Treat Yo Self (DO IT)

The PBR was flowin’ freely this past Tuesday night at Great Scott as groups of 20-somethings milled around the space and Phantogram escaped from the speakers. Boston-based artist and visual communicator Laura Sau sat on a stool with her hands covered in charcoal as she moved toward completing her artwork. The Fresh Headz crew sold custom, hand-painted hats from their booth while Peaceable Prints, a one-woman business, displayed charming, hand-printed tees and lovely greeting cards with plenty of animal puns. And most importantly, of course, there were cupcakes. Delicious cupcakes. For free.

This was the fourth installment of the series Treat Yo Self, an event started by art and music coordinators Ian McGregor and Erick Donoghue, under their company Eye Design. The goal? An easygoing night where people can enjoy drinks, tunes, eats, and the always-welcome opportunity to support local artists and musicians, most of whom got the Treat Yo Self gigs through simple word of mouth. “When we first started this, only our friends really came,” says Ian. “And now I barely recognize anyone!” he smiles, looking around the increasingly crowded room.

First up on the mic was local band 14 foot 1, who rocked out with some serious drum solos, followed by Great Scott regular Birthdays, who pleased the crowd with his mesmerizing, dizzying tracks as one hand gripped the mic and the other flew from button to button, head bowed. Night Fruit and Magic Magic finished out the night with a strong set, playing to a packed room of head bobbers and serial sway-ers.

All in all, these Treat Yo Self nights are undoubtedly centered around a strong sense of (flannel) community. And for a mere $8, you get a pretty spectacular taste of the local art scene and a night of great jams. What else would you be doing on a Tuesday night? Re-watching The Hills?

No? Just Me? K. Look out for the next Treat Yo Self night on August 21^st at Great Scott. There are four bands scheduled, and a particularly intriguing rumor about a live graffiti battle out on the porch.