THUR 1/22: Humor, Nano-Talk, Classical, African, Russian

Wow, it's already Thursday. Thirsty Thursday -- right, folks?

TGI-almost-F! Can I get a "Hallelujah"? Okay...

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THUR 1/22

7pm
Christopher Monks, Ben Greenman, Dan Kennedy: Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

It's going to be a clever and witty night at the ol' Booksmith with three folks from the McSweeney's gang (funniest fricking people this side of The Onion). Editor Christopher Monks has written a 'life instruction' book called, "The Ultimate Game Guide to Your Life: Or, the Video Game as Existential Metaphor". Ben Greenman is a McSweeney's contributor and an editor at The New Yorker; his first book (2001) was actually called "Superbad". (Sound familiar? It's not the same.) Dan Kennedy's "Rock On" was a hilarious take on his life in the music industry. Who knows what Greenman and Kennedy will read...

THUR 1/22

7pm to 9pm
"Nanotechnology in Consumer Products Forum"
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE w/ RSVP

I know I'm not the only person who's fascinated by nanotechnology.

Are these consumer products developed using nanotechnology safe? Do consumer products containing nanoparticles present special health risks?

Express your own opinions, listen to the perspectives of others, and make recommendations to city officials in an interactive forum on these compelling questions.

No previous knowledge of nanotechnology is expected or required.

Featured speakers include:
- Sam Lipson, director of environmental health, Cambridge Public Health Dept;
- Alex Fiorentino, Museum of Science nanotechnology educator;
- Todd Kuiken, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars

Can you imagine tiny robots in your toothpaste? Try!

I don't know if there is still space available. I didn't want to register, since I can't attend. "Light refreshments will be served from 6:30pm to 7pm."

THUR 1/22

8pm
"All Hands on Haydn"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Over the course a handful of concerts, NEC students are going to perform all of Haydn's keyboard sonatas. Apparently they don't often make it to the concert halls, but starting tonight young fingers will constantly tickle ivories with Austrian melodies. A total of 8 sonatas will played tonight by 8 pianists -- and one of them has only 8 fingers! (Kidding...)

THUR 1/22

9pm to 1am
Uhuru Afrika presents "Bembe"
Feat: DJs Carlos Mena, Adam Gibbons, Max Pela
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 before 10pm / $10 after 10pm

This is a dance party that looks like a lot of fun on top of good grooves. It's hard to stand still when music from Mother Africa is pumping, and I expect that the other stuff will be Afro-influenced. Carlos Mena is apparently a "big deal" DJ from Oakland. Besides DJ's, there should be some live percussion and a screening of "Hommage a Noir", a filmic tribute to African music. I assume it's going to shown early in the night...

THUR 1/22 to 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!)