Illustration by Eva Putnam

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 Little Red Smokehouse in Carver will be closed for renovations until early July. Check them out when they reopen; they have the best barbeque around. The owner, chef Bob Dillon (go ahead, make a crack about his name; he enjoys it) is a gracious host, and makes sure everyone has a great meal and a great time. He's also a discriminating music lover, so I feel honored to be in his regular lineup.

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.