It's Midnight Somewhere...

I'll try to post something for the new year at some point today.

Still looking for something to do tonight? There's some ideas below. Remember Cambridge bars & restaurants can give (up to) $35 cab vouchers to drunk people tonight. Pin that on your jacket, because you won't remember it...

If you didn't know, T service is free tonight (including commuter rail) after 8pm with extended service.

Update: I went to Martignetti's last night and got a bottle of Westport Rivers for $22.99. Am waiting to try it tonight...

Below is my "Global Midnight Party Guide". It's a list of places that are celebrating midnight -- organized by the time in Boston (or Eastern Standard Time, whatever). Yes, some places have a "half-hour" time zone.

Don't know where these places are?

Should that stop you from celebrating their New Year?

10am

Perth
Seoul
Tokyo

11am

Hong Kong
Beijing
Manila
Taipei

Noon

Bangkok
Hanoi
Jakarta

1pm

Dhaka
Almaty

1:30pm

Mumbai
New Delhi
Kolkata

2pm

Islamabad
Lahore
Karachi

2:30

Kabul

3pm

Dubai

3:30pm

Tehran

4pm

Moscow
Baghdad
Riyadh
Kuwait City
Nairobi

5pm

Jerusalem
Beirut
Cairo
Johannesburg
Istanbul
Helsinki
Bucharest
Athens

6pm

Barcelona
Paris
Algiers
Amsterdam
Copenhagen
Milan
Berlin
Prague
Warsaw

7pm

Reykjavik
Casablanca
Dublin
London
Lisbon

8pm

Atlantis?

9pm

Rio de Janeiro
Sao Paulo
Buenos Aires

10pm

Santiago
Asuncion

10:30pm

Newfoundland

11pm

Santo Domingo
La Paz
San Juan
Halifax

11:30pm

Caracas

Toasting the New Year, Locally

I was thinking about bubbly wine and the environment. Whenever I talk to people about sustainable living or read about it, local consumption is always a major point.

We don't need to reach to France, Italy, Spain, or California (although I enjoy the variety of options). Westport Rivers of Southern Mass makes what is apparently a pretty good sparkling wine for about $20.

There's a list of MA retailers that might* carry it, and here's a partial list:

- Bauer Wine (Back Bay)
- Blanchards
- Cambridge Wine & Spirits (Alewife Pkwy)
- Gordons (Waltham)
- Harbor Point Liquors (Dorchester)
- Kappy's
- Martignetti Liquors
- Marty's (Newton)
- Stop & Shop (Quincy & Hingham)
- Trader Joe's (Brookline& Cambridge)
- Whole Foods (Cambridge, near Charles River)
- Wine Cask (Somerville)
- Wine Gallery (Brookline)
- Wollaston Wine & Liquor

* List from 2007

WED 12/31: New Year's Eve Cheapness

I'm not writing about any gigs for 12/30. If you're going to see a band tonight, then you know someone in a band.

I still stand by my position from last year (and have practiced for many years). It's better to stay in on New Year's Eve.

Invite people over... Go to that house party... Most bars and restaurants are going to be too crowded and too expensive. Take the money you were going to spend out, and you can have an awesome night even if you have the food delivered.

I know I recommended prosecco as the champagne substitute last year, but I drank a bit of cava from Spain this year, and it tastes much more like champagne. If you see Cristalino, that's a really good value for less than $10. You really don't need to spend more than $15 for a bottle whichever you choose. (You don't have to go for Freixenet, but it's not bad...)

For the full-on "cheap thrills" libation, I've also become fond of Baby Cham, a pear cider product, that goes for $5.99 at Supreme Liquors in Central Sq. Much better than the cheap champagnes -- in my book.

If, if, IF you want to go out tomorrow; these seem like good, relatively inexpensive ideas.

I will add that if it wasn't going to be so darn cold and snowing, I'd recommend "First Night" -- it was a really good time and definitely worth the $15. Okay, so it's $18 now... Probably still worth it...

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WED 12/31

9pm to 2am
Mama Kaethe's New Years Eve Dirty Jazz and Burlesque
(or MySpace info)
at Aga's Highland Tap, 2128 Washington St, Roxbury (Dudley Sq)
$5

This looks like the most exciting option of the night! I saw it mentioned as "Boston's oldest bikini bar" (i.e. women strip/dance, but can't show the bare goods). It just looks like a seedy den from the outside, and you know the interior must match.

Scheduled entertainment includes: "Mama Kaethe's Dirty Jazz Combo", "Miss Lydia & Klezhobos", Miss Darcey Leonard leading a cadre of burlesque girls, DJ Generoso spinning ska and various Jamaican.

You should take the #1 bus to the party and call a cab at the end.

WED 12/31

9pm
Futureshock: New Year's Meltdown
at Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St, Jamacia Plain (near Stony Brook T)
$10 / 21+

This should be wild, dancetastic, good time. (Cheap drinks help!)

The world is collapsing and we're thowin' a big party to celebrate with Plunge Into Death, Lovewhip and the Whipettes, Angela, Atomic Trash, DJ Homemade, the Varietae All-Stars and your host Vice V'ersatile.

We got a sci-fried show, dance party and a cash bar with new depression era pricing! $3 Sam Adams, $2 PBR's, $3 red and white wine!

Also: "Dress to Impress: Post-Apoco-hipstic, Blade Runner, Mad Max"

WED 12/31

10pm
Tim Gearan
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

Gearan and band will tear it up in their rootsy, rockin' way. The food and beer selection are both very good at Atwoods. If it was a wee bit closer to my usual migration routes, I'd go there all the time.

WED 12/31

10pm to 5am
FREE Cab Ride Home
from Any Bar/Restaurant in Cambridge

If you're at an establishment in Cambridge and you're too blitzed to drive, they can give you a voucher for up to $35 in cab fare to get home. (Tip not included, obviously.)

WED 12/31

7pm to 2am
New Year's Eve
at King's, 50 Dalton St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

The word I've heard is that free special events at King's get very crowded, and there's a line. I hate lines for a bar. I know they're a bowling alley with pool tables, but you know what I mean. There will be a band -- a cover band.

WED 12/31

5pm to 2am
Hollywood New Year Party
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Featuring 4 DJs spinning retro dance classics, pop remixes, house, electro, etc., multi-course prix fixe menu served from 5pm to 10pm, a fashion giveaway of some kind, special vodka welcome reception (before 10pm?), and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

WED 12/31

8pm
New Year's Eve Broke Bash
at Dick’s Last Resort at Quincy Market
$10

Paying someone to insult you might be fun for some people.

All party folk will receive one of Dick's highly-coveted 2008 / 2009 Survival Kits, plus there'll be a fizzy champagne toast for everyone at midnight.

There will be a "New Year's Eve Trivia Contest" and a cover band.

This Day in Boston History -- Dec. 29

1851:

The first American Young Men's Christian Association was organized, in Boston.

Thank you for being around YMCA. I haven't "slept over", but I've used some services over the years. It's a good place to have around.

More history of Boston's YMCA.

MON 12/29: Pix on Your Beer, Rock

Hey, folks. Am feeling like a zombie, but I'm back and maybe back on track depending how long I can last tonight.

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MON 12/29

6:30pm to Midnight
"Beverage Art"
at The Field Pub, 20 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Depending on your threshold for geekery -- this may not necessarily be entertaining, but it could be an interesting/fun thing to see while you're having a couple pints. I've read the Globe article about a company that's created a printer for the top of foamy drinks like beer and coffee. Any image can end up on top of your drink. Kinda cool, huh?

If you have an image that you want to see on a drink, you could try emailing them or drawing something on their interface (or bringing an image file on portable storage)... They're going to 6 images (maybe yours!) from 7pm to 10pm, but they're open to whatever for the last 2 hours.

Another way to bring art and alcohol together!

MON 12/29

The Irreverends (11pm), The Blizzard Of '78 (10pm), The Vogon Poets (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

It looks like The Irreverends broke up a couple months after I became aware of them in June of '06. For some reason I thought were still together, but they're doing a reunion show tonight. Sometimes described as alt-country, it really sounds like punchy indie-rock with a little twang here and there. While I don't always think of them, The Blizzard Of '78 is a fave of mine. These guys always sound so well put-together every time I hear them; it would be easy to think of them as any other big rock band with great pop sensibilities. As for The Vogon Poets, I'm get behind any fans of Douglas Adams; they have a good sense of humor, and they sound alright.

12/28: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

This is not an endorsement of the program advertised below...




Direct link.

SUN 12/28: Got Nothing Today

It kinda sucked to blog from California. The timing was off for me -- among other things -- and it wasn't that much warmer... (Will be glad to be back in Boston tomorrow.)

I was going to post the Akron/Family, Marissa Nadler, Carter Tanton show at TT's tonight; but it's sold out. It was $10 in advance, would've been $12 at the door...

SAT 12/27: A Couple Music Options

Okay. Short list. Not really sure... I think I hear people complaining that I'm distant... (Hey, I'm in the other room! Can't this be my vacation?)

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SAT 12/27

Jen Murdza, Katrin (10pm), Christian McNeill & Lyle Brewer (7pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Good folky stuff.

SAT 12/27

10pm
"Three Dead Mikes Anti-Christmas Special"
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5-ish / 21+

Rockabilly tomfoolery:

A mish-mash of rock, country, rockabilly, garage, spy, surf, punk & much more with an "anything goes" mentality.

FRI 12/26: Comedy, Rock on Film, Live Rock

Wow. I've been imbibing 'holiday spirits' for several days now, and my chestnuts feel like they've been roasting on an open fire... It's starting to get late here on the left coast, so here are some things to do for tonight.

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FRI 12/26

7:30pm to 9:30pm
"The Gas"
w/ Mike Pincus, Michael Magid, J.J. Leslie, Shaun Bedgood, Rick Canavan, Alana Eisner, Laura Burns, Rob Turbovsky, Chris Pennie, Bethany Van Delft, Shawn Carter
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

With 10 performers scheduled at $5, that's 50 cents per comedian. Even if they're not funny, you can't even complain. I know some of these people are funny too! You can go do something else by 9:30 or even get home early...

I'm pretty sure it's happening since at least one comedian mentioned tonight's show on their page/site.

FRI 12/26

8pm
Cheap Trick, "Live at Budokan 1978": Concert Movie
at the Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St, Arlington
$9 advance / $10 door

Probably the best Cheap Trick concert you'll ever see -- even if it's 30 years old and on a movie screen. It's a DVD for sale noe, but you're going to have killer seats tonight!

FRI 12/26

9pm
"Post-Christmas Ripper" w/ Faith In Distortion, DJ Bona
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$5 / 21+

There was a pretty good show at the Middle East (Upstairs) tonight, but I only liked 2 out of the 4 bands. If you wanted to rock out, this seemed like a better option for half the cover. It's going to be DJ Bona most of the night, and it should be a good selection of punk/rock based in the tracks on his MySpace. Faith In Distortion doesn't want to label themselves, and that's fine with me. Their stuff sounds good for bobbing heads with the occasional fist pump, so it'll be a good time.

FRI 12/26

10pm
The Outlets, Unplugged
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

You may not have Hometown Throwdown tickets for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, but there's some free rock in the Corner. With legendary Boston punks, The Outlets, doing an "unplugged" (?) gig for those who can't get downstairs.

THUR 12/25: Godfather, Boozefest

Whatever your thing may be, today in my family is a time to wish peace and good will to everyone -- and mean it for a while...

Always a good day to catch a movie and/or to drink, here are a couple ideas.

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THUR 12/25 + FRI 12/26

Double Feature
"The Godfather" (1:15pm, 8:30pm)*
"The Godfather, Part II" (4:45pm)*
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50 ($7.50 Matinee)

The first two "Godfather" movies combined or separate will always be remembered as cinematic masterpieces. You may have seen it on all sorts of Tv's, but this is a chance to see them back-to-back on the big screen. All you favorite scenes -- bigger! And presumably better since both films have undergone "extensive frame-by-frame examination and restoration."

*Different running times after 12/26
As I understand it, you can pay less to see only one half of the program.

THUR 12/25

5pm
"Jews & Lost Children X-Mas Day Boozefest"
at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

Could be fun... I didn't find (or actually look too hard for) other places that were advertising more than just being open tonight. Not much specifics on their site. This is basically what I read about what's going on:

Movies, un-wholesome games, chinese food perhaps?

Chinease food will be ordered, movies will be played and all are welcome, children of divorce - this is your place!

Note: There's no cover, but I don't remember the drinks/food being particularly "cheap"...

Xmas Music Mix 2008

I enjoy making mix CD's (and I think all of this would fit onto a CD), so here's a holiday music compilation. Some of my favorites of the season... Some new ones...

I also made a quick CD cover, if you want to make a gift for someone -- or whatever. (It's a photo I took at my office.) The songs and cover are in a zip file with mp3's [RapidShare or MegaUpload].

Links below go to blogs where you can find each of the songs. Some songs are in the same post.

1 - "Fairytale of New York" -- The Pogues
2 - "This Time Of Year" -- Mighty Mighty Bosstones
3 - "The Christmas Song" -- The Raveonettes
4 - "Chiron Beta Prime" -- Jonathan Coulton
5 - "Christmas Vacation" -- Descendents
6 - "This Christmastime" -- Gramercy Arms & Mascott
7 - "Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas" -- Eels
8 - "Feliz Navidad" -- El Vez
9 - "The Chanukah Song" -- Adam Sandler
10- "Winter Wonderland" -- Liz Phair
11- "Christmas in Prison" -- John Prine
12- "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" -- Chris Isaak
13- "Just Like Christmas" -- Low
14- "A Christmas Duel" -- The Hives & Cyndi Lauper
15- "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" -- U2
16- "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" -- Reverend Horton Heat
17- "Little Drummer Boy Medley" -- Jimi Hendrix / Band Of Gypsys
18- "Christmas Wrapping" -- The Waitresses
19- "Here It Is Christmas" -- Old 97's
20- "Din Don" -- Denise
21- "Santa God" -- Pearl Jam
22- "Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney" -- Ella Fitzgerald
23- "Sleigh Bells and Wine" -- Jason Gleason
24- "Xmasploitation (Santa's Baddass Revenge)" -- mojochronic
25- "Father Christmas" -- The Figgs
26- "Christmas Time is Here" -- Vince Guaraldi Trio

Happy Holidays!

WED 12/24: Not Much of Anything

Well, I'm in Los Angeles right now, so it's only 9am as I'm typing.

There's not much happening in Boston today. I saw a Jewish singles party at Felt that had a $10 advance price, but I don't like Felt very much...

Where are the non-Christian events? Boston Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, etc have dropped the ball.

I had the idea of culling some songs for a Xmas CD. Maybe I can get a zip file up in a few hours. Maybe you'll want to take it to a party or give it as a last-minute gift...

Happy Christma-Hanu-Kwaanza!

TUES 12/23: Cheap Awesome Music & Redbones Coupon

If I was in town on Tuesday night, I'd try to be at TT's. Look at young(er) Corin Ashley and Dave Aaronoff up there. These guys should be on every girl's bedroom wall...

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TUES 12/23

TT the Bears' Holiday Show
Township (11:30pm), The Luxury (11:10pm), Wide Iris (10:50pm), AdFrank (10:30pm), Francine (10:10pm), Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents (9:50pm), Corin Ashley & Dave Aaronoff (9:30pm), Tom Baker & Jim Buni (9:10pm), Jonny Pape (8:50pm), Eric Doberman (8:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

I think the annual holiday show is sometimes free (always cheap!), and $3 is paltry amount for this cavalcade of awesome music. The proceeds are going to help Jeanne Sheehy, the bartender and good person was diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of the folks who played benefits for her last year are also playing tonight.

So many terrific performers are going to play, it'll be difficult to be disappointed. If you don't like the show, get in touch with me and maybe we can work out a reimbursement out of my own pocket. BUT if you tell me you didn't like Jenny Dee (aka Jen D of Downbeat 5), I might lose some respect for you.

TUES 12/23

Audrey Ryan (10pm), Hilken Mancini (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Maybe you want to hear just a couple singer-songwriters excelling for more than 15 minutes. This is the place for you amigo, whether you go early or late or park yourself at a table all night. Hilken Mancini is more of a straight-up rocker in a full band or playing solo -- but she's rock star. (Check out one of her new projects, indie-rock supergroup Gramercy Arms.)

Audrey Ryan is in the middle of a December Tuesday residency, so you can check her out next week too. Her sweet high voice flutters around on original melodies, and it carries thoughtful lyrics. Very good stuff!

TUES 12/23

4pm and after
21%-off Entree
at Redbones, 55 Chester St, Somerville (Davis Sq)

Redbones has been making my belly happy ever since I moved to Boston. Good food, good beer selection -- that's more than enough for me... I've mentioned this before; as part of their 21st anniversary, they're making discounts available on various Tuesdays.

Bring the coupon seen below. It says one entree per person, and you should be able to get a deal on every diner. (I used one of these coupons, and they didn't give me any trouble. Maybe print one per person to be safe...) It also says "eat in or take out", so please mention the coupon when ordering by phone -- or when the waitperson is helping you.

MON 12/22: Songs to Warm You Up

The winter solstice has happened. My head hurts from boozing it up; my ass hurts from slipping; and the parts in between are sore.

Thankfully, I'm alive. I have family and friends. I have food, clothing, and shelter. In general, I'm feeling alright.

Not much cheapness tonight (on the other hand, I've mentioned free Monday bowling at the Milky Way before). If you don't want to run errands -- or you'd like to reward yourself for doing your errands -- here you go.

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MON 12/22

10pm
Kingsley Flood, Ryan Lee Crosby
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

It's not unusual to feel somewhat mesmerized when listening to Ryan Lee Crosby. Don't fight it just like one wants to prove they can't be hypnotized. Just listen to the delicate vocals deliver the touching lyrics over acoustic guitar or piano. Crosby simply generates beautiful songs, and he seems to be a rather prolific writer. These could be a good night to sit in a bar and hear a man baring his soul with a frozen world outside.

I liked listening to Kingsley Flood even though the recordings didn't knock my socks off. I could hear something special going on in the playing. They strip away the flash and keep the substance to make some interesting rock with an Americana tint.

Cheap JetBlue Flights from Boston

Want to go somewhere next month?

JetBlue is having a sale today -- until 6pm -- on flights from Logan to some other cities. They seem like good prices, even if they don't have all the fees included yet.

They put the one-way prices, so I've doubled them for appoximate round-trip prices:

To Buffalo - $18
To New York (JFK) - $58
To Chicago - $98
To Tampa - $98
To Oakland - $198
To Long Beach - $198
To Seattle - $198

Travel dates are January 6 thru February 10, 2009 with blackouts January 15-19. Friday and Sunday travel is also excluded. (Lots of other fine print on the web page.)

Sneak Peek: FRI 12/19 & SAT 12/20

I know we're getting our first big snow today, but maybe you want to go out anyway. It wouldn't be a bad idea to double-check if these things are still happening before you go out...

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FRI 12/19

7pm to 11pm
"Holiday Handjobs" -- Not what you think...
at VFW George Dilboy Post, 371 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$1 to $2 donation / all ages

Update: Postponed due to snow...

Edgy crafts fair and party brought to you by Truth Serum & Nine Inch Needles described as a "curated market with a queer/sex/punk focus/ethic/aesthetic". I'm sure it'll be a wild time.

Besides DJ Mark E. Moon throughout the shopping time, around 10pm prepare yourself for "Kielbasia the accordion playing lunchlady drag queen", pianist Billy Hough of The Scream Along with Billy Show, and Providence's Dance Troupe Jazz Handjob...

Proceeds of the door go to $pread Magazine, an "independent publication by and for people in the sex industry and those who support our rights."

FRI 12/19

Cassavettes (Midnight), Age Rings (11pm), Rogue Heroes (11pm), Quixote (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

If you don't know anything about these bands, you're in for a treat. I haven't listened to Quixote, but the other three bands are really, really good.

FRI 12/19

Moontower Studio Christmas Night
w/ The Great Bandini, Jake Brennan, The Longwalls
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door /21+

This could be a fun night with a bunch of holiday songs and other covers expected from The Great Bandini and Jake Brennan. Lizard Lounge is a great place to settle in and warm up on winter night.

FRI 12/19 & SAT 12/20

10pm
"Hooked On Who TWO"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 minimum donation

I wrote about this below.

FRI 12/19

"City Of Death" (1979)
- starring Tom Baker [100 min]

SAT 12/20

"The Empty Child" & "The Doctor Dances" (2005)
- starring Christopher Eccleston [90 min]

It is strongly suggested that you RSVP, and they ask your donation amount. (There's a "HOOKED ON WHO" t-shirt offer for a $25 donation.) There were empty seats that Sunday night, but they might not let you in if you don't register.

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SAT 12/20

11am
"It's A Wonderful Life"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

It'll be a wonderful day, if you and the projectionist can get to the theatre by 11am. They were having a hard time finding a copy to screen, but The Brattle folks got their hands on this 16mm print...

Doors open at 10:30am for those who need to get the "right seat."

SAT 12/20

1pm
2008 Boston Santacon
meet at The Purple Shamrock, 1 Union St, Boston (Haymarket)
FREE to Join

Get a Santa suit -- figure out some way to look like Santa Claus -- and go on a pub crawl. Be warned, this is a popular event (about 100 Santas might show up). Read the details and be prepared!

The plan is to start at The Purple Shamrock and and a couple other Faneuil Hall bars, then 21st Amendment by 4pm, walk through the Common to Charles/MGH T, then John Harvard's Brewpub at 7pm, then take the bus to Harper's Ferry for Psylab ($5 cover for Santas).

SAT 12/20

1pm to 3pm
Everybody Loves Latkes Party
at Winthrop Park, about 50 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

If you're in Harvard Square, grab a free latke. How can you resist a potato pancake?

SAT 12/20

11am to 10pm
"Holiday on Ice"
at Kendall Square Community Ice Skating, 300 Athenaeum St, Cambridge (Umm, Kendall Sq)
FREE

There is free skating and rentals all day at this outdoor rink except (I assume) during the performances by professional skaters at 2pm and 5pm, which will last about an hour. There may be some free food and beverage between 3pm and 5pm.

SAT 12/20

3pm
"Beer and Cookies": Tasting
at The Wine Gallery 375 Boylston St, Brookline
FREE

The DrinkCraftBeer guys are good eggs, and they're offering beer pairings for cookies. Me? Any beer could go with a cookie, but they put more thought into it. They even baked the cookies that go along with the 4 beers to sample. The Wine Gallery is a pretty large store as well for you holiday "spirits" needs.

SAT 12/20

4:30pm, 5pm, 5:45pm, 6:15pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm
Illuminations Holiday Tour
start at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
$10 / $5 seniors / children

Tickets are sold out, but you could try to "stand-by" or pick up the tour map ($3) on Monday (12/22) at Blue Cloud Gallery (Ball Sq) or Magpie (Davis Sq), and do it yourself. You can go faster -- or slower -- than the 45-minute trolley ride...

SAT 12/20

Marti Brom (Midnight), Rocky Velvet (11pm), The Bee Eaters (10pm), The Jinx Brothers (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

This is going to be a bitchin' night of rockabilly and old-time rock 'n roll. Besides the so wonderful singing of Marti Brom (who'll be backed by Rocky Velvet after they play their set), there are the guitar & washtub bass duo, The Jinx Brothers, and The Bee Eaters, who look like a special get-together of Amy Griffin & Matt Murphy of The Raging Teens with Dana Stewart and Andrea Gillis.

FRI 12/19 & SAT 12/20: Doctor Who @ Brattle Theatre

10pm
"Hooked On Who TWO"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 minimum donation

The first "Hooked on Who" sessions happened in August. It was fun in a midnight-movie kind of way on the night I attended. Tom Baker was "The Doctor" I grew up with, so I chose a to catch a 4-part story arc from that era. The script was by Douglas Adams, so there were more laugh lines than usual; people were guffawing and yelling stuff.

On Friday, it'll be another 4-parter with Tom Baker. On Saturday, it's a matching pair of episodes with my favorite "revival" Doctors, Christopher Eccleston.

FRI 12/19

"City Of Death" (1979)
- starring Tom Baker [100 min]

SAT 12/20

"The Empty Child" & "The Doctor Dances" (2005)
- starring Christopher Eccleston [90 min]

Last time it had been billed as a "free" event, but they asked if I wanted to make a donation when I arrived. I was on a 'cheapness adventure' (having gone to Sex & Drugs Trivia at Savant Project with some fellow Bostonists), so I said "Maybe afterwards..." then snuck out with wallet unopened.

It is strongly suggested that you RSVP, and they ask your donation amount. (There's a "HOOKED ON WHO" t-shirt offer for a $25 donation.) There were empty seats that Sunday night, but they might not let you in if you don't register.

THUR 12/18: Much Music & Sudan Talk

I really think I can do it tonight/tomorrow. A weekly list will be sent!

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THUR 12/18

7:30pm
"Out of Exile": Discussion w/ Franco Majok
at 826 Boston, 3035 Washington St, Roxbury (Egleston Sq)
FREE

"Out of Exile" is the next oral history in the "Voice of Witness" series on human rights issues in the U.S. and around the world. Take a little time to hear about the crisis in Sudan as a "feel-good moment" before the holidays... Franco Majok was born in Sudan but lives in Lynn. When he returned for the first time after 23 years, he needed to do something so he's working on building a school in his village.

You'll probably feel more thankful about your life after learning more about the terrible situation in Sudan. It's free, but I get the feeling you'll want to make some kind of donation by the end. (I have another feeling that they'll ask...)

THUR 12/18

7:40pm doors open
Boston Round Robin
at Pozen Center, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt, enter on Evans Way)
FREE

The Baltimore Round Robin came to MassArt earlier in the year, and smart music folks don't have a problem taking good ideas from wherever they come from -- even Baltimore! As mentioned a couple months ago, the idea is to have multiple bands set up on the outside of the room so there is a smooth transition between the bands' 20-minute sets.

Scheduled tonight are a bunch wild local bands that the Weekly Dig described as "Psychedelic Egg Nog": Truman Peyote, Peace & Quiet, Many Mansions, Big Blue Octopus, Guatemala City, Dirt Circuit, Zayde Buti, Moon Climbs the Wall, Fractillian

THUR 12/18

Milquetoast (11pm), Caged Heat (10pm), VulGarrity (9pm), Erin Harpe (8pm)
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

I'm guessing no "holiday vibe" here for those who just want to hear damn good music. The highlight is Caged Heat; they've been playing on-and-off over the years, but this is the 10-year reunion line-up that finds bad-ass frontwoman Chilly Kurtz together with saxman extraordinaire Dana Colley. It's going to be a bluesy/rocky affair all night. You'll want to get there early to catch the amazing old-time solo blues guitar stylings of Erin Harpe.

THUR 12/18

"Christmas In The Underground"
Triple Thick (11:30pm), Kermit's Finger (11pm), Jessy & The Jingle Belles (10:30pm), Jay Allen & The Archcriminals (10pm), The Egos (9:30pm), Classic Ruins - acoustic (9pm), Zoig-Ma-Noig (8:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

This show is not in the basement; FYI: Thursday nights at Church are called "The Underground." It's a garage/punk holiday party with a one-off(?) all-female Xmas band and a short set from one-man experimental electronic act who's all around town these days, Zoig-Ma-Noig. Santa should be here. Baked goods as well.

THUR 12/18

9:30pm
The Scrooges, Slim Jim & the Mad Cows, The Night Prowlers
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

This is your last chance of '08 to see a bunch of Santas raging through the oeuvre of Iggy and The Stooges. Extra goodies for your musical stockings are heavy metal classics that have been country-fied by Slim Jim & The Mad Cows preceded by AC/DC covers by The Night Prowlers (aka a mix of local metal dudes).

THUR 12/18

Angeline (10pm), Gene Dante & the Future Starlets (11pm), Amber deLaurentis (9pm)
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8

Taking the musical cheer down a notch in volume, but your chestnuts will be warm... Listen to the beautiful harmonies Angeline and you'll know what I mean. A batch of soulful song and glam-rock are the bread of the sonic sandwich.

WED 12/17: Cupcakes, Art, Whisky, Party, Comedy

Damn, time is moving ever faster for me as we get closer to the holidays. I guess I'll do everything on 12/24, as usual...

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WED 12/17

5pm to 7pm
Cupcake Tastings
at Kickass Cupcakes, 378 Highland Ave, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

If you're in Davis Sq this evening, do not pass "Go" or collect $200 -- until you try a mini-cupcake at Kickass! They've been having tastings since Monday (sorry for the late notice). Check out crazy delicious flavors with names like Choc-O-Mint, Super Chocolate, Cinnamon Chai Pecan Sticky, The Mojito, Cinna Punk, Yule Nog, etc...

My only caveat is that you'll want to take some home with you, but that's a good thing.

WED 12/17

6pm
Young Artist Showcase
at Cloud Place, 647 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

When people talk about Cloud Place, I get the feeling something special is going on there. Young people can find their creative voice in a supportive environment where they can collaborate with professional artists. About 50 high-school students from across Boston have been working in different media in this past semester. Tonight is a chance to peek into the future of dance, performance art, animation, and visual art.

WED 12/17

8pm to 11pm
Canadian Club Party
at District, 180 Lincoln St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

The Phoenix / Stuff-at-Night does it again. Thanks for the free booze! Not my kind of place -- and Canadian whisky is not my drink -- but don't let that stop you...

So the theme is "Ski Lodge"... Note that there are prizes available for best/worst ski bum and ski bunny.

Canadian Club has really good new ad campaign, but I don't know how many people are drinking it yet. You might find an emptier-than-usual room, which means more whisky for you! (Might!)

Remember: Everyone that wants to go has to RSVP.

WED 12/17

10pm
Merry X-Musk Holiday Spectacular Dance Party
w/ Lovewhip & the Whipettes, Atomic Trash, Varietae All-Stars
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5 / 21+

The Midway hosts a lot of wild parties, and the yuletide season is no exception. Electro/dance meisters Lovewhip anchor the night with two sets of fun songs that can appeal to the non-'dance music' fan as the lifelong bootyshaker. The Whipettes will be to give dance-alicious examples, and they'll perform separately as Atomic Trash. Vice V'ersatile of Varietae will MC the festivities, and expect some "sassy & sexy skits and musical numbers" from various Varietae players. Ronald Reagan -- the "world's best only 80's saxophone duo", not the dead president -- will make some sax magic as well.

Everyone should get a free 2-track CD of Lovewhip's "Gimme That".

* * * Almost Cheap Thrill * * *

WED 12/17

8pm
The Greater Boston Alternative Comedy Festival [PDF]
at The Paradise, 967 Comm Ave, Boston (near BU)
$15 / 18+

Some of the best local comedians = some of the best comedians around. Performances by: Shane Mauss, The Walsh Brothers, Robby Roadsteamer, Chris Coxen, Anderson Comedy, Mehran, Bethany Van Delft, and Shane Webb. (I saw Mehran a few weeks ago, and he was flat-out hilarious!)

Campaign For Real Time will also rock out at some point.

Tickets still seem available at Ticketmaster, or you could try waiting until tonight...

WED 12/17: Free Whisky w/ RSVP

WED 12/17

8pm to 11pm
Canadian Club Party
at District, 180 Lincoln St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

The Phoenix / Stuff-at-Night does it again. Thanks for the free booze! Not my kind of place -- and Canadian whisky is not my drink -- but don't let that stop you...

So the theme is "Ski Lodge"... Note that there are prizes available for best/worst ski bum and ski bunny.

Canadian Club has really good new ad campaign, but I don't know how many people are drinking it yet. You might find an emptier-than-usual room, which means more whisky for you! (Might!)

Remember: Everyone that wants to go has to RSVP.

TUES 12/16: Shop, Listen, and/or Dance

Hey, you don't actually have to buy anything at the first 2 events listed below, but try not to look like you're just interested in free food or drink...

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TUES 12/16

5:30pm to 7pm
"Deadfall: Crime Stories by New England Writers": Book Launch
at Redbones, Downstairs, 55 Chester St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

"Murder Underbones" is a monthly event where you can meet some mystery writers and grab some free nosh. (Buy your own drinks, but it's a great selection.) "Deadfall" is the 6th anthology by this publisher. If you know someone who enjoys short stories and/or mysteries, this isn't a bad gift ($15), and Redbones/Underbones is a good stop to whet your whistle.

TUES 12/16

7pm to 10pm
Holiday Shopping (and Sipping) with LUPEC
at Grand, 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

I confess that I've walked by Grand a few times, but haven't gone in. It just seems a little too cool for a schlub like me. I know they don't care if I carry myself with any particular "vibe" or "aura", but I guess I needed extra motivation like a complimentary drink concocted by the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails. You might hot toddy or port punch with your name on it.

Besides their normal offerings of "contemporary furnishings, apparel and gifts", they've added a large cocktail and barware section. That's what LUPEC told me, and I tend to believe them.

You could also buy their "Little Black Book of Cocktails" ($15) as a gift (discounts when your purchase multiple copies).

TUES 12/16

9pm
New York Songwriters Circle
Feat: Mieka Pauley, Seth Glier, Amy Crawford, Nicole Berke, Julia Easterlin
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

The folkies that get involved with New York Songwriters Circle are generally serious and polished. It's been a regular gathering at NYC's Bitter End for almost 20 years, and they started a competition about 5 years ago. (Last month, the wonderful Mieka Pauley won the grand prize -- so even if it's rigged in some way, they have good taste!)

Tonight isn't a part of the contest, but Mieka and four other semi-local songwriters will each perform a few songs in the round. I listened to all of them, and it's not an heavily folky group. There's a lot of pop as well as jazz & soul influences among the performers. Not a bad apple among them.

("21+ unless with parent/guardian")

TUES 12/16

10pm
Ice Cream Social
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / $5 dressed up in 50's gear / 18+

It's a '50s and '60s dance party with couple of contemporary DJ's Chris Devlin (Spank Rock / BBC Soundsystem)and E-Marce (Throwed). There's also going to be live set from a really good power-pop band from Portland, The Leftovers. Sounds like they would really kill with Fifties/Sixties covers (along with some originals).

You might have stuff in your closet to look like the "fifties", look for tips here and here.

MON 12/15: Ducks, Brothers, Gold-Diggers, and a Ghoulie

Ah, what can I say. It's Monday... You can either laugh or rock for cheap.

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MON 12/15

7pm
"Duck Soup" & "Gold Diggers of 1933": Double Feature
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline
$9.75

Would you believe the Coolidge Corner Theatre opened 75 years ago on December 30th? The main theatre does have the ornate decor of the era, I never really think about how long it's been there with the CVS and Upper Crust next door. They're going to celebrate for months to come with a couple movies from the past 7 or 8 decades each month. Two classics from '33 get the party started.

I'll let other people argue about the best Marx Brothers movie, but this undeniably a classic. Groucho and his kin are so funny, the plot doesn't really matter much. "Duck Soup" does take at politics as Rufus T. Firefly becomes president of the nation of Freedonia. Also playing is one of Busby Berkeley's famous musicals "Gold Diggers of 1933" with plenty of spectacular dance scenes that must have been the era's version of big-budget blockbusters. The famous song "We're in The Money" was popularized in this film.

When these movies came out, there was in the middle of depression with an incoming president. Hmmm...

MON 12/15

10:30pm
Kepi Ghoulie
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

Honestly, I didn't know The Groovie Ghoulies were still out there playing, but why not. Right? Turns out the horror punk train made its final stop last year. Bassist/singer Kepi Ghoulie was the main songwriter, so it's no surprise that he is still cranking them out as a solo artist with and without a band. Tonight is a solo acoustic gig, and the new songs sound great. I've heard he usually entertains equally with his between-song banter.

I read that the Plough is closed for a private party until 9:30pm.

12/14: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Iraqi journalist throws shoes at George Bush!



This guy should've practiced ahead of time...

SAT 12/13: Folk, Rock, More

I've been spending time today with my lady or cooking, but here are some options -- just in case someone was looking for some good music tonight. Why do I write more for some other shows than others? Maybe I write less out of "respect" for the things that are dear to my heart -- but all are good! (Maybe I drink too much wine before I write this stuff...

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SAT 12/13

8pm
JP Unplugged: Cara Frankowicz & Back of the Bus, Chris Wilhelm
at Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St, Jamaica Plain
$10

This is folky delight. It's difficult to for me to always call it fiddle, but that's what the Irish call the violin. (I wanted to play the violin as a child, and they gave me this cheap plastic thing and didn't even tell me how to tune it. G'ahh!) So Celtic fiddle-monster Cara Frankowicz is joined by James Hamilton on flute and Andy Collins on guitar for what will probably be an orgasmic experience for instrumental Irish "session" lovers. Chris Wilhelm is a wonderful singer-songwriter that writes and sings with a great deal of earnest emotion.

SAT 12/13

Weisstronauts 10th Holiday Jubilee
Feat: Logan 5 & The Runners (Midnight), Weisstronauts (11pm), Sool (10:45pm), My Own Worst Enemy (10pm), The Mercy James Gang (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 Door 8pm/21+

This is the best $10 (or under) rock show tonight. Most of these guys aren't going to cut your head off, but the Weisstronauts always put a holiday show together, and it's a fun time with good rock bands. This year the traditiion continues at the best new club of '08.

SAT 12/13

9:30pm
+/-, Mean Creek, Cotton Jones, Cotton Candy
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

This is going to be a freakin' awesome show. The rock may be set at medium-stun, but the flavors are more textured while stile maintaining some crunch. The show above is going to be a case of craft beer, and this show is going to be 4 bottles of intriguing wine.

More Non-Mall Shopping Ideas

"Part Deux" of my thoughts on the commercialism of the holiday season --

You're probably going to spend more than $10 a pop at these places, but you might find some deals anyway. You'll definitely find original items. (They aren't going to know the retail value, so you might be able to spend less...)

So there's no need to go to the mall or a giant conglomerate for holiday shopping. Yes, your loved ones might want something like a cool game for Xbox/Playstation, but what better way to show them that the holidays are about family -- and not conspicuous consumerism.

If you're going to spend, you might as well give it to the independent business-person than hope the prosperity trickles down from the conglomerate's profit margin. So look at the owner-operated shops around town, or check out these special shopping opportunities.

I think I might even do a third instalment for last-minute shoppers (like me).

I heard about these online shopping links on NPR. Do with it what you please: RetailMeNot, FreeShipping.org, PriceGrabber...

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SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14

10am to 7pm (SUN: Noon to 6pm)
Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

I like going here for my Christmas shopping for the women in my life (jewelry & arts-crafty stuff), but I've also seen funny t-shirts, cheap art, etc.
(Also: THUR 12/18 to TUES 12/23)

SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14

10am to 6pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
at Center for Latin American Studies, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)

A chance to purchase fair-trade crafts from all over the world. They should have some international food and entertainment.

SUN 12/14

9am until 3pm
Comicazi-Con and Bad-Ass Christmas Bazaar
at VFW George Dilboy Post, 371 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$3 (includes toy & comic book)

In the spot where Bazaar Bizarre got its start, the guys from Comicazi are doing their own thing.. There's gotta be a lot comic books and geeky gifts available at the this event. It looks like several of the other local Davis Square stores and some local comic book artists will be selling wares (and other things)... Again there's something for your small fee. There's a chance to win a "Rock Band II" game too.

Don't be afraid of the giant crowd, it's mainly the Jingle Bell Run.

SUN 12/14

11am to 8pm
Arts & Crafts Fair
at "The Loft", 438 Somerville Ave. #4, Somerville (near Union Sq)

Don't know much about this, but I think this loft is the home of the very awesome Audrey Ryan -- so I get the feeling this really will be a place to find "cool and cheap presents". I don't know how many artists/artisans will have stuff for sale, but the info I saw listed:

hand made Hula hoops, original punk rock clothing, vintage gifts and clothing, vinyl bowls & bracelets, handmade jewelry, handmade hats, blown glass, photography, stain glass ornaments, homemade goodies by the "food geek", and much more...

Additionally you can listen to live acoustic music while you're shopping (or if you want to linger during or after checking out the merch):

Noon to 2pm: "Ed and others..."
2pm to 3pm: Dave Alpert
3pm to 4pm: La Tuza
4pm to 5pm: Chris Wilhelm
5pm to 6pm: Olde Men on Acid
6pm to 7pm: Laura Regan
7pm to 8pm: Dan Blakeslee

There were exclamation points, so I think they want you to feel comfortable having some complimentary wine and coffee.

This is in the building next to Market Basket, behind the graveyard. (Dang, I almost took a picture of this building last week!)

SUN 12/14

Noon to 6pm
Mass Market #3
at Pozen Center, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt, enter on Evans Way)
$1

Hey, your dollar admission will benefit the Aids Action Committee.

This is basically the successor to the Punk Rock Flea Market. It's at the same place and has the same format. This is a good thing if you're looking for some cool DIY arts & crafts (clothes, books, paintings, pins, stickers, etc), plenty of used music, and other peculiar stuff. The last time I went to this event, I bought myself the coolest Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced?" clock (made out of an old LP)!

Support your local, independent vendors... Listen to DJ's while shopping... Buy a vegan snack... (It would be a good idea to bring small bills.)

There will be DJ's and performances by Bonezone and Zoig-Ma-Noig

MassArt campus map [PDF]

Sneak Peek: SAT 12/13 (daytime)

The early stuff going on tomorrow.

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SAT 12/13

11am
"High And Low"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Is there a bad Akira Kurosawa film? I've not seen one and never heard of one. The Brattle basically offers a free monthly film appreciation course with their "Elements Of Cinema" series, and they're not going to show anything crappy.

From what I've read, this is one of the few of his films with a contemporary setting -- but as usual it tackles timeless philosophical themes as usual. It's simplistic to say it's presented in a film noir style, but I'll let you discuss that after the film with Haden Guest, Director of the Harvard Film Archive.

Note: The running time is just under 2 and 1/2 hours.

SAT 12/13

1pm
Annual Santa Speedo Run
Starts at Lir Irish Pub, 903 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE to watch

Hundreds of (mostly male) runners will do a little over a mile down Boylston and back up Newbury. It should be an amusing sight. I imagine most of the guys will be in good shape, but keep in mind that there'll be some shrinkage down there...

It's for a good cause, and the runners collect sponsors for a different charity every year. This year, it's Cradles to Crayons. There's a post-run party at Lir, probably with a charitable donation cover. I think it's been $20 in years past. (I won't think less of you, if you hang out at the Pour House.)

SAT 12/13

6pm
Illuminations Walking & Caroling Tour
Meet in front of JP Licks, 4A College Ave, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

The trolley tours are happening next Saturday, but those wacky lovers of Xmas decorations have put together an hour-long walk around West Somerville to see some brightly lit houses and sing some carols. " Singing will be lead by Alex the Jester and the Somerville Community Chorus."

It finishes up at the Nave Gallery, closer to Tufts, for "holiday refreshments". You can check out their "December Salon" affordable art sale. (Pretty clever, huh? No purchase necessary.)

Sneak Peek -- FRI 12/12

Okay, at least Saturday stuff should be up soon...

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FRI 12/12

6pm to 9pm
"Dicks and Jane": Opening Reception
"Smackdown: Girls Against Boys": Shorts from Boston Underground Film Festival
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

It's the last "art 'n film 'n drinks fest" of the year at the Weekly Dig's Space 242. The art portion comes from the Dig's creative staff: Tak Toyoshima (Creative Director, also "Secret Asian Man" creator), Taylor Seidler (Art Director), and Scott Murry (Designer). Besides the two male artists and one female artist, they're trying to amp up the gender tension with Boston Underground Film Festival's "collection of shorts from the last five years of the Festival that highlight the often bizarre mostly hilarious battle between the sexes." They should be playing in a loop.

I've gone in the past (scroll down), and it's a good time. If you RSVP, you should get in.

My best location description: it's next to Medieval Manor.

FRI 12/12

9:30pm
Muck & The Mires, Topheavy, The Downbeat 5, The Buckners
at O'Brien’s, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

Wow! This is a really great set of bands. The Downbeat 5 are definitely in my top 5 of bands in town. Muck & The Mires rock out with an excellent blend of classic garage-rock style and punk energy. Topheavy and the Buckners churn out some quality power-pop.

FRI 12/12

The Dirty Truckers (Midnight), Prime Movers (11pm), The Freeways (10pm), Black Mosettes (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

The tough thing is that The Prime Movers are right up there with The Downbeat 5 as one of my favorite bands around town. I've seen The Dirty Truckers a few times, and they do some great rock in a Petty/Stones vein. The Freeways and Black Mosettes sound pretty good too.

FRI 12/12

10pm
Girl Howdy, The Memphis Rockabilly Band
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Get a rockabilly from the guys and country from the women. Both groups are top-notch.

FRI 12/12

10pm
Thunderdome XIII
at Greek American Political Club, 1st floor, 288 Green St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 21+

If I was going to go dancing, I would want to go to a Thunderdome. This party was supposed to over, but there are occasional relapses, most recently around Halloween. I get the feeling I'd feel fine in my normal clothes, except this is a big, sweaty kick-ass party. I heard Santa is going to show up for free pictures...

You can have this mantra, if you want it...

I was talking to someone about Boston, and I said:

See it, hear it, taste it, live it!

Heck, why not smell it too? And touch it (if your girlfriend isn't around)...

THUR 12/11: Free Beer; Jumbled Rock Party

Ah, there's so much going on out there. These are two good bets to consider going out in the rain.
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THUR 12/11

7pm to 10pm
Boston Phoenix/Heineken Party
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

So I had a disagreement with Stuff-at-Night once, but I have to hand it to them. They and The Boston Phoenix are throwing quite a few of these "complimentary drinks" parties lately. It looks like Heineken, Heineken Lite, and Amstel Light will be flowing freely.

The Rex Complex are also playing at some point, perhaps after (or towards the end of) the free beer. These guys play a wild blend of rootsy/jazzy/worldish music. They will abolutely sound awesome after free drinks!

There's really not much of a catch besides being on they're mailing list. I didn't notice an increase in spam after signing up. Everyone that wants to go has to RSVP. And you should be able to respond for a few more hours...

Obviously, it's a "first-come until full club capacity" situation, so plan accordingly.

THUR 12/11

9pm
Tyler's Birthday Mishmash Band Hash
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

Who is Tyler? He's a multi-talented dude who plays with the jagged, fuzzy rockers Ho-Ag and solo electronic music trickster as Zoig-Ma-Noig. A whole bunch of players have mixed around into 6 new groups especially for tonight to play 20-minute sets. I'm guessing there will be a big experimental bent, but maybe we'll hear a set of 12-bar blues. Who knows... There's a long list of bands, but keep in mind that some guys have been in (or currently play with) multiple bands.

Here's some text I found about the show.

Members of Amoroso, Animal Hospital, Badman, Big Bear, Clawjob, Hallelujah the Hills, Ho-Ag, Ketman, Longknives, Magic People, Neptune, Night Rally, Outfielders, Secret Sea, SummerDuck, Thunderhole, Tristan Da Cunha, World's Greatest Sinners, 8BITches, etc. have been jumbled into all new bands to perform 20 minutes of new material for Tyler from Ho-Ag's birthday show.

Door money from this show that would normally go to the bands will be donated to the Rower family in Lima, Ohio. The Rowers are having a hard time keeping up with their daughter Allissa's mounting medical bills. Allissa is 16 years old and has been diagnosed with Elhers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disease, and she also suffers from Dysautonomia, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, and Syringomyelia, a fluid filled cyst on the spine.

The names of the new bands? They could be: Krang, Gertrude Gigglewater, The Real Quaid, What's With This All Monkey Business?, Sacrafix, and Pornogami

Don't be surprised if one of these projects continues on after tonight. You can't have too many bands!