August 5, 2005

Swine, Women, and Song

Pig Pickin’ Party

One thing we Bostonians kick ass on: charity fundraising.

One thing we kick the bucket on: barbecue.

Come Monday we’ll get a chance to both rectify our shortcomings and spotlight our strengths at the street-wide Pig Pickin’ event in Somerville.

Redbones, arguably one of the area’s only authentic ’cue joints, is hosting a good ol’ fashioned pig roast. Which means they’ll be firing up the smoker and tossing on a glorious mess of ribs, slaw, and corn on the cob. The party will take over the neighborhood with that and tunes from the Spring Hill Rounders and Mickey Bones and Friends. Precisely what every summer evening needs.

The event will also raise cash for the Somerville Homeless Coalition — a  group of residents and civic leaders who operate a family shelter and food pantry. That’s the real point.

That and teaching locals to recognize bona fide barbecue when they taste it.

Redbones Whole Hog Pig Pickin’ Fundraiser, 55 Chester Street, Somerville (617-628-2200). August 8, 6-9 p.m.