SUN 4/5: Modern Classical, Hip-Hop, Rock (w/ Rumble)

Well, there's all sorts of music tonight...

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SUN 4/5

The Calder Quartet (4pm), Local Honey Tasting / Reception (6pm)
at Broad Institute Auditorium, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

The Calder Quartet are probably one of the hottest string quartets in the country, and they're performing a free show. They're also going to collaborate local electronics. Afterwards, there's a free honey and wine tasting. Need I say more?

Yes I think it would be in poor taste to skip the concert and just go to the reception/tasting...

The Beeline Festival continues for 3 weekends, but many of the concerts are $15.


SUN 4/5

8:30pm to 11:30pm
Benefit for Gaza Mental Health
Feat: Suheir Hammad, Da Arabian MC's, The Foundation Movement, Natural Bliss, Re-Up, Tariq & Ali
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 minimum donation / All Ages

When basic survival is constantly under threat, it's easy to believe that those who need extra attention may not get it.. If I grew up in a perennially refugee family in the middle of the most volatile region in the world, I might be a total wreck!

Among the performers are Palestinian-American poet Suheir Hammad who moved to Brooklyn when she was 5, and Palestinian rappers Da Arabian MC's. The Foundation Movement and Re-Up are a couple of the good local hip-hop groups, and Natural Bliss is a very assertive black woman who has a good flow.

SUN 4/5

Youth Group (10:45pm), Curtain Society (9:50pm), The Laughing (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

A few years ago, I met Youth Group and they were so cool to me. I got the feeling that these Aussies were enjoying Boston, and they won me over. These guys are doing 3 Sundays in a row as well as multiple shows in Philly and NYC. The modern rock genre has a few big bands and many wannabes; listen to Youth Group and find out if their personality suits you.

We're enjoying the glut of post-SXSW bands. Most of us didn't make it to Austin, but many are eventually winding their way to Boston like Curtain Society and The Laughing, Enjoy!


SUN 4/5

9:30pm
The Rumble Night #1
The Luxury (11:30pm), The Deal (10:40pm), Logan 5 & the Runners (9:50pm), Angeline (9pm)
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Well, folks. Whether it feels like Spring or not, it's time for the Rock 'n Roll Rumble. Every night looks like an interesting show. The Luxury has a bit of 'corporate rock' vibe, but there's a reason why it's popular -- big melodies and guitars. Logan 5 & the Runners are my favorite band of the night; they've got crunchy guitar ripping out inventive riffs and the right amount of attitude. Dang, Angeline has some beautiful harmonies. Hadn't heard of The Deal before, but they've got a fun, 'bloozy rock' sound.

Who knows who will move on... Am rooting for Logan 5 & the Runners, but I think Angeline has a good chance.