Dia De Los Muertos aka Day of the Dead -- much cooler than Halloween in my opinion. There's some cool things going on this weekend. Have fun... Be safe... Wooden stake for vampires, silver bullets for werewolves...
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SAT 11/1
10am to 6pm
Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival
At Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St, Boston (near Roxbury Crossing T)
FREE
Yes, there are a lot of free samples with over 100 exhibitors. Yes, there is way too many people.
Unfortunately the main room is crowded like the Green Line after a Red Sox game. I don't feel like wading through humanity for 5 minutes to try some gourmet organic ice cream. If you go, your best chance at enjoying yourself is to go at 10am. Go early!
Maybe I was in the wrong mood, but I didn't think it was something I have to visit every year. They really should find a bigger venue if they're going to keep this a free event. (Organizers, you can contact me for ideas...)
SAT 11/1
10am to Noon
"The Migraine Brain, from Concept to Bookshelf": Discussion
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston, 4th floor, Boston (Boston Common)
$5
For all you writers wondering how to get published: Dr. Carolyn Bernstein (neurology) and journalist Elaine McArdle collaborated on a book about migraines. McArdle and their agent will talk about the process from "alpha to omega". Learn how to get your ideas into the marketplace (and learn a bit about migraines)...
SAT 11/1
2pm & 8pm
Anna Myer and Dancers, "Street Talk Suite Talk"
at Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd, Dorchester (near Upham's Corner)
FREE
This piece fuses rap, hip-hop, contemporary dance, and music for violin. Imagine 7 spoken-word/rappers and 7 dancers interacting with a sole violinist. Myers said, "In a world that is often fragmented and distrustful, Street Talk, Suite Talk forges bonds between these diverse worlds, with all working to create a common vision."
Jennifer Dunning (NY Times) wrote: "Anna Myer’s choreographic voice is quietly bizarre, but it is all her own. [She] seems to look at dance -- and life -- from a slightly wry but affectionate distance. And what she sees becomes transformed into odd yet affecting imagery…"
Watch an excerpt of the creative process on YouTube.
SAT 11/1
7:30pm & 9pm
"Aeschylus' Agamemnon"
at Alpert Mall, 735 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus / behind Marsh Chapel aka BU Beach)
FREE
After the Fall of Troy, the king of Argos returns to his land intrigue and treachery awaits him. This is the first in Aeschylus' oldest intact trilogy (485 BC), and he's one of the earliest pillars of Greek theatre.
There's also a "Fire Poi" show at each performance.
"Dress warmly and bring a blanket."
SAT 11/1
8pm to 11pm
La Tuza, Convertibles Unplugged
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
La Tuza is probably the premier Mexican roots band in Boston. (I know of no other local Mexican roots band, but they're very good.) The Convertibles Unplugged is a group of Berklee students playing pop/rock en espanol (um, with acoustic instruments).
The first event of Berklee's month-long Latin Culture Celebration.
SAT 11/1
9pm
The Shills, This Car Up, Thick As Thieves, Left Hand Does
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+
You don't have to hear a Halloween tribute to rock this weekend.
SAT 11/1 and SUN 11/2
Noon
Nor'easter Film Festival
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10 all seats
Take a chance and watch a program of shorts from New England filmmakers. There's a different lineup each day. The total running time is slightly under 2 hours on Saturday and slightly over 2 hours on Sunday. Also take into account that someone will be hosting in between films.
SAT 11/1 and SUN 11/2
Noon to 6pm
South Boston Open Studios
At Various Locations in Southie
FREE
Noon to 6pm (SUN: 5pm)
Open Studios
at Waltham Mills, 144 Moody St, Waltham
FREE
When I lived in Waltham, it was a fun afternoon walking through the old mill buildings and seeing the different artist studios. I'd encourage you to go to whichever spot is closer to you and see some cool, locally-made art. I can't help it -- I love talking to creative people!
In Southie, it's really not that far of a walk from Broadway T to all four locations, and you could head towards Andrews or take a bus up Broadway from the furthest studio.
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SUN 11/2
11am
"Let The Right One In"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Usually the Sunday Morning Eye Opener series is not free, but you they let you sneak in every now and then. I'd probably go every week, if I could get out of the house before noon on Sundays...
See this acclaimed Swedish vampire film before it opens in 2 weeks (at Kendall Sq Cinema). It was a big hit at various festivals and won "Best Narrative Feature" at the Tribeca Film Festival.
You know this is going to be better than the American remake coming out next year.
SUN 11/2
4pm to 6pm
Tzompantli: Day of the Dead Remembrance
at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE
Am not sure what exactly is going on, but these Forest Hills things are usually cool, and it's a beautiful place (especially around Lake Hibiscus where these celebrations occur).
Enjoy a program of music and dance in English & Spanish. You can bring offerings (e.g. photos, flowers, mementos, and traditional sugar skulls) to place on a decorated candle-lit altar for departed loved ones. La Pinata, a Latin American youth group will perform.
They suggest to "Dress warmly. Bring a flashlight." But I don't think you'll need a flashlight...
(Do you know the Tower Street shortcut from Forest Hills T?)
SUN 11/2
6pm to 9pm
Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead Fiesta
at Peabody Museum, 11 Divinity Ave, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE
I had a good time when I went a couple years ago. There are Dia de los Muertos displays plus music as well as free food & drinks. All you have to do is call 617-495-2269, and leave your name and the number of guests. I don't know how long they're accepting RSVP's, so I'd do it as soon as possible...
There's "family fun" from 1pm to 4:30pm that's regular museum admission ($9 / $7 seniors & students / $6 ages 3 - 18 / Free under 3) except for a "sugar skull workshop" that's $5 per person.
SUN 11/2
9pm
Phantom Buffalo, Earth People Orchestra, Real Life Time Machines
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+
Phantom Buffalo is my new favorite band from Maine. If you love The Shins, Phantom Buffalo will be right up your alley. (Mojo magazine listed their last CD in their top 50 of '05.) Earth People Orchestra are an indie-rock big band (or chamber orchestra) of gentle goodness. Real Life Time Machines are wild purveyors of their own angular rock that's been coined "cosmic punk".
You're getting an extra hour thanks to Daylight Savings, so go out on Sunday night.
SUN 11/2
Late Night
Daylight Savings Change
Don't forget to "fall back" before you go to sleep! (but don't hurt yourself...)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sneak Peek -- SAT 11/1 & SUN 11/2
Thursday, October 30, 2008
FRI 10/31: Halloween Cheapness
Admission: I've never gotten very excited about Halloween. I usually enjoy myself when I do something on 10/31, but I like to dress up in costumes and cause mayhem every other day of the year...
Have a good time! Here are some things to do in case I don't get out the weekly list tonight... (Wish me luck.) I tried to group for "ease of use". Pardon any missing links.
(Thanks to Sensei Jason Gould for passing on these links to suck the fun out of Hallo-- err, I mean -- to safely enjoy Halloween: Halloween Safety Guide & Red Cross tips.)
Note: If you're drinking at a Cambridge bar or restaurant, you should use the free cab ride.
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Artsy, Creepy(ish) Stuff:
FRI 10/31
6pm to 8pm
Mordicai Sulk, "Sasquatch Vs The Zombies: War in the Pacific Northwest": Reception
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP
In my limited experience, "Final Fridays" at Space 242 rock! A good place to start a night of fun.
"Costumes encouraged!"
Also --
"Phantasmagoria: An Evening of Strange & Terrifying Art": Halloween Group Show feat. 19 local artists
"Halloween Hymns: Lovingly Told Tales of Death and Dismemberment": in the Space 242 "Mini-Theatre"
FRI 10/31
6pm to 10pm
Juan Angel Chavez, "The Speaker Project": Halloween Party
at Paine Gallery, South Bldg, 2nd Fl, about 611 Huntington Ave*, Boston (MassArt)
FREE
"A free fun, food, and music-filled costume party featuring DJ Damien Silva. Guests with the best or most outrageous costumes will win prizes (including iPods)."
*I wrote about the exhibit opening and gave my opinion about the address at MassArt.
FRI 10/31
9pm to Midnight
"All Hallow Even": Costume Party Opening Reception
at The Distillery Gallery, 1st Fl, 516 E 2nd St, Boston (Southie)
FREE
Prior to this weekend's "Southie Open Studios", there's a Halloween-theme group exhibit.
The gallery will be appropriately haunted for the reception and music will be provided by the notorious DJ Ning Nong.
Costumes Recommended! Make-up artists will be available to decorate any non-costumed faces that manifest throughout the evening.
Halloween Rock:
FRI 10/31
9:30pm
The Pill's Annual Halloween Show
The Perennials (as The Strokes), Wonderful Spells (as The Kinks), The Sun Lee Sunbeam (as Elastica)
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+
Good bands that should easily hit the mark. Maybe you could show up a little late and hope the Elastica band saves "Connection" for last...
FRI 10/31
Nostril Dumbass (as The Butthole Surfers), Asgaard Scimitar (a heavy metal tribute), Two Headed Dog (as Roky Erickson), X-Ray Spectacular (as X-Ray Spex)
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+
Lots of folks from different bands like Ho-Ag, Ketman, Thunderhole, Tristan da Cunha, Shore Leave, Hallelujah the Hills, Amoroso, World’s Greatest Sinners, and more fuse to together in various ways to recreate mostly awesome music.
FRI 10/31
9pm
The Dirty Takers (as The Rolling Stones), Golden West Motor Lodge (as Lucero), The Bean Pickers Union (as Wilco), The Bees Knees (as Buffalo Springfield), Mike MacDonald & The Widow Makers (as Whiskeytown)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+
"A Roots Rockin' Halloween!"
12:20am: The Rolling Stones -- The Dirty Takers (Members of The Dirty Truckers, The Takers, & Watts)
11:30pm: Lucero -- Golden West Motor Lodge
10:40pm: Wilco -- The Bean Pickers Union (plus guests)
9:50pm: Buffalo Springfield -- The Bees Knees
9pm: Whiskeytown -- Mike Macdonald & The Widow Makers
FRI 10/31
Coffin Lids Annual Halloween Spooktacular
Coffin Lids (11:30pm), The Acrobrats (10:30pm), The Egos (9:30pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8
Perhaps not a tribute show", but The Coffin Lids are kinda spooky all the time and "costumes strongly encouraged."
8pm: Jay Allen (pub stage)
Misc. Get Together / Have Fun Category:
FRI 10/31
5pm
"It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
If you're still in the mood to sit and watch, "Christmas On Mars" (Flaming Lips trippiness turned into a sci-fi Xmas fable) is screening over the next few days. Tonight's 7pm show offers half-price admission for "all space aliens"... (BTW: This film is not for the faint of heart due to occasional "graphic imagery".)
FRI 10/31
8pm
Annual Halloween Bike Ride
meet outside Green Street T Stop, about 150 Green St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / All Ages
Imagine the type of fun-loving, free-spirit types that would ride all around town in costume. It sounds like they get into a bunch of shenanigans along the way, and I think it would be great to join them. You don't have to wear a costume or decorate your bike, but you should. The ride starts around 8:30 and goes about 14 miles at an easy pace. The route is a secret until you get there, but you'll through parts of Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge before returning to JP by 11:45pm for a group visit to JP Lick's.
"Costumes, helmets and lights are encouraged."
FRI 10/31
10:00pm to 2am
Thunderdome XII: Return To Terrordome
w/ Hearthrob, Mistaker
at Greek American Political Club, 1st floor, 288 Green St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9
Super-sweaty dance party with costumes. (Hello, "slutty" [fill-in-the-blank]s...)
"Costumes are a must!"
"I don't eat at Chipotle to really know" Dept:
FRI 10/31
6pm and after
Boo-rrito Day
at participating Chipotle Mexican Grill locations
FREE
If you've dressed up in a costume, you can get a free burrito. (They do prefer burrito-theme costumes, but I heard they won't enforce that.) How do you find participating locations? Look for the Obama's and Palin's waiting in a long line.
Other cheap stuff that didn't do much for me, but you might have fun:
FRI 10/31
8pm
"The First Day Room"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE
Re-edited film noir accompanied by live music.
FRI 10/31
10pm
Thomas Nola et son Orchestre, "Rabbitnacht"
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
FREE
"This event is free to all, but formal attire or a creative costume is mandatory for admittance...no exceptions."
THUR 10/30: Youth Culture, Juliana Reads, Foreign Policy, Bigfoot, Janowitz
Okay, I think there'll be something on 10/31 cheapness later... (I like the idea of walking around and costume-watching while tripping on mushrooms and brandy.)
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THUR 10/30
6pm to 9pm
"Crossing Cultures 2008"
at Cloud Place, 647 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
I've been passively trying to get a vibe on Cloud Place, but it's a place that fosters creativity in young people. If I hung around there, they'd probably call the police; but I've heard they do good work and provide a healthy, creative environment.
There's an open house tonight for people to check out what they do, including an international exchange program. An improve group of young people, Declic Juniors, are visiting from France, and they'll perform tonight. Some of the young people from Boston reframed the opera "Carmen" with the assistance from folks at Opera Boston, and you'll hear sections from that production. Some local teens went to France, and a film about their trip will also screen.
"Light refreshments" will be served, so you can probably have a soft drink & hors d'oeuvres while you look at the various prints and exhibit about the opera production... You need to be there by 6:45pm, because the performances begin at 7pm.
THUR 10/30
7pm
Juliana Hatfield, "When I Grow Up": Reading & Performance
at BU Barnes & Noble, Reading Room, Level Five, 660 Beacon St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE
There was an article and excerpt on Juliana Hatfield's new memoir in the Phoenix. Back in 90's, I thought Hatfield was a pretty girl who pretended to be dour for the sake of hipness. It turns out she wasn't faking it. (Sorry, J...) She'll read from her book and perform a few songs, followed by a signing. Natch.
THUR 10/30
7pm to 9pm
"Election '08: The Presidential Candidates' Vision of U.S. Foreign Policy"
at Harvard Hillel, 52 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Are you sick of the election yet? No!? Okay, two proxies are going to discuss foreign policy, and you can bring questions. (Do you think anyone will ask about Israel???)
In the Republican corner... Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey!
In the Democratic corner... an '08 MA superdelegate and a regional Obama campaign chair, Alan Solomont!
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by email or on Facebook.
THUR 10/30
7pm to 10pm
63rd Annual Halloween Eve Gathering for Cryptozoologists
at 826 Boston, 3035 Washington St, Roxbury (Egleston Sq)
$10
Last night was a serious lecture about cryptozoology at the Museum of Science. Tonight is the party. Besides being a center for writing workshops, 826 Boston is also site of "The Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute". You could wear a costume or festoon yourself when you get there as literary types have some yeti-like fun. There'll be a Mark E. Moon/Big Digits dance party after watching a compilation of Bigfoot appearances in film. Loren Coleman, they need you!
("Wine and beer for cryptozoologists of legal age.")
THUR 10/30
8pm
Bill Janovitz & Friends, Todd Thibaud
Lizard lounge
$6 advance / $7 door / 21+
Bill Janowitz is finishing up an October Thursday residency at the Lizard Lounge, and looks like it's going to be filled a bunch of friends and family. In an amusing blog entry, the Buffalo Tom chief frames him as the McCain of rock. Expect to hear BT songs, Crown Victoria songs, and covers that you weren't expecting to hear.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
WED 10/29: Sandwiches, Nerd Rap, Weird Animals, Jazz
So I went to see a hilarious show last night, "Varla Jean Merman Loves A Foreign Tongue" at the "Out on the Edge" Festival of queer theater. I have to write a review for Bostonist, but you don't have to be G, L, B, or T to have laugh your ass off.
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WED 10/29
11:30am to 3pm
Cuban Sandwiches
at Pressed Sandwiches locations:
2 Oliver St, Boston (Financial District)
2 Park Lane OR 225 Northern Ave, Boston (Seaport)
$2
A $2 cuban sandwich is a pretty good deal, if you're nearby. (One sandwich per person.)
I guess hungry Seaport people can take a short walk for a second one...
WED 10/29
7pm
Loren Coleman, "Bigfoot, Sea Serpents, and Cryptozoology": Lecture
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE
Wouldn't it be cool if Loren Coleman brought some evidence of Sasquatch or Nessie? Even though he's a anthropologist/zoologist (former professor at U. of Southern Maine), it seems his healthy skepticism leans towards the belief in the existence of these hidden creatures. (At least, he believes you can make a living by hawking these theories and books...)
Here's a scientific approach to proving (or disproving) those things that go bump in the night.
Update: THE Loren Coleman visited to pass on more info about tonight's lecture. Sounds like there'll be some compelling evidence...
Of course, besides the comprehensive and interesting PowerPoint presentation I show that is filled with imagery (photos, cultural items, and more), I always bring along various forms of replica cryptia with me."Seating is limited. Seating passes are available to the general public in the Museum lobby beginning at 5:45pm, the evening of the program. First come, first served."
Tonight, I was going to show and compare the actual footcasts of Yeti (Shipton, 1951), Bigfoot (Patterson, 1967), and Orang Pendek (Davies, 2001). They nicely demonstrate the diversity in the unknown hominoids being reported. But, hey, I could also bring Yeti hair samples from a couple Himalayan expeditions of 1959 and 1960.
WED 10/29
8pm to 9:30pm
"Nerdcore Rising": Sneak Preview
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE
The core of the documentary follows MC Frontalot, who coined the term 'nerdcore', while he's on his first national tour. I think he's a good rapper with a lot of wit in his rhymes. I especially like that nerdcore guys exaggerate their nerd image and don't try to dress like rappers from the Bronx or Compton or Atlanta. I'm not sure if you'll like this movie if you don't like the music, butthere should be free soda, candy, and shwag (screening sponsored by ITA Software).
WED 10/29 + THUR 10/30
8pm
Marsalis Berklee Jams w/ Sean Jones Quintet
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / All Ages
Sean Jones is 30 years and is widely recognized as one of the leading modern bop trumpeters around. Four albums into his career and he regularly adds news dimension to his playing and composition. Jones and band will play a brief set, which will morph into a jam session with Berklee students.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
TUES 10/28: Free Windows Converter for Mac OS X & Linux
TUES 10/28: Germania, Folk/Pop, Burlesque
In case you were wondering about the DMZ show, I'm writing some of my thoughts down but I agree somewhat with Miss Lyn of Boston Groupie News -- killer show, but I think Monoman is just crazy, not mean-spirited.
Stay dry and/or have fun tonight! I'll try to get you some cheap Halloween ideas soon...
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TUES 10/28
6:30pm
Doris Dorrie, "Where Do We Go From Here?": Reading & Reception
at Goethe-Institut Boston, 170 Beacon St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
Director Doris Dorrie's new film had its Boston premiere of her new film "Cherry Blossoms" at the MFA this past weekend, and tonight she'll be reading from the companion book. I imagine there might be some pleasant victuals at the reception afterwards...
(Program to be in German and English.)
TUES 10/28
Castanets (11:15pm), Dylan Metrano & Paper Birds (10:15pm), Mark Schwaber & Sara Gomes (9:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8
This would be three good CD's to listen to on a rainy night, but it wouldn't hurt to show them your support by seeing them live.
Castanets revolves around Raymond "Byron Magic" Raposa (a 80's Lakers fan?) and a bunch of cool musician friends that contribute to his project (Sufjan Stevens, Pinback, Rocket from the Crypt, etc). I believe Castanets might be a solo deal tonight, but he may have some kind of band; his most recent album is generally sparse, experimental music that sounds like it would want to be thoughtfully described. If I put too many general terms on it, the delicate construction might tip over...
Those who are familiar with Tiger Saw would know leader Dylan Metrano and his chamber-like folk/rock. Metrano enjoys new collaborations and the new project is completed by keyboard & drums-playing Robinson brothers who previously played in Brown Bird.
Mark Schwaber is a fine singer-songwriter, and I like what I've heard. Glen Hansard likes Mark enough to give him some time at one of his Swell Season shows. Glen seems to think very highly of himself, so I take it as a ringing endorsement...
TUES 10/28
9pm
"Pinchbottom Burlesque: "Nasty & Jonny's Anniversary of Horrors"
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE
Apparently today is the wedding anniversary of Pinchbottom's husband-and-wife team. Nasty and Jonny are bring a little spookiness to the idea of being with the same person 'til death does part you...
They'll be joined by friends, Clams Casino and Legs Malone.
Monday, October 27, 2008
MON 10/27: Silent Phantom, Cello, Rock
I was going to add the Elie Wiesel's "Kristallnacht" lecture tonight, but I have a feeling that it's a full crowd already...
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MON 10/27
7:15pm
"The Phantom Of The Opera", "The Fall Of The House Of Usher"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75 / $3 seniors, children
As part of "The Sounds of Silents" series, tonight includes one of the all-time classics of cinema. Every subsequent permutation (and rip-off) of this story owes a debt to Lon Chaney's version, and some feel he is still the best phantom. :The Fall Of The House Of Usher" is based on the Poe short story, and this silent film is supposed to be adequately weird and creepy. From what I've seen, Martin Marks is our local expert on silent film music; he'll provide live piano accompaniment with singing by Elisabeth Hon Hunt.
MON 10/27
7:30pm
Bernard Greenhouse, Masterclass
at Williams Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory / Fens)
FREE
Bernard Greenhouse has been one of the leading cellists for decades, and he still plays everyday at age 92. I imagine a crotchety old master trying to school the kids.
MON 10/27
10pm
Thick Shakes, Triple Thick, The Throwaways
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+
A trio of bands that'd be perfect for those of you who still want some more weekend-like fun. Have some garage/punk and beer.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday Night Vide-O-bama! #13
My least favorite argument against Sen. Obama is: "Who is Barack Obama...?"
So after a 20 month presidential race, 3+ years as a US senator, 7 years as a State Senator, years as a constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago, and president of the Harvard Law Review; we're supposed to believe that he's an Islamic, socialist, radical, black-power, terrorist-loving secret destroyer of the country?
We don't know who Obama is?!
I'm already afraid that every weirdo will be out to kill him; but if the above were true, wouldn't Palin, Cheney, McCain, Biden, etc will assuredly be aiming for him as well...? Vote for whoever best represents your positions, but this is not a realistic argument.
Here is Barack Obama, dangerous lover of his grandmother...
BONUS VIDEO with Ron Howard, Andy Griffith, and Henry Winkler:
SUN 10/26: Art, Classical, Goth Pool, Rock, Cabaret Punk
For some reason, I was having technical difficulties yesterday, so I got my drink on and saw Apple Betty & Drug Rug at the MIT Coffeehouse. It was great. Wish you were there... :-)
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SUN 10/26
11am to 5pm
Open Studios
at Fenway Studios, 30 Ipswich St, Boston
FREE
There's that building that you can see from the Pike between Jillian's and Mass Ave. It was designed to be an artist's studio building because all the windows offer the north light. As every artist knows that's the best light to create master works of art. I won't explain it to you since I'm a snotty jerk, but one of the friendly artists might tell you about it. I think these open studios are better than a museum -- it's alive and interactive. And you might get 'refreshments' here and there...
SUN 10/26
2pm
"The Music of Edwin Geist": Panel Discussion & US Premiere Concert
at Slosberg Auditorium, 415 South St, Waltham (Brandeis campus)
FREE
Whenever I learn that Hitler found something to be degenerate, I know it must be wonderful in some way. I don't need to hear a note to know its good. Perhaps Geist might have been a famous 20th-century composer, but he was barred from music gigs in '37 for being half-Jewish. He moved to Lithuania, but that didn't work out. He was killed in a concentration camp in '42, and his wife committed suicide shortly after.
IF you're someone who doesn't want to watch football, you might be inclined to enjoy contemporary classical music. There's a panel discussion at 2pm, a reception at 3:30pm, and a first US performance of Geist music at 4pm.
SUN 10/26
8pm
unDead Pool
at Flat Top Johnny's, Bldg 200, 1 Kendall Sq, Cambridge
$3 / 18+
Hang out and play pool with the Goth folks, but tonight's dress code is a bit stricter: zombie/vampire/ghoul. ("No Baggy Jeans, Athletic Wear, Timberlands, Game Jerseys or Baseball Caps".) I get the feeling it might be better than a regular Halloween party, because it's not too far from a usual "Dead Pool"/Xmortis night...
Besides the usual dark wave/industrial DJ music; there will be contests, prizes and candy. The $3 cover includes unlimited billiards for the night, so that's cool.
SUN 10/26
9:30pm
Alec K Redfearn & the Seizures, Micah Blue Smaldone, Manners + Peace Loving
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+
The Milky Way Lounge is one of my favorite places besides all of the cool events they have -- like free music every Sunday. It won't be the same when they move in March '09, but it'll still be the same good people in a location that seems to be closer to the T (will try to add a link later).
So it's another interesting night of music with two ambient/chill projects, Manners & Peace Loving, combining forces for something you haven't heard before, but probably reminiscent of an early Brian Eno album... Lots of bitchin' modern/ancient music follows with Micah Blue Smaldone and Alec K Redfearn & the Seizures skipping the 80 (or so) years of music for atypical sounds of the Delta and the Old World. Plus Alec K Redfearn rocks the accordion.
SUN 10/26
9:30pm
Barnicle w/ DJs Michael V & Texas Mike
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+
It's friends, fun, and music -- but in no order; I suspect it'll happen at the same time. Tonight is the CD release party for "Friends of B". I like this quote from singer Karen Barnicle, "Every song on this record is a love song -- except I got sick of writing them about boys, so I wrote them for my friends instead." It's peppy rock with high, thin vocals. I think I liked the previous CD better, maybe you'd get into it over 2 sets with DJ's in between. There might be cheap drinks and a free "photobooth". I even read promises of giveaways...
This is a flyer for tonight, but I preferred the cover to their earlier relase. Much sexier than Mike Barnicle, right?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sneak Peek -- FRI 10/24 & SAT 10/25
Why did I think I would come home from the DMZ reunion show last night and write a whole list of cheap thrills? Because I wanted to go see DMZ, and they rocked! It was a lot of fun.
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FRI 10/24
9:30pm
Movers & Shakers, Where the Land Meets the Sea, Cold Beat, Lovers, Muggers, and Thieves
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+
FRI 10/24
9:30pm
Viva Viva, Ergot Rot, The Needy Visions
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$8 / 21+
Ergot Rot as Rotten Rex, doing an all T Rex cover set...
FRI 10/24
7pm to 11pm
"Iron Pour: Magic, Fire, Music, and Dance"
at MassArt Courtyard, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston
FREE / All Ages
w/ The Accordion Death Squad, Many Mansions; Truman Peyote, Peace+Quiet, and much more excitement...
FRI 10/24
8pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy presents: The Gas
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+
Feat: Nate Johnson, Brian Moote, Myq Kaplan, Chris Braiotta & T.D. Sidell, Mehran, Josh Gondelman, Tim Vargulish, Shane Mauss, Shaun Bedgood
FRI 10/24
9pm
Nerd Nite w/ Wounded by Lazors, Cityscapes
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$3
Tonight's talks: "Dr. Derivative: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Swap" and "Brains, AI, and Cyborgs Revealed"
Bands to follow.
FRI 10/24
Midnight
"Worthless"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$7.50
For those who love skateboarding and "Jackass".
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAT 10/25
10am to 12:30am
Papercut Zine Library Movie Marathon: "All Hallows Eve Extravaganza"
at The Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge
$5-ish
Manimal Massacre Morning Matinee:
10am: "Island Of Lost Souls" & "The Monster And The Girl"The Least Loved Tales Of Frankenstein:
12:30pm: "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein"Dr. Jekyll's Other Halves:
1:30pm: "Frankenstein" (1970)
3pm: "Frankenstein" (1980)
4:30pm: "Dr. Jekyll And The Wolfman"SAT 10/25
6pm: "Dr. Jekyll And Sister Hyde"
7:30pm: "Castle Of Creeping Flesh"
9pm: "Welcome To Arrow Beach"
10:30pm: "Deranged" (Ed Gein gross-out with footage not on MGM'S DVD")
10am to 4pm
Really Really Free Market
at Ringer Park, about 100 Allston St, Allston
Um, FREE
SAT 10/25
Noon
Airborne Toxic Event -- Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE
SAT 10/25
Noon
SketchCrawl 20
at Middle East - Restaurant, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / whatever you drink
Drink, draw, go to the next bar... Repeat.
SAT 10/25
3pm to 4pm
Monster Mashup Ghost Party
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE
More details and an instructional video of the dance are on the website.
This is their map.
SAT 10/25
9pm
Edith, The Attractives (Elvis Costello tribute), Franc Graham Band
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 / 21+
SAT 10/25
WMBRlive:
Drug Rug (9pm), Apple Betty (8pm)
at Stratton Student Center Coffeehouse, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$3 suggested donation
SAT 10/25 & SUN 10/26
11am to 5pm
Open Studios
at Fenway Studios, 30 Ipswich St, Boston
FREE
Thursday, October 23, 2008
THUR 10/23: DMZ Reunion, More Music, Film, Talks
I'm going to be at Church to see DMZ tonight, but that might not be everybody's thang...
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THUR 10/23
Opposing Viewpoints -- Only a couples miles apart...
6pm to 7:30pm
Andrew Bacevich, "The Limits Of Power": Discussion
at BU Barnes & Noble, Reading Room, Level Five, 660 Beacon St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE
6:30pm to 8pm
Douglas J. Feith, "War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism"
Lecture & Discussion w/ Jules Crittenden
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE
I wish these guys were speaking with each other tonight, but these events are meant to promote books. Andrew Bacevich is a professor at BU (History, International Relations) who graduated from West Point, served in Vietnam, and retired as a colonel. He has also been one of the few conservative voices that's added thoughtful opposition to the Bush Administration's foreign policy. An Internet quotation of a March 2003 Bacevich LA Times editorial, "if, as seems probable, the effort encounters greater resistance than its architects imagine, our way of life may find itself tested in ways that will make the Vietnam War look like a mere blip in American history."
On the other hand, Douglas Feith was "Defense Undersecretary for Policy from '01 to '05" aka one of Don Rumsfeld's guys who helped to plan the Iraq War. I think he wrote a book to say why none of the problems with the war was his fault. Former embedded journalist (in Iraq) and current Boston Herald editor, Jules Crittenden, sits down with Feith tonight.
There will be booksignings at both talks.
THUR 10/23
7:30pm to 8:30pm
"Les 24 heures de la télé : Couleurs d’Europe"
at French Library/Alliance Francaise, 53 Marlborough St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
It seems like a "best of French TV" presentation (in French with English subtitles). The footage is provided by the Institut National de l’Audiovisuel, a research facility at the Mitterrand National Library located in Paris.
From the Weekly List:
THUR 10/23
DMZ (10:30pm), The New Frustrations (9:30pm), Red Invasion (11:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10
There's no other place to be tonight. I don't care if the Sox are playing in the World Series -- they have TV's. I don't care if it's your mom's birthday -- the food is fine in the restaurant. This is the '76-'78 lineup of DMZ, Boston's first great punk band. Somehow they're doing a show at Maxwell's in Hoboken on the weekend, and this is their first show with this lineup since a reunion about 15 years ago.
The New Frustrations and Red Invasion will rock you, but DMZ is the only thing that matters tonight.
THUR 10/23
10pm
Willard Grant Conspiracy, Chris Brokaw, Drew O'Doherty
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 / All Ages
Okay, I geek out for old-school punk rock (see above), but this is a spectacularly good night of music at a venue with superlative acoustics. The Willard Grant Conspiracy don't reside in Boston anymore, we can be proud that they started here. Who knows who will play with WGC mastermind Robert Fisher, but I'm amazed one can experience them in such an intimate setting. If you don't already love them, fans of American Music Club and Tindersticks will dig this. Chris Brokaw played with Thalia Zedek darkish-rock band Come, and he's pretty awesome in general. I think you'll like Drew O'Doherty also.
THUR 10/23
7:30pm
"The Battle of Algiers"
at Bartos Theatre, 20 Ames St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE
It's considered a cinematic masterpiece. This is a story about a military force from a first-world country as an unwelcome occupier of a Muslim country with torture of the citizens and many guerrilla attacks.
Umm, France... in Algiers... during the '50s...
THUR 10/23
8:30pm
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Pants Yell!, Cotton Candy
at Oxfam Cafe, Miller Hall basement, 210 Packard Ave, Medford (Tufts campus)
$8 / All Ages
For the electro folks. There are rather detiled directions on Oxfam Cafe's MySpace. I think they'll work.
Like East Somerville? Got Some Photos?
Somerville City Hall will host a photo exhibit called "Interpreting East Somerville". The original deadline was MON 10/20, but it's been extended to SAT 10/25. They say it's due to the tremendous crush of last-minute submissions on Monday, but I think they'd like to broaden their choices.
Details are available on the website. It might not mention the new deadline, but trust me. You can still send in 3 images. I don't know why I'm telling people about this... If more people enter, my chances of getting in the exhibit dwindle...
There was a tiny thought somewhere in my head: I might have a chance of taking an acceptable picture that might sneak its way into the exhibit, so I walked around East Somerville last weekend for about an hour. I ran out of daylight, but I took a few and sent some in.
So go ahead and submit your photos of East Somerville (the specified area)! I'll try another exhibition someday...
Will probably have a brief Thursday update at some point.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
WED 10/22: Folk, Punk, Hodgman, Documentary
Not much to add today. Besides the fabulous, folky four in Porter Sq, tonight's awesome cheapness was already on the list...
--------------------------------------------------------------
WED 10/22
8pm
"Kerrville North"
Feat: John Elliott, Raina Rose, Hugh McGowan, Tom Bianchi
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE
The Kerrville Folk Festival is a giant music fest that lasts over 2 weeks where the off-stage "campfire" sessions are just as anticipated as the scheduled performances. Two of our exemplary local guys, Hugh McGowan and Tom Bianchi, are joined two other singer-songwriters, John Elliott and Raina Rose. I wouldn't be surprised if you saw them up there together at various times. The four of them are playing all night.
From the Weekly List:
WED 10/22
6pm
John K. Hodgman w/ Jonathan Coulton, "More Information Than You Require": Reading
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$5 (tix available at Brookline Booksmith)
Update: This is sold out, but you can always try to stand-by line...
He have dropped the "K", but as a fan of his first book (and Mac commercials as "PC" and McSweeney's pieces and "Daily Show" appearances) I will call him John K. Hodgman. After the absurdist, Pythonesque humor of his first book, "Areas of My Expertise", I'd read anything he writes. Hodgman returns to his hometown of Brookline for a reading from the 2nd book with Yale buddy & singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton pitching in with a little music here and there.
WED 10/22
9:30pm
Jay Reatard, Cola Freaks, The Konks, Vancougar
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+
Friggin' awesome punk rock from around the globe (and Boston) with headliner Jay Reatard. Extra points to an all-female band from Vancouver calling themselves "Vancougar". If you don't know how to get advance tix at the Middle East, ask there or email me.
Update: The Konks will play instead of The Tampoffs.
WED 10/22
6:30pm
"Body of War"
at 'The Loft', 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
This is a heartbreaking story of Thomas Young, a soldier who was serving in Iraq for a week before he was paralyzed. Phil Donahue co-directed so you can imgaine there's a lean to the left, but I believe the core of the documentary is a view into Young's life after Iraq.
Members of "Iraq Veterans Against the War" will facilitate a discussion.
(I assume The Loft is above Cafe 939...)
Off-Topic: Late-Night Photo Coolness
Although I have other things to do and write, I still surf the Web and was led to some cool micro-photography.
Believe it or not -- that's a photo of mitomycin, an antibiotic powder, although it could be mistaken for a digitized canyon somewhere.
Nice job, Margaret Oechsli (a cancer researcher in Kentucky)! You came in 7th place in this year's Small World Photomicrography Competition, but I like how you remind us that nature often repeats itself.
(Then I laughed, but got sad about election coverage in the media, when I saw a report on The Daily Show about Wasilla. A 'comedy show' offers more informative reports than the real journalists...)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
TUES 10/21: BeerBowl, Winedown, Cocktails, Jazz, Bossa Nova, Iraq Doc
So it looks like it's a good night to find some cheap drinking options attached to another activity. You might still be able to RSVP for a free vodka party being held at Shreve Crump & Low tonight... Below are a couple music and film options too.
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TUES 10/21
6pm to 9pm
LUPEC Boston, "Little Black Book of Cocktails": Book Party
at Grand, 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE
Late Update: I forgot to add this, and I was even thinking of passing through on my way home...
Yes, we have our own chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails. They dress like classy dames and are "dedicated to breeding, raising, and releasing nearly extinct drinks into the wild" not only by drinking themselves but educating others. One way to spread the boozy word to the thirsty masses is their "Little Black Book of Cocktails" ($15) with drink recipes with classic drinks and new cocktails inspired by the hooch-formulas of yore.
Tonight is a celebration of the 2nd-edition release. You can sample a tasty punch or two, meet some of the Ladies, and perhaps buy the book...
Proceeds from book sales benefit the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans' Women’s Unit, and that's something we can all get behind.
TUES 10/21
6pm to 8pm
"Lioness": Screening & Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall (downstairs), Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE
Anything can happen in the "fog of war". The US Army has a policy that bars female soldiers to participate in direct combat, but reality interfered when five women serving in Ramadi were caught in the battle and fought alongside their comrades-in-arms. This documentary, which will eventually appear on PBS's "Independent Lens", mixes interviews and archival footage to present their experiences in Iraq and back home.
Part of the ITVS Community Cinema Film Series.
TUES 10/21
9pm
Rebecca Shrimpton
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10
Although the Ryles site says Shrimpton will perform "Requited" the album she recorded pianist Bert Seager where the lyrics were written by novelist Anita Diamant ("The Red Tent"), her MySpace says otherwise. She'll probably perform with the sax quartet from Jazz Composers Alliance, and that should please people who are looking for some quality vocal jazz backed by some cool arrangements.
From the Weekly List:
TUES 10/21
7pm
Winedown: "Passing the Baton"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Stop by for a little wine and conversation with Frank Kramer (store owner for the last 30 years) and Jeff Mayersohn (new owner). I wouldn't go out of my way, but I find Frank's story very interesting: He took over the book store in his early-20's(?) after both of his parents died and didn't expect to be in the book business for this long.
TUES 10/21
9pm
Sam Adams Beer Bowl
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+
From what I've heard the quantity of free booze is not as great as I remember from my Milky Way experiences, but there will be 'tastings' of various Sam brews from 9pm to 10pm. Three lanes will be alloted for a 'bowling tournament' -- with prizes -- starting at 9:30pm (first-come, first-serve).
Beer deal of the night: 22oz. mug of Sam Adams Oktoberfest for $4.
Update: People really do have fun after reading this stuff!
From Reader S.G.:
Some random person came up to me and said they needed one more person for their team, so I joined. Some how we managed to win the tournament and we each won a case of beer.
I didn't mean to stay out until 1 a.m.
Thanks for the heads up about that deal.
TUES 10/21
8:15pm
Oscar Castro-Neves
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10
Berklee is celebrating "50 Years of the Bossa Nova", and who isn't really? Guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves was right in there with Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim when bossa nova exploded. I saw a video of him singing in English, then I read he has lived in the US since '71 -- but he's the real bossa nova deal...
This Day in Boston History -- Oct. 21
1797:
The U.S.S. Constitution ("Old Ironsides") was launched in Boston Harbor.1975:
Carlton Fisk hit that famous homer where he cajoled it inside of the left field foul pole for a 7-6 victory in the 12th inning of Game 6. (Cheer up, folks. The Sox won in '04 and '07.)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Cheap Thrills: 10/20 to 10/25
Well, I got a weekly list out this week... My apologies to e-list subscribers who received an empty "table of contents". :-)
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MON 10/20
* Boston Skeptics in the Pub: "How Tigger Lost His Boing: Molecular Quackery"
* the morning benders
* Chris Robley, Audrey Ryan
TUES 10/21
* Winedown: "Passing the Baton"
* Sam Adams Beer Bowl
* Oscar Castro-Neves
WED 10/22
* John K. Hodgman w/ Jonathan Coulton, "More Information Than You
Require": Reading
* Jay Reatard, Cola Freaks, The Tampoffs, Vancougar
* "Body of War": Free Screening
THUR 10/23
* DMZ, The New Frustrations, Red Invasion
* Willard Grant Conspiracy, Chris Brokaw, Drew O'Doherty
* "The Battle of Algiers": Free Screening
* Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Pants Yell!, Cotton Candy
FRI 10/24
* Movers & Shakers, Where the Land Meets the Sea, Cold Beat
* Viva Viva, Ergot Rot, The Needy Visions
* "Iron Pour: Magic, Fire, Music, and Dance"
SAT 10/25
* Monster Mashup Ghost Party
--------------------------------------------------------------
MON 10/20
7pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub: "How Tigger Lost His Boing: Molecular Quackery"
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Now this is how drunken pseudo-science discourse is done! Sid Rodrigues is the organizer (organiser?) of the original "Skeptics in the Pub" group in London. He work in molecular genetics, but I don't know how he's going debunk the theories in "Winnie the Pooh"...
Go upstairs for the communal skepticism.
MON 10/20
8pm
the morning benders
at Puma Store, 333 Newbury St, Boston
FREE
How many of you have heard of the morning benders? I don't think I have before this week. They have a strong sense of songwriting. I get a feeling that their fanbase mainly consist of young girls, but I could totally be off-base... It's going to be a good acoustic set, if you can get in.
They even recorded about a dozen acoustic songs in their apartment. It may not be the best place for the new fan to start, but it's a free download...
MON 10/20
10pm
Chris Robley, Audrey Ryan
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE
The press clips compared Chris Robley to Elliot Smith and Lennon, and I was skeptical enough to want to drink in a pub (see above). There is some Elliot and John in Robley's songs, but it's not impersonations. Although he is from Oregon's Portland, and he's playing with Audrey Ryan from Bar Harbor.
Audrey probably doesn't care about the 'other' Portland, but I can have New England pride and declare her to be the true reason to go out on Monday night. Her high, hyponotic melodies carry the thoughtful lyrics around the room and land to tickle your ears.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TUES 10/21
7pm
Winedown: "Passing the Baton"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE
Stop by for a little wine and conversation with Frank Kramer (store owner for the last 30 years) and Jeff Mayersohn (new owner). I wouldn't go out of my way, but I find Frank's story very interesting: He took over the book store in his early-20's(?) after both of his parents died and didn't expect to be in the book business for this long.
TUES 10/21
9pm
Sam Adams Beer Bowl
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+
From what I've heard the quantity of free booze is not as great as I remember from my Milky Way experiences, but there will be 'tastings' of various Sam brews from 9pm to 10pm. Three lanes will be alloted for a 'bowling tournament' -- with prizes -- starting at 9:30pm (first-come, first-serve).
Beer deal of the night: 22oz. mug of Sam Adams Oktoberfest for $4.
TUES 10/21
8:15pm
Oscar Castro-Neves
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10
Berklee is celebrating "50 Years of the Bossa Nova", and who isn't really? Guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves was right in there with Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim when bossa nova exploded. I saw a video of him singing in English, then I read he has lived in the US since '71 -- but he's the real bossa nova deal...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WED 10/22
6pm
John K. Hodgman w/ Jonathan Coulton, "More Information Than You Require": Reading
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$5 (tix available at Brookline Booksmith)
He have dropped the "K", but as a fan of his first book (and Mac commercials as "PC" and McSweeney's pieces and "Daily Show" appearances) I will call him John K. Hodgman. After the absurdist, Pythonesque humor of his first book, "Areas of My Expertise", I'd read anything he writes. Hodgman returns to his hometown of Brookline for a reading from the 2nd book with Yale buddy & singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton pitching in with a little music here and there.
WED 10/22
9:30pm
Jay Reatard, Cola Freaks, The Tampoffs, Vancougar
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+
Friggin' awesome punk rock from around the globe (and Boston) with headliner Jay Reatard. Extra points to an all-female band from Vancouver calling themselves "Vancougar". If you don't know how to get advance tix at the Middle East, ask there or email me.
WED 10/22
6:30pm
"Body of War"
at 'The Loft', 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE
This is a heartbreaking story of Thomas Young, a soldier who was serving in Iraq for a week before he was paralyzed. Phil Donahue co-directed so you can imgaine there's a lean to the left, but I believe the core of the documentary is a view into Young's life after Iraq.
Members of "Iraq Veterans Against the War" will facilitate a discussion.
(I assume The Loft is above Cafe 939...)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THUR 10/23
DMZ (10:30pm), The New Frustrations (9:30pm), Red Invasion (11:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10
There's no other place to be tonight. I don't care if the Sox are playing in the World Series -- they have TV's. I don't care if it's your mom's birthday -- the food is fine in the restaurant. This is the '76-'78 lineup of DMZ, Boston's first great punk band. Somehow they're doing a show at Maxwell's in Hoboken on the weekend, and this is their first show with this lineup since a reunion about 15 years ago.
The New Frustrations and Red Invasion will rock you, but DMZ is the only thing that matters tonight.
THUR 10/23
10pm
Willard Grant Conspiracy, Chris Brokaw, Drew O'Doherty
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 / All Ages
Okay, I geek out for old-school punk rock (see above), but this is a spectacularly good night of music at a venue with superlative acoustics. The Willard Grant Conspiracy don't reside in Boston anymore, we can be proud that they started here. Who knows who will play with WGC mastermind Robert Fisher, but I'm amazed one can experience them in such an intimate setting. If you don't already love them, fans of American Music Club and Tindersticks will dig this. Chris Brokaw played with Thalia Zedek darkish-rock band Come, and he's pretty awesome in general. I think you'll like Drew O'Doherty also.
THUR 10/23
7:30pm
"The Battle of Algiers"
at Bartos Theatre, 20 Ames St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE
It's considered a cinematic masterpiece. This is a story about a military force from a first-world country as an unwelcome occupier of a Muslim country with torture of the citizens and many guerrilla attacks.
Umm, France... in Algiers... during the '50s...
THUR 10/23
8:30pm
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Pants Yell!, Cotton Candy
at Oxfam Cafe, Miller Hall basement, 210 Packard Ave, Medford (Tufts campus)
$8 / All Ages
For the electro folks. There are rather detiled directions on Oxfam Cafe's MySpace. I think they'll work.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FRI 10/24
9:30pm
Movers & Shakers, Where the Land Meets the Sea, Cold Beat, Lovers, Muggers, and Thieves
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+
FRI 10/24
9:30pm
Viva Viva, Ergot Rot, The Needy Visions
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$8 / 21+
Ergot Rot as Rotten Rex, doing an all T Rex cover set...
FRI 10/24
7:00－11:00 p.m.
"Iron Pour: Magic, Fire, Music, and Dance"
at MassArt Courtyard, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston
FREE / All Ages
w/ The Accordion Death Squad, Many Mansions; Truman Peyote, Peace+Quiet, and much more excitement...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAT 10/25
3pm to 4pm
Monster Mashup Ghost Party
Somewhere in Boston
FREE
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Link of the Week:
A site with slang and cultural touchstones from around the country.
Find out how people talk or correct someone else's entry.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Quote of the Week:
"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business."
-- Henry Ford
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
th-th-that's all, folks.
~r
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday Night Vide-O-bama! #12
Sen. Obama has quite a few funny lines in his speech from the Al Smith dinner a few days ago:
In fairness, Sen. McCain was funny also.
sun 10/19: ee cummings tribute
2pm
annual tribute to ee cummings
at forsyth chapel, forest hills cemetery, 95 forest hills ave, jamaica plain
$5
even though
I now know
that edward
estlin
cummings
didn't
actually
spell
his
name
in
lowercase,
but
I
still like doing it.
in a time when the relevance of poetry ranks somewhere below the sarah palin's pregnant daughter, cummings remains a favorite among readers (of my age at least).
beyond the visually stimulating whimsy of his syntax, the poems erupt with joy and passion. he may even be the godfather of text-messagers.
it was ee's birthday on tuesday, so his final resting place presents local poets (charles coe, robert k. johnson, and john sturm) reading a selection of his works and some of their pieces.
this year, singers jennifer ashe & martin near will perform some cummings poems that have been put to music by microtonal composer juila werntz. could be interesting...
afterwards a group will walk to his gravesite, and i suggest following along if you'd ever like to see it. (difficult to find, but it's near lake hibiscus.) people are encouraged to bring a memento or message to leave there.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sneak Peek -- SAT 10/18 & SUN 10/19
Yep, yep... Almost there...
Okay two more times -- Go Sox!
Do The Papi Pound tonight...
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SAT 10/18
Noon to 8pm
Boston Pumpkin Festival
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE
I think I liked the Common better than City Hall, but there will be thousands of pumpkins and various pumpkin & family fun. It was cool that they broke the "most jack-o-lanterns" record a couple years ago, but I was somewaht amused by seeing so many pumpkins. If you go, good times for music will be around 3:30pm (Barefoot Truth) and 7pm (Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra -- whatever you think of the name, it's a killer group).
Maybe we'll break the record again; people are encouraged to bring as many carved pumpkins and votive candles.
If you buy stuff, proceeds benefit Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses.
10/18
1pm to 4pm
Home Movie Day
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE
It's "Home Movie Day" around the world, and our closest location is Cambridge. You don't have to stay for the whole time. I imagine most of the video will be found footage, because how many people have the guts to bring embarrassing footage? Who knows...
Anyone can bring in 5 minutes (or less) of footage on VHS, DVD, 16mm, 8mm, or Super 8 you know Harvard Film archive must have a bitchin' audio-visual closet. (Film check-in is at noon; please cue tapes ahead of time.)
SAT 10/18
8pm to 9pm
Hank III, "Damn Right Rebel Proud": Listening Party
at Paradise Lounge, 969 Comm Ave, Boston (near BU)
FREE
This is the kind of country I can get behind! Hard-drinking, bad-ass songs that keeps the tradition alive yet sounds modern. I know Hank III doesn't like comparisons, but I bet his grandpa would do it much like this, if he were a young man today. So basically, hang out have a drink or two... Listen to the album... Grab a prize and/or giveaway... Enjoy the rest of the night.
SAT 10/18
9pm
CCTV 20th Anniversary Show
Feat: Three Day Threshold, The Sift, Magic People, Big Digits, Kindergarten Killers, "Project Documentary"
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+
A wide variety for the Cambridge Community TV anniversary show, so it's going to be a crazy (good) time. There are some really good performers like Three Day Threshold and Big Digits (in slightly different ways). Magic People are not typically my cup of tea, but they deservedly have their fans. I think Kindergarten Killers are a mom-and-son, guitar/drums noise-punk duo -- wow!
Classic CCTV footage will be pulled out for entertainment between bands, and a new documentary "Nuclear on the Block: Inside MIT’s Research Reactor" will have its premiere screening. (How many people knew there's a nuclear reactor in Cambridge?)
SAT 10/18
10pm
Boston Horns w/ Barrence Whitfield
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10
Thanks to the Boston Horns for having local pride. I saw them once playing their soulful New Orleans jazz without a vocalist, but match will meet gasoline with the Barrence Whitfield singing. BW is simply incredible rock-soul shouter and has a collbaorated with BH before including their new CD.
SAT 10/18 + SUN 10/19
8am to 5pm
Annual Head of the Charles Regatta
along The Charles River, Cambridge (and Boston) [PDF]
FREE
Unfortunately there's no live music this year, but everyone should go see this at least once. It'll be beautiful by the river, and you can watch a whole lotta rowing...
(A good spot to see the action is between Central Sq and Harvard Sq.)
SAT 10/18 + SUN 10/19
11am to 6pm
Annual Fort Point Open Studios
all around Fort Point, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE
This is the grandaddy of Boston Open Studios, and there are still hundreds of artists in the Fort Point area. I've said it before, but it's fun to talk to the artists and ask them questions. Many are friendly, at least for one week per year. Take some free cheese and wine when you see it...
SAT 10/18 & SUN 10/19
10am to 5pm
Wellfleet OysterFest
around Main Street, Wellfleet (Cape Cod)
FREE, pay-what-you-eat/drink
Almost everyone besides me owns a car, and now might be a weekend to actually drive somewhere since gas prices have been declining. It's probably much like any other street festival, but there's no better place for a shellfish lover to be this weekend.
Selfish lovers can go, but should consider their mate's feelings.
Both days feature oyster shucking contests from 1pm to 2:30pm with the finals on Sunday.
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SUN 10/19
2pm
annual tribute to ee cummings
at forsyth chapel, forest hills cemetery, 95 forest hills ave, jamaica plain
$5
it was ee's birthday on tuesday, so his final resting place presents local poets (charles coe, robert k. johnson, and john sturm) reading a selection of his works and some of their pieces. this year, singers jennifer ashe & martin near will perform some cummings poems that have been put to music by microtonal composer juila werntz. could be interesting...
afterwards a group will walk to his gravesite, and i suggest following along if you'd ever like to see it. (difficult to find, but it's near lake hibiscus.) people are encouraged to bring a memento or message to leave there.
SUN 10/19
6pm to 8pm
Four Stories, "The Big Trip": Reading
Feat: Andre Dubus III and Margot Livesey
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE
This month's theme is "The Big Trip: Stories of growing up, messing up, and everything along the way." I think there might be SIX stories on Sunday. Novelists Andre Dubus III ("House of Sand and Fog", etc) and Margot Livesey will read, but so will 2 high-school students from Grub St's Teen Writing Fellowship program and "up-and-coming authors from Beacon Academy". Maybe the Grub St kids and the Beacon Academy kids are the same two kids?
Think of the drinking in front of kids as a prep session for Thanksgiving...
SUN 10/19
9:30pm
Pretty & Nice, The Royalties, The Toothaches, Professor Pez
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$4 / 18+
You might think a show with Pretty & Nice and The Toothaches could get any cooler, but the two other bads are from Norway! And they sound really good! It's rare to find power-pop excellence at $1 per band -- let's not even consider what the cover charge converts into Euros... Pretty & Nice harken back to the time when punk and new wave and pop were colliding, and I love that! The Toothaches just left Boston for Brooklyn, but I can't help smiling and swaying when I listen.
