TUES 12/1: Art, Soccer Party, Talks, Film, Rock

World AIDS Day has a different meaning than it did 20 years ago, but it's still a serious global issue.

There is stuff to do, but I didn't see a music gig that really captured my interest. That's Tuesdays for ya...

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TUES 12/1

* Now * until Midnight
Medicine Wheel
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

This annual exhibit coincides with World AIDS Day and changes every year, for instance you'll see a 22-foot high lantern that incorporates photos of people that have been affected by AIDS.

For a full 24 hours, one can reflect on the impact of the disease in a quiet, safe, and beautiful place. It's dimly lit, and most people are respectfully quiet; but there are periodic performances (on the hour).

As someone who thankfully has known only a few who've lost their lives to AIDS but is old enough to remember the immense fear people of all orientations felt, my visit a couple years ago was a heavy experience. There's something special in the air.

Anyone is free to "leave an offering (personal object, letter, picture, jewelry, poem...) for the healing and remembrance of all affected by HIV and AIDS."

TUES 12/1

6pm to 8pm
"An Evening of South African Art & Culture"
at Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, 100 W. 2nd Street, South Boston
$10 suggested donation

Are you starting to catch World Cup fever? The initial matches will be announced on Friday! (Every Irish person you know is burning mad, because they were robbed of a spot.)

In one of those initiatives to gather Bostonians together, there's a party/mixer to celebrate the art and culture of next year's tournament host.

Young people will be painting during the party, and dance troupe OrigiNation will perform. One of South Africa's finest exports -- wine -- will also be featured to keep the good times rolling.

Sending a RSVP email is requested.

TUES 12/1

6pm
Philip Yenawine, "World AIDS Day Lecture: Seeing AIDS"
at Sackler Museum, 485 Broadway, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Philip is the co-founder of an organization that combines art and education and is formerly MOMA's director of education from 1983 to 1993.

Expected topics include "the impact of AIDS on the cultural sector, artists' responses to the crisis, and "A Day with(out) Art" to commemorate World AIDS Day that Yenawine was involved with its creation.

TUES 12/1

7pm to 9:30pm
"Afghan Star": Screening & Discussion
at College of Communication Auditorium, 640 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

My understanding is that this hit at last year's Sundance Film Festival is a real documentary (regardless of whatever you read) about a post-Taliban TV show based on "Pop/American Idol" where the contestants are much braver than anywhere else around the world. They're risking their lives by participating.

The show has a positive effect on the population beyond mere entertainment, so the post film panel discussion should be quite interesting. Panelists to include Shahla Haeri (Director of Women's Studies & Professor of Anthropology) and Nick Mills (Dept of Journalism).

Attention Oscar-watchers: This is the UK's 2010 submission for "Best Foreign Language Film".

TUES 12/1

7pm
Mo Lotman, "Harvard Square: An Illustrated History Since 1950": Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Every time I walk around Harvard Square, I wish I could be passing by a bunch of funky, independent shops, restaurants and clubs. Somerville resident Mo Lotman has compiled a look back at the last 60 or so years of the neighborhood. I love looking at old photos of locations where I can see the change. He probably has quite few good anecdotes as well.

TUES 12/1

8pm
Listening Party: It's From the Sky, Double Nines
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

It's not actually a performance, but the tunes are going to be good while you sit on a comfortable couch and have a couple drinks. I assume the band will be there, if you wanted to talk about the music (or buy a CD).

Both bands are damn good. It's From The Sky adds a little sci-fi/horror vibe to their clever indie-rock, and Double Nines blast away through loud and fast rock without pretension. Give 'em a listen ahead of time or just give it a shot tonight.

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