July 2007 Archives

Hey-o,

Here's the week in weird activity listings.

One of the biggest re-enactments of the year is "From Redcoats to Rebels" at Old Sturbridge Village. You don't need an excuse to go to OSV. It is a fantastic living history village representing the 1840s and is highly recommended. Adding this event on top makes it irresistable. It's not just one time period; this is a re-enactment of 300 years of military history. Parade, fife & drum, camp cooking, cannon demo, kids activities. Aug 4-5. http://www.osv.org

While you're in Sturbridge... Did you miss the free Shakespeare on the Common? Check out "The Comedie of Errors", by New England Shakespeare, on the Sturbridge Town Common, Sturbridge, MA. http://www.newenglandshakespeare.org

I have heard that there are bioluminescent (but not stinging) jellyfish off Cape Cod who come out in August and you can swim among them. I met someone once who had done this. Someone please send me information about the "Common northern comb jelly" so that I can post it for everyone!

Need an excuse to visit the Mass Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA)? Here's one, the Sing-a-Long Fiddler on the Roof @ Mass MoCA. Aug 4. http://www.massmoca.org/eventdetails.php?id=298

Another Balloon festival! That's one's the Pittsfield Balloon Festival, in Pittsfield, NH, which is 1.7 hrs from Boston. Aug 3-5. They'll have helicopter rides, fireworks, and an event called "Plop Happens" which is described as a "Cow Chip Bingo Raffle". Sometimes, you want to know. Sometimes, you don't want to know. http://www.pittsfield-nh.com and http://www.pittsfieldnhrotary.us

The Beatles are still cool! It's amazing. A tribute band, "Get Back! Beatlemania" is playing Aug 7, at the North Shore Music Theatre, http://www.nsmt.org

The 2nd largest annual quilt festival is the Lowell Quilt Festival, Aug 2-5, in Lowell. I've been to a quilting festival and some of the artwork is really engaging. It's not just about the crazy old cat lady. http://www.lowellquiltfestival.org/

August 5, It's the August Moon Festival in Chinatown, also known as the Boston Chinatown Festival! August Moon is the 2nd biggest Chinese holiday. It's celebrated with vendors and performances, and is really worth going. I went one year and they have adults but also super cute kids dancing and doing martial arts demonstrations. Chinatown Main Street. (617) 350-6303. http://www.chinatownmainstreet.org

The Salem Maritime Festival is Aug 3-4, at 174 Derby Street in Salem, MA. 978-740-1650. Saturday at 12pm it features my other favorite folk band, Atwater-Donnelly. Come and see demonstrations of sailmaking, blacksmithery, silversmithing, and model boat building. A bunch of 'tall ships' will be in attendance. http://www.nps.gov/sama/parknews/maritime-festival.htm

The largest Portuguese festival in the US is the Feast of the Blessed Sacrement. Aug 2-5, at Madeira Field in New Bedford, MA. 508-992-6911. There's a parade, live music, a road race, etc. http://www.portuguesefeast.com

The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival is Aug 3-4, way north at Chilly Ranch in Albany, VT. Come camp for a whole weekend for this world music festival. Tell 'em Johnny sent you and they will stare at you blankly in incomprehension.

Obviously getting on the "not reading the calendar of competing folk festivals" bandwagon is the Champlain Valley Folk Festival, Aug 3-5, at Kingsland Bay State Park in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. 877-850-0206. Another camping concept. http://www.cvfest.org. This one feels like a more participatory, homey festival rather than basically a big concert series.

Much closer to home, the Nashua Valley Folk Festival is Aug 5 at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, Route 117, in Lancaster, MA. Arlo Guthrie will be there! http://lancastercoffeehouse.com/

Also competing for the attention of people with homemade floral print shirts, the Newport Folk Festival is Aug 3-5, in Newport, RI. http://www.newportfolk.com. Featuring Linda Ronstadt, the Allman Brothers Band, and many others. Oh! And Ralph Stanley, the guy from the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack who sung that haunting song about death.

Lynn is having their "Annual Festival of the Arts", Aug 4, which effects the response, they have arts in Lynn? Yes, they do. They'll have local music and theatre performances, vendors, and face painting, but the real draw is that they're turning the town common into a temporary mini-golf course! 11am-4pm in Lynn's Central Square. I think you can pretty safely skip this. http://www.lynnarts.org/

There is purportedly a "World Music Festival" and "Peace 2007 Hip Hop Festival" at Boston's City Hall Plaza, Aug 4, about which I can find no information. Call (617) 635-3911

The Pan Mass Challenge is a bicycle race for charity, Aug 4-5. http://www.pmc.org

But why watch people in awkwardly unfashionable yet aerodynamic speedos when you can go watch bellydancing for charity!! The Bellydance Benefit for Jane Doe charity is Aug 5. Dance Complex, 536 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA. 1-5pm. $12. This is preceded Aug 4 by a day of bellydance workshops. http://www.zehara.com/janedoeinc

A thinly disguised marketing event, but one at which you could save some bucks, is Boston Restaurant Week (Summer), Aug 5-10, 12-17. That is actually two weeks so it should read "Boston Restaurant Two Weeks" but let's not pick nits here. Eat at some of the most expensive places for only a still expensive $33. http://www.restaurantweekboston.com

Much better I think to go to the Red Bones Annual Pig Pickin'! This is a street festival at everyone's favorite BBQ restaurant in Somerville. August 6. A southern-style hog roast and street festival to benefit charity. Live music. 6-9pm. http://www.redbones.com/

Cambridge "National Night Out Against Crime" is August 7. I think the idea is to get police and "yutes", I mean "youths" playing together. Amusement park and pony rides, safety demonstrations, a performer described only as "a roaming clown", exotic reptiles and Oooo -- McGruff the Crime Dog is coming. I just know some MIT pranksters need to show up and hack McGruff. Am I right? If you end up in the slammer, it wasn't me who suggested it. Take a bite out of crime at http://www.cambridgema.gov

Are you dying to see some alpaca? They have 'em down on the farm. Petersham, MA. http://www.colonialhillalpacafarm.com/

Here's the update on free outdoor movies. By the way, I went back to the Mendon Drive-In and found out that you pay once and can stay for both films if you want to! That Web site is http://www.mendondrivein.com

-- What's better than free movies? A costume competition! Mayor Menino's Monday Night Movies & Costume Mania starts on August 6, showing The Wizard of Oz, in Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand, at Dusk. http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/eventsannouncements.asp

-- Cambridge! Aug 1, TBD at Sennott Park, preceded by Davey the Clown. Aug 8, Donnelly Field, preceded by Alice Johnson, Andy Holiner. Call for info, 617-349-6200. http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridgeContent/documents/FamilyNights.pdf

-- Jamaica Plain, "First Thursdays", Aug 2, "Big", at 12 South Street, http://www.jpcentresouth.org/news/1stthurs0708.htm

-- Movies by Moonlight at Boston Harbor Hotel, 8/3 A Man For All Seasons, http://www.bhh.com/pdf/movies

-- WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell, 8/3 Back to the Future, http://www.wbz.com/pages/591886.php?contentType=4&contentId=618840

-- City of Somerville, 8/2 Rent at Seven Hills Park, http://www.townonline.com/somerville/movies/x1591224826

-- Dorchester, 8/2, Ice Age 2. http://www.bostonnatural.org/

-- Wincester, 8/2, Spiderman 2

-- Fitchburg, MA. 8/3 Flushed Away, http://www.discoverfitchburg.com/Movie_List.html

-- Springfield, MA. 8/1 Hoot. http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/Park/149.0.html

-- Onset, MA, Onset Bay Movie Co, 8/2, Charlotte's Web. http://www.myspace.com/obmco

The Rhode Island International Film Festival is Aug 7-12, in Providence, RI. 401-861-4445. It's "the largest public film festival in New England", but still a terrible idea to take one of the 12 hot weeks of the year and spend them indoors. There is a "Film Forum" Aug 8-9 which may be interesting if you want to learn about film-making, though. http://www.film-festival.org

Ongoing events I've mentioned before: Circus Smirkus, July 31-August 1 in Revere. http://www.smirkus.org/htm/tour/tourschedule.html. Chimpanzee exhibit at the Museum of Science, to Aug 28, http://www.mos.org. Misalliance to Sep 9 and Romeo & Juliet to Sep 16, http://www.publicktheatre.com. The Roxbury Film Festival, Aug 1 - 6. http://www.actroxbury.org. Maine Lobster Festival, Aug 1-5, http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com. Yankee Homecoming Festival to Aug 5, http://www.yankeehomecoming.com. The "Send Off to Nationals" of the Boston Poetry Slam is Aug 1, http://www.slamnews.com. "The Lion in Winter", to August 4, http://mit.edu/ensemble/www/current.html

Ciao, baby. You're beautiful.

-Johnny

Hi everyone,

This is the what's what and what's where in New England this week.

TONIGHT! Remember dodgeball? We used to call it 'murder ball' in grade school until the adults stopped us. I was the fat kid in the back, usually the last one to go out because I wasn't doing any throwing. Anyway, those glory days can be yours again. Tonight, is "open division" night at Big Kids Dodgeball in Boston. July 25, 6:30pm. Register on the Web site before showing up.

The event of the week -- one of my all-time favs -- is Celebrate Shakespeare Day. Stop! Don't skip on to the next listing. This is so far from being a boring event for classics lovers only. Last year I went and took a short course in stage combat, another in comedy, and competed for the best on-stage death against a 5-yr-old (she won, the little bastard!). It's truly sensational and apparently this may be the last year of funding so if you don't go see this, I will call your mom. July 28 from 11:00am - 2:30pm. http://www.freeshakespeare.org/pages/education/tour.php

But that's not all. As part of the same event they are doing a totally free "Shakespeare on the Common". This year's play (and again, it apparently is the last year) is A Midsummer Night's Dream. Possibly the best Shakespearean Comedy. July 22-29, on the Boston Common, Boston, MA. 617-482-9393. You must arrive early and rent a chair. http://www.freeshakespeare.org

Now on to Shakespeare's most famous weepy, Romeo & Juliet. Remember the Publick Theatre? They have an outdoor stage that is hard to find, along Storrow Drive just west of Cambridge. I've been and it's a truly great setting for a play. Intimate, outdoorsy, bring bug spray just in case. As well as Misalliance, which runs to Sep 9, they are portraying Romeo & Juliet Jul 26 - Sep 16, http://www.publicktheatre.com/

It doesn't get much stranger than the Central Maine Egg Festival. They have Egg Olympics, parades, quiche and cheesecake contests, a tractor show, and a dog costume contest that I'm sure is cute to die for. July 23-28. Pittsfield, Maine. http://www.pittsfieldmaine.com/eggfestival/

Also weird, talking dolphins! Well, it's a lecture on talking dolphins, at least, presented by a human being. It's "How do Dolphins Communicate?" at the Museum of Science Boston, one night only, July 26, Cambridge, MA. 12:30pm and 2:30pm. http://www.mos.org/eventsactivities/specialprograms

As though Boston drivers aren't tortured enough by pedestrians, now the buggers are putting wheels on their feet! There's an event called SkateBoston, Jul 27 - 29. The best I can figure is, you meet other skaters and go around terrorizing the town, sort of like tough motor bikers but without the tattoos. Radisson Hotel, 777 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA. This is not for beginners. http://www.skate-boston.com

Another re-enactment this week, "Abigail Adams Meets Captain William Smith", which is all about the wife of former US President John Adams, who was sort of the Hillary Clinton power behind the throne of her time. I mentioned this in June and they're doing it one last time July 29 at 2:30pm. Captain William Smith House, Lexington, MA. http://www.nps.gov/ner/customcf/apps/eventcalendar/events/mimaevent18431265.html

There are a staggering number of Catholic festivals in Boston's North End, and they look fairly insular (open to the public but not really meant for non-Catholics). This one is I believe the largest. It's the St. Joseph Feast Celebration, Jul 27 - Jul 29. If anyone can stretch a feast over three whole days, it's the Italians. Yum! And they'll have bands, and such. http://www.saintjosephsfeast.com

From the holiest of holies to the unholiest of the goth mindset. Have you ever felt that black eyeshadow and emo podcasting have gone too far? Do you see an irony in trendy Hot Topic stores and collective conformism of a group that preaches non-conformity and not fitting in? This is your chance at self-parody and fun at "Goths Gone Wild", and event at Ceremony, which is really An Tua Nua, July 30. Yes, it's a Monday, that is not a misprint. Apparently goths just aren't popular enough to get a Saturday. The idea is to go super-Goth for a night. Play it up, wear dark bangles, and they'll have jello wrestling. 835 Beacon Street, Boston, MA. http://www.ceremonyboston.com

More tamely, every week some poetry buffs, realizing how obscure their hobby is, seek to brighten it up with performance. This is the Boston Poetry Slam, which I've seen and recommend. It's like a series of one-person performances. Like rap, without the gangsta. Um, and music. Anyway! Every year a team goes off to the national competition, and we here in Cambridge get to hear their best work. The "Send Off to Nationals" of the Boston Poetry Slam is Aug 1, The Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. 617-244-6619. 7pm. $5. Four teams battle to speak the best poetry, and one team will travel to the national competition. http://www.slamnews.com

The Lowell Folk Festival is this weekend! It's the largest free folk festival in the US and runs Jul 27 - Jul 29. They have several stages, big ones as well as street performers you can really interact with. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org

MIT performs "The Lion in Winter", July 26 - August 4. It's a gripping political thriller with so many plot twists it will blow your mind. At least, I enjoyed the movie. Hamlet with more ham, basically and without the olde timey language because it was not actually written by Shakespeare (ssh!! don't let any of the MIT Shakespeare Ensemble know, it will break their hearts). July 26-28 and August 2-4 at 8:00PM in Kresge Little Theater at MIT in Cambridge. http://mit.edu/ensemble/www/current.html

Although I try to stay within a 2-hour drive from Boston, one of the best folk festivals around is in eastern New York, called the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Its just over the border from Western, MA. This year includes The Strangelings w/ Chris Thompson, one of my favorite performers. This year it is July 26-29, Dodds Farm, County Road 7D. Hillsdale, NY. http://www.falconridgefolk.com

Much closer to home, the Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival is July 28 near Worcester, at King Farm in Sutton, MA. 508.234.9090. Take Mass Pike to exit 10A, Rt 146 South to Sutton, follow signs. http://celticfestival.blackstonevalley.org

Are you a manly man? Then why have you never gone fishing? Your secret is safe with us, but get yourself to the Houghton's Pond Family Fish Festival and they will teach you "angling". July 28. Houghton's Pond, Hillside St, Milton, MA.617.698.1802. 10am-2:30pm. Fishing rods available for you to try your luck with angling. They don't say if you get to keep the fish! http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/aep/aepcalendar.htm

A little known secret about kite flying is that it's not easy. Think of me, trying to prove my manly manhood to my date, while my kite destroys itself in high velocity wind or -- symbolically much, much worse -- lies there limply on the ground. Well, here's a chance for everyone not just to gather and fly kites but to learn how to do it right. What's really great is that the event takes place on the Boston Harbor Islands, which are a wonderful and unique to Boston place to get away in the summer! George's Island Kite Day, Jul 28, on the Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA. 617-223-8666. Kite experts give lessons on kite-flying, fre material to build kites. http://www.bostonislands.org/eventsresults.asp

Have you heard of Edgar Allen Poe? Way before "Hellraiser" and way before "Psycho", he was the real deal in horror fiction in the 19th century, practically inventing the genre before dying mysteriously in 1849. What caused Poe's death? An author has written an entire murder mystery book set on the theme, I've read it and it's good. So check out the book signing by Matthew Pearl, who wrote "The Poe Shadow", July 30 at Brookline Booksmith. 279 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA. 617-566-6660. http://www.brooklinebooksmith.com

And now, some less exciting stuff.

Did you know that a number of wading pools and swimming pools are open all around metro Boston and even statewide? See http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/pools.htm

The Yankee Homecoming Festival is Jul 28 - Aug 5, on Boston's North Shore in Newburyport, MA. I can't tell you, as an events professional, how tired I am of these ye olde towney events. However, this one seems to be different. Printmaking, food & music & art, a Greek food festival, a car & truck expo, martial arts, historical tours, Irish & Greek performances, and fireworks Aug 5th, and a parade Aug 6th. It's a completely eclectic collection, go see it. http://www.yankeehomecoming.com

We don't see many blues festivals locally. They're having a Reel Blues Festival, July 26 at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Jim Belushi and Bo Diddley will be there. I called, and they confessed it's really a concert, not a "festival" where you might walk around and meet some people. http://www.melodytent.org

The Gardner Museum is again having a free Thursday night. Thu July 26. 280 The Fenway. Boston, MA. (617)566-1401. http://www.gardnermuseum.org

Last week I mentioned the overpriced Taste of Cambridge. What's that? Yes, yes, I'm sure it's for a good cause. Well, it got rained out so now it's happening July 26. Technology Square. Cambridge, MA. 5:30-7:30pm. That's close to the corner of Main Street and Vassar Street.

If you feel like driving 4 hours into Maine, the Maine Lobster Festival is Aug 1 - 5. They'll have fireworks, too. http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com

There is also a Puerto Rican Festival, Jul 27 - Jul 29, at Playstead Field, Franklin Park, Boston, MA. 866.481.0695. Unfortunately, although I feel you should have the choice, so I'm listing it, I cannot recommend this event. A few vendors selling bad fried food and some old-looking portable carnival type booths. There's a music stage, but if the field is muddy at all, which it was when I went, forget it. http://www.prfestma.org

I regret also that I cannot recommend ChiliFest on Wachusett Mountain, July 28. It's a great venue, and you can take a gondola ride to the top and ride down or hike down the mountain. But their events are a little too redneck for me. Lots of flea market style vendors. Still, chili, yum. And last time I did get to bounce on a huge trampoline for %$5. http://wawa.wachusett.com/

The Roxbury Film Festival is Aug 1 - 6. Roxbury, MA. I'm normally against stting indoors, not meeting anyone, staring passively at a screen for hours. Especially in the summer, in Roxbury. However, this one actually takes place in and around the MFA and you can take acting classes, attend panels, and they'll have guest speakers as well. Not Brad Pitt, sorry! http://www.actroxbury.org

Cambridge holds an "event" called Summer in the City which is really a series of totally unrelated events, except that they all occur at 11am when most of us have to be at work. One coming up looks fruitful, however, July 30th, Chinese Dance. 11:00am, Riverside Press Park, located at the intersection of Memorial Drive and River Street. Rain site: King school, 100 Putnam Avenue. Of course, most of us will be at work at 11am on a Monday. Check out the rest at http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/CAC/communitysummer.html#July26

Here's the update on free outdoor movies:

-- Cambridge! Wed July 25, preceded at 7pm by Dario the Magician, at Rindge Field. Call for info, 617-349-6200. The film is The Last "Mimsy"?? I couldn't hear her on the phone. http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridgeContent/documents/FamilyNights.pdf

-- Movies by Moonlight at Boston Harbor Hotel, 7/27 Inherit the Wind, http://www.bhh.com/pdf/movies

-- WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell, 7/27 Ice Age 2, http://www.wbz.com/pages/591886.php?contentType=4&contentId=618840

-- City of Somerville, July 26 Babe at Conway Park, http://www.townonline.com/somerville/movies/x1591224826

-- Dorchester, 7/26, Harry Potter 4. http://www.bostonnatural.org/

-- Fitchburg, MA. 7/27 Nanny McPhee, http://www.discoverfitchburg.com/MovieList.html

-- Springfield, MA. 7/25 Singin' in the Rain, 8/1 Hoot. http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/Park/149.0.html

-- Onset, MA, Onset Bay Movie Co, 7/26, Casino Royale. http://www.myspace.com/obmco

Performance events, "A Marvelous Party! The Noël Coward Celebration" is a revue of 33 songs and by Noel Coward: sketches, anecdotes, debauchery, etc. Yum. July 13-29, at the Zero Arrow Theater, Zero Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA. http://www.amrep.org/venues/zarrow/

Ongoing events I've mentioned before: Misalliance, to Sept 9, http://www.publicktheatre.com. Circus Smirkus, July 31-August 1 in Revere. http://www.smirkus.org/htm/tour/tourschedule.html. Chimpanzee exhibit at the Museum of Science, to Aug 28, http://www.mos.org. Barnstable County Fair to July 28, http://www.barnstablecountyfair.org. Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival at Mass MoCA, to July 28, http://www.massmoca.org/eventdetails.php?id=295.

David and Old Ironsides, July 25, 7pm Hatch Shell on Esplanade. George Carlin, July 27, North Shore, http://www.themusiccircus.org, and July 29 South Shore, http://www.melodytent.org. Bill Cosby, July 29, http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Ciao for niao.

-Johnny

Hola New England!

Here's all the strange and the freaky, but fun.

Sign up now! The Simpsons Movie premiere in happening in Springfield, VT, July 21. Out of all the Springfields in the US they happened to choose one close to Boston. Well, 2 hrs 41 min from Boston, MA. To put this in perspective, Springfield VT is a tiny town and this is a major event, they'll have unspecified festival activities starting at 11am. Join the tickets lottery at http://www.springfieldvt.com/

This week's treat is the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament, July 19-21. It's the largest offshore sport fishing event in New England. This is at Martha's Vineyard, MA and the closest you will ever get to seeing a real-life "Jaws" style super shark. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much of a festival for non-participants. But Martha's Vinyard is worth visiting; rent bicycles. http://www.bbgfc.com

Midnight Seduction is a flirting party game and a fantastic combination of fun and getting-to-know-you social science, and comes highly recommended. But only if you're flirt-a-licious! I mentioned this back in May, this time the event is free, but you need to RSVP right away. July 21 and also August 25. http://www.myspace.com/bostonmidnightseduction

The strange event of the week has got to be a collection of Harry Potter festivities. The new (and last?) book is coming out July 21st at 12:01am. Here is what's going on to celebrate this:

-- The Harvard Museum of Natural History is having a Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt, July 20, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA, (617) 495-3045. http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu

-- In Downtown Crossing, July 20, stay up to midnight at the Grand Hallows Ball at Borders Bookstore. Come in costume for "wizardly activities", including games and geek challenges. http://www.downtowncrossing.org/events/eventdetail.php?id=449

-- July 21 is Harry Potter Day at the Boston Public Library. Boston, MA. 9am-5pm. A day of games, movie screenings, other activities. http://www.bpl.org/

-- All of Harvard Square July 20th is transforming into "Hogwarts Square" and the restaurants will stay open to midnight as you wait wait wait wait oh god I can't wait to see if Harry dies or not!! Phew. Sorry. I feel better now. Anyway they have a whole musical concert planned in Harvard Square and the Brattle Theatre is showing the films. http://www.harvardsquare.com/summer/harry-potter.php and if you want to volunteer, http://harrypotter.meetup.com/470/?gj=sj5

-- It's Harry Potter Day in Sandwich and Falmouth on July 20. I just don't know how to describe this but they are dressing up the *entire town*, see http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/NEWS/707130315

-- In Brookline, the Brookline Booksmith (everybody's favorite non-chain bookstore) is showing have an indoor outdoor street festival July 20th with performances, contests, dancing, other geek craziness.

-- Do you have a Borders or a Barnes & Noble near you? See http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/312121/massachusettsharrypottermidnight.html

Here is your chance to see a re-enactment of a train robbery, at the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, July 21. This is where I start thinking... waaaaait a second... where are they going to get a train? They have men in kilts, a sheepherding competition, and it's rain or shine -- these people are tough laddie! Tough! Look Park, 300 North Main St. Northampton, MA, (413) 862-8095. http://www.glasgowlands.org

Did you notice that recent Pirates of the Caribbean film went international? That's because they're getting a lot of cash from their overseas sales. In a similar vein, check out the Newport Black Ships Festival which is all about tall ships and Japanese culture. Go sailing or just enjoy the drum performance, sword shows, tea ceremony, and sushi! Yum! July 19-22, Newport, RI. http://www.newportevents.com/Blackships/main.shtml

How is Somerville ArtBeast (ArtBeat) going to compete with all the above, I have no idea. That sounds a little Horror Movie. Art beast? music, performance art, craft vendors, dance, theater, food. Ooh they have a beast parade and a workshop for making your own costume. That's probably for kids but I hunch over and make my voice squeaky and it's surprising how many of these kids events I get into. July 20-21, http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artbeat/

Wed July 18! They're actually having a nature walk close to Boston and I thought it was worth listing. It's part of the Neponset River Greenway Festival, which is a great name considering the festival is in urban Dorchester. http://www.bostonnatural.org/07BNANNepFestivalLowRes.pdf

I don't know anything about Circus Smirkus, but the circus is an American tradition that deserves a boost. I think I read that they are the largest non-touring circus I think; they stay pretty much in New England. They are all over but specifically July 19-22 in Wellesley and July 31-August 1 in Revere. http://www.smirkus.org/htm/tour/tourschedule.html

Another balloon festival is this weekend, July 19-21, the Green River Festival, at Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA. That's right up Rt 2 in central Massachusetts. Off Rt 91 exit 26. 413/773-9393. Games, magic, balloons, music, including "The Kennedys & friends". I'm pretty sure that's not the Dead Kennedys. http://www.greenriverfestival.com

Another balloon festival, but don't get complacent! There aren't that many more this summer, especially as close by as Kingston, RI. It's the South County Hot Air Balloon Festival, July 20-22, URI Athletic Fields off Rt 138, Kingston, RI. http://www.wakefieldrotary.com

There are three cultural festivals this weekend. Check out Festival Betances (a Latino Festival), July 20-22, in Boston, http://iba-etc.org/claboston/festival.html and the Annual Italian Festival in East Boston, Jul 20-22, http://www.italiaunida.org

This is worth mentioning separately. As part of the Italian Festival, check out the World's Largest Sausage Eating Contest. July 21. 35 Benningston Street,East Boston, MA. 617-561-3201. Just don't hurt yourself! http://www.italiaunita.org

Wash that down with a little pie. It's the Verrill Farm Blueberry Pancake & Pie Eating Contest, July 21, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA. 978-369-4494. http://www.verrillfarm.com

The Wenham Museum focuses on the late 17th century, so naturally they are having a World War II Living History Day. Most re-enactments in New England focus on Ye Olde New Englandy Stuff, so this is your chance to check out something more recent from Europe. July 21. http://www.wenhammuseum.org

Have you heard of the Boston Harbor Islands? You take a ferry out and go boating, swimming, or picnic, or explore the old fort. This weekend, July 21-22, you have an extra excuse to visit as it is Family Fun Day on Georges Island. They have a living history Civil War encampment of artillery, prisoner escapes, and musket demonstrations. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA, 617-727-5290. http://www.bostonislands.org/eventsresults.asp

Starting to get to some of the more ho-hum stuff now. I prioritize the blog if you haven't noticed, weird to normal.

There's a Chimpanzee exhibit happening at the Museum of Science, Jul 13 - Aug 28, Museum of Science Boston, Cambridge, MA. Or Boston. I don't know, it sits on the dividing line! http://www.mos.org/exhibitsshows/currentexhibits&d=1627

To popularize the idea that the Charles River is now safe to swim, they are going to have a Charles River One Mile Swim. I read that last year they had to cancel this event because, you guessed it, the Charles River wasn't safe to swim. So this should be a little like watching a Nascar event where you hope nobody gets hurt but it would be so cool to see a smash up. July 21. Arthur Fiedler Dock, Boston, MA. That's on the Esplanade. Their Web site says they're sold out but I just don't believe you can sell out of tickets to watch an event that takes place along the Charles River. It's huge. http://charlesriverswimmingclub.org

There are a number of good agricultural fairs in New England, and Barnstable County Fair is the largest annual event on Cape Cod. It's just one of numerous opportunities to see pigs, pig judging, sheep, sheep judging, and get a sample of the agricultural lifestyle. Rt 151, East Falmouth, MA. 508-563-3200. http://www.barnstablecountyfair.org and you can see a ton of agricultural fairs at http://www.mass.gov/agr/events/pages/08aug07.htm

The "Taste of Cambridge" is July 19. At first it seems like a great event where you get to sample cuisine from various restaurants around Cambridge. Then you show up and it costs $60. ($50 if you prepay.) Of course, it's a benefit, I should know better. All benefits cost more. 5:30-7:30pm in Technology Square, which is on Main Street near MIT. http://www.tasteofcambridge.com :)

Want to take a class on being a blacksmith? Check out http://www.hammersmithstudio.com/class/classinfo.html

Here's the update on free outdoor movies:

-- Cambridge! They're having movies every Wednesday proceeded by a performance. I actually called and spoke with someone about this and they are still putting together their schedule so the film is TBD. The next one is Wed July 18, preceded at 7pm by Benjamin the Juggler of the Moscow Circus, at Hoyt Field. Call for info, 617-349-6200. http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridgeContent/documents/FamilyNights.pdf

-- Movies by Moonlight at Boston Harbor Hotel, 7/20 The Philadelphia Story, http://www.bhh.com/pdf/movies

-- WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell, 7/20 Harry Potter (2?), http://www.wbz.com/pages/591886.php?contentType=4&contentId=618840

-- Brookline, Larz Anderson Park, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" 7/21 and "The Great Race" 7/23, http://www.town.brookline.ma.us/Recreation/news.asp

-- City of Somerville, 7/19 Mean Girls at Seven Hills Park, http://www.townonline.com/somerville/movies/x1591224826

-- Dorchester, 7/19, Over the Hedge. http://www.bostonnatural.org/

-- Fitchburg, MA. 7/20 RV, http://www.discoverfitchburg.com/MovieList.html

-- Winchester, MA. 7/19 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. http://www.winyc.com/summerevents.html

-- Springfield, MA. 7/18 Hoot, 7/25 Singin' in the Rain. http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/Park/149.0.html

-- Onset, MA, Onset Bay Movie Co, 7/19, Over the Hedge. This is just me showing off, I know none of you folks are going to go to Onset or Springfield! http://www.myspace.com/obmco

Performance events, "A Marvelous Party! The Noël Coward Celebration" is a revue of 33 songs and by Noel Coward: sketches, anecdotes, debauchery, etc. Yum. July 13-29, at the Zero Arrow Theater, Zero Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA. http://www.amrep.org/venues/zarrow/

Ongoing events I've mentioned before: Misalliance, to Sept 9, http://www.publicktheatre.com. Newport Music Festival, to July 22, http://www.newportmusic.org.Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival at Mass MoCA, to July 28, http://www.massmoca.org/eventdetails.php?id=295. Invasion of the Body Snatchers 7/22 at 4pm at the Worcester Ecotarium, http://www.ecotarium.org/activities/

Heads up on stuff coming next week and afterwards:

This should be good but it's mainly for kids, I suspect. There's a musical storytelling event called David and Old Ironsides coming. A band tells a true story of a boy's life aboard the USS Constitution, through music and storytelling by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. July 24, 7pm at Charlestown Navy Yard, July 25, 7pm Hatch Shell on Esplanade.

You have to go see Shakespeare on the Common - A Midsummer Night's Dream! It's my favorite Shakespearean Comedy. If you're generally bored by the high culture or olde timey language, this one's worth your attention! July 24-29, on the Boston Common, Boston, MA. 617-482-9393. The big trick here is you simply have to arrive early to get a good seat. They have chairs for rent, cheap. More on this next week. http://www.freeshakespeare.org

More heads up. George Carlin, July 27, North Shore, http://www.themusiccircus.org, and July 29 South Shore, http://www.melodytent.org. Bill Cosby, July 29, http://www.ticketmaster.com. The Beach Boys, Aug 10, http://www.themusiccircus.org. B-52's, Aug 11, http://www.melodytent.org.

Phew. By now you're probably wondering about other "heads up", things you need to buy tickets for in advance. And all the other great stuff you can do in the summer such as water parks. Well, I have put up my master list on the Web.

You can grab the whole thing as an Excel spreadsheet at http://www.activityinfo.com/johnnys-activities.xls or in tab-delimited format at http://www.activityinfo.com/johnnys-activities.txt

Note the tab-delimited stuff is just a stub, I really suggest the Excel version, and click on the tabs at the bottom of the sheet to see other worksheets.

OK, that ought to hold you for a week.

-Johnny

Hi!

I just got this re: today's zombie march.

-Johnny
---------------------------------
THE MARCH IS STILL ON, EVERY ONE IS MEETING AT SOUTH STATION AT 6:30.
FROM THERE WERE GOING TO WALK THROUGH CHINA TOWN, THROUGH THE COMMON, WEAVING IN AND OUT OF NEWBURY ST. DOWN MASS AVE. OVER THE BRIDGE TO HARVARD SQ.

Hey-o,

This is what's coming up that's strange and fun in New England.

This is my personal victory for the week, unearthing... wait for it... a Lego festival! Vermont Brick Blast 2007, July 14-15, Middlebury, VT. It's the The only annual Lego festival in New England. What, you had plans to go to the Symphony this weekend instead? http://www.midvermont.com/events/brickblast. Also see www.nelug.org.

This one I also recommend. There's a local star in the "storytelling" community, basically one-person mini-plays stemming from the tradition of simply telling stories. Her name is Laura Packer, http://www.laurapacker.com, and she has a personal story called "From Terror to Triumph - a One-Woman Storytelling Night re: cancer". I'm sure it's excellent simply from the enthusiasm with which she hosts similar events and promotes them. I love passion. July 16, Club Passim, 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA, 781-526-7255. http://www.clubpassim.org

Midnight Seduction is happening again, another recommended event. It's basically a flirting party game like Spin the Bottle but better. Are you flirty? Check it out. Cambridge, MA. RSVP now for July 21. http://www.myspace.com/bostonmidnightseduction

Another great one should be the Forest Hills Lantern Festival. It is one of two events at the Forest Hills Cemetery, and the other (the Day of the Dead) was so moving that I feel compelled to recommend this one, too. Basically you decorate paper laterns and float them at nighttime to commemorate lost loved ones, a Buddhist tradition. Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA, 617-524-0128. http://www.foresthillstrust.org

From quiet to noisy, I also recommend the Revels Harbor Cruise and Sing, if it is not yet sold out. Revels you recall is the group that does the public sing on both sides of the Charles river, back and forth to each other. July 12. http://www.revels.org

Let's get on to some more re-enacments. I went to the ones in Quincy last week and it was such an educational, interesting, good time! July 15, there is a re-enactment of a Town Meeting from 1774, 1pm and 3pm in Concord by the "North Bridge benches". This is followed by a "His Majesty's First Regiment" re-neactment about life in the British Army (i.e. the badguys!) during the American Revolutionary War. Both at http://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/events.htm

How awesome is this. Instead of flirting, imagine walking down the street with a huge mob of people -- ALL ZOMBIES!! Unfortunately, the Zombie March seems like it may not be happening because the organizers seem to have not given any details. Like we're supposed to mentally pick up the location and time from mind-reading. Anyway, on Friday July 13 check for info which is not currently there at http://www.myspace.com/30650873 . Oh wait, according to the following link it is "6 or 7pm" at South Station. South Station is kind of a huge area for a gathering, you'll have to walk around and look for the zombies. I'll be there with some friends, ring me at 617-462-3245 and I'll tell you if we've found the friggin group or not. http://boston.craigslist.org/eve/275995124.html

Ooo! A balloon festival! OK, first I have to warn you that some balloon festivals are more like a day in the park and you may get one ride. But this one draws 30,000 people. Hillsboro Balloon Festival, Hillsboro, NH, July 12-15. Although it is 1.7 hrs drive from Boston (I check these things so you don't have to), there aren't any balloon festivals close in to the metro area because you just can't steer balloons and they can't risk landing on someone's house or private property. http://www.balloonfestival.org

A little more practical than traveling to NH, but just as fun if not more so, is the New England Sand Sculpting Festival, which is a great name considering that it takes place at fan-ghetto-tastic Revere Beach. I've been to this one though and it really is worth going, and they have fireworks the last day, too! They claim to be the biggest and best in New England. Hmm. Jury's out on that one in my opinion. July 12-15. Revere, MA. 617-650-2213. http://www.reverebeach.com

Now some culture and anti-culture. In the culture spot, Bastille Day Party & Dance in Boston. That's France's July 4th, but as usual the French insist on doing it their own way, so they hold it July 14th instead. Or July 13th in this case, with a Bastille Day Street Dance. That actually sounds pretty awesome, considering that last year's Bastille Day was (I dimly recall) arts and crafts for kids. In French no less. But this year they even have a "learn French" summer camp. It's getting hard to keep up my knee-jerk skepticism, I may even have to go and experience joie de vivre. July 13, Marlborough Street, Boston, MA. 6-11pm between Berkeley & Clarendon

Now for some anti-culture, it's the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival & Mass MoCA. This really appeals to my inner Homer Simpson. Do we really get to join in and bang on cans? It appears to be part performance, part participatory. Also Mass MoCA is awesome in general, so go. July 12-28. http://www.massmoca.org/eventdetails.php?id=295

Speaking of banging metal on metal, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Society for the Creation of Anachronism, who re-enact the middle ages / Renaissance period complete with fencing, feasts, fetes, and fine needlepoint. One of their biggest events of the year is the Great Northeastern War, July 13-15, up in Hebron, ME. http://www.malagentia.eastkingdom.org/FrameEvents.html

Also in the "Alert! Alert! Geek Warning!" category is ConnectiCon, the general-purpose fandom convention including anime, gaming, web-comics, science-fiction, fantasy and more. Jul 13-15, Connecticut Convention Center on Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT. http://www.connecticon.org

Here's an event I latched onto a couple of years ago and haven't been, but it seems like fun. It's the Connecticut River Valley Astronomers Conjunction, one of two big astronomy festivals in New England. Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, Northfield, MA. They have to do it far from the city so the city night lights don't affect viewing. I'm sure it'll be geeky, but hey, I love geeks and the lectures seem quite interesting. If the weather's good, then they'll have lots of stargazing at night. http://www.philharrington.net/astroconjunction

Not exciting enough? Maybe you need to compare it to the Whaling City Festival July 13-15 in Buttonwood Park, New Bedford, MA. That'll put you to sleep right away. They have the New England Whaling Museum nearby and that may explain some of their enthusiasm for a career choice that is now widely reviled, inspiring popular films such as Free Willy and Star Trek IV. They're going to have pig racing, so you know it's going to be a ton of surreal fun, and probably the only time you'll ever bother going to a whaling museum, so why not?

Have you ever heard of the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum? It was set up by a rich widow under the stipulation that they must never change the exhibitions. And sort of like, you know how blind people are supposed to develop really good hearing, well, not being able to change their exhibits, the Gardner has learned to put on some really good events. For example, July 12, 26, Aug 9 are free "Neighborhood Nights", with guided tours, jewelry-making workshops, storytelling, and a scavenger hunt for kids. 280 The Fenway, Boston, MA. (617)566-1401. http://www.gardnermuseum.org

Do you like model airplanes? I went once to the CRRC Hand-Launch Classic and the planes were interesting but I just love meeting the enthusiastic hobbyists. It's quite small though, give it a "Worth the trip if you combine it with something else in that area" recommendation. Davis Field, Sudbury, MA, 518 798 1321. Off Rt 117. Call Mark Drela at 617 253 0067, or drela@mit.edu. Lunch included in admission. 9:15am to 4pm? One of two annual big local model airplane events. Register ahead for discount. Directions, see http://www.charlesriverrc.org/fieldsdavis.htm. http://www.charlesriverrc.org

There is no longer a Newport International Kite Festival, apparently the orgnizers stopped doing it. I even called and spoke with one. But, thanks to the power of self-delusion, kiters gather every year anyway! This year the non-event is happening July 14-15, Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI, 401-846-3262. Yet another reason why you should all be visiting Newport once this year to do the mansions and cliff walk, see http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&eventid=104849 and http://www.newportmansions.org

As if you need another reason to go to Newport, they apparently have a Newport Dinner Train with a murder mystery dinner theatre night every Friday! http://www.newportdinnertrain.com

July 14th is "Paddling Back in Time", a historical canoe trip sponsored by the Old Manse. 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA 01742. 978-369-3909. http://www.thetrustees.org/

In terms of recurring events, I recently visited Gloucester and enjoyed walking around the "townie" downtown area. (You get the drill, painted seashells for sale.) And then went to Hammond Castle, recommended if you have something else to do while on the North Shore. Hammond Castle was built by an inventor from the 1920s (read: serious geek) who built a castle (i.e. what I would do if I had money), parts of which were actually shipped over from Europe. It's interesting, but not thoroughly curated. http://www.hammondcastle.org. What else is in Gloucester? Well two great beaches, Wingaersheek / Good Harbor Beach, http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGEuserop=viewpage&PAGEid=121&MMNposition=158:150

One thing you should not do is go to Dogtown in Gloucester. You will hear it described as a ghost town with carvings on the rocks. But really it is a forest with trails and a few boulders, just like elsewhere in New England. Yes, a few of the boulders had weird inspirational markings like "Study", "Be On Time", and "Industry". No, it is not worth seeing, especially on a humid day with flies.

Also in the ho-hum category, Brimfield MA is having their trice-annual antiques festival, July 10-15, Rt 20 at Rt 19, Brimfield, MA, (413) 245 3209. http://www.brimfield.com

I wouldn't call it ho-hum, just not as cool as zombies. Carbon Leaf is playing as part of the Lowell Summer Music Series, which is pretty much their tourism bureau saying "Come visit Lowell and spend money! We have concerts!" rather than a real festival. July 13. Lowell, MA, 978-970-5200.

If anyone cares, John Mayer is playing July 17, at the TD Banknorth Garden, http://www.ticketmaster.com

As part of the Neponset Greenway Festival, there is a morning canoe tour at Milton Landing, Wharf Street, Boston. http://www.bostonnatural.org/07BNANNepFestivalLowRes.pdf

I don't normally list sports but this one caught my eye. Pedro's Mountain Bike Festival, July 13-15, Hancock, MA, 518.641.9110. It really is a festival because they're going to have a slip-n-slide and kids stuff and live music and a night ride. http://www.PedrosFest.com

Here is the update on outdoor movie series:

-- Movies by Moonlight at Boston Harbor Hotel, 7/13 To Kill a Mockingbird, http://www.bhh.com/pdf/movies

-- WBZ Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell, 7/13 Over the Hedge, http://www.wbz.com/pages/591886.php?contentType=4&contentId=618840

-- City of Somerville, 7/12 To Kill A Mockingbird at Seven Hills Park, http://www.townonline.com/somerville/movies/x1591224826

-- Dorchester, 7/12, Shrek 2. http://www.bostonnatural.org/

-- Onset, MA, Onset Bay Movie Co, 7/12, Superman Returns, http://www.myspace.com/obmco

-- Springfield, MA. 7/11 Happy Feet, 7/18 Hoot. http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/Park/149.0.html

-- Fitchburg, MA. 7/13 Ant Bully, http://www.discoverfitchburg.com/Movie_List.html

Ongoing events I've mentioned before: Riverdance, June 20 - July 8. http://www.citicenter.org. Misalliance, to Sept 9, http://www.publicktheatre.com. Newport Music Festival, to July 22, http://www.newportmusic.org.

If you're ever going to visit the Worcester Ecotarium, which is a well-conceived but smallish zoo, go and see one of two science fiction films, The Day The Earth Stood Still, 7/15 at 4pm, or Invasion of the Body Snatchers 7/22 at 4pm. It doesn't say if these are outdoor or indoor. http://www.ecotarium.org/activities/

Finally, as you may know, I run a small company dedicated to event listings. We are doing a public launch this week (last week was our insider-only launch). You can see everything at http://www.activityinfo.com/login.seam and the login for the Johnny's list community is activity2, becopped. I would love to hear your feedback and whether the site works on ancient browsers, etc. At least one person who uses Lynx will berate me I'm sure. The site does not with any editorial picking of "best" like I do in my blog but it's one of the largest sources in New England already and that's after just a month's worth of data gathering.

-Johnny

Hi!

This is the special July 4th edition. :)

Insiders know that state parks and beaches are the last place you want to be on July 4th. Want to do something truly weird and unique? How about taking part in a re-enactment of the 1776 Continental Congress that passed the American Declaration of Independence. 7/4, Quincy, http://www.discoverquincy.com/calendar.htm

Joining the mainstream is fine, too, at the Boston Esplanade, 7/4, for the concert and fireworks. The trick to this is to give up on being anywhere close to the stage. Bring a blanket and plenty of liquids, sunblock, and situate yourself far from any pathways... people tend to cut corners and trample you. A portable radio wouldn't hurt, but the speakers cover the whole esplanade I believe. http://www.july4th.org

Something much more off-track is Independence Day Celebration at Sturbridge Village, the 1850s re-enactment village. July 4, http://www.osv.org

The New England Summer Nationals is the largest auto event on the East Coast, in Oxford, MA, July 4-8, http://www.summernationals.com

You can also catch July 4th parades or fireworks in Chelmsford, Martha's Vinyard, Fairhaven, Falmouth, Hyannis, Ipswich, Manchester By the Sea, North Adams, Rockport, Williamstown, Plymouth, and more. Can't get enough? July 3rd is a celebration date in Chelmsford, Gloucester, and Worcester. See http://www.visit-massachusetts.com/eventsfourth.html

July 4th events I've mentioned before: Old Orchard Beach Parade & Sandcastle Sculpture Competition, July 2-4, http://www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com/Activity.htm. The Marblehead Summer Festival of Arts, to July 4, http://www.marbleheadfestival.org/events/events.html. Boston Harborfest is Jun 28 - Jul 4, http://www.bostonharborfest.com.

Here's a great one. Last year I stopped by Christian Herter Park, which is off Storrow Drive Westbound. In that general area they have a water sprinkler park, a playground, and a kayak / canoe rental place, which I believe is http://www.ski-paddle.com. Yes you can go rent canoes and paddle around watching the fireworks!

And now, what to do after July 4th!

Speaking of Christian Herter Park, every year there are outdoor theatre performances at the "Public Theatre", which is on Storrow Drive in Boston westbound just before the Days Inn. They are featuring "Misalliance", by George Bernard Shaw, a debate about marriage. Christian Herter Park, July 5 - Sept 9. I went last year and saw Shakespeare and it was wonderful. Take Storrow Drive west, which becomes Soldier's Field Road. Parking is 500 yards on the right after Harvard athletic fields. Closed when raining. Bring a picnic meal and arrive early for best seating. http://www.publicktheatre.com

The weird event of the week is Firefly. Have you ever heard of the Burning Man Festival? A bunch of artists get together and entertain each other with performances and displays. This is Vermont's version, smaller, closer, homier. July 5-8, Noon Friday straight through to Noon Monday. Bring your own tent. http://firefly.chaoshacker.org

Readercon is for people who love written science fiction and fantasy. July 5-8. You have to be pretty geeky, but I've been and it's good if you're a fan. Burlington Marriott, Burlington, MA. Expensive but attracts top writers. http://www.readercon.org

The weird continues! The largest native american indian event, (they prefer it to be called tribal nations I believe), in New England is the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Annual Pow-wow, July 6-8. I got this factoid from one of the tribal elders personally, and I've been to a couple of these and it is well worth the trip. 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA, that's on Cape Cod. 508-477-0208. http://www.mashpeewampanoagtribe.com/

Cambridge is having a City Dance Party, July 6, and they are not calling it "for peace" or anything so you know it'll be good. I went last year and it was surprisingly entertaining! You wouldn't think that the academic elite would be able to get their groove on, but there's sort of a Music Man transformation, if you've seen that movie. Anyway, go check it out. 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. 617-349-4301. http://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP2

Another re-enactment! If you are a regular reader you know I have a soft spot for these, because the re-enactors are truly the most passionate people, and I love passionate people. Also it's the least boring way to catch up on what I didn't learn about history going to a tech school. Glover's Regiment is a Revolutionary War re-enactment, a re-enacted military camp from the 1700s, with tents, cooking, craft areas, costumed militia and camp followers. Fort Sewall, Marblehead, MA, 781-631-5967. July 6-8, http://www.gloversregiment.org

Going a little re-enactment crazy, please include Happy Birthday Hawthorne! in your busy schedule. This is July 7th at the Old Manse. What does Manse mean anyway, "Old Mansion?" Webster's says it just means your house. So basically "This Old House", 19th century style. That's at 269 Monument Street in Concord, MA, 12pm-3pm. Re-enactors play the family members of the famous dead author Nathaniel Hawthorne. 978-369-3909. http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/30046happybirthdayhawthorne_.cfm

I am forced to admit that I find a lot of local townie festivals sort of so-so. You know what I mean, the local chamber of commerce encourages all the restaurants to open up a few tables on the sidewalk. They invite some artists and street merchants to come sell stuff, and there's usually a stage with one live band. It's not awful, but just not weird or big enough to draw me to visit Bumbleton, CT. This one seems to be different, despite the name. It is the Greater New Bedford Summerfest, July 7-8. Over 20,000 attend, and they have a bunch of apparently top-tier or at least 2nd-tier acts, including Irish singing legend and Grammy Award nominee Maura O'Connell. And they have various workshops, which don't seem to be participatory, but do give you a chance to interact with the performers in more than just a linear concert format. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford, MA. 508-999-5231. http://www.newbedfordsummerfest.com

There's a charity event called "Life is Good at Fenway" that is sponsored by those folks who make the t-shirts. This also is not the same-old-same-old street vendors thing. As well as the live music and food. They have games, a scavenger hunt, bubble gum blowing contents, a dunk tank, magic shows, seed spitting, the world's biggest game of catch. Sounds like it's just as fun to show up and watch the crowd as it is to join in.

On the flip side, I would not go to the Newport Music Festival except as an excuse to visit Newport, which is wonderful as previously mentioned. July 6-22, Newport, RI, 401-849-0700. http://www.newportmusic.org

Aretha Franklin is coming!! Is she still alive? You bet she is and she's demanding some R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Be prepared to have your butt kicked if you aren't showing some. That's July 7, at the South Shore Music Circus, which is not really a circus but rather a theatre. http://www.themusiccircus.org

Finally, under the I Swear I Am Not Making This Up Category, Dr. Sketchy's Burlesque Life Drawing, July 8. I checked this out on the Web. Apparently, you show up, get some art supplies for sketching, and the models do strange burlesque things and you might learn something about art, too. Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Boston, MA. 2:30pm $7, 18+, http://www.myspace.com/drsketchysboston

Here is the update on outdoor movie series:

-- Movies by Moonlight at Boston Harbor Hotel, 7/6, Vertigo, http://www.bhh.com/pdf/movies

-- CBS4 Free Friday Flicks @ Hatch Shell, 7/6, Shrek 2 (or 3?), http://www.wbz.com/pages/591886.php?contentType=4&contentId=618840

-- City of Somerville, 7/5, Just Like Heaven, http://www.townonline.com/somerville/movies/x1591224826

-- Dorchester, 7/5, has a day of kite flying and catch-and-release fishing and family activities to kick off their own summer movie series. At sunset, the movie (that's about 8:30pm), July 5: Night at the Museum. http://www.bostonnatural.org/

-- Onset, MA, Onset Bay Movie Co, 7/5, Happy Feet, see http://www.myspace.com/obmco

Ongoing events I've mentioned before: Riverdance, June 20 - July 8. http://www.citicenter.org. Brockton Country Fair, to Jul 8, http://www.brocktonfair.com. Scarecrow of Rumney Marsh, Gloucester July 6-7, http://www.pastimesentertainment.com

The MFA continues its summer concert series, this week is "Tortoise", July 5th, combining electronica with jazz. And they even have audio links on the MFA web site, what a neat idea! http://www.mfa.org/calendar/event.asp?eventkey=27584&date=7/5/2007

Phew. Go do all that and get back to me. :)

-Johnny