Relating to Kerry, Bush; more music for Democrats
FAMILY TIES For all their differences on the issues, George W. Bush and John Kerry have one thing in common -- blue blood. Gary Boyd Roberts at the New England Historic Genealogical Society has found that the candidates are related through no fewer than eight kinships. (He'd earlier reported it was five.) For the genealogically challenged, that'd make the rivals anywhere from ninth to 13th cousins twice removed. "If they sent a Christmas card to all of their known relatives, both of them would go broke," Roberts said. (And, considering their wealth, that's saying something.) What about John Edwards and Dick Cheney? They're not related, but what is interesting is their kin: Edwards is related to the late novelist Walker Percy, and Cheney's got ties to Salem's Susannah Martin, who was executed for being a witch.
MUSIC TO OUR EARS Local gal made good Free, from BET's "106 & Park," and local band made good Mission of Burma will add a little flair to the Rock the Vote and Democratic GAIN event Sunday. They'll join Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Jon Stewart, and Natalie Portman at Avalon. And, as she has for former Democratic presidents John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Clinton, gospel/
soul legend Mavis
THE LINEUP AT FENWAY The Red Sox might be gearing up for a 14-day break from Fenway Park, timed to coincide with the DNC, but they've first got a week of events planned. For tonight's game, former Red Sox player turned broadcaster Jerry Remy, with an assist from team mascot Wally the Green Monster, will open RemDawg's, a new eatery and souvenir stand along Yawkey Way. The Cape Cod League All-Stars will attend that pregame ceremony. Tomorrow's day-night doubleheader features the Hanson brothers (who have a concert that night at Avalon) singing the national anthem prior to the first game, and Jensen Millar, brother of Sox first baseman Kevin Millar, singing before the nightcap. At Saturday's game, local favorites the Dropkick Murphys will follow their performance of the national anthem with their new song "Tessie," which is a tribute to the Red Sox.
ACTING UP Officially, he's retired, but when playwright Israel Horovitz called, actor Tom Babson couldn't resist. "It's the best play I've ever done," Babson said of Horovitz's latest, "Compromise," which the Gloucester Stage Company will premiere this summer. It helps that Babson, who lived for many years in LA, now resides in Gloucester. Best known as Sam Malone's lawyer on "Cheers," Babson had an interesting run in Hollywood. An excellent skater, he prepped some big-name stars for on-ice roles, including Paul Newman ("Slap Shot"), Rob Lowe ("Youngblood"), and Michael Keaton ("Touch and Go"). In "Compromise," Babson plays a research scientist.
DINING OUT Speaking of "Cheers," John Ratzenberger ate at Grill 23 the other night with a crew from his Travel Channel show, "John Ratzenberger's Made in America." The night before, Peter Bergman -- Jack Abbott on "The Young & the Restless" -- was in. . . . Chef Thomas John, whose Indian fusion food made Mantra a hit after it opened in 2001, is leaving as executive chef. The restaurant is also opening a second location in South Beach, Miami, owners Amrik Pabla and Hemant Chowdhry said yesterday.
A NEW LEAF Last winter, after a public conflict with the owners, three senior managers and five others quit the prestigious Concord Bookshop. Now the trio and a few other ex-Concordians are opening a new bookshop in North Cambridge called Porter Square Books. The 4,500-square-foot store will open in October near the Porter Square T. It will be a general store, says Dale Szczeblowski, one of the three principals, with perhaps a small cafe. Szczeblowski's partners are Jane Dawson and Carol Stoltz.
David Mehegan and Alison Arnett of the Globe staff contributed. Names can be reached at names@globe.com or at 617-929-8253. 