Wow...

It's beautiful outside!

SAT 2/28: Indie, Art, African, Rock, Chinese

WTF is wrong with me?

I could've posted something a while ago, but I started listening to K'Naan who's playing at Harpers Ferry on Sunday night. He was on NPR this week, and his sound is addictive. The beats are have a funky groove informed by the original continent with plenty of live instrumentation. The flow is damn good! As a rapper from Somalia, he laughs at American gangstas who think they're hard. It's $12 at the door, but you can pick up tix for $10 at Harpers after 8pm tonight.

Lots of cheapness at universities today, go ahead. They're all open to the public. My friend Ting Ting (really!) wants to people to whoop it up at the Chinese New Year celebration at MIT.

A little love to my fellow Somerville winos: There is a sale/thing at Downtown Wine & Spirits from noon to 6pm today; lots of bottles under $10 and tastings...

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SAT 2/28

Noon to 7pm
Polkfest 2009
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
Donation Suggested (one drink minimum) / All Ages

I mainly investigated this, because I was wondering if it might be misspelled 'polka fest'. Polk Records have a deep love to support creativity and a good ear for a wide spectrum of music. There's a bunch of indie/rock/noise and acoustic-based stuff and other weirdness. I only recognized a few of the bands and didn't listen to all them, but neither do you. Think of it as a chance to look around All Asia Cafe (if you haven't been there before) and hear some tunes for free -- but you throw a buck or two for the bands.

Tentative schedule:
Reverend (Noon), The Mirror Neurons (12:15pm), Tyler (12.35pm), Milk 3000 (12:45pm), Jess Lawrence (1pm), This Buildings on Fire (1:20pm), Alive and Awake (1:40pm), The Sinbusters (2pm), Not Art (2:20pm), Mother Mary and the Disciples (2:40pm), Brief Awakening (3pm), Coalmine Canary (3:20pm), Ghost in the Basement (3:40pm), Gypsy Cab (4pm), The Beasts of England (4:20pm), The Musical Theatre (4:40pm), The Bright Hours (5pm), Noel Vickery (5:20pm), Ladderlegs (5:40pm), Streight Angular (6pm)

Some pix from last year.

SAT 2/28

"Allston-Brighton Art Bonanza"

1pm to 3pm
2nd Anniversary Party
at Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum, 20 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton

4pm to 7pm
"Illustration vs Photography"
at Nile Lounge, 70 Brighton Ave, Allston

Both FREE

"AB-AB" is my creation for the two arty events happening not too far away from each other. (I'd walk it, but you could take the #57 if you felt like it.) Six local artists will be on display at the Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum as well as a couple historical exhibits.

It's not exactly around the corner, but if you headed to the Heritage Museum closer to 3pm, then you have an hour to amble to the "Kick for Nick" fundraiser. Nile Lounge doesn't look like my kind of Allston spot, but there's going to be "illustrations & photographs" on display for sale to encourage peace by giving soccer balls to kids in war-torn areas of the world.

SAT 2/28

6:30pm, 8pm
MIT Stages Griot Festival
at Endicott World Music Room, MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge
at Kresge Auditorium, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Griot ("gree-oh") was brought up in conversation last week. It conjures an image of traditional African music, but I didn't know how to really explain it. This gig comes up, and I get a chance to dig into it a bit. From Senegal, the griots are tradition of tribal troubadour that passes down their history. No matter where they travel, the performers keep the stories and pass it down -- and they keep it in the family. The Mbaye Family Drum Troupe are the big attraction tonight. The elder of the family, Masikh Mbaye, will join the panel discussion on the history of griot at 6:30pm.

A giant concert of mindblowing music follows at 8pm with the Mbayes, some Malians Balla Tounkara, & Balla Kouyate, MIT's Rambax ensemble, and othe griot performers that live in the area.

SAT 2/28

9:30pm
"The Cover-Up": Elvis Costello
w/ Brendan Boogie Band, Ryan Schmidt, Beau Roland Band, The Rationales, One Happy Island, Blizzard of 78
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

I sense this is the start of something good. Brendan Boogie Band anchored a Tom Petty tribute in September, and they've hooked up with the mastermind behind some sensational Boston Pop Underground shows a few years ago. The premise and blueprint is pretty clear: Take a great musical act and some of Boston's best, then combine with a big scoop of fun.

Most people either love or hate Elvis Costello. The adenoidal groan is probably what might be holding you back, but there's a barrel full of great singers besides the bands playing: Ad Frank, John Powhida, Scott Janovitz, Bo Barringer, and Dylan Connor.

Get there about 8:30, if you really want to get in. (Hey, guys. Why not get out of the comfort zone and do a Tom Waits Cover-Up someday?)


* * * Not - So - Cheap - Thrill * * *

SAT 2/28

7:30pm
Chinese New Year's Banquet
at Room 100, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$13

I rarely mention stuff over $10 -- but the food you can try (Szechuan, Shanghai, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and more) would be a deal at $13, and there's going to be entertainment like martial arts demonstrations, dancing troupes, and Hsu-Nami, a band that played in Beijing during the Olympics and does Chinese music with a western twist. MIT Chinese Students' Club and my new friend Ting Ting aren't screwing around. All the MIT alumni I know are focused on excellence, and Chinese don't usually do anything half-assed.

You might even win a prize... Get your Year of the Ox on, babies!

FRI 2/27: Art, Rock, Party, Soul, Etc

Oh, why couldn't I work on Summer St? I'd have a warm Friday to enjoy! So I went to the Plough & Stars last night. All of the bands were enjoyable. I jokingly said last night, "I've seen the future of rock, and it's called The Diamond Mines!" They may not actually be the saviors of rock -- but who knows...

I had a great time, but it cut my writing time immensely. Wish me luck.

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FRI 2/27

6pm to 8pm
Jennifer Lewis, "Sweet Meats": Opening Reception
Amanda Clarke, "Sour Grapes": Opening Reception
"New York Spawned A Monster": The Animation of Ben Levin & Patrick Smith
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

The colors and the style of the two artists are aesthetically appealing, but the twisted subject matter is what I find more interesting and provoking.

I've gone in the past (scroll down), and the booze didn't flow quite as much on my last visit, but that's a sign of the times. If you RSVP, you should get in. (You might even be able to sneak into this thing...)

My best location description: it's next to Medieval Manor.

FRI 2/27

7:30pm
"Punk Rock for Puppies"
w/ Adam On The Balcony, The Throwaways, The Acrobrats, Life On Hold
Oxfam Cafe (Tufts University Campus)
Donation Suggested / All Ages

Openers Adam On The Balcony are a semi-acoustic thing, but this is mostly a punky rock show. If you love animals, your donations will go to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

You'll have to get your intoxication on before (or after) you go, so keep that in mind.

FRI 2/27

8pm
Barstool Mardi Gras w/ Chicken Slacks
at McFaddens, 148 State St, Boston (Financial District)
FREE w/ RSVP

Mainly an FYI. An RSVP will get you in before 10pm when a cover charge kicks in. There might be a SoCo drink special. I assume Chicken Slacks will play around 10pm. Mr. Belding from "Saved by the Bell" will be the host...

FRI 2/27

10pm
Jordan Valentine & The Sunday Saints
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Hear soul. Get soulful. Two sets from a most excellent soul/R&B band that's overflowing with talent!

FRI 2/27

Phosphorescent, Carter Tanton, Ryan Lee Crosby, Paper Birds
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

If you like deep Willie Nelson cuts, Phosphorescent just released a whole album of the stuff so you're bound to hear some of those hidden gems. Prior to hearing the great, hemp-laced oeuvre of the Red-Headed Stranger. There's the wonderful (if somewhat chill) music from three of the best local songwriters.

FRI 2/27

10:30pm
Neon JuJu
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Regie Gibson is a slam poetry champ, and it looks like he's assembled a jazzy funk band to perform material that could be described as songs or global groove poems. It sounds pretty good.

THUR 2/26: Stories, Video, Rock

There were some interesting talks about "Democracy" like Cornel West at the Goethe-Institut and an impressive panel discussion at the Boston Athenaeum, but I thought I'd focus on other stuff with a little bit of wow factor...

I really think people should go see The Diamond Mines and Muy Cansado tonight.

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THUR 2/26

7pm
February Winedown: "Set in Harvard Square" Writing Contest
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I tried to tell you about the writing contest, and now it's time to hear the winning stories. I bet there were highly original entries. Did anyone here enter? Even if you're not one of the 3 official "winners", I'd be glad to publish your story here.

Grab a complimentary wine (or two) and listen to some local story tellers. If the author can't read their tale, one of the judges (Askold Melnyczuk, William Corbett, Tahmima Anam) will do the honors.

THUR 2/26

7pm to 9pm
"Experimentally ILL 3: An Indie Showcase of Alternative Film"
at Video Screening Room, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$5

This is the real independent cinema. These filmmakers have no support from any movie studio; they probably receive disdain from film establishment! Thankfully there are DIY people out there that won't let their vision remain on a bar napkin (or equivalent). Kudos to co-host Mike Phelan O'Toole and this cadre of local video artists for getting their shorts (live & animated), music videos, etc into the public realm. You're guaranteed to see some weird stuff.

THUR 2/26

10pm
The Diamond Mines, Muy Cansado, Dr & Mrs Van Der Trampp
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I've been singing their praises every week this month with absolutely no compensation! I dig their music. It's a vital, vibrant amalgamation of of rock 'n roll influences that's coalesced around cool songs. It's punk, it's soul, it's psych; it's vim, vigor, piss, vinegar. It's good stuff.

Muy Cansado is another band around town that whip a killer post-punk potion. (Okay, they remind me of The Pixies with a little bit of Meat Puppets -- among others -- to my ear.) That being said Dr & Mrs Van Der Trampp are probably the best guitar and glockenspiel duo in the Greater Boston area...

THUR 2/26

9pm
Benefit for "The Why"
Audrey Ryan, Jaggery, The Grand Tangent, The New Cartographers
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 -- 21+ / $13 -- 18+

Other Boston guys are filming a movie in Austin that seems to be about the meaning of life, death, & love with a bunch of drug use interspersed. About 10 minutes of watching clips, I sensed the influence of Ingmar Bergman. There was dreamy confusion of drug euphoria and somewhat like a concussion.

Along with finding investors and whatever else you do to fund a movie, the filmmakers are raising money to finish the project with these benefit shows/sneak screenings. I admit that I want to see the rest of the film. Several people associated with "The Why" will be there to show about 30 minutes of footage.

Audrey Ryan is the musical highlight tonight. Her music has a lovably catchy quirkiness to it, but she's practically a Top-40 act compared to the others. Jaggery is one of the bands featured in the movie, and most of them (no harpist tonight) will kick up the dreamy soundscapes. The Grand Tangent is a jazzy quartet of Berklee students that has a violinist taking on the sax role and bowing like Wayne Shorter blowing. The New Cartographers are two guys from the Blue Man Group who do jazzy guitar-drum space jams. (I dare you to paint your face blue and do crazy stuff during their set!)

WED 2/25: Eugene, George, Bodega Girls

So it was a low-rent Mardi Gras at CTB HQ. I already had a bottle of rum at home, so I grabbed a couple cans of passionfruit/pineapple juice (75 cents each) and a lime ($0.50) at Shaw's. Then I kept drinking until I was absolutely sure I couldn't find my hotel...

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WED 2/25

7pm
Eugene Mirman, "The Will To Whatevs": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

This could be a rowdy book event, since Eugene has a lot of friends in town. (What comedian has come out of Lexington that's funnier than Mirman?) I've seen him a few times, and I think he's hilarious. Eugene has an original cadence to his humor that might be like having a weird, nerdy friend who is actually intent on entertaining you.

To promote his pseudo-self-help book, he'll probably start with a powerpoint presentation (which is a component of his stand-up). You might see the video excerpt (below) from the book. If you don't like it, don't go; if you do, you should enjoy again on second viewing. A live reading will be followed by a Q&A, then maybe everyone will go to the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse for drinks.



(One of my Bostonist buddies interviewed Eugene recently.)

WED 2/25

9pm
George Harrison Birthday Tribute
w/ Mercy James, Common Thrill, The New Warden, Ken Selcer & the Knuckles
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8

Like I mentioned last night, the man sometimes known as "Nelson Wilbury" would have been 66 today. The standard procedure for these tribute shows is for each performer to do some songs associated with the dude of the hour (and maybe some of their original songs). There's about 200 "George Harrison" songs to choose from, and there's plenty of gems among them.

All of the performers sound pretty good to me, and there will probably a few 'surprise' guests. (For you Pills fans, I don't believe Corin Ashley could stay away from this show.)

WED 2/25

9:30pm
Bodega Girls
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

This must be a put-on at some level, but it sounds really good. When much-loved and much-buzzed Read Yellow called it quits, it's hard to believe they really wanted to play sleazy disco-rock jams instead. On the other hand who needs to think when you're dancing?

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.

They're going to DJ and perform every last Wednesday of the month.

Off-topic: I Miss George.

Wednesday is Georgie's birthday. Even though he didn't know it, we were friends.

As much as I love many other musicians, I always felt a special connection to Harrison. Like millions of others, the songs touched me like they written just for me to enjoy -- to help me in troubled times, to put words to my feelings, to make me laugh.

His spirituality was one of the reasons for being my favorite Fab. As George reminds us in the clip, our soul lives on; but I preferred when his soul could work in the garden of that giant English estate...



It's not totally off-topic. There's an $8 birthday show at Johnny D's.

TUES 2/24: Pancakes, History, Art, Mardi Gras

Feeling down about the economy? War? Sudan?

Car trouble?

We're going to survive... Let's stay calm -- or lose our heads in revelry. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Or just have free pancakes!

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TUES 2/24

7am to 10pm
National Pancake Day
at Participating IHOP Locations
FREE

How interesting that National Pancake Day coincides with "Fat Tuesday" this year... You still have time to make a snack or meal out of a short stack (3) of pancakes. All IHOP asks for is a voluntary donation to Children's Miracle Network. We'll see how they do this year, but they almost collected $900k last year.

Even with a cup of coffee, a generous gratuity, and a small donation; it's not a bad deal for a meal.

There's a limit of one (3 cake) stack per person, and you have to eat them there. If you're going to the Brighton and Harvard Sq locations; remember the best #64/#66 bus transfer is near the nexus of Cambridge St, Brighton Ave, and N. Beacon St.

TUES 2/24

5:30pm to 7:30pm
John Hanson Mitchell, "Digging Boston": Discussion
at Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE

In a series called "Puzzles in Time", the Historical Society invites people to discuss the "process of history: the detective work, the enigmas, the clues, the mysterious missing pieces, and the drama of discovery."

Nature writer John Hanson Mitchell will talk about the prehistoric happenings on the land and aspects of the city's modern nature. People are encouraged to ask questions.

Reservations are requested. Please call 617-646-0557 or email to let them know you're coming.

The lecture starts at 6pm, but there's a reception period in the half hour prior.

TUES 2/24

7pm to 9:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

It's usually on Sunday afternoons, but they're getting arty at night every now and then. This has to be one of the best creative drinking experiences next to pouring paint on yourself after having too many gin & tonics! Wilder and looser than any other art class you've been to. You won't feel so bad about your drawing skills. Wild models, contests, and prizes.

Tonight's model is underground MC, Cathy Cathodic. She seems like an interesting multi-layered woman with a flair for colorful attire. Probably plenty of things to sketch...

TUES 2/24

9:30pm
Mardis Gras Party w/ Henri Smith’s "New Orleans Friends & Flavours" w/ Amadee Castenell
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 18+

Another case of New Orleans' loss is our gain. After Katrina, singer and former radio DJ Henri Smith moved to the North Shore and decided to stay. The good news is that places across the country get some real New Orleans flavor. Even through bad times, it's time to let the good times roll.

TUES 2/24

5pm
Mardi Gras Madness
at Dick’s Last Resort at Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall)
No Cover

This ain't my favorite place in town. Far from it, but you don't have to love the spot to have $2.75 SoCo hurricanes and $3 Harpoon IPA's for Mardi Gras. Also enjoy soul covers band Soul City, a costume contest with a cash prize, free beads, doubloons, feathery masks, other crap and plenty of insults from the waitstaff.

MON 2/23: Eating, Shucking, Thinking, Rocking

Well, here's some ideas to keep you away from home tonight. Don't forget it's Mardi Gras (and National Pancake Day) tomorrow...

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MON 2/23

5pm to 7pm
Cupcake Tastings
at Kickass Cupcakes, 378 Highland Ave, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

If you're in Davis Sq this evening, swing by and pop something tasty in your mouth. Every last Monday of the month, there's cocktail-inspired mini-cupcake tasting! ("Hurricane" flavor, maybe?)

Go ahead and take a couple home with you...

MON 2/23

6pm to 9pm
"Shuck Off"
at Tavern On the Water, 1 8th St, Pier 6, Charlestown
$10

They say, "A shucker is born every minute"... Okay, okay! The cover gets you a beer and 4 (shucked) oysters, which isn't a bad deal at all. Anyone can sign up for the actual shuck-off when you get there, and the competition begins around 7:30pm. The best damn shuckers will win "Shuck Off!" apparel and other prizes.

This is a benefit for The Massachusetts Oyster Project that is cleaning local waters by way of oysters. Alright!

MON 2/23

7pm to 10pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub: "What's the Harm?"
at Tommy Doyle's (upstairs), 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Come with an open yet questioning mind that's looking for evidence and sound reasoning. Guest speaker Tim Farley will answer the question, "What's The Harm?" in believing all sorts of bunk.

MON 2/23

10pm
The Coffin Lids, The Murder, The Egos, The Shitty Future
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

Full-on, balls-to-the-wall rock show.

2/22: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

It's Oscar night! If the Academy ever deigns to give Quentin Tarantino a lifetime achievement award, they could easily use this montage.



Don't try YouTube to see more of this stuff, because The Man is screwing with this local guy who has loads of similarly cool clips on his blog.

SUN 2/22: Film, Photos, Rock

Yep, yep, yep... Going to get some fresh air while it's nice outside.

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SUN 2/22

1pm to 5:30pm
Annual Mabray "Doc" Kountze Art & Film Festival
Feat: Terri Lyne Carrington
at Cohen Auditorium, 40 Talbot Ave, Medford (Tufts campus)
FREE (Donations Appreciated)

It's an afternoon of documentaries, music videos, art, and music. It seems like a good mix: If you were at last year's Honkfest, you might be in "Honk! No Noise Is Illegal". "Tourette's: What Makes You Tic?" follows a young man with Tourette’s Syndrome. (For some reason, I think this might not be a comedic documentary.) There are videos for a Nine Inch Nails track from their recent instrumental collection ("Ghosts 22") and for poppy piano trio Gabe Dixon Band (by the clever team of Tony and Paul). "Have You Seen Andy?" is an Emmy-winning documentary about the abduction of the filmmaker's childhood friend.

On top of that is a performance led by jazz drummer extraordinaire and Medford native Terri Lyne Carrington who's played practically every jazz great, anchored the late-night grooves for Arsenio Hall, and is now an instructor at Berklee.

Maybe they'll explain further, but Mabray Kountze was a Medford resident and sports reporter/historian (and the "first black reporter to be given a press pass by the Red Sox").

SUN 2/22

3pm to 6pm
"Boston Photography Center Photo Fair": Opening Reception
at ArtMarket Gallery, 439 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

See some photography. Everything is for sale (like everything else, right?), but I'm guessing not much in the $10 and under gallery. Chances are good there might be refreshments, if your passing through Downtown Crossing... The photos will be on display thru SUN 3/1.

SUN 2/22

8pm
Ron Holbrook Memorial Shows
w/ The Welch Boys, Refuse Resist, The Scars, The Spoilers, Burning Streets, The Beantown Boozehounds, Far from Finished
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Ron Holbrook was the original drummer for The Welch Boys, and he passed away in '07. The proceeds will benefit his widow and two daughters.

The bands are planning to keep the sets moving, so each get equal time and reduce lag between sets. You know what's punk? Bashing around for a few hours while listening to 7 bands, hydrating with PBR tallboys, smoking 'til you heave half of a lung, and showing up to work hungover! This isn't a requirement, just an option.

SUN 2/22

9:30pm
The Serious Geniuses, The Beets, The Needy Visions
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

There's much to like and dislike about The Serious Geniuses from the fresh indie-rock riffs but those slightly whiney pop-punk vocals -- overall interesting stuff. I've heard they may be breaking up in a couple months, so maybe the band may go on with a new singer... I like The Needy Visions, because they sound like they don't try very hard but it sounds suspiciously like there is a deliberate effort to make make that exact sound -- choogling something like an indie-rock version of CCR. They play a lot of gigs, and they have confidence in themselves. Two thumbs up based on their nonchalant hooks and lots of intangibles. Straight outta Queens, The Beets are the latest savants of retro-psych-garage -- and it is good!

Dewars is going to give out some free scotch, so send an email if you're interested.

Early birds can bowl for free from 6pm to 9pm.

Sneak Peek -- SAT 2/21

Not a bad variety of options...

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SAT 2/21

1:30pm
Kevin Seconds, Kepi Ghoulie, Ian Adams
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / All Ages

For you old punks out there, it's a solo acoustic performance from Kevin of 7 Seconds and Kepi from the Groovie Ghoulies joined by Ian Adams doing his new quiet thang after the recent demise of his local horror-billy outfit Rock City Crimewave. Kepi was recently at the Plough & Stars, so he must've had a good reception. And it's a daytime show, if you can no longer stay up late...

SAT 2/21

3pm
Capoeira Gerais Open House
at Boston Ultimate Fitness / Nam Pai Academy, 7th Fl, 33 Harrison Ave, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

It's a Brazilian martial art... It's dance... It's good exercise... All of the above, I think. It could be fun. I have a feeling that people who are really out of shape may not want to try it out right away, but no one is going to force you to do anything.

NOTE:

Make sure to wear or bring comfortable clothing and sneakers. A TOWEL and WATER strongly recommended, because you are going to sweat! (If you forget the water, there are vending machines and a water fountain at the gym.)

SAT 2/21

4pm
Josh Lederman & Cambridge-Somerville All-Stars
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Josh Lederman vaguely recognizes me, because we have several mutuals friends and have chatted on a few occasions. I've always enjoyed his motley blend of rootsy music that ranges from plaintive Americana to heartland rock intensity to Irish/klezmer frenzy. It's excellent soundtrack for day drinking, and he and his musical friends are usually at the Plough every Saturday afternoon.

SAT 2/21

Sarah Borges (7pm), Bill Janovitz & Friends (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

It's not on her website or MySpace, but I don't doubt the Toad folks that Sarah is going to do an early set. I think she's awesome -- voice of an angel, great material, great attitude, easy on the eyes... Some of my friends initially dismiss her as "country", but listen a bit longer and you see she's more like Donny & Marie ("a li'l bit country, a li'l bit rock 'n roll").

Do I have to say anything about Bill Janovitz? Buffalo Tom!?

SAT 2/21

10:30pm
Licentious Revelry
at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St, Boston (Mission Hill)
$10 (includes a shot)

From the folks that brought you Sex and Drugs Trivia, it's a party with your pants off. Yep, it's party to show off your body and good underwear. There could be some free vodka drinks from Three Olives between 10:30pm and 12:30am.

RSVP required.

NOTE:

If attending, you must FULLY participate. No sweaters, no robes. Just underwear, bras, nighties, and boxers; creativity encouraged. Please no thongs! and no PJ top/bottom sets -- show some sex appeal, kids! Also no flash photography. There will be a photographer and a private website but no tagging of photos will occur!

Remember: It's Boston -- everyone is pale... (And maybe a little doughy from the winter?)

SAT 2/21 & SUN 2/22

8pm
Ron Holbrook Memorial Shows
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

SAT:
The Welch Boys, Shiner 8, Mark Lind and the Unloved, The Ashers, Drago, Nowhere USA, The Bloodshot Hooligans

SUN:
The Welch Boys, Refuse Resist, The Scars, The Spoilers, Burning Streets, The Beantown Boozehounds, Far from Finished

On either night you'll see a shitload of great Boston punk. Ron Holbrook was the original drummer for The Welch Boys, and he passed away in '07. The proceeds will benefit his widow and two daughters.

FRI 2/20: Rock Video Games, Wild Parties, Jazz

Okay. Saturday sneak peek and weekly list (in some form) to come...

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FRI 2/20

6:30pm to 7:30pm
Bang Camaro Rockband Tourny
at Best Buy, 360 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

I could be wrong, but this may cater to a different age group than those reading now... These music games are fun, and Bang Camaro is going to be there (at least some of the 20 or so members) to press the flesh then battle the crowd at RockBand. I assume those first 50 people who sign up will get to out-rock BC at their own songs, but who knows... The top 3 scores will get prizes beyond having to look interested in Bang Camaro's road stories...

Contest from 6:30-7:30, autographs afterwards.

FRI 2/20

9:30pm
Intro to Anatomy presents: "Heart Attack!!"
Feat: Lovewhip, DJ Mad Melodies, Atomic Trash, Nicholle Pride, Frenchy Distemper, Aquanet Jones, Miss Madison West, Jimmy Baal
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$7 / 21+

What kind of buddy would I be if I didn't periodically point you into wacky, edgy directions. Besides some punky burlesque, drag queens and more, the funky Lovewhip will rock the house around midnight. There will also be a kissing booth and raffle to raise funds for a film by Frau Carrissa who has published a queer sex zine, so I imagine it could be women kissing women and men kissing men? Who knows... I don't. (Update: "both male and female and of all persuasions. $1 for a cheek kiss, $5 for a french kiss") I bet it'll be a fun time!

FRI 2/20

10pm
Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and Zulu Parade of the Golden Blade
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? When Mardi Gras (2/24) rolls around, thoughts and memories of the Crescent City roll around the head like drunken sugar plum fairies (who are really trannies). While we're more than a thousand miles away, we can take this time to party NOLA-style.

Horn 'n R&B 'n soul bands -- and boogie-woogie/gospel/rockabilly shaman Preacher Jack -- whip it up at the annual party that was held at the Kirkland Cafe for years, and now it roams. This year's entertainment includes: The Chicken Slacks, Second Line Social Aide and Pleasure Society Brass Band, The Confederacy of Dumpsters (a band that gets together every year for this party, I think), Preacher Jack, and MC Mickey Bliss.

There will be free "masks, beads, and doubloons." Get dressed up (or not) and crazy (in a funloving way). These are some pix from a few years ago.

At TT's, there's another great annual Mardi Gras party with a great set of musical guests for a few bucks more.

FRI 2/20

10pm
The Dred Scott Trio
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

Don't take the Fung Wah to New York this weekend, because the NYC jazz experience has come to Cambridge. The Dred Scott Trio are the real deal -- hard-swinging, bebop-y piano trio with outside flourishes. There's a cheeky playfulness that that elevates rather than distract even thought they've been known to play covers from Black Sabbath or Blue Oyster Cult.

When I last went to the Lily Pad, I sat next to the proprietor so it was fortuitous that I didn't bring a flask. The Druid is next door (or you should sneak your flask pulls outside).

FRI 2/20 -- 5:30pm to 8pm
SAT 2/21 -- 10am to 6pm
SUN 2/22 -- 10am to 5pm

Boston Globe Travel Show
at World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston (Seaport)
$10 or less

More travel info than you really want, but you might find out about that special place you're dreaming of.

Tonight is free admission, and it's $10 on the weekend BUT it's a 2-for-1 deal if you print out the image or use the promo code online (or you could try code "YELP2009"; it might be outright free). Those 18 and under get in free anyway.

THUR 2/19: Arty Stuff, Reading, Jazz, Rock

I don't know why, but there is so much cheap fun going on tonight. There was more I wanted to include, but simply couldn't do any more. By the way, thanks for everyone showing up at Redbones last night! It was so crowded that I left without any beer in my belly...

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THUR 2/19

6pm
Josh Wisdumb, "Inkcronization": Opening Reception
at Grand, 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Besides cool ink drawings there'll be mixed media, sculpture, and "refreshments". Maybe you've seen his New Balance sneaker in a hip store somewhere? I'd like to ask him if his last name is pronounced "wisdom" or "W is dumb".

THUR 2/19

6pm
"Squealing Pegs": Animation Showcase
at Remis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
$10 / $8 students, seniors

This is a 2-hour retrospective is some of the best MassArt animated shorts from the program's six years. The Dig had a good write-up. Here is a little taste of what you'll see:



Note: There is adult content (i.e. funny stuff that annoys the easily offended).

THUR 2/19

7pm
Matthew Grzecki & Nathaniel Stein, "Alice's Adventures in Cambridge": Reading
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

About 95 years ago, a couple Harvard Lampooners wrote a practically-lost-but-now-rediscovered parody of the Lewis Carroll classic and set it in Cambridge including that famous university. Two current Harvard Lampooners will give a "dramatic reading" of excerpts from the text as well as some current Lampoon offerings. Without having read it, you may hear that 1) little has changed around Harvard Sq and 2) what has changed is still quite recognizable to those in he know and 3) the Harvard Lampoon used to be quite funny...

THUR 2/19

7:30pm
LE:60 1-Minute Film Festival
at AXIOM gallery, Green Street T, ground floor level, about 150 Green St, Jamaica Plain
$5 Suggested Donation

Back in October, the Lumen Eclipse folks presented their 1-Minute Film Festival outside Harvard Sq after accepting submissions for anyone who could create a short, short film (60 seconds or less). It was perfect for the modern attention span... There's another chance to see all of the videos tonight; maybe you'll have another chance next month, but it doesn't look totally set.

(I love this gallery's proximity to public transportation! You can't get much closer than in the same building as the T.)

THUR 2/19

8:15pm
Caribbean Jazz w/ Berklee's Bob Marley, Afro-Cuban, & Steel Pan Ensembles
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$5 / $2 seniors

You can read about their "Jazz as Culture, Language, Being, and Music" series, but it boils down to bunch a great music for a decent price. The Bob Marley Ensemble has performed rather regularly over the years, and they do a cool take on some of the greatest music ever created. You know the Afro-Cuban and steel pan bands will have you dancing in your seats.

THUR 2/19

10pm
The Diamond Mines, Emeen Z, The Diamond Platinum Rings
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Okay, folks... Get your free awesomeness for two more weeks. Somehow The Diamond Mines found the lightning in the bottle where punk meets soul with kickass songs full of piss and vinegar, and they don't have turn the distortion to 10 to make you dance around the room. It's all-killer, no-filler on their new CD with a grand total of 5 tracks that's probably going to five of your favorite songs. Trust me, "Space Age" is a lost classic that should've been written by Joe Jackson or Elvis Costello. Emeen Z used to be in The Sterns, which I liked, but his new solo band cooks up pure-pop bliss. Wasn't so bowled over by The Diamond Platinum Rings, but maybe the duo's magic happens when they play together live.

THUR 2/19

9:30pm
The Toothaches, Pretty & Nice, Math The Band, The Bynars
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

This is going to be a pretty fantastically rockin' show with the powerpopping goodness of ex-Bostonian Toothaches; the taut, punky powerpop of Pretty & Nice; and the synthy rock quirks of Math The Band and The Bynars. But I'm pretty sure I'll be at the Plough tonight...

(I liked this little gif though.)

You Ask, I Answer: Second Date?

Believe it or not, someone asked me about options for a second date. Over my dating career I had trouble with this one myself -- and I obviously steered clear of actual dating advice.

See the "Ask Cheap Thrills Rob" page for my general suggestions and a couple ideas that are going on this weekend...

(I feel so friggin' helpful right now! They might be good date ideas in general...)

WED 2/18: Art, Film, MidEast Music, Rock

It didn't seem to rise as a "Cheap Thrills" event, but Redbones is offering 18+ types of Sixpoint Craft Ales starting tonight with some free apps from 5pm to 7pm. (I did list a beer event yesterday, but there was some promise of "free liquids".) Although Sixpoint's brews will be on tap for a while, I might swing by just to see if I can try their "Hop Obama" brew...

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WED 2/18

6:30pm to 8:30pm
"Sting 4: Portraits" w/ Michael Manring & Project M
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Even though they don't cater to 'starving artist' types, the restaurant at the BCA succeeds in presenting local art in interesting ways. In their ongoing Sting series, they usually combine art, video, and music with a twist.

Painting and photographs will be display by: Bill Armstrong, Hannah Barrett, Jennifer Davis, Jeff Perrott, Jane D. Marsching, Anne Siems, and Herb Snitzer. I assume that many of the artists will attend. I'd be interested to talk to photographer Herb Snitzer; this guy has captured some famous images of many of jazz giants.

No free drinks, but single people will find personal ads on the glasses thanks to a project by a trio of local artists.

You'd think that a bass quartet could be a cacophony of wonky bassists paying over each other. There is loads of technique here (Michael Manring was once Bass Player Magazine's "Bassist of the Year"), but I heard a lot of interesting things on the video clip on Project M's site.

Various videos have been selected to play around The Beehive as well.

WED 2/18

7pm
"Battleship Potemkin"
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

The beauty of watching a classic Russian silent film? No clumsy overdubbing of the original dialogue! Sergei Eisenstein is one of the most influential directors on film students for his film editing techniques, and this is one of his classics. Keep in mind this is a Soviet propaganda film to demonstrate how oppressive the Czars were.

WED 2/18

8:15pm
First Annual Berklee Middle Eastern Festival w/ Bassam Saba Ensemble
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

For those interested in Middle Eastern music, Bassam Saba is known around the world as a virtuoso on several instruments. He'll play with some Berklee students in the first half of the concert and perform with his trio afterwards.

WED 2/18

9:30pm
Eksi Ekso, Tiger Saw, Broken River Prophet, Plumerai
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

It's not often that one can find four musically adventurous bands that actually sound really good. I wouldn't be surprised if any of these groups become more popular on the larger music scene; each for different reasons.

I think Plumerai might be the 'breakout band' in this bunch. Heck, they played in Greece a few months ago. There's plenty of guitar to please rockers, but there's an ethereal, noisy, poppish layers that could play well to a wider audience. Not many full-on rock bands include string players as part of the band, but Eksi Ekso incorporates them as an integral component of their prog-rock sound. It's not usually my bag, but I can enjoy this. Tiger Saw is a regularly changing collective that revolves around songwriter Dylan Metrano; whatever they do, I always cock my head and listen when hear that forlorn voice. (They make me think of The Decemberists or Bright Eyes.) On top of everything else, there are the seductive vocals matched with good hooks. I like Broken River Prophet and their noir Americana too.

TUES 2/17: Art, Chocolate & Beer, Jazz

Did you bum around on your long weekend? There's free stuff to do tonight.

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TUES 2/17

5pm to 7pm
2009 "Student Annual Exhibition": Opening Reception
at Grossman Gallery & Anderson Auditorium, 230 The Fenway, Boston (School of the Museum of Fine Arts / The Fens)
FREE

Cookies and crackers may or may not be served tonight, but I'd like to think there's still a little in the budget for some red wine. The exhibit is comprised of pieces that have won awards in over the past year along with other "exceptional student work". More than 50 students are represented in various media (painting, photography, metals, glass, ceramics, etc), and will be on view through TUES 3/10.

TUES 2/17

5pm to 7pm
Taza & Chocolate Milk Stout Tastings
at Cambridge Brewing Company, 1 Kendall Sq, Cambridge
FREE

Cambridge Brewing Company has a new chocolate-infused milk stout brew called "CaCow!" that was aged with cacao nibs from Somerville's Taza Chocolate. Taza is going to bring some chocolate to make that sample of the stout taste even more like dessert.

TUES 2/17

7:30pm
Esperanza Spalding
at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St, Boston (Berklee / Back Bay)
FREE

As part a "Jazz as Culture, Language, Being, and Music" series, bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding returns to Berklee where she studied -- and taught. As an up and coming jazz artist with serious chops playing a big stand-up bass, Esperanza also has a lovely voice that might even lead her to some cross-over success. I remember seeing her on David Letterman last year.

FRI 2/20 to SUN 2/22: Boston Globe Travel Show

FRI 2/20 -- 5:30pm to 8pm
SAT 2/21 -- 10am to 6pm
SUN 2/22 -- 10am to 5pm

Boston Globe Travel Show
at World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston (Seaport)
$10 or less

More travel info than you really want, but you might find out about that special place you're dreaming of.

I might write something later in the week, but there's no harm thinking about going on vacation even if you can't afford it... Friday night is free admission, and it's $10 on the weekend BUT it's a 2-for-1 deal if you print out the image or use the promo code online. (Those 18 and under get in free anyway.)

Besides all the people handing out brochures and saying how awesome their destination is, there will be seminars/presentations including a couple of the Frommer family.

I'm going to the Red Sox at Camden Yard this year...

(Thanks for the coupon, Frank!)

MON 2/16: Icy Art, Comedy, Rock

So I went down to hear Al Kooper last night, and Highland Kitchen was packed! Kooper and rhythm section whipped out early rock nuggets for about 90 minutes, and folks were dancing in the aisles.

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MON 2/16

10am to 4:30pm
"Chisels & Chainsaws": Annual Ice Sculpture Competition
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

Some of us have the day off. Some us of us work downtown. Others will have to wonder what art students do with ice and power tools. Eight teams from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, MassArt, Boston Conservatory, Boston Architectural College, Northeastern, and RISD will each get somewhat less than a ton of ice to make something awesome. This is the 5th year, so I suspect you'll see far more than ice in the presentation.

Stop by early in the day to watch and play around with ice of your own in the "Community Build Section" -- or swing by after 2pm to see the finished products and vote for your favorite. The people will decide who goes home with the "Golden Chainsaw Trophy".

The ice art will be there until it melts naturally.

MON 2/16

8:30pm
Robby Roadsteamer, Shane Mauss, Dan Boulger, Mehran, Chris Coxen, The Steamy Bohemians, Gary Petersen
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

Roadsteamer, oh, Roadsteamer. Robby sometimes leaves me cold, then makes me laugh my ass off. He has a new CD called "I Solved Every Miniquest", because... Y'know... He likes video games. The guys that make me laugh a lot are Shane Mauss and Mehran, but there's a lot of good comedy tonight. Hey -- laugh as much as you want, and there's no overpriced-drink minimum...

MON 2/16

8:30pm
"Dark Was The Night": Listening Party
at River Gods, 125 River St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE (but donate a few bucks)

The Red Hot people have done it again. They always get uber-cool music acts to contribute something to their compliations that benefit AIDS-related research and awareness. Bradley of the awesome music blog "Bradley's Almanac" will be the guy in the DJ perch (as well as Ryan from the awesome band Hallelujah the Hills) playing cuts from the collection.

Check out some of the songs below. (It was ridiculously easy to get the song widgets.) The artists include: David Byrne, Jose Gonzalez, Feist & Ben Gibbard, Bon Iver, The National, The Decemberists, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Buck 65 , The New Pornographers, Yo La Tengo, Cat Power, Andrew Bird, Conor Oberst & Gillian Welch, Blonde Redhead.

There's going to be giveaways/prizes to be had, but it would be nice if you donated something to benefit local HIV/AIDS assistance program, Boston Living Center.

MON 2/16

Triple Thick (11:30pm), The Bright Hours (10:45pm), Stump The Undertaker's Organ (10pm)
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

Dude, it's some killer garage-rock from Triple Thick, shockingly straightforward rock by The Bright Hours, and the twisted organ stylings of Allan Sheinfeld (The Spurs, The Coachmen, "Alvis", and much more).

2/16: Buy Cheap Books on Presidents Day

9am to 11pm
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

Everything is 20% off at Harvard Book Store on Monday.

You have to sign up for the Frequent Buyer Program, if you're not already signed up, but it ain't a bad day to go shopping at my favorite book store (at least within walking distance of Shay's)...

2/15: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

This poor kid... If you haven't seen David after his dentist visit, here's the original clip. I like the animated version though:



I keep thinking, "Aww.... Poor little guy!" but I read he was feeling better that night...

SUN 2/15: Bike/Dance, Listen, Sway

Yes, there's a good rock show at the at Middle East (upstairs) tonight with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (and other good bands), but their name is just a bit too long for me to give them much love. Next time you're in town, think about something with two syllables that rhymes with "Ramones" if you want to get my attention... (Just kidding, folks! Sorta...)

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SUN 2/15

9pm
Bikes not Bombs Dance Party Fundraiser
Feat: DJ's Patrick & Stella, DJ D'Hana, DJ LoneWolf
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$5 to $20 (Whatever You Can Afford) / 21+

When Rick said it, I began to wonder what Bikes Not Bombs actually did. If you believe what you read on the Internet, it is a righteous cause; and I've seen their name connected to positive activities around town. Some folks don't work on Presidents Day, so it's really like Saturday tonight. So that means dance party!

The sliding-scale admission means you can pay between $5 and $20, depending on your charitable disposition. I like paying a low cover and buying a bunch of raffle tix. Check out the Boldsprints competitions (indoor bike races). If you get there early, there's free bowling from 6pm to 9pm.

SUN 2/15

Putnam Murdock (8pm), Dylan Connor (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Someone tipped me off to Dylan Connor, and it's true that I love his ragged powerpop songs, and he'll probably perform solo tonight -- but I'd sit there jealously when he cranks out one kick-ass song after another and sound just as good solo as with a band. Then I checked out Putnam Murdock and loved his pure folk goodness. If you go and he doesn't play "Lovers Gold", you should punch him in the stomach! That's a beautiful song that he should play everyday of his life.

SUN 2/15

10pm
Al Kooper & His 50's Rockabilly Trio
at Highland Kitchen, 150 Highland Ave, Somerville (Winter Hill)
FREE

Al probably doesn't even think of this as a real gig, but this is a real treat. The organist on Dylan's "Like a Rollin' Stone", one of the co-founders of Blood Sweat & Tears, the guy who discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd (and produced their first 3 albums), and man of so many other musical accomplishments lives in Winter Hill -- and he's heading down a delicious & hip restaurant a couple blocks away to play old-time rockabilly. If you don't walk out with a smile, I'll buy you a (domestic) beer.

Restaurant Discounts...

But it's probably not cool to use it today, but that's between you and your loved one...

I used Restaurant.com this week, because my buddy Greg in FL sent me an extra discount code. They sent me another discount code that can be used until SUN 2/15, so I'll share it with you.

Hint: The code is not TRICK.

If your not familiar with the site, they partner with restaurants all over the country to provide $25 certificates for $10. My discount code reduced the cost to $5 -- this code reduces it to $4! (Let me do the math for you -- it's a $21 discount on your bill.)

And you get a $15 discount through FTD. It really works...

You have to register. There's a lot of places to choose from; I got one for Tommy Doyle's in Kendall Sq. Choose a place, then print out the coupon. They do send almost daily emails, but I haven't gotten other spam so far.

Update: They seem to keep sending me new "discount codes", you can send me an email to see if I have current one for you...

SAT 2/14: Love Crap & Other Stuff

So I added one (see above) and deleted one. Plenty of stuff to do... Maybe wander around town and check out the outdoor Shephard Fairey bombs...

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SAT 2/14

6pm to 10pm
Bittersweet Sweethearts' Dinner
at Channel Cafe, 300 Summer St, Boston (Fort Point/Seaport)
FREE / No Cover

I think this is could be that secret cool place that won't be overcrowded tomorrow... Until I let everyone know, ha-ha! (It wouldn't hurt to make a reservation anyway: 617-426-0695...) Maybe all places will have space tonight...

"Dinner will be served from 5pm to 10pm; Entertainment from 6pm to 10pm." I have a feeling it'll be the DJ ("DJ Frenchy"?) for the first couple hours, and the live entertainment gets going around 8pm. The music is mellow with Milo Jones & his guitar and the ambient Manners. Miss Darcey gives V-Day a bumpy 'n grindy touch. I doubt she can cover -all- the tables, but one of the Boston Derby Dames ("Killary Clinton") is going roller-waitress.

SAT 2/14

2pm
Valentine's Day Pub Crawl
Start at JA Stats, 99 Broad St, Boston (Financial District)
$1 suggested donation -- *Buy your own drinks*

There's a "Flirt Fest" (I think you can still get 2 advance tix for $20), but this is probably a good time whether or not you hook up -- but you might... (More than 400 people went last year.)


For more details check Facebook or the Social Boston Sports site.

SAT 2/14

6 pm to 8 pm.
Port and Chocolate: Tasting
at BRIX Wine Shop, 1284 Washington St, Boston (South End)
FREE

A free taste of booze/dessert ain't a bad part of cheap fun. The prices seemed pretty reasonable when I went before...

SAT 2/14

7:30pm
Strand of Oaks, Audrey Ryan, and Lewis & Clarke
at Nave Gallery, Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powder House Blvd, Somerville (Teele Sq)
$8

Soft, gentle, well-crafted music. For those who feel like a short walk from Davis Sq for a thoughtful musical experience. Hand-holding and intelligent canoodling are ideal.

SAT 2/14

Boston Horns w/ Barrence Whitfield, Lovewhip
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

I love Barrence Whitfield. If you haven't heard him sing, he's the best singer you've never heard. If you have, you know this guy should be in the pantheon of soul/rock/r&b singers. Lovewhip is pretty awesome too; it's always a party with Lovewhip. I like the Boston Horns too, especially when Whitfield is singing. It's to hard to get funkier and more soulful than this. I don't know about the ladies room, but the men's bathroom is really small. So prepare yourself to get somewhere else to do the nasty...

SAT 2/14

11:45pm
"Total Eclipse of the Heart: The 80s Love Song Sing-Along"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10

Sing-a-longs are fun events if you can embrace the moment and have a good time – whether you're feeling ironic or not. Maybe it's a good way to laugh at cheesy pop-song love or fall in love all over again -- with bigger hair...

Bonus: Free kazoos and play "80s Music Video Cliche Bingo" as you're watching and singing.

SAT 2/14

7pm
Athena's Players present: "The Vagina Monologues"
at Tsai Performance Center, 685 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$8

Every year around February, there's a production to celebrate the other V-Day... It's usually a benefit show as seen by this old flyer.

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program...

FRI 2/13: Music, Movies, Monologues

Happy Friday the 13th! Is it bad luck not to party tonight...?

FYI, there's a Saturday 'sneak peek' below.

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FRI 2/13

9:30pm
Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 / 21+

This should be a special show. When Jordan Valentine and the Sunday Saints usually play around town, they're usually allotted one set or there's an opening band, but it's Sunday Saints all Friday night. When Valentine fronted the World's Greatest Sinners, she was belting out a "Northern soul". In a reversal of polarity, a couple other Sinners became Saints and they headed South. With a killer band including a stacked horn section, there is an emphasis on Memphis soul and New Orleans R&B -- and points in between. Since they're doing 3 sets, the Sunday Saints will get to stretch it out. Shake your tail feather!

FRI 2/13

9:30pm
The Swinedells, The Rollin' Pins, Easy Ed
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10

It's rockabilly/rock 'n soul night. The Rollin' Pins sound more traditional to me, but it's going to be a rockin' time. Bonus: There's going to be a "Twist" contest with prizes!

FRI 2/13

10pm
Chandler Travis Philharmonic, Kami Lyle
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Chandler Travis has a knack to imbue his music with his bizarro sense of humor and not turn the music into a joke (unless the technicolor pajamas are too much for you). He's a bit nutty, but in every positive way. After spending dozens of summers at The Beachcomber, even his rock/pop/jazz/R&B/soul "Philharmonic" stew is brimming with good vibes. Fellow Cape Cod resident, cute-as-heck, pianist/trumpetress singer/songwriter Kami Lyle with her jazzy pop sensibilty and pixie vocals.

FRI 2/13

Original Slashers Double Feature!
"Friday The 13th" (10pm), "My Bloody Valentine" (Midnight)
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50

How can I not let you know about this double feature? Honestly, these originals didn't seem very good to this film buff who doesn't have a taste for horror flicks. I will grant these movies were fun, suspenseful romps. Can you imagine how bloated and predictable the new versions are?

FRI 2/13

Midnight
"Chocolate"
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Sq, Somerville
$8

The furthest thing from sappy, gooey love-fest would be an all-out midnight martial-arts movie from the makers of "Ong-Bak". The story may be incredulous, but it's the impressive action. It's one of those payback/vengeance stories starring a petite woman who kicks major ass. Keep in mind, she does ALL of her own stunts. They're not really stunts, because that connotes there are some filmic tricks to keep them safe.

This might not be the area premiere, but it's supposedly an "exclusive New England screening."

The Trailer:


FRI 2/13 & SAT 2/14

7pm
Athena's Players present: "The Vagina Monologues"
at Tsai Performance Center, 685 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$8

Every year around February, there's a production to celebrate the other V-Day... It's usually a benefit show as seen by this old flyer.

One of the rejected taglines for this play: "When was the last time you had a good monologue with your vagina?"