June 2008 Archives

Hi all,

This is what's coming up in New England!

The strange event of the week has got to be the Western Mass Highland Games & Celtic Festival. I went last year and it was so much fun! They have bagpipes, fiddles, falconry, traditional games and dancing, and such a great parade I can't even really describe it. I think the Scots just have so much ethnic pride and community it's thrilling to experience their enthusiasm. Jun 28. Franklin County Fairgrounds, 89 Wisdom Way Greenfield, MA 413-584-9182. Rain or shine. 2008: 9am to 6pm. http://www.wmhg.org

CALL?? CANCELLED? The Chronical of Narnia OverKnight. Jun 27. Higgins Armory, 100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA. 508-853-6015. http://www.higgins.org/Calendar

More movies outdoors. Can I ask a question? Why do so many of them simply say "At Dusk". When's that? 7pm when it starts to get dark? Or 9pm when it's solidly night?

-- Boston, MA. Movies by Moonlight at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Jun 27. "In the Heat of the Night (1969)". 617-439-7000. http://www.bhh.com/specialeventcal.htm

-- Falmouth, MA. Wednesday Movies Under the Stars, Jun 25, if you care what they're showing and what time exactly, apparently you'll have to call them. Peg Noonan Park, Main Street, Falmouth, MA. 508-487-3424. At dusk. http://www.falmouthchamber.com/more/calendar/event/909

This one's indoors, but still interesting. "Dinner and a Movie" is Jun 28 at the Hampshire House, which is a historic mansion on Beacon Hill. That's at 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA. 617-227-9600. It's just $30 for a 3-course dinner followed by Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. http://www.hampshirehouse.com/

It's not just movies that are outdoors at night! How about summer theater! Shakespeare Under the Stars is way out in Hadley, MA, and they're showing Romeo & Juliet Jun 25-Jul 13, and then As You Like It, July 16-27. Jun 25-26 is a preview and costs less. http://www.hampshireshakespeare.org

Or how about dancing! There's an event called Dancing on the Charles, which seems to actually take place outside on the shore of the Charles river. Jun 28 and a number of other Saturdays this summer. http://www.soulclap.us/dotc/

Here are two scavenger hunts! Neither involve stealing road signs and spending a night in jail:

-- Boston Scavenger Hunt, Jun 28, 12:30-4pm in Boston Common. Register beforehand. http://www.misteriosos.org/?cat=4

-- Gallery Scavenger Hunt, Jun 28. At Mass MoCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art. It looks like it's geared towards kids. Oh the waste! You know from kids cartoons and TV that children have no taste. Let's face it, they're just as happy jumping in puddles and picking their noses. Please put your festival energy into appealing to adults! http://www.massmoca.org/eventdetails.php?id=398

Special zoo events are usually benefits and tickets can be pricey. This one's, Zoobilee: Feast with the Beasts, Jun 28, is $125. That's less than the price last week to meet Steve Carrell. But hey, you get to ingest and mingle with animals. http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/zoobilee/zble08info.cfm

A better bet is Chefs in Shorts, which is only $60, another benefit, at Seaport Boston, one of those trade show halls in South Boston. Jun 27. http://www.seaportboston.com/

The town of Amesbury is having a festival! This is about as far north as you can get without falling off into the ocean or New Hampshire. It all starts with a block party on June 25, has a nighttime paddle Jun 27, balloon rides Jun 28, and more. Amesbury Days, Jun 25-Jul 4, Amesbury, MA. 978-388-8110 x314. http://www.amesburyma.gov/home.nfs?a=amesbury&group=503

While you're on the North Shore, check out this Catholic festival: St. Peter's Fiesta, Jun 25-29, Gloucester, MA. Religious activities, music, food, sporting events, parade, culminating with the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet from the Boulevard (near Fishermen's Memorial Statue). http://www.stpetersfiesta.org

Although nobody can beat Brookline for nuts, Somerville is giving it a shot by celebrating July 4th a week early. I guess they're just tired of being overshadowed by Boston's July 4. Somerville Independence Day Fireworks. Jun 26. Rain date: July 5. http://www.somervillema.gov/spotlight.cfm?id=28

I've never heard of a genuine improv comedy festival before (although local groups will put on their own shows). Providence Improv Fest. Jun 27. Held in three different locations in Providence, RI. http://www.as220.org/calendar.html

It's a dance party! The City of Cambridge knows how to throw a festival and they have plenty of them. This event is a block party. The streets are closed off next to City Hall and you dance, dance, dance the night away. I've been and it's worth seeing although I wouldn't drive far to attend. Cambridge City Dance Party. Jun 27. 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. 617-349-4301. 7-11pm. Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall. Participatory street dance with funky lights. http://www.cambridgema.gov/deptann.cfm?storyid=1722

What I'd probably avoid is the Puerto Rican Festival. Jun 27-29. I went one year and it was super muddy because of recent rain and there wasn't much there. I see they're going to have a parade though! Playstead Field, Franklin Park, Boston, MA. 866.481.0695 or 617-635-3911. Rain or shine. Free. Parade on Sunday. Also see http://www.fiestashows.com/events/events.asp. Also http://www.cityofboston.gov/arts/festivalschedule.asp

I just missed a Portuguese festival in Cambridge but will be sure to post it in 2009. What I can give you is the Provincetown Portuguese Festival. Jun 26-29. 508-487-3298. http://www.provincetownportuguesefestival.com

An excuse to try out the Boston Harbor Islands is "Plays in the Park" at Georges Island. Jun 27-Aug 29. You ride the ferry out. 617-223-8666. It's like a little bit of Nantucket Island right next door. Unfortunately it seems to be children's theatre (i.e. boring for adults?) http://www.bostonislands.com

So, despite my insistence you have resisted visiting Newport. Resist no longer. They're having a Newport Flower Show at the Rosecliff mansion, Jun 27-29. It doesn't look like that big a deal, but a great excuse to visit the Newport mansions and cliffwalk. 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. Friday 12-5. Sat-Sun, 9-5. While you're there, check out the topiary gardens with its animal shaped bushes. I was just there a couple of weeks ago and it was worth a visit. http://www.newportmansions.org/page4702.cfm

To lazy to drive or bus to Newport? Apparently there's a new oceanside walk they're completing in Boston. It's called the Harborwalk and I don't know anything about it. Jun 27. It's 47 miles. Yikes. http://www.bostonharborwalk.com

Speaking of new, did you hear in 2004 that as part of the Big Dig, when they sunk the highway underground, that they'd be building a garden on the new ground-level space? I sort of didn't believe it. Or thought it might be completed in 2030. Well, I was driving downtown and I saw it! It exists! Check it out. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, near South Station. It has fountains. http://www.masspike.com/bigdig/parks/greenway.html

The National Heritage Museum in Lexington is free, http://www.monh.org, and the nearby Concord Museum is only $10. But they're giving you a break Wednesday June 25, from 5-8pm. "Be Our Guest" is a free admission event, and they'll have unspecified "activities". Also 7/23 and 8/20. http://www.concordmuseum.org

There are a number of Native American events in New England and this one caught my eye. Jun 29. GLICA Pawtucket Powwow. Livingston Street, Tewksbury, MA. For a huge list see http://www.wanderingbull.com/powwowlist.pdf

While I seriously hope nobody would drive up to Vermont solely to see the Vermont Quilt Festival, Jun 27-29, Vermont is lovely and if you're not going to visit during the warm summer months, when will you ever? New England's oldest and largest quilt event. http://www.vqf.org

Here's some more on Vermont:

-- There's a serious maze called The Great Vermont Corn Maze, Jul 1-Oct 31, at 1404 Wheelock Road, Danville, VT. 802-748-1399. http://www.vermontcornmaze.com

-- There's another maze at the Adams Family Farm, 15 Higley Hill Road, Wilmington, VT. http://www.adamsfamilyfarm.com

-- They have Murder Mystery Weekends year-round at 7 Waldwinkle Rd, West Dover, VT. 802-464-5281. http://www.murdermysteryweekend.com

EurekaFest is an MIT festival for inventors. It should be fun to show up and see what wacky demos are on display. Jun 28. MIT campus and also the Boston Museum of Science. They say to catch the afternoon event when 30 trash cans crash to the floor. http://mit.edu/invent/eurekafest.html

The Boston Symphony Orchestra dives headfirst into strange this week with "Judy Garland: A Life on Stage". Jun 28-29. This is not a re-enactor with an actor dressed up. They actually replay some old Judy Garland films and bring her to life by lifting out the accompaniment and adding in the Boston Pops. It's apparently the first time anyone's ever tried this. http://www.bso.org

Have you seen "Closer", the movie? I thought it was aces. Well, it's here in theatre form, Jun 25-28, at the Independent Theatre Company, Plaza Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston, MA. 617-933-8600

Are you a skateboarder? Do you secretly long to be one? You have problems. Stoke your habit at thet T.J. O'Grady Memorial Skate Park Anniversary Celebration, June 28, 4-8pm, Acton MA. http://acton-ma.gov/uploadedFiles/Departments/Recreation/ConcertSeries/TJ%20OGrady%20Skate%20Park%20Event%202008.pdf

-- And indoors at MIT LSC, 10 Things I Hate About You, http://lsc.mit.edu/

Continuing events:

-- FAC Pinewoods Weekend and FolkDays, to Jun 26. http://www.facone.org

-- Master Sand Sculpting Competition at Hampton Beach, NH, ended last week. However, it's still open for viewing. I went and saw the fireworks and it was fun! Give it a shot! To Jun 26, http://www.hamptonbeach.org

We are looking for just one more roommate. $500. 2 minute walk to Porter Square, Cambridge. Complete renovation in May means shiny new everything. Ask for pics and info.

That ought to hold you for a week.

-Johnny

Hey-o,

Here's the weird this week.

Alert! I have 33 free passes (for you and a guest) to an opening showing of the Love Guru. It's the new movie comedy with Mike Myers, the guy from Austin Powers. The film opens June 20th and the preview tickets are for tomorrow, Tuesday June 17 at 7pm. Email johnnysalwayson@yahoo.com for info. Will Mike be there? Who knows. He can't be everywhere. My best guess: no.

However! Steve Carell will be hosting a special screening of his new film "Get Smart" on June 19. Unfortunately this is a fundraiser, which means it's expensive. It's for the Jimmy Fund, which is against kids' cancer. CitiWang Center. Boston, MA. 617-332-0728. $100. http://www.jimmyfund.org/premiere

The weird event of the week is the Hands-on History Viking Presentation. This is happening at the Higgins Armory, which is a castle-like building with a ton of medeival and renaissance armor and weaponry. Jun 21. Higgins Armory, 100 Barber Ave. Worcester, MA. 508-853-6015. http://www.higgins.org

Further afield, the Vermont History Expo, June 21-22, seems really creative. They have a Civil War re-enactment, a "world's fair", tons of museum and historical society performances and exhibits. Fun things like trying out some archaeology and a parade. http://vermonthistory.org/index.php?option=comcontent&task=view&id=190&Itemid=101

I've never been to this one but would love to see it. Yirrell Beach in Winthrop is directly in front of Logan Airport and you can see the airplanes take off and land. It's nice at dawn or sunset, but their big event of the year is here. It's the Sandcastle Festival, Jun 21, at Yirrell Beach, Shirley Street, Winthrop, MA. 617-846-8243. 10am-3pm. Contest fee is $10, music, food, games like hula hoop and bubble gum contest. Also a mile swim competition for adults 16+, $20. http://www.discoverwinthrop.com/events.asp

Every summer, various group project outdoor movies. They're usually free and a great community event. It's always a good idea to call to confirm the event if rain threatens. First up are:

-- Acton, MA. Outdoor Movie Night at NARA Park. It starts Friday Jun 13 at dusk. Helpfully, they fail to define dusk and fail to say what film is playing. http://acton-ma.gov/content.aspx?id=1132

-- Boston, MA. WBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell. Jun 20 is "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep". It's on the Esplanade in Boston, MA. 617-787-7200. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/hatchevents.htm

Also an atypical and fun film event! The Harvard Museum of Natural History often runs off-beat science-y films, and the next one is the Boston Film Premiere of "Abandoned in the Arctic". It's a three-year journey of starvation, mutiny, and cannibalism exploring the arctic. Jun 19. Harvard's Science Center, Hall B, One Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA. http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu

The start of summer is marked by the solstice, the longest day of the year. It's essentially arbitrary but it's a fun excuse to party, especially if you're a druid. Here are four:

-- Summer Solstice Event, Jun 20 at the Somerville Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville, MA. 781-367-1277. Begins at 4pm. Potluck. Dance barefoot. Silk painting. Adult ritual follows kids ritual. Fruity level: very. http://www.thegrowingcenter.com

-- Summer Revels, Jun 20-22. Boston, MA. 617-972-8300. There's an art celebration at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Jun 20, 6-9pm. Then giant puppets and street performers June 21-22 by the Boston Children's Museum. Fruity level: not too overwhelming. http://www.revels.org/comingevents/SummersDay08.html

-- Summer Solstice by Candlelight, Jun 20. Make some candle lanters and go for a walk in the woods. Fruity level: safe. Free, but they want you to pre-register. Copicut Woods, in Fall River, MA. http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/35782summersolsticebycandlelight.cfm

-- Summer Solstice Soirée. Jun 21. Safe, sun-viewing telescopes and energy demonstrations. Coolidge Reservation at Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA. Fruity level: safe. They also have the Singing Beach nearby. http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/35697summersolsticesoir%C3%A9e.cfm

Apparently on the Chinese calendar it's still Spring. The Chinatown Main Street Spring Festival is Jun 22. Boston, MA. 617-350-6303. Throughout Chinatown. Free. 11am-4:30pm. I've seen it and they have such good dance performances! It's really a treat. http://www.chinatownmainstreet.org

A strange combination of French and Japanese is yours for the having at "Soirée Karaoké", a night of karaoke songs at the French Library in Boston. Jun 19. http://www.frenchlib.org

Every year there's a "dance camp" in Plymouth. The FAC Pinewoods Weekend and FolkDays is Jun 19-26. Not sure where it is on the fruity scale. It sounds really nice, actually. Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth, MA. http://www.facone.org

Here are a two "local" garden events. These are small time events that everyone's surprised when you show up from out of town. I often enjoy these as a chance to meet the locals and experience their enthusiasm.

-- The Somerville Garden Tour is Jun 21. http://www.somervillegardenclub.org/tour.html

-- Then, the Secret Gardens of Cambridge is another tour, Jun 22. http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CPL/friends/gardens.htm

There are regular "drum circles" run by the Drum Connection in Arlington. Basically you show up, bring a drum or they provide one, and you bang away. Jun 21. Boston Metro. 50 Tufts Street. Arlington, MA. http://www.drumconnection.com

The Big Fat Greek Festival sounds small timey but it's being held in the rather large Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA. Jun 20-22. It's possibly the largest Greek festival of the year in New England. http://www.helleniccomserve.com/lowellgreekfestival.html

The Capitol Steps are a singing group that parody current events, especially politics. You've heard them on NPR. They peform Jun 21 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston. http://www.maj.org/calmenu.html

Sometimes I just go places for the chance to see someplace new. There are so many public parks in New England that I keep finding ones I've never heard of before. One such is Bird Park in Walpole, MA. They're having an Ice Cream Social, Jun 21. http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/37435icecreamsocial.cfm

It's always smart to find two or three things in the area when you're checking out a tiny event like that. So while you're there, check out Sommerfest, which is the summer version of the German Oktoberfest. Ethnic food and polka music. Jun 21-22. Also in Walpole, MA. http://www.germanclub.org

I haven't seen this one but I've been to other native american events and feel it's worth a shot. The Native American Pow-Wow and Prowse Farm Tour is Jun 21-22. 10am-5pm. It's next to the Blue Hills which is a great place to go hiking. 5 Blue Hill River Road, Canton, MA. http://www.prowsefarm.org

I don't know whose idea it was to have a film festival during the summer, but the Nantucket Film Festival may just get you to try out Nantucket Island. It's Jun 19-22. Hey, William H. Macy will be there. Mainly it seems to be all film and few lectures, though. http://www.nantucketfilmfestival.org

Similarly the George's Island Kite Day is mainly an excuse to get you to try out the Boston Harbor Islands. The first is Jun 22 and they run regularly through Aug 31. 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

The mayor's wife is holding a Rose Garden Party on June 19, from 5:30-8pm. It looks like it may be a benefit for the MFA, which means it's probably pricey. http://www.cityofboston.gov/calendar/parks.asp?trumbaEmbed=calendar%3Dcity-calendar-parks%26widget%3Dupcomingphoto%26eventid%3D78012984%26view%3Devent

Also a benefit, but less ritzy, is the Taste of Cambridge, a restaurant festival. Jun 19. Technology Square, Cambridge, MA. 5:30-8:30pm. It's great that it benefits a homeless shelter, but if I'm paying $60, frankly, I want it to be all-you-can-eat. MITAC discount. Buy tix in advance for discount. http://www.tasteofcambridge.com

If I had to go to a food benefit, I think I'd prefer "A Wild Affair" at the Stone Zoo, the sister zoo of the Franklin Park Zoo. Jun 21. Live animals and live music. 5:30-9:30pm. http://stonezoo.org

I really have no idea why you'd attend the 106 WCOD Cape Cod Chowderfest, but it's a festival, and I'm listing it. Basically it works like this. You show up. Several restaurants attend with chowder. You eat some. Jun 22. Cape Cod. Cape Cod Melody Tent. http://www.melodytent.org

Jay Leno performs Jun 21 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA. http://www.ticketmaster.com

Continuing events:

-- Master Sand Sculpting Competition at Hampton Beach, NH, to Jun 27, http://www.hamptonbeach.org

-- Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party, Jun 18-22. City Hall Plaza, http://www.phantomgourmetbbq.com/

-- Provincetown International Film Festival, Jun 18-22. http://www.ptownfilmfest.org

I hear something involving basketball is happening this week, but I'm not sure what. I hear it involves the Irish or something.

I went to Storytelling for Grownups at the Bestsellers Cafe in Medford, only to discover that the cafe has closed for repairs. :(

We are looking for just one more roommate. $500. 2 minute walk to Porter Square, Cambridge. Ask for picsand info.

-Johnny

Hello New England,

This is the quirky calendar for this week.

The must-see event before weekend is undoubtedly the Scooper Bowl, which I mentioned last week, Jun 10-12. Just go. http://www.scooperbowl.org

Over the weekend, the weird event of the week is the Boston Derby Dames Season Two Championship. It's athletic women on roller skates. Jun 14. Shriners Auditorium. Wilmington, MA. 6pm. $16. Also an after-party with a DJ.

There are three "river festivals" this weekend. Firstly, the Cambridge River Festival is Jun 14. Cambridge, MA. 617-349-4380. 12pm-6pm. Rain or shine. Along Memorial Drive b/w Harvard & Central Squares. They have music performances, theatre, glass-blowing and ceramics demonstrations. http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/~CAC/

Part of the festival will be the Charles River One Mile Swim. Jun 15. Arthur Fiedler Dock. Boston, MA. Or thecharles.org. http://charlesriverswimmingclub.org

Then further west of the city is a festival in the Concord area. Riverfest is Jun 14-15. 617-223-5225. Boat rides, sculpture walk, river walk, music, canoe trek, scavenger hunt, nature walks. About 30 loosely connected events in differing locations, see schedule!. http://www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org

Also related is the Shelburne Falls Riverfest. Jun 14-15. http://www.shelburnefalls.com

Boston Pride Week continues and really gets into party mode this week. They'll have a festival on Boston Common 6/14, and various "block parties", June 14-15. http://www.bostonpride.org

Quincy has a solid tourism department and I've found their events worth seeing. The next one is the Quincy Flag Day Parade and Celebration, Jun 14. 7pm. Hancock St. to Pageant Field. Ends with fireworks! Quincy, MA. http://www.discoverquincy.com/calendarYear.htm

Every year they hold the Bunker Hill Day Parade and Re-enactment the Sunday before Bunker Hill day. This year, that's Jun 15. Charlestown, MA. For info call 617-242-5652 Ethan, or Bill Casey 617-242-5628. http://www.nps.gov/bost

Every week there is folk dancing in Copley Square! They say that beginners are welcome. It's every Tuesday through Aug 26, from 7:30-10pm, and it's free. http://www.facone.org/programs/program/bythefountain.htm

At Boston GuitarFest, you can take a workshop or see a guitar competition. Through Jun 15. New England Conservatory, 290 Huntington Ave.,. Boston, MA. http://www.bostonguitarfest.org

I keep telling you to check out the DeCordova Sculpture Museum. And you should. But did you know that nearby, also in Lincoln MA is Gropius House? I was pretty excited until a friend told me no groping actually occurs there. Instead it's an architectural landmark, but I'm sure that's fun too. They have evening programs all summer and the next one, An Evening at Gropius, is Jun 13. Gropius House. Lincoln, Ma. And other nights, see http://www.spnea.org/things/calendar/Events.asp?State=MA

If you don't mind the drive, they're having a balloon festival in Vermont. It's the Quechee Balloon Festival & Crafts Fair. Jun 13-15. Vermont. Main Green, Route 4. Quechee, VT. 800-295-5451. Book rides by May 15th for discount. http://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com/

The Special Olympics Summer Games are Jun 13-15. Boston Metro. On the campuses of Harvard, MIT and Boston University. http://www.specialolympicsma.org/events/index.asp?page=calendar

Speaking of fireworks, every year is a Master Sand Sculpting Competition at Hampton Beach, in Hampton Beach, NH. This year it's Jun 14-27, but the main events happen towards the end when there's judging. 603-926-8718. Their awards night is the last Saturday, followed by fireworks. They also have fireworks at 9:30pm every Wednesday Jul-Aug, too.. http://www.hamptonbeach.org

Also having fireworks regularly:

-- Every Thursday night at Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach, ME. http://www.palaceplayland.com

-- Every Saturday in July and August at Canobie Lake Park, in Salem NH. http://www.canobie.com/events.php

She Loves Me is the theatre show that inspired "You've Got Mail", the movie. Through Jun 15, Huntington Theatre Company, Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. 617-266-0800. Bitter rivals are secretly penpals.

Improv Boston, my favorite improv comedy studio, keeps coming up with new things to pass along. This week it's "My Big Fat Rashomon Wedding". Through Jun 13. http://www.improvboston.com

The MFA starts their Concerts in the Courtyard series today, Jun 11, and it runs through Sep 14. Boston Metro. 617-369-3189. As you remember, Wednesday evenings, the MFA is free. http://www.mfa.org/concerts

Speaking of free, MIT has a movie club called LSC and their films are free in the summer. This weekend it's Ghostbusters. http://lsc.mit.edu

One-upping MIT is the Brattle Film theatre, which is showing 2001: A Space Odyssey, preceded by a lecture with Keir Dullea, the star of that film. Jun 12. http://www.brattlefilm.org/brattlefilm/movie_detail/080612.html

One-upping the Brattle, why not use this as an excuse to check out Provincetown on Cape Cod? The Provincetown International Film Festival is Jun 18-22. 508-487-3456. http://www.ptownfilmfest.org

I sometimes list very "local" events because while they're not great draws, you get a lot of enthusiasm. So here's an opportunity for you to go Greek in the non-frat-house manner. The Hellenic Festival is Jun 14 at the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 14 Magazine Street. Cambridge, MA. http://greekculture.meetup.com/12/calendar/8111025/

I like to complain abuot expensive food events, but usually they're fundraisers for charity so I guess that's OK. Here are two reasonably priced ones:

-- The Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party, Jun 18-22. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza. Boston, MA. Tickets are $5 at the event but as low as $1 if bought in advance. 617-931-2000. http://www.phantomgourmetbbq.com/

-- The Taste of Allston. Jun 15. Just $20. Sample from Allston's restaurants. http://www.allstonvillage.com

The New England Fiddle Contest is free and really more of a festival than anything else. Jun 14. Manchester, CT. (860) 236-4445. http://www.fiddlefest.org

As mentioned previously, Chris Rock performs Jun 14 at the Citi Performing Arts Center

I just have to get myself to the Boston Prostate Cancer Walk. Jun 15. Boston Metro. Boston Common. Boston, MA. http://www.bostonpcwalk.org

Continuing events:

-- Glengarry Glen Ross to Jun 15. http://www.counterproductionstheatre.com/?p=42

-- The Great Park Pursuit, to Jun 14, http://www.greatparkpursuit.org/

-Johnny

Hi all,

Here's your week in weird!

-- Cardenio is not a play by Shakespeare, but it's been pieced together by a Shakespeare scholar and based on a "lost" Shakespeare play. It's a romantic comedy, thank goodness. To Jun 8. American Repertory Theatre, 64 Brattle Street. Cambridge, MA. 617-547-8300

-- JP First Thursday. Jun 5. Centre & South Streets. Jamaica Plain, MA. This is basically a gallery walk 6-8pm. And poetry reading. Every first Thursday of the month. http://www.jpcentresouth.org

-- US Air Guitar Championships - Boston. Jun 5. Middle East. Cambridge, MA. http://www.usairguitar.com/tickets.html

-- Boston Pride Week is Jun 6-15. Boston, MA. Largest gay pride event in New England. June 10th is parade in Copley Square, festival in Boston Common 6/14, also block parties. http://www.bostonpride.org

-- My Big Fat Rashomon Wedding is an improv comedy show about the backstage anxiety and onstage hilarious screwups of a big production wedding. Jun 6-13. http://www.improvboston.com

-- Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-off. Jun 7. Jun 7. Newport, RI. Over 3000 gallons of chowder from 30 great chefs. http://www.newportfestivals.com/Chowder-Cook-Off/

-- Also in the Newport RI area (well, New Bedford MA), Day of Portugal Festival Weekend. Jun 6-8. 508-997-7928. This is in New Bedford, near Fall River where my grandma grew up, and boy do they know how to do portugal right. Get some Portuguese sweet bread and you will thank me. Although this event isn't worth the trip on its own, why not check out Battleship Cove (Fall River), which is a real WWII battleship now on display as a museum, with a carousel next door. And the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Or stop by the Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford). http://web.massvacation.com/find/eventdetail.php?evtid=3107 and http://www.whalingmuseum.org and http://www.battleshipcove.org and http://www.bpzoo.org

-- Although I don't normally like to post film festivals during nice weather, if it'll get you to check out Newport, great. Newport International Film Festival. Jun 3 - Jun 8. Newport, RI. I went to Newport a week ago and had great fun seeing the mansions and doing the cliff walk. http://www.newportfilmfestival.com

-- This one just soudns fun. Who wouldn't want to go hiking at night with a guide who can teach you about forest critters? First Fridays Night Hikes. Jun 6. Jun 6. Bartholomew's Cobble. Sheffield, MA. 9-10:30pm. http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/27590fullmoonhike.cfm

-- My corporate skepticism is slowly melting. What's the angle on this, a tax dodge or it is just true philanthropy? "Museums on Us" is a free museum weekend, thanks to a Bank of America program. Jun 7-8. MFA & Harvard Museum of Natural History.

-- I've been to the Coolidge Corner Arts Festival, and it's nothing special but worth checking out if you're in the area. Basically 40 arts vendors set up tents on the sidewalk and they call it a festival. A few of the vendors will also be the artists. Jun 7. Beacon Street at Harvard Street. Brookline, MA. 617.739.9066. 10am-6pm. http://www.coolidgecornerartsfestival.com

-- Some people are showing off their properties, whether out of a secret desire to be "known" in society we don't know. In Providence, the 29th Annual Festival of Historic Houses. Jun 7. http://ppsri.org/?section=events

-- I've never seen this but I've heard it's fantastic. The Boston Dragon Boat Festival isn't just a race of chinese-looking canoes. It's also dance and music performances all day and lots of great people watching. Jun 8. Charles River. Cambridge, MA. 617-426-6500 x78. 9am-5pm. http://www.bostondragonboat.org

-- Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life. Jun 8. Cambridge, MA. http://www.brattlefilm.org/brattlefilm/calendar.html

-- I've been to the DeCordova Museum's Art in the Park Festival and it's definitely where you want to be! The DeCordova is my favorite museum in New England. They have a main museum building but it's surrounded by an amply sized park where you can stroll and discover statues out in plain view or hidden along the forest trails. Unlike the Coolidge Corner Arts Festival, where the vendors are packed on the sidewalks awkwardly, there's plenty of space for them on the park grass and more quantity too. Jun 8. 51 Sandy Pond Road. Lincoln, MA. 781/259-8355. 10am-5pm. http://www.decordova.org

-- If you're not on a diet, the Scooper Bowl is like a dream come true. It is nothing less than the world's largest ice cream festival. Jun 10-12. Boston City Hall Plaza. Boston, MA. When I went it was only $7. http://www.scooperbowl.org

The Midnight Seduction Club of Boston, the flirting group for those who're into sensuality, runs a party again Saturday. http://bostonseduction.org

Here are a few extras for you. Did you know that New England has a ton of zoos? They are spread all over and even the tiny ones are worth a trip. I've mentioned Dr. Spooky's (Western MA) and the Franklin Park Zoo (the best in metro Boston) recently and the New England Aquarium, http://www.drspookys.com and http://www.franklinparkzoo.org and http://www.neaq.org

Here are some you won't have heard of.

-- Cape Cod: Woods Hole Science Aquarium. 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA. 508 495-2001. http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/aquarium

-- Connecticut: Mystic Aquarium. 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT. 860 572-5955. http://www.mysticaquarium.org

-- Maine: York's Wild Kingdom, Zoo & Amusement Park. Route 1, York Beach, ME. 207-363-4911. http://www.yorkzoo.com

-- Metro West: Drumlin Farm Sanctuary. 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA. 781-259-2200. http://www.massaudubon.org/NatureConnection/Sanctuaries/Drumlin_Farm

-- New Hampshire: Charmingfare Farm. Rt 27, Candia, NH. 603-483-5623. http://www.visitthefarm.com

-- North Shore: Stone Zoo. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA. 781-438-5100. http://www.stonezoo.org

-- North Shore: Wolf Hollow Preserve. 114 Essex Rd, Ipswich, MA. 978 356-0216. http://www.wolfhollowipswich.com

-- Northern Mass: The Butterfly Place. 120 Tyngsboro Road, Westford, MA. 978 392-0955. http://www.butterflyplace-ma.com

-- Rhode Island: Buttonwood Park Zoo. 425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford, MA. 508 991-6178. http://www.bpzoo.org

-- Rhode Island: Roger Williams Park Zoo. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI. 401-785-3510. http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

-- Southern Mass: Capron Park Zoo. 201 County St., Attleboro, MA. 508-222-3047. http://www.capronparkzoo.com

-- Southern Mass: Southwick's Zoo. 2 Southwick St., Mendon, MA. 508-883-9182. http://www.southwickszoo.com

-- Western Mass: Lupa Zoo. 62 Nash Hill Rd, Ludlow, MA. 413 589-9883. http://www.lupazoo.org

-- Western Mass: Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 281 Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA. 413-665-2805. http://www.magicwings.com

-- Western Mass: The Zoo at Forest Park. Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA. 413 733-2251. http://www.forestparkzoo.org

-- Worcester: Davis Farmland. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA. 978-422-8888. http://www.davisfarmland.com/new-site

-- Worcester: EcoTarium (science museum), 222 Harrington Way. Worcester, MA. (508) 929-2700. http://www.ecotarium.org

Continuing events:

-- Burlington VT Discover Jazz Festival to Jun 8. http://www.discoverjazz.com
-- Glengarry Glen Ross to Jun 15. http://www.counterproductionstheatre.com/?p=42

-- Chris Rock performs Jun 14 at the Citi Performing Arts Center

-- The Great Park Pursuit, to Jun 14, http://www.greatparkpursuit.org/

-Johnny