If you want some financial advice from an anonymous blogger, stay calm about the stock market. Your 401k should be fine by the time you retire -- if you ever get to retire...
There's no need to spend many of those dwindling dollars: below are three free things to do tonight.
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TUES 9/30
6pm
Boston Cares Social Cinema: "Chicago 10"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE
Combining archival footage with rotoscope-animation, the film reenacts the trial of those who led the protest outside of the '68 Democratic convention that were known as the "Chicago 7" plus a Black Panther plus their lawyers. (Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Bobby Seale are the names that might be remembered by casual students of history.)
I loved this style of animation when I first saw in "Waking Life" and get a little weirded out by those financial commercials that use it. Here it feels like they added motion to a comic book, but perhaps it's better than making actors dress in silly, hippie outfits. Some well-known actors contributed their voices, such as Hank Azaria, Nick Nolte, Roy Scheider, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber, and Jeffrey Wright.
A discussion follows the screening, which I assume will touch on political protests and unjust trials...
TUES 9/30
7pm
Bill Buffett, "Foods You Will Enjoy": Reading
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE
As I understand Bill Buffett's father owned a grocery store in Omaha, and this story is a homage to independent businesses. Some of the recollections involve his cousin, Warren, and another guy named Charlie Munger. These guys might have learned some solid lessons in running a business, since they're currently chairman & vice-chairman of Berkshire-Hathaway. Bill lives with his family in Arlington these days, so he should know how to get to the bookstore. Everyone is invited follow along to a local restaurant (Christopher's...?) for apps and drinks (prob. cash bar).
TUES 9/30
9:30pm
Reports, Phantom Buffalo, The Needy Visions
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+
Thanks to the Weekly Dig for sponsoring a bunch of free shows this summer. Alas, the summer is way over! This is the last of the series, and Dewars is hopping along on the indie-rock fun tonight. (It may not be the totally free scotch-fest of their RSVP parties, but I have to think some 'samples' will be available...
Thankfully Reports and The Needy Visions play around town on a regular basis, but there is more reason to go if the promise of free booze isn't enough. There will be a rare "Phantom Buffalo" (fka The Ponys) sighting since their natural habitat is to the north around Portland. You might be angry with yourself at first, because you've missed out on listening for the last few years -- be happy, because the music is so darn good. If you love The Shins, Phantom Buffalo will be right up your alley. We all know that the Brits are overzealous, but Mojo magazine listed their last CD in their top 50 of '05. And let's not forget the noisy yet catchy, make-you-wanna-dance wonderfulness of Reports and The Needy Visions!
Bowling on Tuesdays is half-priced ($12.50/hour) after 9pm. Get your candlepin on before they move in March '09.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
TUES 9/30: Movie, Reading, Rock
Monday, September 29, 2008
MON 9/29: Music, Verbal Acid, Comedy
I have a feeling I can't give any more until later tonight... I'd personally consider going to any of these if I had the time.
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MON 9/29
6pm
Rachael Yamagata -- Performance and Autograph Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE
Singer-songwriter of beautiful earthiness plays a short set.
MON 9/29
7pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub: "Physics of Hallucinations"
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
This month's special SitP guest is none other than Blake Stacey of ScienceBlogs' Science After Sunclipse speaking about physics and hallucinations. BYOLSD!MON 9/29
Once again, we'll take over the top floor of the super fun Tommy Doyle's. They have food, booze, and very pleasant waitstaff.
"Comedy with Myq" (7:30pm), Low Profile (10pm)
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE
Free open-mic comedy, but it's supposed to be relatively good even though Myq is no longer here; free (no cover) jazz at 10pm.
Thanks, Paul
For a variety of reasons, I didn't get anything out over the weekend. Cheap Thrills should be resuming shortly...
Thanks, Paul Newman, for all the great movies. "Cool Hand Luke" is one of my all-time faves.
Friday, September 26, 2008
So Close...
I really thought I had a good chance to get the weekly list out this afternoon, but life interfered. I have dinner and debate plans that can't be shirked, so subscribers can expect something in the middle of the night...
Should be some fun debate-watching tonight...
Sneak Peek -- SAT 9/27 & SUN 9/28
Have fun and get wet! At least, have fun!
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SAT 9/27
Noon to 6pm
Annual Beantown Jazz Festival
on (about 580) Columbus Ave, between Mass Ave and Carter Playground, Boston (South End)
FREE
* Rain or Shine *
Feat: Kurt Elling (1:30pm), Javon Jackson Band w/ Les McCann (3pm) Andre Ward (3:25pm), Gold Sounds (4:30pm) Randy Weston's African Rhythms Trio (4:45pm)
SAT 9/27
11am to 6 pm
Annual Jamaica Plain Open Studios
all around Jamaica Plain [PDF, big one]
FREE
"Bring your rain coats and umbrellas and we'll bring the art!"
SAT 9/27
Joe Buck Yourself (11:45pm), Almighty Terribles (10:45pm), The Wynotts (9:45pm), Starry Crown Night Stick (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$10
Joe Buck Yourself = Insane, one-man punk-a-billy band
SAT 9/27
Midnight
J. Cannibal's Feast Of Flesh VII
Feat: "Dead Alive" w/ Rock City Crimewave, Black Cat Burlesque
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10
Zombie movie from the director of "Lord of the Rings", "best-zombie" contest, creepy punk rock, ghoulish dancers, zombie shirts for sale, and free gory goodie bags. I am there! Really!
F--- Salem and their Halloween noize...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUN 9/28
10am to 5pm
Boston GreenFest
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE
Originally scheduled for Friday and Saturday, it's postponed and compressed onto Sunday. Let's make global warming fun! (Umm -- and educational...)
SUN 9/28
4pm to 7 pm
"What the Fluff?" Festival
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE
The seemingly annual celebration of that marshmallow goo that was invented in Union Square more than 90 years ago.
Fluff treats, The Flufferettes, The Shrinking Islands, Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band, Pasty Hamel Band, fluff-themed fun 'n games. The introduction of "Fluff Boy"! I don't eat Fluff, and I had a good time.
SUN 9/28
9:30pm
Serious Geniuses, Bread and Roses, Landmines, Vessel
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+
It's a rockin' show (with some rockin' folk in there)!
FRI 9/26: Music for a Rainy Night
Most of today's outdoor events have been postponed, and I didn't even list other things that I thought would be rained out, so here are a couple music shows to keep your mind off the economy.
(You might even be able to get into this art/video reception...)
Hopefully, a list (or sneak peek) is coming soon.
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FRI 9/26
Andrea Gillis, Count Zero, Peter Moore, Steamy Bohemians
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+
This has the makings of a kick-ass rock show. Andrea Gillis may not be my favorite bartender, but she's got a monstrously soulful voice with a rough 'n ready rock band behind her. Count Zero takes a more nuanced and textured approach, but leader Peter Moore also has great pipes and will do a solo set (that's usually far from "mellow"). The Steamy Bohemians do humorous music, but they're actually often humorous.
FRI 9/26
The Crushing Low (Midnight), The Blizzard Of '78 (11pm), The Mini-Kickbacks (10pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE
The Blizzard Of 78 has their sound put together very nicely. They tastefully blend influences like U2, Radiohead, and The Verve with skill. You might want to throw away your Coldplay CD's (delete MP3's?), for example, and replace them with Blizzard Of '78 jams... When listening to The Kickbacks in the past, I had heard a rootsy Paul Westerberg vibe; but I've been listening to their new CD, and they're delving into a Steve Earle vein -- always good tunes with honest songwriting. Tad & Steve from The Kickbacks are playing a duo ("mini-Kickbacks") set tonight.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
FRI 9/26: RSVP for Free Art & Drinks
6pm to 8pm
Joey Mars, "Landing Party": Opening Reception
Steve Balderson, "Phone Sex": Video
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP
I wish I went to this every month. I had a great time (scroll down), even though people weren't that friendly to me. Was it my awful fashion sense? Did I have too many complimentary cape codders? You have to RSVP, so get on it today. It might not look as if you're on an old RSVP list, but you're okay.
Without knowing the name Joey Mars, I loved his wild graphics for The Boston Phoenix and WFNX. His new paintings are a shift from those ads, and it's nice to see Mars isn't a one-trick pony. There's something eerie and abstractly futuristic; Agent Mulder would probably dig this stuff.
There's another video installation this month is Steve Balderson's "Phone Sex". It should be pretty cool as Balderson asked people to leave him voicemails on "What is Sexy?" Some celebrity callers include Ron Jeremy, Margaret Cho, and Jane Wiedlin (of The Go-Go's); and it's mix of kinky, funny, and philosophical. A mix of experimental, vaguely erotic imagery accompanies the audio for approx. 95 minutes. (Watch for a while, grab a drink, look at art, repeat...)
It all goes down at Space 242 (aka the Weekly Dig offices) My best location description: it's next to Medieval Manor.
THUR 9/25: Food, Music, Art, Science
I really wanted to use this flyer as today's image, but I love The Beatles so much more than Pabst. (Ah, young George and Ringo...) Didn't I tell you there was a lot going on? If you don't see something you like, there's something wrong with you.
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THUR 9/25
5pm to 8pm
Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social
at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations
FREE
I imagine almost every location will be participating, since this promotion is associated with the company's fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Everyone can get a 3 oz. sample of 2 flavors:
Jack's Creation: marshmallow ice cream w/ Oreo Cookies, chocolate chips, fudgeIf you don't like your choices, complain to the dying kids that made them up. You jerk...
Emily's Creation: Nutter Butter ice cream w/ white chocolate chips, Kit Kat & yellow cake
THUR 9/25
5pm to 6pm
Jacques Pepin, "More Fast Food My Way": Book Signing
at Z Square, 14 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
People may not even notice if you want to see Jacques Pepin and don't buy the book, but you should buy it. I love watching Pepin's shows on PBS, and I bet a book of his fast recipes would be very useful. This guy has mad chef skillz, but there's some good tips on every show -- no matter how technical he gets. (I read there'll be free wine and apps too...)
THUR 9/25
6pm
Hopi Hoekstra, "Nature's Palette: the Biological Significance of Color": Lecture
at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE
Supposedly chameleons change color to express mood -- not for camouflage. I have a hhard time believing that one, but that is what research shows. From the little I've read, the there's a lot that you or I don't know about the color and nature; but scientists have been figuring it out.
This is the opening lecture of "The Language of Color" exhibit that actually opens on FRI 9/26. Dr. Hoekstra sheds some light on color, and you might not look at nature the same way again. (Light... Color... Look at nature... I make myself laugh.) You're sure to pick-up some fascinating facts for cocktail party small-talk.
Take advantage of the free education that Boston offers! I was at HMNH on Sunday for the Nth, and it's one of the coolest hidden gems in town.
THUR 9/25
6pm to 10pm
Oktoberfest
at McCormick & Schmick's, 1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston (Quincy Market)
$10 / 21+
Yes, this is definitely happening. I talked to Andy at Harpoon a few days ago, and he brought this up. It's the last McCormick & Schmick's patio party of '08, and you should get your money's worth if you arrive early. Admission includes 1) a Harpoon beer, Jagermeister -or- Tommy Bahama cocktail; and 2) complimentary German-ish food (beer-steamed frankfurters, chicken schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, potato salad).
Jager girls (am thinking something like this) and a real oom-pah band will be there. I have one last thing to say: "Chicken Dance-off" contest!
THUR 9/25
6pm to Midnight
College Night
w/ St. Vincent (7pm & 8:45pm), Liz Longley, DJ Ghostdad
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE w/ College ID
Hey, do you still have your college ID? You can probably get into the MFA for free. College students, you probably already know about this -- think of this as a reminder or encouragement.
I think Annie Clark of St. Vincent is amazing. I don't know if she'll have a backing band, but I remember seeing her play solo at Lizard Lounge years ago before she was using the current band. I remember equating the experience to listening to Bjork play jazz guitar. Time has passed, and Annie has played in Sufjan Stevens' band and The Polyphonic Spree. Thankfully people want to hear beautiful vocals over the music of the future.
I'd also like to see "Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation" (10pm). Fanboys have filmed their own version over 20 years ago, and Spielberg thought it kicked ass so it gets screened across the country.
If you're ging to actually look at art, head for "Art and Empire: Treasure from Assyria" because it's normally $23+.
You might even win a prize, if you're lucky...
THUR 9/25
7:15pm to 11pm
PBR Tall Boy Spectacular
w/ The Lyres, Muck & The Mires, Jay Allen
at Long Wharf, Boston (near Aquarium)
FREE / 21+
Yes, it's probably going to pour tonight, but think how many people might be discouraged by the weather report. Harbor cruises are usually so packed, but you could be digging the tunes with plenty to get your dance on. Boston garage-rock colossus The Lyres are still amazingly awesome with the crazed "Monoman" on the farfisa organ. (Who knows if Jeff will show up?) A perfect complement are Muck & The Mires who play high-octane retro-garage/punk that croowned them as the best garage band in the country. Admittedly standing on the bow won't be much fun tonight, but PBR's are $3...
The boat begins boarding at 7:15pm, and is scheduled to leave at 8pm for 3 hours. First come, first serve entry.
THUR 9/25
8pm
Russell Sherman, "Franz Liszt's Transcendental Etudes"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE
Pianist and NEC "Distinguished Artist-in-Residence", Russell Sherman, is going to play all 12 etudes. You should really like this performance, even if you only casually enjoy classical music. There's quite a bit of variety in the dozen pieces, which run about an hour altogether. Liszt was a badass pianist himself, and Russell Sherman is as well. He recorded these works a few years ago.
THUR 9/25
10pm
"Beatles Night" w/ Tony The Bookie Orchestra, Drug Rug
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3
I'm always intrigued when I hear bands are tackling The Beatles' songbook. It's so much fun to know the songs and hear them with a fresh twist. (Hell, I love listen to the old twists...) If not tonight, Drug Rug is a group that I strongly urge you to listen to! Maybe they already have a Beatles vibe to them circa "White Album"; it's stripped-down music shimmering with beautiful bits of color. As far as Tony the Bookie Orchestra, I like their music even more than their name -- who doesn't like like psychedelic country-rock with a kick-ass band?
My understanding is that both bands are going to play all Beatles, so we'll see...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
WED 9/24: Science & Americana (& Classical)
After I pick stuff, I realize that the events are sometimes clumped in one part of town. That's not my intention. I usually try to spread them out if I'm thinking about at all.
There's another semi-cheap thrill in the same direction: It's Opening Night for the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall (6:30pm). A little birdie at the BSO told me some $20 rush tickets will be available (and the cheapest tix are $75)...
Tomorrow has some good stuff though. I'll get something up, but there's a some free ice cream and a free harbor cruise...
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WED 9/24
7pm to 9pm
"Science in the News: Fuels of the Future"
at Armenise Ampitheatre, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston (Harvard Medical School / Longwood)
FREE (Register here)
Science in the News is an annual series of lectures/discussions on that (obviously) focuses on topical subjects. If you have no knowledge about what they're talking about, the sessions begin with a lesson to provide some background, then they talk about the current state of research and whatever applicable issues. Grad students at Harvard Medical School run the program, and they do a good job. (Podcasts are available.) Many of the topics lean towards the biological besides tonight's energy tutorial. Everyone should learn something new!
I don't think they would turn you away if you didn't register, but it wouldn't kill you to follow the rules...
WED 9/24
Golden West Motor Lodge (11pm), Mike MacDonald & The Widow Makers (10pm), The Bees Knees (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+
There's a whole mess o' twangy rock going down at Church tonight. The Americana/Alt-Country begins with The Bee’s Knees, and they might be my personal fave of the three. I hear more classic poppiness in their songs. Two big helpings of rootsy rock follow. Mike MacDonald & The Widow Makers have played every Wednesday in September, and I bet they want to finish up with extra-damn good set. Even though they picked a lousy name for the new and improved Linwood Grill, kudos to management for offering lots of musical entertainment for cheap -- and frequently free, like tonight, when the Sox are at home.
Off-Topic: Hey, Johnny Pesky!
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate my close friend, Johnny Pesky, as the Red Sox are going to retire his number on Friday.
Actually, we're not close friends -- but I met him at the annual old-time baseball game in Cambridge last year. He's usually the manager of one team. Everyone was pestering him for an autograph, but I reluctantly walked up and asked for one in my program.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Pesky, but could I get your autograph?"
I'll never forget what he said to me.
"Sure, but it won't buy you a cup of coffee..."
How cool is that!? It's the answer you'll get from a guy who's been in baseball for 70 years.
Even though they bent the team rules, I believe every Sox fan is happy to see Johnny receive this honor.
Wednesday (and Thursday) cheapness coming soon...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
TUES 9/23: "Speaker Project": Opening Reception
6pm to 8pm
Juan Angel Chavez, "The Speaker Project": Opening Reception
Feat: Goli
at Paine Gallery, South Bldg, 2nd Fl, about 611 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)
FREE
I almost forgot about this opening, until I saw Bostonist's interview with the artist. Juan Angel Chavez's "Speaker Project" was first installed a couple years ago in Chicago. There are different designs on the various sides for different interactions with the piece, and it looks pretty exciting even without hearing anything.
It might be cool to look at for a few minutes, and there is more to see in the exhibit, but the real fun happens when three-dimensional art meets sound and people perform inside the speaker. The exhibit runs through SAT 11/22, and there are performances scheduled on many of the days/evenings: musicians of myriad genres, DJ's, spoken-word, etc. ("The Liberation of the Electric Guitar: 1964-1970" on 10/8 looks interesting,and there's a Halloween party scheduled...)
Go tonight and talk to Juan Angel Chavez -- you know you'll want to pick his brain about something. Free beer, wine, and goodies from Jose's Mexican Restaurant doesn't hurt either...
About the address above: Every building at MassArt is listed as "621 Huntington", but doesn't help people who don't know their way a round. If you look at the campus map [PDF], it looks like the South Building is around 611 Huntington Ave. If you see the Bakalar Gallery on the 2nd floor, you're going to the right way.
Monday, September 22, 2008
TUES 9/23: Art Talk, Barack-a-Rama, Blue Man Party, Film, Burlesque, Rock
Okay, more info has been added. There's a variety of fun tonight. Good luck!
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TUES 9/23
2 pm to 5pm
Christo and Jeanne-Claude, "The 2008 Great Negotiator Award"
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE
This husband-wife team can get governments to do mad, beautiful things. Harvard's Program on Negotiation is honoring them with their Great Negotiator Award (past recipients include: Richard Holbrooke, Lakhdar Brahimi, and George Mitchell). They'll give a talk about their work, and hopefully show some slides... Not a bad way to spend the afternoon, if you can. I forgot to ask if museum admission is also free, but it shouldn't be difficult to sneak in -- if necessary.
Did anyone else go to NYC to see "The Gates"? I went on a snowy day, and it was beautiful! I felt like I was glowing with orange joy and compassion for my fellow man. And I don't think I was alone...
TUES 9/23
5:30pm to 8pm
Barack-a-Rama Fundraising Party w/ Calyspo Hurricane, Jim's Big Ego
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 online RSVP / $10 students w/ valid ID / $20 door / 18+
Hey, folks -- This election isn't a lock. It's sad to say it, but Obama needs as much money as possible to win. I figure McCain supporters have stopped reading already... I believe the country must change direction on virtually every issue after the past 8 years. It's not going to be easy, but America has a better chance the Senator from Illinois.
The good news is that Jim's Big Ego is an awesome band. Jim may have a big ego, but that's expected from a genius of folk-pop songs -- and he has some funny ditties critical of Bush. Calyspo Hurricane is self-explanatory.
TUES 9/23
7pm to 9pm
Blue Man Group Party
at Kings, 50 Dalton St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE w/ RSVP
Free bowling, free drinks, free appetizers, swag, ticket giveaways... It's a party!
"All guests must RSVP." That means everyone individually. I don't know if you can still sign up. It'll be crowded, but it's not a bad deal.
TUES 9/23
7pm
"Metropolis"
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Fritz Lang's silent masterpiece is most enjoyable for its stylish, art-deco version of the future that everyone probably expected 80 years ago. I recall trying very hard to appreciate the story of romance and class-warfare, but I didn't really get swept away. The visuals are the attraction, so you might as well see on a big-screen for free...
TUES 9/23
9pm
"Pinchbottom's Church of the Almighty Posterior"
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE
The Beehive hosts the performers of Pinchbottom Burlesque on a monthly basis, and they seem to have large repertoire of themed shows. Below is the description from their "Blasphemy" show (some NSFW pix):
The Bible commands "Thou Shalt Be Drunken, and Shalt Make Thyself Naked" (Lamentations 4:21), but which faith truly embraces this dictum? Only one: Pinchbottom's Church of the Almighty Posterior, led by Pastor Nasty Canasta and Reverend Jonny Porkpie. Join them for an Old Time Tent Revival and Burlesque Show featuring sexy sermons by top ecdysiasts -- all guaranteed "holier than thou!" Thrill to burlesque recreations of key scenes from the Bible, including: the annunciation, the crucifixion, and the resurrection!This is technically free, but I felt that the drinks were priced a little higher than the dives I usually hang out at...
TUES 9/23
9:30pm
The Lights Out, Sunday Morning Music, Action Verbs
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+
The Lights Out is one of the Boston bands with really solid players making really catchy rock. The typical reaction is, "Wow, these guys sound really good! They have what it takes to make it." (Whatever 'making it' means to a rock band these days...) I did track down a MySpace page for Sunday Morning Music, and I like their stuff. There's plenty of motion and fun in the musical clamor of Action Verbs. A solid line-up!
TUES 9/23
9:30pm to 11:55pm
14 Foot 1, The Bright Hours, Chris & Darin, Bradford Krieger, The Devil & A Penny, Eggy Benedict
at Yawkey Center, 400 The Fenway, Boston (Emmanuel College campus)
FREE
I never see events for Emmanuel College, but someone sent me some info about a bunch of bands playing. (Thanks, Ashley!) I didn't get a chance to listen to the bands, but it's free... And they'd love to see you there... Eggy Benedict!!
MON 9/22: Cuba Talk, Folkish Indie-Rock
Slim cheap pickings tonight. Maybe it's a good night to partake in some inexpensive hobby...
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MON 9/22
6pm
Sec. Carlos Gutierrez, "The United States' Relationship with Cuba": Lecture
at John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, Littauer Bldg, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE
I contacted someone last week, and they told me this is open to the public. I wonder if the U.S. Secretary of Commerce is going to show up, or if the whole Bush economic team is holed up in Cheney's undisclosed bunker location. If he does show up, Sec. Gutierrez, will probably articulate the ineffective US policy stance against Cuba, but perhaps he might say something refreshing in his remarks or answers to questions.
MON 9/22
Mr Sister, Forsythe, Hands and Knees
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE
Your best bet for free music tonight. Mr Sister revolves around the evocative vocals and songwriting of Amelia Bradley; when she sings about something cold, I feel a chill... The other members of the band play in other groups like Hallelujah The Hills and Faces on Film. I like the pop-ish indie-rock. Forsythe claims to be a brother-sister duo, but it's not that easy to believe ever since the White Stripes tried to pull that one a few years ago...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sunday Night Vide-O-bama! #10
Issues are being discussed! Unfortunately we're in an economic crisis. Who knows what will happen, but I'll let Barack Obama make a statement from earlier in the week...
Direct Link.
SUN 9/21: Art, Zines, Ice Cream, Readings, Singings, Rock
Yeah, I feel like the weekend went so fast. Besides feeling ill on Friday, I went to Farm Aid yesterday. I loved it. I acted like a journalist and sat in the press tent, talked to people, took notes for a review. Fun times...
Regular readers may notice my fondness for Cambridge, but there's a lot of free stuff going on there. A trifecta of cheapness is sitting below: free ice cream, a free museum visit, and a free concert by the Charles. So much money left over for booze...
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SUN 9/21
9am to 5pm
Community Day
at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE
This one's a no-brainer. The museum is free for everyone who decides to go. There's way more than glass flowers to see, but that's something I'd love to visit every time I'm in the neighborhood (just not $9 enough to go)...
Now there's a beautiful exhibit of glass sea creatures. Add the funky specimens like the very ugly coelacanth and the six-foot tall sloth -- and it's a fun for everyone.
SUN 9/21
10am to 6pm
Boston Zine Fair
at Art Institute of Boston, 601 Newbury St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE
People still actually publish on paper, and you might be surprised at the topics covered in these tomes -- for sale at a variety of prices. Definitely a good place to meet "interesting" people... You can also learn to become a 'zinester, or at least find some inspiration...
2pm to 3:30pm: Panel Discussion about the Future of Zines
3:30pm to 5pm: Teaching/Organizing about comics
SUN 9/21
3pm to 7pm
Free Ciao Bella Gelato
near Winthrop Park, about 50 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Who cares if it's from New York's Little Italy? It's deliciousness! If you're near Harvard Sq, you have to go at least once -- they want to give away 100,000 scoops this summer.
The tour will be supported by a brightly-colored truck that will house samples of Ciao Bella’s most popular and award-winning flavors, including: blood orange sorbet, coconut sorbet, blackberry cabernet sorbet, pistachio gelato, maple ginger snap gelato and vanilla gelato.I'm not sure where I saw it, but someone said the gelato-mobile will be parked on JFK St...
SUN 9/21
6pm
Revels RiverSing
Over the Charles River on the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Memorial Drive side, near Dewolf St, Cambridge
FREE
It's the Autumnal equinox, that can only mean one thing: a big musical celebration over the Charles River! Everyone may feel their bonds to the seasons in different ways, but it wouldn't hurt to begin the next 3 months with a joyful bonding to ol' Mother Nature... Sit on either side of the river mnear the Weeks Footbridge to enjoy the boatloads of mmusical performers: singers Bill Staines & David Coffin, saxophonists Stan Strickland & Ken Field, Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, the Mystic Drummers, the Halalisa Singers, the River Folk Band and members of the Mystic Chorale, Revels Repertory Company, Sharing a New Song, and the Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus. That doesn't even cover the giant puppets or the trippy lighting.
If you really want to get into it, stuff will begin in Winthrop Park (near the free gelato?!) around 5pm, and the whole crew parades down to the Charles by 6pm.
Not a bad dayfor a picnic, but bring a sweater too!
SUN 9/21
7pm
Beer Steins and Frauleins: A Dirty Water Readingtoberfest
Feat: Rauan Klassnik, Amy L. Clark, Francine Rubin, Aimee Pokwatka
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston, 4th floor, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE
An Octoberfest-themed reading with audience-participation mad-libs, raffles, free food & drinks, and maybe more... You can do an impromptu rap about your love of sauerkraut...
Here's the lowdown on the Dirty Water reading series:
Food and drink sit on the table as people mill around, but there's a concentration of folks near the table -- or the keg. It really is free, but it would be nice if you threw a couple bucks in the basket and bought a couple raffle tickets. I often dread any 'readings' like this, but the quality is high and the durations are bearable. I love the group mad-libs between the readings. Definitely a good time, and you might feel more cultured afterwards, but that's just the beer talking...
So grab a drink and don't be worried about the readers.
SUN 9/21
9pm
Serious Geniuses, Thick Shakes, Mikey French Fries, This Car Up, Polarbaron
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$2 / 21+
The benefit shows are over, but the Abbey still might be selling t-shirts... Much loud, fast rock will be in attendance from the likes of Serious Geniuses and Thick Shakes, and it starts a little more powerpop and indie-rock with This Car Up and Polarbaron. I just listened to This Car Up a couple weeks ago, and they're growing on me. Mikey French Fries is the wildcard, but it looks like he's a drummer.
SUN 9/21
10pm
Monique Ortiz
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE
If you're in a drinking mood on a Sunday night, your soundtrack is happening live, courtesy of Monique Ortiz. The singer & bassist specializes in dark, sensual, moody music. Her lyrics sound achingly confessional especially when you strip away some of the instrumentation of her band AKACOD. Tonight, she's mainly going saxophone-less with two sets accompanied by drummer R.L. Hulsman (Scissormen, Tarbox Ramblers).
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sneak Peek: FRI 9/19 & SAT 9/20
Arrrh! Take a gander at these shindigs that won't break your bank... A weekly list is coming.
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FRI 9/19
7:30pm to 9:30pm
The Gas
Feat: Shane Mauss, Myq Kaplan, Dana Jay Bein, Chris Coxen
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+
An early comedy show for people who like to laugh but want to do something else afterwards... This is a funny lineup.
FRI 9/19
7pm
Annual "Under The Stars: International Movie Nights"
at Parking Lot, Behind the Old Fire Station, 165 Broadway, Somerville (East Somerville)
FREE
East Somerville Main Streets presents a free international cinematic street party. There was bossa nova music before the Brazilian movie earlier this month, so expect some Italian accordion music.
Movie, "Il Postino (The Postman)", starts at 8pm
FRI 9/19
8pm
Rogue Heroes (10pm), The SnowLeopards (9pm), Cambion (8pm)
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston
$9 / $7 students / All Ages
Two awesome punk and rock bands, and the openers might also be good. No booze, so figure it out...
FRI 9/19
9:30pm
"The Pirates Of Blood River"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50
2-for-1 admission for Pirates and Wenches in costume!
See below.
FRI 9/19 to SUN 9/21
Various Times
"Grecian Festival"
at Saint John The Baptist Church, 15 Union Park St, Boston (South End)
FREE
Friday: 6pm to 11pm
Saturday: 1pm to 11pm
Sunday: Noon to 8pm
You'll probably spend more than $10 on the delicious Greek food (and beverages), but it'll be worth it and you'll be happy. O-pa!
FRI 9/19 to SUN 9/21
Various
Free Ciao Bella Gelato
near Winthrop Park, about 50 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Friday: 5pm to 8pm
Saturday: Noon to 5pm
Sunday: 3pm to 7pm
Who cares if it's from New York's Little Italy? It's deliciousness! If you're near Harvard Sq, you have to go at least once -- they want to give away 100,000 scoops this summer.
The tour will be supported by a brightly-colored truck that will house samples of Ciao Bella’s most popular and award-winning flavors, including: blood orange sorbet, coconut sorbet, blackberry cabernet sorbet, pistachio gelato, maple ginger snap gelato and vanilla gelato.I'm not sure where I saw it, but someone said the gelato-mobile will be parked on JFK St...
FRI 9/19
9:30pm
The Konks, Black Time, Static Static, Hospital Rats
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$12
If you've ever had a good time at the Abbey -- or want to -- think about going any night this weekend. Maybe buy a t-shirt... Buy a raffle ticket of some sort (a funky guitar, I think)...
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SAT 9/20
Noon to 1:30pm
MP3EXP
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE
Some of our local flash mobbers seem involved with this, but I cheated and listened to the track. The total experience is longer than an hour, and it's much more involved than some other silent dance events. If you have the time it could really cool (and funny). Download the file here.
What you need to participate (but do what you want):
- a watch with a seconds displaySAT 9/20
- a solid color shirt (Yellow, Blue, Red, Green)
- an MP3 Player
- a sense of adventure
- a camera is suggested
High Noon to 6PM
2008 MassCann/NORML Boston Freedom Rally
at Boston Common, Boston
FREE
Feat: Graveyard BBQ, Prospect Hill, The Andwutz, DJ Slim, Herbal Nation, Fred Shafer, Sullee, Gutter Heads, Northern Pike and more
There's an initiative on this year's ballot about marijuana decriminalization, so support is even more poignant. Let's try to keep the arrests to a minimum. (Get high before or after -- or be discreet.)
SAT 9/20
9:30pm
Basia Bulat, Eksi Ekso, Mr. Sister, Goli
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+
Basia Bulat is a Canadian singer-songwriter with a delightfully husky voice and catchy songs. Some excellent local talent is supporting.
SAT 9/20
5pm
Alanis Morissette -- Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE
Need I say more? Hear a few songs then quickly bare your soul (or whatever) afterwards...
SAT 9/20
9am to 6pm
Fall Festival
at Franklin Park, 143 Seaver St, Dorchester
FREE
This mainly seems to be a volunteer event for most of the day, but when was the last time you did something environmentally constructive for the city you live in?
All activities start at Valley Gates Parking Lot, midway along the main park road. Look for Fall Festival signs directing you.
RSVP is appreciated by email or at 617-282-2881 -- but they'll be happy to see you anyway...
There's free coffee & donuts in the morning and pizza for lunch.
SAT 9/20
10am to 5pm
Community Day
at Sackler Museum, 485 Broadway, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE
Since the Fogg & Busch-Reisinger Museums are closed for reconstruction, a 'best-of' exhibition is currently filling the Sackler Museum with Picasso, Cezanne, Degas, Manet, Matisse, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Homer, Pollock, Beuys, and more -- besdies the usual Asian and Muslim art.
SAT 9/20
3pm to 7pm
Urban Country Fair
Feat: Three Day Threshold, Lucky 57, Dan Blakeslee
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE
City and Country meet in Somerville with arts-'n-crafty vendors, free workshops by Boston SkillShare, down-home music, country-western dancing lessons by Gays for Patsy, and other fun.
Workshop schedule:
3pm to 3:30pm: Yogurt, with EricaMore info on vendors, etc. at Truth Serum
3:30pm to 4pm: Knitting, with Jessie
4pm to 5pm: Fermentation, with Pete
5pm to 6pm: Recycle Knitting (creating sustainable bags), with Anna
6pm to 7pm: Canning, with homegrown.org
Raindate: SUN 9/21
SAT 9/20
Noah And The Whale (10pm), Sparrow (7pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE
If you think it's always the same acts at Toad, Noah And The Whale are from England and the press loves them... You can make a whole night of it -- and improve your chances of getting a seat -- by chilling out early to Boston's Sparrow.
SAT 9/20 & SUN 9/21
11am to 6pm
Annual South End Open Studios
at Various Locations, around 460 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE
Over 300 artists in all types of media invite you in to enjoy (maybe buy) their works at about 25 locations. I love talking to the artists, and many will have some free cheese and wine...
It's an easy walk [PDF map], but there will be shuttles going around every 15 minutes or so, including a stop near the Back Bay T station (Clarendon St exit to Columbus Ave). Walking tours leave from the Boston Center for Arts (531 Tremont St) at 1:30pm and 3pm on both days.
SAT 9/20 & SUN 9/21
10am to 6pm
Boston Zine Fair
at Art Institute of Boston, 601 Newbury St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE
People still actually publish on paper, and you might be surprised at the topics covered in these tomes -- for sale at a variety of prices. Definitely a good place to meet "interesting" people... You can also learn to become a 'zinester, or at least find some inspiration...
Scheduled Workshops:
Saturday
11:30am to 1pm:
Binding Techniques2pm to 3:30pm:
Zines and Resistance
Anarchist Publishing3:30pm to 5pm:
How to run a Distro
Zines as an educational tool
Sunday
11:30am to 1pm:
Crafts2pm to 3:30pm:
Open time for zines/comic making
Panel Discussion about the Future of Zines3:30pm to 5pm:
Teaching/Organizing about comics
FRI 9/19: "Talk Like A Pirate Day" -- Movie Tonight
9:30pm
"The Pirates Of Blood River"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50
2-for-1 admission for Pirates and Wenches in costume!
Avast, ye land-lubbers! It be International Talk Like A Pirate Day! It's easy to join in with a little vocabulary lesson (and more here).
After getting your "Jolly Roger" on all day, it's time to take Harvard Sq by storm. Arrrh! The Brattle claims to have a new 35mm print, so it won't be a grainy, cheesy discount pirate flick -- it'll be a cheesy pirate screening of visual integrity.
In truth, "The Pirates Of Blood River" has a reputation for being a quintessential pirate movie. The pirate captain is played by Christopher Lee who has made a career of being an exemplar bad guy and is best known these days as Count Dooku to Star Wars geeks and Saruman to the fans of Middle Earth. (Some overlap, eh?) Film fans will notice a few other familiar faces in the cast.
It's an action-packed ride that'll be far more rewarding than waiting in line for a ride at Disney World, and you'll clearly know why it's called Blood River before it's over. The style and energy of this film -- along with plenty of twists and turns for the good guys and the bad guys -- might even distract you that most of the action takes place on an island instead of the high seas.
Dressing like a pirate is so easy with little effort, and you basically get in for half-price. Land-lubbers will surely be outnumbered -- and hopefully mocked!
Take notice of this wench who used newspaper for her pirate outfit!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
THUR 9/18: Science Party & Talk, Free Films, Folk/Rock, Kerry's Kid, etc
I can't help myself! There are plenty of cheap options tonight, and I'd like to give you a choice.
If you wanted my opinion, I might: grab a couple free drinks at the "New Scientist" party, see a movie at MIT, and/or catch Ron Sexsmith or Bill Janovitz.
(I will likely grab a few drinks with some friends then work on the weekly list...)
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THUR 9/18
FREE Movies @ MIT
8pm to 10pm
"Year of the Fish": Sneak Preview
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE
7pm to 9pm
"Delicatessen": MIT French Film Series
at Room 133, Bldg 3, 33 Mass Ave (Rear), Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE
-- If I don't see "Year of the Fish" tonight, I'd like to see it on a big screen when it opens in theatres this weekend. The story is based on an ancient Chinese version of Cinderella and takes place in New York's Chinatown, but there are animated enhancements that give it a magical-realism quality that I admire in works like Gilliam or del Toro or Jeunet et Caro (see below).
-- I love "Delicatessen", and the few others I've seen by the directors Jeunet et Caro, like "City of Lost Children" and "Amelie" (Jeunet solo). This is absolutely the funniest film about a cannibalistic butcher and the building full of people that are his customers -- and his product. It's a love story too, and there's a peculiar sub-plot involving a different kind of "French underground"... There should be free pizza there (it would be funny to serve meat toppings), and it wasn't crappy pies when I was last at a MIT screening with food.
(French with English subtitles)
THUR 9/18
7:30 pm
Richard Bond, "Cosmology Then and Now": Lecture & Observatory Night
at Phillips Auditorium, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Porter Sq and Fresh Pond)
FREE
It's an exciting time for science, especially in physics where we may be on the cusp of further discovery about the origins of the universe. Prof. Bond (University of Toronto) will talk about the early energy and dark matter after the Big Bang and how it still surrounds us. I have to believe the Large Hadron Collider will be mentioned. These lectures on "observatory nights" are meant for the layperson to better understand some topic. Then all are invited to the roof for some telescopic stargazing, if the weather allows.
(Free parking is available.)
THUR 9/18
7pm
Alexandra Kerry, "Notes From The Trail": Reading
at BU Barnes & Noble, Reading Room, Level Five, 660 Beacon St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE
Filmmaker Alexandra followed Papa John Kerry around during his presidential campaign in '04. (Remember that one?) After looking at the footage, she decided a book would be a better medium for the project. I doubt she'll wear that revealing dress (NSFW) from a few years ago, but she'll discuss the book (and sign copies afterwards).
THUR 9/18
Rock Bottom (11:30pm), Hel Toro (10:30pm), Swinedells (9:30pm), Jay Allen & the Arch Criminals (8:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$12
Save the Abbey!
From the Weekly List:
THUR 9/18
4pm to 7pm
"New Scientist" Tech Square Block Party
at Technology Square Courtyard, 500 Technology Sq, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE / 21+
You don't need to be a scientist -- or a geek -- to enjoy some free drinks and fun 'n games (but it might help). If you're nearby, I'm guessing you'll hear the nerds congregating somewhere near Main St... This link will lead you to a PDF flyer for the event.
THUR 9/18
Ron Sexsmith (11:30pm), Meaghan Smith (10:30pm), Vanessa Kafka (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10
Wow. There's a lot of value-added gigs this week! Ron Sexsmith for a sawbuck? This guy is the "Canadian Elvis Costello", but he can actually sing -- and sing with reedy perfection. His albums often make the top-ten lists of every credible music critic. Ron (w/ rhythm section) won't disappoint. Ever. Although he ain't much to look at, there are two lovely & talented singer-songwriters from Boston & Nova Scotia opening... (Yes, I listened to their music, but I'm getting to the end of my list.)
THUR 9/18
10pm
Bill Janovitz & Friends
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE
I'm not saying anything more than Bill is awesome and he has great friends. You might not even be able to get in.
THUR 9/18
8pm
Music of Elliott Sharp
at Brown Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE
"Elliott Sharp is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer." The CV goes on from there... I know him as an incredible guitarist who has a modern-classical/experimental, rock, and jazz pedigree. After a couple "master classes" with the Conservatory student, he'll perform 2 sets with some of the students for mainly improvisational music. And this won't be Grateful Dead jams...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
WED 9/17: Bluegrass 'n Babes, Folkiness, "Arsonist's Guide to New England"
I don't have anything new to add today, but I wanted to give more props to Three Day Threshold. If you can't go tonight, they have a couple shows this weekend.
I was invited to watch Anna Deveare Smith's play "Let Me Down Easy" at the ART last night, and it was an amazing performance by Smith and deeply moving presentation about living, dying, and grace. It's difficult not to examine your feelings afterwards.
The cheap tix are $39 unless there are tickets available on the day of the show: up to 50 tix are sold for $15 at the box office beginning at noon. Students with ID's can also pick of "day of" tickets for $15.
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WED 9/17
9:30pm
Three Day Threshold, Shadow Box Blues Band, Boston Babydolls
at Bill's Bar, 5.5 Lansdowne Street, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+
Let's say Three Day Threshold is a group of really awesome, hard-drinkin', good-time guys who rock out some kickass alt-coutry/Americana. If you don't have fun at a TDT show, then you should check your pulse -- it's you one way or the other. They did a week of USO shows in Honduras recently. I asked Kier (singer/guitarist) some questions about the trip, and here is a very condensed version -- that should be a Bostonist post soon:
We just flew to Honduras this trip... to one of the biggest US military bases outside what we have going on in the Middle East... the soldiers refer to as "The Sand Pit"... We did a bunch of shows, all for the troops including some on-the-air radio broadcasts to soldiers in the field... but the coolest one was when we got to play in a hangar in front of a huge, 60 foot American flag. ...usually played a three hour set for the night shows, then we stayed up 'til dawn partying with off duty members of the troops.The Boston Babydolls have danced onstage with Three Day Threshold, but they might do a few routines on their own as well. ShadowBox Blues Band should be good to get the party started.
"Presented by The Weekly Dig & Dewars" means that there's no cover -- and most Dewars events have at least some time where a handful of scotch drinks are 'complimentary'. (At the last Dewars-sponsored event I attended, the scotch flowed like wine...) Do I have to spell out my beliefs? F-R-E-E D-R-I-N-K-S.
WED 9/17
6pm
Chris Wilhelm & Samuel Kirk
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish (maybe less)
It's an early gig, so you do't have to be out all night. If you can't make it at at 6pm, I bet they won't start on time anyway... While I''ve been effusive about other folk/roots pperformers this week, I do really like Chris too. He knows how to speak from his gut and stll make it catchy. He and formidable UK songster Sameul Kirk have been playing some shows together, so this is could be a special Wednesday that might not happen again in the ner future.
WED 9/17
7pm
Brock Clarke, "The Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE
I want to read this book. I loook at this book and admire Clarke for such a brillliant title. It has to clever and hilarious. Adam Davies also reads from his new novel, "Mine All Mine".
WED 9/17
7pm
Lau Nau and others
at The Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
$8
Maybe I've been swept up in this current wave of "Scandinavian Invasion" music, but I have to tell you about Lau Nau, a freaky folkster from Finland. Be prepared to expand your idea of tonality. You might resist at first, but it''s starts to feel like Asian meditiation music. I found it very relaxing -- I doubt that I could dance to it. I love the art gallery venue. Others are supposed to play, but I don't know who...
WED 9/17
Coffin Lids (11:30pm), Muck & the Mires (10:30pm), Watts (9:30pm), Duncan Wilder Johnson (8:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$12
Garage-rock and "heavy metal spoken word" from Duncan Wilder Johnson.
The Abbey needs your help to stay open. "Benefit shows" take place through Saturday 9/20. The cover is $12, but the drinks should still be cheap... It's one of my favorite clubs, and it'll be a shame if it closes.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
TUES 9/16: Amanda Palmer, Salsa, Benefit Rock, Folk, Election Talk
Some of the Abbey Lounge site is working again, but they still need some bodies in the club and drinking this week to stay open. "Benefit shows" take place through Saturday 9/20. The cover is $12, but the drinks should still be cheap... It's one of my favorite clubs, and it'll be a shame if it closes.
It's election day in Boston. The big race is Senate primary of Kerry vs. O'Reilly. It might actually be pretty close due to Kerry-voters' apathy and overconfidence...
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TUES 9/16
6pm
Amanda Palmer -- Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE
Amanda of The Dresden Dolls is about to release her first solo album, which was produced by another idiosyncratic vocalist/pianist/songwriter Ben Folds. Hear some of the new songs with an adoring throng.
I wonder if Amanda Palmer is going to take the T today. I saw her on the Red Line in Downtown Crossing one day, but I'm too old to fawn and squeal. (Part of me wanted to, but it would've been weird and uncomfortable...)
TUES 9/16
7pm to 8:30pm
Advanced Beginner Lesson
at Lobby, Bush Bldg, 105 Mass Ave (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE
Do you need to get your salsa on?
Advanced beginner dancers should feel very comfortable with the basics of salsa dancing, such as timing, the cross-body lead and inside/outside turns.The dancing continues after 8:30pm. Tonight it's in "Lobby 13" (followed by social dancing).
TUES 9/16
The Spoilers (11:30pm), The Alrighters (10:30pm), Classic Ruins (9:30pm), Girl On Top (8:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$12
Classic examples of Boston garage and punk with Classic Ruins and The Spoilers. The Alrighters base their sound on the primal R&B of the '50s, and it's injected with punk attitude. Girl On Top have been around for a while and they throw some twists in their rock.
From the Weekly List:
TUES 9/16
9pm
"Zack Hickman's House of Ill Repute"
Feat: Mark Erelli, Laura Cortese, The Proclivities
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between
Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 21+
Shh... This is a really good deal. Tell them you're glad that the cover is low, because we need to perpetuate affordable quality music. Dude, Mark Erelli... Even if he wasSit back and get happily slapped by a folker with fingerpicked guitar. Laura Cortese is super-talented too, and -- damn -- The Proclivities must have another reason to be in Boston, because you don't come from Raleigh for one show. Unless it's Zack Hickman. The more I learn about this dude, the more I like him -- he's played with all the artists and Josh Ritter. There might even be MORE special guests...
TUES 9/16
5:30pm to 7pm
"The Making of a President 2008"
at JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston
FREE
Jonathan Alter of Newsweek and Mark Halperin of Time chat about the current Presidential race. These guys are respectable reporters, so one hopes they'll talk about issues beyond a hockey mom from Alaska...
Registration is recommended.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Why Subscribe?
I've had more people subscribe lately, so I just wanted to clarify what you actually get.
I started by sending out a weekly email. A bunch of savvy people told me to do it as a blog, but I resisted until I heard some guy in NYC made $1k on his cheap lunch blog.
I still do the weekly email, because that's what people signed up for -- and they're why I'm doing this. So, in general, I usually:
- Send the weekly list to the email group firstThere are advantages to getting the email. I see the blog's advantages too. I am an actual person, so I pledge that I will never -ever- give your email address to anyone -- no matter how much they offer me. That would be wrong.
- Am more likely to add candid remarks to the email list
- I try to make the email special by omitting some stuff from the blog
- Try to update the blog daily with something
- Put up the "Sneak Peek" as a precursor to the weekly list
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The email address is in the header above, but it's easy to contact me. Take the blog name without the hyphen, and add [the at symbol] gmail.com
Thank you!
You should be receiving an email from emailmeform.com...
I hope you'll eventually see something you like!
Cheap Thrills: 9/15 to 9/20
Yes, it's Monday but we're still alive. As investment banks crumble, cheap entertainment loks good, huh?
(I know the Abbey Lounge website is -- pardon my French -- kerfuffled, but there are shows there this week to keep it from closing. I list these, because I'd like that shithole to live on. The benefit shows seem terribly unorganized, but...)
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MON 9/15
* Boldcrits
* "SolarTaxi: Around the World in a Solar-Electric Vehicle"
* Nichole Clarke, Charlie Chesterman, Michael Brodeur
* MIT Salsa Mondays
* The Murder, The Designer Drugs, Faulty Conscience, Zombie Reagan
* The Lights Out, The Tampoffs, Auto Interiors, Sprained Ankles
TUES 9/16
* Zack Hickman, Mark Erelli, The Proclivities, Laura Cortese
* "The Making of a President 2008"
WED 9/17
* Chris Wilhelm Duo & Samuel Kirk
* Brock Clarke, "The Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England": Reading
* Lau Nau and others
* Three Day Threshold, Shadow Box Blues Band, Boston Babydolls
THUR 9/18
* "New Scientist" Tech Square Block Party
* Ron Sexsmith, Meaghan Smith, Vanessa Kafka
* Bill Janovitz & Friends
* Music of Elliott Sharp
FRI 9/19
* Masscann/Norml Awards
* Konks, Black Time, Static Static, Hospital Rats
SAT 9/20
* MP3EXP
* MassCann/NORML Boston Freedom Rally
* Basia Bulat, Eksi Ekso, Mr. Sister, Goli
* Boston Zine Fair -- and SUN 9/21
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MON 9/15
6:30pm
Boldcrits
at Smith Field (behind bike polo court), 250 Western Ave, Brighton
FREE
For at least 3 Mondays in a row, there will be grass/dirt oval-track bicycle races. It's free to watch or compete, but you should be a good rider. (The poster says "category A or B"?) The ultimate winner gets a 6-pack. Sounds like a fun spectator experience...
MON 9/15
5:30pm to 7pm
Louis Palmer, "SolarTaxi: Around the World in a Solar-Electric Vehicle"
at Bldg 4, Room 270, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE
Louis Palmer is traversing the globe in an electric car, and I'm sure he'll talk about how he crosses oceans... MIT's Solar Electric Vehicle Team will begin by talking about their car, Louis will tell the crowd about the babe-alicious hippie chicks he picks up and other exciting tales from his journey. The Swiss Consulate will provide a reception following the event to fete their countryman. (Don't get too hung up on the building number, because I think Room 270 might be in the same hallway of "another number".)
MON 9/15
7pm to 9pm
Salsa Lessons
at Morss Hall, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE
Someone told me that Monday salsa lessons/dancing have resumed at MIT. (Thanks, Lynn!) All are welcome. The first 30 minutes is to get the beginners up to speed, so others should shoot for 7:30pm.
If you need something a little more challenging, there's free salsa dancing for advanced beginners on Tuesdays.
MON 9/15
Nichole Clarke (10:10pm), Charlie Chesterman (9:20pm), Michael Brodeur (8:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3
I don't know if each singer gets a dollar per person, but it's a decent price for 3 acoustic sets. Charlie Chesterman has been serenading Boston for about 25 years since the pop-rock of Scruffy the Cat to his current rockabilly stylings; I feel like Carl Perkins is 10 feet away from me. When I read Michael Brodeur previously in The Weekly Dig (now in The Phoenix), I expected him to sing in a snotty, ironic manner, but listen to the track on Certainly Sir's MySpace -- it's clear and inviting. Nichole Clarke describes herself, "If artist Edward Gorey and actress Doris Day had a daughter who had a band," and that's spot on. There's something creepy in that sweet voice.
MON 9/15
9:30pm
"3516 Fire Benefit Recovery Show"
w/ The Murder, The Designer Drugs, Faulty Conscience, Zombie Reagan
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+
There was a fire at 3516 Washington St in JP, and it was cool haven for punks as a home, practice space, party place, and perfomance space. No one ever gave me the 411 before they had to call 911, but we could help homeless rockers. It''s a kickass punk show -- esp. The Murder -- with an excellent sampling of different punk stylings.
MON 9/15
9:30pm
The Lights Out, The Tampoffs, Auto Interiors, Sprained Ankles
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$12
The Abbey needs help. I'd go see most of these bands. The Lights Out are a fave of mine. Can't make my mind up about Sprained Ankles. It's for a good cause... Help keep old punkers off the streets at night.
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TUES 9/16
9pm
"Zack Hickman's House of Ill Repute"
Feat: Mark Erelli, Laura Cortese, The Proclivities
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between
Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 21+
Shh... This is a really good deal. Tell them you're glad that the cover is low, because we need to perpetuate affordable quality music. Dude, Mark Erelli... Even if he wasSit back and get happily slapped by a folker with fingerpicked guitar. Laura Cortese is super-talented too, and -- damn -- The Proclivities must have another reason to be in Boston, because you don't come from Raleigh for one show. Unless it's Zack Hickman. The more I learn about this dude, the more I like him -- he's played with all the artists and Josh Ritter. There might even be MORE special guests...
TUES 9/16
5:30pm to 7pm
"The Making of a President 2008"
at JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston
FREE
Jonathan Alter of Newsweek and Mark Halperin of Time chat about the current Presidential race. These guys are respectable reporters, so one hopes they'll talk about issues beyond a hockey mom from Alaska...
Registration is recommended.
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WED 9/17
6pm
Chris Wilhelm & Samuel Kirk
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish (maybe less)
It's an early gig, so you do't have to be out all night. If you can't make it at at 6pm, I bet they won't start on time anyway... While I''ve been effusive about other folk/roots pperformers this week, I do really like Chris too. He knows how to speak from his gut and stll make it catchy. He and formidable UK songster Sameul Kirk have been playing some shows together, so this is could be a special Wednesday that might not happen again in the ner future.
WED 9/17
7pm
Brock Clarke, "The Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
free
I want to read this book. I loook at this book and admire Clarke for such a brillliant title. It has to clever and hilarious. Adam Davies also reads from his new novel, "Mine All Mine".
WED 9/17
7pm
Lau Nau and others
at The Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
$8
Maybe I've been swept up in this current wave of "Scandinavian Invasion" music, but I have to tell you about Lau Nau, a freaky folkster from Finland. Be prepared to expand your idea of tonality. You might resist at first, but it''s starts to feel like Asian meditiation music. I found it very relaxing -- I doubt that I could dance to it. I love the art gallery venue. Others are supposed to play, but I don't know who...
WED 9/17
9:30pm
Three Day Threshold, Shadow Box Blues Band, Boston Babydolls
at Bill's Bar, 5.5 Lansdowne Street, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+
"Presented by The Weekly Dig & Dewars"
Kickass alt-coutry, blues, and babes for free! At the last event I attended that was sponsored by Dewars, the scotch flowed like wine...
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THUR 9/18
4pm to 7pm
"New Scientist" Tech Square Block Party
at Technology Square Courtyard, 500 Technology Sq, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE / 21+
You don't need to be a scientist -- or a geek -- to enjoy some free drinks and fun 'n games (but it might help). If you're nearby, I'm guessing you'll hear the nerds congregating somewhere near Main St... This link will lead you to a PDF flyer for the event.
THUR 9/18
Ron Sexsmith (11:30pm), Meaghan Smith (10:30pm), Vanessa Kafka (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10
Wow. There's a lot of value-added gigs this week! Ron Sexsmith for a sawbuck? This guy is the "Canadian Elvis Costello", but he can actually sing -- and sing with reedy perfection. His albums often make the top-ten lists of every credible music critic. Ron (w/ rhythm section) won't disappoint. Ever. Although he ain't much to look at, there are two lovely & talented singer-songwriters from Boston & Nova Scotia opening... (Yes, I listened to their music, but I'm getting to the end of my list.)
THUR 9/18
10pm
Bill Janovitz & Friends
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE
I'm not saying anything more than Bill is awesome and he has great friends. You might not even be able to get in.
THUR 9/18
8pm
Music of Elliott Sharp
at Brown Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE
"Elliott Sharp is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer." The CV goes on from there... I know him as an incredible guitarist who has a modern-classical/experimental, rock, and jazz pedigree. After a couple "master classes" with the Conservatory student, he'll perform 2 sets with some of the students for mainly improvisational music. And this won't be Grateful Dead jams...
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FRI 9/19
Masscann/Norml Awards
Feat: Before The Rise, Gutter Heads, The Force, SuperPower, Sullee, Will Dailey, Robby Roadsteamer
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+
Peter Tosh sang, "Legalize it!" Maybe we can start with "decriminalize it."
FRI 9/19
9:30pm
The Konks, Black Time, Static Static, Hospital Rats
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$12
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SAT 9/20
Noon to 1:30pm
MP3EXP
Somewhere in Boston
FREE
SAT 9/20
High Noon to 6PM
2008 MassCann/NORML Boston Freedom Rally
at Boston Common, Boston
FREE
Feat: Graveyard BBQ, Prospect Hill, The Andwutz, DJ Slim, Herbal Nation, Fred Shafer, Sullee, Gutter Heads, Northern Pike and more
SAT 9/20
9:30pm
Basia Bulat, Eksi Ekso, Mr. Sister, Goli
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+
SAT 9/20 & SUN 9/21
10am to 6pm
Boston Zine Fair
at Art Institute of Boston, 601 Newbury St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE
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Links of the Week:
Looking for free wi-fi?
Ladies, don't say I never do anything for you... There was an article in the Globe about a class-action settlement regarding cosmetics. You could get some free stuff (up to $25) in January, but I might forget to tell you.
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Quote of the Week:
"Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace."
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
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th-th-that's all, folks.
~r
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RIP, David Foster Wallace. "Infinite Jest" was an awesome month with your writing. I think the fictionalized Boston enriched my love for the real version.
