Illustration by Eva Putnam

It ain't Tuesdays with Morrie...

It's Tuesdays with Tom at Steve's Backstage Pass

Taunton is home to one of New England's musical treasures, Steve's Backstage Pass. For the past ten years, Taunton's own Steve Toli has presented local, regional, and national acts in local venues; now he's realized his dream of bringing quality music to Taunton in his own intimate, friendly listening space. At Steve's, you'll hear everyone from Commander Cody to original Beatles drummer Pete Best. On Tuesdays, local legend Tom Beaulieu hosts "Tuesdays with Tom," a spotlight for local singer/songwriters that is always full of surprises. I'll be joining in with Tom and others this Tuesday, July 15, 7-10. It's an early night, so there's no reason not to come on down!

Now for all you folks in the North Country...

Anybody here know how to get to Millis?

Since I have family in Millis, when I was alerted to the fact that the Hap Tea Bar was looking for music on Friday, July 18, I signed up. It's exactly what its name implies: a tea bar with desserts and the like, set up as a music-centric listening space. So if you're in that area of our fine state, and you hate bars (I'll reserve comment), come on down to Millis' first tea bar.

Quincy, Massachusetts: Fun City

While you're cruising the Strip (Hancock Street), make sure to check out Quincy's longest-running Open Mike

The famous Paddy Barry's Open Mike is just plain fun for novice and veteran alike, as anyone who's had the pleasure will attest. People at Paddy's really appreciate live music, and the owner has given gigs to a couple of people he's heard at the Open Mike. Also, one open mic-er will be chosen each Wednesday for the "New Artist Spotlight" as part of Paddy's "Moody Monday" Series.

The true, behind-the-scenes story of Matt and Marty

I first met Marty Querzoli when he dropped into the late, great Tuesday Open Mic at C.B. O'Hanley's. About a year later (give or take a half hour), he called and asked if I could team up with him at a gig at the Mill Wharf in Scituate. Soon enough, he was asking me to join him at the Marina Bay Beach Club in Quincy and the Boathouse Pub in Marshfield. I said, "Uh, sure, I can do that," and the rest is sure to become history.