A full free day of music is on tap for Saturday, when the annual Radio 92.9 Earthfest takes place at the Hatch Shell, featuring a slate of popular acts.

Here's the lineup:

11:30-:11:50 a.m.: Twin Berlin

Noon-12:45 p.m.: Eve 6

1:15-2 p.m.: Switchfoot

2:30-3:15 p.m.: Spin Doctors

3:45-4:45 p.m.: Third Eye Blind

Yes, that reads Spin Doctors. It's been a while, hasn't it?

Earthfest, of course, is held in part to raise awareness of global responsibility, and will have a number of earth-conscious vendors, and a strict recycling program on hand for the expected 100,000 attendees. With perfect weather on tap for the weekend, that number could be conservative.

For complete information, including finding out how you can volunteer for the event, visit www.myradio929.com/earthfest.aspx.

Spin Doctors, Third Eye Blind and Others to Play Free Earthfest Concert on Saturday originally appeared on About.com Boston on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 at 15:51:24.

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It's a sad day for Boston independent radio and the local music scene in general as news came down this morning that venerable station WFNX has been sold to media conglomerate Clear Channel, a sale sure to instill a significant void on the radio landscape.

Since its inception in 1983, WFNX was always a cherished source for alternative playlists, and a haven for discovering local acts. That appreciation flowed from disappointed fans on Twitter all day, all tossing their support to the staff who lost their jobs today, as well as disappointment that another independent Boston radio station will soon be no longer. Stephen M. Mindich, founder of station owner Phoenix Media, announced the sale in a letter to the Boston Phoenix this morning.

Clear Channel also released a statement this morning, saying in part, "WFNX will remain on the air during time it takes to complete the FCC approval process, and events and concerts -- such as the Best Music Poll (June 13th) and the Seaport Six (June 14th) -- will take place as scheduled."

As for 'FNX itself, there is speculation that the station could live on in some sort of online capacity, but its days as a beloved destination on the dial are soon to be over.

WFNX Sold to Clear Channel as Local Music Fans Weep originally appeared on About.com Boston on Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at 15:36:03.

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Get reading, Boston.

Using sales data from all book, magazine and Kindle sales since June 1, 2011, online retailer Amazon.com determined that Alexandria, Va. is the most well-read city in America, followed by Cambridge, which came in at No. 2.

Boston? Not in the Top 20.

Odd.

According to Amazon, Cambridge readers "topped the list for ordering the most books in the Business & Investing category," which makes sense considering its home to Harvard and MIT. But still, it's some surprise that Boston doesn't make the list, even if you simply consider the amount of time commuters spend on the MBTA, whether the trains are on time or not.

Orlando, St. Louis, and Atlanta are apparently better-read cities than Boston. Or, maybe Bostonians simply prefer Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores. Couldn't be that, right?

Cambridge Among Nation's Most Well-Read Cities; Boston Apparently Is Not originally appeared on About.com Boston on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 15:22:19.

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Whether it's brunch or the annual Make Way for Ducklings Parade, if you're looking for last-minute Mother's Day plans, there is plenty to do in Boston on Sunday.

Following what is supposed to be a stellar Saturday (75 degrees and sunny) in Massachusetts, Sunday looks to be a little more unsettled, with warmer temperatures and an afternoon shower predicted, but such a threat should in no way prevent you from heading out and celebrating the special woman in your life.

So, take a hike, hit the beach, or just relax at home with Mom on Sunday.

Things To Do on Mother's Day in Boston originally appeared on About.com Boston on Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 17:57:35.

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I had the chance to meet and work alongside Carl Beane a decade ago, and always knew that the man's deep baritone was destined for greatness. Less than a year later, the man auditioned for the open position of Red Sox public address announcer and made it his own. Anybody who had heard his voice prior to that wasn't the least bit surprised.

Beane died yesterday after suffering a heart attack while driving. He was 59. The outpouring of memories and reflections on what the man meant to Red Sox fans today has been truly special, and the team will pay tribute to Beane during tonight's game against the Cleveland Indians by having no PA announcer in the booth.

It's a fitting gesture, and one that certainly won't go unnoticed. Beane followed in the footsteps of his idol Sherm Feller, who would have been more than supportive of the way Beane upheld his legacy at Fenway Park.

For a truly beautiful personal account of Beane the man, be sure and read Mike Petraglia's essay over on WEEI.com. It's a wonderful love letter to a man who was quite obviously a deep, personal friend.

Fenway won't be the same without Beane, who has left some enormous shoes to fill.

Carl Beane To Be Fittingly Honored Tonight With Silence at Fenway Park originally appeared on About.com Boston on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 16:14:43.

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We're wicked smart.

Of course, we've always known that, but as The Business Journal pointed out this week, citing the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, "nearly two-fifths of the 18-to-34-year-olds in the Boston market -- 39.2 percent, to be precise -- hold bachelor's degrees." That's the highest percentage of that age group in America.

"That's two full percentage points ahead of any other major metropolitan area," wrote G. Scott Thomas. "Washington is No. 2, with 37.2 percent of its young adults possessing four-year college degrees."

San Francisco-Oakland, San Jose, and Madison, Wis. rounded out the top 5.

At the bottom of the list was Bakersville-Delano, Calif., with just 9.09 percent of 18-34-year-olds possessing degrees.

Boston is Tops in America When It Comes to Educated Young Adults originally appeared on About.com Boston on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 at 07:51:55.

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April showers bring May...well, showers.

It's been a rainy start to May for sure in Boston, but things should hopefully clear up in the coming days as we welcome May to 2012. That's good news thanks to the plethora of events happening in the city this month. From the Taste of the North End to the Walk of Hunger and Boston Pops Opening Night, May is the month where Boston begins to get geared up for its unparalled summer season.

So whether it's Mother's Day on your mind - and it had better be - or American Craft Beer Week, May presents ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the precursor to arguably Boston's finest season.

May Events in Boston originally appeared on About.com Boston on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 at 17:33:17.

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Hard to believe, but May is right around the corner, as 2012 continues to hurdle on toward summer. Of course, that means Cinco De Mayo is fast approaching, the perfect excuse to imbibe with one of Boston's best margaritas, but don't forget Mom either. At least, you'd better not.

A host of Boston restaurants are offering special brunch menus for Mother's Day this year, with countless, delectable options to choose from. We rounded up some of the more tantalizing specials, including some from Davio's, the Beehive, Haru, and more.

Reservations are strongly suggested in order to assure you have a spot at the table. After all, Mom always made sure you had one, right?

Mother's Day Brunch Options in Boston originally appeared on About.com Boston on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at 05:06:50.

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The New England Patriots are headed back to London this season as the NFL officially released its schedule for 2012, which includes a New England date against the St. Louis Rams in the shadow of Big Ben.

Other highlights on this year's slate, as the Pats seek a return trip to the Super Bowl, include a showdown with Peyton Manning and his new team, the Denver Broncos, on Oct. 7, a game against Manning's former team, the Colts, on Nov. 18, and a late-season test against the defense of the San Francisco 49iers on Dec. 16.

Here's the complete slate.

2012 Patriots Schedule Released originally appeared on About.com Boston on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 19:58:03.

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With thousands of spectators and runners crowding the streets from Hopkinton to Boston each Patriots Day, the Boston Marathon is clearly an economic boon for Massachusetts. But just how much? How about $137.5 million?

That's the amount that the Greater Boston Convention & Visitor Bureau estimates the annual event is worth to the Greater Boston area in 2012, when almost 27,000 runners will compete in Monday's race, which will also draw a half-million visitors along the 27.5 mile course and beyond.

"The spending impact of the 116th Boston Marathon is the equivalent to our region hosting the NCAA Final Four, GBCVB president and CEO Patrick Moscaritolo said in a release. " It is a huge economic benefit for our visitor industry and it kick starts our Spring tourism season."

 According to the CBCVB, the numbers break down like this:

Total spending by  runners and their guests:  $92.4 million
Total spending by spectators: $12 million
Total spending by the Boston Athletic Association: $7 million
Charity fundraising events by marathon runners: $16 million
Total sponsors and media marathon-related spending: $10.1 million

This year's race is expected to be only second in economic impact and participants to the 1996, 100th anniversary running of the marathon.

Boston Marathon an Economic Boon for Greater Boston Area originally appeared on About.com Boston on Friday, April 13th, 2012 at 08:55:01.

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