FRI 1/9: Mars Film, Barstool Ski Bash, Rock, Blues

I've said this before, but the weekly list is in better shape than it's been in weeks. A weekend sneak peek may be coming later. Stay tuned. Have fun. Be safe. (Or don't get caught...)

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FRI 1/9

6:45pm
"A Night on Mars"
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

Free IMAX movies? That's pretty cool. For the next 3 Fridays, all IMAX films are free. The promotion is called -- wait for it -- "Free Film Fridays". The kick-off is a special screening "Roving Mars" with the director, George Butler; and Steve Squyres, who's in the film and is lead scientist on the Mars Exploration Rover. I'm told the program starts promptly at 7pm (AND it's free), so get there early.

Other films are "Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk", "The Greatest Places", "Wild Ocean"; each are less than an hour long, but IMAX movies are amazing.

Free screenings all day on FRI 1/16 and FRI 1/23.

FRI 1/9

8pm
2nd Annual Barstool Ski Bash
at The Harp, 85 Causeway St, Boston (across from The Garden)
FREE w/ RSVP

If the idea of free Bud Light (from 8pm to 9pm), ski giveaways (e.g. Killington lift tickets), and a ski fashion show appeals to you; you can probably still RSVP and get in. It's Barstool Sports, so there might be some women wearing less clothes than you'd expect for January in a bar.

"Please print out your confirmation email to make life easier at the door."

FRI 1/9

9:30pm
Tulsa, Pretty & Nice, The Needy Visions, Prince Rama of Ayodhya
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

At first Tulsa reminded me of Sparklehorse/Wilco/Neil Young, but they really sound like themselves: trippy, fuzzy, rootsy rock. Once I read on their MySpace page, "Sounds Like: a magical unicorn who loves every thing that has ever been and sheds tears for the unknown junkie." Haven't heard much unicorn myself, but they rock.

There's good variety on the bill. Prince Rama of Ayodhya starts off, and would you believe the Prince lays it down with a psych-folk vibe? Getting things into gear will be The Needy Visions, and their rough, fun indie-rock. Pretty & Nice harken back to the time when punk and new wave and pop were colliding, and who doesn't love hook-filled punk?

FRI 1/9

10pm
New England Harp Showdown
w/ Sugar Ray Norcia, Racky Thomas, Brian Templeton, Ryan Hartt, Nick David
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

"Mr. Nick" David of Barrelhouse Blues is hosting and blowing. He's joined by the best blues harp guys in New England.

There's not much to say. You either love blues harmonica, or you don't. I don't know what's wrong with you if you don't, but the joint will be jumping tonight.