WED 7/22: Music, Film, Wine, Burlesque

I haven't read anything about Peter Mulvey or Mark Eitzel, but it seems like last night's music delivered the goods... Humpday options are are also promising...

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WED 7/22

6pm
Bleu -- Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE

Bleu is back in town for a few days, and you should go to the Friday show at TT's ($12). If you already love him, I don't have to say anything. For the rest of you, check him out today and experience the killer songs and charisma.

I listened to his "Redhead" CD over and over again. While the LEO and Major Labels projects didn't make the same emotional connection with me, their both filled with 'pure pop for now people'*.

If you go tonight, get ready to buy the long-awaited "A Watched Pot" -- if you haven't already. There's also a 6 song EP of what might be described as "b-sides, etc" available for free at NoiseTrade. I've signed up a while ago, and it's not malicious or annoying.

WED 7/22

7pm
"Herskovits: At The Heart of Blackness"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

The Roxbury Film Festival starts in earnest next week, but this documentary (co-presented by the he Boston Jewish Film Festival) is kicking things off. In a preview screening of the 60-minute look at white, Jewish-American anthropologist Melville J. Herskovits that will air on "Independent Lens".

Without watching this (and not being African-American), it may be a subtle and enlightening story about this scholar who had a revolutionary view of history to raise the dignity of a large part of America's population.

WED 7/22

7pm
July Winedown: "Book Club Mixer"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I already like shopping at Harvard Book Store, so it's pleasant to mingle while enjoying a bit a wine. Most month's have a theme like "Book Club Mixer" where folks from publishers will be discuss potential book-club titles. You might even nab one of the "free advance reading copies" that will be handed out...

WED 7/22

Audrey Ryan (10pm), Elsinore (7pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Do you think you could be blown away on a Wednesday night? It will happen to people at Toad. The amazing Audrey Ryan serves up some smart lyrics dancing on the inventive melodies the hit ears like spikes made out of butter. Guitar, accordion, kick drum... It's Audrey Ryan music!

You should go early to catch Elsinore who are touring from Illinois. They apparently started out as an acoustic/folky group, but it's full-on, tight-arrangement, power-poppish indie-rock.

WED 7/22

9pm
Boston Babydolls: "Taste O' Burlesque"
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$5 / 21+

I'll admit I'm on the fence about burlesque dancing. While I've seen impressive and/or fun performances, the reality usually doesn't live up the idea in my mind. But I often list it, 'cause other people may dig it more than me.

The Babydolls offer classes, so I'm guessing most of the newbies performing might have received training recently, but it seems anyone can register for this "open stage" presentation. Prizes may be won. No nudity (unfortunately). Shake your thang, or just enjoy the sights.

WED 7/22

9:30pm
"Xmas in July": The Scrooges, Side Effects, Night Prowlers
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8

Not much to say. The Scrooges usually appear during the yuletide season for a few Stooges tribute gigs in sleazy Santa attire. You can get an earful and eyeful tonight for a booster shot of fun along with Night Prowlers who consist of guys from local metal bands doing AC/DC songs. Straight-up punk from Side Effects may be the meat in the rock sandwich?

WED 7/22

10:30pm
Kay McKinstry & the Good Poor
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

It is just my (well-informed, usually right, humble) opinion, this version of the "Cambridge-Somerville All-Stars" is better with Kay McKinstry stepping out of the shadow of the former bandleader and shining with her vocals front and center. There's no web page that I know of, but I was at their first show (last month?), and it was a splendid mix of cool, laidback alt-country/Americana.

If you don't believe me, you can listen for free.