There was a long line to see MN Tickets open for Security Reasons at D’ollaire’s, which struck us funny since the band plays such short sets. MNT has had an upset hit with the novelty tune “Balloon Goon,” especially novel now due to the national news story about a real-life balloon goon who’s been running at helium-balloon vendors in zoos and yelling “You’re free! You’re free!” The Tix say their song has absolutely nothing to do with any of that—it’s about “a fat guy from our high school,” as bassist Ray Jersey delicately puts it. But they’ve been enjoying all the extra attention, and have sold nearly enough singles to buy a used van.

Tonight: Met No and All Lines at the Bullfinch (change in schedule)… Effective Immediately at Hamilton’s… An Evening with Webster B., of Commutrail, solo acoustic at D’Ollaire’s…