FRI 2/12: Photo, Roots, Opera, Electro/Dance, Film

I did pretty well on my research and writing last night, but I couldn't focus this morning. Strangely, there's no rock on the list today. There is also a singer-songwriter Haiti benefit show at the Nave Gallery tonight.

I may have some Valentines Day ideas later, but much of it will be similar to a previous year's post. I saw that Good Vibrations is having some "customer appreciation evenings" (wine & chocolate) to get a little treat before you give a naughty treat.

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FRI 2/12

6pm to 8pm
"Boston: Combat Zone 1969-1978": Opening Reception
at Howard Yezerski Gallery, 460 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

It would be cool if the seedy Combat Zone still existed as a den of loose morals and iniquity. Like Times Square, "progress" arrives and only two strip clubs remain. Boring!

An exhibit of 33 photos gives a taste of the good/bad old days by three photographers: Jerry Berndt, Roswell Angier, and John Goodman (not the actor, I presume).

Add the neon legs from the actual Naked I sign (restored by Dave Waller) and the possible appearance of former Naked I dancer Lucy Wightman (fka "Princess Cheyenne").

FRI 2/12

6pm
Les Sampou w/ Jimmy Ryan
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

This is a pretty sweet early music gig with sweet, soulful Les Sampou is joined by mindblowing mandolinist Jimmy Ryan. Some may compare Sampou to Bonnie Raitt, but I think it would be more fair to say she's reminiscent of a female John Hammond Jr. She really digs into her guitar with the slide, and her voice is just perfect. After playing all around from the Haymarket T to the Montreal Jazz Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, and many other points; Les is back in town and delivering the goods.

If you stick around, Honky Tonk Nite starts up around 9:30pm.

FRI 2/12

8pm
"La Rondine"
at Seully Hall, 4th Fl, 8 The Fenway, Boston (Boston Conservatory / The Fens)
FREE

After a fully staged run at Midway Studios, the Boston Conservatory folks are giving a free, bare-bones performance of a minor work by Puccini. Hey, it's some free informal opera.

FRI 2/12

8:30pm
Yes Giantess, Body Language
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

I don't listen to a lot of electro or dance music, but I can get into that sounds good. My motto about listening to all genres is based on a quote by Pete Townshend's dad (bottom of the page); I like any good music, and both bands have some catchy stuff. Unlike other grooves that pummel you onto the dance floor, these bands seduce you. The music has plenty of hooks for the stand-and-swing-head people (or bob-while-driving crowd) as well givng you enough for maximum disco/house moves.

There may be more than two bands, or maybe they'll each play longer than the average set. Or maybe it will be just the right amount however it happens. Kudos, Together Boston.

FRI 2/12

10pm
Recess & Silent Disco
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$5 / 21+

Feat: DJs Coralcola, Kaz Gamble, Flavorheard

I would say that it's going to be quiet at the Milky Way. More accurately, the restaurant/bar chatter and clatter will be louder than the dance night. Perhaps the crowd may be quiet while they stare at a floor full of dancers silently shaking bodies with headphones on.

The Flaming Lips did some shows with this system a few years ago, and the idea goes back 40 years. The Together Boston festival may have brought Boston's first dance night where the beats are broadcast to the crowd.

FRI 2/12

Midnight
The Action Pack presents: "Moulin Rouge Sing-Along"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10

When you hear Ewan McGregor and John Leguizamo singing, there's no need to feel intimidated to sing along to this visually magnificent romantic musical above fin-de-siecle Paris. Nicole Kidman sounds good and looks her best. Sure, it's not deep romance. It's fun with loads of classic pop/rock. These sing-alongs by the Action Pack always have some fun stuff up their sleeves too.