TUES 12/16: Shop, Listen, and/or Dance

Hey, you don't actually have to buy anything at the first 2 events listed below, but try not to look like you're just interested in free food or drink...

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TUES 12/16

5:30pm to 7pm
"Deadfall: Crime Stories by New England Writers": Book Launch
at Redbones, Downstairs, 55 Chester St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

"Murder Underbones" is a monthly event where you can meet some mystery writers and grab some free nosh. (Buy your own drinks, but it's a great selection.) "Deadfall" is the 6th anthology by this publisher. If you know someone who enjoys short stories and/or mysteries, this isn't a bad gift ($15), and Redbones/Underbones is a good stop to whet your whistle.

TUES 12/16

7pm to 10pm
Holiday Shopping (and Sipping) with LUPEC
at Grand, 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

I confess that I've walked by Grand a few times, but haven't gone in. It just seems a little too cool for a schlub like me. I know they don't care if I carry myself with any particular "vibe" or "aura", but I guess I needed extra motivation like a complimentary drink concocted by the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails. You might hot toddy or port punch with your name on it.

Besides their normal offerings of "contemporary furnishings, apparel and gifts", they've added a large cocktail and barware section. That's what LUPEC told me, and I tend to believe them.

You could also buy their "Little Black Book of Cocktails" ($15) as a gift (discounts when your purchase multiple copies).

TUES 12/16

9pm
New York Songwriters Circle
Feat: Mieka Pauley, Seth Glier, Amy Crawford, Nicole Berke, Julia Easterlin
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

The folkies that get involved with New York Songwriters Circle are generally serious and polished. It's been a regular gathering at NYC's Bitter End for almost 20 years, and they started a competition about 5 years ago. (Last month, the wonderful Mieka Pauley won the grand prize -- so even if it's rigged in some way, they have good taste!)

Tonight isn't a part of the contest, but Mieka and four other semi-local songwriters will each perform a few songs in the round. I listened to all of them, and it's not an heavily folky group. There's a lot of pop as well as jazz & soul influences among the performers. Not a bad apple among them.

("21+ unless with parent/guardian")

TUES 12/16

10pm
Ice Cream Social
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / $5 dressed up in 50's gear / 18+

It's a '50s and '60s dance party with couple of contemporary DJ's Chris Devlin (Spank Rock / BBC Soundsystem)and E-Marce (Throwed). There's also going to be live set from a really good power-pop band from Portland, The Leftovers. Sounds like they would really kill with Fifties/Sixties covers (along with some originals).

You might have stuff in your closet to look like the "fifties", look for tips here and here.