As
I look at the 5-day forecast for Somerville online, it says scattered
thunderstorms and showers. Don't the powers that be know that
Somerville's Fourth of July celebration featuring the debut of the
Sunsetters along with a lot of other great entertainment is slated for
Thursday night? Don't they know about the shopping cart vendors with
all those lighted swords and spin around toys and illuminated teeth
grilles? And what about all that fried dough? What have we done to
deserve such crappy weather? What do I tell my anxious Sunsetters who
are eager to perform as many numbers as Frank Senesi will allow us?
Obviously we won't be able to have any electrical equipment outdoors if
there is a threat of rain. I am asking every citizen of Somerville to
pray for sun! Mayor Joe has confidence that things will brighten up and
the show will go on. I hope he is right.

As you read this, I am assembling the sound system and we will rehearse with it tonight in preparation for our debut.

And
what about all of us working folk who are eagerly waiting our annual
Fourth of July getaways? I don't know about you, but I am a worry-wart
and I am getting antsy.

I want my steak tips, brewskies, buns,
burgers and weenies. And the rain isn't going to stop me. But
geez…would a little sun be asking for too much?

I might as
well use this space to talk about another summer program that is
experiencing very low enrollment. Somerville Recreation is offering
Project Star 2009 – a 6-week, 4 day a week theatre camp. The Cost is
$25 per week, which includes lunch and a couple of field trips to see
some local theatre presentations. Somerville teacher, star of Joey and
Maria's Wedding and theater aficionado extraordinaire Sophia Carafotes
will be running the camp, along with myself. Venues will include the
Winter Hill Community School, Somerville High School and other venues.
It is our profound objective to bring theatre and music back to the
youth of Somerville. If we get enough kids signed up, we will produce
the original mini-musical "Back in the 'Ville." If we only get a few
kids, we will still have a blast and perform a smaller show. We want to
build on the Project Star idea in a time when funds are at an all time
low. We cannot let the arts suffer at the hands of fiscal chaos. My
Klass Klownz group had 10 kids and that show will be on city cable
shortly. Next seasons lineup should be bigger and better.

So
tell all the kids you know who are in grades 6 to 12 that a wonderful
theatrical and music experience is waiting for them. Interested people
can call Danielle at recreation at 617-625-6600 extension 2980, or
e-mail me at jimmydel@rcn.com.

Meanwhile back to this weather –
is the Lord punishing us? I've been good, for the most part. I almost
threw my back out installing 4 air conditioners the other day and we
have only had to use them twice. I know the real summer weather is
coming, but I am running out of patience. Thank God the kids couldn't
care less about the weather. The computers, PS3s, PSPs and all that
other crap are indoors. All I know is that I will be heading up to my
little trailer on the pond Friday morning. I don't care if its raining
or snowing or if locusts are invading – Moosie the Wonder dog and I are
out of here. And mom's going away too, so the boys have to come with me
.We will take a day trip up to Old Orchard to check out the Palace
Playland. Oh yeah, I forgot those two dirty words: "weather
permitting."

The city has a lot of wonderful activities planned for the summer. There is only one thing missing. Summer.

So
lets all do those superstitious dances, rub the rabbit's feet and do
whatever else you have to do to try to appease Mother Nature. Maybe
Father Time and Mother Nature can work out a deal. In the meantime, get
out the galoshes, umbrellas and lets have as much fun as humanly
possible! No Rain! No Rain! No Rain! You can email jimmy direct at
jimmydel@rcn.com.