LIVE SHOWS TO KNOW ABOUT

Lolita: Before we get to listing the shows, I’d like to offer some tips on how to approach strangers when you want to talk to them. I asked some friends to tell me how they do it. Here are their tips: LINDA VIENS (Angeline/ Sgt. Maxwell’s Peace Chorus): When I want to talk to someone I don’t know and am feeling brave enough, I take a deep breath, and walk right up to them, stick out my hand and say exactly what I find interesting or compelling about the person, i.e., “Your Bird of Paradise tattoo is AMAZING! Linda Viens, nice to meet you!” *** IAN McCARTHY (Conservative Man): After 26 years, I still haven’t figured this one out. Perhaps that’s why I hide behind a band name, and write songs. Can you say “chickenshit” in this publication? Ever see those movies where one character is a figment of another character’s imagination? *** MARTIN DOYLE (Undeground Control): I don’t, usually they approach me. *** RICK BERLIN (herself): If just talking is all it is, no charge on the encounter, should be a snap. If however there’s some hit-on angle, that’s another ball game, and there? Like a friend of mine said, “The only strategy is no strategy.” *** NIKI LUPARELLI (the Steamy Bohemians): I try to bum a cigarette. I don’t even smoke, but it gets people to talk to you. Asking people to go have a cigarette outside is like a magical way to get them to hang out with you for five minutes. It doesn’t have the same effect if you just ask them to go chat outside for a few—they’ll think you’re psycho. But, “Wanna go smoke?” usually initiates at least a conversation. And if they’re really cool, maybe a special cigarette… Rita: Now that you know how to approach strangers, here’s where you can try it out. DAVE TREE is part of a triple art reception at Zuzu on Monday, 7/7. *** DROPKICK MURPHYS and THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES play LeLacher Park in Lowell, MA, on Thursday, 7/10. *** On Friday, 7/11, ANDREA GILLIS BAND hits the Cantab downstairs. *** Shaun & Suzi’s 15th annual Bastille Day show fires up the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, 7/12. *** NEPTUNE takes the stage at the Middle East on Thursday, 7/17, and makes a lotta noise. *** TEMPER plays the Abbey Lounge on Friday, 7/18. *** Same night there’s a Joe Strummer Tribute at the Midway. *** Saturday, 7/19, has MUCK & THE MIRES at Great Scott. *** GUT brings the barbeque to the Midway on Sunday 7/29 at 3:00 pm. *** On Monday 7/21, you can catch BRENDAN BOOGIE BAND at T.T.’s. *** On Tuesday, 7/29, Johnny D’s hold a benefit for Soldiers For Peace. *** EXTREME plays the Bank of America Pavilion on Thursday, 7/31. *** [MUNK]’s CD release party is celebrated at the Middle East on Friday, 8/1. *** On Saturday, 8/9, rockabilly legend SLEEPY LaBEEF plays Johnny D’s. *** Sunday, 8/10, features THEA HOPKINS at Club Passim. *** 30 bands over three nights—UNNATURAL AXE celebrates 30 years of Boston punk with the release of a tribute album for the band. Thursday, 8/21, and Friday, 8/22, are at Church, and Saturday, 8/23, is at the Middle East Downstairs. Rita: Have a great summer! Lolita: Do something naughty! Tell us about it. Then read about it in September. Enjoy every moment while you’re alive.

RIP: JACK ROOTOO (guitarist for Lou Miami/ Girl on Top) died on June 14 of esophageal cancer.