WED 8/4: Science, Film, Shakespeare, Music

So I caught some of "Othello" in the Common on my way home last night and uploaded some pics quickly. (Click for larger image.)

There is more on the calendar like the cellist and pianist who played on Monday are playing at St. John's Church (Beacon Hill) tonight.

The North End Public Library is showing a Fellini film, and there is a literary magazine presenting 7 writers for 7 minutes each at Brookline Booksmith.

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WED 8/4

6pm to 7pm
Midsummer Nights' Science: "Keeping Your Brain Plastic"
at Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

Have you seen a TV program about keeping your mind active? There is something to it of course, however I don't expect this lecture will try to sell you a set of DVD's or some kind of mental agility kit.

Researcher Steve Haggarty, Ph.D. will...

discuss how advances in areas of genetics, chemistry, and neuroscience are providing insights into the molecular nature of brain plasticity, and how this information could be used to develop new ways to treat memory and mood disorders.

Registration is required.

WED 8/4

6pm
"Ride the Divide": Screening
at Microsoft N.E.R.D. Center, One Memorial Dr, 11th Fl., Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP ($10 donation suggested)

Hey, bicyclists! The main piece of the fun is a "fun 80-minute documentary film following mountain bike racers as they trek along the continental divide from Canada to Mexico", but there are raffles and refreshments in Microsoft's Cambridge office.

Registration required. You don't have to give, but a donation includes one entry into night's raffle. Proceeds benefit the Adventure Cycling organization who are working to build a national network of bicycle routes.

WED 8/4

8pm
All Things Horror Presents: "Long Pigs" w/ "Dollface" & "Someone Else"
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$5 / 17+

If I was more into horror, I could more adequately sing the praises of All Things Horror who write about horror and basically host a monthly indie-horror film festival in the downstairs screening room (next to the Museum of Bad Art).

I watched the trailer for the feature film "Long Pigs". It's filmed in cinema-verite style about goofy, suburban cannibal-goumands, and I found it very disturbing.

Make the first Wednesday of the month your time to get scared. Grab a beer and popcorn, and you're still doing better than seeing a movie at any other theater.

WED 8/4 (to SUN 8/15)

8pm
"Othello"
at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common)
FREE

Tuesdays to Saturdays -- 8pm
Sundays -- 7pm (2pm matinee on 8/8)

In years past, they asked that no one reviews it before "Opening Night" (which happens to be tonight). I will say that writing is fantastic!

The costumes were generally influenced by the World War II era with flourishes to suggest a somewhat feudal alternate reality. The casting is interesting.

After mentioning that Seth Gilliam (Othello) starred in "The Wire" and "Oz", it's interesting to see how short someone is in person. The youngish Iago made him into a very modern, weasely corporate climber.

The performances were solid throughout, and I find it pleasant to sit in the Common on a summer night. With the WWII feel, it made me wonder about the treachery among soldiers over history and what's going on from Afghanistan to Iraq. (This doesn't count as a review.)

Even if one doesn't make a donation, we shouldn't take for granted what is one of the highlights of free/cheap Boston culture. Take the time to go in the next two weeks.

WED 8/4

8pm to Midnight
"Amsterdam Live"
at Royale, 279 Tremont St, Boston (Theatre District)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Feat: The Rapture, DJ The Scumfrog, DJ Die Young

One should probably get there when the doors open at 8pm. Of the few times I've been to Royale (fka Roxy?), the entrance is inadequate for the size of the club, so there's always a line.

Who's complaining because it's free, right? Think about the free Amstel Light(s) that awaits while a Dutch DJ and one of our local guys keep the party pumping through the night -- and the return of dance-punk meisters The Rapture after the absence of a couple years. (The recent buzz is good.)

I think you can still RSVP for this event, because it doesn't guarantee entry.

WED 8/4

9:30pm
Jenee Halstead, Satanic Lounge Syndicate, Olinde Mandell
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5

Every Wednesday in August offers a whole lot of singing, strumming, and picking. Jenee Halstead's residency features her lovely high, spirited vocals giving wings to songs that hover around folk/country/bluegrass.

She'll be accompanied by guitarist extraordinaire Tony Savarino who will lead his Satanic Lounge Syndicate for what will probably be instrumental country, jazz, blues, and rock that showcases his monster playing. Singer-songwriter Olinde Mandell will also play a folky set each week.