Sons Gallery, 450 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

Program:

Michael Gandolfi, "Grooved Surfaces"
David Froom, "Circling"
Roberto Sierra, "Bongo-O"
Franco Donatoni, "Elly"
Patrick Greene, "AbstractEXTRACTION"
Bernard Hoffer, Country Dance from "A Boston Cinderella"

If you’re going to South Boston’s Open Studios, you might as well stop for a while at the Carroll and Sons Gallery to enjoy a bit of contemporary classical mainly by local composers.
And the Henry Horenstein "Honky Tonk" photo exhibit is pretty cool.

SUN 9/16

2pm
"Hootenanny in Harvard Square"
at CCAE Courtyard, 42 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Isn’t the beauty of a hootenanny is that it’s a casual get-together where the good music is based on good will. If you’re in Harvard Square, it wouldn’t be bad to swing by and listen – or sing and clap.

Those aching to play old-timey songs with other folks can bring their instrument along.

SUN 9/16

4pm
Roy Sludge
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

On most Sunday afternoons, Roy Sludge and his buddies dish out foot-stomping country music with loads of wit (their CD's title track is "Too Drunk To Truck").

SUN 9/16

7:30pm
Not So Silent Sundays: Buster Keaton's "The General"
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
Donations Accepted

It seems like Brendan Cooney is involved with 4 out of 5 silent movie presentations I see. The cool thing about his film soundtracks are not idle doodling along with the action unlike hacks from a century ago.

He has created an original score to one of the great Buster Keaton classics, and new film will be screened every month.

SUN 9/16

8pm
The Pomps, The Forthrights, Nick & the Adversaries, DJ Generoso
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

[Facebook]

Oh, there’s a lot of kick-ass ska/rocksteady/punk on deck. This is the kind of lineup that can make you forget that tomorrow is Monday. I assume DJ Generoso will keep things generally skanking-fun in between bands.

SAT 9/15: Night Cheapness

It's mainly mainly movies and music (and dancing) for the evening, but what are you really looking for?

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4pm -- "We Are All Cylons": Free Screening
6:30pm -- "The Avengers": Screening
7pm -- Etheria Film Festival
8pm -- Strange Changes, Bear Language
9pm -- Punk Rock Movie Night #1: "We Jam Econo: The Story of The Minutemen"
9pm -- A Wish For Fire, The Fatal Flaw, The Year Million, The Lights Out
9pm -- Project MUM: Outdoor Dance Party

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SAT 9/15

4pm
"We Are All Cylons": Screening
at Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
FREE

I know people loved the latest "Battlestar Galactica" TV series, because people were still talking about it in a bar the other night -- without knowing about "We Are All Cylons", 42 minutes about how BSG says something about Humankind's past and future.

While this is part of the Etheria Film Festival that has 2 screenings tonight, this documentary should get its own listing.

SAT 9/15

6:30pm
"The Avengers": Screening
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$4

When a movie makes a billion (or so) dollars, most people who wanted to see it have probably seen it. Here's another chance to see it on a screen larger than your TV or laptop, and you don't have to feel guilty about sneaking in your own candy.

Since I've sandwiched this between Etheria Film Fest items, I read somewhere recently that advocated Black Widow as the most important member to get the Avengers to assemble.

SAT 9/15

7pm, 9pm
Etheria Film Festival
at Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$10 / $15 Both (Festival Pass)

7pm -- Fantasy Block
9pm -- Sci-Fi Block

After the "We Are All Cylons" screening, the Boston area will be the first to see the Etheria Film Fest program before it travels around. The organizers have collected the best sci-fi and fantasy shorts by female filmmakers from the States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, and Australia.

SAT 9/15

8pm
Strange Changes, Bear Language
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

Sometimes highly technical music can also be fun, and both of these bands get it with different results. Strange Changes caught my attention when comparisons were made to Zappa and Mingus, and there is a Mr. Bungle element of weirdness that includes pop passages morphing into something very metallic. Then you have the tightly-wound yet funky rock of Bear Language.

SAT 9/15

9pm
Punk Rock Movie Night #1: "We Jam Econo: The Story of The Minutemen"
at Washington Street Arts Center, 321 Washington St, Somerville (Union Sq)
Donations Accepted

It's sorta like an all-ages show, but I imagine people sitting on the floor watching relatively quietly. Or I could be completely wrong, because The Minutemen shot out a liberating sound.

Feel free to bring snacks and BYOB. It would be nice to see Movie Night #2 and so on.

SAT 9/15

9pm
A Wish For Fire (11:50pm), The Fatal Flaw (10:50pm), The Year Million (9:55pm), The Lights Out (9pm)
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

It's a CD release party for A Wish For Fire. As it sometimes happens, the party boys are not my favorite of the night. Don't get me wrong; I think they do rock out well in their heavy, modern-proggy way -- as does The Year Million. A Wish for Fire are even offering a free song download whether or not you want to whole album.

It just doesn't get much better than The Fatal Flaw who combine sweet melodies and wry lyrics with a bit of grit for a winning combination. The Lights Out are a good bunch of guys who know their tight guitar-heavy pop-rock and how not to cross into something cheesy.

SAT 9/15

9pm to 1am
Project MUM: Outdoor Dance Party
Under the McGrath Highway, about 150 Medford St, Somerville (outside Union Sq)
$10 donation

This is the best night of the year to dance under the McGrath Highway, because you won't feel quite alone -- and there will actually be music playing.

The renovation process currently makes it look worse than usual, but they do transform a segment into a dance area with decor and video projections. Unfortunately I was stone sober when I showed up, so it was difficult to get into the dance mood. Otherwise it's a cool open-air dance party with musical turns to space you out by DJs/VJs Simex, cosinezero, FiG, Keith Mattar and Jon Bonk.

The theme is "Space", feel free to get dressed up with an astronomical angle or a simply comfortable leisure suit.

Somerville bicycle gang SCUL and the Boston Hoop Troop are also involved in some way.

Keep in mind your donation supports Somerville's fun & funky arts/cultural events throughout the year.

SAT 9/15: Day Cheapness

I think we may be on track. Stay tuned, folks...

And there's cheapness through Sunday on the calendar.

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8am -- Boston Open Powerlifting Championship
11am -- South Boston Street Festival
11am -- South End Open Studios
Noon -- Annual Boston Freedom Rally
Noon -- Somerville Riverfest
12:30pm -- "Rumble on the River"
1pm -- "Boston is Burning: A Day at the Boston Fire Museum"
2pm -- New England Americana Festival: Outdoor Concert
3pm -- "Halfway to St Paddy's Day!"
4pm -- Boston College Sesquicentennial Celebration Mass
4pm -- "We Are All Cylons": Free Screening

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SAT 9/15

8am to 3pm
Boston Open Powerlifting Championship
at Morss Hall, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

At first, I thought this would be strong nerds hanging out all day in the gym. On the contrary, MIT is hosting male and female USA Powerlifting members of different ages who will lift much more than you.

It may not be your thing, but spectators are welcome.

SAT 9/15

11am to 6pm
South Boston Street Festival
on East Broadway, between I and L Streets, Boston (Southie)
FREE

It may be of more interest to the folks in the neighborhood or those who just love Southie. If you recently moved here -- or in the last 10 years -- it might be a way to break the ice with the indigenous peoples if you see them strolling around the food/arts/crafts merchants.

There's is live music like folky Irish (Hogan’s Goat, 11:30am) and bluesy rock (Greg Luttrell, huge in China, 2:30pm) and some cover bands and step dancers.

SAT 9/15 (and SUN 9/16)

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

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

Over 200 artists are displaying their work, and it may not be too early for holiday shopping or the random upcoming birthday -- perhaps not cheap but original.

SAT 9/15

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

Main Stage:

Noon -- Battle for the Rally Winner
12:35pm -- Matalon
1:10pm -- Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket
1:55pm -- Nicole D’Amico & Friends
2:35pm -- Moe Pope
3:10pm -- Myster DL
3:45pm -- DJ Slim
4:20pm -- The Indobox
5:15pm -- Spiritual Rez

Parkman Stage:

Noon -- Green Line Inbound
12:35pm -- Claudia Varona & The Phobia
1:10pm -- Solo Sexx
1:45pm -- Dude Fuckin’ Yeah
2:20pm -- Pipeline Riot
2:55pm -- Leaders Led
3:30pm -- Dead Cats Dead Rats
4:05pm -- BRUNT OF IT
4:40pm -- Grey Sky Appeal
5:20pm -- The Shills

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.

I doubt the schedule won't be exact. It's not because it's a festival for stoners; there will be speakers between bands.

I went a few 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).

Yes, students (and anyone else), you can find a weed connection.

SAT 9/15

Noon to 8pm
Somerville Riverfest
at Assembly Row, 1 Assembly Square Dr, Somerville
FREE

Live music:

Noon -- The Beat Horizon w/ Pete Doom
1pm -- Sunlea
2pm -- Run Gazelle Run
3pm -- Fantastic Liars
4pm -- Lauren Bateman
5pm -- Hayley Jane & The Primates
6pm -- Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band
7pm -- Afrobrazil

It's a short, not-very-scenic walk from Sullivan Square (and it will probably piss commuters off when they add a Orange Line stop in the future) to find Somerville's major development project. Although Ikea is not coming, I think the commercial and residential area is starting to shape up.

I'd suggest going towards the end of the day to hear Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band and the other later bands. Of course, there's entertainment for young people; and food trucks are there for the hungry.

There will also be fireworks at 8pm.

SAT 9/15

12:30pm to 6:30pm
"Rumble on the River"
at Harry Parker Boathouse, 20 Nonatum Rd, Brighton
FREE

12:30pm -- Kingsley Flood
1:35pm -- Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons
2:45pm -- Jesse Dee
4:05pm -- Otis Grove w/ Akrobatik
5:30pm -- Gentlemen Hall

My experience last year was mixed, and it was mostly my fault. The music is awesome again; in fact, I think the lineup is better this year with a nice mix of rootsy, soulful, funk, and pop. Congrats to MySecretBoston for putting it together.

Get there early and hear one of my favorite rock and roll bands Kingsley Flood, and the party takes a twangier twist until the party vibes keep on rising.

Do yourself a favor and RSVP to get into the beer garden if you'd like to really whet you whistle!

And don't casually stroll from Harvard Square; that's a long walk.

SAT 9/15

1pm
"Boston is Burning: A Day at the Boston Fire Museum"
at Boston Fire Museum, 344 Congress St, Boston
$7

I'm not really sure what you get for $7. The museum doesn't charge anything (donations accepted), so it's intriguing what an organization dedicated to finding 'amazing places' will do to inaugurate their local chapter. Proceed at your own risk...

SAT 9/15

2pm
New England Americana Festival: Outdoor Concert
at Winthrop Park, about 50 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

2pm -- Fiddlin' Quinn & his Big Folks Band
3pm -- Sarah Blacker
4pm -- Greg Klyma
5pm -- Brian Carroll
6pm -- Cask Mouse

The evening shows at this weekend's New England Americana Festival around Harvard Square are $15, so I can cheer for the free daytime show. It's a savvy move to share a variety of folky, twangy, poppy, rocky sounds that fit under the Americana umbrella.

I didn't listen to Fiddlin' Quinn, but I like that he's a little kid who plays with tall musicians.

SAT 9/15

3pm
"Halfway to St Paddy's Day!"
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

3pm -- Johnnie Come Latelies
6pm -- Josh Lederman & the CSARs
9pm -- One Thin Dime

Maybe if I was Irish-American or a binge drinker, I'd be watching the calendar for St Paddy's Day. Regardless of the reason, the lineup is classic Union Square with a couple mainstays when it's time to celebrate March's drinking holiday and a reunion of a band that includes Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley.

Sally O's is even serving Irish boiled dinner.

SAT 9/15

4pmBoston College Sesquicentennial Celebration Mass
at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE w/ Registration

You may not be able to register, but isn't interesting that they're holding a Catholic mass at Fenway Park?

Can you imagine what people will be praying for?

SAT 9/15

4pm
"We Are All Cylons": Screening
at Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
FREE

I know people loved the latest "Battlestar Galactica" TV series, because people were still talking about it in a bar the other night -- without knowing about "We Are All Cylons", 42 minutes about how BSG says something about Humankind's past and future.

While this is part of the Etheria Film Festival that has 2 screenings tonight, this documentary should get its own listing.