ArtBeat

Where cyclists, crafters and the mayor get down

By ELLEN PRZEPASNIAK

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One of Somerville's biggest summer parties takes shape in the form of its annual ArtBeat. Fittingly, this year's theme is ... wait, wait, it's ... green.

There are tons of green organizations stepping up to take part in this year's festival, including Somerville Climate Action, Shape Up Somerville, Somerville Bike Committee and Groundwork Somerville. Even the city government will display a smart car—the official car of Somerville.

"Green is incredibly trendy right now, but I think that's great," says Rachel Strutt, program manager for the Somerville Arts Council. "Anything that gets people to act in more environmentally conscious ways is good."

Over 100 vendors will set up around Davis Square with crafts, art displays and food. This year's focus is on bikes, so ride yours down. There'll be a "Different Spokes" bike exhibit featuring a fish bike and canoe bike (among other crazy contraptions), a decorate-your-bike-and-helmet station and bike valet parking.

"We're giving cyclists preferential treatment that one might get on Newbury Street when you pull up to some chichi restaurant," Strutt says.

Music, dance and theater performances are scheduled steadily throughout the two days, but don't miss Akrobatik (Boston indie hip-hopper), Township (winners of last year's WBCN's Rock N' Roll Rumble) and Peanut Butter & Jelly Dance Company (a dance company for kiddies, but we just like the name). The event is brought to you by the Somerville Arts Council and the letter "G."

Word on the mean, green streets is that there'll also be a roving tree at the festival. Watch out for flying apples, Dorothy.

[Fri 7.18.08 and Sat 7.19.08, Davis Sq., Somerville. somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artbeat]