TUES 12/8: Talking, Slamming, Folking, Joking

I should've gotten home earlier last night, but I made a second stop after watching the Peaches karaoke party. It was a fun time (that actually started closer to 7pm); she dressed up like a manga version Dorothy from "Wizard of Oz" mixed with Raggedy Ann. There were a couple good singers... Peaches DID do "F--- the Pain Away" over the karaoke track for "Suzie Q" -- awesomeness!

I took some photos, but above are a few of my pix from last week's tree lighting in the Common as I mentioned previously.

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TUES 12/8

6pm to 7:30pm
Dava Newman, "Humans in Space": Soap Box Series
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

Since the 40th anniversary of the "Moon landing", there has been an increased discussion about the future of space travel. Is there any reason to send humans to explore space when robots are a practical option on many levels.

Prof. Dava Newman (Aeronautics & Astronautics) will discuss the issues as well as the relevant scientific advances.

"Light refreshments"

TUES 12/8

6pm to 7:30pm
Noam Chomsky, "Obama, the Middle East, & the Prospects for Peace": Discussion
at Sleeper Auditorium, 871 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Dr. Chomsky will speak for about 30 minutes, and the next hour will be a Q&A session. I wouldn't be surprised if this is filled to capacity. There are some Noam freaks out there. At one lecture, I saw someone bring a Chomsky 'action figure' for him to autograph. Whether you agree with him or not, it's interesting to hear his perspective on anything.

TUES 12/8

7pm
Poetry Slam 3
Feat: Bruce George, Simone Beaubien
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Award-winning poet and activist is spending yesterday and today with Berklee's Poetry Jam and Slam Class before tonight's final class presentation.

The students will perform two rounds of slam poetry, and George (co-founder of the Def Poetry Jam -- among many endeavors) should be dropping some amazing lines in between. Simone Beaubien, the Cantab's slam master, will host the night.

TUES 12/8

Audrey Ryan (10pm), Danielle Miraglia (8pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE / 21+

Both shows at Toad get thumbs up. Danielle Miraglia sings with a sultry, soulful voice and has got some sweet fingerpicking guitar chops. Her songs are often meaningful stories chock full of emotion.

As for Audrey Ryan, I have to borrow extra thumbs to stick in the air. There are a lot of great musical acts around town, but I put her in the top echelon for having the talent and vision to do something really special. Just like on her new CD, she'll probably play multiple instruments while setting her songs into the air to dance around your ears.

TUES 12/8

9:30pm
The Rob Crean Show
Feat: MC Mr. Napkins, Mike Magid, Sarah Heggan, Mind Yeti
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

It's a comedy show in the format of variety/talk show. Imagine a late-night talk show with various segments, interviews, and performances. Now imagine it being funny... Why not put Rob Crean on TV -- I'd rather watch him than Leno at the very least.

This is so predictable, but MC Mr. Napkins is leaving town at the end of the month to look for greener pastures in Southern California. We should widh him much success, because his material is hilarious especially his nerdy raps. I can't do him justice, but he's been one of the funniest guys in town. He only has a few more local gigs in the near future.

Mike Magid and Sarah Heggan are pretty damn funny too. I can't say anything definite about Mind Yeti, except they really exist. Members of the Anderson Comedy will perform as well.

Why do I like comedy at music clubs? No "drink minimum" and virtually no "drink maximum"!