Published July 16, 2010
India, or the Harbor Islands? They both collide this weekend. (Dey/Flickr)
There’s a lot to look at this weekend, whether it’s a blueberry pie eat-off, a breathtaking relay race or Bhangra dancing. Set your sights on these summer performances before July slips through our fingers and we’re actually missing this face-melting humidity.
EAT
There are few things better to stuff your face with. (Pabo56/Flickr)
- Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m. to noon
- Verill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord
- $7 for adults, $4.50 for children under 10
Hot-dog eating contests? Been there, done that. Watch competitors scarf down something much more delectable (or try your hand at competitive eating yourself) at Verill Farm’s annual blueberry pie eating contest. For those who are a little more sensible about blueberry consumption, the breakfast includes blueberry pancakes, local maple syrup, bacon or sausage and O.J. Hayrides and a performance by the Yankee Stompers are the cherry blueberry on top.
DO
- Friday, July 16, 5:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, July 17, noon to 6 p.m.
- Davis Square, various locations
Some of the art on display at 2005's ArtBeat. (Elizabeth Thomsen/Flickr)
Check out the convergence of all walks of art this weekend in Davis Square, THE place to be for performance art, music, dance and crafts. The theme of this year’s festival is Water, and artists are encouraged to interpret it however they see fit. I’m crossing my fingers for an interactive exhibit involving squirt guns.
The First Annual African Festival of Boston
- Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- City Hall Plaza
Drum calling and parades at 10 a.m.? This festival, which celebrates Africa’s independence, is going to be off to a rousing start. Check out music, performances and crafts hailing from all corners of Africa all day long.
- Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18
- The State of Massachusetts
The Berkshires are just a hop, skip and a jump away — or about a 200-mile relay. Watch from the sidelines as runners tackle 36 legs of the race, all the way from Western Massachusetts to Boston. In addition to weaving through some of the prettiest spots in the state (Mount Greylock, Shelbourne Falls and the Arboretum are just a few of the stops), the relay raises money for the Jimmy Fund and cancer research.
LISTEN
- Friday, July 16, 7 to 7:30 p.m.
- The Christian Science Center Plaza, corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Huntington Avenue
Ring in the weekend with a free chimes concert at the Christian Science Center. But be forewarned — it may or may not be as adorable as this.
- Saturday, July 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
Franklin's beloved glass harmonica: a step up from glasses filled with water. (Tonamel/Flickr)
- Paul Revere House, 19 North Square
Though he is known for a few little things like bifocals, furnace stoves and, oh, electricity, Benjamin Franklin calls his glass harmonica the invention that “gave him the greatest personal satisfaction.” See what all the fuss is about at the Paul Revere house this Saturday, where Vera Meyer will be playing classic American tunes on this (apparently) classic American invention. If you want to try out the mesmerizing, eerie-sounding instrument for yourself, there’s always this nifty little site.
- Sunday, July 18, 5 to 8 p.m.
- City Hall Plaza
Belt it out at the Boston Gospel Fest. (AJStarks/Flickr)
This year’s Gospel Fest seems like it’s going to be two parts gospel to one part controversy, as everyone from The Phoenix to The Huffington Post has brought attention to headlining act and gospel star Donnie McClurkin’s homophobic track record. But McClurkin’s irreverent rantings aren’t the only thing showing up at City Hall — there will also be plenty of the best Gospel Boston has to offer.
SEE
75 Seconds: Selected Polaroid Projects
- Friday, July 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- President’s Gallery at Mass Art, 11th Floor of the Tower Building
Shake it like a polaroid picture…or just admire the unique photography that these shake-and-go cameras capture. The exhibit is up until August 20th, and features shots taken with MassArt’s 20×24 Polaroid — one of only five still in operation — by visiting artists.
The New England Sand Sculpting Festival
- All weekend long. Awards announced 8 p.m. Sunday
Sand that takes your breath away -- in a good way. (Snowriderguy/Flickr)
- Revere Beach
Who knew the sand at Revere Beach could reach such artistic heights? This year’s annual festival is sure to induce oohs and ahhs, with its roster of 12 world-class master sand sculptors and 250-ton demonstration sculpture. Grab an ice cream and vote on your favorite — just watch where you walk.
- Sunday, July 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Georges Island, Boston Harbor
A slice of Southern India makes its way over to the Boston Harbor this weekend. The Boston Bhangra dancers will be on hand to perform the high-energy, traditional folk dance. If the Bhangra bug bites after watching the show, they’ll be teaching a workshop after that is open to the public.
- Saturday, July 17, 8 p.m., Matinees Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18, 2 p.m.
- Ted Shawn Theatre, 358 George Carter Rd., Becket
- $59.50
World-renowned choreographer Karole Armitage, who has worked with everyone from Madonna to Mikhail Baryshnikov in every style from contemporary to Broadway, is setting up shop in Becket. Her latest show Three Theories is based on scientific themes, and should be well worth the trip to the Berkshires.