SUN 11/9: Art, Chili, Art, Rock

Woe (whoa?) to the guy who has too much fun to send out a list of fun.

Please stand by for further cheap thrills...

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SUN 11/9

Noon to 6pm
Annual Allston Open Studios
at 1 Braintree St & 119 Braintree St, Allston
FREE

Went last year, and it was a fun walk up, down, around the two buildings. As you'd expect, there's some interesting work going on in Allston. I'll give my rule of thumb: I try to engage the artist about their work and look interested if I'm going to have some of their wine and cheese.

Young residents of Allston and young-at-heart residents -- this is another chance to get a breathe in a big whiff of the creativity that's happening in your backyard -- and you can breathe in more than an ounce of this... For others, there's a bunch of bus lines that pass nearby, if you don't want to walk from the B Line (but it's not far, you lazy...).

Keep your eyes open for more nearby art exhibits...

SUN 11/9

2pm to 5pm
"The Great Chili Cookoff #2"
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
FREE

Okay, this probably isn't on most people's radar, but I bring it to you. [patting my own back] It's really happening though as you can see from the smack talk here.

There should be about 20 different chilis to taste in two categories: meat and veggie. Eat free chili, vote for your favorite, and drink cheap beer!

SUN 11/9

2:30pm to 5:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

Grab a sketchbook, drawing pad, mini-easel, stolen office paper, whatever -- and head down for artsy get-together of drinks, drawing, and other madcap fun. No one is going to criticize your drawing except when it's some wacky contest, so don't feel bad about your skills. You gotta start some time, and you're probably not going to find a cheaper life-drawing class... with a bar... and no teacher...

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

This month's models are the high-kicking (in theory, but somewhat stationary today) ladies of Can Can Revolution.

SUN 11/9

9:30pm
The Nightingales, Vagiant, Violet Violet, Apple Betty
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

Congratulations, Boston. After not making The Nightingales' (led by true UK punk pioneer Robert Lloyd) itinerary for 20 years, they're making one stop every since '06. In fairness, they took a long break -- and this isn't a nostalgia act either. It's challenging, abrasive rock as a peer of The Fall (when Mark E Smith was still good). Violet Violet is an upcoming UK trio of woman with lots of attitude who are touring with The Nightingales and give a bit of an arty, punky vibe a la The Slits, riot-grrl stuff, etc.

Proudly representing Boston happens to be two killer all-female punk bands. I saw Apple Betty a couple weeks ago, and they rocked out a coffeehouse at MIT; lots of rip, roarin' fun. Apple Betty come off as pretty nice girls, Vagiant are the bad-ass chicks who look like they would've smoked in the principal's face. If they're not wearing black leather, it might come off while seducing someone's boyfriend. That kind of punk chicks...

This show rocks out with its you-know-what out, especially for a Sunday night. And it's at PA's Lounge -- the bands are so good, I'd consider going...