5/31: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Believe it or not, Chris Coxen won $25k for this video for dancing in his underwear. The story below is on his website, but I felt it added a touching angle.



Well, guess what? You can all now say that you personally know someone that has won $25,000 by dancing in their underwear! That’s right, I won the Jockey Underwars!!!

So thank you all for voting and for broadcasting this vital campaign message among your precious networks. I appreciate it immensely. Special thanks go to:

Katie Weber - She was the one that initially told me of this contest.

Joe Madaus – He filmed the ordeal.

[...]

Robby Roadsteamer and Hardy – WBCN’s finest…they were extremely generous with their airtime, allowing me on the whole week to promote.

Karlson and McKenzie – WZLX’s finest that had me on their jazzy morning show in efforts to help me win.

Jimmy Traina – From cnnsi.com…he was kind enough to post this on Sports Illustrated’s website which allowed for national exposure of this undy incident.

The Street Vendor Guy – He rescued the War Doll from a drunken buffoon last Thursday night as I promoted outside Fenway (see full story below).

As many of you know, during the week of the finals, I went back down Fenway Park before the baseball games to gain support. Armed with little more than my "Vote Danny Morsel at jockeyunderwars.com" sign, fliers, rollerblades, the War Doll and a fresh pair of Jockey boxer briefs, I was ready to promote...vigorously.

On one of the nights, a group of drunken idiots standing 25 feet from me began to yell and heckle me while I employed my risky marketing campaign. One drunk chick from the pack of geniuses then got in my face and slurred, "Did you lose a bet or somethin'?!" while she grabbed my hockey stick sign. While this happened, an uncultured moron (email me for a more cutting and accurate description of this fellow) grabbed the War Doll off my chest and started to run away.

I became sad and scared as I saw the War Doll exit my life at an alarming pace. I felt helpless.

All the sudden, these old, gnarly street vendors that sell hats, programs and sausages saw what was happening, rushed out from their stations, started to go after the chucklehead and began screaming at the guy, "GIVE HIM HIS DOLL BACK!!!" The dude froze in terror, mumbled something in line with his limited intelligence and returned the sacred War Doll to me. It was one of the funniest things to hear those vendors scream "Give him his doll back!!" in a serious, angry tone. I went up to them and in character, thanked them. I was amazed how much those vendor dudes stick together and watch out for each other and for one night...me.

See pictures from the front lines.

SUN 5/31: Hot Dogs, Bike Ride, Tango, Electro-Rock

Eat and/or ride and/or dance and/or listen and dance.

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SUN 5/31

9am to 4pm
Hot Dog Safari
at Suffolk Downs Racetrack, 111 Waldemar Ave, East Boston
$10 advance / $15 door / FREE (children 6 and under)

Remember that the proceeds benefit the Joey Fund and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, because this is organized by the Phantom Gourmet family and their events are always disappointing in one way or another.

When fighting through the heaving masses for all-you-can-eat hot dogs, sausages, chicken, et cetera; one can't help thinking, "There must be a better way of doing this!" I was thinking that last year.

The good news is that more than a dozen food providers come in and really give you as much as you can eat. Ice cream sundaes are free. Soft drinks are free. Beer is available. It doesn't cost much to bet on live horse racing.

Advance tix available at Fuddruckers and Ace Tickets.

SUN 5/31

2pm
Bicycle Tour of Historic Somerville
Start at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
$3 donation requested

About 9 miles for 3 hours featuring Somerville's many historic houses of worship.

Rain date: SAT 6/6

Join the Somerville Bicycle Committee and the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission for a bike tour featuring Somerville's many historic houses of worship.

We'll meet at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, at 2 pm on Sunday, May 31. We'll take about three hours to ride about nine miles, stopping along the way to see various churches and synagogues throughout the city.

A $3 donation is requested to support the activities of the Historic Preservation Commission.

Rain date is Saturday, June 6, same time and starting location.

SUN 5/31

7:30 pm to 11pm
Tango by Moonlight
over the Charles River on the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Memorial Drive side, near Dewolf St, Cambridge
FREE

It's the first night of the 13th season that lasts for the next 6 full moons. (There's a clever math joke hiding in there.)

As usual, they'll start with brief period of tango instruction, then you can try for as long as you like until you feel like dancing any way you like.

It's a fun time with and without a partner, since you can usually find a partner or two. Perhaps the spirit will move you. And if the tango stymies you, it's fine to sway and turn however you like...

If you don't feel like tripping the light fantastic tonight, the other sessions are:

- SAT 6/6 -- Rain date: SUN 6/7
- FRI 7/3 -- Rain date: SUN 7/5
- SAT 8/8 -- Rain date: SUN 8/9
- FRI 9/4 -- Rain date: SAT 9/5
- SAT 10/3 -- Rain date: SUN 10/4

Note: "Regardless of clear or cloudy skies, raindates are used only if it is actually raining (pouring) at 7 pm on the primary date. Call 617-699-6246 if unsure."

SUN 5/31

9pm
Young Love, Paper Route, Yes Giantess, Herra Terra
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

It seems as if the main guy in Young Love left his hardcore band in Austin and moved to NYC a couple years ago on a whim. Arriving with little more than a guitar and some songs, he's just released a second CD of dancey rock. Paper Route is a Nashville band touring with Young Love, and they also deal in synthy rock that's influenced by Elbow and Boards of Canada. Obviously, the locals get in on the electro-pop action with Yes Giantess and Worcetser's Herra Terra.

SAT 5/30: EarthFest, Sailing, Zombies, Rock, Pop, Soul, Art etc

Alright. Here is the Saturday post. More to come...

Oh! Doctor Who episodes at the Brattle on Saturday too!

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SAT 5/30

Noon to 5pm
EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Feat: Soul Asylum (4pm), The Lemonheads (2:45pm), Seven Mary Three (1:45pm), Shawn Mullins (12:40pm)

WTF? I guess this is what happens to free concerts during a recession. I didn't like "Cumbersome" by Seven Mary Three when it first came out! The only way I could stand to hear that song again is if they rearranged it with a ska beat or something like that.

Other than 7M3, it's pretty good time warp back to the 90's. The Lemonheads have never played at the Hatch Shell according to Evan Dando, but he's not the most reliable source for any information about his band or himself...

There is still an area for kids but no secondary "local" stage. Local band Red Summer Sun (fka Quarterlifecrisis) opens, but I'm not a fan.

SAT 5/30

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

Enjoy a free sail in the harbor. If you want to sign you up for lessons, you can -- or you could just check it out and enjoy the ride and free refreshments. Again, this on Lewis Wharf by the Marriot; look for the riverboat.

As they say, "No sailing experience necessary. All ages welcome. Sailors of all abilities are welcome."

SAT 5/30

2pm
Boston Zombie March V
meet at South Station to Newbury St to Boston Common
FREE

There is some info at the Facebook page, but I looked back at what I had for last year's march on the same weekend. I think they did go down Newbury St last year, but the zombies definitely invaded EarthFest. Go to South Station and follow like a good undead party person. Or keep an eye out for extraordinary people-watching on Newbury or the Esplanade.

SAT 5/30

8:30pm
Static of the Gods, The Hollow Sound, Pezzettino
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / All Ages

Local music mavens at Ryan's Smashing Life have put together another pair of good shows; this time at Cafe 939 where the room is clean and sounds great but there's no adult beverages. I'd consider going for Night #2, which offers three excellent female-fronted bands.

I'm particularly intrigued by Pezzettino from Milwaukee with a singer-songwriter on accordion; there's a lot of good stuff there! When I saw Static of the Gods, they made quite a turbulent, melodic, riff-tastic noise for three people. It's a really cool sound that shouldn't be subject to lazy comparison by me; just listen and decide. The Hollow Sound is a indie-rock mix of Emerson and Berklee grads.

SAT 5/30

Twelfth of Never (Midnight), What Time Is It Mr Fox? (11pm), The Milling Gowns (10pm), Ginger Ibex (9pm)
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

There's a compilation CD coming out called "Sky So Grey" that features all of these bands and other local groups that dwell on the dark-grey side of the musical street. What Time is It, Mr Fox? has some interesting lyrics over modern-cabaret musical stylisms. The Milling Gowns have called themselves " orchestral gloom pop" and that fits, especially with the instrumentation based around piano and viola. In fact, Ginger Ibex includes the pianist and violist from The Milling Gowns.

SAT 5/30

Budos Band (Midnight), Jenny Dee & The Delinquents (11pm), Jordan Valentine & The Sunday Saints (10pm), Rocksteady Super Soul Revue (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

If you don't know The Budos Band yet and like soul music, you better get acquainted to stay hip. This all-instrumental, all-funky, horn-heavy, percussion-powered, afro-soul band are bowling over crowds wherever they go.

The funny part will be when you like Jenny Dee & The Delinquents and Jordan Valentine & The Sunday Saints better than Budos Band. It will seem like Boston is ready to explode as the new soul capital of the USA. (And let's not forget about Eli 'Paperboy' Reed starteing to make a splash on a larger scale.)

Not much info is available about Rocksteady Super Soul Revue except the band features members of various punk groups like The Men, Victory at Sea, Lost City Angels, and The Prime Movers.

DJs PJ & Sean from Soul-Le-Lu-Jah spin between sets.

SAT 5/30 & SUN 5/31

Noon to 6pm
Chelsea Art Walk
around Chelsea
FREE

This is the first of what will hopefully be an annual event. There's an excellent arts scene in Chelsea, but it's difficult to know about it. If you don't have a car, it's so inconvenient to get there -- well, there are several buses and a commuter rail station. If you're there, you may not even know where to go -- there's a map [PDF] of the studios (about 9 locations) and shuttle buses will be running continuously both days.

SAT 5/30 & SUN 5/31

Noon to 6pm
East Cambridge Open Studios
around East Cambridge to Inman Sq [PDF map]
FREE

Like Chelsea, there are about 9 locations. In Cambridge, there's a group exhibition in the old Pompanoosuc Mills Furniture space at One Kendall Square (where general Open Studios info could be found). And a bike tour of the open studios is meeting at Dana Park (74 Magazine St, Cambridgeport) around 1pm on both days.

SAT 5/30 & SUN 5/31

Various Times
"Birds & Bards" Festival
at Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan
at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
at Franklin Park, 1 Circuit Dr, Boston
at Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain
Mostly FREE

The weather may not be great , there's lots of outdoorsy/artsy stuff.

FRI 5/29: Art, Film, Rock, Doctor Who

Hi, how are you? Good.

Besides the occasional chaotic distractions (managers making me dance to oldies), I'm doing alright.

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FRI 5/29

6pm to 8pm
Opening Reception:
Joe Keinberger, "Wide-Eyed & Ghostlike"
Michael Lehman, "Cartoon Cauldron"
Matt Towler, "Homunculus"
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

You can probably still RSVP for tonight. The beer still flows fairly well, and the art is always interesting. (I almost bought something for $40, but someone bought it 30 seconds before me. Here is a bit about my first Space 242 night.)

FRI 5/29

7pm to 8:30pm
Birds & Bards Festival Movie Night
at Franklin Park Golf Club House, 1 Circuit Dr, Boston
FREE / All Ages

Short films from the Roxbury Film Festival will be shown "featuring youth poetry, fitting in, and growing up."

The weather may not cooperate, but the "Birds & Bards Festival" has various events at Forest Hills Cemetery, Arnold Arboretum, and Boston Nature Center.

FRI 5/29

Township (12:20am), The New Collisions (11:25pm), Televandals (10:35pm), The Lights Out (9:45pm), Logan 5 & The Runners (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

If there was sucha thing as too many good bands on one bill, this might be it. It's an "EP release" show for The New Collisions, but there will be no CD's or vinyl. (It's a download, baby! Who needs tangible!? Oh, you do? You can get a flash drive.) The cool thing about their new wave-y sound is that Greg Hawkes of The Cars digs the band and contributed to the recording and will sit in with the band tonight. All those killer keyboard parts originated from this man!

It's a complementary line-up all the way through. Televandals mix rock and dark, new wave influences together (that remind me of Bauhaus/Love & Rokets). Logan 5 & the Runners offer more synthiness to the rock, and it's got more of a Brit-rock vibe and swaggering vocals. The Lights Out dish out pop-rock with a double extra-side of catchy hooks. Township won the Rumble in '07 and gives classic 70's-rock stylings an update.

FRI 5/29 & SAT 5/30

9:30pm
Hooked on Who III
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 minimum donation

This is becoming a semi-regular program every few months. It was fun in a midnight-movie kind of way on the night I went.

Tom Baker was "The Doctor" I grew up with, so I prefer seeing those classic episodes. If you like the pretty boy Doctor, David Tennant, there's the Saturday night show.

It is strongly suggested that you RSVP, and they ask your donation amount -- $5 suggested. (There's a "HOOKED ON WHO" t-shirt offer for a $25 donation.) There were empty seats on that Sunday night many moons ago, so you might have a chance to get in without registering in advance.

FRI 5/29

9:30pm
Tom Baker in "The Talons Of Weng-Chiang"

SAT 5/30

1:30pm
Tom Baker in "The Pyramids Of Mars"

9:30pm
David Tennant in "Silence In The Library" & "Forest Of The Dead"

FRI 5/29

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "The Briny Deep"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 -- 21+ / $13 -- 18+

The theme is "The Briny Deep", but someone at USRT hates phony pirate patois. So you may hear none -- or it'll be all over the place just to irritate him. It definitely feels like some of your friend decided to put on a variety show, if your friends were very creative/talented/funny.

Probably featuring: Chris Braiotta, Nick Branigan, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Keira Horowitz, Caitlin Roy, TD Sidell

Plus author Erik P. Kraft, journalist Michael Brodeur, and indie-pop couple Cotton Candy

The Phoenix claimed there is going to a performance/reading of "The Young Turtle Asymmetries", if you're into experimental poetry.

FRI 5/29

10pm
"Muck & the Mires vs. Andrea Gillis"
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5

This is going to be a fun show where both bands will play 2 sets alternating back and forth. Muck & the Mires won Little Steven's best garage-band competition a few years ago, and I don't think anyone has claimed the crown since then. They seriously rip it up. The Andrea Gillis Band is definitely a match with Andrea's powerfully soulful vocals that could be compared to an early-Tyson body blow.

THUR 5/28: Billiards, Bowling, Bogosian, Birds, Bards, Booty-Shaking, Indie/Pop

I couldn't come up with "B" words for everything...

Wow. Thursday arrives so quickly after a three-day weekend.

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THUR 5/28

6pm
Summer Session Pre-Party
at Kings, 50 Dalton St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE / 21+

Kings usually doesn't offer more information besides their flyers, so take a (long) look above.

There is usually a crowd when free stuff is involved, but you might get to bowl or play pool anyway. It looks like Comanchero are going to get jammy around 8:30/9pm. Hey, you might get some Harpoon shwag before their Summer Session party this weekend.

THUR 5/28

7pm
Eric Bogosian, "Perforated Heart": Reading
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

Former Woburn homeboy Eric Bogosian is in town to read from and talk about his new novel about a older writer who finds his own journals and rediscovers the person he used to be. You're probably not going to get "Talk Radio" intensity, but Bogosian was on the radio a couple days ago and seemed open and willing to discuss ideas.

THUR 5/28

7:30pm to 9pm
"Birds & Bards" Kickoff Celebration
Feat: Eduardo del Solar, Valerie Stephens, Brendan Galvin
at Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
$5 donation

Over the next four days, there's many activities to celebrate and contemplate nature's flying machines at Forest Hills, Arnold Arboretum, and Boston Nature Center.

Nature photographer will present a slide show of local birds in amazing detail. Jazz singer Valerie Stephens performs (and her voice will soar?). Brendan Galvin holds down the "Bard" end of "Birds & Bards" by reading some of his works.

THUR 5/28

8pm
Jukebox the Ghost, Jenny Owen Youngs, These United States
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

Jenny Owen Youngs is the star of the night at this show. The singer-songwriter with golden voice and confusing grammatical number caught my ear with a lilting song whose chorus repeats "What the f--- was I thinking?" The new album is good stuff!

Jukebox the Ghost doesn't sound exactly like Ben Folds, but they're in that sphere of upbeat, quirky piano-pop. And they were openers on Folds' tour a couple months ago. You should dig the scruffy indie-rock of These United States.

THUR 5/28

9:30pm
Influenza #3
Feat: Ether Field, Lovewhip, Electric Laser People
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

A lot of people are getting bummed out by the thought of an H1N1 pandemic, but the flu isn't always bad. The "Influenza" series gets bands to play sets where half of the songs are covers by artists who have been an influence. (Can you see the story behind the title?) Other shows have been straight-up rock fests, but tonight it's an electro-dance party.

Lovewhip is a funky party in band form, so it should be interesting to hear what covers they'll choose. (Think about horn-tastic tunes since a sax-man is joining Lovewhip tonight.) Interestingly Ether Field is a new project from the electronica guys in Matters & Dunaway, but they're playing in a old-fashioned guitar/bass/drums format. Fun-loving synth-heads and MIT grads Electric Laser People might offer covers from all over the place.

Bodega Girls will be DJ in between bands.

FRI 5/29 & SAT 5/30: The Figgs @ Midway Cafe

FRI 5/29

9pm
The Figgs, John Powhida International Airport, The Boston Beat Machine

SAT 5/30

9pm
The Figgs, The In Out, The Boston Beat Machine

Update: Both nights are sold out.

at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

As far as I'm concerned The Figgs are one of the great American rock 'n roll bands, so it's an amazing treat to see them in a tiny club like the Midway.

When I moved to Boston, my friend Margot put in the "Sucking in Stereo" CD, and I was immediately hooked. I pull out that CD to this day for power-pop bliss. They pack a mighty wallop of high-octane rock yet they'll stretch all over the map as they see fit.

I don't want to raise expectations too high, but when I've seen them their performances have ranged from thoroughly impressive to pure ecstasy like being in front of The Who or Cheap Trick in their prime.

It's not unprecedented for The Figgs to do a small-club gig in Boston, but the combination of their maximum rock 'n roll and a JP dive bar is really hard to beat. I think the current capacity at the Midway is less than 100, and let me reiterate it's going to be a loud, full-on rawk fest.

The Boston Beat Machine open both nights and should be something to hear; it seems like the band includes Tom from The Dirty Truckers and Jim from Buttercup. I'm a John Powhida fan, so I'd recommend Friday night.

This is technically a $10 show, but there's a $2 service fee for advance tickets. It seems like advance tix are still available, but I doubt that any will be available at the door.

Doors open at 8pm, and I suspect The Figgs go on between 11pm and 11:30pm.

It's EarthFest weekend so who knows who else might be hanging out...

WED 5/27: Travel Talk, Dog Benefit, Cat Benefit

The question one must ask today is, "Am I a dog person or a cat person?" Two benefits are happening around the corner from each other.

Both shows are stacked with quality music and have similar appeal. You can see about a dozen acts playing short sets (mainly acoustic, based on experience) at the kitty concert. Perhaps you'd prefer to get more exposure to fewer bands and get bigger slices of pop-rock pie.

(I like dogs better than cats.)

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WED 5/27

7pm to 8:30pm
"Travel Solo, Travel Smart: An Interactive Workshop for Women Traveling Alone"
at REI, 401 Park Dr, Boston (Fenway)
FREE

Seasoned international traveler Leah Moschella offers tips and strategies for women to feel more comfortable traveling abroad. You already know how to knee a guy's jewels; learn the rest.

You may want to call ahead to reserve a spot: 617-236-0746.

WED 5/27

8pm
The Toothaches, The Double Stops, Gypsy Cab, Red Quiet, Streight Angular
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$5 / 21+

A "Polk Records Rock and Roll Revival" night. I'm a sucker for the sweet power-pop of The Toothaches. You should give Red Quiet a listen, because that is some interesting stuff, and they supposedly put on a good show.

WED 5/27

Benefit for Kitty Angels
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

There are no clunkers as far as I can tell. The meat of the lineup maybe from The Jeddo Stars and on. Stay for Rick Barton whatever you do.

Scheduled:
The Sharp Lads (Midnight), The Russians (11:40pm), The New Alibis (11:20pm), Vulgarrity (11pm), Rick Barton (10:40pm), Bo & Jen of MeandJoanCollins (10:20pm), Jason Dunn (10pm), Caged Heat (9:45pm), Paul Janovitz (9:30pm), Milquetoast (9:15pm), Pete Cassani (9pm), Jeddo Stars (8:50pm), Birds Make Birds (8:40pm), Jeffrey Simmons (8:30pm)

WED 5/27

9pm
Little Darling's Pinups for Pitbulls Benefit
Feat: Midatlantic, St. Helena, Silent Century
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Maybe hot chicks like pit bulls for similar reasons that they like tattooed bad boys. These ladies are active in protecting their favorite breeds by raising awareness that pit bulls aren't intrinsically vicious. (I've seen fully grown and totally affectionate pit bulls.)

Besides the bands, two of 2009's calendar girls, Miss Brindle and Jessica Rabbit, will be on hand. I saw the picture and realized I know Miss Brindle; she is a super-awesome person and a real character. I saw another flyer that suggested there may be some free 'Gansett for a while, so it's going to be a damn good time.

TUES 5/26: Talks & NOLA meets Morphine

So, we're one day closer to the weekend.

I'm pretty sure that culinary legend Jasper White reads this blog, so I just want to say:
Hey, J. From one lobster-lover to another, it was cool to see you walking through Davis Square. I didn't want to bother you (didn't want to miss the start of the movie), but it seemed like the mutual head-nodding worked for both. Take care.

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TUES 5/26

7pm
Hal Niedzviecki, "The Peep Diaries": Discussion & Signing
at Harvard Coop, Level 3, 1400 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Maybe you may not want to read a whole book, but novelist/essayist Hal Niedzviecki may share new (or confirm existing) perspectives how people share the details of their lives via reality TV, Internet, etc in a humorous way.

TUES 5/26

7pm
Greg Skomal, "Sharks in New England: A Closer Look"
at Harborside Learning Lab, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE w/ RSVP

Great white sharks don't terrorize summer tourists as they did in "Jaws" and the sequels, but they really swim around our waters. A shark specialist with Mass Marine Fisheries probably won't scare the crap out of you, but you'll hear some natural history of the toothsome fishies and how we currently study them.

Apparently there is a "learning lab" in the parking garage, and this is where the shark chat is happening tonight. The program should last about an hour with a reception afterwards. It would be a good idea to register to ensure admission.

TUES 5/26

10pm
Jeremy Lyons w/ Dana Colley & Jerome Dupree
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Like other expats of New Orleans, Jeremy Lyons has decided to settle in the spot where he landed after Hurricane Katrina. All of his gigs are a treat from the Crescent City whether solo acoustic or some kind of band. It's an extra tasty blues when he gets together with the sax-drums superduo of Dana Colley and Jerome Dupree who also played together for years in various projects including a little ol' band by the name of Morphine...

MON 5/25: Art, Labryinth-Along, Rock, Folk

Happy Memorial Day! Looks like a fine day for a cookout...

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10am to 4:45pm
Memorial Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

One of the MFA's open house days that includes guided tours, family activites, and special events like a coulpe dance performances (10:30am & 3:30pm) and a short-film program (2pm).

Admission to the "Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice" exhibition is also free, which is always a good savings on these open house days. It's crowded, but you didn't pay an extra $25 -- but this exhibit is worth it.

MON 5/25

7pm
"Labyrinth" Sing-Along
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10

I didn't read the book and saw the movie once, which didn't move me at the time. It's difficult for me to do more than let people know about this. If you're interested in an elfin David Bowie, jailbait Jennifer Connelly, and a bunch of muppets you won't recognize -- give it a shot. It might be more amusing with the audience singing along.

Apparently Henri from the Alamo Drafthouse has spent the weekend in Boston to host another program.


MON 5/25

The Horse Latitudes (Midnight), Winterpills (11pm), Alice Austin & The Stark Raving Mad (10pm), Lendway (9pm)
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Wow, a damn fine show on a Monday night. Maybe you're well-rested or well-hungover. Either way, none of the bands are going to assault your senses. The set times are obviously subject to rock-club time-warp, but those are my best guesses based on available info.

There's not much I feel like saying about Winterpills except they probably make the best melancholy pop since Elliott Smith's "Figure 8". Alice Austin & The Stark Raving Mad are celebrating a CD release, and you might want to bring an extra $10 with you; it's super-catchy indie-rock with a bit of cow-punk stomp. I'm digging Alice Austin's blend of bad-assery and melody.

Lendway sounds like sweeping, spacey rock; if they turned the reverb to 10, they might remind me of My Morning Jacket. Since The Horse Latitudes are named after an album by The Promise Ring, and it sounds as if they didn't like the louder parts of their forebears.

MON 5/25

10pm
Tony the Bookie, Ryan Lee Crosby, Raymond Morin
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Three dudes with acoustic guitars, songs, bittersweet experiences, rhapsodic emotions, and maybe more... Lots of good stuff to hear. It's next door to the show above, so it's like getting two for the price of one...

5/24: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Canadian beat-boxing teen? Way off-topic.



It's probably real, because it was on NPR...

MON 5/25: Free Day at MFA

10am to 4:45pm
Memorial Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

One of the MFA's open house days that includes guided tours, family activites, and special events like a coulpe dance performances (10:30am & 3:30pm) and a short-film program (2pm).

Admission to the "Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice" exhibition is also free, which is always a good savings on these open house days. It's crowded, but you didn't pay an extra $25 -- but this exhibit is worth it.

SUN 5/24: Jazz, Classical, Pop/Rock

Okay, more Sunday...

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SUN 5/24

7pm
Bitches Brew Band
at The Squealing Pig, 134 Smith St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

Local jazz vets take one period of the great Miles Davis catalog and play the shit out of it. (I mean that in a good way.) In 1969, Miles had his Dylan/Newport moment and went electric with "In a Silent Way" and pioneered jazz-fusion.

In three albums, Miles and company set the foundation for Weather Report, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, countless others, and Boston's top-shelf Miles tribute band -- Bitches Brew.

(Oh, yeah... I brought it back to the beginning in about 4 sentences...)

SUN 5/24

8pm
"Classical Meets Jazz: Pictures at an Exhibition"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

I abhor the existence of dueling pianos at places like Jake Ivory's, but this must surely be a thousand times better. Unlike the musical whores that provide the soundtrack for drunken bachelorette parties, two world-class pianists from classical music and jazz reprise their collaboration for the American premiere of the program after 3 performances in Germany and Russia over the past 3 years.

NEC faculty Eyran Katsenelenbogen is the jazz foil to award-winning Andrei Ivanovitch as they meld their two styles through a 13-movement piece, Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition".

SUN 5/24

9:30pm
Freezepop, The Campaign For Real Time, Barnicle
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

This was probably a 'surprise show' from the beginning, but it was listed as "Barnicle and guests" until a few days ago. They're probably cool with it, but I kinda like the C4RT and Freezepop more than the initial band. Freezepop may be one of the quietest local success stories, if you don't play videogames. The electro-pop trio plan to play some new songs and some covers along with the tunes that fans already know. The Campaign for Real-Time straddle the line of electro and rock, and they have to be the funkiest time-traveling rock band around.

SUN 5/24: Vegan Pies, Mmm (?)

Another post should be coming for Sunday night cheapness.

If you're a Harry Potter fanatic, you already have put on your costume for the "WizRock is Dead" (1:30pm) show. I doubt Wiz-Hop any cooler than Wiz-Rock...

5pm
Vegan Pie Bake-Off
at Papercut Zine Library, The Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$3 to $10 sliding scale

Believe it or not, people love to even bake vegan pies. Sweet pies... Savory pies... Just don't use any dairy or eggs! (Or meat.)

It's too late to bake a pie and win a prize, but you can eat as much pie as possible. The public will decide the winner(s).

They will probably be delicious. The two most common reaction may be: "Look at all these awesome vegan options!" and "Hmm, I guess vegan pies don't have to taste like crap."

The proceeds benefit the Papercut Zine Library, which may have to move. The sliding scale is "pay what you can afford."

SAT 5/23: Tech Party, Polka Party, Rock & Folk Parties

Yep, I didn't drink tequila or box of wine last night. I hope you're having more fun than me...

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SAT 5/23

8pm to Midnight
Information Superhighway Six: "The Tim And Diana Show Edition"
at Berkman Squared, 50 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Harvard's Berkman Center hosts a monthly party just to prove local techies can hang our IRL and have a good time. OMG. Anyone can go, but they suggest it might be for "hackers, activists, artists, designers, nonprofits, startups, academics and general geekery."

As they say:

*No agenda, no "networking," no presentations. Just beverages, food, ideas and cool people.

Some people might run into: Joshua Gay (CK-12), Susan MacPhee (Design 4 Drupal Camp Boston), David Nunez & Emily Daniels (Dorkbot Boston), Sam Houston (GamerDNA), Alexa Scordato (Growing Up Digital)

Video bloggers Tim and Diana will also be there, and they'll have some free DVD's of all their shows. I tried to watch a couple 'episodes', but I couldn't get more than 2 minutes into any of them. It might be interesting to talk to them just to ask what the deal is with the vlog. (Are they trying to prove that the web is like public-access cable?)

Did I mention free drinks?

SAT 5/23

8pm to Midnight
Saint Stanislaus Polka Party
Feat: Al Janik's Plastyczny Ser Orkestra
at the Polish American Club, 747 Cambridge Street, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10

You're not missing something. There is no secret code. Roll out at the friggin' barrel -- Al Janik and the Plastic Cheese Band really plays polka with a love for polka and with a sense of humor (you'll hear some crazy, funny songs). It's likely to recognize the band from many other bands. The polish food is free (umm -- besides the cover charge), and the beers have to be cheap.

This salute to Poland's patron saint (and beer and kielbasa) used to be an annual tradition at the Abbey Lounge. Honestly, I've been afraid to go into the Polish American Club; it looks foreboding -- and I didn't want to find out that I was not allowed in there... I know I can't be the only one! Go in for the polka party, stay for inhospitable drunks!

SAT 5/23

9pm
The Rex Complex, The Wheels, Railbird
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

The Rex Complex seemed to start out as an Irish/folk band, and now it still has some rootsy element. The roots have also spread around the world get skewed with with shards of Tom Waits and Beck. See a little taste below from YouTube.

Jabe Beyer of The wheels is making the most of his trip back to Boston from Nashville doing all sorts of gigs and he already had a little country in his folk before left town. You'll also hear a bit of bluesy folk-rock from Upstate NY's Railbird. I read a review that sounds like they give an intriguing performance with the instrument changes.



SAT 5/23

9:30pm
Lake Champagne, The Diamond Mines, The IOA, Lindsey Starr & The Chemical Smiles
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

This should be a fun show. Lake Champagne is having an EP release. The Diamond Mines recently released a 5-song CD. Bands are putting out their music in short bursts -- hey, who really listens to 12 songs a row anymore? Give me the good stuff!

The Diamond Mines don't really have anything but the good stuff. They're a must-hear for anyone with a pulse, some brain cells, and one functional ear. Lake Champagne seem to have a whole songbook of smart, poppy, piano-centric rock. The IOA don't do much for me, but there's something likable in shambles. The acoustic set by Lindsey Starr and (one of) The Chemical Smiles is promising based on the one song available.

SAT 5/23

10pm-ish
The Doug MacDonald Band
at Tavern at the End of the World, 108 Cambridge St, Charlestown (near Sullivan Sq)
FREE-ish

He's been the leader of surfy-punks Tidal Wave. When I met him, he was blowing people away with only his acoustic guitar. I like Doug MacDonald and his music, and he has a passion that's clear to everyone in the audience. The current band is a folk/rock direction that'll be good drinking music.

I also like Tavern at the End of the World. It's feels like it's close to nothing, but it's a short walk from Sullivan Sq. The food is good, and they have a good beer selection. When I was there on a recent Saturday night the music seemed to start around 10pm, and no one was collecting a cover charge.

SAT 5/23 to MON 5/25

11am to 10pm
Street Performer Festival
at Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston
FREE

Walk through Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, if you have visitors in town. I enjoyed stopping for a few minutes when I used to walk around at lunch. That's all I can say.

Sneak Peek -- SAT 5/23

I don't know what I was thinking earlier today. There's enough cheap stuff to choose from for the weekend. You may already be sitting on a patio with a cold beverage, but I still sit at a keyboard. Since my mother is in town, there's a good chance I won't drink a half-bottle of tequila or a half-box of wine -- or both so there's a good chance that we'll have some CTB success tonight.

The sneak preview...

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SAT 5/23

8pm to Midnight
Information Superhighway Six: "The Tim And Diana Show Edition"
at Berkman Squared, 50 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

SAT 5/23

8pm to Midnight
Saint Stanislaus Polka Party
Feat: Al Janik's Plastyczny Ser Orkestra
at the Polish American Club, 747 Cambridge Street, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10

SAT 5/23

9pm
The Rex Complex, The Wheels, Railbird
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

SAT 5/23

9:30pm
Lake Champagne, The Diamond Mines, The IOA, Lindsey Starr & The Chemical Smiles
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

SAT 5/23

10pm-ish
The Doug MacDonald Band
at Tavern at the End of the World, 108 Cambridge St, Charlestown (near Sullivan Sq)
FREE-ish

FRI 5/22: Comedy, Rock, Mashups, Morrissey, Monty Python

The cornucopia of cheapness isn't as full as usual this weekend, which might have something to do with most people hanging out at the beach or someone's yard for the next 3 days or so.

For whatever reason, there are other options beyond cookouts. Here are some available Friday fun.

Let me say something about flexibility. It's a virtue. Maybe not one of the classic Greek virtues, but it could have been on the list.

Some of these things would've been $10 if you bought tix yesterday, but cost a couple bucks more today. Okay. Boo-hoo. Are you feeling better now? I'm showing flexibility by going over my ceiling for some quality events. Just think about it.

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FRI 5/22

7:30pm
The Christian Finnegan Au Contraire Tour
w/ Ken Reid, Chris Coxen, Laura Burns, James Lawrence, Tom E. Morello
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$12 / 18+

Christian Finnegan is pretty damn funny in short bursts like "Best Week Ever" or "Chappelle's Show" or other TV appearances. I saw some of his Comedy Central special, and he was still pretty funny. A slew of local funny people will also perform. It's an early time, so you have the flexibility to do something else or even stay for The Pill's Morrissey Birthday dance party.

FRI 5/22

9pm
Hallelujah The Hills (12:15am), Bon Savants (11:15pm), Magic Magic (10:30pm), Cymbals Eat Guitars (9:45pm), You Can Be A Wesley (9pm)
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$12 / 18+

If "Wave Backwards To Massachusetts" was the only good song Hallelujah The Hills ever made, it would still be enough reason to listen to their whole set and 4 crappy bands before them. They actually rock out with louds of excellent alt/chamber/rock, and every band sounds really good. I'm being flexible about the price, but let me tell you this -- If you want to hear a rock concert tonight and go somewhere else, you're an idiot.

FRI 5/22

9pm to 2am
Bootie Boston #13: 1 Year Anniversary
Feat: Party Ben, dj BC, DJ Lenlow, DJ Spencer 4 Hire, Katie Enlow
at Good Life, 28 Kingston St Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$5 / 21+

I'm kinda over my mash-up infatuation, but I guess they're still pretty fun. Hardcore lovers and neophytes might mingle in a human dance mash-up tonight. Besides the usual suspects, mashup master Party Ben will be there. Free mix-CD's to the first 50 people through the door.

FRI 5/22

10pm
The Pill: "Morrissey's 50th Birthday Dance Party"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 21+

So Passion Pit played at The Pill last week, so I don't think they'll try to top themselves this week. The Pill guys say it's going to be a fun dance night filled with plenty of Smiths and Morrissey tunes with videos projected above the stage. You don't need to get spectacular, because that's already awesome on top of awesome.

If can't get in, you have flexibility to walk to the Model Cafe where (I have it on good authority) they're also celebrating Morrissey's birthday with no cover charge and cheap drinks.

FRI 5/22

Midnight
"Monty Python's Holy Grail": Quote-Along
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10

Do I need to say anything more than "I fart in your general direction"? Maybe this is the most quotable Monty Python film. (I have a fondness for "Life of Brian".) Henri from Austin's Alamo Drafthouse is on hand to host the show.

Pre-show contests, props, and other frivolity precedes the screening that has "Subtitles for all the best bits." Want flexibility? A local, low-budget, indie, gory, funny police-action film called "Lawson: White Heat" is also playing ($9) at midnight.


Update:

A commenter writes, "If I may add to the list...Lisa Bello live at the Alchemist Lounge in JP. It's a free show."

Yes, you may.

10pm
Lisa Bello
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

I listened to Lisa Bello before, and it's a bit too pop for my taste, but she can sing.

THUR 5/21: Doc, Shorts, Lit Battle, Latin Soul-Funk, Americana, Poetry

I noticed something about getting stuck. It's almost never someplace comfortable. Whether it's the T, an elevator, or mine shaft -- you simply won't feel cozy and contented.

I started to think I was suffering from claustrophobia while sweating through my shirt on the Red Line this morning, but I was already hot and suffocating before the power went out. It's quite natural to feel crappy when stuck in a tunnel... Yeah, that's it... (Deep breath!)

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THUR 5/21

6pm
"Ask Not"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

If you don't catch "Independent Lens" or want to hear/join a discussion on the topic, Hostelling International and Boston Cares regularly host screenings. In my second gay-related item in two days, the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is examined in light of the country's desperate need to send soldiers around the globe.

(I hope the policy doesn't really include the puerile slogan: "Don't ask, don't tell.")

THUR 5/21

7pm to 9:30pm
"Exposed and Composed": MassArt Senior Thesis Show
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$1

If you graduated from MassArt's Film/Video program, you might get a film at the Coolidge Corner rather quickly in your career. About 24 shorts will be screened with a collective running time of about 2 hours will be split in half by a 10-minute intermission.

My favorite titles: "The Signs In The Snow", "Serena And The Ratts", "300 Answers", "Liz Fang Bites", and "Club Pervert"

THUR 5/21

8pm
Literary Death Match
at Paradise Lounge, 969 Comm Ave, Boston (near BU)
$10

The Fox reality program, "When Writers Attack!" has morphed into an underground network of fight clubs for authors of all genres and media.

Two is the key number to remember in this viciously esoteric sport. Two writers battle head-to-head by reading up to 8 (or 2 x 2 x 2) minutes of their most potent material. This happens twice with a second pair, and the winners of the 2 prelims meet in a mysterious final round.

They say a "Yo' Mama" joke smack-down decided the victor in San Fran -- in honor of Mother's Day. Recently in NYC, finalists played a "chopsticks & foam ball" game akin to baseball or cricket.

For the Boston premiere, the contestants will be Steve Almond, Jeannie Greeley, William Giraldi, Jane Roper. The judges will be: Tom Perrotta, Eve Bridburg, Christopher Monks.

Proceeds benefit Opium Magazine. (I think.)

Just kidding about the reality show...

THUR 5/21

9:30pm
Jen Kearney & The Lost Onion, Los Sugar Kings, Adam Payne
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

There's a pleasant ring to "Jen Kearney & The Lost Onion" and the way to rolls off the tongue. It's not unlike their solid soul/funk with Latin accents. They're releasing a 3rd CD in 4 years, so you can't call them lazy. I've noticed that they've even played a bunch a free gigs at places like Toad. It's a big, full-on party tonight. I haven't paid too much attention to Los Sugar Kings, but I intend to from now on. This multi-Latin band jumps out of the speakers in a way that tells you the live show is hot. (I wanted to write "caliente!" but I controlled myself.) Adam Payne is going to open with a solo set, probably on acoustic guitar. The more I listened, the more I got into his scene -- there's a lot of talent and mojo in this guy.

THUR 5/21

10pm
Hoots & Hellmouth, Ben Carroll
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

What can I say? Hoots & Hellmouth sounds really good! These guys might be classified as rootsy rock because of the preponderance of acoustic guitars, but it sounds like good ol' rock to me. It's easy to not even notice the acoustic emphasis when only listening. These Philly guys might even be more "electric" in concert.

Ben Carroll will opening the evening nicely with a soulful singer-songwriter vibe that seems quite skillful. Maybe it has something to do that his parents were in the Starland Vocal Band that sang "Afternoon Delight". Musical trivia: Ben was conceived in the afternoon!

THUR 5/21

10:30pm
Brian S. Ellis, Nicole Terez, Steve Subrizi, New Black Magic Rainbow Quartet
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Going to the Plough tonight may require a bit more listening than usual since most of the performers will be speaking -- and they don't really want to hear from you.

(It was a different situation at some kind of an Irish celebration night, but I saw a guy get dozens of death stares for ordering a drink at the far end of the bar during a poem.)

Besides a trio of poets/spoken-word artists, Apollo Sunshine's Jesse Gallagher lead the New Black Magic Rainbow Quartet (Keys, Violin, Trumpet, Standup Bass) and will likely keep things feeling jazzy and hep... You might think this is a good time to top yourself off with a black beret, but please don't.

Stand By: Recovering from Red Line

Hi, folks. I only wish I was stuck on a platform like the twitter pic above. My train was hot for the whole ride, and it didn't get better when it failed in a dark tunnel.

I'm feeling better now, but it was uncomfortable sitting in a hot, angled box for 30 minutes somewhere between Andrew and JFK/UMass.

The usual programming is coming in a few minutes.

5/20 to 5/28: Boston Pride Idol Auditions

Various Times
Boston Pride Idol Auditions
at Various Locations
$10 Entry Fee

Boston Pride Festival is about a month away, and I think "Pride Idol" was one of the additions in recent years.

There are 4 more audition opportunities for 10 spots at the finals on WED 6/10 at Club Cafe. Along with other prizes, the winner will perform at festival on SAT 6/13.

If you're a fan of American Idol and/or it's outrageousness, then imagine what out-in-the-open (Hello, Clay!) gay "Idol" will be like.

My guess is that most people will take it seriously, but there has to be a few wild contestants in the mix... There aren't winners at each audition, so the top ten will be notified by June 3.

The entry fee is a tax-deductible donation to Boston Pride, but you can go and watch for the fun of it. I don't think there's a cover charge at Club Cafe, but Thursday is "Ladies Night/Queeraoke" at Midway Cafe with a $5 cover.

Audition Schedule:

WED 5/20

7pm
at Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)

THUR 5/21

9:30pm
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain

WED 5/27

7pm
at Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)

THUR 5/28

7pm
at Randolph Country Club, 44 Mazzeo Dr, Randolph
(FYI: This does not appear to be associated with a golf course...)

You have to fill out an application form [PDF] and bring it to the audition.

WED 5/20: History, Country, Philosophy

It's all early-night stuff, but it's not so bad to get home early on a week night.

If it's bad luck for a black cat to cross your path, what will happen to the black cat who crossed my path this morning?

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WED 5/20

6pm
"Lafayette and the Role of France in the American Revolution": Panel Discussion
at Treat Rotunda, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 99 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE w/ RSVP

In celebration of the annual Massachusetts Lafayette Day, there are events throughout the day. As aide-de-camp to George Washington, General Lafayette was influential in the Revolution. It's said that he was a frequent visitor to Boston, and it's easy to believe with a street named after him and a plaque on Boston Common.

Tonight's discussion panel includes Prof. Robert Darnton (history, Harvard), author David Hackett Fisher, and Prof. Robert Allison ((history, Suffolk).

You can RSVP by email or calling 617-226-1226.

"A light reception will follow."

WED 5/20

7pm
Kelleigh Bannen
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Nashville native Kelleigh Bannen seems to have the kind of love for music that probably won't get her too far in her hometown's music machine, but there's a uncomplicated beauty to her voice as she sings her country/folk songs that will feel at home in Toad. Ex-Bostonians Jabe Beyer and Frank Swart will be backing Bannen.

When I first saw this, I thought this was one of Kelleigh's "90 Gigs in 90 Days", but Boston is not part of her successful quest. To honor her brother's death resulting from substance abuse, Kelleigh Bannen decided to begin the year by playing 90 in 90 to raise awareness about addiction research and money for the Butler Center for Research. (She collected about $7k in donations.)

WED 5/20

7:30pm
Philosophy Cafe: "The Good Life: What Is It, and How Would We Know?"
at Harvard Book Store, Lower Level, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$3 suggested donation

People are always looking for the "Good Life". While I was walking downtown someone asked me how to find the Good Life, and I told it was on Kingston Street. There will be a brief introduction of the topic, then about 45 minutes of moderated discussion. After a 15-minute coffee break, the group will muse, question, theorize, and contemplate for another 45 minutes.

Conceptions of the good life, of human flourishing, are as diverse as cultures and personalities. For some, the unexamined life isn’t worth living, while for others direct experience – of pleasure, excitement, novelty, triumph – is all that counts. Are we living lives worth living? What standards apply in deciding this question, and how do we justify them?

No credentials or expertise s needed to participate. Donation is to cover the cost of coffee, tea and cookies.

TUES 5/19: Reading, Art, Rock

Photo by © SamSchwartz

Last minute thought: I feel I must let you know that Jeremy Lyons is playing at Atwoods Tavern with Dana Colley & Jerome Dupree (both ex-Morphine) tonight and next Tuesday.

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TUES 5/19

7pm
Daniel Asa Rose, "Larry's Kidney: (Being the Story of) How I Found Myself in China With My Black Sheep Cousin and His Mail-Order Bride, Skirting the Law to Get Him a Transplant -- and Save His Life"
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

The story of "Larry's Kidney" is a good summary of the story to whet your appetite. It sounds like it could be a fictional, post-modern romp through the Far East; but essayist Daniel Asa Rose brings us a wacky, true-life story of his Chinese adventure with cousin Larry, Larry's new mail-order bride, and the titular organ.

TUES 5/19

7pm to 9pm
Upgrade! Boston w/ Lily & Honglei
at Center for Advanced Visual Studies, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq / entrance next to MIT Museum on Front St)
FREE

It's easy for me to get confused when people start talking about "new media". One can start feeling intimidated by encountering some unknown technology. The bottom line: you have visual/multi-media arts experienced through a digital delivery system.

This is an informal monthly gather of artists and the public to interact regarding 'new media' that usually include one or two hour-long presentations with Q&A. If you go to this presentation, you'll probably have a greater grasp even if you hear/see something you don't understand yet.

Lily & Honglei are originally from Beijing who are now based in Boston. They created the "DSL Cyber Museum of Contemporary Art" in Second Life. I didn't bother to register but there are instructions and museum screen captures here.

FYI: There may be a chance to take home a free book on online art.

TUES 5/19

Plushgun (11pm), MeandJoanCollins (10pm), The Queen Killing Kings (9:05pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

From the couple times I've seen MeandJoanCollins, I'm beginning to think they might be the best band from Boston right now. There are other bands who I might actually like better, but M&JC has a compelling package of music and charisma that's hard to deny. Comparisons fly all around, but the real beauty is that they make smart, original, fresh, feral sounds without hiding their influences.

The front-duo of Bo Barringer and Jen Grygiel may remind you of other classic male/female fronted band; their collaboration feels balanced and challenging. MeandJoanCollins have already been showered with similar raves, and it's a great time to jump on the band's wagon...

Isn't nice to find shows worthy of a Friday night on Tuesdays? Plushgun plays a tasty brand of poppish, synthy rock. The Queen Killing Kings seem to have a bit too serious attitude, but the music sounded pretty good on cursory listen.

MON 5/18: Stuff Party, New Comedy Night, Rock

It's a slim pickings for cheapness tonight, but there are two good options. I'd go to either one of these and have a good time.

I was going to list the $12 show at the Middle East since it's the ex-singer from The Stranglers (with Corin Ashley and Yoni Gordon opening), but then I realized it wasn't the Stranglers singer that did the classic material. It could still be a really good acoustic show.

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MON 5/18

7pm
"Guy Issue Party"
at Game On!, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston (Fenway Park)
FREE w/ RSVP

Okay, "Stuff Magazine" apparently no longer does 'stuff' exclusively '@ Night' -- but a lot of it is at night. Go have some free drinks and apps, and you might get a free cigar too.

Ladies, please don't be scared away from the party. Guys want to see you there. You may want to even see them.

Everyone who wants to go needs to RSVP, and you might want to show up early if you want to get in. There could be a long line if you wait too long.

MON 5/18

8pm to 10pm
Greater Boston Alternative Comedy Sleepover
Feat: Robby Roadsteamer, Chris Coxen, Mehran, others
at Cantab Underground, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

This is the first of a new comedy night that aims to yuck it up with more edge than mainstream stand-up. From Roadsteamer and Coxen, you can expect just about anything to happen, but it'll be more than comedians doing stand-up routines.

The plan is to have about 5 acts per show. I didn't see who else is performing tonight, but these guys make me laugh a lot. Take a look at Robby's latest 3-part YouTube production on his site, and you'll get an idea of other possible performers.

It's free, but there's a chance that a donation will be suggested at some point in the night...

MON 5/18

9:30pm
Pants Yell!, Suburban Kids with Biblical Names, Liechtenstein
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

I don't know what's wrong with me. I had this gig on my radar a couple weeks ago, and it fell through the cracks. Local indie-poppers Pants Yell! are playing with a couple Swedish acts. You never know which of these bands from Goteborg are going to blow up, so think about...

5/17: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

I wish I had written a full post about the Volvo Ocean Race at Fan Pier, but I mentioned it a few times (and it was well-covered in general).

A weeknight visit didn't really work out for me, but the two weekend trips were fine. It was cool to see the boats in and out of the water. Drinks on top of Puma City would have been more pleasant with 25 less people in my way, and I didn't wait in line for the 'interactive exhibits'.

In honor of the race, check out the construction of Puma City in high speed. Imagine it happening in reverse on Monday.

Sneak Peek: SUN 5/17

Getting something up... A post, that is... (I'm fooling myself that I'll write more when I get home.)

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SUN 5/17

1pm to 3pm
Haitian Parade
from Mattapan Square, down Blue Hill Ave to Talbot Ave, Mattapan
FREE

MBTA: Trolley from Ashmont or 30 or 31 bus from Forest Hills.

Besides being Bike Month, it's Haitian Heritage Month. If it's good weather, and you'd like a taste of Haitian fun. You could take the Red Line to Ashmont, then get on the trolley.

SUN 5/17

9pm
"Chaser’s Working Class Drink Up"
w/ Blood Stained Brindle, Faulty Conscience, The Designer Drugs, The Cham-peons
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 w/ recent paystub / $10 / 18+

Working-class Boston punk! Damn your early morning wake up...

SUN 5/17

9pm
Starnes & Shah, La Violencia, Hotel Universe
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5-ish

Interesting folk-rock. I want to rave about Starnes & Shah; take a listen.