FRI 1/29: Film, Rock, Laughs, Accordion-Rap

Oh, boy. Yesterday/today didn't turn out the way I hoped. I blame Howard Zinn and JD Salinger...

I don't believe everything I read on the internet, but this looks like a good reason to have a few pints in Porter Square this weekend.

It's a bit over $10, but the incredible Jim Infantino is playing in Newton tonight.

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FRI 1/29

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

It's the last Friday for a free IMAX movie. I think the MOS did it twice last year, so we'll see.

My useful tip who might go today: 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.

Today's schedule:

"Antarctica" -- 6pm, 7pm
"Coral Reef Adventure" -- 2pm, 3pm
"The Greatest Places" -- 4pm, 5pm
"Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk" -- 8pm, 9pm

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

FRI 1/29

9:30pm
Mrs. Danvers, Black Kettle, Hellfire and Honey
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

I could recommend this gig solely on the strength of Mrs. Danvers who whip up a funky rock stew with killer songs. You probably won't be able to see them in clubs this small by the end of the year. You also get the audio-honey that is Black Kettle; I wanted to listen to catchy, clever song after song. I couldn't find any info on "Hellfire and Honey", but the gig has been dubbed "Rocker Grrrl Night", so it might be more than a woman with an acoustic guitar.

Proceeds will benefit the Boston Dyke March, which occurs during Boston Pride. I could be wrong, but I bet this would be a good night for women who'd like to meet women... Of course, the tunes are great for everyone.

FRI 1/29

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table, "You Can Slow it Down, But You Can't Stop It"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

This is a pretty fun and funny way to spend an occasional Friday. It's more than a comedy show, yet I laughed a lot. You may get a feeling that you've been invited to your talented friends' variety show in a basement --except it's not a basement, and there's an adjoining bar.

It'll be interesting what they do with this month's theme. What can be slowed but not stopped? Is it a riddle with a specific answer...?

Some of the expected performers: Chris Braiotta, TD Sidell, Ben Dryer, Keira Horowitz, Nick Branigan, Caitlin Roy, Erik P. Kraft, Gretchen Gavett, Katie McCarthy

One of tonight's guest is Patrick Bryant of WMBR's "Subject to Change" who does this thing called Somerville Speakout, which is readings of real (I think) complaint letters.

Props to musical guest Girlfriends who rocked out last night!

FRI 1/29

9:30pm
Ho-Ag, Mascara, Super 400, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

There is a serious amount of rock that could figuratively cut your head off. The Ho-Ag guys unleash wild, scuzzy angular rock with plenty of riffs to hook you in. Mascara* is all over the map in a progressive yet potent way deserves the power-trio handle. Even though many pints were involved, I think Super 400 were mainly responsible for blowing my mind at the Abbey Lounge one night; they're another power-trio that gets a little jammy in the best possible manner. The band size will probably increase as the night unfolds, because the arty, spy-punk duo of Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling should get the awesomeness rolling.

* If you think Chris Mascara isn't a charismatic performer, then you're wrong. It's that simple, because he was the model for the lead singers in the first two versions of the "Rock Band" video game. He's also the singer in Blue Man Group's "How To Be a Megastar" band. See?

FRI 1/29

10pm
Julz-A, Foster McGinty
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I only have one thing to say: Julz-A is the greatest rapper-accordionist of all time.