Winner -- Boston Skyline Necklace

After some deliberations, the creative team at The Refinery Boutique and I have chosen a winner of the Boston Skyline necklace contest...

Congrats to Leah!

Trees! On top of buildings.

Imagine little rooftop gardens complete with elegant trees (especially pines, firs, conifers) atop the tall buildings.

Yeah, it sounds really weird. But I'm all about trees and greenery, and not only would it give Boston a VERY unique skyline, but it would also give Boston's bird life some awesome places to roost/nest/reside.

I once read an article about how humans erecting all these buildings is creating so many "dead footprints" for wildlife in regards to green areas, and ever since then I've wanted to spread the idea of Growing Stuff on the Top of Your House (or Office Building), whatever.

So yep, that's my funny weird idea for Boston's skyline.

Well said.

I don't know if it's feasible to put a giant douglas fir on top of the Hancock Tower, but I like the idea...

I asked Kelly to take a picture of the necklace before she sends it out, so I'll post the image when I get it.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

WED 3/31: Film, Rock, Dance

If you're wondering about the winner of the Boston Skyline necklace, Kelly and I have picked a winner. The winner will get an email, then it'll be announced later today.

Whoops, I forgot to mention the Boston Underground Film Festival screenings...

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WED 3/31

6pm
"Perkins 28": Screening & Discussion
at Oberon Theatre, Zero Arrow St (corner of Mass Ave), Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

After the initial shock of the true story, it didn't surprise me that a group of Harvard students (and a professor) were secretly tried and punished after being accused of homosexual activity. Of course the shocking aspect is that the "trial" occurred and that it wasn't publicly known until 80 years later.

This movie by Harvard alumnus Michael Van Devere is a dramatization based on actual testimony and stars Harvard undergrads. From what I know, the story has some classic film elements (e.g. one tragedy causing the other tragedies). Van Devere will attend to participate in the post-film discussion.

WED 3/31

9pm
Viva Viva, Doomstar!, Ketman, Guillermo Sexo
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

This is a ridiculous amount of killer bands for $9. Whatever Viva Viva does will be fantastic, whether it's dusky, fuzzy, rootsy indie-rock or some progression into a new direction. There seems to be lots of noisy goodness prior to their set. I've been digging the sunny, messy psych-rock of Doomstar. There's a new Guillermo Sexo song on MySpace, and it whets the appetite for hearing these guys expand their boundaries. Ketman sounds focused and chaotic at the same time that pummels the listener in a welcoming way.

For a few bucks more, there's also a damn good show downstairs featuring Japandroids, Love is All, and Girlfriends. (Sometimes three bands is the right amount.)

WED 3/31

9:30pm
Bodega Girls w/ Copacabana Club
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I get the feeling that you can't be certain what to expect at the Bodega Girls' "Lo-Fi Hedonistic Dance Party" except the title will be correct every last Wednesday of the month.

Bodega Girls are mainly a bunch of rockers who decided they wanted to shake their booties -- and shake other booties -- with a slew of funky disco-rock. The tunes also have witty lyrics that name-checks a bunch of local places. They may perform, or they may just DJ.

They happened to find Brazilian, dancey indie-rock band Copacabana Club to join them tonight who should do more than just stand around tonight.

60 Days of BJ's

I saw this on The Beantown Bloggery, and I wanted to share it.

You might as well sign up if there's a location near you, because these stores sell way more than 2-gallon jugs of pickles.

It could be worth a trip* if you're thinking about having a party or two -- and you might find a good deal on something else you're interested in...

The beauty is that you have until July 5 to redeem this coupon, so you could print it out and have a June/July or July/August membership.


*I checked, and there are 8 locations within 20 miles of downtown Boston.

TUES 3/30: Film, Environment, Vaudeville, Rock

Not a bad Tuesday night! You might like to do something else, but these are my best options that I noticed.

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TUES 3/30

5:30pm
12th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival
at Kendall Square Cinema, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge
$10 per screening

The beauty of BUFF is that you can find exciting, witty, provocative films that don't need big budgets. Most of these movies would be almost impossible to find, if they weren't chosen to be screened here.

The first run of the films are over, but most of the selections are shown again in the next three days. Today's schedule includes a documentary about a violent, controversial video game, a beautiful animated feature, a couple shorts programs, and some good ol' sex and violence.

5:30pm: "Playing Columbine"
5:45pm: "Ignorance is Strength"
7:15pm: "Sippin' The Electric Kool Aid"
7:30pm: "The Romantic"
9:30pm: "Someone's Knocking at the Door" (18+)
9:45pm: "The Life and Death of a Porno Gang" (18+)

TUES 3/30

6pm to 7:30pm
"What should we humans do about climate change?": Discussion
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave (between Central Sq and MIT campus)
FREE

This could be pretty dry, but the concept of is promising. The Climate Collaboratorium is designed as a central repository for easy comparison of environmental proposals. There are tools to create model projections, and others can vote for the best ideas as well as carry on discussions.

Thomas Malone and Robert Laubacher lead a hands-on, interactive session exploring how the collective intelligence of thousands of people (including you) can be harnessed to address global climate change.

Note: Bring your laptop to follow along and interact. If not, some workstations may be available.

TUES 3/30

8pm
Un-Vaudeville
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

When there's a live variety of comedy, music, theater, and burlesque; it does conjure images of old-time entertainment before "talking movies" became the rage. Instead of connoting an "absence of" vaudevillian mirth, the "un-" prefix may represent the Unreliable Narrator.

Expect a jam-packed, quirky evening of talented performers "putting on a show" to raise funds to put on the next production of the Unreliable Narrator group that's been described as a sci-fi musical comedy.

Laugh, dance, tap your toes, ponder, hoot, holler, and drop your jaw to these performers and possibly more to:

- Comedy by Frank Cyrano, Honey Suckle Duvet, "The Artist Known as Cher", Donny Soares, The Unreliable Narrator Podcast Group
- Music by Audrey Ryan, The Pluto Tapes, Uncle Shoe & the Psynging Psychologist, Horatia & Her Hornblower
- Theater by Happy Medium Theater Group, Mill 6 Collaborative
- Burlesque by Penny Candy, Bitches of Destiny

To make sure everything keeps on its crazy course, an alien warrior-bunny will host.

TUES 3/30

9:30pm
Foxy Shazam, The Young Veins, Bad Rabbits
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Because I try to monitor what happens at SXSW, because I really would like to go to the coolest west of the Mississippi.

In Austin, Foxy Shazam was almost unanimously considered one of the top performers of the week. Music blogs loved them; people I know spoke highy of them. Even if you don't love the grand air of their rock that draws on influences like Queen (and Meat Loaf, imho), they give a great live performance!

Bad Rabbits hit my radar sometime last year, because I didn't know the Eclectic Collective had changed their name (and focused their sound). These guys may have created enough buzz to be the next Boston band that breaks onto the national scene in a meaningful way. The way they blend funk, soul and rock could easily be the sound of a thousand parties.

When half of a band was in Panic! At the Disco, there is already one strike against them. Although The Young Veins didn't set the festival on fire, the recordings are pleasantly Beatlesque powerpop.

Surprisingly, tickets were still available when I checked earlier this morning. Paying the service charge is a hard pill for a cheap bastard like me to swallow, yet it could be dangerous to show up early and cross my fingers.

Go to this show, so you don't have to lie about it in a few months to look cooler than your friends.

Reminder: Win a Boston Skyline Necklace

I don't do a lot of giveaways, and I was glad to be involved with this one, which is pretty cool.

Kelly of The Refinery is a local artist, who contacted me to spread the word about her online shop where she offers a variety of jewelry and a few other items based in wood. If you want to see her stuff in person, On Centre [Yelp, Facebook] in Jamaica Plain has some of her mercy.

She's making a Boston skyline necklace for the winner. It could be the Back Bay… It could be the Waterfront... I'll ask for a photo before she sends it out, so everyone can see it.

Anyone who comes up our favorite answer to this question wins the prize:

How would you improve the Boston skyline?

There are no wrong answers! Kelly and I will pick our favorite answer that is sent by the end of Tuesday 3/30, and we'll try to announce the winner before the end of Wednesday 3/31.

I should've thought of using the subscribe form earlier, but it's an easy way to enter (see below). You'll be sent to the "Subscribe Thank you" page, but just know you're entered in this contest.

Update: I deleted the form to avoid confusion.

You can also enter by leaving a comment here or at the original post too.

MON 3/29: Film, Nerdery, Pop, Punk

My apologies for no Sunday stuff and too little (too late) today. Technical and personal difficulties are to blame.

Hey, there is still a chance to win a Boston Skyline necklace created by local artist who contacted me. Come up with a good idea for our skyline to win. There are no wrong answers -- we're just going to pick our favorite!

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MON 3/29

6pm
"Monument Ave"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

From what I know, this film is actually much better than its near anonymity. The cast includes Denis Leary, Famke Janssen, Colm Meaney, Martin Sheen, and Billy Crudup; and directed by the late Ted Demme. Get a glimpse into crime culture of Charlestown that still exists perhaps to a lesser degree today.

Part of "Made in Massachusetts" Film Series.

MON 3/29

7pm
"Boston Skeptics in the Pub": Kimball Atwood IV
at Tommy Doyle's (upstairs), 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Besides being an anesthesiologist, guest speaker Dr. Kimball Atwood IV is a writer that addresses the shortcomings of natural remedies. There may be some efficacy of these methods, but it doesn't hurt to regulate and be skeptical...

Think of it as a preview from one of the speakers at next month's Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism convention.

MON 3/29

8pm
NerdNite
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Get your drink-on while you get your nerd-on by listening to a couple talks and boogie down...

Phoebe Cohen is taking a night off from her paleontology doctoral thesis to present the cheery talk titled "Mass Extinction Will Get You Every Time: A Brief History of Life's Worst Moments". Rebekah Rogers will discuss "Adaptive impacts of a chimeric gene in Drosophila melanogaster," which should be more interesting than it sounds. (Without stealing her thunder, I'm guessing it's about the fight to sterilize fruit flies.)

DJ Claude Money will offer some funky, nerd-friendly tunes before, after, and in between.

Yes, you're destroying brain cells when you drink. Think how much smarter the survivors will be if you're listening to nerdy presentations with similarly curious people around you!

MON 3/29

10pm
Arms & Legs, Audrey Ryan, Colleen Green
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

After a swing along the West Coast and shows to SXSW and back, the excellent Audrey Ryan is back in town. Listen and love her music. Apparently Arms & Legs are big in China where they eat up this folky indie-pop. Former Bostonian Colleen Green sings a bunch o' songs too.

MON 3/29

10pm
White Pages, Home/Alone, The Fauxcase Showdown
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

It should be another fun Monday of punk rock upstairs at Charlies. The bassist from White Pages is having a birthday. The Fauxcase Showdown is a "tribute to Showcase Showdown" that includes members of the two bands.

SUN 3/28: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Another clever video from OK Go -- "This Too Shall Pass":

SAT 3/27: Robots, Beer, Film, Folk, Rock, Comedy

Well, I did type for about 5 minutes after I got home then I flopped onto the futon. It was late, folks. Depending on your perspective about when the day begins, it may have been called early...

In the last couple hours, I've eaten and watched a bunch of Descendents and Dickies videos on YouTube.

File this under: "Better late than never"...

Turn off your lights tonight if you stay home!

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SAT 3/27

9:30am to 4:30pm
FIRST Robotics Competition
at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Although it would be terrible in real life, renegade robots on the attack is pretty cool notion -- as long as there are a sufficient number of slower people than you...

While not as enthralling as "Terminator" or maybe even a lot of daytime TV, it's cool that a bunch of high school students who've made robots to compete in the game that's been designed for this event. It might be interesting to watch for an hour or so.

If you go on Saturday, you might even see

The Blue Man Group have shown up in the past 2 years, so who knows...

The 'action' takes place from 9:30am to 12:15pm & 1:30pm to 4:30pm.

SAT 3/27

Noon to 7pm
New England Real Ale Exhibition
at VFW George Dilboy Post, 371 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

* Cash Bar Prices *
Half Pint - $3
Quarter Pint - $2

Some things aren't really "cheap", but they technically fit in $10 limit. The cover, which supports the cost of bringing the beer and people from the UK, just gets you in.

For the hardcore beer lover, it's a treat to sample the naturally mildly fizzy brews. One can appreciate the flavors, but the texture is an acquired taste. My notes from last year started like "malt and honey dance on the tongue" and ended "Face feels funny." Don't drink more than a half pint. If you're in the mood for day-drinking, 6 half-pints will be a good buzz.

I respect the Beer Advocate guys, and THEY say cask beer is good for you.

SAT 3/27 (thru THUR 4/1)

Various Times
12th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival
at Kendall Square Cinema, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge
$10 per screening

The beauty of BUFF is that you can find exciting, witty, provocative films that don't need big budgets. Most of these movies would be almost impossible to find, if they weren't chosen to be screened here/

The organizers must have been thinking of sex and violence when programming this year's festival. Hey -- they motivate a lot of creativity drive a lot, and this is an *underground* film festival.

Today's schedule:

2:45pm: "Sippin’ The Electric Kool Aid"
3:15pm: "My Normal"
4:45pm: "The Romantic"
5:30pm: "Where the Music’s At"
7:00pm: "Love on the Rocks"
7:30pm: "Stuck!"
9:30pm: "Red White & Blue"
9:45pm: "Someone’s Knocking at the Door" (18+)
11:55pm "Subconscious Cruelty" (18+)
11:55pm "Midnight Transgressions"

Choices include a send-up of women's prison movies ("Stuck!"), the premiere of a very independent animated feature of sublime beauty ("The Romantic"), some kinkiness ("My Normal"), a seriously dark comedy about screwed-up relationships ("Love on the Rocks"), and some cool shorts programs ("Sippin' The Electric Kool Aid", "Where the Music's At", etc).

SAT 3/27

3pm
Wotienke
at Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

A fine example of a jazzy, folky Dutch singer-songwriter.

SAT 3/27

Naked On Roller Skates (11pm), The One Smith (10pm), Forest Fires (9pm)
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8

If you go and don't like every band, let me know. I will meet you somewhere and buy you a drink. This is songtastic, rockalicious awesomeness of alt-folk and poppy goodness..

SAT 3/27

9pm
The Main Drag, Anarchy Club, The Konks, That Handsome Devil, Death of the Cool
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

The best video games ever ("Guitar Hero", "Rock Band", "Dance Dance Revolution", etc) were developed in Central Square, and a lot of musicians work there. I'm pretty sure that members of all of these fine bands are on the payroll. I expect that a bunch of PAX East people will be here.

SAT 3/27

10:30pm to 11:25pm
Storytelling w/ Sara Benincasa & Robin Gelfenbein and Stand up w/ Bonnie McFarlane
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

There are a bunch of cheap programs on the 4th day of the Women In Comedy Festival, but this is probably the best bet. I can't say that I fell out of my chair, but I found them funny, and I wanted to hear more.

Turn Off The Lights on Saturday Night

I'm going to a party, then I'll drunkenly post something afterward.

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Has there been any local traction on Saturday night's Earth Hour?

Tom Brady filmed a clip with all the enthusiasm of someone trying to please his wife while hoping his friends and co-workers don't see it.

The City of Boston has encouraged citizens and organizations to turn off their lights, and there's a Facebook group...

Of course, Cambridge is participating.

If you're home tomorrow night, you might as well conserve some energy and tip your hat to the World Wildlife Fund, and join their message that humans should address climate change.

The planet changes on its own, but we should accept that we're contributing to the change.

The Guardian has some suggestions for 60 dark minutes.

FRI 3/26: Robots, Film, Art, Acoustic, Rock, Comedy

Ay, carumba! Lots of cheap stuff going on today, and I hardly help telling you about it...

Good news: A lot of Saturday stuff is on the calendar already (along with more Friday items than listed below).

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FRI 3/26 (and SAT 3/27)

9am to 5pm
FIRST Robotics Competition
at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Although it would be terrible in real life, renegade robots on the attack is pretty cool notion -- as long as there are a sufficient number of slower people than you...

While not as enthralling as "Terminator" or maybe even a lot of daytime TV, it's cool that a bunch of high school students who've made robots to compete in the game that's been designed for this event. It might be interesting to watch for an hour or so.

If you go on Saturday, you might even see the Blue Man Group... They've shown up last year and the year before.

The 'action' takes place from 9:30am to noon & 1pm to 5pm today, and 9:30am to 12:15pm & 1:30pm to 4:30pm tomorrow.

FRI 3/26 (thru THUR 4/1)

Various Times
12th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival
at Kendall Square Cinema, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge
$10 per screening

The beauty of BUFF is that you can find exciting, witty, provocative films that don't need big budgets. Most of these movies would be almost impossible to find, if they weren't chosen to be screened here/

The organizers must have been thinking of sex and violence when programming this year's festival. Hey -- they motivate a lot of creativity drive a lot, and this is an *underground* film festival.

Today's schedule:

3:00pm: "Slimed"
5:30pm: Psychedelicinema
5:45pm: "Impolex"
7:30pm: "American Grindhouse"
7:45pm: "It Came From Kuchar"
9:45pm: "Pieces"
10:00pm: J. Cannibal's Tapas of Terror
10:00pm: Kucharfest
11:55pm: "The Life and Death of a Porno Gang" (18+)
11:55pm: Midnight Transgressions

If you want to take a random chance on a selection, there are several shorts programs like Psychedelicinema and J. Cannibal's Tapas of Terror (which was pretty awesome last year).

They pulled out "Pieces" out of the vault; it's an '80s horror film about a psychopath chopping up coeds in Boston.

Iconic underground filmmaking brothers are profiled in "It Came From Kuchar". George Kuchar and the director will be in attendance. (Note: This screening is co-presented by the Boston LGBT Film Festival.) Then there's a Kuchar party ($10 cover) at the nearby Tommy Doyle's with a performance by the amazing Titler (read my interview). [Facebook]

Documentary "American Grindhouse" should be treat for lovers of these cheesy films of yore -- and a good place to delve into these flicks if you enjoyed the Tarantino/Rodriguez flick from a few years ago. (Local film historian Eric Schaefer will lead a post-screening Q&A with the director.)

If you've read "Gravity's Rainbow", the title "Impolex" may look familiar as a compound that's relevant to the main character; and the film is inspired by the book, which makes it unlikely that the plot will make any sense. (Director-screenwriter: Alex Ross Perry in attendance.)

FRI 3/26

7pm to 9:30pm
"Bizarre Animals: An Evening of Contemporary Art Interventions"
at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
$6

Harvard's Museum of Natural History is already one of those weird places that I encourage people to visit. For a couple hours, about a dozen artists of different media will ensconce themselves for all sorts of extra weirdness -- for less than the usual admission. Of course, you may not get a completely clear view of some exhibits when there are videos projected, experimental music, poets, and performance artists around.

Through thoughtful interventions and captivating experiments, viewers will experience new ways to engage with the museum's spaces, its collections, and its history.

Participating artists include: Lucky Dragons, Noah Feehan/AKA, Greg Gagnon, Liz Glynn, Jesse Aron Green, Lisa Haber-Thomson, Lovers v. Haters, Rebecca Lieberman, Amy Michelle Davis, Hanna Rose Shell, and Catherine Wing.

FRI 3/26

8pm to 10:30pm
Ryan Lee Crosby, Eldridge Rodriguez, Ted Billings
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7

Here's a lineup that is worth getting on the #88 bus. Guys like Eldridge Rodriguez and Ted Billings are often making noisy indie-pop (The Beatings & Hot Protestants, respectively), so the volume is down while the songs are brought to the forefront.

Ryan Lee Crosby normally deliver his poetic tunes solo, but the last gig I noticed was a turn towards a full-band format. I didn't go, however Crosby and a guitar can be pretty intense.

FRI 3/26

9:30pm
The Diamond Mines, Big East, Man Alive!
at House of Blues Restaurant, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

Since The Diamond Mines don't have a regular sax player anymore, they bring a leaner and noisier treatment that serves the kickass songs. These guys bust it out with a frenzied, feral flair that gets the blood pumping and they don't need to slam the pedal to the metal. Big East are a bunch of young guys who deliver solid straightforward, bluesy rock. Man Alive seem to be an alt-country duo; the one song sounds good.

Note: The show is in the restaurant to the left of the main club.

FRI 3/26

9:30pm to 11:20pm
Real Housewives of Philadelphia, Toy Boat, Lady's Room
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

Night #3 of the Women In Comedy Festival features a CTB-priced improv show with a couple local groups of comediennes that may have teamed up for the festival and an ensemble that's really from Philly (not sure if they're really housewives).

FRI 3/26

10:30pm
Iyeoka & The Rock By Funk Tribe
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Iyeoka and her tribe are bringing their party to start your weekend in a positive direction. They are going to get funky and beautiful for a couple hours, and you know the lyrics from an acclaimed slam poet are exceptional.

THUR 3/25: Talks, Film, Comedy, Art, Rock

Festival time has arrived along with Spring. The Boston Underground Film Festival... The Women in Comedy Festival... And this is just the beginning (or the middle?) of the festival fun.

Hey, a local artist is giving away a Boston Skyline necklace though our little site. Come up with a good idea for Boston's urban vista to win. There are no wrong answers -- we're just going to pick our favorite!

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THUR 3/25

6pm to 7:30pm
"Israel & Palestine: Embracing Humor; Respecting Humanity": Forum
at JFK Forum, Littauer Bldg, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Kennedy School of Govt)
FREE

It's difficult for me to laugh about the Israel-Palestine conflict, but I like the idea of incorporating some humor to build bonds.

Among those who will participate Jimmy Tingle (who's listed as "Harvard Kennedy School '10"? A classmate of Ashley Judd?), Jewish-American comedian Scott Blakeman, and Palestinian-American comedian Maysoon Zayid.

THUR 3/25

7pm
"Love Exposure": BUFF Opening Night
at Kendall Square Cinema, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge
$10 / $8 with student ID

Some of the craziest, wild films are screening over the next week at the 12th annual Boston Underground Film Festival (thru THUR 4/1). They're starting with a big statement -- and a long one. Art films don't come much bolder than a 4-hour Japanese "romantic comedy" about a boy who must sin to bond with his priest-father, so he surreptitiously photographs women's underwear and falls in love with a misanthropist who's in love with his drag persona. It's been received as genius filmmaking by many; I'm guessing it'll be like enjoying a 4-hour fever. (Watch the trailer on YouTube.)

The only other item on the opening night is a "Tokyo Steampunk" party at TT the Bear's with 4 cool bands (you can still get in for $10, if you dress according to the theme).

They must have noticed but didn't care about the logistics of starting their opening party 2 hours before the movie ends on the other side of Cambridge...

THUR 3/25

7pm
Tim O'Brien, "The Things They Carried": 20th Anniversary
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515)

After his service in Vietnam, Tim O'Brien wrote a memoir about his experiences (cheerily titled "If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home"). About 10 years later, he wrote this novel that has been compared to "The Red Badge of Courage" and "Slaughterhouse-Five". For many, the wounds of the war still haven't healed after 40 years. Tonight will likely include discussion and a reading of passages.

THUR 3/25

7pm
David Grann, "The Devil And Sherlock Holmes"
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

David Grann is one of the talented writers at The New Yorker who writes wonderfully interesting profiles about wrongfully convicted (and executed) men, a white supremacist prison gang, giant-squid-hunting scientists, and subterranean repairmen of NYC. All of these stories are collected in this tome. Yes, he also looks into the mysterious death of the foremost "Sherlock Holmes" expert.

Grann will discuss the new compilation with Atlantic editor Toby Lester.

THUR 3/25 (to SUN 3/28)

Various Times
2nd Annual Women In Comedy Festival: Night #2
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
Many $10 or less

I know what you're thinking -- how did they find enough funny women to fill a 5-day comedy festival? (Kidding!) The performers aim to bury that kind of opinion. See the site for a full schedule. Most of the cheaper shows are in one of the two rooms at ImprovBoston. There are two promising performances tonight:

7pm to 9pm

Sketch Comedy w/ The Gun Show, OBV, and Rogue Burlesque
$10 / $7 students, seniors

10pm to 11:30pm

Muscial Improv Comedy with Trail Mix, Live Pod Shuffle, and Ex-Girlfriends
$10 / $7 students, seniors

THUR 3/25 to SAT 3/27

7pm to 10pm
"8 BITS PER PixEL"
at Meme Gallery, 55 Norfolk St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Animated GIF's can amuse people for different lengths of time -- from "This is stupid" to "Wow, this is way better than the watching the dryer!"

All 99 images by 27 artists are available on the webpage, and they'll be projected on the gallery walls for 3 hours on 3 nights. To enhance the experience, DJ's will spin each night:

3/25 -- Jesse Kaminsky
3/26 -- DieRADIO
3/27 -- mrdirky

Some things are more fun when shared with other people, and it's a little weird to do ecstasy by yourself at home -- right?

THUR 3/25

9:30pm
Thee Vicars, Pirate Love, Thick Shakes
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7

This is what happens after SXSW: Cool bands from all over have already travelled to Austin, so they decide to stay in the van. These garage bands may be two of the first to get to Boston, and they've luckily hooked up with the excellent Thick Shakes for swinging garage-rock party.

Thee Vicars (a bunch of teens from England who play garage-rock so retro that the British press finds it refreshing) and Pirate Love (raggedly dark, garagey punk from Oslo) have hooked up on their way out of of the USA. Pretend it's Friday and see some new bands.

WED 3/24: Art, Film, Rock, Comedy

There's quite a few interesting shows tonight. I was surprised to see several out-of-town acts on more than one bill. Some good choices that offer different sounds.

It looks like the free event "A Tribute to the Theater of Howard Zinn" (6pm) is full, but there may be some tickets released at the door at the Walsh Theater if you want to see various performers read from his three plays.

I listed a couple New England Real Ale events earlier in the week, and the 4-day event in Davis Square starts tonight. You will get in if you don't mind waiting (all advance tickets have been sold). I think they were letting walk-ins on the hour or half-hour. The cover drops to $10 on Saturday, and you can get a good buzz with no more than spending $20 (including the occasional contribution to tip jars).

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WED 3/24

6pm
"The Church of What's Happening Now: New Art, New Artists with Andrea Fraser": Conversation
at Thompson Room, Barker Center, 12 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

7pm
Andrea Fraser, "Boxed Set": Reception
at Carpenter Center, 12 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Hopefully this is a clear way to list these related events. One doesn't have to go to the lecture to go to the reception, but you might want to discreetly slip into the reception otherwise.

Performance artist Andrea Fraser has some provocative pieces that are often criticisms of the systems of the art world like galleries and museums -- like hijacking a group at a museum and giving them a fake tour, mocking art jargon, or stripping during a lecture. Videos of 5 performance pieces are on display at the Carpenter Center through SUN 4/4.

She will talk to Marjorie Garber (Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts) and Helen Molesworth (Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston). Who knows if it'll just be a conversation...

WED 3/24

7pm, 9:30pm
48 Hour Film Project: "Best of All Time"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

The premise is simple: You get 48 hours to write, film, and edit a complete film (4 to 7 minutes in length). 48HFP's have been taking place in various cities since 2001, and it keeps on growing to more than 80 cities.

After the upcoming Boston 48 Hour Film Project (end of April), they usually present a "best-of-weekend" program, so these selections are like the "best-of best-of".

Don't get too hung up on the "best of all time" tag. It's doubtful that the true all-time collection doesn't include anything older than five years. What you'll see is a handful of Boston standouts as well as others from Providence, LA, DC, London, Israel, and more -- about 14 shorts in total.

WED 3/24

9pm
Super 400 (11pm), Fred Shafer (10pm), Topheavy (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$5 / 21+

One night at the Abbey Lounge, Super 400 took me by surprise so I always like to spread the word. For a somewhat jammy power-trio from upstate NY, these folks rock it out -- especially the funk-solid rhythm section.

Although the recordings sound over-produced, Fred Shafer's live clips indicate a road horse with ballsy soul-rock punch. Local pop-rockers Topheavy add good, snappy songs that hearken back to bands like Goo Goo Dolls, etc.

WED 3/24

9:30pm
Golden Spurs, Spirit Kid, Some Say Fire, The Novel Ideas
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

This is kind of a mixed bag, but I wanted to say something positive about each band. I especially like Spirit Kid, which I initially knew as the Emeen Z Band and didn't realize they had changed their name. I really like their nod to classic powerpop while going their own way with a tasty formula of crunch and jangle. (I'm often thrown by a swarthy-looking dude singing in a high, sweet voice.)

The Golden Spurs classic-leaning rock alternate between bluesy jams, straightahead numbers in a Kings of Leon vein. I'm guessing Some Say Fire will be very pleasant surprise as they increase the intensity while decreasing the volume. In the video I watched, they take an old work-song, and transform it into a jazzy groove a la Antony & The Johnsons.

The Novel Ideas cook up an understated rock that could easily get under your skin and become one of your favorites. Give them a listen even if you don't go.

WED 3/24

9:30pm
Cheap Girls, The Riot Before, The Cold Beat, Lovers Muggers and Thieves
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

How can Team Cheap Thrills not love Cheap Girls? Cheapness aside this Michigan band kick some lo-fi, noisy ass! They're touring with earnest punks from Virginia, The Riot Before, who also have a load of awesome tuneage too. Lovers Muggers & Thieves and The Cold Beat add are there let everyone know that Boston makes some killer punky rock that rips it up. Good stuff top to bottom!

WED 3/24 (to SUN 3/28)

Various Times
2nd Annual Women In Comedy Festival
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
Many $10 or less

I know what you're thinking -- how did they find enough funny women to fill a 5-day comedy festival? (Kidding!) The performers aim to bury that kind of opinion. See the site for a full schedule. Most of the cheaper shows are in one of the two rooms at ImprovBoston:

7pm to 8:30pm

Sketch Comedy w/ Girls Gone Mild, Naughty Nanas, and I'm the Rhoda
$7 / $5 students, seniors

8pm to 9pm

Improv & Sketch Comedy w/ The Dowry and Ay Diego
$10 / $7 students, seniors

9pm to 10:30pm

Stand Up Comedy hosted by Liz Fang/Jenny Z
$10 / $7 students, seniors

9pm to 10:30pm

Stories hosted by Jessica Sutich
$7 / $5 students, seniors

TUES 3/23: Ice Cream, Film, Rock

Did anyone get a free pastry at Starbucks? I'm more interested in getting a free cone at Ben & Jerry's.

If you feel like having a few drinks in Back Bay tonight, consider going downstairs at the Pour House. Someone is running the marathon and raising funds. For $10 you have a chance to win some good raffle prizess while helping low-income youths go to college.

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TUES 3/23

Noon to 8pm
Free Cone Day
at participating Ben & Jerry's stores

Do I really have to encourage anyone to get a free ice cream?

My understanding is that all local shops are participating (and will give you a cup, if you prefer).

Seems like this annual event is also a way to debut new flavors (milk & cookies, maple blondie, and peanut brittle), but you can choose any flavor.

This could improve your mood on a rainy Tuesday.

* Here's a tip you might not get elsewhere: If you sign up for their mailing list, they will send you a certificate for a free ice cream to the Ben & Jerry's location of your choice. Don't do it today, because you only have 2 weeks to redeem it.

TUES 3/23

6pm
"Dirt! The Movie": Screening
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Don't we take dirt for granted? This documentary takes a humorous look at all the stuff below us and showing how major farming practices are ruining it. Get knowledgeable and dirty at the same time.

TUES 3/23

7pm
"Romero": Film & Discussion
at Lucy Parsons Center, 549 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

If you saw the Daily Show segment on the Texas School Board that's f---ing with textbooks to jibe with their political views, you would've heard Archbishop Romero mentioned. (He shouldn't be in history books, because one of the board members didn't know who he was.)

In honor of the 30th anniversary of his death, the Salavadorean Initiative for Education and Culture (ISEDUC, no good link found...) is presenting the Oliver Stone film about the Salvadoran human rights activist who was killed.

Hang out with the Marxists, anarchists, etc and feel revolutionary...

TUES 3/23 (and WED 3/24)

7pm
"The Pillow Book"
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

When it's a Tuesday or Wednesday, there's a good chance there's a good movie being shown for free at the HFA.

This was one of those art-house films that's so visually stimulating that I don't really remember the plot. Ewan McGregor is living in Japan, and his lover is a calligrapher who writes all over him. Sometimes multiple boxes of action slide over the main screen and there's an overflow of information -- at least it felt that way when I saw it years ago.

If you ever wondered what young Obi-Wan Kenobi looks like naked, this is the film for you.

TUES 3/23

9:30pm
I Have Ears, Tik Tok, BirdsMakeBirds
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$6 / 18+

All of these bands are paying attention to not making interesting music instead just bashing it out -- which also does the trick for me in many cases!

When I heard them do a Beatles cover ("I'm So Tired") last year, I Have Ears got a big thumbs up in my mind. There have been some references to The Strokes, but they seem more powerpop than that. Tik Tok centers around the female vocals and keyboard, and they rock with a strong sense of dynamics to keep things interesting. BirdsMakeBirds have a cool rumbling, indie thing going on that should prick up your ear.

TUES 3/23

9:30pm
Civil Twilight, Reni Lane
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$6 / 18+

I guess the lower cover charge is meant to encourage people to check out Civil Twilight, a South African trio who have moved to Nashville a few years ago. This is pop-rock that's ready for radio and TV shows (e.g. one of their songs has already been on "One Tree Hill").

Maybe it's because she's a cute redhead, but I like Reni Lane's sound better. Reni and band have a sassy, poppy thing going on that comes across as genuinely pleasant. (Of course, she's also had songs in commercials and TV shows.)

I'm guessing this will probably start closer to 10pm...

MON 3/22: Film, Stories, Rock

In case you didn't go yesterday, the Kimchi Festival was pretty good. I can't believe that I tried more than 20 different kinds... My apologies to those who showed up towards the end; I think the eating portion was done by about 5pm. I feel pretty good today; maybe fermented cabbage IS good for you!

And if you didn't go to yesterday's pub crawl, NERAX is having another opening event at Redbones tonight. Buy beer and enjoy some free apps downstairs; some special firkins will be available... Beer is good for you too!

Before the gig at Middlesex Lounge below, there's a women's mixer with a cover that benefits Project Have Hope.

Keep in mind tomorrow: Ben & Jerry's stores are offering free ice cream, and you can get a free pastry with your coffee at Starbucks with this coupon.

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MON 3/22

7pm
"Ran"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

I don't know if there will be anything special about tonight's screening, but the Coolidge Corner home page says that it is this month's "Big Screen Classics" presentation. Tomorrow would've been Akira Kurosawa's 100th birthday...

"Ran" was released 25 years ago, and it was the last epic masterpiece of his career. Based on Shakespeare's "King Lear" and a 16th-century Japanese leader. At more than 2-hours 40-minutes, it is amazing and beautiful. (Had forgotten it received 4 Oscar nominations including Best Director.)

It's playing through THUR 3/25.

MON 3/22

7pm to 9pm
Four Stories: "The Places We Go: Tales of Voyage and Discovery"
at The Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Ethan Gilsdorf, Tara L. Masih, Ladette Randolph, Jeff Talarigo

While not usually "thrilling", some readings have more potential than others. The Four Stories series regularly hosts well-regarded authors. Even if a story doesn't appeal to you, you're likely to be sitting on a very comfortable couch or chair and enjoying a drink.

Based on this month's theme, some of the places these authors go include and are not limited to: the fantasy world of role-playing games (Ethan Gilsdorf), India (Tara L. Masih), Nebraska (Ladette Randolph), and the Middle East (Jeff Talarigo).

Audience participation is encouraged (when appropriate). Someone wins a free drink for asking the best question. Someone may even a prize for "Most Fabulous Shoes"...

The author of "Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera" (to name one), Elizabeth Searle, will be tonight's guest host.

MON 3/22

7pm to 8:45pm
"Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women": Screening
at Room 120, Bldg 6, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Originally aired last year as part of PBS's "American Masters", The Globe gave this documentary a rather glowing review. It turns out that Louisa May Alcott's life was far more colorful than simply writing "Little Women". (Includes footage shot in Cambridge and Concord.)

Writer Harriet Reisen and director Nancy Porter will be in attendance.

Presented by MIT Program in Women's & Gender Studies as part of the "Chicks Make Flicks" series.

MON 3/22

9pm
Apollo Sunshine, Doomstar, Banditas
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & MIT)
$5

Okay, this is the fourth and probably the last Boston show of the last week for Apollo Sunshine. This apparently was supposed to be a secret, so try not to tell too many people... I'm not sure what the capacity is, but I'm guessing it's going to be a pretty good turnout to cap off the homecoming gigs by these incredibly fantastic psych-rockers. (I can't believe it's already been about 18 months since I saw them play at the Middle East -- one set originals and one set of Hendrix. So good!)

Get there early and catchy the groovy indie-rock sounds of Doomstar (happy birthday to guitarist Spenser) and the harmonies of Banditas.

SUN 3/21: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Congrats to our local soul man, Eli "Paperboy" Reed, who recently played on the Spanish version of "Dancing with the Stars".

I hope "Come and Get It" is a big hit there...

SUN 3/21: Crawl, Punk, Acoustic, Kimchi, Classical, Trivia

Some semi-outdoor cheapness (I'm counting the travel to W. Roxbury) awaits below.

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SUN 3/21

1:30pm
NERAX Pub Crawl
start at The Independent, 75 Union Sq, Somerville
- What You Drink -

It's a nice day for a walk, and it could even be nicer with some beer stops along your walk. The annual NERAX festival returns this week where cask-conditioned (no added artificial carbonation) ales from UK and America are available over 4 days -- 3/24 to 3/27. (It's an acquired taste, but it doesn't take long to acquire...)

I think this might be the first year with an opening crawl to 4 good beer bars between Union Sq and Kendall Sq. besides whatever drinks you buy, a brewer will be at each stop with a special sample of theirs for crawlers:

The TAP in Haverhill at The Independent (1:30pm), Pretty Things at Atwood's Tavern (2:45pm), Smuttynose at Lord Hobo (4pm, opening early for this), and Cambridge Brewing Company (5:15pm) will offer a special version of their Tall Tale Pale Ale.

SUN 3/21

1:30pm
Guns Up!, For the Worse, Ashers, Watchfire, Word for Word
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

It's the last show of Boston Rules, OK 2010. You bet your ass that people will be moshing at this hardcore show.

SUN 3/21

2:30pm
Apollo Sunshine, Bell & the Bees
at Gallery 263, 263 Pearl St, Cambridge (Cambridgeport)
$5

The Apollo Sunshine guys seem to be making the most of their first week back in a while. After playing the Paradise on Thursday and BlastFest yesterday, their making an acoustic appearance today at a small art gallery along with Bell & the Bees (which also features local Sunshine Jesse Gallagher). If you walked here from Central Sq, you'd be halfway to the Charles to enjoy the sunny day.

And it looks like they've got a gig tomorrow night too.

SUN 3/21

3pm to 6pm
The Greater Boston Kimchi Festival
at Parish Hall, Parker Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 Corey St, West Roxbury
$5

Who knows how many different kimchis will be available for sampling, but anyone who thinks they're a foodie or an adventurous eater should taste the widest possible array of the Korean delicacy in New England. There should be some great stuff to try since my understanding is that there are more of Koreans in the area than you might think.

Besides the judging and eating (awards in "Best Traditional Cabbage", "Best Traditional Non-Cabbage", "Best Innovative", "Best Professional", and "Best In Show"), there should be entertainment and various spicy cabbage fun.

Although West Roxbury isn't the most T-friendly location, the site has bus info:

To get to the church by public transportation, you can take the Orange Line to Forest Hills...

and take the 37/38 or the 36 bus, both of which stop in front of the church.

On Sunday, the following buses are available from Forest Hills:
- 37/38 (2:15pm, 3:15, 4:15)
- 36 (2:25pm, 3:05, 3:25, 4:05, 4:25, 5:05).

Event co-organizer Alex Lewin makes a basic kimchi to give you an idea to make your own:


SUN 3/21

8pm
The Boston Trio
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

For over 10 years, The Boston Trio (violin, cello, and piano) have been performing beautiful music. They are comprised of NEC professors and alumnae, and they'll be joined a school violinist for the Mozart piece.

Program:

Mozart, "Piano Trio in C Major"
Smetana, "Trio in G Minor"
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, "Piano Trio"

This is the sort of professional chamber music that one usually pays top dollar for.

SUN 3/21

8pm to 10pm
Sex and Drugs Trivia: with F*ckbucket
at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

Haven't you always wanted to combine your love of trivia with your knowledge of sex and drugs? I had a good time when I went with a couple pals from Bostonist (we won). If I understand correctly, the third Sunday of every month may get a little raunchier -- starting tonight. Of course, there will still be saucy prizes to win...

Whatever the Yelp page says, it seems that hostess Cameryn Moore will be joined by guest co-host Sugar Dish of Babes in Boinkland.

"Note: F*ckbucket is 21+ only, and queer-, trans- and kink-friendly."

SAT 3/20: Bach, Blast, Coffee, Punk, Plays, Rock

I know you're going outside. These are ideas for pre- and/or post-frolicking.

(Sunday stuff on the calendar.)

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SAT 3/20

10:30am to 8pm
"Bach 325th Birthday Celebration"
at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 15 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
at First Lutheran Church, 299 Berkeley St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE w/ RSVP

Okay. Bach's birthday was March 21 on the Julian calendar they used while he was alive; on our contemporary Gregorian calendar, the day would be March 31. Let's quibble about something that happened 325 years ago.

Two Back Bay churches are celebrating early with various free performances throughout the day. As one would guess, these church gigs are heavy on the organ music.

Reservations required for 2:30pm and 8pm events at Emmanuel Church. It may be full. You can call 617-536-3356, ext. 22 -- If you get the message, instructions are towards the end of a long message that tells you what info to leave on the voicemail...

SAT 3/20

11am to 11pm
BlastFest 3
at YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 - $10 (sliding scale) / All Ages

Feat: Apollo Sunshine, Tulsa, Boy Without God, Girlfriends, Concord Ballet Orchestra Players, Shai Erlichman, The Needy Visions, The Woodrow Wilsons, Ambitious Tugboat, James Lindsey, Wolf Woolf, Avi Jacob, The Meadowlarks, Duck That, The French Cops, Rene, Manners, Greg Mullen, The Great Valley, Debbie & The Bullets, Casey Rocheteau , Turtle Ambulance, more

See the post below for more info.

It'll be a good time.

SAT 3/20 (to SUN 3/21)

Various Times
NorthEast Regional Barista Competition
at Arts at The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
FREE

Saturday -- 11:15pm to 5:30pm
Sunday -- 10:30pm to 1pm

I checked with someone associated with the event, and it's open to the public. It's a timed event that's also judged on taste, where four espressos, four cappuccinos and four espresso-based signature drinks need to be completed in 15 minutes.

The second 18 of 36 baristas from across the region compete today, and the 6 finalists battle to caffeinated death on Sunday.

There will be one espresso machine dedicated to making complimentary espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, etc for the spectators. Go if you're in the neighborhood, because you know it's going to smell great!

The winner goes on to the national championship next month in California where the US champ will be chosen for the international competition...

SAT 3/20 (and SUN 3/21)

Various Times
Boston Rules, OK 2010
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

I suspect that if you're going to attend (one of) these shows, you have already heard about it -- but I could be wrong.

With the number of bands playing over the next three days at this second annual punk rock festival, it's not likely that I would listen to all of them. There are good bands on every show and different flavors although it seems lie a lot of hardcore. For people that pay attention to the scene, note the reunions of The Vigilantes, Disorderly Conduct, and Guns Up.

The night shows are 18+, and the afternoon shows are "all ages" (like the Middle East's usual matinees).

SAT 3/20 -- 1:30pm

The Pinkerton Thugs, Tommy and the Terrors, Razors in the Night, Disorderly Conduct, Oi! the Band, Colin and The Cancer

SAT 3/20 -- 9pm

The Vigilantes, Jason Bennett and the Resistance, Tijuana Sweetheart, These Lies, Paul & The Strings, War of Words

SUN 3/21 -- 1:30pm

Guns Up!, For the Worse, Ashers, Watchfire, Word for Word

(Both of today's shows look really good.)

SAT 3/20

3:30pm to 6pm
"Tell Me a Beautiful Lie": Staged Reading
at Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
FREE

Kudos to a guy who writes an original musical that takes place in the Crimea after the Russian Revolution. Of course, there's a woman involved with an absent revolutionary lover and a male friend in the counterrevolutionary forces. The music samples suggest some strong songs… This may be the first performance with "real actors and singers in front of a real audience."

SAT 3/20 (thru SAT 3/27)

7pm
"The Skin of Our Teeth"
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $5 students, senior citizens

Supposedly audiences hated this Thornton Wilder play when it premiered in 1942. There's a lot of symbolism about the human condition that references the Bible and ancient Greece. What I'm saying is that you may be forced to think to enjoy the play…

Wouldn't you know it -- it seems like an A.R.T. collaboration with Moscow Art Theater School. Play is performed by the ART/MXAT Institute class.

"Doors and bar open at 6:30pm"

More performances on: SUN 3/21, THUR 3/25, FRI 3/26, SAT 3/27

SAT 3/20

7pm to 9pm
Michael Tarbox / Tarbox Ramblers
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Michael Tarbox went Nashville to record his solo CD. The Ramblers join in for newer country-flavored and probably some of their rougher, bluesier Rambler tunes.

SAT 3/20

Triple Thick (Midnight), The Konks (11pm), The Coffin Lids (10pm), The Designer Drugs (9pm)
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Remember the Abbey Lounge? This feels like one of those line-ups that would've been a classic Saturday night of garage/punk. Now it's closer to the T, downstairs, and the beer is not quite as cheap.

Since the Abbey closed, I still feel like The Konks don't gig as much but it's not like they care how popular they are. Their reverb-soaked, tribally rhythmic, jagged, punky goo is still one of the best sounds as far as I'm concerned.

Triple Thick kicks in a thick, fuzzy, brew of heavyweight garage-rock that barrels along but stays on track. Hey -- how many bands have a dedicated maracas/tambourine player these days? Triple Thick does!

I like The Coffin Lids incorporating a horror vein into their classic garage rock approach, and there is honesty, passion, and farfisa organ. It looks like the guys in The Designer Drugs wear more eyeliner than the female singer, but that's cool for these young glammy punks.

SAT 3/20

9:15pm
Twinemen & Guests
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 /21+

It's difficult not to think of Morphine when Dana Colley is on the sax. Oh, and that's Billy Conway on drums; didn't they play together in…? Never mind… With Laurie Sargent on vocals and guitar, it sounds altogether new while often drawing comparisons to the band that brought these folks together. I really find it a refreshing twist on the sound since Sargent doesn't sound like Sandman a all.

I didn't find out who else was playing, but it'll probably be some of their talented friends.

SAT 3/20: BlastFest 3

11am to 11pm
BlastFest 3
at YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 - $10 (sliding scale) / All Ages

Feat: Apollo Sunshine, Tulsa, Boy Without God, Girlfriends, Concord Ballet Orchestra Players, Shai Erlichman, The Needy Visions, The Woodrow Wilsons, Ambitious Tugboat, James Lindsey, Wolf Woolf, Avi Jacob, The Meadowlarks, Duck That, The French Cops, Rene, Manners, Greg Mullen, The Great Valley, Debbie & The Bullets, Casey Rocheteau , Turtle Ambulance, more

Host: Simone Beaubien

Oh, yeah! Tomorrow's forecast calls for a beautiful first (official) day of Spring. I understand if you want to be outside, however there is indoor fun to be had tomorrow (listed in a bit). This is the first event of the day -- and the longest.

I predict a day of cool, positive, mega-fun as the Whitehaus folks take their JP house-party blueprint way across the Charles, and they've juiced it to monstrous proportions for the third year in a row. It keeps on getting bigger and better!

It's difficult to imagine that many people can handle 12 hours of this creative cornucopia of folk, rock, spoken-word, experimental music, and some stuff that seeps around these descriptors. I imagine it could go by fast at about 20 minutes per artist.

I'm not sure if the schedule I saw is accurate. Some of the approximate times that would be more appealing to me: 1-ish (Girlfriends, Boy Without God); 3-ish (Apollo Sunshine, Shai Erlichman); and 9-ish (Tulsa, Rene, Needy Visions).

For the vinyl-lovers, "The Whitehaus Family Record Family Record" will be available at the show for $10 too. In what's described as "first ever vinyl mix tape", 26 tracks on limited-edition wax represent about two dozen bands that have played at their place.

The organizers of the Boston Zine Fair had an eviction and a recent reopening to handle, so this year's event has been grafted to BlastFest in a limited form. I read that about 20 "zinesters, comics artists, assorted DIY media peddlers" will be set up until 7pm or so.

It's a "sliding scale", so pay what you can. If you're going to be there most of the day, I think $10 is pretty damn cheap! If you're only stopping by for a little while to check it out, don't feel bad for giving $5. I expect that people will be allowed to leave and return.

If all this wasn't enough, you might even get a free PB&J sandwich! Is there a better way to celebrate the equinox?

Check out some photos from last year, and you get the idea of good vibes radiating in the room.