The block is hot with can't-miss shows
By CHRIS CONTI | July 2, 2013
FOO FESTERS Whore Paint will perform at the AS220 bash. |
Summer ’13 is in full swing, and with it a full slate of budget- and family-friendly concerts and major-league fests. Toss in a handful of weekly/monthly music series at various local venues and your summer social calendar is stocked — no excuses. Because the last thing National Grid needs is more of your hard-earned green; give the AC a break and get out there!
A big shoutout to everyone who attended the inaugural “Church of Providence” show at Fête last week, as Strange Famous Records once again dispels the myth that rap shows are worth skipping out on. In fact, this wasn’t a rap show — it was a full-on variety program set to a sick soundtrack. There was a wrestling ring (with grapplers from Woonsocket) in the middle of the Fête ballroom, burlesque dancers, a horrendous freestyle rap battle, drum and bass marauders Olneyville Sound System (they decimated eardrums), and a killer headlining set from SFR’s newest recruits Juan Deuce & Falside, all hosted by bearded masterminds B. Dolan and Sage Francis with special guest DJ Born Casual behind the turntables. All this for just $10 and you missed it? No sweat, because the Church of Providence series will be held the final Thursday of every month at Fête, with a diverse roster of acts and assorted SFR shenanigans sure to satisfy. Lock it in. Visit strangefamousrecords.com for the full scoop.
And speaking of Born Casual, dude has the Fête Lounge on lock every Saturday, spinning that extra-crunk trap-rap and assorted heaters designed to work up a nice lather on the dance floor. It’s 21+ and no cover for “Casual Saturdays”; dial 401.383.1112 for details.
Another rap-fueled series of note goes down the second Saturday of each month at Miller’s Homeport in South Dartmouth, MA — “Histories Finest,” hosted by renowned wordsmith Gremy Grem of DirtyDurdie (be on the lookout for DD’s forthcoming platter titled Group Therapy). DJ D-Napp and DJ Kellan (“Serato meets vinyl”) spin indie and underground hip-hop along with a roster of rhymers from around the region. Ordeal and Mayhem take the stage for the next installment on Saturday, July 13; it’s 21+ and no cover all night! Call 508.992.1311.
While we’re out on the South Coast, let’s give a plug to the New Bedford Folk Festival (formerly called Summerfest) happening July 6 and 7, with seven (!) stages in and around the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Zeiterion Theatre ( a free shuttle will be provided around the grounds along with garage parking). There will be plenty of food and family-friendly activities, and a lengthy list of contemporary, classic, and Celtic folk music artists. Headliners include Ellis Paul, Cheryl Wheeler, and Lori McKenna. Grab a full weekend pass for just $25; a student discount is available (with ID) and children under 12 get in free; stop by newbedfordfolkfestival.com for set times and tickets.
