TUES 10/27: Folk, Film, Burlesque, Rock

I was thinking about early shows at the Lizard Lounge, since there is a good one tonight.

Yes, these early shows are under $10, but I ponder the value that's offered. It must be a sign of the times that they used to be free until recently. (Heck, all McDonald's in Iceland are closing due to the economy.)

There are some advantages:

- Usually a top-notch artist is performing, and it's often a touring act that doesn't regularly gig in the area.
- For almost the same cover charge of a longer late-night show, you probably get one really good set.
- You don't have to worry about missing the last T to hear the band you really like.
- You don't have to hear other bands you don't like.

On the other hand, I like hearing several bands (including something new) for my cover charge. The band-to-dollar ratio may not be an accurate measurement -- since they probably don't get an equal share -- but I do think about it.

When I went to a couple of those "Soul Low" free shows, they seemed short in length. I hope the performer gets to play longer.

Yes, the $6 advance ticket is a good option; and it's not an exorbitant amount. I was just thinking about it and decided to share.

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TUES 10/27

7pm
Gregory Alan Isakov
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8

There's nothing about Gregory Alan Isakov that deserves the rant above. For example: If Josh Ritter were playing at Lizard Lounge, most fans might pay triple. While it's impossible to quantify the emotional impact of a great song, a man of Isakov's talent could and should play at larger venue. He does in his usual Colorado 'hood.

This guy is an artist that has a strong, direct connection between his heart and his mouth and fingers. Some people sound like they're trying really hard to be deep, but that's not the case with Isakov's songs.

TUES 10/27

7pm to 9pm
"The Romantic": Screening & Discussion
at Room 120, Bldg 6, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

This animated feature does not look like it's aimed at the Disney crowd. Pixar fans get something darker and more twisted. As the synopsis reads:

A mythical exploration of parent-child relationships, The Romantic meditates on the ultimate lack of love in contemporary society. A fantastical satire on religion, responsibility, and romance, this animated epic bends genres into a haunting tale filled with both humor and horror.

There will be a post-screening Q&A with director/animator Michael P. Heneghan. It seems like he created much of the final product over 3 years.

TUES 10/27

8pm
Pinchbottom Burlesque, "Boudoir Of Horrors"
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End / Boston Center for Arts)
FREE / 21+

From what I can tell, Pinchbottom shows have more structure than most burlesque shows. Some of the performers might still have a loose connection to the theme, but give them some credit for adapting Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" to bawdy dancing!

Based in New York, Nasty Canasta and Jonny Porkpie frequently perform at The Beehive. They bring along friends like Clams Casino, Legs Malone, Ruby Valentine, and Vikki Likkerish for a "night of shocking striptease, extravagant costumes, and ghoulish go-go."

Again the drink prices aren't cheap, but think of the free admission as a $5 to $10 bar discount...

TUES 10/27

9pm
The Radio Kings
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

Hey, Goldilocks! This might be what you're looking for. This is some of the best rootsy, bluesy rock 'n roll around at a bar with reasonable drink prices.

After a long hiatus, The Radio Kings are back in business. Their MySpace doesn't list this gig, but they are listed for multiple Tuesdays on Sally O'Brien's calendar.