FRI 1/22: Film, Art, Jazz, Rock, Sock Hop

Ugh. There are times when I think I've written a lousy post (and it's never early enough). I just banged this out today. My apologies. More to come, hopefully...

There are a few chances listed below (rock at Middle East, Sock Hop at Elks Lodge) to have a good time while being charitable.

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FRI 1/22

2pm to 9pm
"Free Film Fridays"
at Mugar Omni Theater, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

Here's the tip about free IMAX movies (every Friday this month): Pick up the tickets as early as possible. A lot people know about this promotion, and a lot of people just visit the Museum in general. When I tried to go in September, the next 2 screenings were already sold out.

The schedule varies, but these are today's times:

"Antarctica" -- 6pm, 7pm
"Coral Reef Adventure" -- 2pm, 3pm
"The Greatest Places" -- 4pm, 5pm
"Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk" -- 9pm

I think you get the topics covered from the titles...

FRI 1/22

6pm to 8pm
"Amalgam" & "Different Kind of Monster": Opening Reception
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 551 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

As I understand it, "AMALGAM" features work by 8 artists from the BCA Artist Studio Building who have created pieces from objects in their studios that are not necessarily going to otherwise be put together.

With "Different Kind of Monster", 3 other BCA Studio artists "explore issues of fear, identity, and the human condition through a cast of common animals and monsters depicted in peculiar and endearing ways."

The exhibits will be on view through SUN 3/7.

FRI 1/22

6pm to 9:30pm
Le Prestige Booze & Grooves
at Bull McCabe's Pub, 366 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

This is the kind of loungey, bopping jazz for hanging out and drinking; they call it "hardcore chill-out lounge". Apparently Le Prestige plays once a month at Bull McCabe's. I guess I haven't been paying attention. Good stuff!

FRI 1/22

6:30pm to 8pm
"Post This!": Rock Poster Exhibit
at Space 242, 242 E Berkeley St, 2nd Fl, Boston (South End)
FREE

The "bar" probably won't be open, but tonight is the last chance to see about 200 rock posters together from the last 20 years or so of Boston-area concerts.

Most are for sale for $50...

FRI 1/22

8pm
A Benefit for the Victims of the Haiti Earthquake
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Feat: The Gobshites, Force the Fallen, Forgetful Jones, The Doom Buggies, Sherman Burns, Van Burens

The situation in Haiti is so awful, I'm sure that a lot of you have already contributed it some way or another. The Middle East have put together a good mix of local rock bands to simply enjoy it as a night of music. Just know you're doing a good deed by showing and having a good time.

They're not sure where the funds are going yet, but I'd guess it'll go to one of these organizations.
FRI 1/22

9pm
"Sock Hop Sock Drive"
at Massasoit Lodge #129 of Elks, 55 Bishop Allen Dr, Cambridge (Central Sq)
White Socks (New) or $5 / 21+

Oh, the first time you put on a new pair of socks feels so good. Looking back, I'm pretty sure it has been a positive mood-changer -- and I have steady food and shelter!

The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program needs socks, so why not have a 50's style dance party to collect a bunch of them.

Bring a pair of new white socks or $5 to get in. I think Jax closes earlier than 9pm, but they probably sell packages of three for $5...

It's good old-fashioned fun with a raffle, dance-off, hula hoop competition, some limbo, and the bar will be open. "Fifties attire appreciated."

FRI 1/22

9:30pm
Midatlantic, The Lights Out, Muy Cansado, Leo Blais
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Putting four bands together for a night power-pop/indie-rock doesn't get much better than this.

I already liked Midatlantic when they were The Bleedin Bleedins, and now they have an bassist instead of a laptop pumping out basslines. The Lights Out have figured out how to write catchy songs over tight, guitar-based rock without being annoyingly poppy. Muy Cansado rips and rumbles and stomps through songs in a groovy post-punk fashion. If you haven't checked out Leo Blais yet and you love heartfelt songs dangled on top of sweet melodies, what are you waiting for?

FRI 1/22

The Everyday Visuals (11:30pm), MeAndJoanCollins (10:30pm), Thick As Thieves (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

For the people that think three bands are just the right amount, this show is just around the corner. The last time I checked in with The Everyday Visuals, their last CD progressed from the awesome powerpop goodness to a different, rootsier kind of awesomeness; and I expect nothing less than sheer excellence tonight.

About 8 months ago, I said this about MeandJoanCollins, and I haven't really changed my mind:

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. [snip] ...it's a great time to jump on the band's wagon.

FRI 1/22

10pm
Deva Mahal
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Deva Mahal has an amazing voice, and people should start listening to her immediately. She seems to come up to Boston and plays the Beehive about every month or so. Yes, she's the daughter of great bluesman Taj Mahal -- in case that means anything to you.