MON 3/31: "Four Stories" & A Song

7pm to 9pm
"Four Stories": Scott Heim, Alison Lobron, John Sedgwick, Laura Van den Berg
at The Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I think there are quite a few good Monday options on the weekly list, this would be the only thing I'd add for cheap entertainment. Not exactly –thrilling—but you can hear a four readings while enjoying some food and drinks. It's a night to check out the (tiny) Enormous Room without the usual dance/lounge crowd.

Tonight's theme is "Now You See Me, Now You Don't: Tales of Appearing & Disappearing". I assume Scott Heim will read from his new novel, "We Dissapear", not a feel-good story. Maybe John Sedgwick will read a chapter from his recent book, "In My Blood", about his eccentric family including stories about his cousin and Warhol-scenester Edie.


Song of the Day:
Bell X1, "Rocky Took A Lover"

For a couple years, there's been some articles that predicted Irish-rockers Bell X1 would be the next Coldplay/Snow Patrol to make it big in the States. I have a feeling that their moment has passed, but it doesn't stop them from making some good music. The track burbles and rolls with cool, little keyboard hook. Their vocalist thankfully sings, instead of whining or bleating, about a fantasy about a homeless guy having a rendezvous.

You can find a download here.

Cheap Thrills: 3/28 to 4/4

I am honestly losing my concentration to write anymore. The usual things got me again this week, and not just the complimentary beverages at an event. I will say that there are three excellent rock shows (and one very good one) on Saturday night: 2 at the Middle East, one in Allston, and one in Harvard Sq. I usually try to whittle it down to the one or two most worthwhile options, but I think I'd go to any of them and be happy depending on what I was looking for.

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FRI 3/28
* "All About Darfur"
* The Shods, The Teenage Prayers, Watts, The Tampoffs
* Annual Alt. Country Extravaganza -- and SAT 3/29

SAT 3/29
* Wine Gallery - Brookline, Spring Grand Tasting
* "Town Hall Meeting on Space" w/ Bill Nye
* Sounds & Delicacies Of Armenia And The Middle East
* Peelander-Z, Powerglove, Wild Zero, The Asthmatics
* Tulsa, Major Stars, Viva Viva, Faces on Film
* The Hard Lessons, The Sterns, Age Rings
* The Ergs, For Science, The Serious Geniuses, Bread & Roses, Robert Sarazin Blake, The Closet Fairies
* Sin-O-Matic Burlesque Night

SUN 3/30
* Human Rights Torch Relay
* GG Allin Memorial Show
* "Get a Green Job": Panel Discussion

MON 3/31
* "The Night James Brown Saved Boston"
* Drinking and Drawing: "Draw Me A Bath"
* Extreme Bingo
* "COLE! A Celebration of Cole Porter" -- and TUES 4/1

TUES 4/1
* Guitar Center Sessions: Joe Satriani
* "Beehive-Art-Scope 1"
* Tuesday Night Laugh Track
* Preacher Jack

WED 4/2
* "Rashomon": Free Screening
* Vlada Tomova's Balkan Tales

THUR 4/3
* Jose Canseco, "Vindicated": Book Signing
* Morgan Spurlock, "Fred Rogers Integrity Award"
* "Nanotechnology and Alternative Energy"

FRI 4/4
* All Mod Cons, New Frustrations, The Illegals, Lehane, Long and O'Halloran
* Dave Tree Art Show
* "They Must be Hysterical!" An Evening of Feminist Comedy

SAT 4/5
* Community Boating April Open House
* Chris Merenda, Adam Sweeney

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FRI 3/28

6:30pm
"All About Darfur"
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 suggested donation

It's difficult to keep the Darfur crisis in the forefront of the public's attention. The economy, the war, the presidential election, Britney... Yes -- the situation is still really bad in Darfur, and this film shows the perspective of average Sudanese people directed by a Sudanese filmmaker. A discussion will follow the screening.

Your donation will help The Sudan-Reach Women's Foundation who support and make a difference in the lives of at least some people in Sudan. It feels a little strange to say at an event with this subject matter, but "snacks and refreshments provided".

FRI 3/28

The Shods (Midnight), The Teenage Prayers (11pm), Watts (10pm), The Tampoffs (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 21+

FRI 3/28 and SAT 3/29

7pm (SAT: 6pm)
2nd Annual Alt Country Extravaganza
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

Last year's superlong show has been split in two, but you still have more Alt-Country/Americana bands than you can shake a stick at. There's no point in shaking a stick at them, because they won't be deterred that easily...

FRI 3/28

Rev. Bob And The Darkness (12:15am), The Bean Pickers Union (11:30pm), Wheelers And Dealers (10:45pm), Dearborn Valley (10pm), Bryan Pero & The Tired Horses (9:15pm), The Molenes (8:30pm), Patrick Dunn (7:45pm), The Patrons (7pm)

SAT 3/29

Cassavettes (Midnight), Lucky 57 (11:15pm), Mike MacDonald & The Widow Makers (10:30pm), Golden West Motor Lodge (9:45pm), The Bees Knees (9pm), The Beau Roland Band (8:15pm), The Dave Sammarco Band (7:30pm), Autumn Hollow (6:45pm), Thunderpants Johnson's Hillbilly Orchestra (6pm)

Some of these bands sound straight-up honky-tonk country, others are rock with a twang, and many fit right into the Americana scene.

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

SAT 3/29

3pm to 6pm
Spring Grand Tasting
at Wine Gallery, 371 Boylston St, Brookline (near Brookline Village)
FREE / 21+

It's going to be crowded, but there will probably be more than 100 boozilicious treats to sample. Oh, and a few non-liquid snacks to keep you steady.

SAT 3/29

4:30pm to 6:30pm
"Town Hall Meeting on Space" w/ Bill Nye
at Clay Center Observatory, Dexter/Southfield School, 20 Newton St, Brookline
FREE

It's Bill Nye, The Science Guy!

You are invited to participate in the inaugural Town Hall Meeting on Space, the first of a series that The Planetary Society plans to host around the United States over the next few months. Immediately following the Town Hall meeting... A light buffet and refreshments will be served. The Stars Court will be lit and the Observatory will be open for tours. Note: best for middle school age and up and any planetary science enthusiasts.

Seating is limited. Reservations strongly recommended.

SAT 3/29

7pm
Sounds & Delicacies Of Armenia And The Middle East
at Chenery Middle School, 95 Washington Street, Belmont
FREE

I rarely list things in Belmont, and who knew the city had its own human rights commission?

The Belmont Human Rights Commission is holding an "Open House Concert" with Christiane Karam & ZilZALA and The Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble.

SAT 3/29

9:30pm
Peelander-Z, Powerglove, Wild Zero, The Asthmatics
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

The cool part of this show is the spectacle of Peelander-Z. They are not just a rock band, they're "Japanese Action Comic Punk". There's dancing, crowd singalongs, human bowling... On top of that, there's Powerglove that does instrumental metal songs based on videogame themes. I called Wild Zero a zombie-motorcycle punk/metal band in the past, and I'll stick by that. The Asthmatics kick it off with a garage-punk aperitif.

SAT 3/29

9:30pm
Tulsa, Major Stars, Viva Viva, Faces on Film
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

This is sorta like a SXSW showcase since Tulsa and Viva Viva were down in Austin for the music fest a couple weeks ago. They both play some tasty modern/classic rock. At different times Tulsa has reminded me of Wilco, Sparklehorse, and My Morning Jacket; but they really sound like themselves. Viva Viva rawk it with Stones-y vigor -- from the peak years before they needed Viagra. The Major Stars would probably blow the SXSW crowds away with their torrent of technicolor noise. Faces on Film might seem relatively mellow compared with the other bands, but they'll deserve your attention.

SAT 3/29

9:30pm
The Hard Lessons, The Sterns, Age Rings
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$9 / 21+

I should've ignored this gig, but I curiously checked out The Hard Lessons. The recordings were really good, which made me click on the concert video clip (see Sneak Peek below). At that moment I was hooked -- it was in front of a big crowd, but they delivered a full-on rock experience in that special Detroit way. Since Iggy and the Stooges, there seems to be bands from the Motor City that can give 110%. This is another one of those bands. This looks like their second time through the area, so let's hope The Hard Lessons feel welcome. The Sterns and Age Rings are damn fine bands too!

SAT 3/29

7pm
The Ergs, For Science, The Serious Geniuses, Bread & Roses, Robert Sarazin Blake, The Closet Fairies
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7 Suggested Donation / All Ages

Razorcake is a music zine that still actually produces a "hard copy", which might be part of the reason they're short on money. On the other hand these are the things people do out of a passion that has no connection to one's brain, ergo the reason why it's meaningful to help these folks. Besides our local punk outfits, The Ergs and For Science are a couple pop-punk bands from New Jersey. An all-around tight, snappy show, I especially like Bread & Roses for rocking it out hard acoustic-style.

I've heard there's going to be giveaways and free pizza (that will probably last about 15 minutes).

SAT 3/29

10pm to 2am
Sin-O-Matic: Burlesque Night
at Machine, 1254 Boylston St, Boston
$10 / 21+

"50's Pin-up Party" w/ Dominique Immora, Jezebel Pussycat, Sayomi, & Ruby Roulette.

No dress code for this event. (But I'm sure latex is appreciated...)

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

SUN 3/30

8am to 4pm
Human Rights Torch Relay
from Hopkinton to Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common
FREE

Let's shine a light on the abuse of Tibet while we're at it. Things are getting worse everyday, and we let a country with egregious human rights abuses to host the Olympic games. Sorry, end of rant... It's a mobile protest basically along the marathon route and ends with some sort of rally around 3ish.

SUN 3/30

4pm
GG Allin Memorial Show
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

New Hampshire's GG Allin was among the hardcore of the hardcore. Known for defecating on stage and annually threatening to commit suicide at a Halloween gig, he OD'ed in '93. You probably shouldn't go if you're not already a fan. Or go if you hate your ears... Free BBQ at 3pm (with admission).

With Murder Junkies, Mob Hit, Bad Lieutenants, Death In Custody, Shit Fuck, Thunderhog, Refuse Resist, Hope Lane Is A Dead End

SUN 3/30

Noon
Green Jobs Forum
at Room 108, Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston
FREE

Moderated by Lawler Kang, the panel discussion includes:
Cindy Garo, The Food Project Board of Trustees
Galen Nelson, Green Tech Business Manager, City of Boston
Uri Weg, IT entrepreneur, evolvist.com

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MON 3/31

6:30pm
"The Night James Brown Saved Boston"
at WGBH, One Guest St, (Brighton)
FREE w/ RSVP

On the day after Martin Luther King's assassination, James Brown was already scheduled to play at Boston Garden. Riots were already breaking out in town around the country. There was talk about cancelling the show, but Mayor Kevin White ultimately asked that the show go on and that it be telecast to encourage everyone to stay inside. It's my understanding that every station was allowed to broadcast it, and only WGBH stepped up. So Boston has a debt to the Godfather of Soul (although he may or may not have been handsomely compensated that night).

So I've just told you the whole 66-minute show that's heavy on interviews and light on music. (It's going to be on VH1.) There will be a panel discussion and Q&A afterwards with the director, James Brown’s personal manager, and a professor of African-American Studies at Northeastern.

RSVP here.

MON 3/31

7:30pm
Drinking and Drawing: "Draw Me A Bath"
at Paddy O's, 33 Union St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE / 21+

If you're an artist or just someone who has a knack for drawing, join in a collaborative art party to make an animated film. You sit down for 10 minutes to draw 8 frames on index cards, then you hang out. The frames are compiled later, music is added, and the product is posted on the internet to show your friends and family. The theme is "Draw Me A Bath".

MON 3/31

10pm, 11pm, Midnight
Extreme Bingo
at Milky Way Lounge, 405 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

As usual, you can bowl and play pool for free on Monday nights starting at 9pm. Tonight, there are 3 games of "extreme bingo" where you can win prizes -- but extreme bingo means full-contact in a cage.

MON 3/31 and TUES 4/1

8pm
"COLE! A Celebration of the Life, Words, and Music of Cole Porter"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

From the late 20's on, so many of the best songs were written by Cole Porter. "Night And Day", "Anything Goes", "I Get a Kick Out of You", "What Is This Thing Called Love?", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Begin the Beguine", "It's De-Lovely", etc, etc. The music was melodically rich, and the lyrics were equally full of wordplay and passion. It's almost impossible for songwriters not to be influenced by Porter whether they are aware of it or not.

Students from NEC's Opera Studies program will sing many of the classics as well the "deep cuts" with help from a couple faculty members and a small 6-piece ensemble.

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TUES 4/1

6pm
Guitar Center Sessions: Joe Satriani
at Guitar Center, 321-C Speen St, Natick (Cloverleaf Marketplace)
FREE

I always liked Joe Satriani. When a million guitarists were playing super-fast metal back in the 80s, he was one of a handful that never forgot it was supposed to be music. Joe will talk about techniques, gear, and his life in rock. At some point, he'll play guitar better than anyone else in the room.

TUES 4/1

7pm to 10pm
"Beehive-Art-Scope 1"
at Beehive Restaurant, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

A new art event series is busting out on April Fools Day -- but I think something is really going to happen tonight. The Beehive blends into the Boston Center for the Arts; the decor is especially Bohemian downstairs where much of the action will be taking place. About 20 artists will display their work including Rachel Perry Welty, Jeff Perrott, Owen Rundquist, Cyrille Conan, Kelly Sherman and Samantha Fields. I'm guessing one will see some visually/conceptually aggressive art in various media. Free-jazz trio The Sewer Rats (w/ pianist Leo Genovese) will perform, and performance artist Bryce Kaufmann is bound to do something weird like cover himself with shaving cream.

I read somewhere that "refreshments will be provided", but I don't think it will include drinks...

TUES 4/1

9pm
Tuesday Night Laugh Track
at The Point - Upstairs, 147 Hanover St, Boston (Haymarket)
$5

It really is a funny lineup with: Shane Mauss, Myq Kaplan, Micah Sherman, Lamont Price, Tony Moschetto, Rob Crean, Dan Crohn. Your laugh-to-dollar ratio will be extremely high.

TUES 4/1

10pm
Preacher Jack
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE (but you can drop something in the basket)

With his long hair and white beard, Preacher Jack may look like a wild-eyed holy man descended from a lonely mountaintop. He's actually a living piece of boogie-woogie/rockabilly history who grew up and resides on the North Shore. Pounding the keys for fifty years, he may not keep a weekly residence at Frank's Steak House anymore, but Preacher Jack comes down to Cambridge & Boston every couple weeks to spread the good news.

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WED 4/2

7pm
"Rashomon"
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

This is one of the all-time film masterpieces from Akira Kurosawa. Crimes have been committed, and every observer's perspective tells a different story. It makes you ponder the nature of truth. Really, it does. As I see it...

WED 4/2

9pm
Vlada Tomova's Balkan Tales
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

You might not guess it, but Bulgarian a capella music may be the magical sound on the planet. It actual sounds like it might be from another world. Singer Vlada Tomova (who appeared on the first Balkan Beat Box CD) brings that vocal style to her Balkan Tales project, a band that includes your typical folk instrumentation as well as accordion and oud. Do yourself a favor and listen to Vlada or Balkan Beat Box or even the Bulgarian Radio Women's Choir.

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THUR 4/3

12:30pm
Jose Canseco, "Vindicated": Book Signing
at Borders Bookstore, 10 School St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE to heckle him

Don't buy a book, but this is a great chance to yell whatever you like at this guy for at least 30 minutes.

THUR 4/3

7:30pm
Morgan Spurlock, "Fred Rogers Integrity Award"
at Judge Baker Children's Center, Manville School, 53 Parker Hill Ave, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

Part of the "Annual Summit" of the Campaign For A Commercial-Free Childhood, you could probably talk to Spurlock at some point. There's a coffee & dessert reception as well as Morgan Spurlock discussing his work and showing some clips. Maybe he'll give Osama Bin Laden's location -- his next film is about his personal search that bearded Bedouin baddie.

THUR 4/3

6:30pm to 9pm
"Nanotechnology and Alternative Energy"
at Dodge Hall, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston (Northeastern campus)
FREE

Maybe I'm crazy, but I truly believe that nanotechnology is going to transform our lives in the next 20 to 50 years -- as long as we make them waterproof to survive the rising sea level.

Climate change concerns, rising energy costs, and dwindling natural resources are causing people everywhere take a closer look at the relationship between human activity and our environment. The emerging field of nanotechnology presents great promise to address these issues, but it carries a great deal of uncertainty -- and perhaps its own environmental risks.

For a background on the potential applications and risks of nanotechnology, read this article (PDF) written by Rice University's Kristen Kulinowsky.

Register here.

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FRI 4/4

All Mod Cons (11:45pm), New Frustrations (10:45pm), The Illegals (9:45pm), Lehane, Long and O'Halloran (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

FRI 4/4

7pm
Dave Tree Art Show
w/ JT Habersaat, Duncan Wilder Johnson, Clay N. Ferno, Richie Stratton, Ruby Collins
at Herrell's Allston Cafe, 155 Brighton Ave, Allston
FREE

FRI 4/4

7pm to 9:30pm
"They Must be Hysterical!" An Evening of Feminist Comedy
at Kirsch Auditorium, Stata Center, 32 Vassar St, Cambridge
FREE w/ Registration

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

SAT 4/5

10am to 2pm
Community Boating Open House
at Community Boating Boathouse, 21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston (Esplanade)
FREE

SAT 4/5

8pm
Chris Merenda, Adam Sweeney
at Loring Greenough House, 12 South St, Jamaica Plain
$10 if you make a reservation by 3/30 ($12.50 after)

Top-notch folk in a small, historic venue with great sound.

Send an email to notlobmusic@gmail.com with this URL as the subject line:
http://going.com/notlob080405

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Link of the Week:

If you like Dr. Pepper and you know of some way to Axl Rose finish the "Chinese Democracy" CD, you should do it! Everyone in America will get a free can of soda if it's released in 2008.

Another good Boston resource to see things after they've happened:

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Quote of the Week:

"If you're willing to fail interestingly, you tend to succeed interestingly."

-- Edward Albee

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th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Sneak Peek: FRI 3/27 to SUN 3/30

I am so screwed this week. Below is almost everything I have for Saturday. I can't whittle it down (yet)!

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FRI 3/28

6:30pm
"All About Darfur"
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 suggested donation

A benefit for The Sudan-Reach Women's Foundation. They wouldn't mind if you RSVP'ed.

FRI 3/28

The Shods (Midnight), The Teenage Prayers (11pm), Watts (10pm), The Tampoffs (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 21+

Really not a bad band here.

FRI 3/28 and SAT 3/29

Door 6pm
2nd Annual Alt Country Extravaganza
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 advance / $10 day of show / 21+

Last year's superlong show has been split in two.

FRI 3/28

Rev. Bob And The Darkness (12:15am), The Bean Pickers Union (11:30pm), Wheelers And Dealers (10:45pm), Dearborn Valley (10pm), Bryan Pero & The Tired Horses (9:15pm), The Molenes (8:30pm), Patrick Dunn (7:45pm), The Patrons (7pm)

SAT 3/29

Cassavettes (Midnight), Lucky 57 (11:15pm), Mike MacDonald & The Widow Makers (10:30pm), Golden West Motor Lodge (9:45pm), The Bees Knees (9pm), The Beau Roland Band (8:15pm), The Dave Sammarco Band (7:30pm), Autumn Hollow (6:45pm), Thunderpants Johnson's Hillbilly Orchestra (6pm)

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

Good Music...

SAT 3/29

9:30pm
Peelander-Z, Powerglove, Wild Zero, The Asthmatics
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Peelander-Z is "Japanese Anime Punk" band. Funny stuff.

SAT 3/29

9:30pm
Tulsa, Major Stars, Viva Viva, Faces on Film
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

SAT 3/29

The Ergs, For Science, The Serious Geniuses, Bread & Roses, Robert Sarazin Blake, The Closet Fairies
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7 Suggested Donation / All Ages

Benefit for RAZORCAKE zine

SAT 3/29

9:30pm
The Hard Lessons, The Sterns, Age Rings
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$9 / 21+

I saw this live video for The Hard Lessons, and I want to see them.

Science Stuff...

SAT 3/29

9am to 4:30pm
FIRST Robotics Competition
at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave (BU campus)
FREE

Appearance by the Blue Man Group at 12:45pm.

SAT 3/29

4:30pm to 6:30pm
"Town Hall Meeting on Space" w/ Bill Nye
at Clay Center Observatory, Dexter/Southfield School, 20 Newton St, Brookline
FREE (But reserve your spot on the website)

Bill Nye The Science Guy!

You are invited to participate in the inaugural Town Hall Meeting on Space, the first of a series that The Planetary Society plans to host around the United States over the next few months.

Immediately following the Town Hall meeting... A light buffet and refreshments will be served. The Stars Court will be lit and the Observatory will be open for tours.

Note: best for middle school age and up and any planetary science enthusiasts.

Seating is limited. Reservations strongly recommended.

Various Free Stuff...

SAT 3/29

Noon to 2pm
Soup Tasting w/ Marjorie Druker, "The New England Soup Factory Cookbook"
at Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut St, Newton
FREE

I wouldn't go just for free soup, but...

SAT 3/29

2pm to 4pm
"King Corn"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

SAT 3/29

7pm
Sounds & Delicacies Of Armenia And The Middle East
at Chenery Middle School, 95 Washington Street, Belmont
FREE

The Belmont Human Rights Commission is holding an Open House Concert.

With Christiane Karam & ZilZALA and The Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble.

SAT 3/29

3pm
Spring Grand Tasting
at Wine Gallery, 371 Boylston St, Brookline (near Brookline Village)
FREE / 21+

Come on by to sample wine, sake, cider, and mead. Expect lots of tasty treats and lots of people.

Burlesque Show...

SAT 3/29

10pm to 2am
Sin-O-Matic: Burlesque Night
at Machine, 1254 Boylston St, Boston
$10 / 21+

"50's Pin-up Party" w/ Dominique Immora, Jezebel Pussycat, Sayomi, & Ruby Roulette.

No dress code for this event.

(But I'm sure latex is appreciated...)

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

SUN 3/30

8am to 4pm
Human Rights Torch Relay
from Hopkinton to Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common
FREE

A protest about human rights abuses in China is probably as effective as any official US action...

SUN 3/30

4pm
GG Allin Memorial Show
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

With Murder Junkies, Mob Hit, Bad Lieutenants, Death In Custody, Shit Fuck, Thunderhog, Refuse Resist, Hope Lane Is A Dead End

Free BBQ at 3pm (with admission).

More of My Crap is Forthcoming

The "Sneak Preview" will be posted at some point today. There's a lot of good music and other stuff going on, IMHO.

I did go to the Boston French Library & Cultural Center last night (without a reservation, surprise!), and it was a good time. Music, art, beer, wine, cheese, bread, friendly people... I didn't get a Quebecois meat pie, but c'est la vie.

FRI 3/28 to SUN 3/30: Sustainable Living Expo

FRI 3/28 thru SUN 3/30

"Down 2 Earth: Exploring Sustainable Living"
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 (per day) online / $2 off for Zipcar members / FREE for ages 12 and under

Interested in living with more concern about your usage of energy and other resources? Each day there will be exhibitors and various presentations each day.

I'm listing it today, because the price goes over $10 if you don't buy your tickets today.


Wish me luck. I'm going to try to get into the Quebecois Soiree tonight. The Boston French Library site recommended reservations, but I'm wondering if it's really necessary. I'm testing this out for you, dear reader(s?)...

If you also go, say 'hello'. I'll be the guy who knows about 3 phrases in French.

TUES 3/25: Opening Day

The season has begun with a win! It's a time to celebrate every victory and dream of free furniture from Jordan's. It's also time to second-guess every move and criticize any player who slumps for a couple games. All together that's the fun of being a fan...

I don't have too much to add about tonight's offerings below, but it looks like you still have time to RSVP if you want to see the free Everclear show at Ned Devine's tonight. Doors open at 8pm, and they will only let in the first 1,000 people...

Le Loup is doing their chamber-pop at TT's...

Bill Cosby will probably get agitated about the state of the world at the Museum Of African American History...

Barefoot Truth are good bunch of guys that do an enjoyable brand of jammy, soulful folk-rock a la G. Love or Carbon Leaf. They're doing a 7:30 show at Paradise Lounge with 2 openers including the very young-looking Berklee student Emily Elbert...

Personally, I more interested in tomorrow's Quebecois soiree...

I wrote a post about Boston bands at SXSW for Bostonist a few days ago. I wasn't there, but I did some Internet research...

MON 3/24: Skeptics in Cambridge? I doubt it!

7pm
Mike the Mad Biologist, "Defending Evolution the Right Way": Discussion
at The Asgard, 350 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & MIT)
FREE

Believe it or not, there are a lot of skeptics around these parts. In general, I also like to see some proof to believe something -- and I'm willing to accept that anything may be true until there is reasonable evidence to prove otherwise.

On the other hand, I like acting and thinking irrationally at my discretion.

The "Evolution vs. Creationism" seems to really be approaching the origin of species from two different places -- one being scientific and the other being religious and specifically Judeo-Christian. I've noticed creationists have recently framed their position as "intelligent design", and I would be curious to hear a clear, concise skeptical answer to I.D.

This crowd should enjoy debating the topic with anyone or hearing other points...

For the NPR people out there, these "Skeptics in the Pub" talks are organized by Rebecca Watson who won the Public Radio Talent Quest (or "Who Wants to be an NPR Star!") and skeptically does her thing in Boston.

Cheap Thrills: 3/21 to 3/28

I can't believe it's the vernal equinox already. It seems just like yesterday that I passed out with funny "2008" glasses smashed into the side of my face... Easter came too soon, and March Madness not soon enough.

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

FRI 3/21
* The Gentlemen, Downbeat 5, Dave Smith & the Country Rebels
* Dean Wareham, "Black Postcards: A Rock & Roll Romance": Music & Book Signing
* Whitehaus Family Equinox Blastfest
* 4th Annual Bunny Barhop
* Boston Underground Film Festival -- to SUN 3/23

SAT 3/22
* International Pillow Fight Day
* International Free Hugs Day
* The Most Serene Republic, Miracle Fortress, Liam Finn
* Ken Reid & Nate Johnson, "Two One-Man Shows by Two Guys Wasting One Life Each"
* Emergency Music, The Great Bandini, The Fatal Flaw, The Sunsets Quick
* "All JP Music All Night"
* Cross-Pollenization Creative Music Festival III
* Annual "Gardeners Gathering"

SUN 3/16
* Graveyard Easter Egg Hunt
* The Sunsets, Dave Godowsky's eAsteR pAradE

MON 3/17
* Samantha Power, "Challenges for the UN": Discussion
* Tony the Bookie, Elizabeth Butters, The Simon Brothers
* Lovewhip, Taiphoon Fantastic, Nazzcar Rain Delay

TUES 3/25
* Everclear, Street Credit
* Le Loup, The RubySuns, Eksi Ekso
* Bill Cosby & Alvin F. Poussaint, "Come On, People!": Discussion

WED 3/19
* "Une Soiree au Quebec": Francophonie 2008
* "Winedown" w/ Kill Henry Sugar
* "Arctic Tale": Free Screening & ZipCar Promotion

THUR 3/27
* The Invisible Rays, Black Fortress Of Opium, Garvy J, Ad Frank
* Music of Dave Holland
* Gene Wilder: Book Signing

FRI 3/28
* "All About Darfur"
* The Shods, The Teenage Prayers, Watts, The Tampoffs

SUN 3/30
* Human Rights Torch Relay

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

FRI 3/21

7:30pm
Dean Wareham, "Black Postcards: A Rock & Roll Romance": Music & Book Signing
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
FREE

Dean Wareham of Galaxie 500, Luna, and Dean & Britta spills the dirt of a indie-rock god. Dean & Britta recently played at the MFA for about $25, so it's cool to get a fraction of half for free.

FRI 3/21

The Gentlemen (11:30pm), Downbeat 5 (10:30pm), Dave Smith & the Country Rebels (9:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

FRI 3/21

6pm to Midnight
Whitehaus Family Equinox Blastfest
at Cambridge YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

FRI 3/21

9pm
4th Annual Bunny Barhop
starts at Miracle of Science, 321 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & MIT)
Pay for your Drinks

FRI 3/21 to SUN 3/23

Various Times
Boston Underground Film Festival 2008
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
at AMC Harvard Square 5, 10 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$8 / $6 students & seniors

The weirder film festival is filled with films that probably won't get wider distribution. Although it may not be great, "The Wizard of Gore" has an impressive cast including the wild Crispin Glover. The premiere is Thursday night (see below) and also screens on Friday afternoon. Documentary "Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story" (who directed many classic horrors of yore) is supposed to be pretty good and is showing on Saturday and Sunday.

There are plenty of shorts programs titled: "Hyperreel", "Technicolor Psychotica", "Ocular Penetration", "A Day in Leah Land: The Films of Leah Meyerhoff", "You're So Not Serious", "Earthworms in Space", "Staring into the Abyss", and "Insert Title Here".

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

SAT 3/22

2pm
International Pillow Fight Day
at Copley Sq, Boston
FREE

The Banditos Misteriosos folks planned a flash mob pillow fight during the winter, so we might as well have one for "International Pillow Fight Day". Bring a pillow, but act naturally before 2pm. The general consensus from the previous one is that a public pillow fight can be quite fun. I had a good time at their Silent Dance Experiment too.

SAT 3/22

1pm (until whenever)
International Free Hugs Day
around the pit, Harvard Sq
FREE

If you're a lover, not a fighter, you can help give hugs. I got a free hug once, and it was nice. This should be a funny scene with other people that may be around the pit:

Person #1: "Free Hugs!"

Person #2: "Free Tibet!"

Person #1: "Free HUGS!"

Person #2: "Free TIBET!"

Person #1: "FREE HUGS!"

Person #2: "FREE TIBET!"

SAT 3/22

8pm to 10pm
Ken Reid & Nate Johnson, "Two One-Man Shows by Two Guys Wasting One Life Each"
at Cambridge YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Two funny guys will basically do one-man shows that will both likely combine regular stand-up, some video, and who knows what else. Ken decided to title his segment, "Portrait of a Pop Culture Victim", while Nate's performance may be more guerilla-style... More commando-style perhaps... (But you shouldn't be able to tell from the audience.)

SAT 3/22

9:30pm
The Most Serene Republic, Miracle Fortress, Liam Finn
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

Canadian and Kiwi rock, including Liam (son of Crowded House's Neil) Finn.

SAT 3/22

Emergency Music (Midnight), The Great Bandini (11pm), The Fatal Flaw (10pm), The Sunsets Quick (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

SAT 3/22

8pm to 2am
"All JP Music All Night"
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$5

I didn't do much research on this, but it's a benefit for a documentary-in-progress "Jamaica Plain Spoken" by Rick Berlin and Todd Drogy. There will be raffles, fun, music from Dave Aaronoff, Hilken Mancini & Emily Arkin, Blanketeer, The Country Doctors, Humble Woman, Josh Kreydatus, The Resurrectionists, and more.

(Could it be a better weekend to hang out with The Resurrectionists?

SAT 3/22

5:30pm to 11pm
The Cross-Pollenization Creative Music Festival III
at Piano Factory/Devanaughn Theatre, 791 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

It's a long title, but you can hear many different experimental music performers for free! At this point I'm not going to say anything better than the article in The Phoenix, except this is a BYOB event. Try to be discreet, and put your hooch in a backpack or something. A new musical journey begins about every 30 minutes.

Note: Entrance is through the back parking lot on Northampton Street.

SAT 3/22

1pm to 5pm
Annual "Gardeners Gathering"
at Curry Student Center, 346 Huntington Ave, Boston (Northeastern campus)
FREE

If you're into gardening there are some workshop sessions that start at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. They say Mayor Menino’s greeting and the annual Community Gardening Awards are "highlights", but it sounds like they're shoveling a lot of manure over there...

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

SUN 3/23

Noon
Easter Egg Hunt
at Old Burying Ground next to First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

SUN 3/23

The Sunsets (8pm), Dave Godowsky's eAsteR pAradE (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Folky pop/poppy folk -- there's not much entertainment besides college basketball and eating today. I don't know what Dave Godowsky has up his sleeve, but he reminds me of They Might Be Giants playing acoustically.

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

MON 3/24

5:30pm to 7pm
Samantha Power, "Challenges for the UN": Discussion
at The JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston
FREE w/ RSVP

So much has happened since Samantha Power called Hillary Clinton a "monster", but you could always go for the analysis of the state of international diplomacy. She'll discuss her new book about Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Brazilian who in charge of UN Mission in Iraq before he was blown up -- and moves onto ripples of that, etc.

Register at the JFK Library link. It's no big deal.

MON 3/24

10pm
Sean's Night Off w/ Tony the Bookie, Elizabeth Butters, The Simon Brothers
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

MON 3/24

10pm
Lovewhip, Taiphoon Fantastic, Nazzcar Rain Delay
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

If you don't want to support free music at ZuZu, there's a lot of woman power at another venue that's giving live music a second chance for cheap. Lovewhip is back from dazzling the SXSW folks with their electro dance-rock. Taiphoon Fantastic is a sassy group devoted to making you shake your groove thang. Of course, Nazzcar Rain Delay is punk rock in an old-school vein... Good stuff.

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

TUES 3/25

8pm
Everclear, Street Credit
at Parris/Ned Devine's, Faneuil Hall Marketplace , Boston
FREE w/RSVP / 21+

Yes, it's that Everclear (with leader Art Alexakis and a few new guys. I remember them sucking live, but maybe they're more "road-tested" these days... You can RSVP here (but I get paid if you register with the link at the bottom of my site). It won't hurt.

TUES 3/25

Le Loup (11:15pm), The RubySuns (10:15pm), Eksi Ekso (9:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

Do you like Arcade Fire but wish that no one else knew who they were? Well, you can feel that way again for a few months more with D.C. band Le Loup.

TUES 3/25

6pm
Dr. Bill Cosby & Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, "Come On, People! On the Path from Victims to Victors"
at Museum Of African American History, 46 Joy St, Boston (Beacon Hill)
FREE (donations accepted)

"The Cos" and Harvard Professor Alvin F. Poussaint MD discuss empowerment of families and communities.

Note: All reserved seating is filled, so they recommend getting there early for first come-first seating.

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

WED 3/26

6pm to 8pm
"Une Soiree au Quebec": Francophonie 2008
at Boston French Library, 53 Marlborough St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Listen to jaunty French-Canadian fiddle music from Chanterelle, enjoy samples of Quebecois beer and traditional "meat pie" (tourtiere), and see paintings & photographs of Quebecois-born artists. This party is also the opening reception for Nicole St. Pierre and Carl Tremblay.

What better year to celebrate 'Francophone Fortnight' than Quebec's 400th anniversary?

WED 3/26

7pm
"Winedown" w/ Kill Henry Sugar
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Hey, this is the first in what may be a monthly mixer for booklovers at Harvard Book Store. Drink wine, chat, listen to the folk duo that's opening up for Joan Baez at Sanders Theatre. Drink some more wine.

WED 3/26

7:30pm
"Arctic Tale"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP

I quote IMDB about the movie:

Two narratives -- the life cycle of a mother walrus and her calf, and the life of a polar bear and her cubs -- are used to illustrate the harsh realities of existence in the Arctic.

Please watch it before you complain to your favorite conservative radio host.

Zip Car and National Geographic present this screening with a twist: If you donate your car to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, you get a really sweet deal with ZipCar that might be worth your while:

a free one-year Zipcar membership and a $250 in driving credit. In addition, the first 20 people to donate their cars will receive an additional $250 driving credit.

RSVP and include your "name, number of attendees, and whether you will register to donate a vehicle."

Note: You DON'T bring your clunker to the Brattle.

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

THUR 3/27

The Invisible Rays (11:45pm), Black Fortress Of Opium (10:45pm), Garvy J (9:45pm), Ad Frank (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

Go, go, go listen to the tremendously good night of music. Lovers of great guitar get a double dose of Tony Savarino in Black Fortress Of Opium and Garvy J. (And the surf-ish rock of Invisible Rays.) There will probably be some bellydancing too. Maybe more surprises...

THUR 3/27

8pm
Music of Dave Holland
at Brown Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Do you want to hear some jazz? Bassist Dave Holland has played with Miles Davis, Theolonius Monk, Stan Getz, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, etc. He's at NEC this week, so he might sit in with the students.

THUR 3/27

6pm
Gene Wilder: Book Signing
at Borders, 511 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE to look

It's just a book-signing, but Gene Wilder is pretty awesome. I'd swing by if I was near to take a look.

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

FRI 3/28

6:30pm
"All About Darfur"
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 suggested donation

A benefit for The Sudan-Reach Women's Foundation.

FRI 3/28

The Shods (Midnight), The Teenage Prayers (11pm), Watts (10pm), The Tampoffs (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 21+

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

SUN 3/30

8am to 4pm
Human Rights Torch Relay
from Hopkinton to Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common
FREE

A protest about human rights abuses in China is probably as effective as any official US action...

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

Link of the Week:

This is a photo blog of the 'fashionable' people of Boston.

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

Quote of the Week:

"Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right."

-- Laurens van der Post

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

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

FRI 3/21: Hop-a-long Drunk-Bunnies

Looking for the Weekly List? Silly Rabbit! Try the 'Sneak Peek'...


FRI 3/21

9pm
4th Annual Bunny Barhop
starts at Miracle of Science, 321 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & MIT)
Pay for your Drinks

Get your drunken bunny on! The only requisite to join this pub crawl is a set of rabbit ears; creativity is encouraged, but not required. Any sort of 'glow' is highly encouraged as well, so the glow-stick crowd can unite with the LED belt-buckle crowd. (Or do they already overlap?) The crawl hippity-hops up Mass Ave towards somewhere around People's Republik.

"Punkt at Brix" Last Night

I walked about 5 minutes out of my way to go to the BRIX wine shop (Financial District) for the tasting that caught my eye yesterday. I feel a little cheated.

There were 3 liquers to try along with an Austrian sparkling wine (called "Punkt", see label above). I started with the pear liquer, which was alright. It had a very pleasant pear aroma, but the taste didn't spread waves of warm joy through my body. (WTF? Yes, that's hard to find in a bottle.)

I was getting ready for 'round 2' when the dude said he can offer only one tasting per person! Drats. I think it had to do with higher alcohol content... I feigned interest for a minute, then walked away (with a list of drink recipes).

In fairness, the shop was not overpriced. There were few bottles under $15, but they don't carry crap. I'd go to another tasting with wine, but with slightly lower expectations. I hear the South End shop is nice, and my tasting was in a glass champagne flute...

BTW: Don't have high expectations for the "Weekly List"...

THUR 3/20: Post-Work Booze & Great Rock

I have so much to do, but these were too good not to let you know...

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

THUR 3/20

5pm to 7pm
Cocktail Tasting with Haus Alpenz
at BRIX, 105 Broad St, Boston (Financial District)
FREE

Tough day at the office? This sounds darn good to me:

We are delighted to host Eric Seed of Haus Alpenz for a "Royale" tasting showcasing the Rothman and Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur, Crème de Violette, and Orchard Pear Liqueur.

I don't know about you, but "Royale" means "champagne" to me... There are descriptions of the liquers on the Haus Alpenz site.

THUR 3/20

9:30pm
Aloud, Radio America, The Shapes
at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston
$8 / 18+

If you feel like listening to some great, blood-pumping rock tonight this is the show. I saw Aloud about a month ago; they were the openers, and they were my favorite of the night. Radio America sound great, and how many bands have a song named after a major Hindu text? The Shapes also have the male/female vocal set-up like Aloud, and they sound a little edgier to me.

I wouldn't be surprised if any one of these bands were big-time within a year. (I should've added this to last week's weekly list...)

Sneak Peek: FRI 3/21 to SUN 3/23, TUES 3/25

I'm not a religious guy, but I think I like Easter better than Xmas. Still plenty of good eats including the special candy. (I do love jellybeans.) Still a family event, but not as much of the hoopla.

Even though it's not open to the public, I'd take a look if I were in Harvard Sq around noon to watch kids & Easter Bunny frolicking in the graveyard.

And Happy Purim to those who are into that!

I hope the weekly list doesn't suck, but here are a few ideas for the weekend.

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

FRI 3/21

7:30pm
Dean Wareham, "Black Postcards: A Rock & Roll Romance": Music & Book Signing
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
FREE

If you can't make it on Friday, Dean will be at Brookline Booksmith on Thursday (tonight)...

FRI 3/21

The Gentlemen (11:30pm), Downbeat 5 (10:30pm), Dave Smith & the Country Rebels (9:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

The Gentlemen and Downbeat 5 both deliver the good every time. If you like to rock, you can't be disappointed.

FRI 3/21 to SUN 3/23

Various Times
Boston Underground Film Festival 2008
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
at AMC Harvard Square 5, 10 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$8 / $6 students & seniors

The weirder film festival is filled with films that probably won't get wider distribution. Although it may not be great, "The Wizard of Gore" has an impressive cast including the wild Crispin Glover. The premiere is Thursday night (see below) and also screens on Friday afternoon. Documentary "Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story" (who directed many classic horrors of yore) is supposed to be pretty good and is showing on Saturday and Sunday.

There are plenty of shorts programs titled: "Hyperreel", "Technicolor Psychotica", "Ocular Penetration", "A Day in Leah Land: The Films of Leah Meyerhoff", "You're So Not Serious", "Earthworms in Space", "Staring into the Abyss", and "Insert Title Here".

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

SAT 3/22

2pm
International Pillow Fight Day
at Copley Sq, Boston
FREE

Bring a pillow, but act naturally before 2pm.

SAT 3/22

1pm (until whenever)
International Free Hugs Day
around the pit, Harvard Sq
FREE

If you're a lover, not a fighter, you can help give hugs. I got a free hug once, and it was nice.

SAT 3/22

8pm to 10pm
Ken Reid & Nate Johnson, "Two One-Man Shows by Two Guys Wasting One Life Each"
at Cambridge YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Two funny guys will basically do one-man shows that will both likely combine regular stand-up, some video, and who knows what else.

Advance tickets available.

SAT 3/22

9:30pm
The Most Serene Republic, Miracle Fortress, Liam Finn
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

Canadian and Kiwi rock, including Liam (son of Crowded House's Neil) Finn.

SAT 3/22

Emergency Music (Midnight), The Great Bandini (11pm), The Fatal Flaw (10pm), The Sunsets Quick (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

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

SUN 3/23

Noon
Easter Egg Hunt
at Old Burying Ground next to First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Like I said above, not open to the public; but I'd take a look if I were walking around Harvard Sq.

SUN 3/23

The Sunsets (8pm), Dave Godowsky's eAsteR pAradE (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

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

TUES 3/25

8pm
Everclear, Street Credit
at Parris/Ned Devine's, Faneuil Hall Marketplace , Boston
FREE w/RSVP / 21+

Yes, it's that Everclear (with leader Art Alexakis and a few new guys. I remember them sucking live, but maybe they're more "road-tested" these days... You can RSVP here (but I get paid if you register with the link at the bottom of my site).

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

3/19: Vigils on Iraq War Anniversary

MoveOn has organized candlight vigils around the country, and 12 vigils will start at major traffic points in Boston at 5pm (others begin at 6pm or 7pm). Search here for one near you. Be warned: If you RSVP, you'll probably get a crapload of emails from MoveOn.

The purpose is

...to honor the fallen and call on our leaders to end the war and set new priorities for our nation.

Pretty radical, huh?

Freedom of assembly is guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, but the current atmosphere makes me think that all our rights should be considered as a use it or lose it privilege. "If people don't peaceably assemble to make statements, why should the government allow us to do so...?"

It's a good idea to bring a candle. (You might want to use a wind-protector of some kind, like a cup or a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off.)

Five years, 3991 dead U.S. soldiers, 308 dead soldiers, ??? dead "contractors" (private soldiers), ?????? dead Iraqis, and how much progress...?

TUES 3/18: Protester in '68 Paris Riots Reflects

7pm to 8pm
Daniel Cohn-Bendit, "The Legacy of 1968: A European Perspective": Lecture
at SMG Auditorium, 595 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Hey, 1968 was a wild year. A lot of stuff happened all over the world. I think it's cool that people come to Boston -- or even live here -- and share their knowledge. (One could probably get a damn good liberal arts education from all the free lectures around town.)

Daniel Cohn-Bendit was a student protester known as Dany le Rouge, and from my limited reading was a major force in the Paris riots of that year. It may not have changed French politics for the better, but it was part of youth empowerment. It seems so, but you could hear Cohn-Bendit talk about it; and he probably has something interesting, perhaps inspiring, things to say (if you care about history or geopolitics). He's still active as a leader of the Green Party in the European Parliament.

A reception follows the lecture, and I'm guessing it'll be a decent spread.

MON 3/17: Free Craic in JP

You may already be out drinking somewhere, but... Besides the stuff from the weekly list, I thought I'd remind you of the free fun at Milky Way Lounge. Tonight there's free bowling and pool...

Thoughts on "Get Lucky" Reading (3/16)

I'll write more later, but the "Get Lucky" reading (see below) at Grub Street last night was a good time. The beer, whiskey, and Irish cream flowed... For me more than others perhaps, but I'm working on my Faulkner/Hemingway/Bukowski vibe. All the writers were good, but the piece I enjoyed the most was Steve Himmer's short story, "Charles". He told me it started out as a video, and I actually found the .mov file of it. It's a shorter version, but I think you'll like it.

Wow, I can't believe Easter is on Sunday...

Cheap Thrills: 3/14 to 3/21

I had too much 'fun' last night so Enrique, my intern from Paraguay, has done most of the writing this week. If I saw something that doesn't look true, I've added "(Blarney!)" afterwards...

Hey, let's try to keep our waste down. Try washable, reusable mugs/cups at the kegger this weekend.

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

FRI 3/14
* MeandJOANCOLLINS, Super 400, Sonny Oaks, I Have Ears
* Lenny & The Piss Poor Boys, The Stumbleweeds, The Swinedells, The Allrighters
* Banger -- Feat. Passion Pit, Benefit Friends, Taxpayer, DJ AC Slater, more

SAT 3/15
* Scientology Protest
* FREE Rides from Cambridge Bars
* Siobhan O'Brien, Jimmy Ryan, The Brooklyns, Natalie Flanagan
* Yoni Gordon and the Goods, Tony Bear, Diamond Mines, Bridget & the Squares
* Don Byron's Musical Worlds Part II

SUN 3/16
* St. Patrick's Day Parade
* Dirty WaterReading Series, "Get Lucky": Reading & Party
* "On Broadway": Screening & Discussion

MON 3/17
* Squallie Greenthumb
* Shame O' The Irish St. Patrick's Day Party
* WFNX Ultimate Irish Breakfast w/ Louis XIV, Saint Poitin
* Battleship Potemkin
* Paddy Casey, Will Dailey, Sarah Blacker

TUES 3/18
* The Ting Tings, Mean Creek
* Throwed! w/ DJs + Barnicle, Blanks
* "The True Story of the MIT Blackjack Team": Lecture

WED 3/19
* Okkyung Lee/Steve Beresford/Peter Evans, Skinny Vinny
* "Maxed Out": Free Screening
* Lazlo Pearlman: Screening & Performance

THUR 3/20
* Anita F. Hill, "The 2008 Smith First Amendment Award"
* "The Wizard Of Gore"
* Allston Rock City Music & Style Show

FRI 3/21
* The Gentlemen, Downbeat 5, Dave Smith & the Country Rebels
* Dean Wareham, "Black Postcards: A Rock & Roll Romance": Music & Book Signing
* Boston Underground Film Festival -- to SUN 3/23

SAT 3/22
* International Pillow Fight Day

TUES 3/25
* Everclear, Street Credit

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

FRI 3/14

Me and Joan Collins (11:45pm), Super 400 (10:45pm), Sonny Oaks (9:45pm), I Have Ears (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

Super 400 blew me away; killer power-trio rock with a hint of jamband. MeandJOANCOLLINS rock out with a lot of attitude, and the know what they're doing. I Have Ears is actually The Strokes playing under a different name. (Blarney!)

Big-haired PA singer-songwirter, Nathaniel HoHo, plays for free around 8pm.

FRI 3/14

9:30pm
Lenny & The Piss Poor Boys, The Stumbleweeds, The Swinedells, The Alrighters
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Some country, some rockabilly, some punkabilly. Some free hard candy. (Blarney!)

Some of the proceeds are going to the Jon Erik Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund that helps provide music education for deserving students. Johnson was the former bassist of the Piss Poor Boys who passed last year.

FRI 3/14

9:30pm
Banger -- Feat. Passion Pit, Benefit Friends, Taxpayer, and DJs AC Slater, Michael Savant, B. Rich
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

This is a the 2nd night of Banger, a monthly dance party, with live bands. Passion Pit and Benefit Friends should keep people dancing, but Taxpayer might be too "Coldplay" for the crowd. You might even get some free stuff from Bank Clothing throughout the night.

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SAT 3/15

11am
Scientology Protest
in front of Church of Scientology International, 448 Beacon St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Did you hear about the people that protested Scientology in the South End recently? You can see it in person this time, or get a "V for Vendetta" mask and join in. (That's what "Anonymous" protesters wear.)

Tom Cruise is scheduled to use his magic powers to turn the protesters away. (Blarney!)

SAT 3/15

7pm to 4am
Cab rides
from Cambridge-licensed alcohol establishments
FREE

No blarney here! Call 617-864-5000 to get the city to pay for a cab ride to a residential address. No need to be a drunk idiot who hurts someone.

Note: There is a $35 cap on cab rides -- which should get you to someone's home near a Indian casino. (Blarney!)

SAT 3/15

9pm
Siobhan O'Brien, Jimmy Ryan, The Brooklyns, Natalie Flanagan
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$10

SAT 3/15

8pm to 10pm
"Don Byron's Musical Worlds Part II"
at Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
$5

Don Byron was the host of "Soul Train". (Blarney!) A classical-oriented program tonight.

SAT 3/15

9:30pm
Yoni Gordon & the Goods, Tony Bear, Diamond Mines, Bridget & the Squares
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

Yoni Gordon & the Goods and Diamond Mines are damn-good song-oriented rockers.

They've renovated PA's, and it looks awesome. (Blarney!)

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SUN 3/16

1pm
St. Patrick's Day Parade
starts at: Broadway T Station to Andrews T Station, South Boston
FREE

The website has the parade route. I've seen cops tell people to empty their red plastic cups, so this would be a perfect opportunity to use a coffee mug or an empty water bottle...

SUN 3/16

7pm to 9pm
Dirty WaterReading Series, "Get Lucky": Reading & Party
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston St, 4th floor, Boston (near Boston Common)
FREE / 21+

How do you get people to show up at a reading? Free food & booze and prizes.

Luck/Irish-themed readings by Sommer Browning, Steve Himmer, Nina MacLaughlin, Felicia C. Sullivan; and Irish mad-libs.

SUN 3/16

7pm
"On Broadway": Screening & Discussion
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Sq, Somerville
$8

A made-in-Boston-by-Bostonians indie that's getting decent reviews starring Joey McIntyre, Eliza Dushku, Mike O'Malley, Amy Poehler, and me. (Blarney!) There will be a Q&A with writer/director Dave McLaughlin afterwards. They even serve beer at the Somerville Theatre. (True!)

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MON 3/17

9pm
Squallie Greenthumb
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
FREE

MON 3/17

11am
Shame O' The Irish St. Patrick's Day Party
at Dick's Last Resort, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
No Cover

MON 3/17

6am
WFNX Ultimate Irish Breakfast w/ Louis XIV, Saint Poitin
at The Black Rose, 160 State St, Boston (Financial District)
FREE

FNX morning show, Sandbox, will broadcast live with an acoustic set from Louis XIV and folky Irishness by Saint Poitin. The first 100 people to show up get a free Irish breakfast, but they can't serve beer until 8am. (Supposedly...)

MON 3/17

7pm
"Battleship Potemkin"
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Sure... It's a Russian silent film, but the text should be in English. Free vodka will be served. (Blarney!)

MON 3/17

8:30pm
Paddy Casey, Will Dailey, Sarah Blacker
at Hard Rock Cafe, 22 Clinton St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
Free / 21+

Dubliner Paddy Casey is apparently very popular on the "Emerald Isle", so I wouldn't that a few Irish will be here. Will Dailey is pretty good local guy who's breaking onto the national scene. Sarah Blacker is a music therapist by day, which is cool.

Don't worry about getting there early; it shouldn't be crowded in a downtown bar with no cover. (ahem, Blarney!)

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TUES 3/18

10pm
The Ting Tings, Mean Creek
at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston
$10 / 18+

The Ting Tings were proclaimed to be one of THE bands of 2008 by a poll of British music critics, and their sound has been called "Scissor Sisters meets Gorillaz garage pop". Mean Creek dishes out some awesome rootsy indie-rock.

TUES 3/18

9:30pm
Throwed! w/ Barnicle, Blanks and DJs E-Marce, Chris Devlin, Michael T and Jess
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

I know I already listed another dance party at the Middle East that also had live bands, but Chris Devlin is actuall Spank Rock producer Chris Rockswell. So he'll be playing some tasty stuff with the "Baltimore sound". I like Barnicle; am not so hot on Blanks, but you might dig 'em.

TUES 3/18

7pm to 9pm
Mike Aponte & David Irvine, "The True Story of the MIT Blackjack Team": Lecture
at Room 100, Building 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Two of MIT's blackjack team will share some stories that may or may not be in the movie based on the book, "Bringing Down The House". (I think the movie will be called "21"...) Maybe they'll give some free playing tips.

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WED 3/19

7:30pm
Okkyung Lee/Steve Beresford/Peter Evans, Skinny Vinny
at Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$8

Some jazzy cello/piano/trumpet improve from musicians with impressive CV's. Skinny Vinny will also do some noisy experimental stuff.

WED 3/19

7pm to 10:30pm
"Maxed Out"
at Room 101, Kenmore Classroom Bldg, 565 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

David Edelstein of New York Magazine called this documentary a "...bone-chilling, bloodcurdling, hair-raising story of a country that's up to its eyeballs in credit-card debt." Jim Campen, Executive Director of Americans For Fairness in Lending will moderate a Q&A afterwards.

"Bring along your credit card horror stories for our red carpet interview and free giveaway event."

WED 3/19

9.30pm
CineMental presents:
Lazlo Pearlman, "Madame Pierre's Other Tongue & Unhung Heroes": Performance & Screening
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

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THUR 3/20

6:30pm to 8pm
Anita F. Hill, "The 2008 Smith First Amendment Award"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Professor Anita Hill (Brandeis) will receive the Ford Hall Forum's First Amendment Award and discuss her life. I can guess what Clarence Thomas thinks the "F" stands for, and I would also wager that the award is not shaped like a coke can with a hair on it. Harvard Law professor Charles J. Ogletree will moderate.

THUR 3/20

7:30pm
"The Wizard Of Gore"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$8 / $6 students & seniors

The opening night of the Boston Underground Film Festival presents the New England premiere of a remake of a creepy horror movie about a magician who may or may not be cutting women in half. The cast includes Bijou Phillips, Brad Dourif, and Crispin Glover. A music video (starring Suicide Girls) and a short will also be screened.

Director (and Emerson grad) Jeremy Kasten will be there. Crispin Glover will also be in attendance and you can have him karate kick you for $5. (Blarney!)

THUR 3/20

9pm
Allston Rock City Music & Style Show
w/ Bad Ash, Pulp45, Monolith, Vagiant, Superpower
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
$10 / 18+

I really liked Bad Ash and Vagiant when I saw them, so this will be full-on, kick-ass soundtrack to a fun night. Around 11pm, Allston residents will model the current fashion trends of their ambiguously bordered patch of Boston from local stores like The Lab, Horror Business, Stingray Body Art, Port of Prince, etc. House wares(?) will also be included. Probably a lot of modest, ankle-length dresses and fisherman sweaters. (Blarney!)

Proceeds will benefit Allston Village Main Streets, "working to revitalize -- not gentrify -- Allston Village."

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FRI 3/21

The Gentlemen (11:30pm), Downbeat 5 (10:30pm), Dave Smith & the Country Rebels (9:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8


FRI 3/21

7:30pm
Dean Wareham, "Black Postcards: A Rock & Roll Romance": Music & Book Signing
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
FREE

FRI 3/21 to SUN 3/23

Various Times
Boston Underground Film Festival 2008
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
at AMC Harvard Square 5, 10 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$8 / $6 students & seniors

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SAT 3/22

2pm
International Pillow Fight Day
at Copley Sq, Boston
FREE

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TUES 3/25

8pm
Everclear, Street Credit
at Parris/Ned Devine's, Faneuil Hall Marketplace , Boston
FREE w/RSVP / 21+

It's free...

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Link of the Week:

I really hope St. Patrick's revelers will not use red plastic cups. Get some encouragement here.

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Quote of the Week:

"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs."

--Karl Marx

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th-th-that's all, folks.

~r