FRI 1/23: Film, Comedy, Lit Party, Music, Theatre

To those subscribers who've been thinking "WTF, man?!" I'm not going to have fun until the weekly list is sent.

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FRI 1/23

10am to 9pm
"Free Film Fridays"
at Mugar Omni Theater, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

IMAX movies are free on January Fridays. I mentioned this a couple weeks ago, but I wanted to remind you. That's today and next Friday 1/30...

Today's schedule:
Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk -- 8pm, 9pm
The Greatest Places -- 1pm., 4pm., 6pm
Wild Ocean -- 2pm, 3pm
Roving Mars -- 10am, Noon, 5pm, 7pm

FRI 1/23

7pm
"Grub Gone... Wrong": Readings & Party
w/ Steve Almond, Keith Morris, Jorge Vega, Sarah Banse, Jane Roper, Randy Susan Meyers
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston, 4th floor, Boston (Boston Common)
$8

On the occasions I've gone to Grub St parties, it's been a good time with food, drink, and readings. Tonight's theme is "tales of mistakes, devolutions, and foolish choices." There's a Dj for potential dancing, and bring some extra dough if you want to play in the charity poker tournament.

FRI 1/23

7:30pm to 9:30pm
The Gas w/ Rob Crean & Matt Wilding
Feat: Chris Coxen, Josh Gondleman, David Grabiner, Lamont Price, Robby Roadsteamer, MC Mr. Napkins, Mehran, The Steamy Bohemians
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5/18+

Far from being a comedy maven, but there are some very funny people tonight. Mehran was absolutely hilarious (with 'star' potential), and I have appreciation for nerd-rapper MC Mr. Napkins. And what is there to say about Roadsteamer? With 10 performers scheduled at $5, that's 50 cents per comedian. Even if they're not funny, you can't even complain. You can go do something else by 9:30 or even get home early...

An early comedy show for people who like to laugh but want to do something else afterwards...

FRI 1/23

7:30pm to 11pm
NOUR
at Killian Hall, Hayden Library, 160 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Perhaps to show that Iran doesn't have to be as scary as our last president generalized, this concert of a variety of traditional Middle Eastern music is the conclusion of "Iran Through the Lens of History" lecture/film series. Maybe there might be some extra exposition in the banter to keep things educational...

FRI 1/23

9:30pm
Sarah RabDAU & Self-Employed Assassins, Wakey!Wakey!, Goli, MEandJoanCollins
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

This is my favorite music gig of the night. Sarah RabDAU's talent is evident from the first line she sings, and the songs are well-written and engaging. She and the Self-Employed Assassins (a drummer) will be joined by a a string trio and guitarist for this CD release party.

Wakey!Wakey! is an intense pianist-songwriter dude. There also glammy rock electricity from MeandJoanCollins and marimba & cello wow-ness of Goli.

FRI 1/23

10:30pm
Shea Rose
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

This woman is damn impressive, and she can play! Shea Rose hits funk and rock and folk equally well with sexy, soulful power and fine restraint when called for.

FRI 1/23 & SAT 1/24

7:30pm*
"Uncle Vanya"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP (Donations gladly accepted)

Although Checkov wrote this play over a 100 years ago; the way he weaves frustration, existential angst, regret, arrogance, and desperate love has continued to push buttons and pull strings in various adaptations. I've seen a couple, and the strength and richness of the material paves a way for potent performances. I wish I would've gone last week to tell you more, but the new Boston Art Theatre company has given a contemporary feel to the setting and dialogue.

* 2pm matinee on SAT

If you don't RSVP, there might still be space available... (Don't forget to support your local theatre!)