THUR 1/21: Cuba, Japan, History, Dance, Rock

There was an "open house" at the New Alliance/EMF building in October, and I had a good time. I was flying solo, but I mingled in the various studios and met some really cool people while enjoying a few free beers and listening to good bands. I might go again tonight, but I didn't find out what band(s) might perform...

If you're into "cougars" (or are one), you may want to head to Barlow's (Fort Point) tonight.

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THUR 1/21

6pm to 9pm
Linda Hirsch, "Cuba: Threads of Hope & Renewal": Opening Reception
at Villa Victoria Gallery, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I really do love America even though I'm interested in this photo exhibit about Cuba and the photo exhibit about Iran that I mentioned last week.

Over the past 8 years, Wayland resident Linda Hirsch has been among the few Americans that have been allowed to visit Cuba. She has focused her lens on the island's little-known Jewish community and its place in Cuban society. expect to hear klezmer and Cuban jazz at the reception.

THUR 1/21

6:30pm
"The Cove"
at MSPCA-Angell Auditorium, 350 S. Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE w/ RSVP

The MSPCA film series is demonstrating that they care about swimming animals too. This documentary will sadly continue to be shown, because the cruelty to dolphins in Japanese waters won't likely end soon. More than most non-fiction films, it's supposed to be a nail-biter as many of the team of activists put their lives at risk to gather the evidence -- and perhaps push the envelope of the 'documentary' genre.

THUR 1/21

7pm
Boston Comics Roundtable, "Inbound #4, A Comic Book History of Boston": Discussion & Signing
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

It was released in 2009, but let's just declare "Inbound #4, A Comic Book History of Boston" to be the coolest history book of the year. Dozens of artists chose stories from the last three centuries of local history, and they're compiled together for some easy-reading history. Some of the creators will talk about their process. And you can but a signed copy (I think it's $12, so it almost counts as a 'cheap thrill' with book included.)

THUR 1/21

9pm
DJ Nooka Jones, Mystery Roar, Pretty & Nice
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

A couple days ago, I was watching an old live video of La Peste and marveled that people were dancing to rock. It seems like that doesn't happen anymore. On A Friday is presenting a night where dance music and rock slightly differently as DJ Nooka Jones has done a Pretty & Nice remix. Nooka will spin, and Pretty & Nice play a punky brand of powerpop that makes me want to dance -- or at least spasmodically jump around. I'm not completely on board with Mystery Roar yet, but I acknowledge they got a good electro/rock thing going on.

Btw: Everyone gets a copy of the Nooka Jones / Pretty & Nice remix.

THUR 1/21

9:30pm
Parlour Steps, The Beatings, Action Verbs, Spouse
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Kudos to Ryan's Smashing Life for putting another damn-fine night of music together. They're bringing back Vancouver's Parlour Steps with their delightful, gentle indie-pop cushioning some thoughtful and earnest lyrics. I suggest catching The Beatings in concert while you can; who knows when they're gong to take another long hiatus from fuzzy, noisy post-punk. I've enjoyed the Action Verbs's catchy indie-rock before, but I'm bummed that I haven't heard about Spouse before. It's more evidence about the excellence of the Northampton music scene.