And all that Jazz

Berklee faculty member Esperanza Spalding led her group in a set opening for the McCoy Tyner Septet at the Beehive last Thursday night to kick-off the Beantown Jazz Festival. The Beehive was an ideal hub for chowing down on savory veggie burgers (who would've thought that was a possible descriptive for such a food) and finding yourself mesmerized by the long hyperactive (and probably incredibly calloused) fingers of the cello player. The festival continued through the weekend, at which point one of the twins I nanny for made her spotlight debut in the Boston Herald trying her hand at the xylophone. Not to steal all the credit, but I'd just like to add that the girls and I have had some pretty rigorous practices to Charlie Brown's album lately and, well, if I was in attendance Saturday, that front page would've looked a shade different. I'm just saying.

The Red Sox clinched the American League Division Series Friday night coinciding with the arrival of our Chicago visitor, Chris Huff, whose team also sealed the deal that very evening. Amidst the Kenmore square chaos, cousin Katie McCabe was hosting her send-off party on Lansdowne St. The (naked) human keg cups were amusing, as were the sporadic champagne showers. But the ridiculously long lines had to be the highlight of my evening. Good thing Katie's flight departed safely on Sunday so there won't be a need for a repeat party for a while. Katie has shared her online journal site with us so that we may track her adventures through Fiji, Australia and New Zealand here.

My former Maine roomie was in town for a boat show this weekend, which happened to be in close proximity to the Harpoon fest, a 2 for 1 for some of us. The most notable random run-in at the brewery had to be a retired member of the "three muskateers", as they were known by Scott and his buddies in H.S., Jeff Oster. After assembling the jumbled (slurred) pieces, I think Oster was trying to send his greetings Scottie. And then a distant second would be cousin Garrett, who I was under the impression had turned 21 years ago, but in fact it was merely days ago. Peculiar. Following the Harpoon festival, 142 Pearl St had a pre-housewarming (we were down a roomie so we're still waiting for the real deal). It was a solid end to a long 24 hours and an excellent warm-up for the Ball Busters blow-out the following day at softball. Here's to team unison guys. I think a pasta party wouldn't be a bad idea next time though.