FRI 4/30: Dance, Talk, Blues, Jacko, Rock, Comedy

I saw it's Willie Nelson's birthday today, and he is "77 years young." I wish I could party with Willie today -- not just for the sweet cheeba he'd have.

What living musical treasure he is! And he seems like a generally cool guy to hang out with.


So here's to you, Willie! I'm sure he would love a Red Sox victory tonight and/or maybe LeBron James' arm could fall off at the elbow... Woo-hoo.

Two things that will be crowded and have no space left: "The Science of Cheese": talk & tasting as part of the Cambridge Science Festival - and - the opening reception of the art exhibit called "Get Your Freak On! Celebrating Circus Folk, Carnies & Sideshow Freaks". The art exhibit is having another party next Friday, so I'd suggest going then.

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FRI 4/30

6pm, 7:30pm
"Movement at the Mills"
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 551 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Feat: Weber Dance, Sun Ho Kim & Dancers, Kendra Heithoff

I don't think there's an exhibit in the gallery, so you should pay attention to the 3 modern dance performances that should happen simultaneously in different spaces of the gallery.

FRI 4/30

6pm
Bill McKibben, "Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

Tickets available at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave -- or by phone: 617-661-1515.

Whe I've seen interviews of Bill McKibben, he comes across as extremely informative, concise, and clearheaded. I always feel like I better understand the dangers to the planet. Speaking of the planet, his new book posits that we can't fix how we've screwed up Earth so we just have to adapt to the new reality.

FRI 4/30

6pm to 8pm
Dennis Brennan & Mike Dinallo Duo
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

If you're grabbing a drink in Union Square tonight, you might as well hear some "blues and ballads" from the amazing Dennis Brennan and his buddy and excellent guitarist/producer Michael Dinallo.

FRI 4/30 (and SAT 5/1)

7:30pm
"The Michael Jackson Case"
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

I wouldn't recommend this musical if they weren't going to perform Michael Jackson songs. It's fine to have a story about a detective investigating his death, but don't give me cheesy Broadway knock-offs about where his doctor is hiding.

Two of the guest artists will be singer Siedah Garrett (who wrote "Man in the Mirror") and Michael Bearden (MJ's musical director).

You could pay many times more than $10 to see "Young Frankenstein", and the songs won't be better.

FRI 4/30

9pm to 11pm
Idea Night: Silent LED Rave
at The Laboratory, Northwest Bldg, 52 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

9pm
SSSS Presents: Silent Disco
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$5

Silent raves may have worn out their welcome with me after the second one I noticed. I love enjoy being noisy; let others who want to party quietly do so, which seems courteous...

There are two if you're in the mood. Harvard is doing the 'old-fashioned' way where you download the mp3's then you bring your player and watch the trippy projections. More than 200 people have RSVP'ed on the Facebook page.

The Milky Way has 4 DJ's (Voltran, DJ Domonique, Edukation, L.E.D.Fut) transmitting the beats into your head via wireless headphones that they provide while different trippy visuals are projected.

FRI 4/30

The Everyday Visuals (Midnight), The Lights Out (11pm), Flying Machines (10pm), Aloud (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Just think about the power-pop awesomeness that is The Everyday Visuals: Not only are their own songs full of rocking' melody and harmony, they sometimes perform The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" from beginning to end. Add the punchy hook-laden guitar-rock of The Lights Out. Add the anthemic rock gloriousness of Aloud. (Hey, world. What's taking you so long t make this band gigantic stars?) Add the polished pop of Flying Machines. This equals to giant gobs of good music from boot to bonnet.

(I liked the flyer even though it made me feel a little dizzy.)

FRI 4/30

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Insufficient Funds"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

The theme "Insufficient Funds" is not funny. I imagine there will still be funny, amusing performances. This might be the last time Patrick Bryant brings the complaint letters of Somerville Speakout to the Round Table for a while.

The musical guests are one half of Mr Airplane Man's new raw, bluesy project Sister Spaceman and the curious song stylings of Jonny Cohen.

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

FRI 4/30

9:30pm
Milquetoast & Co, Jeddo Stars, Vulgarrity
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

I've said it before: Sometimes three bands are the right amount. (Maybe most of the time.) If someone consciously put these bands together, they've curated a cool mix of twangy, sardonic chill-rock with strings; garagey indie-pop, and ballsy rock from a brother-sister duo of multi-instrumentalists.

If not, they've had a happy accident.

THUR 4/29: Jazz, Shakespeare, Rumble, Rock

Darn it, it's the second night in a row where people I genuinely like are playing. It's easy to recommend tonight's "Rumble". The funny people behind the online show "Quiet Desperation" will surely make a musical spectacle tonight. Any band could win, but I'm rooting for Sophia & Mike.

Between now and Saturday, both Harvard and Boston College students are presenting arts festivals with a variety of performances. Many are free (or less than $10); I honestly didn't get too excited about today's offerings but you might.

Oh, let's not forget the Cambridge Science Festival.

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THUR 4/29

6pm to 8pm
"Ellington, Boston, and Beyond": Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

As part of Jazz Week, major composer and educator Gunther Schuller will discuss the Duke with two other jazz historians / Ellington lovers Richard Vacca and Mark Harvey.

THUR 4/29

8pm
Shakespeare Open Mic
at Gulu-Gulu Cafe, 247 Essex St, Salem
FREE

Did anyone see "Hamlet" on PBS last night? It blows my mind that one person created such an amazing body of work -- even if you account for borrowing from other sources.

In celebration of his birthday earlier this week, the Salem Theatre Company is holding its 7th annual party where everyone is welcome to recite a monologues, scene, or sonnet in first-come first-served order. You'd impress if you have something memorized, but read it if you must.

THUR 4/29

9pm
"32nd Annual WBCN Rumble Finals"
Feat: Humanwine, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Rob Potylo, King Hell
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

"Quiet Desperation", Boston's best web serial, has decided to take it in their hands to revive the Rock 'n Roll Rumble since WBCN's presence has dwindled in the last year. The setup can be seen in episode #19, and I anticipate a lot of footage for the next episode will be shot tonight.

If you haven't watched it yet, Quiet D could be briefly summarized as the quasi-fictionalized life of Rob Potylo (fka Roadsteamer) and ridiculous glimpses into the underbelly of the local music and comedy scene. It's pretty damn funny; each clip can be enjoyed separately, but you can see an interesting story by watching all of them.

The great part is that you can ignore all of that stuff by simply enjoying the tunes and whatever zaniness that might occur.

Two bands that I often have difficulty describing are Humanwine and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling. When I hear something really good and original, there's often something extra that can't be described in my usual blurbs -- but I'll blurb one more time.

The multi-genre rock of Humanwine is loved by fans of steam-punk and punk-cabaret to give you an idea that there's an out-of-time quality to the politically-aware songs.

Drawing inspiration from one of the coolest spy shows of the '60s, I get the sense that Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling has absorbed the quirky musical motifs from the soundtrack to surround the clever lyrics with arty-punky blasts of drums and fuzzed-out bass.

There may be some special preference for the other two bands to make it to the "Rumble finals". This may also be the first gig of Rob Potylo's new band (although he was a previous runner-up). He didn't seem to like it when I told him he was funny, so I'll just say check it out and enjoy the straightforward songs. King Hell are a funky metal band (yes, and it sounds good) who relocated to NYC a few years ago.

Shawn Sixx & Niki Luparelli host.

(Jeez, I wrote a lot on this one...)

THUR 4/29

9:30pm
Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, Shaun Wolf Wortis, The Swinedells
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

It's been a long soulful April after 5 Thursdays with Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents. This big super-soul outfit finish up their residency along with two groups ready to party. Shaun Wolf Wortis organizes annual Mardi Gras and Bastille Day gigs, so there should be a New Orleans R&B vibe. The Swinedells bring a punk-rock sensibility to old-time R&B and soul.

THUR 4/29

10:30pm
A.K.A.C.O.D.
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

For a few years, AKACOD was one of the "low rock" bands that kept venturing down a path not too far from the most awesome Morphine. Vocalist/bassist Monique Ortiz has decided to pack up her fretless bass and head to Austin. Our loss is their jazzy/noir gain. This will probably be her last local gig with cohorts Dana Colley (Morphine/Twinemen) and Larry Dersch (way too many bands).

Dig the two awesome sets, raise a toast to Monique's years of fine local music service.

WED 4/28: Ice Cream, Science, Slam, Classical, Rock

For most of the time I've done this thing, I normally had little interaction with the bands besides a few emails here and there. I try not to think about the reality that people read what I write about them.

After years of going to shows without interacting with performers, I've recently started getting friendly with some folks in bands. Thankfully I already liked their music, but it feels a bit funny to write about it.

If you go to the show at TT's, the tunes will top-notch -- and a bunch of those folks on stage are genuinely good people.

That said, it was good to see the Celtics close out the Heat series. I believe they have a chance of beating the Cavs. Thank goodness for a Sox win too. Woo-hoo.

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WED 4/28

5pm to 10pm
31 Cent Scoop Night
at participating Baskin-Robbins/Dunkin Donuts Locations
$0.31 per scoop

These free ice cream days are national events, so I think they're avoiding really hot weather in any region. I know I'm in the mood for ice cream even when it's only a Baskin-Robbins... Hey, a small scoop for 31 cents ain't a bad deal (limit 3 scoops).

The idea is to get you in to donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. So think about leaving some of your change...

The 5 closest Baskin-Robbins/Dunkin Donuts from downtown Boston:

- Cambridge (1 Bow St, Harvard Sq)
- Cambridge (1 Broadway, Kendall Sq)
- Belmont (52 Church St)
- Lexington (10 Woburn St)
- South Weymouth (755 Main St)

"At participating stores while supplies last."

WED 4/28

6pm to 9pm
Annual Science Trivia Challenge
at Kirsch Auditorium, Stata Center, 32 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Registration is closed, but you can watch teams competing in high-school and adult divisions in a Jeopardy-like test of general science knowledge.

Part of the Cambridge Science Festival.

WED 4/28

6pm to 7pm
David Kaiser, "How the Hippies Saved Physics"
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

The inside story about the smart guys who spent the 70's indulging in substances and all sorts of mind-expanding mysticism. Years later, the wacky theories on quantum physics they were playing with would be brought to the prominence for a variety of applications.

Also part of the Cambridge Science Festival.

WED 4/28

8pm
Team Slam Finals
at Cantab Underground, 738 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & Harvard Sq)
$5

Although I understand the concept on a practical level, it still amuses me that one can quantifiably judge poetry.

These should be the best poets out of the Cantab's regulars, because the top nine performers from last week will compete over three rounds to choose the top five poets who'll be the Cantab's team at the Nationals. 9 slam poets, 3 rounds, 5 will be chosen:

Kevin Spak, Trevor Liam Byrne-Smith, Erin Jackson, Adam Stone, Sam Teitel, Carrie Rudzinski, April Ranger, Simone Beaubien, Omoizele Okoawo

The usual $3 weekly cover has been raised to help offset travel expenses to the National Poetry Slam in St. Paul. (There may not be time for open-mic tonight.)

WED 4/28

8pm
Hemenway Strings: "East Meets West"
at Fenway Center, 77 Saint Stephen St, Boston (Northeastern campus)
FREE

Acclaimed violinist Lynn Chang is the director of the Boston Conservatory's "string honors ensemble" who are performing pieces by European, American, and Chinese composers:

Mozart, "Diverimento in D"
Bach, "Brandenburg Concerto No. 6"
Chen Yi, "Sprout for Strings"
Chen Yi, "Romance and Dance of the Hsiao and Ch'in"
Bloch, "Concerto Grosso"

WED 4/28

8pm
Where The Land Meets The Sea, Static of the Gods, Viva Viva, Southern Belle
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

Maybe some of these bands will play the NXNE festival in June. I saw an ad that said there will be a chance to win tickets to Toronto's version of SXSW. (Some scheduled: Iggy & the Stooges, X, Box Elders, The Raveonettes, Japandroids, Surfer Blood, Quintron & Miss Pussycat.)

All of these bands are worthy of more buzz and fandom than they already receive. Where The Land Meets The Sea has a winning combo of crunchy, punky guitars tempered with keyboards supporting catchy songs that steer away from faux-earnest anthems.

To my ear in the past, Static of the Gods specialized in fuzzy, melodic, riff-tastic concoction; the new album takes that sound and focuses into a pleasing, song-oriented direction. Whatever Viva Viva does will be fantastic, whether it's dusky, fuzzy, rootsy indie-rock or some progression into a new direction. Despite not being my cup of tea, I can tell the electro/rock of Southern Belle has got something good going on.

WED 4/28

Naked On Rollerskates (11:30pm), Liberation Day (10:40pm), Croquet (9:50pm), Highly Personal Trash (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

Despite the flyer, don't look forward to nudity or rollerskating -- by the band... while they're onstage... There's simply not enough room!

What you can expect from Naked on Roller Skates is tangy, buoyant, pop-rocking tuneage from a former folker, a drummer on guitar, a guitarist playing bass, and some dude on drums. Change often brings fresh results.

To get things warmed up, Highly Personal Trash may or may not be a one-woman project at this point. The foundation is the carefully crafted and lyrically potent songs emanating from the keaybords and lovely vocals. The volume rises with some rollicking, easygoing indie-rock goodness from Croquet, then Liberation Day sounds like a well-oiled, neo-new-wavey, guitar-heavy rock.

TUES 4/27: Film, Music, Talk, Rock

I might make sports references for the rest of the week, so I'll feel more comfortable if I go to the Boston Sports Blogapalooza on Sunday.

Nice work, Bruins! I wonder if there has ever been a headline like "My Shweet Satan"?

What a weird Sox game last night. I'm glad they won, but I'd like to see them hold the lead for a couple innings! Let's hope their slow start distracts the bandwagoners...

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TUES 4/27

6pm
"Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench": Boston Premiere(?)
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

It would be nice if contemporary musicals took cues from movies like "Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" (and "Once"), that you don't have to overdo it like it's a stage production. Give the audience a realistic modern romance with the heart of an old-fashioned musical, and you should have a winner. If you set it around Boston and cast a hot trumpeter in the role of... a hot trumpeter, and you've got all of my thumbs up.

This JazzWeek offering could've been a joint screening with IFFBoston. I'm not complaining that a new indie film that takes place around town is free tonight.

TUES 4/27

6pm to 8pm
NOVA Nights: Science Cafe
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

As part of the Cambridge Science Festival, NOVA's Cafe Sci is hosting two consecutive nights of their typically casual bar forums where the speakers consciously avoid using technical terms so the average listener can follow along and feel comfortable asking questions.

Last year, scienceNOW had a segment on taste and the preference of certain flavors. Prof. Don Katz (Brandeis) is doing research on that connection between the tongue and brain, so you might leave the bar with a better understanding on why you don't like tequila.

TUES 4/27

7pm, 9:30pm
Independent Film Festival of Boston
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
$9 online / $10 door

The final two films (that aren't sold out) are screening at the museum. "Marwencol" (7pm) is about an artist who was beaten so badly on the streets on NYC that he could no longer hold a brush properly to paint, so he found a creative out let by building a backyard village inhabited by dolls. The other film's subject is evident by the title, "Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child" (9:30pm). It's filled with previously unreleased footage by the director who was a friend of Basquiat.

TUES 4/27

7pm
Bryan Charles, "Pavement's Wowee Zowee": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Is there an album that you adore? That you know inside out? That you've read everything you can find about it? That you can go on and on about how awesome it is? The "33 1/3" book series is the sort of thing that you'd want to read or write.

The latest edition explores Pavement's third album that may have been the band's crossroad musically and professionally.

TUES 4/27

Pray For Polanski (11:15pm), Hello Ninja (10:15pm), Iceberg Young + Teamusket (9:30pm), Johnny Stranger (8:45pm), Purple Myrtle (8pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

There's not much to complain about a free music show. There are two gems (imho) to be heard if you stick around. Pray For Polanski gives indie-rock a rockabilly twist in a delightful way, and Hello Ninja has a relatively straightforward rockin' core and injects plenty of fresh, snappy pop-itude.

Iceberg Young and Tea Musket must be the FNice Records guys or friends of theirs, because there's only web videos for jokey guitar and DJ experience. I enjoy Purple Myrtle better on recordings since their bluesy noir-rock would benefit from at least a bass to throb along.

TUES 4/27

9:30pm
Magic Magic, Mon Khmer, Clatter Clatter
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Magic Magic might be more popular in England than in Boston, but it's not too late get into their poppish, retro/psych indie-rock that might remind you of The Flaming Lips, etc. I also dig the two-drummer lineup.

I'm not sure about Magic Magic, but the other two bands have some roots at Berklee and serve as two more examples that music school doesn't suck the creativity out of your songs. Clatter Clatter has an easygoing indie-pop vibe. Mon Khmer has a strangely detached sound where you can hear it's a conscious choice to make indie-rock that feels wrapped in gauze and the uptempo numbers even sound slightly dreamy.

If only the band name was "Khmer Khmer", there would've been wonderful symmetry in this lineup...

TUES 4/27

10:30pm
Shepherdess, Milo Jones
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Either one of these acts would be enough free music on a Tuesday night. Whether you're digging the edgy indie-rock of Shepherdess or the deep, rough troubadour stylings of Milo Jones.

MON 4/26: Art, Science, Film, Bike, Gospel, Rock

Well, it's Monday.

Yep.

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MON 4/26

5pm to 9pm
"Art in Bloom": Evening Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Art in Bloom is an annual celebration when about 50 floral arrangements are placed next to artwork throughout the museum for a weekend. On the final night, people can enjoy the additional color complementing the pieces -- or simply enjoy a free evening in any part of the museum like any Wednesday night.

MON 4/26 (and TUES 4/27)

6pm to 8pm
NOVA Nights: Science Cafe
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

As part of the Cambridge Science Festival, NOVA's Cafe Sci is hosting two consecutive nights of their typically casual bar forums where the speakers consciously avoid using technical terms so the average listener can follow along and feel comfortable asking questions.

Tonight, George Stephans (MIT) talks about the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland where thousands are scientists are collaborating on amazing experiments that will definitely not destroy the planet.

Tuesday night's discussion is about why and how tastes are tied to emotional responses with Don Katz (Brandeis).

If you show up late or really want to hear more science talk, Nerd Nite starts at 8pm tonight.


MON 4/26

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

Many (including me) has begrudgingly admitted the Ben Affleck did a good job of directing this adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel. Kudos to Casey Affleck and Amy Ryan in two of the main roles.

Part of the year-long "Made in Massachusetts Film Series"

MON 4/26

6:30 pm to 7:30pm
Fix-a-Flat Bicycle Workshop
at Honan-Allston Public Library, 300 N Harvard St, Allston
FREE

Could there really be bicyclists in the Allston area that don't know how to make rudimentary repairs like fixing a flat? If one doesn't feel comfortable, where a mechanic from Bicycle Bill's will demonstrate and offer tips.

You should contact the library to see if there is still room for you (and your bike or tire): 617-787-6313

MON 4/26 (thru WED 4/28)

Various Times
Independent Film Festival of Boston
at Various Locations
Most $9

There are various films and shorts at the Brattle and Somerville Theatre. If I were going tonight, I'm interested in
the documentary with interviews and archival footage "Searching for Elliott Smith" (7:30pm) or "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" which takes places in '30s-era China and seems a bit like the Wild West. Both are playing at the Somerville.

Two films are screening at the ICA tomorrow, and the closing night film at Coolidge Corner is sold out.

MON 4/26

8:15pm
"Break the Pew, Part 2"
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / $5 ages 12 to 18 and seniors / $2 12 and under

Apparently, breaking the pews may be excused if the spirit inspires you to jump and dance -- such as on a an evening of gospel music with several Berklee groups:

- Reverence Gospel Ensemble
- Women of Virtue, Men of Valor
- Overjoyed

In my observations, gospel music can sometimes improve the mood of nonbelievers too.

MON 4/26

9:30pm
Banditas, Marconi, Volcano Kings
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

The meat of this sandwich seems to be the kinda spacey, kinda jangly indie-rock of Marconi. Marconi is a new project from the former drummer of Night Rally who has moved backed to Boston and enlisted friends from other bands (like Bon Savants and C4RT). One slice is the laid-back harmonies of Banditas, and the other slice is the instrumental jazz-rock of Volcano Kings which is more surfy than progressive jazz wankery.

MON 4/26

10pm
Mike Fiore, Caw!Caw!
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

The usual Faces on Film set has sections where Mike Fiore is left alone with his guitar and songs. I assume it'll be all-Mike all of the time for a full blast of artful, folkish songfulness. It sounds like Chicago's Caw!Caw! have found a bouncy indie-pop niche after exploring punk and experimental directions in the past.

SUN 4/25: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video(s)

Couldn't pick one. (Btw, Monday stuff is on the calendar.)

Here's a trailer to "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" that's screening at IFFBoston tomorrow.



For National Poetry Month, TS Eliot reads the bit where "The Waste Land" says, "April is the cruelest month."



Then's a beer commercial starring Mickey Rourke:

SUN 4/25: Rowing, Science, Sailing, Art, Greek, Film, Rock

Still time to go out and enjoy the weekend...

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SUN 4/25

10am to the slowest paddler
Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race
from Great Plain Ave, Needham to Herter Park, Brighton [PDF map]
FREE

Stand along any part of the river to watch canoes and kayaks paddle quickly, or go to the end in Brighton. There is a festival at Artesani/Herter Park with food vendors, music, and diversions. It should be in full swing by noon and going on until at 3pm when you can join in an attempt to break a world record for rubber-chicken tossing ($1 donation to participate).

SUN 4/25

10am to 3pm
"MIT Physics Demonstrations Exhibition"
at Room 152, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

The "free science pick of the day" from the Cambridge Science Festival.

SUN 4/25

11am To 3pm
Sailing Open House
at Courageous Sailing, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

Enjoy a free sail on Boston Harbor, tour the facility, learn about our sailing programs. Free BBQ too. Discounts to be offered on lessons/memberships.

Whenever these sailing events start happening, it's good to remember to wear clothes that can get wet. Keep in mind it will feel colder on the boat.

SUN 4/25


Noon to 8pm
Drawing Marathon #7
at Mobius Art Space, 725 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
$10 Donation

Instead of the usual models sitting still, your subjects will be performance artists will be doing their thing that could be music, movement, etc.

Bring your art stuff, and stay as long as like (up to 8 hours)... Don't get hung on the perfect image, just draw a lot! Feel free to bring water and snacks.

You can watch videos of past "subjects".

SUN 4/25

Noon to 6pm
North and West Cambridge Open Studios
around North and West Cambridge
FREE

Because there are too many dang artists, Cambridge split up the open studios in 3 parts. You'll find your friendly neighborhood creative types in various media "from Alewife and Fresh Pond, down to Porter and Harvard."

SUN 4/25

1pm
Annual Greek Independence Day Parade
from Boylston St, Copley Sq to Boston Common
FREE

It looks like a lot of people are parading down Boylston. I hope there are enough Greek people to take care of the spanakopita and baklava at the festival at the Parkman Bandstand (Tremont St side) around 2pm for music, dance, delicious food, etc.

SUN 4/25

Various Times
Independent Film Festival of Boston
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
Most $9

Of the local film festivals, IFF Boston may be your best chance at seeing something cool that's also really independent. The Boston Film Festival often screens movies that are probably going to be released in at least a few theaters. The Boston Underground Film Festival is mainly comprised of weird yet interesting films that push the envelope but don't have much of a chance of success.

Check the schedule. Best bets for today:

1pm to 2:30pm

"The Lef Foundation Presents: Discussing the Documentary"
Panel at Somerville Theatre

2pm

"9500 Liberty" at Somerville Theatre

2:30pm

"My Suicide" at Somerville Theatre

2:30pm

"Looking for Eric" at Brattle Theatre

3:30pm to 5pm

"Making a Feature Film in Massachusetts on an Indie Budget"
Panel at Somerville Theatre

5:15pm

"How to Fold a Flag" at Somerville Theatre

7pm

"The Killer Inside Me" at Somerville Theatre

(I'm not recommending this one, but it is a highlight of the films during the fest.)

7:30pm

"Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields" at Brattle Theatre

SUN 4/25

6:30pm
"Looking Up: Wonders of the Night Sky"
at Cahners Auditorium, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

A 75-person choir performs astronomical songs by Handel, Jonathan Coulton, and others -- because, y'know, it's the Cambridge Science Festival.

SUN 4/25

Spirit Kid (11:30pm), Nathan Kalish & the Wildfire (10:40pm), The Diamond Mines (9:50pm), The Double Stops (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

Awesome rock on one side of the river.

SUN 4/25

9:30pm
Harlem, Tulsa, Girlfriends
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Awesome rock on another side of the river.

SAT 4/24: Sheep, Sailing, Art, Film, Science, Music

Not much different than the Sneak Peek, because I worked like a bee on fermented hops last night...

...who also tried to watch all three games. I noticed something:

Celtics + Sox + Bruins = 105
Opponents = 105

And we won two out of three... The Bruins are still going to take the series.

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SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

10am to 5pm
Annual Sheepshearing Festival
at Gore Place, 52 Gore St, Waltham
$10 / FREE children 12 and under free (with adult)

This might be good for kids and those who feel young at heart. I'm fairly sure the sheep don't live here (anymore), so they're just showing up for the shearing. Other animals will be around too. Expect historic demonstrators, games, crafts fair, live entertainment, wagon rides, etc.

"Free parking. No dogs allowed."

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

11am To 3pm
Sailing Open House
at Courageous Sailing, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

Enjoy a free sail on Boston Harbor, tour the facility, learn about our sailing programs. Free BBQ too. Discounts to be offered on lessons/memberships.

Whenever these sailing events start happening, it's good to remember to wear clothes that can get wet. Keep in mind it will feel colder on the boat.

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

Noon to 6pm
North and West Cambridge Open Studios
around North and West Cambridge
FREE

Because there are too many dang artists, Cambridge split up the open studios in 3 parts. You'll find your friendly neighborhood creative types in various media "from Alewife and Fresh Pond, down to Porter and Harvard."

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

11am to 6pm
First Annual Watertown/Belmont Open Studios
at Various Locations
FREE

The communities to the South and West of Cambridge don't want to be left out of the "open studio" action with about 50 artists. It may not be as walkable as the People's Republic, although multiple artists are displaying at locations like the Arsenal Center for the Arts and Belmont Art Gallery.

SAT 4/24 (thru SUN 4/25)

Various Times
Independent Film Festival of Boston
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
Most $9

Of the local film festivals, IFF Boston may be your best chance at seeing something cool that's also really independent. The Boston Film Festival often screens movies that are probably going to be released in at least a few theaters. The Boston Underground Film Festival is mainly comprised of weird yet interesting films that push the envelope but don't have much of a chance of success.

Check the schedule. I like the looks of these today:

12:15pm

"Bananas!*" at Somerville Theatre

Dole Food looks really bad in this documentary about a lawsuit brought by Nicaraguan banana workers who were sterilized (yes, sterilized!) due to a banned pesticide. "Power to the people!"

7:30pm

"I Am Love" at Somerville Theatre

Tilda Swinton is living in Italy as the wife of a rich guy, and romantic drama ensues. Italy is beautiful, Swinton is beautiful (and a remarkable actress), and the cinematography is dipped in honey or something.

8pm

"Do It Again" at Somerville Theatre

Boston Globe music writer Geoff Edgers tries to reunite The Kinks for one more gig and hangs out with famous musicians along the way.

9:30pm

"Life During Wartime" at Somerville Theatre

Director Todd Solondz always makes fascinating films ("Welcome to the Dollhouse", "Happiness"). His new film is something of a sequel of "Happiness" with different actors playing the characters and living in slight connection to the old story. And Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens, really) is in it.

11:15pm

"The Good, The Bad, The Weird" at Brattle Theatre

A Korean* spaghetti western? Sold!

* with English subtitles

SAT 4/24 to SUN 5/2

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
At Various Locations
Many FREE

The free Saturday stuff is happening at the MIT Museum where it's free admission (10am to 5pm) and at Carnival-Cambridge Public Library (the new one next to the old one on Broadway) with demonstrations/activities from noon to 4pm including:

"Exploring Robotics Engineering", "Fun with Food", "Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Making", "Recycling: Where's That Stuff Go?", "GreenFest Solar Workshop", "Bottled Water vs Tap Water", "Microwilderness of the Boston Harbor Islands", and more

SAT 4/24

4pm
Josh Lederman & The CSAR's
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

It's true: I've spent a few Saturdays hanging out at the Plough on a Saturday afternoon, and Josh Lederman has often been there with the "Cambridge-Somerville All-Stars" to encourage me with their Americana drinkin' music.

They're probably going to finish no later than 5:30pm, since Greg Ginn (ex-Black Flag) is going to play jazz-rock jam band stuff at 6pm.

SAT 4/24

7pm to 1am
Boston Underground Summit II
at The Temple (above City Feed), 670 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

Feat: Prince Rama of Ayodhya, Viva Viva, Ski Mask, Quilt, Truman Peyote, The Scamps, Big Big Bucks, Theory Engine, Young Adults, Lord Jeff

It would be cool if there were more shows like Boston Underground Summit (previously in September). There's need to wait for the bands to take down and set up their equipment, when multiple 'stages' could be set up around a room where they each play songs in a round-robin style. It's a twisted assortment of artists, and that's half the fun.

It's a pretty new music space, so feel extra hip if you go...

SAT 4/24

9pm
"Dhoom 2010"
at La Sala de Puerto Rico, Stratton Center, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$2 before 10pm / $5 after 10pm / FREE for MIT Students

There may not be so many people at this Bollywood-themed dance party for you to hide in the crowd. If you're feeling ballsy, you're probably going to have a great time. Until you learn the steps, just lift your arms and pretend to unscrew (and/or screw) light bulbs.

Free Indian snacks, ID required for cash bar.

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SAT 4/24

9pm
Tunnel of Love, Black Clouds, Anita Fix & Bam Bam, Reports, Maine Coons
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Tunnel of Love is a trio of shirtless, slashing rock 'n roll wildmen with David Johansen/NY Dolls haircuts who don't seem to play often. Besides stripping down to striped long-johns, Tunnel of Love strips the thrashing garage-rock down to a guitar and a couple drums. No nonsense.

There's not a lot of screwing around on this bill. Black Clouds may peel your face with punchy noise -- in a good way. Anita Fix & Bam Bam bring up the Pittsburgh-style psychedelia. Reports and Maine Coons rip up indie-rawk. Good times.

SAT 4/24

9:30pm
Mystery Roar, Big Digits, w/ DJs Die Young, Volvox, Baltimoroder, Foxy Action Group
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

After several tries to get into Mystery Roar because other people rave about the band, I don't think a modern disco group is going to win me over. I do enjoy Big Digits; they used to be more hip-hop, but I think it's still an electro shambles that will win you over when they're jumping around the room.

I'm not completely on board with Mystery Roar yet, but I acknowledge they got a good electro/rock thing going on.

DJ's will get the crowd undulating and such...

Sneak Peek: SAT 4/24

Wish me luck. I plan on staying in and writing Cheap Thrills like a worker bee on caffeinated pollen...

You might feel like catching a new independent film via IFF Boston.

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SAT 4/24

9am to 12pm
Annual Charles River Clean-up
along the Charles River from Boston to Milford
- Your time & effort -

Just show up at any of the sites to volunteer -- no need to register, etc.

They do want you to show up at 9am and be ready to get dirty. They'll provide the work supplies, but you should bring drinking water.

Check the site for more info. These are meeting places:

Hatch Shell, Memorial Drive opposite JFK Park, The Fens behind the MFA, Herter Park, DCR Brighton Pool near IHOP**, DCR Dealtry Pool in Watertown, DCR Upper Charles River Reservation in Waltham, Hemlock Gorge Reservation in Newton (meet at 9:30am), DCR Cutler Park in Needham**, Whole Foods parking lot in Bellingham

** "Volunteers especially needed here!"

A clean river will be nice for Sunday's Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race.

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

10am to 5pm
Annual Sheepshearing Festival
at Gore Place, 52 Gore St, Waltham
$10 / FREE children 12 and under free (with adult)

This might be good for kids and those who feel young at heart. I'm fairly sure the sheep don't live here (anymore), so they're just showing up for the shearing. Other animals will be around too. Expect historic demonstrators, games, crafts fair, live entertainment, wagon rides, etc.

"Free parking. No dogs allowed."

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

11am To 3pm
Sailing Open House
at Courageous Sailing, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

Enjoy a free sail on Boston Harbor, tour the facility, learn about our sailing programs. Free BBQ too. Discounts to be offered on lessons/memberships.

Whenever these sailing events start happening, it's good to remember to wear clothes that can get wet. Keep in mind it will feel colder on the boat.

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

Noon to 6pm
North and West Cambridge Open Studios
around North and West Cambridge
FREE

Because there are too many dang artists, Cambridge split up the open studios in 3 parts. You'll find your friendly neighborhood creative types in various media "from Alewife and Fresh Pond, down to Porter and Harvard."

SAT 4/24 (and SUN 4/25)

11am to 6pm
First Annual Watertown/Belmont Open Studios
at Various Locations
FREE

The communities to the South and West of Cambridge don't want to be left out of the "open studio" action with about 50 artists. It may not be as walkable as the People's Republic, although multiple artists are displaying at locations like the Arsenal Center for the Arts and Belmont Art Gallery.

SAT 4/24 to SUN 5/2

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
At Various Locations
Many FREE

The free Saturday stuff is happening at the MIT Museum where it's free admission (10am to 5pm) and at Carnival-Cambridge Public Library (the new one next to the old one on Broadway) with demonstrations/activities from noon to 4pm including:

"Exploring Robotics Engineering", "Fun with Food", "Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Making", "Recycling: Where's That Stuff Go?", "GreenFest Solar Workshop", "Bottled Water vs Tap Water", "Microwilderness of the Boston Harbor Islands", and more

SAT 4/24

4pm
Josh Lederman & The CSAR's
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

It's true: I've spent a few Saturdays hanging out at the Plough on a Saturday afternoon, and Josh Lederman has often been there with the "Cambridge-Somerville All-Stars" to encourage me with their Americana drinkin' music.

They're probably going to finish no later than 5:30pm, since Greg Ginn (ex-Black Flag) is going to play jazz-rock jam band stuff at 6pm.

SAT 4/24

7pm to 1am
Boston Underground Summit II
at The Temple (above City Feed), 670 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

Feat: Prince Rama of Ayodhya, Viva Viva, Ski Mask, Quilt, Truman Peyote, The Scamps, Big Big Bucks, Theory Engine, Young Adults, Lord Jeff

It would be cool if there were more shows like Boston Underground Summit (previously in September). There's need to wait for the bands to take down and set up their equipment, when multiple 'stages' could be set up around a room where they each play songs in a round-robin style. It's a twisted assortment of artists, and that's half the fun.

It's a pretty new music space, so feel extra hip if you go...

SAT 4/24

9pm
"Dhoom 2010"
at La Sala de Puerto Rico, Stratton Center, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$2 before 10pm / $5 after 10pm / FREE for MIT Students

There may not be so many people at this Bollywood-themed dance party for you to hide in the crowd. If you're feeling ballsy, you're probably going to have a great time.

Until you learn the steps, just lift your arms and pretend to unscrew (and/or screw) light bulbs.

Free Indian snacks, ID required for cash bar.

[Facebook]

SAT 4/24

9pm
Tunnel of Love, Black Clouds, Anita Fix & Bam Bam, Reports, Maine Coons
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Tunnel of Love is a trio of shirtless, slashing rock 'n roll wildmen who don't seem to play often. They will likely cap off a night of garagey, punky, noisy, messy rawk.

SAT 4/24

9:30pm
Mystery Roar, Big Digits, w/ DJs Die Young, Volvox, Baltimoroder, Foxy Action Group
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Is it time to dance and feel beautiful to a couple electro groups and several DJ's?

FRI 4/23: Film, Fire!, Music

Aw, yeah... The weekend is close that I can taste it.

And it tastes good!

"Jazz Week" starts today. Most of the gigs seem to be the usual things going on, but that doesn't mean you can't use this as a reason to hear live jazz or catch a jazz talk. The Harvard Playwrights' Festival is going on thru SUN 4/25, and it's free to see new plays.

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FRI 4/23

6:30pm
Bike Movie Night: "Breaking Away"
at Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

In a week where there was a "bike porn night" and a "bike safety meeting", I thought it would be nice to mention a great movie that centers around a bunch of guys who love bicycling.

The event page suggests taking the #38 or #39 from Forest Hills, but it's not a far walk from Green St T.

Soda and popcorn will be available... Other bike movies in following weeks: "Klunkerz", "American Flyers", "Quicksilver"

FRI 4/23

7pm
Spring Iron Pour
at MassArt Courtyard, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE / All Ages

Feat: Bad Dream, Battle House, Abomination, Huddled Masses

My favorite part of the Iron Pour (pix above are from last year's Spring pour) is the fire and sparks and the molten metal. The bands play along to keep the mood trippy and cool. There are usually other folks playing with fire to keep things interesting while the kiln is heating up.

Note: Sparks do fly. You're probably won't need to "stop, drop, and roll"; but you can feel it if you stand near the front.

Walk around, and you'll find the courtyard to see some awesome stuff.

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FRI 4/23 (thru WED 4/28)

Various Times
Independent Film Festival of Boston
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
Most $9

Unlike the recent Boston Underground Film Festival, the films at IFFBoston are likely to have screened at many of the major film festivals and have a good chance at getting a local theatrical release.

The documentaries are a wee bit more mainstream, and I always think are some of the best overall indie filmmaking just based on the lower budgets required. You might eventually see these films venue down the road, but why not see it now?

Most screenings are at the Somerville and the Brattle. Some take place at the ICA and Coolidge Corner on other days.

These are my "best bets" for tonight. Take a look at the schedule and see what interests you.

7:15pm

"Bass Ackwards" at Somerville Theatre

It seems like the almost plotless road movies in the mold of classic art-house films where interesting, funny moments with a guy driving a van across the country would be enough for a cool movie.

9:45pm

"The Parking Lot Movie" at Brattle Theatre

Much like "Bass Ackwards", I think a documentary about the various characters that work at a Virginia parking lot could be fascinating and funny.

10pm

"Lemmy" at Somerville Theatre

A buddy of mine in LA claims to occasionally hang out with the leader of Motorhead, and it sounds like he's just as crazy as you might think -- in his own weird, drunken way. (I'm curious if they will discuss Nazi memorabilia -- supposedly sent to him by fans.)

Midnight

"American: The Bill Hicks Story" at Somerville Theatre

It's sad that a guy who is this funny and insightful -- and influential among other comedians -- would die of cancer in his early 30's.

FRI 4/23

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Cambridge Science Talks: "Big Ideas For Busy People"
At Northwest Building, 52 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

One of the first events of the Cambridge Science Festival is a series of 10 five-minute talks by smart people with five minutes for questions.

"Reception with speakers to follow."

FRI 4/23

7:30pm
Fred The Donkey, Pony, Chris Brokaw & Geoff Farina, Shepherdess

10:30pm
The Dangerous Brothers

at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

If you can fit in the club, there is a plethora of good music to be heard and an excellent selection of beer on tap.

Fred the Donkey seems to be a swingy-jazzy combo that includes Jesse Gallagher; I guess playing a gig with at Apollo Sunshine at PA's Lounge tonight ($12) isn't enough for the guy. Besides the indie-rock of Pony & Shepherdess, expect to hear some old-time blues form Brokaw & Farina.

You might as well stay for the rootsy goodness of The Dangerous Brothers. Christian McNeill, Jimmy Ryan, and Billy Beard regularly play at Toad either solo or in various combinations. It's should be a good night for good tunes and good playing while drinking good beer.

FRI 4/23

8:30pm
Banditas, The Woodrow Wilsons, Thundersun, Big Kitty
at Spectacle, 17 Edinboro St #3, Boston (Chinatown)
$5

I guess this venue is someone's loft where they occasionally host mainly experimental music gigs.

It should be a mellow night of good songs. A weird folk/country duo from Chattanooga, Big Kitty, is in town; so it's a chance to see something that's not usually around town. Banditas give some easygoing rootsiness and female harmonies. I think I hear The Woodrow Wilsons using an interesting assortment of instruments besides the usual (i.e. banjo, ukulele, accordion, trombone) to make a pretty sweet neo-chamber-folk-rock thing.

John Funke of WMBR will also spin some tuneage throughout the night.

The info says, "BYOB". Nice...

FRI 4/23

9pm
Bootie Boston 2 Year Anniversary
at Good Life, 28 Kingston St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$5

Happy anniversary, Bootie Boston. I guess people are still interested in mash-ups. For some reason, I'm more inclined to dance along to these kind of tracks. Maybe because they feel silly and ironic, which makes me feel more comfortable.

You might even see a Jack Sparrow impersonator...

FRI 4/23

10:30pm
Sodafrog, The Rationales
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE-ish / maybe $5 / 21+

After laboring three years on this full-length, this is the second night to celebrate with Tom Janovitz of Sodafrog where a band will back him. When playing solo, there's a lot of emotion that's drawn out of the well-crafted songs; it will be cool to hear fuller arrangements closer to the recording.

The Rationales are going to do something acoustic.

Advance Notice 5/22: EarthFest

Noon to 5pm
17th Annual EarthFest
at Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Storrow Dr, Boston
FREE

Feat: Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Crash Kings, Marcy Playground

Well, I feel like a turd. I apologize for giving the organizers any guff for today's weekday gig.

I had forgotten that Earth Day is usually too cold to have a concert, but they apparently took advantage of the temperate forecast to host two cool acts at a daytime concert. ("Thanks, climate change!")

They announced the EarthFest show that I usually plan on attending then get too sloshed to leave my initial stop.

We know the headliners, and we'll eventually find out about the local music acts, the "interactive family area", and other stuff going on.

Hey, don't expect Lady Gaga for free...

THUR 4/22: Earth Day, Film, Talk, Jazz, Folk, Rock

Happy Earth Day, folks!

After last night's opening screening, the Independent Film Festival of Boston will present features, documentaries, and shorts programs at various theaters in the area through WED 4/28. It's at the Somerville Theatre tonight ($9 per). There are a couple that look good to me: "Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam" (7:30pm), and the comedy "Cyrus" (9:30pm).

The Harvard Playwrights' Festival also begins tonight (thru SUN 4/25), and it's free to see new plays.


Maybe you can still RSVP for some free gin cocktails at Grand Canal tonight or go to the April/Thursday thingie at Splash Lounge.

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THUR 4/22

Noon to 3pm
Earthday 2010 Concert
Feat: They Might Be Giants (1:30pm), Citizen Cope (Noon)
at Kennnedy Greenway Park, near High St / Broad St, Boston (Waterfront/Financial District)
FREE

The River has scaled back their concert this year, but it's two good acts if you can go.

THUR 4/22

6pm to 8pm
"New American Soldier": Screening & Discussion
at Tsai Auditorium, CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

In a 24-minute documentary, filmmakers Emma Cott and Anna Belle Peevey introduce us to three US soldiers who were born in other countries. One of them came into the country "outside of legal channels." According to the material I read, about half of the 70,000 immigrants serving in the military are not citizens yet.

Even if the discussion lasts until 8pm, I doubt everything will be said about immigration and military service.

Edward Schumacher-Matos will moderate the discussion with Cott and Peevey.

THUR 4/22

6:30pm to 8pm
"Modern Islam: Engaging Questions of Faith, Fanatics, Democracy and Reform": Discussion
at Main Function Room, Suffolk University, 120 Tremont St, Boston
FREE

Moderator James Carroll, who has written about issues of faith, will try to delve into the questions regarding the state of Islam beyond the superficial attention it normally receives in the public realm. The panel includes journalist Mona Eltahawy, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser (American Islamic Forum for Democracy), and Bilal Kaleem (Muslim American Society of Boston).

I have a feeling they won't agree on every topic...

THUR 4/22

8pm
Claudia Acuna
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

The main recommendation goes to the beautiful voice of Claudia Acuna which sounds like magical cloud that might be able to carry you to a Shangri-La somewhere in the mountains of her Chilean homeland.

The musical accompaniment on the recordings is a bit too smooth for me, but you might like it. Tonight's show is presented by the Marsalis Berklee Jams program. In the past, the artist will perform something close to their typical gig, then Berklee students sit in during the second set. That might be a good guess of what to expect.

THUR 4/22

8pm to 10:30pm
Forest Fires, Will Dailey, Oranjuly
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7

I screwed up for not giving a heads-up about the Forest Fires' April residency. Although I'm more of a fan of the early, poppier stuff from his band The Everyday Visuals, Christopher Pappas creates something more mysterious and challenging with this solo project. It's still very compelling, and this guy could make anything sound incredible.

I did catch my mistake in time for tonight's show with Will Dailey who is kind-of-a-big deal and probably more so. Besides his amazing voice that rings like a soulful bell, he writes the kind of songs where you're singing along before the end of your first listen.

Oranjuly are supposedly doing a "stripped-down version" of their piano-driven powerpop.

THUR 4/22

9:30pm
Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, Barrence Whitfield & The Monkeyhips, Muck & The Mires, La La Brooks
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8

Fans of soul music shouldn't wait until Friday to start the weekend. There are quite a few soul-revivalist groups around the country, and few have more joyous charm than Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents. The Downbeat 5 singer is no longer dipping her toe in the girl-group sound and has jumped into to the deep end with a killer band and back-up singers.

The raucous R&B of Barrence Whitfield & The Monkeyhips and premium garage- rock of Muck & The Mires would be enough to make this a special show, but La La Brooks of The Crystals is on the bill. You might remember some of their Phil Spector-produced '60s hits where she sang the lead: "Da Do Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me". I'm guessing she might do some of the others like "He's A Rebel" and "He Hit Me (and It Felt Like A Kiss)".

If you can't make it tonight, Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents are playing next Thursday too.

THUR 4/22

9pm
RIBS, Kid Chocolate
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

I was attracted to this gig by a chance to see The Mary Onettes, but the Icelandic ash cloud forced them to cancel their US tour. The two local bands seem to be soldiering on, so feel free to support the hard-synth of RIBS and the indie-pop of RISD students Kid Chocolate.

THUR 4/22 (and FRI 4/23)

10:30pm
Sodafrog w/ Rick Berlin (4/22) & The Rationales (4/23)
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE-ish / maybe $5 / 21+

After laboring three years on this full-length, Tom Janovitz of Sodafrog is celebrating over two nights where a band will back him along with different openers on each night. When playing solo, there's a lot of emotion that's drawn out of the well-crafted songs; it will be cool to hear fuller arrangements closer to the recording.

Rick Berlin (who'll take his songs to edge, as usual, tonight) said of Sodafrog:

Tom has the lucky gift of a great voice + the imagination to take roots/folk/americana to a place the genre has never been before.

The Rationales are going to do something acoustic tomorrow.

Go early and make sure that potential $5 goes towards an extra beer...

4/22: They Might Be Giants - Earth Day Concert

More coming. See calendar for ideas.

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Noon to 3pm
Earthday 2010 Concert
Feat: They Might Be Giants (1:30pm), Citizen Cope (Noon)
at Kennnedy Greenway Park, near High St / Broad St, Boston (Waterfront/Financial District)
FREE

WTF? I know today is Earth Day and the economy sucks. Still, it's a bummer that the free concert is on a weekday afternoon.

I don't get a chance to start day-drinking at a friend's place and miss the concert by choice!

There's a stage in this segment of the park; follow the hoop-la... Hope for no rain, and take a late lunch!

WED 4/21: Canada, Bikes, Lit, Music

Hey, let's all sneak out of work early and enjoy a couple hours of outdoor time!

Who would guess that a bike safety meeting and a bike porn night would fall on the same night?

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WED 4/21

5pm to 7pm
"Captivating Canada - And All That Jazz" w/ Rusty Scott Trio
at American Express Travel, 39 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I think this is interesting, because I've never had a reason to go into the American Express office.

Get some Canada travel info, listen to jazz, and enjoy the "refreshments."

It might be a good idea to RSVP.

WED 4/21

5:30pm
Bicycling Safety Summit
at Morse Auditorium, 602 Comm Ave, Boston (BU Campus)
FREE

With several recent bicycling fatalities, Mayor Menino admirably is at least responding to the issue. This is a chance for bicyclists, city officials, and other concerned citizens talk about ways to improve road safety.

Scheduled to appear: Mayor Menino, Ed Davis (Boston Police Commissioner), Thomas Tinlin (Boston Transportation Commissioner), James Hooley (Boston EMS Chief), Jeffrey Mullan (MA Transportation Secretary), Rich Davies (MBTA General Manager), Nicole Freedman (Boston Bikes Director)

WED 4/21

7pm
"Memento"
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The story about a man with no short-term memory trying to solve his wife's murder is a clever idea. The film's structure of interspersing flashbacks is simultaneously confusing and thrilling. You get the feeling that you're watching the movie backwards.

The first time may be the best experience, but it stands up to multiple viewings.

WED 4/21

8:05pm
Literary Death Match: Boston #3
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 door / $5 with a valid student ID / $6 advance

Hopefully I never suggest readings where you'd rather saw your leg out of a bear trap than hear another story. When it's a multi-round literary competition, I like to think the entertainment factor rises. Writers go head-to-head until only two remain.

If you've seen "Highlander", you know there can only be one. The final round is usually something silly to see how multi-talented the winner is! Tonight's competitors: Edmond Caldwell, Jay Wexler, Karyn Polewaczyk, and Christen Enos.

Judging the words, etc: singer Reva Williams, comedian Rob Crean, and author Pagan Kennedy.

The proceeds benefit Opium Magazine, and the battle will be hosted by Opium co-founder Todd Zuniga.

WED 4/21

Jesse Gallagher & Friends (Midnite), Drug Rug (11:10pm), Chick Graning (10:30pm), Heather Foxwell (10pm), Bell & The Bees (9:20pm), Yellowbirds (8:40pm)
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$6

Who cares why so many cool groups are getting together on one night? One of the Apollo Sunshine guys is capping the night and another is opening up. Drug Rug is simply one of the best bands out there now. Chick from Scarce often hosts a monthly night at the Plough, and he's joining in the fun.

If you want to know, proceeds go to local musician Stephen Fredette (ex-Scruffy the Cat, now-Pony) who's been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. (More to read about previous benefits here and here.)

WED 4/21

9pm
Suit Of Hair, Backyard Tire Fire, Marc Pinansky
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

I normally don't lift sections of a band's bio, after Backyard Tire Fire talks about opening for Cracker, Los Lobos, Alejandro Escovedo, etc; there's a caveat about the Bloomington (IL) band's new CD:

...Which is NOT to say that "Good To Be" is yet another one of those one-dimensional, granola-rootsy, rustic Americana takes on post-Uncle Tupelo barn-board rock...

It made laugh, and it's correct. There's a pop sensibility that entwined in the understated twang. I don't think they often play in the Boston-area, so you might want to check them out after a listen.

The image of "Suit of Hair" cracks me up every time. The more I listen, the more I really enjoy their powerpop goodness adorned in delightful bits of noisy fun.

Big hairy dude of songwriting Marc Pinansky will likely bring his acoustic guitar and some wonderful tunes to rock you with less volume than his other bands like Township.

WED 4/21

9:30pm
Bike Porn 3: Cycle Bound Backlash Tour
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / 18+

Extreme dudes aren't doing gnarly tricks -- this really is bicycle-related indie porn. I watched the trailer (NSFW), and I'm pretty sure I said, "WTF?" Naked people on bikes... Bikes involved during sex acts in various combinations... A mistress dominating a bicycle...

People are getting together in Copley Square at 7pm to ride over together. It's a perfect activity after the Bicycling Safety Summit...