WED 1/21: Wind Talk, Rock, Theatre

Regarding some things I listed last week. I made a mistake and went to the "Downstairs" show at the Middle East on Friday when I should've gone to the "Upstairs" show. Maybe I'll do a separate post, but most of the bands that I heard were slightly disappointing with the exception of Muck & The Mires.

I didn't go to the "Flight of The Conchords" party, but I saw the episode later. Maybe it would've been funnier with free drinks on Friday...

--------------------------------------------------------------

WED 1/21

6pm to 7pm
"Wind Policy and the new Administration"
at Muddy Charles Pub, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

When a breeze blows between your legs and you feel a tingle, are you thinking about harnessing the power of wind energy? MIT's Energy Club is going to informally discuss the government's approach to wind power in the next four (eight?) years, and it's open to the general public. Some background info can be found at the American Wind Energy Association.

WED 1/21

9:30pm
Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears, Jesse Gallagher Quartet
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Holy crap! Bryan Scary is good! I liked liked the band name, but I was blown away by the brilliant power-pop mastery. It's as if this guy was supernaturally touched by The Beatles at a deserted crossroads somewhere in Brooklyn. BS & The ST call their stuff "cinematic pop", and it does have soaring, majestic elements that will remind you of Queen. Some moments also reminded me of bands like Jellyfish and Sloan. Especially nice to hear is that the lyrics don't get short shrift, even though the music godly.

Bassist/Keyboardist Jesse Gallagher of Apollo Sunshine is premiering a new side project that might lean towards jazzy/folky stuff with a skewed sense of humor that Apollo Sunshine fans should appreciate.

WED 1/21 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!)