THUR 12/31: Last Minute NYE Ideas

It's the end of the decade. It's a "blue moon".

The cheapest good time is to stock up on cava or prosecco and party with friends at someone's home.

It's true -- your chances of hooking up with a stranger is significantly lower if you stay in, but there's no need to spend a lot of money before your hip even hits the bar. There are places to go where you don't even have to spend more than $10 to get in some places. They might be crowded, although everywhere will be crowded.

If you don't want to go to a house party (or don't feel like crashing one) and you don't feel like staying home with a loved one(s) and a trove of booze -- then seriously consider somewhere close to home or T-friendly.

(Blue, Orange, Green and Red Lines will extend service until 2am. Commuter Rail has extended service too.)

Nothing ruins a good time like getting a DUI on the way home -- or something worse happening.

Yes, cabs will be available and busy. There might be other cities that offer a similar program, but Cambridge offers (up to) $35 cab vouchers to drunk people tonight that can be picked up at the restaurant/club where you're partying or you can print one [PDF] and pin it on your jacket...

I don't make resolutions at this time of year, but I think there will be a renewed site next week.

Happy New Year!

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THUR 12/31

10am to 4:45pm
Community Day
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Even the main exhibition "The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC" is also free since it's included with museum admission on other days. If you're interested in Egyptian archaelogy, this is the first display of most of these items that were discovered in 1915. I went to the last free day, and this was a good exhibit.

I also liked "Seeing Songs", the exhibit with about 60 paintings, photos, and video installations intended to celebrate and capture the spirit of music. As expected, Candice Breitz's "Queen (A Portrait of Madonna)" -- 30 screens of 30 people singing Madonna songs with no music -- was the highlight.

You can also check out "Toulouse-Lautrec's Paris" and an Albrecht Dürer exhibit (I love his work).

THUR 12/31 (and FRI 1/1)

11am to 4pm
"Winter Classic Spectator Plaza"
at Yawkey Parking Lot, about 85 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway Park)
FREE

FRI 1/1: 9am to 1pm

You don't need a ticket to the game to walk around check out the interactive, hockey-themed fun in the parking lot near Yawkey Way & Brookline Ave. I'm guessing it's a mix of activities, entertainment, giveaways, etc. Former Bruins may appear, as well as Dan Craig and Claude Julien.

You could win a pair of tickets if you go there before 2pm with a sign that includes a Winter Classic logo and a 98.5 Sports Hub logo. The most creative sign wins...

THUR 12/31

7pm to Midnight
First Night Outdoors
at Various Locations
FREE

If you want to hear lots of good music along with other entertainment, buying the button is definitely worth the $18 for the indoor performances around the city. You can also be a cheapo and dig the outdoor stuff for free.

Fireworks displays go off at 7pm and midnight. Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints play at Parkman Bandstand at 7:30pm and The Fatal Flaw follows at 10pm who are supposed to rock in the New Year at midnight.

There will be ice sculptures and art installations in Boston Common, and there will be a couple ice sculptures in Copley Square where WBZ is hosting a countdown show with live music, etc from 10pm to midnight...

THUR 12/31

Cassavettes (10:30pm), Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Gotta love Toad for having great free music all year long and just keep on keeping on for NYE. Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones will swing you into the good-time party mood, and this place has to usher the next decade with some rootsy rock, thanks to Cassavettes.

Get there early, if you really want to get in. Newtowne Grille across the street should be hopping too...

THUR 12/31

9:30pm
Jason Anderson & The Best, Strand of Oaks, Ette
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 -- 21+ / $10 -- 18+

I'm not sure if NYE at PA's is really a step up from a house party, but it should be a good, folk-rocky, positive vibe. It looks like it's hard to have a bad time when you're hanging out with Jason Anderson.

THUR 12/31

10pm
Dennis Brennan Quatro
at Atwood's Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge
$10 / 21+

If I was thinking about going to a bar tonight, I think I'd want to listen to the amazing Dennis Brennan rock out with the "Quatro", a lean, mean outfit among his many bands. The beer selection is awesome; the tunes will be awesome, and I like the food there too.

THUR 12/31

10pm
Michael Tarbox
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Think of it as a stripped-down version of the Ramblers as Tarbox will be joined by drummer Adam Mujica for a wicked night of Americana where old-time/gospel collides with gut-bucket bluesy rock.

THUR 12/31

10pm
Otis Grove
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Jazzy, funky, rocky organ trio could be the right soundtrack to leap from the Naughties into the Teens.

New Year's Eve Midnight Guide

I've got some cheap fun for today and tonight to post, but below is my "Global Midnight Party Guide".

It's a list of places that are celebrating midnight -- organized by the time in Boston (or Eastern Standard Time, whatever). Yes, some places have a "half-hour" time zone.

Feel free to toast the world throughout the day and night. Don't know where these places are? Should that stop you from celebrating their New Year?

11am

Hong Kong
Beijing
Manila
Taipei

Noon

Bangkok
Hanoi
Jakarta

1pm

Dhaka
Almaty

1:30pm

Mumbai
New Delhi
Kolkata

2pm

Islamabad
Lahore
Karachi

2:30

Kabul

3pm

Dubai

3:30pm

Tehran

4pm

Moscow
Baghdad
Riyadh
Kuwait City
Nairobi

5pm

Jerusalem
Beirut
Cairo
Johannesburg
Istanbul
Helsinki
Bucharest
Athens

6pm

Barcelona
Paris
Algiers
Amsterdam
Copenhagen
Milan
Berlin
Prague
Warsaw

7pm

Reykjavik
Casablanca
Dublin
London
Lisbon

8pm

Atlantis?

9pm

Rio de Janeiro
Sao Paulo
Buenos Aires

10pm

Santiago
Asuncion

10:30pm

Newfoundland

11pm

Santo Domingo
La Paz
San Juan
Halifax

11:30pm

Caracas

WED 12/30: Art, Bingo, Dancing

Well, better than yesterday. It could be a good day for writing cheaply...

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WED 12/30

7pm to 9pm
"23 Actions"
at MEME Gallery, 55 Norfolk St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

It's going to be a cluster-shabam of performance art. In various media, you'll see the results of 23 artists who were given two months to complete a rather esoteric to-do list like "play basketball in high-heels," and "hug underwater" that also includes rather mundane tasks.

Together it may create a rather weird set of artist-curator collaborations. It's an "exhibition for one evening only with mystery guests and performances." Don't worry about being late or being there for the whole time; stay for a little or stay longer.

Artists include (without links, sorry): Dirk Adams, Sam Cormier, Anrdea Evens, Philip Fryer, Rebecca Geekie, Brandon Goddard, Siri Gossman, Merideth Hillbrand, Risa Horn, Jen Hui Bon Hoa, Sean Kay, Julio Lamilla, Alex Margitich, Taylor McVay, Maria Molteni, Liz Munsell, Vela Phelan, Alicenne Reid, Sandrine Schaefer, Evan Smith, Kirk Amanal Snow, Vlad, Alice Vogler

WED 12/30

9pm
Rock N' Roll Bingo
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE

Here's the lowdown on Rock N' Roll Bingo:

It's bingo, but you play it in a bar late at night. If you went to a regular bingo night at your local church (or whatever), there would be loads of old people that spend most of their time thinking about bingo, soap operas, their meals & desserts, and winning at bingo.

Most professional bingo-playing old people won't show up, so you have a sporting chance at winning one of the 5+ games. When I went to the last session at the Model Cafe, I might have been the oldest person -- and I can still pass for young when I wear a baseball hat. The prizes were drinks at the bar, and there is no reason to think it should be significantly different.

Instead of disinterested hipsters, it was a pleasant surprise to see people getting excited about their impending near-victories. It may have been the good music played in between games (thanks to the DJ) or the libations. Feel free to make your own judgment -- or just grab one of the marker pens and have a good time.

The free cupcakes were pretty darn delicious, so save room for dessert -- take it to your granny and don't tell her where you got it...

Be careful that you don't grab cards with same numbers. Hey, don't complain when it's free...

The new cool bingo game (sorta) returns to the home of an old cool bingo game.

[Facebook]

WED 12/30

9:30pm
Bodega Girls Lo-Fi Hedonistic Dance Party w/ Mystery Roar
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

This is something so good that it's lasted and may just have to be big because it's a big ludicrous. Half of Read Yellow make up half of the group along with (usually) rocker/folker Jake Brennan and Mac from Big Digits -- who regularly have tongue planted in their beat-making cheeks. The Boston-centric lyrics are funny but not jokey; listen to "She's Into Black Guys", and tell me a suburban-girl-who-goes-to-The-Western-Front-to-meet-guys isn't great song material.

Who needs earnestness when there are sleazy disco-rock jams to party down? Maybe this will be the night for me, but it's hard to say what the Bodega Girls will actually do. Some will DJ... Maybe some singing... Mystery Roar will do their disco-rock/electro thang...

My advice is to celebrate NYE tonight and get a head start on all the other fools...

TUES 12/29: Pre-NYE Music

Oh, boy. The smog in LA is really doing a number on me now. Let's see how it goes for the next couple days... And believe it or not, this was further delayed by lousy internet service. (Thanks, AT&T!)

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TUES 12/29

7:30pm
Rick Berlin, Mimi Lavalley & Dan Fram, So Sol
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8 / 21+

It's an intimate night of song with the inimitable Rick Berlin as the highlight. Somehow he wrings out more passion and emotion beyond the some of his voice, words, and piano. Mimi & Dan will get their indie/country/folk thing on. Check out So Sol's Portuguese translation of "Walkin' After Midnight"; I really dug it!

TUES 12/29

The Neats (10:35pm), Classic Ruins (9:45pm), Kenny Chambers & Stone Strangers (9pm), Satin Kittens (8:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

The Neats are the special guest tonight as they play an extended set prior to their First Night reunion performance. This classic powerpop outfit doesn't play very frequently, so this is probably the best gig of the night -- if you have other plans on New Year's Eve. It's an all-around night of Boston awesomeness with the most-rockin' Classic Ruins and Kenny Chambers (ex-Moving Targets, Bullet LaVolta). When Chambers plays as Stone Strangers, it's more of a country-flavored affair, but it's still pretty cool.

I put the times as I read them from the booker. They seem to run close to reality when I've been to Church in the past.

TUES 12/29

10:30pm
M.O.T.O., TRiPLE THiCK
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

I'm really torn, 'cause I could say this could be the best bet of the night. The dude from MOTO is moving back to New Orleans from Providence, so this may be the last local gig for a while. Along with Triple Thick, it's going to be a pretty sweet punk n' garage fest.

MON 12/28: Folk, Rock

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I'll be back on track soon. It's difficult to type while mom is constantly offering cookies and sweets. (I know. Things could be worse.)

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MON 12/28

7pm
"A Tribute to the 1990s"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

Feat: Ryan Fitzsimmons, Bridget Matros, Bethel Steele, Danielle Doyle, Sarah Green w/ Andy Cambria, Mark Stepakoff, others

About 17 follky acts are each going to do a song from the decade. They'll cover the bases from Pearl Jam to Sinead O'Connor to EMF to Billy Ray Cyrus to Tom Waits to Bush, Counting Crows and more.

MON 12/28

9pm
Archelon, Shore Leave, Girlfriends, Streight Angular
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Why has it taken about three times for me to get into Girlfriends? I feel like I was listening to a different band on the wrong MySpace page (which could happen to me). This is rockin' stuff! With Streight Angular, much of the songs are pumping and churning under a pleasant veil of fuzz and are steady and catchy underneath. Things get a bit progressive with the next two bands, but Shore Leave put together some cool parts that kept me listening, but Archelon is a little 'too cool for school' (imho). Also really well played, but something didn't do it for me. (I think they're playing last).

12/28: Overslept...

...on the West Coast. Am going to drink some coffee then post a couple gigs.

Maybe give some cheap New Years Eve crap in the middle of the night (tomorrow morning)...

SUN 12/27: Xmas' Last Gasp, Laughs, Tunes, Etc

Jeez, I'm getting tired of visiting with relatives. (Johnny Walker, take me away!)

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SUN 12/27

2pm & 7pm
"Tru Grace: Holiday Memoirs"
at Central Square Theater, 450 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 * with Discount Code

Still in the mood for some Xmas spirit? I believe you'll feel that warm, fuzzy feeling after watching these two stories. If not, just hang out at the mall and watch the consumers lurch along.

Find discount code and showtimes (and more) here in the post below. Today's the last performances of the season.

SUN 12/27

9pm
Rob Potylo, Niki Luparelli & The Gold Diggers, Mehran
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

The artist formerly known as Robby Roadsteamer wants to use is given name. He's joined by other funny and/or musical people. If you want to learn more, watch "Quiet Desperation".

MC: Tom Dustin

SUN 12/27

9pm
Fox Pass
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5

This is one of those classic Boston powerpop bands that started out way back in the day, and they've reconvened to sound just as good as before. They're set to do about 90 minutes tonight.

SAT 12/26: Stories & Songs & Napkins

Wow, writing this from the West Coast is three hours harder than usual... I might have missed some stuff, but these are top-quality cheap entertainment options. I saw another music gig that was also pretty good, but I liked this one better (and it's cheaper).

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SAT 12/26

2pm & 8pm
"Tru Grace: Holiday Memoirs"
at Central Square Theater, 450 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 * with Discount Code

Still in the mood for some Xmas spirit? I believe you'll feel that warm, fuzzy feeling after watching these two stories. If not, just hang out at the mall and watch the consumers lurch along.

Find discount code and showtimes (and more) here in the post below. Check the schedule since there are still a couple performances.

SAT 12/26

7:30pm
Jesse Dee

10pm
Christoph Krey, Leo Blais, Adena Atkins, others

at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Maybe it's a full day of going to stores for returns and sales, or maybe it's a day of playing with new stuff, or maybe it's time to recover on the couch. It could be a good night to sneak into a tiny bar and hoist as many adult beverages as possible while listening to some cool tunes at a relaxed volume. You can chat, but not too close to the stage...

You'd miss the soulful singer-songwriter Jesse Dee who has a big bag of strong songs, and he's pretty damn nimble on the gee-tar. I would've put his Christmas song in my holiday mix, but it looked like I'd have to wait for the LP to arrive...

If you stick around, the late show might have a little Xmas theme. At least 3 talented folks will probably perform solo sets. Maybe join together for a couple tunes. It's been deemed a "bonfire session" in a couple spots.

Christoph Krey is the singer in the dependably rockin' McAlister Drive. Leo Blais seems like a very creative guy who makes makes powerpop with a strong aesthetic sense that includes handmaking the artwork on his CD's and decorating his apartment with his lyrics. I think I've heard Adena Atkins on WERS, because she sounded familiar to me. If not familiar, she sounds like a lovely sprite ensconced in delicate, alluring songs.

SAT 12/26

8pm
MC Mr. Napkins
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

To witness the full genius -- and I really mean "genius" -- of Zach Sherwin/MC Mr. Napkins, you could do worse than going to Passim tonight. I read that he's doing an hour set. That might be a stretch for some comedians, Napkins is the funniest rapper you may ever hear. The material is so clever, and I don't hear any filler in there. There's an unreal amount of hilarity per minute, and he doesn't reach for easy jokes; the humor is smart and never mean.

The countdown continues before Sherwin leaves townn to become a huge star in L.A. at the end of the year. If not tonight, find him soon. (Club Passim has barely started selling beer and wine for those who may be used to the comedy club vibe...)

FRI 12/25: Comedy, Film

C'mon... Are you serious? There's always little to do on Christmas (besides the usual stuff). You can eat at a Chinese restaurant, and you can see a movie.

Ho, ho, ho. Happy B-day, Jesus, since it's celebrated today.

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FRI 12/25

7:30pm to 9:30pm
"Alana Eisner's Very Jewish Christmas Show".
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE / 18+

Feat: Jenny Z, Alex Grubard, Dab Crohn, Mike Pincus, Toby Moriseaunu, Zach Sherwin

Kudos to the folks at Great Scott and the comedians who are coming out and doing a special version of the weekly comedy show. Sure... The comedians are mainly Jewish, and the bar staff are probably a bunch of hipster humanists -- that doesn't matter! Most people lay around and do nothing interesting on the 25th.

People will be funny for free! The drinks are reasonably priced! This is what I call a gift. It could happen on another night of the year, but it's this Friday. This is one of Zach Sherwin's (MC Mr Napkins) last shows before he moves to L.A. too... You don't even need to bring an unwrapped gift or canned food.

FRI 12/25 & SAT 12/26

Midnight
"Die Hard 2: Die Harder"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$7.75

You may think that all of the "Die Hard" sequels were cheesy regurgitations of the original, but the second film holds up pretty well (and the third one has its moments).

The beauty of watching it this weekend is that they came up with another way of screwing up Christmas for the McClane family. The estranged wife is flying back east to give it another chance, but the entire airport happens to get hijacked when her flight is arriving. The dutiful husband/cop/action hero springs into action and kicks ass again.

I won't say that it's better than the original, but Bruce Willis is having a lot of fun with the part and inhabits the character with more gusto.

Xmas Music Mix 2009

Well... I rushed it and didn't do it as well as I'd like, but you can enjoy the music anyway. I gotta go do some last-minute holiday crap, so the zip file includes the songs and a list with my preferred song sequence.

Enjoy! [YouSendIt or Sendspace]

1) "Santa Claus" - The Sonics
2) "Fairytale of New York" - Yoni Gordon & The Goods
3) "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" - Julian Casablancas
4) "Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)" - Asobi Seksu
5) "Rock and Roll Xmas" - Brett Rosenberg
6) "Little Drummer Boy" - The Dandy Warhols
7) "Christmas In Hollis" - Run DMC
8) "Santa Claus Is Comin" - Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents
9) "Hanukkah, O Hanukkah" - The Yule Logs
10) "Christmas" - Forest Fires
11) "Everything Is One Big Christmas Tree" - The Magnetic Fields
12) "Frosty The Red-Nosed Snowman" - Aqua Teen Hunger Force
13) "Do They Know It's Christmas" - Pete Yorn
14) "Christmas (Pon Da Island)" - Mon Talk
15) "2000 Miles" - Merrie Amsterburg
16) "If You Hear A Knock" - Sean Bones
17) "Last Christmas" - Left Hand Does
18) "Tannenbombs" - Those Transatlantics
19) "Il Est Né" - Tom Tom Club
20) "Jingle Jingle" - Three Day Threshold & Summer Villains
21) "This Holidád (Feed Them Holidád)" - Jason Halogen, Brendan Boogie and the Holidád All-Stars
22) "Miss Christmas" - Zach Curd & Annie Moss

Thanks to the places where I picked up the songs (and I did pay or donate where requested), in no particular order: Boston Band Crush, Yoni Gordon, Brett Rosenberg, Three Day Threshold & Summer Villains, Street Kiss, For the 'records', The Indie Music Database, silence is a rhythm too, and The Days of Lore.

THUR 12/24: Got Nothing

Yeah... So maybe head to the nearest hill with a piece of cardboard and go sledding...

You gotta think any local bar will be full of... Well, maybe it'll be open...

If you're looking for some holiday music, check back around 1pm/2pm and I might have a zip file of indie and/or off-kilter tunes for you to download.

On the bright side, I could also have a post for tomorrow like a comedy show at Great Scott, etc.

~r

WED 12/23: Theatre, Rock, Comedy

So I didn't make it to Toad last night, but I did make my flight. I'm loving Virgin so far, and wi-fi is free through 1/15! (Yeah, I'm on a plane without snakes.)

It's going to be warmer in L.A., but I really do wish I was in Boston for at least one more day to soak in the free rock along Mass Ave.

So far, I think I don't have anything for tomorrow night but we'll see. Feel free to make a suggestion...

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WED 12/23

7:30pm
"Tru Grace: Holiday Memoirs"
at Central Square Theater, 450 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 * with Discount Code

Not feeling the Xmas spirit? I believe you'll feel that warm, fuzzy feeling after watching these two stories. If not, you'll be well on the way.

Find discount code and showtimes (and more) here in the post below. Check the schedule since there are still a couple performances.

WED 12/23

8pm
Annual Holiday Party
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Paula Kelley, Corin Ashley, Marc Pinansky, Jason Dunn, Mark Lind, Brendan Little, Tom Baker & John Brookhouse, Kevin Stevenson & Dave Aaronoff, Jim Buni, more

Some of my favorite days/nights are spent at the periodic free/acoustic shows at TT's. They often post a tentative schedule, but they've given up this year. Everyone is going to do a few songs, and they're all pretty much awesome, so get there early and be prepared to stay 'til the very end. (Or skip out to the Plough...) Seriously, this is one of the best shows that happens every year, and I'm sad that I'm missing it.

(Dude, Paula Kelley is home for the holidays!)

WED 12/23

8pm
Comedy Night Feat. Mehran
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

This was one of those I couldn't double-check, but it's listed on the Middlesex site. Who knows how many comedians will perform (or for who long), but Mehran is one of the funniest guys I've heard in a long time.

When someone grows up as a chubby, gay Iranian kid; there's plenty of material to work with. He has a rapid delivery and excellent rhythm to keep you laughing. Check him out in the web series "Quiet Desperation" as well.

WED 12/23

10pm
The Downbeat 5, JJ & Thee Cuban Heels
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE-ish

It feels like it's been too long since The Downbeat 5 has ripped it up, but they're giving garage/punk fans an early Xmas present. Jen and JJ have been busy doing separate splendid projects, so it's good to see we can still hear them together in concert. When you combine Jen's powerhouse voice and JJ's riff-tastitc perfection with the pounding rhythm section, it's some of the best high-octane rock blending punk and soul and a dash of Brill-Building pop.

It's a double dose of Rassler with Thee Cuban Heels, his new band that is sure to dig deep into the feral, little-heard rock and R&B of the 50's and 60's. It's going to be a treat.

TUES 12/22: Dance Bands & Singer-Songwriters

Not exactly the usual dance stuff (country and klezmer), but you can still dance. And don't let me stop you from dancing anywhere tonight -- or any time...

It's that time of the year where people are running around. (I know I've been running here and there.) There might not be a lot of stuff to do in the next few days, but I'll keep an eye out for you.

Happy Festivus, everyone!

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TUES 12/22

8pm
Annual Old-Time Music & Clogging Party
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Feat: Dixie Butterhounds, Ann Whiting, Michael Cooper, French Roast, Notorious, more

When they say "old-time", they mean it. These folk bands and clog dancers maintain the sounds of traditional Appalachian, New England, and Canadian music. This is one of those shows that seems like a trip back in time to me, but this is still contemporary for those who live it.

Part of the fun will be to join in the dancing, and the cloggers will help you figure it out. If you go, prepare yourself to join in the fun.

One of the tentative act is the Dreaded Banjo Orchestra, where more than a dozen banjoists are led by Rick Lee. I won't be there, but I'm dreading it.

Festivities are hosted by Sandy Sheehan of Sandy's Music and WUMB.

TUES 12/22

Audrey Ryan (10pm), Danielle Miraglia (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE / 21+

Both shows at Toad get thumbs up. Danielle Miraglia sings with a sultry, soulful voice and has got some sweet fingerpicking guitar chops. Her songs are often meaningful stories chock full of emotion.

As for Audrey Ryan, I have to borrow extra thumbs to stick in the air. There are a lot of great musical acts around town, but I put her in the top echelon for having the talent and vision to do something really special. Just like on her new CD, she'll probably play multiple instruments while setting her songs into the air to dance around your ears.

I taking an early-morning flight tomorrow, and I'm still thinking about catching Audrey Ryan's set!

TUES 12/22

10pm
The Klezwoods
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

I really don't know why it's labeled "Klezwoods for Christmas" on the Atwoods Tavern site, especially since the band describes themselves as "Jew-jazz". I dig klezmer music, and The Klezwoods do a great job of adding other elements for a more developed sound that's wonderfully festive. (You should also be prepared to dance at this gig.)

TUES 12/22

10:30pm
Aaron Perrino, Josh English
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

So it looks like Aaron Perrino has been enjoying the solo performances, because I've noticed him stepping out lately. If his Alchemist Lounge show is an indication, it should be a mix of Dear Leader and Sheila Divine songs as well as some fun covers. Josh English used to front Boston rockers Six Going on Seven, and now lives in Oregon writing some more really excellent songs.

MON 12/21: Music & Shakespeare

Happy Solstice, everyone! The days will be getting longer now...

Update: As of 3:30pm, you can still RSVP for "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

Supposedly around 11pm, members of the "Mamma Mia!" cast are doing a "Christmas cabaret" tonight at Club Cafe ($10 suggested donation). Proceeds benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

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MON 12/21

8pm to 9pm
Three Day Threshold: UNHCR Benefit
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

The "doors may open" at 7pm, but Three Day Threshold is playing around 8pm as far as I know. They'll probably be joined at least some of the Summer Villains for an hour of kick-ass honky-tonkin', jingle-bell-shakin' good times. They've recorded some holiday tunes, so be prepared...

There are some people that like to slag the United Nations, but the UNHCR is one of the most productive agencies in the world as far as providing real aid to refugees all over the world. (My uncle used to work for them, and you could tell these people really friggin' hard.)

MON 12/21

10pm
The Windy Smiles, Second Floor Stories
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

It looks like Second Floor Stories is driving up from New Jersey to lay down some sweet tunes along with The Windy Smiles for an indie, folky, rootsy time. It's free, folks. Give the love, and get the love.

MON 12/21

10:30pm to Midnight
"A Midsummer Night's Dream": Winter Solstice Open Rehearsal
at Midway Studios, 15 Channel Center St, Boston (Fort Point/Seaport)
FREE

You could wait until summer to get a free fix of Shakespeare in the Common, but there is a group that performs throughout the year in small venues around town. For a little irony, the winter production takes place in the middle of summer. (These people are good actors!)

The play runs from 12/30 to 1/24, but you can RSVP to see if there's still any room for tonight's open rehearsal. It should be a fun experience to also interact with the director and actors more than a usual night.

The official info states: "We will begin promptly at 10:30PM and end at midnight."

12/20: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

For those who love "The Office" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas"...

SUN 12/20: Theatre, Caroling, Beer, Scrooges

Well, it's not snowing yet as I write this. We'll see what happens, but I'm predicting this "blizzard" is going to be a bust in Boston...

Go out and do your stuff. Or stay in and watch football.

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SUN 12/20

2pm
"Tru Grace: Holiday Memoirs"
at Central Square Theater, 450 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 * with Discount Code *

Adaptations of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" and Grace Paley's "The Loudest Voice".

Find discount code and showtimes (and more) here in the post below.

SUN 12/20

4pm
Annual Caroling Mob
meet at Forest Hills T, about 3798 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

If it looks okay, these folks are going to walk around JP and sing holiday songs. If the weather is still terrible, the group will stay inside of the station.

There is little chance of getting any figgy pudding, but dozens of people will probably show up. Anyone who feels like singin with other cheerful people can show up.

SUN 12/20

8pm
Sex and Drugs Trivia: "Narraganset for a Year"
at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

Unlike other pub trivia, the questions are about stuff you think you know about. Except sex and drugs encompass a lot of area. When Team Bostonist win, I think there were 4 rounds that each had a theme that was similar in form to other pub trivia. As far as team sizes, they welcome "3somes, 4somes and full on orgies."

You could go any Sunday night and possibly win a cool prize, but this week's grand prize is a year's supply of Narraganset Beer. (It ain't the best beer, but it's a good cheap beer.) I've heard of this promotion before, and I think they drop off a couple cases of 'Gansett at your house every month. That's the gift that keeps on giving!

SUN 12/20

9:30pm
The Scrooges, Cocked 'n Loaded, Vagiant
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10

As soon as "Scrooges season" begins, the last show of the year arrives. Ain't it wonderful that we have a bunch of sleazy rockers in dirty Santa suits who rip through a bunch of songs by Iggy Pop & The Stooges? These are the kind of yuletide traditions I can support!

In musical support, it's the two bands that refer to genitalia (for Saturnalia?)... It's a loud and fast rock party that would be a good night to take your hands out of your pockets and through the goat horns. Vagiant the devil-may-care/bad-ass quartet of punk rock chicks serve it up as you might expect. Cocked N' Loaded throw down the hard-rock hammer pretty hard like some of the best guys from Australia.

Sneak Peek: SAT 12/19

Keep your fingers crossed...

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SAT 12/19

1pm
Boston Santacon
Meet at Purple Shamrock, 1 Union St, Boston (near Faneiul Hall)
End up in Harvard Square
FREE -- Whatever you drink

The best pub crawl for people who have Santa suits. Check out the route, if you want to see the a gang of drunkens Noels.

SAT 12/19

4:30pm to 9pm
Annual Illuminations Tour
at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
Tickets: $10 / $5 -- for 12 and under & 60 and over

Am pretty sure it's sold out, but some tix may be available if you go down to City Hall... (I even tried to tell you about it a couple days ago.)

SAT 12/19

7:30pm
Cassavettes
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

I didn't bother listening to the late band, but Cassavettes rock (in their own rootsy way).

SAT 12/19

8pm to 11pm
3rd Annual "Good Cheer Festival"
Feat: Jason Anderson & Friends
at Nave Gallery, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powder House Blvd, Somerville (Teele Sq)
FREE / Donation of canned goods encouraged

This guy lives in Brooklyn but seems to have some serious love for Boston that he comes up for three Christmases in a row to sing holiday tunes, make you sing 'em too, and generally share some positive vibes 'n cookies 'n nog. They'll read some holiday stories ("Gift of the Magi", I hope!) and givae a prize for "best holiday sweater" too.

As Jenny (who told me about this show) says, "It all sounds terribly cheesy, but having been to it last year and seen it myself, it's really quite wonderful and unashamedly cheery."

SAT 12/19

9:30pm
Tony the Bookie, Pants Yell, Wallcreeper, Sodafrog
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 18+

It's billed as "PA's Holiday Party". If they hang up some decorations, PA's should leave them up all year. The place could definitely use some livening up besides having darn-good indie-rockitude.

SAT 12/19

9:30pm
The Big Big Bucks, The Konks, Babydriver, Bar Sinister
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 21+

Any show with The Konks gets my thumbs up. The Big Big Bucks rock out too.

SAT 12/19

10pm
Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, The Phil Aiken Army
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5-ish / 21+

Marvelous big, modern soul and piano pop at the best-kept secret in Davis Square.

FRI 12/18: Comedy, Rock, Comedy, Rock

(I want to say "$&*#!!!", but I'll say "Egads!" Here's what was supposed to be an early post today...)

I know it's a busy time of year but, there are some good ways to blow off your responsibilities.

Congratulations to Boston! We won the Poe debate last night, which makes sense since he was born and spent his formative years here. (Maybe he'd disagree, but too bad...)


For those who are looking to buy something artsy-crafty for that naughty person in your life, think about Holiday Handjobs at the Dilboy Hall. I doubt any of the holiday fairs get this queer.

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FRI 12/18

7:30pm
The Gas
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Rob Cantrell, Reggie Williams, Dave Boz, Tim Vargulish, Chris Coxen, Morgan Smith, Mike Magid

Anderson Comedy has The Gas every Friday, and I'm an advocate of the idea of early Friday fun so you can spend the rest of the night drinking yourself to oblivion -- or whatever you'd like to do.

It's a rotating lineup, and touring comedian Rob Cantrell is on board tonight. One of his favorite topics is getting high (e.g. appeared in the "Marijuana-logues"), so he's going to be signing copies of "High Times" at Green Side Up Gallery, the relatively new head shop below Great Scott from 6pm to 7pm (enter on Harvard St, I think). Cantrell apparently writes for the magazine.

FRI 12/18

The Vivs (8pm), Monique Ortiz (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Go for the incredibly well-written power-pop -- and stay for what may be solo bass anchoring intensely emotional songs.

FRI 12/18

9pm
Milky Way Holiday Show
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$7 / 21+

Feat: Ambitious Tugboat, The Woodrow Wilsons, Coyote Kolb, Thick Shakes, Babydriver

Take a handful of folky/rootsy and garage/indie-rock bands and force them to include 3 holiday songs in their set (covers or originals), and you've got a party. Bring a co-worker and make a pass at them!

Though they may be quite different from each other, I really like The Woodrow Wilsons and Thick Shakes. The other bands are quite good as well. I wish the Milky Way was still at its old location, but it is a closer walk from the T...

FRI 12/18

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Probably Jewish"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 -- 21+ / $10 -- 18+

We are a few candles into the menorah season, so why not have a "Probably Jewish" gig? It's not often that I list two comedy shows on one night, but this really is more than a comedy show. It feels more like a (usually) themed variety show with many funny people and cool bands.

Feat: Mehran Khaghani, Lucas Lewis

And usually featuring: Chris Braiotta, Nick Branigan, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Keira Horowitz, Caitlin Roy, TD Sidell

Musical guests: Cotton Candy, Hands & Knees

FRI 12/18

The Figgs (11:30pm), The Russians (10:30pm), Corin Ashley Quartet (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Oh, man! This is the rock show I wholeheartedly endorse. Ever since I spent a week in an RV with their "Sucking in Stereo" CD, I've been in love with The Figgs. They cover a lot of ground, but they should be considered one of the great American rock 'n roll bands. Do yourself a favor and get into this show, because they usually raise the roof in concert.

The wonderful Corin Ashley is opening with three other friends. It could be any of the talented musicians in town, but I'd guess at least one of his fellow Pills will join him -- if not more. (It's that time of year when folks visit home…) Likewise, The Russians usually include the players that other bands want to steal from, and they've got more than enough high-quality pop-rock in their bag.

FRI 12/18

9pm
Mean Creek, Township, Movers & Shakers, Cropduster
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

As much as I love the show at TT's, this show would normally make me salivate. (There was a moment when I wondered if it would be feasible to hear every band at both clubs.) Mean Creek and Movers & Shakers are two of the most impressive young bands in Boston. Township won the Rumble a couple years ago. I like Cropduster too. If I wasn't trying to get this out early, I would sing the praises of all these bands.

THUR 12/17: Poe Debate, Uke, Rock

I don't often look at my 'site statistics', but I noticed that people have been visiting for the Macy's coupon that I posted last year. I don't know if it'll work; I'll definitely post again if I find one. I did see this 20% coupon for Good Vibrations if you're in the market for adult merchandise. (Print it out if you're going to Brookline or use the online code.)

People also like cute kids singing Jason Mraz songs, because a lot of people clicked on Sunday's off-topic video. Go figure...

Some more-than $10 Thursday goodness:

Chandler Travis's annual "Christmas Cavalcade For the Homeless" at Johnny D's. There is a ridiculously long list of excellent performers like Dennis Brennan, Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents, The Everyday Visuals, a collaboration between Clint Conley (Mission of Burma) & Hugo Burnham (Gang of Four), and many more. The $15 cover goes to the Somerville Homeless Coaltition.

I love walking around the Gardner Museum anytime, and tonight is their monthly "After Hours" program ($12 or less) with a Saturnalia theme.

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THUR 12/17

7pm
"The Great Poe Debate"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

There are literature events at the BPL every week, but this may be the one that fills Rabb Hall to capacity. I'm not kidding (but there's always a chance that I live in a fantasy world). I think the result of this debate will be mentioned in practically every subsequent story about Edgar Allan Poe will likely reference this debate between Boston, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Our eminent Poe scholar Prof. Paul Lewis (American Lit, BC) takes on the curator of the Poe House in Baltimore and a major Poe guy from Philly, where each will state their case that Edgar truly belongs to their respective city. Charles Pierce (NPR, Globe, etc) will moderate, so we at least have a hometown referee...

Before the bicentennial year of the author's birth, a new exhibition "The Raven in the Frog Pond: Edgar Allan Poe and the City of Boston", is opening today in the Cheverus Room (McKim, 3rd floor) that includes rare manuscripts, letters, etc that focuses on his Boston years.

THUR 12/17

7pm
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Besides the intrinsic charm of Melvern Taylor's songs, these guys play with a perfectly breezy, old-time acoustic swing as Taylor strums the ukulele and sings in a clear and rich tones. This masterful blend of country, jazz, and Tin Pan Alley should be heard.

THUR 12/17

9pm
Hallelujah the Hills, Faces on Film, Tulsa, Jesse Gallagher
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

This is a killer show any night of the year. Hallelujah the Hills is one of my favorite bands in town. This ragged, textured, intelligent indie-rock is the stuff that really tickles my monkey-bone. The new CD sounds great, but one of my faves is still "Wave Backwards To Massachusetts".

I think the main attraction of Faces on Film is the delicately crafted songs, and it doesn't hurt that the entire band create a gorgeous, dreamy tapestry that wraps around them. Tulsa kicks my butt, because I love it when rippling waves of really loud, fuzzy, southern-drenched rock crashes into my ears. I bet he's singing about something meaningful, but I don't really care. Another treat is a set by Jesse Gallagher of Apollo Sunshine. I read that a nice chunk of Drug Rug (among others) are joining him tonight.

THUR 12/17

9pm
"Thursday before Xmas" Party
Feat: Kieran Ridge Band, GrooveStone, Tori Pyne, Brian & Scott Carroll, Reed Waddle
at Porter Belly's, 338 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
FREE w/ unwrapped toy / 21+

If you didn't know, Porter Belly's has live bands every week (including some of tonight's bands) for free. I can't picture where they would fit the musicians, but it really happens.

If you're in the mood for rootsy and/or jammy rock, bring an unwrapped toy to their 2nd annual "Thursday before Xmas" Party. The collection will go to Toys For Tots, so it's something charitable to do.

Check out Cambridge's Reed Waddle who has followed in Mieka Pauley's footsteps and has won this year's New York Songwriters Circles songwriting contest. Excellent folkiness, and I like that he doesn't focus on local, high-profile gigs.

THUR 12/17

10:30pm
"Fuzzy Christmas": Benefit for Steven Fredette
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Feat: Hilken Mancini & Chris Colbourn, Tanya Donelly & Bill Janovitz, Heavy Stud, Dylan in the Movies, Jim Buni, Audrey Ryan, The Other Girls, David Fredette, Pat McDonald

With this many performers, I'm really not sure where they are going to put the audience. I imagine a hundred or so (?) will be able to get in to hear an unbelievably awesome show with some of Boston's best each doing a few songs.

Her performance will likely be short, but I have a feeling that Tanya Donelly fans may drive great distances to hear do a few tumes with Buffalo Tom's Bill Janovitz. Organizer Hilken Mancini duets with sometime partner (and Buffalo Tom bassist) Chris Colbourn. As you can see, the list goes on including Steven's brother who plays with The Upper Crust (and played with other great bands) will be there.

As with a Lizard Lounge show last month, proceeds from the door go to help Stephen Fredette (ex-Scruffy the Cat, now-Pony) defray medical bills (a little more here), so warm, fuzzy feelings will fill any space not taken up by people and drinks.

WED 12/16: Songs & Laughs

There is other cheap music tonight (a couple are on the calendar), but I'm feeling mellow this morning. My picks are a couple (mainly) acoustic gigs and a comedy show.

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WED 12/16

9pm
Ian Adams, Eldridge Rodriguez, Tom Thumb, Greg Lyon
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

Did anyone see that Grant Hart (ex-Husker Du) was going to play at the Middle East tonight? Well, he postponed until next month. It was going to be a good show; I saw him do the acoustic thing on one of his previous visits to Cambridge.

Ian Adams was going to one of the support acts, so it looks like Adams and a bunch of other artists associated with Midriff Records are getting together for a night of solo acoustic music (except for Ian accompanied by his ex-Rock City Crimewave drumming buddy).

After a couple of listens, I'm starting to really get how great this solo work really is. I was already enjoying the chilled-out turn from louder, horrorbilly rock, but the lyrics are starting to seep in and the songs seem to make sense as a whole. Some songs mention creatures of the night, while other could still be written from their perspective.

There are no slouches tonight. Eldridge Rodriguez may be better known for his band The Beatings, but his solo stuff is really intriguing at a lower volume. Tom Thumb isn't really the guy's name, but call this clever folker "Tom" anyway just for the heck of it. Greg Lyon plays with Rodriguez in The Beatings and turns out to be a fine singer-songwriter on his own.

WED 12/16

9pm to 11pm
"A Holiday Cagematch"
at Castlebar, 575 Washington St, Brighton (Oak Sq)
$1 / FREE for ugly holiday clothing / 21+

"Holiday" and "cagematch" so rarely go together, but why not. Two teams stacked with folks from various local improv comedy groups will go head-to-head in a battle of wit.

Comedian Andrew Meyer will also do a set of material that hopefully won't be made up on the spot. I wish I could go tonight, because it looks pretty funny -- especially for paying one measly dollar!

You don't even need to pay a buck if you wear some "horrible holiday attire (Christmas sweater, menorah costume, etc).

The drinks are cheap, so do you really need any more reason to go hang out?

WED 12/16

10:30pm
"Holiday Folkfest"
Feat: Chick Granning, Tom Baker, Tad Overbaugh
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Maybe you'll see a Santa hat or something, but Chick Graning (of Scarce) usually does a monthly acoustic night with a couple of guests. I already love the Plough, but it's definitely a good spot to be when you have three solid singer-songwriters on one night.

Besides Chick who continues to make wonderful music, I think this is one of the few solo gigs for Tom Baker of the very-rockin' Dirty Truckers. This is probably how all the D.T. songs sound like at the beginning -- except he won't be standing in front of the mirror and will have his pants on... (Um, kidding! I think.)

I saw Tad Overbaugh with his old band The Kickbacks, and the songs were the best part. He really knows how to sing some thoughtful stories that falls somewhere between Steve Earle and Paul Westerberg. Tad seems susceptible to requests, so yell for "Tip My Girl" -- a great song with subtle lyrics.

SAT 12/19: Somerville Illuminations Tour

4:30pm to 9pm
Annual Illuminations Tour
at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
Tickets: $10 / $5 -- for 12 and under & 60 and over

Some people may say this is a waste of energy, but I think it's okay to conserve throughout the year to splurge on old-timey, kitcshy holiday fun.

Of course, there will be a complete lack of good taste. That's part of the charm! You're taking a 45-minute trolley tour to the city's gaudiest displays of retina-burning rainbows of lights, abnormally large devotional pieces, and a variety of other cheesy decorations.

Tour guides will offer a mix of information and entertainment -- at the discretion of the volunteer who is leading your trip. You'll have a deeper knowledge/appreciation of Somerville after you step off the trolley.

Obviously this won't appeal to everyone, but we're lucky to have various happenings that allow us to have a little fun around the holidays.

It may not be as constructive as volunteering, but it's another hour of good cheer away from the consumerist cluster-f*ck that attempts to obscure the deeper meanings of the season. (Pick your own deep meanings, but it doesn't have to include purchasing various electronics, etc.)

Tickets are being sold at Blue Cloud Gallery (713 Broadway, Ball Sq), and some tour times were still available when I last walked by. I've crossed out what I remember to be sold out:

Bus/trolleys depart at --
4:30pm, 5pm, 5:45pm, 6:15pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm

Unsold/standby tix might be available on Saturday at City Hall.

While you're loitering around City Hall, you can grab a hot beverage & tasty goodies amid caroling and who knows what else.

If it's unsafe to drive, the tour will take place during the same time on Sunday. Call 617-625-6600 ext. 2985, if you're wondering.

It's almost the darkest night of the year. Why not get lit...?

* * * * *

The related "Somerville: City of Lights" book (photos, essays, etc) is available for $5, as well as "Illuminations cards", at a handful of Somerville and Cambridge locations.

If you don't go on Saturday and feel like checking it out at your own pace, a tour map will be sold for $3 at Blue Cloud and Magpie (Davis Sq) starting on MON 12/21. (Sure you don't get the 45-minute spiel from the tour guide -- but on the other hand, you don't get the 45-minute spiel from the tour guide...)

All the proceeds go to the Somerville Arts Council, which does a lot of cool stuff all year round like ArtBeat and wacky summer activities in Union Square.

TUES 12/15: Talk, Gin, Rock, Folk

I clicked on today's Google logo, so I'll say, "Bonan matenon!"

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TUES 12/15

7pm
Rock Shop #1: "Less Rock, More Talk"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP / All Ages

One of these years, I'm going to fulfill my dream of going to SXSW to hear more live music than anyone should expect to hear in 4 days. If you're going in March, you'd do yourself a favor to go to "Rock Shop" tonight.

A panel of music-business vets like the Middle East's booking manager Kevin Hoskins and music marketing dudes Steve Theo of Pirate! Promotion and John Hammond of Musebox will likely give you tips on how to maximize your experience in music, networking, and extra-curriculars...

When you RSVP, you should probably email the name(s) of who will be attending.

TUES 12/15

9pm
Bulldog Gin Party
at District, 180 Lincoln St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE w/ RSVP

It looks like they're still accepting RSVP's. On one hand, it's great to enjoy a few free drinks and apps. It's also a chance to try a new gin from England. On the other hand, this seems like a place that might not let me in if I'm wearing sneakers.

Do what you like, and don't worry about the potential emails you might get from Stuff Boston.

TUES 12/15

Lissy Trullie (11pm), Mike Bones (10pm), Xylos (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

I admit that I only started paying attention to Lissy Trullie after I saw that Johnny Marr (ex-Smiths/Modest Mouse) likes her stuff. Spin, Rolling Stone, Village Voice, etc have also given her positive coverage; but the Marr stamp of approval opened my ears. The eyes were easy, since she looks like a '60s model in a leather jacket, but the music does sound equally influenced by the Velvet Underground and modern indie-pop. She definitely has the coolness factor and a good batch of songs to be in many iPods for a long while.

All of the bands tonight make good music that pulls you in; any of these groups could be "the band" of the next year. Mike Bones is a fantastic songwriter with a lot of NYC indie-cred and straightforward style that lets the music grow on multiple listens. There's a possibility that Xylos may steal the night with breezy, quirky, uber-melodic indie-pop. Where the other bands paint with blacks and greys, this quintet is using the bright and vivd crayons in the box.

TUES 12/15

9pm
The Big Disappointments, Woman, The Thalia Zedek Band, First Child
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

If the above show is comprised of bands that are offer an easy entry into the music, most of this bands challenge you and dare you. There is plenty of reasons to dive in, but it's a different approach than other the bands at TT's tonight.

The Big Disappointments do a scuzzy blend of bouncy post-punk riffage and rockabillyish reverb. This is the kind of rock where you can hear the intelligence in the music in music & lyrics, but they don't lose any ferocity. Their CD was produced by Thalia Zedek, a strong presence on the music scene for a long time. Years after Come and other bands, she maintains an intensity yet usually in a quieter mode that reminds me of Nick Cave et al. Woman brings their noisey-rock attack from NYC.

TUES 12/15

Audrey Ryan (10pm), Danielle Miraglia (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE / 21+

[For expedience, I'm pasting from last week.]

Both shows at Toad get thumbs up. Danielle Miraglia sings with a sultry, soulful voice and has got some sweet fingerpicking guitar chops. Her songs are often meaningful stories chock full of emotion.

As for Audrey Ryan, I have to borrow extra thumbs to stick in the air. There are a lot of great musical acts around town, but I put her in the top echelon for having the talent and vision to do something really special. Just like on her new CD, she'll probably play multiple instruments while setting her songs into the air to dance around your ears.

12/15: Two To RSVP -- Booze, SXSW Info

Before tomorrow arrives, you could RSVP for one (or both) of these events.

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TUES 12/15

9pm
Bulldog Gin Party
at District, 180 Lincoln St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE w/ RSVP

Not much to say. Enjoy some free British gin cocktails and "hors d'oeuvres".

Even though you RSVP, it's a good idea to get there early to get in.



TUES 12/15

7pm
Rock Shop #1: "Less Rock, More Talk"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP / All Ages

For New England artists who are heading to SXSW in March, it would be a good idea to get some tips (music, business, more) from seasoned music guys who've been down there.

Music marketing pros Steve Theo of Pirate! Promotion and John Hammond of Musebox are joining Kevin Hoskins, The Middle East's booking manager, for the first of what might be ongoing info sessions for local musicians.

Because I know rockers sometimes need more direction than others: When you RSVP, you should email the names of who will be attending.

MON 12/14: Watching, Reading, Caroling, Funking, Rocking

So I went to the Crafty Gangsta party on Friday night, and I had a great time. Somehow a rapping crafter inspires one to let loose and embrace the concept of gluing and painting and bedazzling is not just for old people and shut-ins. I wish I had made it to all of the various tables, but we left with a very cool beer-can ornament...

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MON 12/14

6pm
"Nashville"
at Rabb Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

The "All About Altman" Film Series saved one of the best for last. Widely considered to be one of Robert Altman's films, "Nashville" weaves multiple story lines with country music, politics, and grim examinations of human nature.

MON 12/14

7pm
Garrison Keillor, "A Christmas Blizzard": Reading
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $5 students with ID

Garrison Keillor's new book tells the story of a modern-day Scrooge. You might have to be a die-hard "Prairie Home Companion" fan to shell out $10 to hear Keillor read from some passages, but I pass it on.

MON 12/14

8pm
100th Annual Christmas Carol Services
at Memorial Church, Harvard Yard, Cambridge
FREE

Normally I'd be on the fence about listing some undergrads singing Christmas carols, but it is the 100th year. It makes me think of the influential people of the last century who sat in this church and listened to a program rather similar to what will be sung in the present.

It does seem like it'll be a full church service that includes the singing, but the general public is welcome tonight. "Doors open one hour before the services. Admission is free; an offering for charity is collected."

MON 12/14

8:15pm
Berklee Tower of Power Ensemble
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

A big horn section blast of funk and soul might be a good way to shake off any holiday stress one might have. It's actually good to shake off the blahs at any time of the year -- or simply to shake for the hell of it.

The real Tower of Power has visited Berklee in the past, and even they've been impressed at how well the students perform their material. Besides the 8 horns, there a 5-piece rhythm section and 6 singers.

MON 12/14

9:30pm
The Wandas, Guillermo Sexo, Art Decade
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Even though I get the feeling that The Wandas might be a band of snotty rockers, I still enjoy their taut, melodic, sonic power-pop dumplings. They've got their act together, and rock stars should have some attitude. I like them enough to ignore that they're keyboard player is actually a Mac laptop. Art Decade is another band that is serious about climbing the ladder of success; these Berklee kids are working it with smartly constructed tunes and strong musicianship. Bringing some contrast to the picture is the darkish, noisy yet sophisticated psych rock of Guillermo Sexo.

12/14

10pm
The Curses, The Egos, The Mess Me Ups
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

On most Monday nights, there's a better than 50-50 chance to hear some kick-ass garage/punk upstairs at Charlies. This is one of those lucky nights. The Curses do a great job of reviving the best ideas of the time when new wave could have a punky angularity and snarl. The Egos have got the reverby, surfy garage sound with a helping of a creep vibe. The Mess Me Ups excel at rip-roaring rock.