THUR 1/14: Photos, Ideas, Wines, Film, Tunes

Yep, there's plenty to do tonight. Some stuff I put on the calendar were whittled out.

--------------------------------------------------------------

THUR 1/14

6pm to 8pm
Randy Goodman, "Iran: Images From Beneath A Chador": Reception
at Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

Randy Goodman's first visit to Iran was in 1980 during the hostage crisis as photographer with a grassroots delegation shortly after graduating from BU. On subsequent trips, she worked for CBS and Time in '81 and '83 respectively.

About 20 of her images are presented to give a view after the revolution and before the Iran-Iraq War.

At tonight's reception, you'll hear live music and discussion about the current events as well as enjoying Persian-style tea.

THUR 1/14

6pm
SHIFTboston Forum: Ideas Competition Presentation
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (Seaport)
FREE w/ RSVP

6pm: Cocktail Reception
7pm: Presentation
9pm: After Party at Atlantic Beer Garden

After the reception, the architecturally- and/or civic-minded will hear the results of a competition to propose public-space projects for Boston -- with no limitations. With money or any other obstacles, dozens of the ideas will be presented along with the winning submission. Maybe none of these proposals will ever happen, but it should be amusing and stimulating.

There could be some seats left if you RSVP, but you can still visit the ICA on Thursday evenings for free.

THUR 1/14

7pm
"A Taste of Sweet Bordeaux": Wine Tasting w/ Aline Baly
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

I'm not a true 'wine connoisseur', but I'm pretty sure my grape-head friends walk briskly if not run to this tasting of some delicious Sauternes (and other whites?) Before Aline moved to France to work at her family's vineyard, Aline apparently lived in Porter Square.

Call (617-491-2220) to see if there's still room. Taste some fine samples and get your oenophilia on. As one dude who knows said:

This is one of the leading properties in Sauternes and Barsac... It is one of just two premier cru properties located in Barsac, the other being Climens. ...many of the chateaux in this region of Bordeaux produce excellent wines, but Coutet does, from time to time, demonstrate that extra vibrancy and excitement that persuades me to buy as well as try.

Maybe you can buy on the spot, but I don't know.

THUR 1/14

7pm
"Creation": Advance Screening & Discussion
at Kendall Square Cinema, 1 Kendall Sq, Cambridge
FREE w/ RSVP

Based on the book "Annie's Box" by Randal Keynes (Charles Darwin's great-great-grandson), this film spends more time with his wife and children than theorizing about birds and tortoises while sailing around the world.

I recall hearing about fundamentalist groups wanting to stop American distribution, but it looks like a decent drama with Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly that still provides a reasonable representation of the scientist.

Randal Keynes is scheduled to attend for the post-screening discussion.

THUR 1/14

7:30pm
Grateful Dread
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

From a pharmacological sense, blending a reggae vibe to Grateful Dead songs seems like a perfect fit. It also works rather well from a musical point of view. To my ear, it sounds more like San Francisco than Kingston, but this is party music.

A group of veteran island musicians bring their feel-good, bad-dancing jams to the mainland. T just happens that the island is Martha's Vineyard.

THUR 1/14

Miss Fairchild (11pm), You Scream I Scream (10pm), The Timberfakes (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 21+

If you're in the mood for a funky good-time, you could let Miss Fairchild give you a snappy blast of their blue-eyed soul/R&B cocktail. I really believe they won't be happy unless the crowd is having a good time.

The Miss Fairchild-You Scream I Scream connection is still unknown to me, except that YSIS is an indie-rock band that doesn't take itself too seriously. I also dig how the keys-bass-drum trio keeps things musically clever instead of bashing it out.

In case you didn't know, Boston has a Justin Tinberlake cover band. 'Nuff said.

THUR 1/14

9:30pm
Chiptune 3
Feat: Minusbaby, Disasterpeace, Oxygenstar, Active Knowledge, Br1ght Pr1mate, DJ Radio Scotvoid
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 18+

There is a bunch of enterprising artists that salvage ancient video-game components to make new music with the old-school sounds. I didn't give in to the concept, but this could be a fun time. The Phoenix had an article.

THUR 1/14

10pm
Josh Lederman
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

Regardless that Josh Lederman and I have several mutual friends, I've always enjoyed his motley blend of rootsy music that ranges from plaintive Americana to heartland rock intensity to Irish/klezmer frenzy. He's also darn good songwriter.