Sneak Peek: FRI 2/1 to SUN 2/3

Dang, I'm having a hard time whittling stuff down. I could have stayed in last night, but I had a fun time of dinner and movie with my lady. Here's some options for the weekend; many will be on tomorrow's list...

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FRI 2/1

9pm
The Last Town Chorus, The Low Anthem
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

Excellent rootsy chill sounds.

FRI 2/1

9:30pm
The Vital Might, The Bleedin Bleedins, The Appreciation Post, Build a Machine
at Paradise Lounge, 969 Comm Ave, Boston (near BU)
$10 / 18+

Am not crazy about the opening band, but The Vital Might and The Appreciation Post rock.

FRI 2/1

9:30pm
Sad Marvin, A.K.A.C.O.D., The Big Disappointments, The Murder
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

This is a last-minute show with bands that range from awesome to pretty good.

FRI 2/1

Death & Taxes (11:45pm), Dave Smith & The Country Rebels (10:45pm), Padded Hell (9:45pm), The Kickbacks (9pm), Mark Lind (7:15pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8 / 21+

Boot-stomping punk and rock.

FRI 2/1

6pm to 10pm
"Inappropriate Touching: Dirty Comics and Art": Opening Reception
at Washington Street Arts Center, 321 Washington St, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE (donations appreciated)

There's all kinds of dirty pictures from humorous to erotic to downright weird (to all of the above?). Perhaps you'll see there's an artistic streak that runs through all of them. Or maybe you'll just point and giggle -- that's cool. Besides dirty disco DJ Area D, enjoy live electro and hip-hop from Real Life Time Machines, Plunge into Death, and Angela (which is a duo).

FRI 2/1

6pm to 9pm
"Love, Sex & Chocolate" (an art show)
at The Art Kitsch(en), #223B in 450 Harrison Ave, Boston
FREE

Joe Kitsch has a pretty small studio as it was set up when I went, but he puts the effort to have a theme to the monthly SoWa Open Studios on 'First Fridays' (of the month). There are a crap-load of artist studios to visit (and to enjoy their 'refreshments') -- and a bunch of people who look around -- but go ahead and pop into Joe's.

The other artists include Seth Diamond, Mike Howard, Sara Theophall.

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SAT 2/2

9pm
Scamper, Baker, Harris, Aloud
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

It's Scamper's last show, and I liked them on other occasions. I think I like the other 3 bands more, esp. Baker.

SAT 2/2

10am to Noon
Pancake Breakfast For Art
at Nave Gallery, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powder House Blvd, Somerville (Teele Sq)
$6

All-you-can-eat pancakes with coffee & juice for $6 to support local arts.

SAT 2/2

10am to 5:30pm
Vietnamese TET 2008 Celebration
at Bayside Expo Center, 200 Mount Vernon St, Columbia Point
$5

Happy Vietnamese Lunar New Year!

SAT 2/2 and SUN 2/3

10am
Going Green Expo Boston
at Bayside Expo Center, 200 Mount Vernon St, Columbia Point
$10 / Under 16 free

Saturday: 10am to 8pm
Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Get your sustainability on and learn how you can make your life more green. (I'm sure there will be other events during the year that''l be free, but you can do whatever you want to do.)

SAT 2/2

9pm
Shaun & Suzi's Mardi Gras Ball XV
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$12 / 18+

It's slightly over $10, but there are so many good performers.

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SUN 2/3

Umm, it's the Super Bowl...

WED 1/30: Half-Off Hip Sneaks (w/ Update!)

(Inside the store)

11am to 6pm
Sneaker Sample Sale
at Bodega, 6 Clearway St, Boston (Back Bay)
50% off

I had to check this place out when I heard about it. Even knowing there was a secret door to the real shop, I was a little hesitant. When I gave the convenience store cashier a confused look, I was actually close enough to open the sliding door. I'd never pay anywhere close to what they charge for the T-shirts, but some of the shoes didn't seem overpriced.

I saw on Yelp that they were having a sale on their sample pairs of sneakers, and it looks like an annual event. Monday was 30% off, Tuesday was 40% off, and any of these shoes that be left will be 50% off today. Who knows -- those orange and purple Pumas might be your size...

Their website is useless, but you can join their mailing list and hear about stuff in the future. I recommend checking it out, if you're near Berklee or the Christian Science Center.

Update: Apparently all of you didn't run down there. Of course, how could you run down there without stylish foot wear...? The sale has been continued through Friday.

THUR 1/31: 60% off
FRI 2/1: 70% off
5pm to 6pm on Friday: "All you can carry for $150"

Sounds like the have a few pairs left... (Yes, it does pay to be on the mailing list.)

(See the secret door/vending machine?)

My Thoughts on "Titler's Oddville"

My buddy Ron & I went to Oddville the other night. We laughed a lot and were generally entertained throughout. While some subjects were on the edge and there was a load of profanity, the humor was witty and good-natured (IMO). The program was interspersed with moments of more straightforward musicality, but it's hard to even call these acts conventional or expected really. Others might have been shocked/uncomfortable by the content, but it was a great show.

I didn't expect to be juked on the start time like a rock show, but all was forgiven after got under way around 10:30pm. The Beehive's basement was brimming with fabulous people -- as well as my buddy and I -- and most moved over to gather 'round the stage.

A very masculine nun walked through the crowd to "man" a keyboard and rolls through an upbeat R&B tune as intermission music throughout the show.

When the curtains open, Titler welcomed the crowd with a few remarks then got behind the keys for a peppy little song for all the Christians called "Jesus Never Existed", whose lyrics are a reasonable atheist position aside from the jokes and the titular shot. At some point, our host was joined on a few more songs by the Bride And Groom String Section (violinist Angie Shyr and cellist Trevor Jarvis) who expertly made several appearances as the show went along. As they played The BeeGees' "I Started a Joke" (dedicated to Michael Richards, natch), I noticed two guys making out next to me and started to laugh to myself.

In between acts, the curtains would close and we'd see the original filmed Titler vignettes.

Raymond Bokhour came out with a hilarious song in an early-Jazz style about wearing women's clothes. Then his wife Christine joined for another ditty or two. (They're both Broadway actors, but they could easily be a musical comedy team.)

I'm not sure, but I think the next performer was found playing somewhere in Somerville. Charlie Moto, an older fellow in a white suit, sang a wonderfully gentle version of "Where Did Our Love Go".

Shane Mauss killed as far as I was concerned. His timing is unique, so the punchline hits about a clause or two later than most comedians. I think Ron and I laughed louder than everyone else, but we laugh loudly.

One of the special surpises was flamenco guitarist, Grigory Goryachev. His one piece enthralled everyone.

The magnificent Red Peters made his first appearance of the night (each time carrying a black poodle). We were treated to one of his most eloquent compositions where the majority of the lyrics are: "F.U.C.K. Y.O.U. B.L.O.W. M.E."

The Yo-Yo People performance centered around Rebecca Higby's hula-hoop routine that keeps adding more and more and MORE hoops. When I worked near Faneuil Hall, I loved to occasionally see their act.

Titler returned for envelope-pushing songs. (Around this point, my notes are skimpy.)

Raymond Bokhour and Christine Bokhour played a couple more songs with Raymond looking dapper in his fez.

The Yo-Yo People amazed with a yo-yo displayed into an very impressive crescendo.

Titler met Charlie Savage at a piano store in Stoughton, and he played beautiful original (w/ the Bride and Groom). Charlie looked like a relatively normal guy, but it was still a bit skewed by being sandwiched between The Yo-Yo People and Red Peters, who returned for a couple more ending with his classic, "Get the Fuck Out".

After the show, the audience could watch the pilot of "Carol" featuring Red Peters and Greg Roman. It was definitely "not ready for prime time" and much funnier than what Horatio Sanz ripped off on SNL.

Marilyn Manson was playing at The Orpheum that night, but the real subversive entertainment was in the South End. It was extra-ordinary.

Alas, I have no new picture...

Cheap Thrills: 1/25 to 2/1

Lots of movies this week. A few art openings, esp. next Friday.

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FRI 1/25
* Apollo Sunshine, Self Righteous Brothers, Wonderful Spells
* “Who Killed the Electric Car?” & “A Crude Awakening”
* "Destination Moon" & "A Grand Day Out"
* Lumen Eclipse: "Le Peek"
* Robyn: Listening Party

SAT 1/26
* 30th Annual Science Fiction Marathon
* Coffin Lids, Muck and the Mires, Wild Zero, Bill
* Lovewhip, Conservative Man, Varsity Drag
* Boabom Intro Class

SUN 1/27
* “Titler’s Oddville”
* The Boston Babydolls w/ The Swaggerin' Growlers

MON 1/28
* Art Cards
* The Robbie Roadsteamer Acoustic Show
* "Free Freedom"

TUES 1/29
* Bang Camaro, The Snowleopards, Landsdowne
* The Second Glass Wine Tasting Party
* "In Bruges": Free Sneak Preview

WED 1/30
* "Blind Republicans, Impotent Democrats, and the Recovery of American Ideals"
* Free Burrito Day

THUR 1/31
* Jeremy Lyons & The Deltabilly Boys

FRI 2/1
* The Last Town Chorus, The Low Anthem
* "Love, Sex & Chocolate" (an art show)
* "Inappropriate Touching": Opening Reception
* "Greed, Guilt and Grappling: Six Artists Respond to Climate Change": Opening Reception

SAT 2/2
* Scamper, Baker, Harris, Aloud

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FRI 1/25

9:30pm
Apollo Sunshine, Self Righteous Brothers, Wonderful Spells
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10

Apollo Sunshine is out there making a buzz in the music world (some have even moved out of Boston), but they're not too big -- yet -- to rock out in their off-center yet melodic style at the Milky Way. There is a lot going on in almost every Self Righteous Brothers song, you're gonna dig them all like listening to a bunch of short bursts of splendor held together with Sponge Bob band-aids. Wonderful Spells have basically been together since kindergarten, so they've had a lot of time to work on honing their sweet power-pop.

FRI 1/25

8pm to 11pm
"Who Killed the Electric Car?" & "A Crude Awakening"
at Stata Center, Room 144, 32 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

A double feature at the Environmental Film Festival. There was free pizza last year...

FRI 1/25

7pm
Sci-Fi Night: "Destination Moon" & "A Grand Day Out"
at Phillips Auditorium, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq and Fresh Pond)
FREE

This might not be the best story with the best actors, but this sci-fi flick from 1950 took the time to be faithful to real "science" even though it was a "fiction" at the time. I bet JFK watched this, and said we could go to the moon... Hey, why not? To make this a totally friggin' awesome night of wholesome fun, they're showing Wallace & Gromit short "A Grand Day Out" about the guys going to the Moon to get more cheese!

FRI 1/25

10pm
Robyn: Listening Party
at Matt Murphy's Pub, 14 Harvard St, Brookline
FREE

The Swedish pop starlet won't be there, but you can listen to her new album.

Shh... If you're in the neighborhood, her record company is going to buy everyone a 'free drink' at 10.

FRI 1/25

7pm to 9pm
Lumen Eclipse: "Le Peek"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

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SAT 1/26

Coffin Lids (11:45pm), Muck and the Mires (10:45pm), Wild Zero (9:45pm), Bill (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8 / 21+

I like The Coffin Lids incorporating a horror vein into their classic garage rock approach, and there is honesty, passion, and farfisa organ. I contend that Muck & The Mires are still the "best garage band in the country" since Little Steven has not held another competition to unseat them. When I listen to Wild Zero, I picture a dude with a big moustache and leather jacket lording over a stretch of desert blacktop on his Harley, and I mean that in a good way like The Cult or Danzig. Bill is also the name of the band's singer, and he does have Down's Syndrome. You might be thinking something akin to "Timmy!" on South Park, but it's much more than that. The music is interesting and not exploitative from what I can tell.

It's The Coffin Lids' (7") Record Release Party, so there will be giveaways, raffles, and - from 8pm to 10pm - $2 PBR tallboys (which might be a 50-cent discount). Get there at 8pm, and you'll hear the acoustic punk stylings of Jay Allen on the pub stage -- and you might not have to pay the cover...

SAT 1/26

7pm to 7am
30th Annual Science Fiction Marathon
At Bldg 26, Room 100, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$7 / $4 after midnight

At some point, there will be some Hayden Christensen prize giveaways (he was recently at MIT), including Star Wars DVDs & Jumper "onesheet" movie poster autographed by him. Thankfully you won't have to see any of his acting tonight...

7pm Galaxy Quest
9:30pm - Sunshine
11:30pm - pizza break, 'surprise' sci-fi episode
Midnight - The Host
3am - Gattaca
5am - Starship Troopers

SAT 1/26

10pm
Lovewhip, Conservative Man, Varsity Drag
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$8 / 21+

I just became aware of Varsity Drag about a month ago, and they rock! It should remind you of early-Lemonheads, because Ben Deily started the band with Evan Dando sang and wrote with The Lemonheads on the first 3 albums. Lovewhip has a bunch of fun bunch electro/dance songs that can appeal to the non-'dance music' fan. Conservative Man plays some good keyboard-emphasized indie-rock.

SAT 1/26

Noon to 12:45pm
Intro Boabom Class
at Boston School of Boabom, 33A Harvard St Ste 201, Brookline Village
FREE

The Tibetan version of tai-chi or yoga. Hey, you might like it...

The class lasts 45 minutes -- bring loose, comfortable clothes, an open mind, and a huge desire to learn! You can take the class barefoot, or with socks on.

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SUN 1/27

10pm to Midnight
“Titler’s Oddville”
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$10 online / $15 door

This will likely be a bizarre, jaw-droppingly hilarious "nu-vaudeville" performance featuring dirty songster Red Peters, Shane Mauss, the Yo-Yo Couple, and more. You will definitely never forget this show...

See my interview below.

SUN 1/27

8:30pm
The Boston Babydolls w/ The Swaggerin' Growlers
at Paradise Lounge, 969 Comm Ave, Boston (near BU)
$10 / 18+

The Boston Babydolls continue their monthly burlesque showcase into the new year, and they're anxious to celebrate the breaking of all their resolutions in the show theme: "Resolved!" The Swaggerin' Growlers kick it off with some Poguesy punk.

Shh... here's a 2-for-1 coupon that was in their email:

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MON 1/28

4pm to 7pm
Art Cards
at Redbones -- Downstairs, 55 Chester St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 per 9 Cards

Rob Logan and Redbones hosted a similar series of nights last year. You draw/doodle/create masterpieces on the page of 9 cards that are then laminated and cut. Trade your objets d'art with others or take them home. (They'll be worth tens of some currency when you're gone.)

Logan, who created the murals at 'Underbones', will be there at each session to get you started -- and likely give encouragement. No previous talent necessary!

Proceeds benefit Redbones' Art in Somerville Fund, a partnership of Redbones and the Somerville Arts Council.

Other sessions:
SUN 2/24: Noon to 4 pm
MON 3/3: 4pm to 7 pm

Fun for the whole family, and adult entrees are 1/2 price when you buy an Art Card.

MON 1/28

7pm to 9pm
The Robbie Roadsteamer Acoustic Show
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

MON 1/28

8pm
"Free Freedom"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Drummer/NEC instructor Rakalam Bob Moses is celebrating his birthday with a performance that includes his "spiritual master" Bhapuji Tisziji Muñoz on guitar, Medeski (Medeski Martin and Wood) on keys, and others. Top-notch free free-jazz.

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TUES 1/29

9pm
Bang Camaro, The Snowleopards, Landsdowne
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

My friends at Going.com have teamed with Miller Lite to bring you a free rock-stravaganza. Everyone should see Bang Camaro once. You might not want to see them again, but you'll be glad to have witnessed the heavy metal spectacle of 20 singers. The SnowLeopards are excellent rockers.

All you have to do is RSVP here. If you're not already a member, it's painless and you control whether you get emails from the site.

TUES 1/29

5pm to 8:30pm
The Second Glass Wine Tasting Party
at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

TUES 1/29

Seating starts at 6pm, Film at 7pm
"In Bruges": Sneak Preview
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

It's a hit-man comedy with Colin Farrell, but the trailer really made me laugh. Director Martin McDonagh will be there for a Q&A. It's a first-come-first-served thing, so have a "plan B".

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WED 1/30

7:30pm
Todd Gitlin, "Blind Republicans, Impotent Democrats, and the Recovery of American Ideals"
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

WED 1/30

11am to 8pm
Free Burrito Day
at Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1924 Beacon St, Brighton (Cleveland Circle)
FREE

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THUR 1/31

10pm
Jeremy Lyons & The Deltabilly Boys
at The Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Bluesy New Orleans guitar-based swampiness.

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FRI 2/1

9pm
The Last Town Chorus, The Low Anthem
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

FRI 2/1

6pm to 9pm
"Love, Sex & Chocolate" (an art show)
at The Art Kitsch(en), #223B in 450 Harrison Ave, Boston
FREE

FRI 2/1

6pm to 10pm
"Inappropriate Touching: Dirty Comics and Art": Opening Reception
at Washington Street Arts Center, 321 Washington St, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

FRI 2/1

6pm to 8pm
"Greed, Guilt and Grappling: Six Artists Respond to Climate Change": Opening Reception
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE

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SAT 2/2

9pm
Scamper, Baker, Harris, Aloud
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

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Cheap Way to go to the Super Bowl:

Buy some raffle tickets from Ben Watson's charity group "One More". $2 per ticket, minimum of 5 tix. The winner gets Ben's 2 tickets to the game, flight, hotel, transportation, gameday brunch, and an off-season dinner with the Watsons.

Entry deadline is 3pm on TUES 1/29. The drawing will be held that afternoon.

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Link of the Week:

The Center for Public Integrity compiled 935 false statements about Iraq made by Bush & 7 top officials in the 2 years after 9/11/01.

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Quote of the Week:

The best laid schemes o’ mice and men
Gang aft a-gley;
And leave us naught but grief and pain
For promised joy.

--Robert Burns, "To a Mouse, On Turning Her Up In Her Nest With The Plough"

Hope you had happy Burns Night!

SUN 1/27: "Titler's Oddville" -- My Chat w/ "Titler"

10pm to Midnight
“Titler’s Oddville”
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$10 online / $15 door

When you see the cross-dressing Hitler look-alike on Oddville's flyer, you know this is destined to be one of the edgiest performances Boston will see all year. "Titler" and his "extra-ordinary friends" are going to shake up The Beehive with a modern vaudeville show. Besides a variety of surprise weirdness, those appearing are: Red Peters whose quasi-dirty songs have been a longtime favorite on the Howard Stern Show, comedian Shane Mauss, and husband-wife team Yo-Yo Couple.

This is not for folks who are easily offended, and you should have an appreciation of the absurd. Nonetheless you will probably be offended at some point. Bring some glue or safety pins as well, because you'll definitely laugh your ass off.

I had a little chat with Titler's alter-ego, local filmmaker Gregory Roman. He created "Titler" a few years ago for a series of wacky MTV shorts that they never aired. The compiled vignettes were later a hit at the Sundance Festival and the Boston Underground Film Festival -- and have built a following of admirers including Ben Folds and Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls).

Charlie Chaplin took the piss out of Hitler with his 1940 film, "The Great Dictator" -- but besides the Monty Python guys, few comedians have stepped forward to slam Germany's "little corporal". Enter Titler in his dress and minimal facial hair and you've got something shocking, provocative, and hilarious. I like the description "everything nobody wants to see all at once."

Let's pretend the following interview took place in seedy Berlin cabaret...

How was the "Titler" character created?

I have always hated what Hitler did to completely innocent people. And one day ...I thought: "What better way to erase the memory of a monster than to slap a dress on him and turn a monster into a he/she spokesperson for peace, individualism and tolerance?"

I read once where a young Adolph Hitler was not accepted to Art School and was absolutely crushed when he heard the news. Had he been able to blossom as an artist, today’s world would be in a very different place.

The human race should never, ever forget what Hitler did in history, but that should not make one afraid to make fun of his image.

You seem to have got the whole package, so to speak -- great voice, songs, bosom -- why do you think you're not popular in the US?

Thank you for the kind words. I’m not really concerned whether Titler is popular or not. In fact, Titler is very popular in the underground circuit all over the world and quite frankly, I prefer it that way. I get e-mails every week from fans in the USA, France, Germany, The UK and even in Japan.

I own a film production company called Magic Box Films and stay very busy directing television commercials and short films for a wide array of clients.

So, I guess I have purposefully have kept somewhat of a low profile in the past, but after playing live with The Dresden Dolls and Ben Folds in the last year, I knew it was time to "come out" so to speak.

And... As serendipity would have it, I ran into my good friend Brother Cleve, who happened to be spinning music at this awesome private Halloween party in an old Fire Station with vintage neon signs all over the walls and a completely restored 1920’s diner parked where a Fire truck would normally be. It’s an incredible place to throw a party, not to mention live. So anyway, Brother Cleve and I started chatting about doing a show at The Beehive and next thing you know... Poof! Here I am.

I think the dress really balances the short moustache. I've worn dresses on stage and have gotten dirty looks before and after the show. Do you think one element bothers people more than the other?

Titler believes firmly that one should always dress to befit any occasion and everyone knows you can’t go wrong with a tight little black dress and a nice pair of army boots.

Do you get a lot of resistance when you perform live?

Yes, I certainly do get looks when I walk among other civilians, but when a dress fits a body this way, it’s bound to stop some traffic.

Whenever I play live, the audiences love Titler. Although, when Ben Folds asked me last year to fly to Nashville and be a part of the his historic, 'first ever' concert broadcast live via the internet, the SONY record executives really freaked out when all they could find on YouTube was Titler singing "Jesus Never Existed" and shouted: "That THING is NOT going to play at this concert!!" Ben then politely played them an mp3 I had e-mailed him earlier of my tribute to Johnny Cash "I Cross the Line" and... the SONY folks then insisted I perform.

Yeah, it's a great reinterpretation.
Are there other places where you're more popular? Austria or...?

I’m pretty popular everywhere because of my films, but so far, I’ve limited my live venues to only here in the US, but yeah, I would LOVE to play Beethoven-Hall, in Austria. It’s one of the most beautiful places one could perform music for a captive audience.

Your film made a splash at the Sundance Festival a few years ago, is there anything on the cutting room floor that you wish had made it in?

If I remember correctly, I think we pretty much used all the songs we shot for the film.

Were the "Titler" clips originally intended for MTV? Or did they consider using them after production?

You are absolutely correct. Each of the vignettes of the original Titler film were originally intended to be used as "bumpers" for in between shows on MTV; but when I sent them the final DVD, they reacted as if I had sent Kryptonite to Superman and abruptly stopped all communication. I knew at that very moment, I had a hit film on my hands and entered it into The Sundance Film Festival 2000 where it not only got accepted, they also had to have two additional viewings because it was such a popular short film.

It won an Honorable Mention in Sundance 2000. How brave of them. It then played for a month at The Boston Museum of Fine Arts where I got a standing ovation and gave a speech on the very first night to an SRO crowd. It was truly a memorable evening for everyone in attendance.

You have a song called "Diane Chutkowski", and it sounds like you're fond of her. Is there anything else you'd like to say about her?

Diane Chutkowski is a real person, and I will always be thankful to her for agreeing to do the film. There is something about her name that almost instantly wrote a song in my head. Ba Ding Ding Ding...

Does it take a long time for the songs to be written? Do they flow out?

I have what I can only describe as a musical version of Tourette Syndrome. It usually takes a word or something to trigger it, but songs literally shoot out of my mouth like swearwords. They always have. Ask anyone who knows me.

The Dresden Dolls and Ben Folds are fans of yours; what do you think of them? Is this a some kind of mutual-admiration club of edgy pianists?

Both Amanda Palmer and Ben Folds are great supporters of Titler. Each of them has asked Titler to share the stage several times. I have them to thank for nudging me to play more live gigs.

Yeah, I noticed you performed at Amanda's 'film festival' when it was at the Brattle... What was the inspiration for "Oddville"?

I’ve been planning a Nu-Vaudville type show which featured my own hand-picked, extra-ordinary talent for quite some time, but the name of the show did not occur until I was explaining the concept to Jack Bardy, one of the owners of The Beehive. That is when we both coined the name "Oddville" for the Titler event. I was explaining to Jack that "An Evening with Titler and his Extra-Ordinary Friends", was not a freak show but a showcase of hand-selected, very talented individuals that the audience normally would never get to see.

We both looked at each other and Jack said, "Sounds like Oddville," and the name of my show was instantly born. I love both Jack Bardy and Darryl Settles for their creative spirit and combined desire to make Boston the musical playground that it once was in the 1940’s and 50’s.

The performers include Red Peters, Shane Mauss, and the Yo-Yo couple. What other types of acts should people expect?

Every procreating human being loves a Red Peters song. Nobody can "croon" out a number like that guy. Shane Mauss is a very unique and talented comedian, and I love his material. The Yo-Yo couple are terrific. I’m so excited they’ve all agreed to perform.

I don’t want to give you all the acts, because then there would be no surprises. I will tell you that I am introducing a new animated character to the audience: A six year old girl named Oopsie Poopsie. She’s just plain unforgettable, that’s all I’ll say about her. I also have someone very special imported from the USSR. He is simply brilliant.

Haha! Sounds great! So, how odd will it be?

All I’m going to say is that it will be "Oddville", a once in a lifetime, memorable event that is not to be missed. Be there, or be Old.

On a scale of one to ten -- Lawrence Welk being one and you being ten -- what would the number be?

I honestly think Titler would be terrific on The Lawrence Welk Show, don’t you? I like to think of Titler as the Nu-Ed Sullivan.

The answer to your other question, I think Titler would have to be an 11. Not only because we will have "Wunnerful" music just like Lawrence Welk, but also because I love odd numbers so much, 11 just seems right.

Cool. How long are most performers going on?

Depending on the performer, our booked acts range five to ten minutes in length.

Is the show going to be filmed? Should people wear disguises for any reason?

I know that Boston.TV has contacted us to cover the event. We are also filming the entire show for broadcast over the World Wide Web at a later date.

I want to have a roll of black electrical tape at the door for those who want to wear a Titler moustache for the show. I think that would be a fun visual from the stage. If the entire audience were donning Titler moustaches for the event, it would be a riot.

Should audience members do anything special before the performance?

As I said earlier, I want to have a roll of black electrical tape at the door for those who want to wear a Titler moustache for the show. I think that would be a great visual from stage. If the entire audience were donning Titler moustaches for the event, it would be a riot.

I used to listen to Howard Stern on "terrestrial" radio and loved the Red Peters songs he played. I didn't know he was a Boston guy -- or that he had a show on Howard's Sirius channel where he's played your stuff. Have you known him for a while?

I’ve known Red Peters for many years. He has one of the smoothest singing voices on the planet. Red Peters is our generation's Dean Martin and is just about to hit the mainstream. Red is preparing a move to Las Vegas, and we are very lucky he has agreed to perform considering his busy schedule.

I read you were going to do a TV pilot with Red. What was it going to be about? What happened with that?

I did film a TV Pilot with Red called "Carol": A show about a sweet girl, who’s always been a good size. You can see it on my Magic Box Films under the Short Films Section.

We sent it to Saturday Night Live and all over the place in Manhattan and Los Angeles after it was completed, and nothing happened until one day someone told me they saw a fucked up version of my Carol on S.N.L. and said that Horatio Sans made my Carol just dirty, fat and awful.

I looked on the Internet and sure enough, S.N.L. not only took the Carol character and fucked her up, but the worst part was that they copied the opening sequence of my pilot, along with keeping the name of the character, which I thought was pretty brazen.

Wow. Did you think about taking some action?

I had sent the DVD to S.N.L. via Fed-Ex, but after my lawyers talked to their lawyers I was told I had no real legal way to prove they stole the concept or character and could not really do anything but move on.

Lesson learned: Horatio Sans is an horrible actor.

What's next after Sunday's Oddville? When will we see Titler again?

Titler would love to take his Oddville show on tour... Keep your eyes and ears open.

When I first went to your website, it was like two little hands slapped my eyes. I see you're not the designer, but what sort of direction did you give?

The designer of titler.com was Murat Bodur. Murat has won numerous awards for designing the Titler site and others. I told him I wanted it to feel as if you somehow fell inside Titler’s brain, and he did an absolutely amazing job of bringing that thought to life. He had a team of people work for months to create the site. Take a dunk. And you are correct, there’s really nothing like it.

I'd like to end the way Bernard Pivot (and that James Lipton guy) does by asking these questions:

What is your favorite word?

Believe

What is your least favorite word?
Impossible

What turns you on?

Honesty

What turns you off?

Passive/Aggressive Behavior

What sound or noise do you love?

Crickets at night

What sound or noise do you hate?

Diesel Engines

What is your favorite curse word?

COCK!!!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

UFO Pilot

What profession would you not like to do?

Gynecologist

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

GOOD BOY!!

That would be great. Thanks for your time, Greg.

Sneak Peek: FRI 1/25 to SUN 1/27

These will surely make the list tomorrow...

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 1/25

9:30pm
Apollo Sunshine, Self Righteous Brothers, Wonderful Spells
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10

Wonderfully quirky indie-pop.

FRI 1/25

8pm to 11pm
"Who Killed the Electric Car?" & "A Crude Awakening"
at Stata Center, Room 144, 32 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

A double feature at the Environmental Film Festival. There was free pizza last year...

FRI 1/25

7pm
Sci-Fi Night: "Destination Moon" & "A Grand Day Out"
at Phillips Auditorium, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq and Fresh Pond)
FREE

Cheesy fifties sci-fi with good science -and- Wallace & Gromit go to the Moon.

FRI 1/25

10pm
Robyn: Listening Party
at Matt Murphy's Pub, 14 Harvard St, Brookline
FREE

The Swedish pop starlet won't be there, but you can listen to her new album.

Shh... If you're in the neighborhood, her record company is going to buy everyone a 'free drink' at 10.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 1/26

Coffin Lids (11:45pm), Muck and the Mires (10:45pm), Wild Zero (9:45pm), Bill (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8 / 21+

It's The Coffin Lids' (7") Record Release Party, so there will be giveaways, raffles, and - from 8pm to 10pm - $2 PBR tallboys (which might be a 50-cent discount).

Pub Stage
Jay Allen (8pm)

Get there at 8pm, and you might not even pay the cover...

SAT 1/26

7pm to 7am
30th Annual Science Fiction Marathon
At Bldg 26, Room 100, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$7 / $4 after midnight

At some point, there will be some Hayden Christensen prize giveaways (he was recently at MIT), including Star Wars DVDs & Jumper "onesheet" movie poster autographed by him. Thankfully you won't have to see any of his acting tonight...

7pm Galaxy Quest
9:30pm - Sunshine
11:30pm - pizza break, 'surprise' sci-fi episode
Midnight - The Host
3am - Gattaca
5am - Starship Troopers

SAT 1/26

10pm
Lovewhip, Conservative Man, Varsity Drag
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$8 / 21+

Electro, indie synth-rock, and power-pop from one of the original Lemonheads.

SAT 1/26

Noon to 12:45pm
Intro Boabom Class
at Boston School of Boabom, 33A Harvard St Ste 201, Brookline Village
FREE

The Tibetan version of tai-chi or yoga. Hey, you might like it...

The class lasts 45 minutes -- bring loose, comfortable clothes, an open mind, and a huge desire to learn! You can take the class barefoot, or with socks on.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 1/27

10pm to Midnight
“Titler’s Oddville”
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$10 online / $15 door

This will likely be a bizarre, jaw-droppingly hilarious "nu-vaudeville" performance featuring dirty songster Red Peters, Shane Mauss, the Yo-Yo Couple, and more. You will definitely never forget this show...

SUN 1/27

8:30pm
The Boston Babydolls w/ The Swaggerin' Growlers
at Paradise Lounge, 969 Comm Ave, Boston (near BU)
$10 / 18+

The theme is "Resolved!". Email me (see my header) if you're interested in a 2-for-1 coupon.

WED 1/23: "Bodysong" or "Songs in the Round"

8:30pm
"Bodysong"
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (Fenway)
$9 / $8 students & seniors

With almost no dialogue, "Bodysong" is a variety of footage from the last 100 years that loosely provides a meditation on life from birth to death in "non-chronological" order in a "Koyaanisqatsi" kind of way. See the trailer here.

Overall it's visually amazing, but you might shrug it off if you're not in the mood to think about the meaning of life and the humanity we share with others. (Note: There is some graphic footage.) The soundtrack also served as the first solo album of Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, which led Paul Thomas Anderson to choose him as soundtrack-meister for his grand new film "There Will Be Blood".

Don't forget: You can wander around the MFA for free on Wednesday nights from 4pm to 9:45pm.


Liz Stahler & Band (10pm), Songwriters in the Round (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

I've been meaning to post something about Liz Stahler's January residency at Toad, so I've listened to her MySpace page a few times and enjoy it more every time. Thanks to her gorgeous voice amid the tasteful musicianship the air around me is filled with direct, honest words and song.

Before her band plays, a different circle of singer-songwriters from near and far takes the stage each week. It's another top-notch set tonight: Rebecca Pronsky, John Pringle, Kate Klim, and Reva Williams (of Gretel who also play at Toad).

Cheap Thrills: 1/18 to 1/25

Trust me. You would play a round of golf today instead of slaving over a hot keyboard if you were here. This is how the abridged West Coast vacation edition basically looked yesterday.

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 1/18
* Deer Tick, Yoni Gordon & the Goods, Merganser, American Hornets
* Apple Betty, Classic Ruins, The In Out
* Benefit for Sadie + Exile / Green Scare
* Debo Band, Keys to the Streets of Fear, more
* Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles Homecoming Shows -- and SAT 1/19

SAT 1/19
* Lyres, The Prime Movers, The Time Beings, The Sprained Ankles
* Marah, Adam and Dave's Bloodline, AM Stereo
* Redivider Magazine Launch Party
* Find Your Voice 2008
* Jesse Kaminsky and Dirk Adams, "Anoxia"
* Cheap Thrills a Go-Go

SUN 1/20
* Music of Larry Bell
* Drew Hickum's Ministry of Folk, Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade

MON 1/21
* MLK Day Open House @ MFA
* A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Tales
* “Sleeper” w/ Brock Reeve
* Attention Deficit Mondays: “The Story of Ricky-Oh”
* Jazz and Tap: A Musical Conversation

TUES 1/22
* Bob Blumenthal w/ Branford Marsalis, “Jazz: An Introduction to the History and Legends Behind America's Music”
* The Outfielders, Merganser, Ben Weiser

WED 1/23
* Sonho Meu
* “Teeth”: Free Sneak Preview

THUR 1/24
* Lisa Loeb: Free Performance
* “Boston's Best Bodies” Party
* Dennis Brennan & The Iodine Brothers

FRI 1/25
* Apollo Sunshine, Self Righteous Brothers, Wonderful Spells
* “Who Killed the Electric Car?” & “A Crude Awakening”

SAT 1/26
* 30th Annual Science Fiction Marathon

SUN 1/27
* “Titler’s Oddville”

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 1/18

9pm
Deer Tick, Yoni Gordon & the Goods, Merganser, American Hornets
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

I recently said of Deer Tick: “I really like the gentle blend folk and indie-rock; there's a unique voice there that makes any music special and memorable.” Yoni Gordon is very good as well.

FRI 1/18

Apple Betty (11:30pm), Classic Ruins (10:30pm), The In Out (9:30pm)
at Castlebar, 575 Washington St, Brighton (Oak Sq)
$5 / 21+

Apple Betty and Classic Ruins rock. Show up early to play darts or something...

FRI 1/18

6pm to 9PM
Benefit for Sadie + Exile
Feat: Sway, Evan Greer, Bambuu, Puppet Show(?)
at Lucy Parsons Center, 549 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
$5 to $20 (pay what you like)

Radical entertainment! Sadie and Exile are also known as Joyanna Zacher and Nathan Block, a couple animal-loving, fire-starting kids who were jailed for arson. I read a couple articles, and it seems like they were also branded as "eco-terrorists".

Whatever your position, this is a defense fund/awareness-raiser with some good music, a puppet show, vegan baked goods, merch, and probably some speakers.

FRI 1/18

9:30pm
Debo Band, Keys to the Streets of Fear, more
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$7 / 21+

Ethiopian (via JP) horn band and swingin' indie-rock join with a couple DJ's for good times for people with open ears and working tail-feather.

FRI 1/18 & SAT 1/19

9pm
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles Homecoming Shows
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 advance / $12 door / 21+

FRI: w/ Danielle Miraglia and Blueheels
SAT: w/ Blueheels and Teenage Prayers

I should have posted this last week... Sarah Borges is awesome. If you like music of any kind, you should gig her The advance tix for Saturday are sold out, but some will be available at the door. Both nights have good supporting acts, but I’m also a fan of Teenage Prayers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 1/19

9:30pm
Lyres, The Prime Movers, The Time Beings, The Sprained Ankles
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Release party for CD "He Put The Bomp In The Bomp", a tribute to Bomp Records founder Greg Shaw who was a champion of garage rock bands including many Boston bands like The Lyres.

SAT 1/19

10pm
Marah, Adam and Dave’s Bloodline, AM Stereo
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

Great straight-ahead rock.

SAT 1/19

7pm
Redivider Magazine Launch Party
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

This is Emerson College’s litererary magazine. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments amid poetry and prose. Those expected to read are Dan Pribble, Debra Liese, Sue Standing, and Peter Jay Shippy who has written a novel written entirely in verse.

SAT 1/19

1pm
Find Your Voice 2008
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

It’s no coincidence that this program with high school debate teams and community leaders is happening on Martin Luther King Jr weekend.

Topics include:
* Members of the US armed services should be allowed to fulfill part of their obligated service in the Peace Corps.
* United States foreign aid for HIV prevention should not prioritize abstinence-until-marriage programs.
* The US federal government should mandate that public schools in the US teach Spanish as a foreign language.
* The Supreme Court should reverse its decision and allow school districts to make race-based school assignments for the purpose of desegregation.
* The United States should boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

SAT 1/19

6PM to late
Jesse Kaminsky and Dirk Adams, "Anoxia"
at Ark Studios, 17 Edinboro St #3, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

The sculptural installation, Anoxia, is a one-room environment made of cardboard, balloons, string, LEDs and a three channel sound collage. The visual elements interact with each other sonically, and activate the space similarly to a live performance. As a temporary installation, the sculptures will live for only one night. Envisioned by Jesse Kaminsky and Dirk Adams, Anoxia, meaning "without oxygen", refers to a condition of oxygen deprivation that affects both humans and bodies of water alike.

The exhibition will be followed by music and sound by Gang Clan Mafia (Mobius Artists Group members Vela Phelan and Dirk Adams) and other acts to be announced.

Sponsored by Grolsch.

(free/cheap beer?)

Thanks, Max!

SAT 1/19

10:30 PM
Cheap Thrills a Go-Go! 1-year anniversary party w/ Thru the Keyhole Go-Go Girls and DJ Leah
at Common Ground, 85 Harvard Ave, Allston
$5

Cheap Thrills a Go-Go! is Boston’s delirious Sexadelic Sixties Dance Party for the “Now” Generation. Join us for a wild evening of hipshakin’ records, vintage 16mm film and psychedelic light projections, good vibrations, and low down rump shakin’ galore.

We're not associated except for our love of cheap thrills.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 1/20

3pm
Music of Larry Bell
at Williams Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (NEC / Fens)
FREE

If you don’t like football, New England Conservatory professor Larry Bell with other musicians & singers will perform 8 of his compositions including 3 premieres to celebrate the release of his inventively titled CD, “Larry Bell: Music for Strings”.

SUN 1/20

Drew Hickum's Ministry of Folk (8pm), Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Either group might make for a laid-back post-Patriots victory / pre-MLK Day evening.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MON 1/21

10am to 4:45pm
MLK Jr Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston
FREE

Music, art, film, guided tours, and "family fun".

Also, free admission to "Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800–1815" (tickets available at all ticket desks, first-come, first-served).


MON 1/21

8pm
“A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Tales”
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

This is a chance to learn more about one of the few groups in the Middle East that likes the U.S. Local author and storyteller Diane Edgecomb has compiled a book of myths, legends, and other aspects of Kurdish culture. She’ll be accompanied by a couple musicians tonight.

MON 1/21

10pm
Attention Deficit Mondays: “The Story of Ricky-Oh”
at The Squealing Pig, 134 Smith St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

Subtitled “Kung-Fu & Heavy Metal Night”, this is considered one of the goriest films ever. For those who want to get aggressive on a Monday night with kung fu fighting over loud metal music. There’s a kung fu movie every Monday night at The Squealing Pig (good solid bar and varied beer selection).

MON 1/21

7pm
Jazz and Tap: A Musical Conversation
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

Put a bunch of tap dancers and jazz musicians in the same room for some improve, and it’s probably going to be something special.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TUES 1/22

7pm (Doors open 6:30pm)
Bob Blumenthal w/ Branford Marsalis, “Jazz: An Introduction to the History and Legends Behind America's Music”
at Regattabar, Charles Hotel, One Bennett St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Bob Blumenthal, former jazz critic for various Boston publications, has written a great volume for the fans and neophytes alike. He is now ‘permanent creative consultant’ at Branford Marsalis’s record label. Listen in on what should be a lively discussion or join in with a question.

Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

TUES 1/22

9:30pm
The Outfielders, Merganser, Ben Weiser
at Middle East Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Two indie singer-songwriter types (one being Ben W. of excellent band The Diamond Mines) will open for the jazzy weirdness of The Outfielders who have played with other groups such as Reverend Glasseye, Morphine, etc.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WED 1/23

9:30pm to 12:30am
Sonho Meu
at Ryles, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

Named after a beautiful samba, Sonho Meu play a variety of Brazilian styles.

WED 1/23

7:30pm
“Teeth”
at Kendall Square Cinema, 1 Kendall Sq, Cambridge
FREE w/ RSVP

I’ve been reading the LA Times this week, and I liked the first paragraph of their review:

You could never accuse Mitchell Lichtenstein (son of artist Roy) of pandering to market expectations. His first feature, "Teeth," is a dark, gory and hilarious sendup of contemporary prudery, teen horror films, Christian abstinence programs, rampant cultural misogyny and latent gynophobia in ancient mythology that plays serial castration by vagina dentata for laughs. The movie re-imagines the ancient myth as the mortifying personal problem of a sweet, unsullied American teen who is having a hard time remaining unsullied...

Even though it’s sponsored by ‘Campus Circle’, I didn’t see any mention of a students-only restriction.

RSVP here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THUR 1/24

6pm
Lisa Loeb - Performance Only
at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

She’ll probably play for 20-30 minutes.

THUR 1/24

6:30pm to 9pm
“Boston's Best Bodies” Party
at Revolution Fitness, 209 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

Stuff@Night is throwing a party associated with its current “Boston's Best Bodies” issue. You don’t need to have a good body to go and enjoy free cocktails and (I assume) free sushi. How do I know about it? Besides my rock-hard abs, I’m on the Stuff@Night mailing list.

RSVP to this email.

THUR 1/24

10pm
Dennis Brennan & The Iodine Brothers
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (between Inman and Lechmere)
FREE

Dennis Brennan is a musical treasure. The Iodine Brothers shows his acoustic/country side.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FRI 1/25

9:30pm
Apollo Sunshine, Self Righteous Brothers, Wonderful Spells
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10

FRI 1/25

8pm to 11pm
“Who Killed the Electric Car?” & “A Crude Awakening”
at Stata Center, Room 144, 32 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

A double feature at the Environmental Film Festival. There was free pizza last year...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 1/26

7pm to 7am
30th Annual Science Fiction Marathon
At Bldg 26, Room 100, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$7 / $4 after midnight

The marathon features five full length films and several short features.
7:00pm - Galaxy Quest
9:30pm - Sunshine
11:30pm - pizza break, SURPRISE sci-fi episode
12:00am - The Host
3:00am - Gattaca
5:00am - Starship Troopers

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 1/27

10pm to Midnight
“Titler’s Oddville”
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$10 online / $15 door

This will likely be a bizarre, offensive “nu-vaudeville” performance featuring Red Peters, Shane Mauss, the Yo-Yo Couple, and more. I bet it’s going to be filmed. So there you go.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Link of the Week:

Very similar to another word game with lettered tiles. Play before it gets closed down.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Quote of the Week:

"Judas was a traitor to his God, Benedict Arnold was a traitor to his country, a scab is a traitor to his God, his country, his family and his class."

-- Jack London

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Sneak Peek: FRI 1/18, SAT 1/19, & MLK Day

A few things that look interesting... Stay tuned...

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 1/18

9:30pm
Debo Band, Keys to the Streets of Fear, more
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$7 / 21+7

Ethiopian (via JP) horn band and swingin' indie-rock join with a couple DJ's for good times for people with open ears and working tail-feather.

FRI 1/18

6pm to 9PM
Benefit for Sadie + Exile
Feat: Sway, Evan Greer, Bambuu, Puppet Show(?)
at Lucy Parsons Center, 549 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
$5 to $20 (pay what you like)

Radical entertainment! Sadie and Exile are also known as Joyanna Zacher and Nathan Block, a couple animal-loving, fire-starting kids who were jailed for arson. I read a couple articles, and it seems like they were also branded as "eco-terrorists".

Whatever your position, this is a defense fund/awareness-raiser with some good music, a puppet show, vegan baked goods, merch, and probably some speakers.

FRI 1/18 & SAT 1/19

9pm
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles Homecoming Shows
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 advance / $12 door / 21+

FRI: w/ Danielle Miraglia and Blueheels
SAT: w/ Blueheels and Teenage Prayers

I screwed up by not listing this sooner. The advance tix for Saturday are sold out, but some will be available at the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAT 1/19

9:30pm
Lyres, The Prime Movers, The Time Beings, The Sprained Ankles
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Release party for CD "He Put The Bomp In The Bomp", a tribute to Bomp Records founder Greg Shaw.

SAT 1/19

10pm
Marah, Adam and Dave’s Bloodline, AM Stereo
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

Great straight-ahead rock.

SAT 1/19

6PM to late
Jesse Kaminsky and Dirk Adams, "Anoxia"
at Ark Studios, 17 Edinboro St #3, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

The sculptural installation, Anoxia, is a one-room environment made of cardboard, balloons, string, LEDs and a three channel sound collage. The visual elements interact with each other sonically, and activate the space similarly to a live performance. As a temporary installation, the sculptures will live for only one night. Envisioned by Jesse Kaminsky and Dirk Adams, Anoxia, meaning "without oxygen", refers to a condition of oxygen deprivation that affects both humans and bodies of water alike.

The exhibition will be followed by music and sound by Gang Clan Mafia (Mobius Artists Group members Vela Phelan and Dirk Adams) and other acts to be announced.

Sponsored by Grolsch.

(free/cheap beer?)

Thanks, Max!

SAT 1/19

10:30 PM
Cheap Thrills a Go-Go! 1-year anniversary party w/ Thru the Keyhole Go-Go Girls and DJ Leah
at Common Ground, 85 Harvard Ave, Allston
$5

Cheap Thrills a Go-Go! is Boston’s delirious Sexadelic Sixties Dance Party for the “Now” Generation. Join us for a wild evening of hipshakin’ records, vintage 16mm film and psychedelic light projections, good vibrations, and low down rump shakin’ galore.

We're not associated except for our love of cheap thrills.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MON 1/21

10am to 4:45pm
MLK Jr Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston
FREE

Music, art, film, guided tours, and "family fun".

Also, free admission to "Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800–1815" (tickets available at all ticket desks, first-come, first-served).

THUR 1/17: “Hotel Rwanda” - Free Screening & Lecture

7pm to 9:30pm
“Hotel Rwanda” w/ Lecture
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

You're probably not going to get in to see the sneak preview of "Jumper" tonight, but MIT's got another free, 'not-so-sneak' screening tomorrow. Besides the glimpse into the genocidal tragedy of the Tutsi people, Rwandan Marie Gakuba discusses her experience as a Tutsi child and losing her family during the conflict.

It might be me, but everything seems a little more awesome with Don Cheadle. (For example, the Dane Cook baseball commercials were Cheadle/NFL ripoffs and generally sucked.)

The program is sponsored by the Student Anti-Genocide Coalition, and free African refreshments will be served. How often do you get free African snacks?

Road to Manchester: My Cheap Flight to LA

Firstly, you should check out Kayak before you buy a plane ticket elsewhere. I found a round-trip (w/ 1 stop) from Manchester to LAX on Delta with reasonable flight times for $199. Most comparable flights from Logan started at $320, so I looked into the cost of taking a shuttle. Since I don't listen to commercial radio, I didn't know it was free! I debated whether it was worth, but I decided to give it a try for $120.

On a snowy Monday afternoon when I stood hudddling in the tunnel outside of the Sullivan Sq T station, I began to doubt my decision as the clock moved 10 minutes past the scheduled time, but the bus arrived an we were off shortly. While listening to my iPod and reading a book, the ride was quick. Not as quick as my usual "Aquarium T to Logan" trip, but the view unfolded like rolling postcards of wintry New England landscapes (1:1 scale). Although we left late, the shuttle nearly arrived on time. I thank the driver for her steady steering at what must have been a recklesss speed...

At Manchester, the check-in line was short and I breezed through the empty security area (except TSA officers, of course). I made up the travel time here as the security area at Logan usually takes longer than a Soviet-era waiting line to purchase toilet paper.

There hardly any passengers waiting in the terminal -- or authorized personnel. There was only a deadhead at my gate who made a call on his cell phone to find out if the flight is on time. After getting a beer, that guy was still offering assistance and ine of the ground crew seemed to be mucking around the desk. it didn't bother me as long as there was a pilot on the plane.

Travel Tip (humor): When the agent tears your boarding pass and you pretend to scream in pain, no one else will find it amusing.

I don't recall being on a plane while it was being de-iced before. At first they seemed to shoot a pink lavatory soap all over followed by a green dishwashing liquid. I watched with bemused attachment as we were doused wth peculiar goop, and I wondered if this was how a porn actress felt...

While we await take-off, a woman is making announcemens in a slightly Swedish/Jamaican gibberish. I can't understand a word, but it sounds friendly and oddly comforting. During beverage service, the stewardess gives me 2 bags of peanuts and a full can of cola. (I assme my rugged good looks paid dividends again.)

Travel Tip (cheap beverages): They won't say anything if you're discreet about using your own nip bottles. Say you brought them from another flight if asked...

After an hour stop in Cleveland, I was back in the air. I even saw Jacobs Field and the winding Cuyahoga even though I hade the middle seat. C'est la vie.

Travel Tip (dining): Don't ever buy a burger at Max & Erma's in the Cleveland airport. Each person at my sides was served snoemthing I might hesitate to eat at a picnic (but I'd eat if it was free).

My flight arrived 30 minutes early, and my baggage hit the carousel in minutes.

Verdict after first leg:
It may have been a charmed day, but the free Manchester Airport shuttle is worth $120 if you can get to Sullivan Sq easily.

Cheap Thrills: 1/11 to 1/18

Well, here's a something. This is why I decide to post the "sneak peeks". It might be quiet next week, because I'll be in L.A. -- so don't expect too much for next Friday.

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FRI 1/11
* Darkbuster Lite, Pug Uglies, Welch Boys, Dead Like Death
* Big Digits, JUICEBOXXX, OH-DEE!, Rachel McAdamz

SAT 1/12
* "Psycho": Free Screening
* No Pants! Subway Ride
* Pants Off Dance Off w/ Boston Derby Dames
* Tiger Saw, Baba Yaga, The Battle of Land and Sea, Elizabeth Butters
* Count Zero, Axemunkee, Death Of The Cool, Superlow

SUN 1/13
* Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret Life Drawing Class
* "Al's Crockpot"
* Hats and Glasses, The Gondiliers, Prince Rama of Ayodhya

MON 1/14
* Viva Viva, Drug Rug, Carter Tanton
* Eugene S. Robinson, "Fight": Reading
* Rep. Barney Frank, "We Told You So: A Liberal Perspective on 21st Century Capitalism"
* Free Ice Skating at the Frog Pond

TUES 1/15
* "Chowda Day"
* Molasses Flood Memorial Concert
* "Night Of The Hunter": Free Screening

WED 1/16
* Majora Carter, "Building Sustainable Cities"
* "Jumper": Free Screening
* Chandler Travis Philharmonic

THUR 1/17
* Todne Texeira Jazz Band
* Kimya Dawson
* Ivan Navarro, "No Man's Land": Opening Reception
* Brian Marsden, "Impact! Finding and Tracking Asteroid Threats"

FRI 1/18
* Deer Tick, Yoni Gordon & the Goods, Merganser, American Hornets
* Apple Betty, Classic Ruins, The In Out

SAT 1/19
* Lyres, The Prime Movers, The Time Beings, The Sprained Ankles
* Marah, Adam and Dave's Bloodline, AM Stereo

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FRI 1/11

Darkbuster Lite (11:45pm), Pug Uglies (10:45pm), Nowhere USA (9:45pm), Dead Like Death (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

FRI 1/11

7pm
Big Digits, JUICEBOXXX, OH-DEE!, Rachel McAdamz
at Black Box Theatre, Brookline High School, 115 Greenough St, Brookline
$5 / All Ages

Hip-hop disco party-time! I saw Big Digits recently, and it doesn't matter if they're joking or not -- they give 100%. Almost no one in the crowd was there to see them, and they won over more than 100 people. Yes, there must be scores of guys all around the country who bring it like them, because JUICEBOXXX is here from Milwaukee and he rocks the house. It's wall-to-wall entertainment tonight, so don't miss bitchin' crunk-tronica of Rachel McAdamz. (Don't forget to pre-game like in high school.)

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SAT 1/12

11am
Elements of Cinema: "Psycho"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The Brattle has begun to offer something like a film appreciation class every 2nd Saturday of the month. They're showing some of the great films with a discussion afterwards. You're not paying to get in, so don't sneak in your candy & beverage... What to say about "Psycho"? It's Hitchcock, baby!

SAT 1/12

3pm to 6pm-ish
No Pants! Subway Ride
Meet at Alewife T Station, approx 135 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge (Fresh Pond)
FREE

See below for more info.

SAT 1/12

7pm
Pants Off Dance Off w/ Boston Derby Dames, 123 Party
at An Tua Nua, 835 Beacon St, Boston (near Fenway)
$10

You like to dance -- I know you do. We haven't gone clubbing together, but everyone likes to move to music even if it's a little morsel of caveman instincts way down in there. I know some of you love karaoke. Okay... cupcakes? Roller derby???

Even if you never go (it's a fun time), isn't it good to know the sassy Derby Dames are out there representing Boston? Help support the cause, buy a cupcake. They really should start early; too bad not early enough to get the pantless crowd as they reach Kenmore Sq.

(The next BDD bout is over $10 and in Wilmington on SAT 2/9.)

SAT 1/12

Tiger Saw (11:45pm), Baba Yaga (10:45pm), The Battle of Land and Sea (9:45pm), Elizabeth Butters (8:45pm)
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

As expected, Tiger Saw is doing something different. Frontman Dylan Metrano will be backed solely by his guitar and a female choir. The Battle of Land and Sea are a pretty spectacular folk duo from the "other" Portland. Elizabeth Butters is probably a time-traveler from the early 1900's sent to remind us how entrancing the 'old-time' was.

SAT 1/12

Count Zero (12:15am), Axemunkee (11:15pm), Death Of The Cool (10:15pm), Superlow (9:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

Lotsa more-than-your-average guitar-elicious rock with electronica textures and top musicianship. Besides Superlow, the other bands have some connection to the awesome Count Zero who don't seem to play out often. This might be Axemunkee's first show in 2 years after traveling the world in an Edith Piaf tribute band.

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SUN 1/13

2:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School started about a year ago in Brooklyn by a couple artists to get some interesting models (burlesque performers, etc) and have some fun and drinks during the 3-hour session. The models are "Johnny Blazes" and "Stud McMuffin" who should offer some gymnastic circus poses.

So get your sketchbook, drawing pad, mini-easel, stolen office paper, whatever -- and experience the coolest & cheapest life-drawing class around.

"A couple of tips: Come on time to get a seat up front. Keep it small so others can crowd in around you. Bring your stuff in a milk crate so you have something to sit on or put your stuff on. (we have lots of seats, but more is helpful) There will be some fancy paper for you to buy if you want."

There are funny contests with art & music prizes too.

SUN 1/13

8pm
"Al's Crockpot" presents "The Small Arts Group Die-Off"
at Zeitgeist-Outpost, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$5 (or b/o) / All Ages

This is a semi-regular show of semi-controlled performance art chaos. Al may or may not cook some chili around 8pm that might or might not be vegan. At 8:30pm, the performance should begin full-force. Inspired by a local philanthropic group's suggestion that small, local arts groups should consider shutting down; some artists will stage a satirical end to a fictional gallery. Who knows what sort of crazed hilarity will ensue.


SUN 1/13

9:00 PM
Hats and Glasses, The Gondiliers, Prince Rama of Ayodhya
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / $5 Suggested Donation

The indie-rock is free, but these Sunday shows are an experiment to see if people will support the payment of the bands. Consider giving a couple bucks. Maybe after hearing them.

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MON 1/14

5:30pm to 7:30pm
Ice Skating at the Frog Pond
at Frog Pond, Boston Common, Boston
FREE

I'm pretty sure it's free tonight. Save the $4 admission, but skate rental is $8.

MON 1/14

9:30pm
Viva Viva, Drug Rug, Carter Tanton
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

MON 1/14

6pm
Eugene S. Robinson, "Fight": Reading
at Borders Books, 511 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Bouncer, singer, and author will read from his new book about life as a bouncer and generally the toughest, baddest guy in room. If you liked "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze, you'll love the more intellectual "Fight". If you dig this, there's a $8 performance at Church (fka Linwood Grill) that starts at 9pm with heavy-metal spoken-word dude Duncan Wilder Johnson and new band Harney/Gittens.

MON 1/14

6:30pm to 8pm
Rep. Barney Frank, "We Told You So: A Liberal Perspective on 21st Century Capitalism"
at Littauer Building, 1st floor, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Kennedy School of Government)
FREE

"In this address, Representative Frank will discuss the changes in the financial marketplace and offer suggestions on what we must do to ensure that our regulatory system is able to keep up with those changes. Mr. Frank will also discuss the excessive and growing income inequality which has resulted from a diminished regulatory environment and an economy where productivity gains and free trade legislation has produced greater total income but income that is distributed unevenly, largely benefiting owners and executives but largely leaving out the middle class."

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TUES 1/15

Boston Molasses Disaster (11:40pm), Mark Lipman Band (11pm), Marc Sincavage Band (10:15pm), Hot Molasses (9:35pm), Oh My Gods! (9pm), "Introduction To Benefit" (8:50pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

A bunch of jammy/pop-rock/soul/folk bands commemorate the anniversary of Boston's molasses flood (Jan 15, 1919). Some of the proceeds benefit the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.

TUES 1/15

7pm
"The Night Of The Hunter"
in Video Screening Room, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
FREE

Largely overlooked when it first came out, it's a classic that still might not get its due. The camera work is amazing, and the acting superb. "The Night Of The Hunter" is an excellent examination of good and evil. A discussion will follow.

For tattoo people, this is where Robert Mitchum's crazy preacher character has "LOVE" and "HATE" on his knuckles.

TUES 1/15

11:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM
Chowda Day
at Legal Seafoods -- Burlington Mall, Copley Place, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, South Shore Plaza, King of Prussia Locations
FREE

Get a lunchtime cup of chowder at the takeout counter of participating locations. One cup per person, while supplies last.

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WED 1/16

6pm to 8pm
Majora Carter, "Building Sustainable Cities"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

MacArthur Grant recipient Majora Carter is the founder and director of Sustainable South Bronx. She works to improve the urban environment, while promoting economic development, and addressing poverty. I imagine she might improve your view of our own city.

WED 1/16

8:30pm to 11:30pm
The Chandler Travis Philharmonic
at Toast Lounge, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (near the Indepemdent)
FREE

A fun, rock/jazz/pop/soul/R&B stew that starts and finishes early. I assume so they can drive back to the Cape...

Also playing next WED.

WED 1/16

8pm
"Jumper": Sneak Preview & Discussion
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Hayden Christensen stars in this teleportation sci-fi flick, and he is expected to be on the panel with the film's director, a couple MIT physics professors who will make the Hollywood guys look like idiots. It'll be hard to get in because MIT people have preferred admission, but you can try if you like.

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THUR 1/17

10pm
Todne Texeira Jazz Band
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S. Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Todne Texeira has a beautifully classic jazz voice.

THUR 1/17

7 PM
Kimya Dawson -- Performance & Autograph Signing
at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Haven't seen "Juno" yet, but Kimya Dawson has about 5 songs on the soundtrack. I'm guessing she'll do at least one of those in the brief set, but Kimya seems to follow her own star... I thought it was admirable that she refused to cross the picket line to play on Conan O'Brien.

THUR 1/17

5pm to 8pm
Ivan Navarro, "No Man's Land": Opening Reception
at Tufts Art Gallery, Aidekman Arts Center, 40 Talbot Ave, Medford (Tufts campus)
FREE

Chilean-born Modern artist Ivan Navarro is on the rise in the art world. There was even a piece on him in the NY Times Magazine in November. There's definitely strong messages in his work, and he uses light in unconventional ways. He's giving a talk from 5pm to 6pm tonight, and you might be able to chat & snack afterwards.

THUR 1/17

7:30pm
Brian Marsden, "Impact! Finding and Tracking Asteroid Threats": Lecture & Observatory Night
at Phillips Auditorium, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq and Fresh Pond)
FREE

"In late 2007, astronomers spotted an asteroid with a chance of hitting Mars on January 30th. Whether it strikes or not, this incident reminds us that we are in a cosmic "shooting gallery." How do astronomers find and track asteroids, and predict which ones may hit a planet? Brian Marsden, director emeritus of the Minor Planet Center, has the answers along with anecdotes from the scary to the amusing (that's no asteroid, it's a spacecraft!)."

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FRI 1/18

9pm
Deer Tick, Yoni Gordon & the Goods, Merganser, American Hornets
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

FRI 1/18

Apple Betty (11:30pm), Classic Ruins (10:30pm), The In Out (9:30pm)
at Castlebar, 575 Washington St, Brighton (Oak Sq)
$5 / 21+

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SAT 1/19

9:30pm
Lyres, The Prime Movers, The Time Beings, The Sprained Ankles
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

CD Release show for Greg Shaw tribute CD "He Put The Bomp In The Bomp"

SAT 1/19

10pm
Marah, Adam and Dave’s Bloodline, AM Stereo
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

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Link of the Week:

Don't pay full price for the theatre! Besides the kiosks at Copley Sq and Faneuil Hall, you can pay an extra surcharge at the ArtsBoston website.

Maybe you'll go see a buddy's cousin's play at the BCA this week, "This Is Our Youth"...

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Quotes of the Week:

"You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health;
soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge but not intelligence;
glitter, but not comfort; fun, but not pleasure;
acquaintances, but not friendship; servants, but not faithfulness;
grey hair, but not honor; quiet days, but not peace.
The shell of all things you can get for money. But not the kernel. That cannot be had for money."

-- Arne Garborg, writer


"Wow, the guys at the base camp look like ants..."
-- Sir Edmund Hillary, Mt. Everest, 5/29/53