Aloha Sarcophagus - Free Album

I was looking around randomly online, and I found a free album from local boys Aloha Sarcophagus. These guys hail from Somerville, and their 7-song debut is full of energy and noise. If you're looking to add some verve to your mp3 player, click on this link, and you'll be well on your way to increasing your local music catalog with these seven short, tight songs, all for free!

And if you absolutely love them, catch them tonight at 9 pm at The Milky Way Lounge at Bella Luna in Jamaica Plain. Also on tonight's $5 bill: Thief Thief and Hangman's Alphabet.

Saturday Music Getaways

If you are scratching your head for something to do this Saturday, and you are a fan of long summer drives, being outdoors and local music, then may we suggest two fantastic options:

• Lee Villaire (full band show) will be playing outside at the Honora Winery & Vineyard in scenic Jacksonville, VT from 2 - 4 pm. A scenic afternoon drive will find you in the lush hills of Vermont, with fine wines, cheeses, and a free concert. We think it's a great way to spend a Saturday.
• Elizabeth Lorrey will be taking part in the Lowell Folk Fest Weekend by performing a set at The Worthen House, Lowell's oldest tavern. She will be playing at 7 pm, but get there before six so you can check out The Rafters too, all for free!

And in case you've forgotten, both Lee and Elizabeth will be performing at the 1st Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest the following Saturday, July 31st. But check them out a week early if you can - we just might see you there!

Stuff To Do On A Saturday

So, you say you've got no plans for this Saturday evening. May I humbly suggest stepping out to a local music event?

By a freak coincidence, nearly all of the bands/musicians who will be appearing at the Wyman's Pond Music Fest on Saturday July 31st also have gigs this Saturday July 10th:

• 5 pm @ Church of Boston: Vanessa Kafka will be playing her amazing songs, both old and new, at this hip entertainment & fine food venue, just a few blocks from Fenway Park. With pool tables, plasma screens for the 1 pm Red Sox game, and a wide variety of beer, it's a great place to escape the heat, and make a day of it. And while Vanessa goes on at five, the music starts at three (bonus!). $8 cover.
  
• 8 pm @ Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA: Lee Villaire and the boys are launching her latest cd, "Curious". Plus you get the added value of experiencing the sounds of both the esteemed Elizabeth Lorrey, and young Rhode Islander Jack Babineau as well! So come spend the evening listening to three quality local acts, and eating some fine food. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
  
• 8 pm @ "Goodnight, John Boy!": Almanac Mountain is performing at his rustic home base in Exeter, NH. It's an intimate show in an old Victorian house with label mate Octo Octo. If you live nearby and have time to stop in, or if you feel a road trip coming on, you won't regret experiencing Almanac Mountain's infectious brand of 'trip-folk', with a few acoustic numbers and other good stuff mixed in. $5 suggested donation.

As always, show times with links are at the top of the page, or just click the ones in this post. And if you can't make it to one of the events this Saturday, check out each musician's artist page for future dates. Plus, don't forget to respond to the e-vite for Wyman's Pond Music Fest on Saturday July 31st, where you'll get to see Vanessa, Lee, Elizabeth, Almanac Mountain and more, all in one beautiful lakeside place!

Almanac Mountain - EP Update

Now you can get Almanac Mountain's EP "When in Nature" in hard copy. For only five dollars you get five great songs on CD-R, packaged with homemade artwork (in a limited edition of 100). And though you have to wait a few days for it to be shipped, you get it in digital form immediately, for instant gratification! No waiting, plus a cool physical copy, equals fantastic music that you'll want to keep forever. Or share with a friend. Or both!

Click here to get yours, and immediately increase the value of your summer leisure time. And keep an eye on Almanac Mountain's website for live dates (find two listed above in the 'Upcoming Events' section) and more.

And if you are a true A.M. fan like we are, snag "Canopus: Outtakes and Bagatelles" for free! A collection of stuff left on the cutting room floor during the "When in Nature" sessions, with random fun bits mixed in. Six more songs at no cost. How can that be anything but good?

Levi's Pioneer Sessions - Free Songs

I just happen to be on Colbie Caillat's mailing list, and I got a message that her cover of Blondie's "Maria" was available for free download. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there were several other free songs at the site as well!

Go to Levi's Pioneer Sessions, and you will find free song downloads (just provide your e-mail address, like most online offers) from She & Him, Raphael Saadiq, The Swell Season, The Shins and more. It's a great way to get cool cover songs from some of your favorite artists, or to discover some musicians that are new to you.

Note: There may be an easier way, but I had to enter my info separately for each of the five songs I chose to download. Mildly annoying perhaps, but free definitely! ☺