THUR 9/30: Remix, Film, Music, Kerouac

I don't know why it's called "Buick Regal Remix", so I'll try to figure out what has been remixed tonight and let you know...

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THUR 9/30

7pm to 10pm
Buick Regal Remix Boston
at Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, 100 W 2nd St, Boston (Fort Point / Southie)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Feat: Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves

The RSVP deadline may have been yesterday, but maybe you still feel like trying. I tried to let you know BoyBand": Boston Premiere
at Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St, Arlington
$8 advance / $10 door -- Admits 2 people

Friday: 8pm

I watched the trailer, and this film about a fictional '80s boy-band from Worcester looks pretty funny. Filmed in Mass with a cast of actors that might e familiar if you watch stuff like "One Tree Hill" or "Gossip Girl", I think this might be worth a shot.

Tonight's screening includes a performance by Gamble & Burke, who wrote many of the songs in the movie, and they're offering a prize for "Best '80s Attire" to encourage the throwback atmosphere. Tomorrow night is a plain showing, but both nights offer two-for-one admission.

Bring a friend or enemy, and it's like paying half price!

THUR 9/30

8pm
Brian Wright, Drew O'Doherty
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$8

I plan on spending more time listening to Brian Wright although this is the end of his two-Thursday residency at Café 939. There's depth to his folk/country songs, and the energy is strong like rock songs with a gospel-like fervor.

Drew O'Doherty is also a kickass singer-songwriter (and he gets extra points in my book for having played in Ted Leo & the Pharmacists).

THUR 9/30

9:30pm
Lovewhip, Cathy Cathodic
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$5 / 21+

It makes me laugh to see that I wrote: "Lovewhip is a funky chocolate truffle with hot guitar-raspberry jam drizzled over it." I stand by it as a feeling that overcame at that moment. And it should be delightfully funkalicious delight that can appeal to the wallflower and bootyshaker alike -- that could transform the wallflower. Add the raptastic underground "fem-cee" Cathy Cathodic, and it will be a party whether you like it or not.

THUR 9/30

9:30pm
Ketman, The Fedavees, Electric Zeus, Caveman
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

For the rock, this one looks interesting. It's going to be noisy and musical and weird and spacey. This is the first full-band gig for The Fedavees which was previously a one-man project, and it's also one of the early gigs for Jesse Gallagher's (Apollo Sunshine) new project Electric Zeus. For the record, I think Ketman does one of the best jobs of mixing wild, post-punky rock with horns.

THUR 9/30 (thru SUN 10/3)

Various Times
Annual Jack Kerouac Literary Festival
at UMass Lowell & nearby locations, Lowell
Most Free or under $10

I think I've admitted to having a soft spot for the City of Lowell -- maybe it's because I only visit when something interesting is happening. I'll always have a fondness for Jack Kerouac for altering my mind with "On the Road."

Over the next 4 days, there will be a variety of readings, performances, walks, films, lectures/discussions etc.

Today there's a couple readings, a film, a pub tour, and a music/reading session with David Amram (a friend of Kerouac and a very cool old dude when I met him) at Cappy's Copper Kettle.

There's a full schedule and PDF pamphlet.

Casual Dress in Financial District

I guess I didn't want that stupid "Free Bud" thing to be at the top of the page anymore. (I didn't even go to a bar last night.)

Thursday cheapness is on the way. Here's a little beefcake for ya...

The caption on the Flickr page:

Richard White from Australia

I was in the financial district of Boston, and I felt that people were wearing far too many suits and not enjoying life to the fullest, as Bjorn [Borg Underwear] would have wished, so I decided to add a bit of colour to the area and show them all what they were missing out on!

9/29: Free Budweiser Tonight?

A little bird told me it is "Budweiser National Happy Hour" Day. (And my friend Kim sent me a USA Today link too.)

There's not much detailed info, and I can't get on Facebook, however I don't think they're going to list the exact locations.

I assume bars that serve Bud (I don't see it on tap in many places...) may be participating by giving a 6-oz. or 12-oz. sample of the lager that's sagging in popularity.

The main point is that you should accept if you're offered a free beer tonight.

I personally think you'll probably get a better deal by RSVPing for the Buick Regal Remix that's happening tomorrow...

WED 9/29: Film, Word, Rock

Wow. I'm feeling really screwed up on the days of the week, but I think these short posts are helping me catch up for the weekend cheapness.

Did you RSVP for the free cocktails to be provided by Buick on Thursday yet?

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WED 9/29

7pm
"The Yes Men Fix the World": Screening
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

As part of the current exhibit of video works about Climate Change at the Mills Gallery (presented with the Goethe-Institut Boston), there are a couple film screenings like "The Yes Men Fix the World".

These activist pranksters blur the line of performance art, political protest, and satire. I still haven't seen the film, but I assume it's akin to an intellectual version of "Jackass".

Since the Goethe-Institut is hosting, a beautiful German short "They Will Come to Town" will also be shown. It's less than two minutes long, but it makes a lyrical statement about global warming.

WED 9/29

7:30pm to 10:30pm
"California Calling": A One-Man Show by Joe Sib
at Arts at The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$10

More than a straightforward spoken word performance, Joe Sib (Wax, 22 Jacks, Sideonedummy Records) reminisces about growing up and discovering punk rock. Musical sets by Dave Hause (The Loved Ones), Sal Medrano (Dead Ellington) will open the show.

WED 9/29

9pm
Anarchy Club, Father Octopus, Death Of The Cool, Giant Target
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

Most of these guys work at the company that has brought us games like "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band", so it's not too surprising that they like to make big, loud, grungy and semi-industrial rock on their own time.

Advance Notice 9/30: Buick Regal Remix Boston

Update: If you'd like to see a sneak preview of "Let Me In" on Thursday, you might be able to get into an 11:15pm screening at the Somerville Theatre.

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7pm to 10pm
Buick Regal Remix Boston
at Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, 100 W 2nd St, Boston (Fort Point / Southie)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Feat: Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves

Hey, you know I love complimentary appetizers & cocktails! I don't even mind cars, because they can be useful if you need to transport something large -- or run someone over...

Buick wants you to know that their cars aren't designed for old people, so they're bringing in a few of them for you to check out and sit in. These remix parties are happening around the country, like Chicago for example.

Or you could just mingle and enjoy the sweet soul sound of hometown hero Eli "Paperboy" Reed who is belonging more to the world everyday.

I already get email updates from Thrillist, who is handling the RSVP's, but I think you don't have to "opt in" to go on Thursday.

TUES 9/28: Film, Words, Rock

As I mentioned on Friday, I don't think there really is guaranteed entry to the Futureheads/Wandas show at the Lansdowne Pub tonight. However it looks like they are still accepting RSVP's. It makes me assume that it may be a first-come, first-serve basis.

You might also try signing up for tomorrow's A Silent Film/The Luxury as part of WFNX's Disorientation Week of free shows.

If you're meeting someone for drinks downtown, I got an email from Jacob Wirth saying they're celebrating Oktoberfest from 6pm to 8pm with some beer samples and the promise of potential prizes like tix to Harpoon Oktoberfest and other giveaways. It's always a good option, IMHO...

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TUES 9/28

6pm
"Good Will Hunting"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

This was on TV a few days ago, and I watched the second half. Darnit, I do like this move. Definitely a good choice for BPL's "Made in Mass" series.

TUES 9/28

7pm
"So You Want to Be A Writer?": Panel Discussion
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

Feat: Ethan Gilsdorf, Jill McDonough, Michelle Hoover

Moderated by Grub Street's artistic director, Christopher Castellani

Three writers of different genres are there to share their knowledge with interested writers and give a sample of their work.

TUES 9/28

7pm
Charles Yu, "How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Hey, I'm a fan of humorous time-travel fiction.

TUES 9/28

7:30pm
"Tapestries Of Hope"
at Kendall Square Cinema, One Kendall Square, Cambridge
$10 / $8 children & seniors

This documentary looks terribly depressing, but it's terrible to think that thousands of young women are being raped in Zimbabwe because men think it will cure HIV/AIDS.

TUES 9/28

Screaming Females (11pm), The Libyans (10pm), Four Eyes (9:05pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

The touring band to catch is Screaming Females from NJ. It's cool rocky/punky thing with a diminutive female singer-guitarist who seems to have a Bieberish shag cut -- and she does have a good scream.

The Libyans also have a female lead singer and deliver a hard, punchy punk sound. With little estrogen in the band, Four Eyes still makes a cool, fuzzy noise that should appeal to GBV fans, etc.

MON 9/27: Talk, Film, Music

Hey, it's Boston Fashion Week and some of the events are free...

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MON 9/27

6pm
"Presidential Debates: The Road to the White House": Panel Discussion
at JFK Forum, Littauer Bldg, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Kennedy School)
FREE

The scheduled participants for this discussion are: Michael Dukakis (ex-Governor and Presidential Candidate), Charles Gibson (ABC News), Mike McCurry (Press Sec., President Clinton), Andrew Rasiej (Personal Democracy Forum), Nicolle Wallace (Advisor, McCain/Palin Campaign)

MON 9/27

7:30pm
NerdNite
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Starting earlier for more hot nerd action...

Talk 1:

"Computational Couture: Clothing for the Techy Fashionista"
By Ada Brunstein

Talk 2:

"Pigeons: The surprising story of the birds you love to hate"
By Courtney Humphries

Talk 3:

"Tricks of the Trade: Using Your Stuff Better"
by Tim Lillis

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

MON 9/27

8pm
CineCaché: "Anton Chekhov's The Duel"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $8 students, Brattle members

The Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film begins a series of "sneak previews, festival favorites, regional features, and overlooked gems" that will screen every other Monday through 1/3/11.

A pass for the whole series is $60 ($50 Brattle members), but "walk-ins" are allowed on many nights.

MON 9/27

9:30pm
The Great Buriers, , Shitaly, Forbes Graham, Anita Fix, Magic People
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

A strange grab-bag of rock, psychedlia, and post-jazz/electronic. The above order is likely the last-to-first order finishe=ing up around 1:30pm.

Sleeping on the Blog

Oh, boy. Not a good weekend for posting stuff.

I'm not sure, but I may be even briefer than usual this week to get back on track for the weekend -- get it going earlier.

Stay tuned...

SAT 9/25: Art, Jazz, Fluff, Music, Horror

There's a lot going on. Personally, I'm fond of the Jazz Fest and the Fluff Fest.

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SAT 9/25

Various Times
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
at many Museums around MA and the country
FREE w/ Registration

It's not too late to go to a museum for free today.

It's an easy process to basically enter your name, address, and email -- then you print an "admission card" for you and a guest.

You'll probably get on museum mailing lists, but it hasn't been too bad since I registered last year...

Local participating museums include: Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, JFK Presidential Library, Harvard Museums, Mary Baker Eddy Library, Nichols House Museum, Boston Children's Museum, New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods (Framingham), Salem Witch Museum, and more.

Card must be presented for free general admission only. Does not include entry to special exhibits or IMAX screenings.

SAT 9/25

10am to 6pm
Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo
at Art Institute of Boston, 700 Beacon St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

Comic books aren't just comic books anymore. They're thoughtful stories and serious drawing. And they're not so thoughtful and serious...

All sorts of independent comics, graphic novels, 'zines, etc are being created in the Bay State and many of them will be displaying their work as well as several panels that could appeal to the diehards and simply curious lake.

SAT 9/25 & SUN 9/26

11am to 6pm
Annual Jamaica Plain Open Studios
all around Jamaica Plain [Pamphlet/Map]
FREE

11am to 6pm
South End Open Studios
at Various Locations, many around 450 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

11am to 5pm
Lowell Open Studios
at Various Locations, most around Historic Downtown, Lowell
FREE

It's "Open Studio" season again. There's a lot of art out there. If you'd like to meet the artists while checking out their stuff instead going to a museum, people are opening their doors -- North, South, and a bit Souther than that.

SAT 9/25

Noon to 6pm
Beantown Jazz Festival
on (about 580) Columbus Ave [PDF Map], between Mass Ave and Carter Playground, Boston (South End)
FREE

You could just enjoy a casual stroll at any point in the 6 hours, but *IF* you're going to see only one band, I suggest the Wild Magnolias from New Orleans (4:45pm --Target Family Park Stage). This is more than a band -- it's a slice of the Crescent City coming to our town for an hour.

Some of my other highlights:

1:15pm -- Andy Milne & Dapp Theory (Target Stage)
2:15pm -- Greg Osby w/ guest Mark Turner (Berklee Stage)
3:30pm -- Nona Hendryx (Target Stage)
5pm -- Al Kooper & the Funky Faculty (BeanTown Stage)

There's a little bit of straight-up jazz, hip-hop fusion, soul-rock, and Al friggin' Kooper probably whipping up something up-tempo and fun.

SAT 9/25

3pm to 7pm
"What the Fluff?" Festival
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: Booty Vortex, Hot Molasses, Kieran Ridge Band, Thru the Keyhole Burlesque (as Flufferettes)

It's the fifth annual afternoon of food, fun, and music in celebration of the weird, white edible goo invented in Somerville.

Fluff Fest might be more fun if you like eating the stuff, but I do enjoy looking at the silly Fluff combinations and the Fluff-related fun. Besides the live music and the old-school Flufferettes, I enjoy everyone else having a good time -- and I can drink at The Indo and still feel I'm in the middle of the fun.

This year's "guest of honor" may be the Whoopie Pie.

SAT 9/25

4:30pm
Spider John Koerner & the Rag Tag Trio
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE-ish / Maybe $5 / 21+

I missed Spider John's gig at Sally O'Brien's earlier this week, but you have another chance to see a folk-blues legend who's been around so long that he was a contemporary of Bob Dylan on the '60s folk club scene. Dylan even mentions being impressed in his memoir "Chronicles, Vol. 1". (Have we seen Volume 2 yet?) The Rag Tag Trio might look something like this -- with a harmonica player.

Apparently Koerner used to be a regular play at the Plough back in the '70s. I wonder if he likes the new set-up...

SAT 9/25

8pm
"The Why": Boston Premiere
Feat: Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

When there was a show to raise funds to complete "The Why", I watched some of the available footage had thought it was a decent Bergman-esque examination of life, death, love, and drugs that successfully transferred the characters' disorientation to the viewer.

Supposedly it has gone on to win prizes at the Manhattan Film Festival, Heart of England Film Festival, International Film Festival Ireland, and others (am taking their word on these accolades).

Before the Boston premiere of the finished film, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys (one of the soundtrack contributors) will play a set of their theatrical, splendidly weird rock-art hodgepodge. They're going to start at 8pm, and you shouldn't miss any of their performance.

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SAT 9/25

9:30pm
Midatlantic, Endless Wave, The Crushing Low
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

It seems like Midatlantic hasn't been around much lately. It turns out they've been working on a new CD of their big, anthemic rock that can also be reflective. Endless Wave get shoegazey in all sorts of good ways. The Crushing Low rock out somewhere in the middle with a fuzzy, ringing rock goodness.

If you don't go tonight, Midatlantic is playing a daytime (1pm) gig at Precinct tomorrow ($5). Day-drinking!

SAT 9/25

9:30pm
Exploit Boston! Presents Midriff Records Showcase
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10

Feat: Louder My Dear, Eldridge Rodriguez, Ian Adams, Greg Lyon

If you didn't know, I'm not a fan of Facebook. I'm not a fan of MySpace either, but I like how they give me a good band snapshot -- until the music player won't work for me. MySpace crapped out on me, so I had to listen to Louder My Dear on Facebook.

It was good, but that's not a surprise from the team at Exploit Boston who is presenting some of the very good stuff at local label Midriff Records started by Eldridge Rodriguez and his band The Beatings. Get ready to be impressed with a good variety of flavor and volume.

Wear your Fluff Festival shirt for a $5 admission.

SAT 9/25

10pm
Spookadelica
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$10 advance / $12 door / 21+

I really can't say what's going on at this show, but it will be a horror spectacle of a multi-media fright fest as part of the Terrorthon that's showing movies through SAT 10/2. It will be wild, it will be provocative, and hundreds will be there. Oh, yeah -- and burlesque dancers too from Black Cat Burlesque and Babes in Boinkland.

They say it's not for the faint of heart, and I'm inclined to believe them...

FRI 9/24: Music, Theatre, Film, Comedy

Ugh, what a day. Here's the Friday stuff, friends.

I doubt that you'll get into tonight's Delta Spirit/Leo Blais show at the Lansdowne Pub as part of WFNX's Disorientation Week, but they're still taking RSVP's. Maybe it'll be a first-come, first-serve deal...

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FRI 9/24

6pm to 8pm
Trabants, Nervous, Tony Bear
at Buffalo Exchange, 238 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

This piques my "cool music in a non-club" interest. Who knows why they're playing this secondhand clothing store, especially since it's not the newest Buffalo Exchange in Boston, but you should hear something you can get into.

FRI 9/24 (and SAT 9/25)

7pm & 9:30pm
"After Hours"
at Albert Alphin Library, 2nd Fl, Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE (reservations required)

A "site-specific experimental musical theater event" where a woman is singing and dancing and the mystery is what the heck is she doing here?

Featuring works by Shakespeare, Leonard Bernstein, Lennon/McCartney, Rogers & Hammerstein, and more

I don't know if there's space available for any of the 4 shows, but you should contact Doug Lockwood and tell him when you want to go (Friday or Saturday, 7pm or 9:30pm).

FRI 9/24

Double Feature:
"Blood Feast" (7pm), ""The Godfather of Gore" (8:30pm)
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$10 advance / $12 door / Festival Pass $75

For the first night of the 9-day TerrorThon Festival, it's the US Premiere "Herschell Gordon Lewis, The Godfather of Gore", a documentary about the man who probably made the first "gore" film -- tonight's early feature "Blood Feast" -- and is still active. "Godfather of Gore" is followed by Q&A with director Frank Henenlotter, who has helmed many horror classics himself.

Other TerrorThon standouts include the Spookadelica (SAT 9/25) and J. Cannibal's Feast of Flesh X (SAT 10/2).

FRI 9/24

7:30pm
Anderson Comedy: The Gas
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Ryan Shea, Fred Bernabe, Mike Pincus, Dan Martin, Andrew Mayer, Mike Kerrigan, Erika Kreutziger, Nick Palm

You will likely get at least $5 worth of laughs. Stick around for The Pill (see below) at no extra cost. Hosted by Rob Crean to keep the humor flowing.

FRI 9/24

7:30pm
JP Fest
at Temple Sound & Stage (above City Feed), 670 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / All Ages

Feat: Thick Shakes, Babydriver, Big Big Bucks, The Needy Visions, Kevin Micka/Mark Pearson Duo, Shepherdess, Skimask, Deep Sheep, Amoroso, DJ Chris Devlin, Ed Schrader

Wow, a bunch of JP-centric bands (and a dude from Baltimore) get together to celebrate a slice of the cool music that's going on in the neighborhood. Each group will probably play 3 to 4 songs.

FRI 9/24 (and SAT 9/25)

Various Times
Bicycle Film Festival
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / Festival Pass $29

All sorts of of bikes and biking are represented in various programs of shorts usually followed by a long-form (about an hour). All are fun and amazing, some will also tell a bit of a story -- and might make you laugh here and there.

FRI 9/24:

8pm
Program 1: "The Birth of Big Air" (w/ 5 shorts)

10pm
Program 2: "The Cyclocross Meeting" (w/ 4 shorts)

SAT 9/25:

5pm
Program 3: "Bike Shorts" (6 selections from around the globe)

7pm
Program 4: "Riding the Long White Cloud" (w/ 5 shorts)

9pm
Program 5: "Urban Bike Shorts" (8 about biking in the city?)

9pm
Goldsprints After Party
at Ad Hoc Boston, 128 Brookside Ave, Jamaica Plain
Complimentary Beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery

FRI 9/24

9pm
"What’s Your Major? 2010": Music & Comedy
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

Schedule:

12:10am -- Shoney Lamar & The Equal Rights
11:30pm -- Gene Dante & The Future Starlets
10:50pm -- Kingsley Flood
10:10pm -- Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
9:30pm -- Low Static Romance
9pm -- Ad Frank (solo)

Also Feat: Tim McIntire, Maria Ciampa, more

Fewer bands are playing longer sets than JP Fest, and the quality of each band is ridiculously high. These are many of the bands where I'll recommend a show if any of them are on the bill.

A few very funny people will get up between bands, and who knows what other kind of mirth will be in store for students and non-students alike.

FRI 9/24

9:30pm
The Macrotones, All of the Animals, CHLLNGR
at Western Front, 343 Western Ave, Cambridge (Cambridgeport)
$8 / 21+

I don't often notice shows at the Western Front ahead of time. This will likely be a good time with the funk Afro-beat of The Macrotones, All of the Animals' island-swing vibes, and CHLLNGR's electronic dub from Denmark.

FRI 9/24

10pm
The Pill w/ The Postelles
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 21+

No one will force you to dance, but you shouldn't feel bad to groove along to some of the most danceable Britpop/electro/rock/etc. If not, tell them you'd rather save your energy for the live set from over-the-top hooky guitar-popsters The Postelles.

9/25: Free Museum Day (across US)

Friday cheapness is on the calendar, and a full post is forthcoming. Hopefully more weekend stuff too.

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Various Times
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
at many Museums around MA and the country
FREE w/ Registration

As I see it, this is pretty straightforward.

As our national museum, the Smithsonian is out there giving a little "stimulus" to other institutions.

It's an easy process to basically enter your name, address, and email -- then you print an "admission card" for you and a guest.

You'll probably get on museum mailing lists, but it hasn't been too bad since I registered last year...

Local participating museums include:
Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, JFK Presidential Library, Harvard Museums, Mary Baker Eddy Library, Nichols House Museum, Boston Children's Museum, New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods (Framingham), Salem Witch Museum, and more.

Card must be presented for free general admission only. Does not include entry to special exhibits or IMAX screenings.

THUR 9/23: Film, College Night, Music

Since it's the first full day of Fall, one might get in the mood by reading some Keats.

It look like some people will be reciting the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report -- so if that doesn't get you in the mood for Fall, I don't know what will...

Beginning today (through Sunday), there are a bunch of free open house happenings at the Paramount Theater for its reopening after a few decades.

Oh, yeah: In celebration of this weekend's Bike Film Festival, there's the Boston Area Handbuilt Bike Show tonight (7pm) at Fourth Wall Project.

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THUR 9/23

Various Times
Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $8

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution. So this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians, and some screenings will have the director and/or star in attendance.

5pm

"Arcadia Lost" (Narrative / East Coast Premiere)
Director Phedon Papamichael will be in attendance.

7:15pm

"Iron Cross"
Roy Scheider's last film.

9:30pm

"Jaws"
It's FREE to see one of Roy Scheider's classic in the 35th anniversary year.

The Globe gives a rather straightforward summary of the lineup, and The Phoenix offers more opinion to help you decide what might interest you this week.

THUR 9/23

7pm to 11pm
College Night
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston (The Fens)
FREE with college ID

Feat: "Surprise Artist" (8:45pm), Liz Longley (8:30pm), dance party w/ DJ Taylor Walker (9:30pm)

You should've heard about this at school, but maybe you're studying too hard or partying too hard...? Maybe you kept your college ID and want to go?

The MFA says the surprise artist is "so popular among the college age-group that the identity is being kept under wraps until the night of the performance."

Yes, the line will entry line will likely be long (more than 5,000 students went last year) and many students can get in for free any day of the week -- but it doesn't hurt to be social outside of your current circle.

There will be some free food by Chipotle from 8pm to 9:30pm in the Courtyard Cafe and free coffee at Bravo restaurant from 8:30pm to 10pm.

I really liked the Avedon exhibit, so fans of photography and/or fashion should check it out.

THUR 9/23

8pm
Brian Wright, Coyote Kolb
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$8

Singer-songwriter Brian Wright (and his band?) are bringing the folksy/twangy good word for 2 Thursdays in a row. Alt-country rockers Coyote Kolb get things going on the right foot for a night of song.

THUR 9/23

8pm
Aloud, St. Claire, Old Jack
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

This release party for Aloud's new CD, "Exile", should be something pretty special. Any of their gigs is usually one of the best straight-up rock shows you can see/hear, however there is an ambitious streak in this band. For the last CD, they created a multi-media performance which I saw and was rather impressed.

The new album expands their arrangements with horns and strings, so Aloud has assembled the 'Exile Orchestra' to add the instrumentation and choir for the inaugural performance. Be prepared to be blown away.

Along with the folky St Claire and the soulful rock of Old Jack, poet James Caroline will host the proceedings.

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THUR 9/23

9:30pm
Mice Parade, Les Shelleys
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Although I haven't listened to a lot of the world-music-influenced indie-rock of Mice Parade, it sounds quite good (and very different than Vampire Weekend to me). The folky goodness of Les Shelleys kicks off a night full of positive vibes.

WED 9/22: Film (w/ & w/o Monsters), Talk, Rock

Autumn begins tonight, so you might as well enjoy the nominal end of Summer.

Good news: The weather forecast looks good for the weekend, and Fall is beautiful in our part of the world.

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WED 9/22 (and THUR 9/23)

Various Times
Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $8

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution. So this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians, and some screenings will have the director and/or star in attendance.

4pm

"Norman Mailer: The American" (Documentary / World Premiere)
Director and Producer Joseph Mantegna will be in attendance.

[rob: If you can go to a 4pm movie, this seems to be the one to see!]

6:30pm

"Black, White and Blues" (Narrative / East Coast Premiere)
Luke Perry, Morgan Simpson and Director Mario Van Peebles will be in attendance.

8:45pm

"The 5th Quarter" (Narrative / Northeast Premiere)
Andie Macdowell, Ryan Merriman and Director/Producer Rick Bieber will be in attendance.

The Globe gives a rather straightforward summary of the lineup, and The Phoenix offers more opinion to help you decide what might interest you this week.

WED 9/22

6pm to 8pm
Vince Neil, "Tattoos & Tequila": Booksigning
at Barnes and Noble, 2nd Fl, 660 Beacon St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

Isn't it cute that Vince Neil is pretending he could write a book? If you're a Motley Crue fan and read books, congratulations!

Vince may meeting fans in general, but I assume it's mainly a book (and CD) signing.

WED 9/22

7pm
Eliza Griswold, "The Tenth Parallel: Dispatches from the Fault Line Between Christianity and Islam": Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Journalist Eliza Griswold has traveled broadly through the 700-mile band around the globe to investigate the interconnection of Christianity and Islam. In a time when extreme positions eclipse any serious and sober discussion about ideology and basic issues of survival.

You might actually walk away with a slightly better understanding of someone with different beliefs. Awesome!

WED 9/22

7pm to 9pm
Science in the News: "Evidence-based Medicine: A Case Study of Vaccines and Autism"
at Armenise Ampitheatre, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston (Harvard Medical School / Longwood)
FREE

Science in the News is an annual series of lectures/discussions on many issues near and dear to all of us and are changing rapidly in many ways on topics like robotics, genetics, our food, our brains, our guts, solar energy and more.

Tonight is the first of 9 weekly science lectures for the layperson that includes an introduction, recent developments, and a discussion of the ethical or social ramifications.

You don't need to know anything about vaccines and autism to learn more about it tonight.

WED 9/22

8pm
"Urban Forest / Human Jungle": Experimental Short Films from Germany
at Film Dept, Screening Room 1, East Bldg, about 635 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)
$4 Suggested Donation

When I think experimental film, Deutschland comes to mind... About a dozen shorts from the German avant-garde from the '80s to the present with a total running time of about 80 minutes.

My Occasional Note: Every building at MassArt is listed as "621 Huntington", but doesn't help people who don't know their way around. If you look at the campus map [PDF], you get a better idea of where you want to go.

WED 9/22

9pm
"King Kong vs Godzilla" w/ Improvised Live Soundtrack
at Parish of St Paul Episcopal Church, 1135 Walnut St, Newton Highlands (near the Green Line stop)
$5

I don't know why, but this sounds really cool to me. It may be that when musicians provide a live soundtrack to an old movie, it brings a fresh perspective that elevates something like a sci-fi/action film with lame dialogue into something far more evocative.

A handful of New England Conservatory grads will improvise along to the 1962 clash between 2 classic movie monsters. I watched a clip of them give "Predator" a similar treatment, and the free-jazz/Bernard Hermann synthesis kicked the energy up a notch.

Homemade tacos for sale., and food donations (for a local food bank) are welcome.

There's not much available on the web, but they emailed me plenty of info, and there are more performances to come.

WED 9/22

9:30pm
The Boxer Rebellion, Amusement Parks On Fire, The Augustines
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Those interested in big, anthemic rock but want to hear something new should think about this show. These bands are probably all on the cusp of stardom or anonymity. It's true, but it does detract that each are playing some cool songs that may touch you in a special way.

The multi-national Boxer Rebellion are based in London, and they've been accumulating accolades from publications like NME, Q, etc, etc. It's full-on arena stuff that might barely fit in this room, but I was more interested in Amusement Parks On Fire who have a bit more texture and depth to their sound.

I wish I could give you a better link for The Augustines. The are supposedly one of the current projects from the ashes of Pela, who I saw a few years ago in the same room. Without hearing a single note beforehand, they were the best performers of the night. It was indie-rock with the Springsteen-like energy but less bombast than The Hold Steady.

TUES 9/21: Film, Pizza, Music

Yes, there are a lot of special film screenings tonight. You can stay at home and watch the Sox if you like...

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TUES 9/21 (thru THUR 9/23)

Various Times
Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $8

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution. So this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians, and some screenings will have the director and/or star in attendance.

4pm

"Absent" (Documentary / East Coast Premiere)
Director / Producer Justin Hunt will be in attendance.

6:45 pm

"Welcome to the Rileys" (Narrative / East Coast Premiere)

9:30pm

"Down for Life" (Narrative / East Coast Premiere)
Director Alan Jacobs will be in attendance.

The Globe gives a rather straightforward summary of the lineup, and The Phoenix offers more opinion to help you decide what might interest you this week.

TUES 9/21

7pm
"Heartbreaker": IFFBoston Screening Series
at Kendall Square Cinema, One Kendall Square, Cambridge
FREE w/ Pass [PDF]

The IFF Boston folks were able to get a couple films to screen that they saw at the Toronto International Film Festival. The other two had online RSVP's, and they filled quickly.

I haven't stood in one these "first-come, first-served" for a couple years, but it is true that people in the queue often exceed seats in the theatre. Check, but I believe one pass admits two people.

The earlier you get there, the better chance you have to see this French romantic-comedy starring Vanessa Paradis (FYI: Johnny Depp's longtime mate, to increase your admiration/jealousy).

TUES 9/21

7pm
"Like Water for Chocolate / Como Agua Para Chocolate"
at Adams House Pool Theatre, about 13 Bow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Presented by Food at 24 Frames per Second (there will be people waiting to let you in until 7:15pm).

The funny thing is that this movie came up in conversation while my mother was visiting last week, and we both tried to describe the movie to someone.

Mom plotted out the love story in 19th-century Mexico about a woman who was in true love but couldn't get married before her evil older sister. I was more interested in talking about the magical way this woman could transfer her emotions into the food she made. I remember liking it quite a bit (and probably recommending it to my mom) when I saw it.

Alex Whitmore of Taza Chocolate, who I like to call the "Willy Wonka of Somerville", will introduce the film and probably bring some of his tasty treats. He's been to Mexico to learn the traditional ways of chocolate-making, and I think it's the best I've ever tasted.

(Spanish with English subtitles)

TUES 9/21

10am to 11pm
Pizza For HONK! Benefit
at Flatbread Company @ Sacco's, 45 Day St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
- Whatever You Eat (/Drink/Bowl)

7:30pm -- Performance by Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band

The Flatbread Company at Sacco's Bowl Hven seems like the best possible result of adding a pizza place to the location while retaining the candlepin bowling.

I've also noticed that they want to be a good neighbor by supporting various local causes with these days where they donate a portion of the pizza proceeds -- $1.75 of each small pie and $3.50 of each large pie.

In a few weeks (10/8 to 10/10), the HONK! Festival brings local street bands together with other ensembles from around the country (and a few from Italy) to make joyful noise, and buying pizza will help defray the associated costs.
http://www.honkfest.org/

The HonkFest is even more amazing to me when I think that there wasn't anything quite like it before they began in '06.

If you'd like extra encouragement, you could listen to some NOLA-inspired tunes by the S.L.S.A.&P.S. Brass Band around 7:30pm

TUES 9/21

Basia Bulat (11pm), The Acorn (9:50pm), John Shade (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$12

More than $12 and worth it if you love Canadian folkers with high, husky voices and catchy yet substantial tunes -- and who may like to rock the autoharp. Basia Bulat and her band headline a night with the sparsely compelling indie-folk of The Acorn and one of Boston's best singer-songwriters John Shade.

MON 9/20: Film, Science, Talk, Roots, Rock

Hey, I noticed there were still free tickets (RSVP required) available for WFNX's Disorientation Week shows at the Lansdowne Pub later this week and next week.

FRI 9/24: Delta Spirit, Leo Blais
TUES 9/28: The Futureheads, The Wandas
WED 9/29: A Silent Film, The Luxury

They're probably still serving pints in plastic cups, but there's a reason why we can't have nice things. And the shows are free...

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MON 9/20 (thru THUR 9/23)

Various Times
Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $8

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution. So this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians, and some screenings will have the director and/or star in attendance.

3pm

"3rd Shift: Michael's Lament" (Narrative)

4:45pm

"Please Remove Your Shoes" (Documentary / World Premiere)

7pm

"Cherry" (Narrative / East Coast Premiere)
Kyle Gallner and Director Jeffrey Fine will be in attendance.

9:15 pm

"The Last Harbor" (Narrative / World Premiere)
Wade Williams, Stephanie Lemelin and Director Paul Epstein will be in attendance.
Shot in Rockport

The Globe gives a rather straightforward summary of the lineup, and The Phoenix offers more opinion to help you decide what might interest you this week.

MON 9/20

4pm (to 10pm?)
College Night
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE w/ College ID

If I haven't said it lately: Don't ever throw your student ID away! Most places won't scrutinize the expiration date. They might at the Museum of Science ("Valid college ID required"), but if most places that offer a discount probably won't notice.

You might think that you don't want to visit the Museum of Science, but it's the entertainment quotient is higher than any area museum that comes to mind. It's definitely worth at least one visit.

Most of the usual stuff will be available, and you might win one of the raffles.

Although I didn't see it this year, they usually stay open until 10pm on College Night.

MON 9/20

7pm
Four Stories, "The Forbidden: Tales of Transgressions, Secrets, and Sins": Reading
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Steven Beeber, Jennifer Haigh, Carissa Halston, Randy Ross

Tonight is the season opener of this monthly reading series that does its best to encourage audience participation by offering a free drink for asking the best question.

This reading series does a good job of generally getting seasoned writers, and there's a different theme each time... Maybe Steven Beeber will read a passage from his book "The Heebie-Jeebies at CBGB's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk".

The couches/seating are very comfortable even if the room really isn't enormous, and drinks & food are available.

MON 9/20

9pm
The Pothole Crew
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

I'm not sure what songs these guys do together, but it's going to be a bunch of good players with Jimmy Ryan (mandolin), Joe Kessler (violin), Steve Mayone (guitar), and Larry Dersch (drums).

MON 9/20

9:30pm
Girlfriends, Carnivores, Weekend Dads
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 18+

Girlfriends have got it going on. I love their infectiously fuzzy garage-pop who take similar ingredients as other bands but mix their proportions and bake it in their way that comes out just right to me.

Carnivores are a band out of Atlanta who make a punky/psychedelic racket that should appeal to lovers of Girlfriends. They've gotten quite a bit of love on the Internet and favorable notice in the NY Times. Weekend Dads could be quite good, because the members have supposedly played in other fine local bands.

SUN 9/19: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

I watched some of the "Art of Motion" competition on Friday night.

Some were impressive, although it was a bit disappointing that they didn't use more of the existing architecture of City Hall Plaza.

The best run I saw was by Yoann "Zephyr" Leroux, but here is a small compilation video:

SUN 9/19: Fair, Rumble, Film, Read, Sing, Rock

Have a beautiful Sunday, friends!

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SUN 9/19

11am to 5pm
Harvard Square Urban-Ag Fair
at Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mt. Auburn), Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I walked through the Urban-Ag Fair last year, and the beer garden allowed folks to sit on bales of hay with pumpkins sitting around. There was some live music and some local food booths. Someone brought a couple live chickens. You should also find info on stuff like composting, etc…

Not a bad stop if you're thinking about walking and sitting by the river.

SUN 9/19

Noon To 6pm
Rumble On The River
at Harry Parker Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Rd, Brighton (Charles River)
FREE

Feat: Rubblebucket (4:50pm), Gentlemen Hall (3:20pm), Banana Phonetic (2:15pm), Buru Style (1:05pm), Duppy Conquerers (Noon)

It's shocking that these bands are playing a free show by the Charles. Nice work to the folks at My Secret Boston for organizing a kickass show!

Go, dance, and have a great time. Unfortunately, beer may only be available in the VIP tent -- but the music should release some euphoric chemicals into your system.

Check out Rubblebucket as a favor to yourself. A friend introduced them to me about a month ago, and they really grew on me rather quickly. I guess I'd call them fusion-music at its best.

SUN 9/19 (thru THUR 9/23)

Various Times
Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $8

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution. So this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians, and some screenings will have the director and/or star in attendance.

2pm

"Lurking in the Trees"
Director Martin Hamburger will be in attendance.

3pm

"I Want So Much to Live"
Director / Producer Elizabeth Holder will be in attendance.

5pm

"10 Mountains 10 Years"
Director / Producer Jennifer Yee will be in attendance.

7pm

"It's Kind of a Funny Story"
Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck will be in attendance.

9pm

"Nice Guy Johnny"
Director / Producer Ed Burns will be in attendance.

The Globe gives a rather straightforward summary of the lineup, and The Phoenix offers more opinion to help you decide what might interest you this week.

SUN 9/19

2pm
Vin Femia, "Patriot Pride: The Fifty Year Rise of the New England Patriots as Seen Through a Fan's Eyes"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I know one of the Femia's, and they are passionately articulate sports fans. Even listening to Vin for a little while will give an insight to the history of the Pats.

SUN 9/19

6pm to 7:30pm
Annual RiverSing
over the Charles River, near the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Cambridge or Boston
FREE

The autumnal equinox is around the corner, celebration the seasonal change with song over the Charles River.

Listen and watch the bands, choirs, and giant puppets... Sing along and watch... Okay, what are you supposed to sing? Fake it or download the lyrics. [PDF] It's a lot of traditionals; if you don't know them, you will before the song is over.

The parade from Winthrop Park to the river starts at 5pm.

SUN 9/19

9:30pm
The Honors
at Hennessy's, 25 Union St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE

I should probably check this scene out first, but this is their 53rd Sunday in a row... And The Honors are ridiculously awesome.

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Sneak Peek: SUN 9/19

It's a little bit Cambridge-heavy on Sunday, but that's how it goes sometimes. Sit on the Boston side of the Charles if you want -- after chilling out by Parker Boathouse...

Bring your pirate hat, matey.

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SUN 9/19

11am to 5pm
Harvard Square Urban-Ag Fair
at Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mt. Auburn), Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

A little bit of homespun diversion with an locavore angle before the RiverSing (below).

SUN 9/19

Noon To 6pm
Rumble On The River
at Harry Parker Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Rd, Brighton (Charles River)
FREE

Feat: Rubblebucket, Banana Phonetic, Buru Style, Gentlemen Hall, Duppy Conquerers

Good musical vibes by the river

SUN 9/19

2pm
Vin Femia, "Patriot Pride: The Fifty Year Rise of the New England Patriots as Seen Through a Fan's Eyes"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I know one of the Femia's, and they are passionately articulate sports fans.

SUN 9/19

6pm to 7:30pm
Annual RiverSing
over the Charles River, near the Weeks pedestrian bridge, Cambridge or Boston
FREE

Celebrate the seasonal change with song.

The parade from Winthrop Park to the river starts at 5pm.

SUN 9/19

9:30pm
The Honors
at Hennessy's, 25 Union St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE

I should probably check this scene out first, but this is their 53rd Sunday in a row... And The Honors are ridiculously awesome.

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SAT 9/18: Fests, Rally, Fair, Film, Music

Get ready, pirates of America. Tomorrow is "Talk Like A Pirate Day".

BTW: I haven't seen "Catfish", but I suspected that it was misleading people in some way with the trailer, so I found a page with spoiler information. Sounds like a second-rate version of a "This American Life" segment to me...

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SAT 9/18

Noon
Annual Viva la Vinal Festival
at Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE / Donations Welcome

If you didn't go to the film festival last night, there is a day full of awesome music in this beautiful setting off of Union Square. I was going to suggest when to go, but there is too much to enjoy.

Schedule:

Noon -- Mariana Iranzi (the "Children's Hour")
1:20pm -- International String Trio
2:05pm -- Audrey Ryan
2:45pm -- Emily Hope Price
3:30pm -- Kingsley Flood
4:15pm -- Justin Levinson
5pm -- The Autumn Hollow
5:45pm -- Bridget & the Squares
6:30pm -- Cactus Attack
7:15pm -- TheyWillHateUs
8pm -- Justin Shorey
8:45pm -- This Blue Heaven

I read that Mariana Iranzi was going to play some of her bilingual children's music, and it doesn't sound banal at all. I might not want to kill myself if I Had a brat that wanted to hear this 50 times in a row.

You can't help loving Audrey Ryan's music; this is something special and original that everyone in the solar system should listen and love. She is definitely my favorite one-person band this side of Jon Brion.

The thing is that the International String Trio is pretty damn fantastic as well, and there's not a bad performer to be heard, especially folks like rootsy rockers like Kingsley Flood and Autumn Hollow, and an acoustic duo performance by This Blue Heaven to cap it off.

Go earlier rather than later. Go and come back. Do whatever -- it's free. But donations are welcome (and deserved).
People are encouraged to bring blankets/chairs to increase comfort. I did sit on a stone step on a previous visit, but that was semi-lucky.

There will be a concession stand "with affordable and healthy snacks and beverages, with all proceeds going to the artists and the Growing Center."

SAT 9/18

"High Noon" to 6PM
Annual Boston Freedom Rally
at Boston Common, Boston
FREE

Feat: Tracy Bonham, Planetoid, Casey Desmond, SuperPower, Termanology, Rob Potylo, Matalon, more

What used to be known as HempFest is now the Boston Freedom Rally. I'm not sure if the actual festival has been instrumental in relaxing marijuana-related laws in MA, but the speakers have probably had a hand in the baby steps towards decriminalization.

Remember -- it's a fine if you have less than an ounce! (The cops have been fairly cool in the past if you're discreet, but maybe you should read the FAQ.)

I went last year and wrote a little post for Bostonist. It's a good time, there were some good bands, and I did get a contact high from walking around.

I couldn't find a schedule for the bands, so maybe you'll get lucky and hear something you like. They play on the main stage set up by Charles Street and at the Parkman Bandstand on the other side of the Common.

SAT 9/18 (thru THUR 9/23)

Various Times
Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $8

Of the various film festivals throughout the year, the BFF selections probably have the greatest likelihood of ending up in wider distribution. So this is a chance to see a film before most Bostonians, and some screenings will have the director and/or star in attendance.

The Globe gives a rather straightforward summary of the lineup, and The Phoenix offers more opinion to help you decide what might interest you this week. Besides the 24 features, there are a few shorts and animation programs.

Saturday Schedule:

Noon -- Shorts Program 1

2pm

"The Labyrinth"
Director Jason Schmidt will be in attendance.

3pm

"World Peace..and other 4th-grade achievements"
Director Chris Farina will be in attendance.

4:45pm

"The Two Escobars"
Directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist will be in attendance.

7pm

"Miss Nobody"
Leslie Bibb and Director Tim Cox will be in attendance.

9:15pm

"Conviction"
Sam Rockwell [kewl...] will be in attendance.

And the festival has returned to Boston after years in Cambridge!

SAT 9/18

1pm
Jenny and Johnny: Performance
at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury Street, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Okay, it's Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley and quite the talented singer-songwriter Johnathan Rice who have collaborated before -- and are still making beautiful music together.

They're opening for Pavement tonight, but I don't have tix to that show. :-(

SAT 9/18

1pm to 4:30pm
50th Anniversary of "To Kill a Mockingbird": Talk & Movie
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

1pm -- Authors Katherine Hall Page and Brunonia Barry discuss the book
2pm -- Page and Barry sign copies of their books
2:30pm -- "To Kill a Mockingbird": Screening

I don't mind hearing two locally-based authors talk about this classic book on its 50th anniversary. I'm not so psyched about the book-signing intermission before the movie screens. On the other hand, it's a good chance to stretch the legs, get fresh air, have a drink, etc for 30 minutes...

SAT 9/18

3pm to 7pm
Urban Country Fair 2010
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Feat: The Pennies (3:30pm), Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling (5pm?), Comanchero (6pm)

Even before I moved to Somerville, I was impressed by all the action in Union Square. If you need a change of scene from Viva La Vinal, head back to the Square for more cool music, artsy/crafty vendors, free workshops, and maybe some dancing at the fair.

It's awesome to have the arty spy-rock of Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling between the easygoing country-gospel Pennies and country-rock of Comanchero.

SAT 9/18

8pm
Jeffrey Gaines
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

I remember really liking his version of "In your Eyes". Is it bad to suggest a gig when an artist's strongest song may be a Peter Gabriel cover?

SAT 9/18

Three Day Threshold (12:15am), The Motion Sick (11:20pm), Kev & Col (10:35pm), Thick As Thieves (9:45pm), Moons (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

It's the Annual Virgo-A-Go-Go Festival, and from the little I know, Virgos like to celebrate that their parents conceived them around the winter holidays. Maybe it was just a cold night or maybe the winter boots were a-knocking after many glasses of champagne or egg nog. Or maybe Papa put his dick in a box...

Whatever the case, it's going to be a big musical party with the rip-roaring rock and twang of Three Day Threshold and one of my favorite nerdy rockers The Motion Sick.

Sadly this is the last Motion Sick show, and that would be enough to recommend checking them out. I've always been partial to the early powerpoppy stuff, but I've dug it all as they expanded their sound.

Of course, Moons describe themselves as "space rock". The rock force is strong with them and Thick As Thieves in different ways. Kev & Col? They're supposed to be funny. And a second stage will have acoustic performer between the other sets.

Of course, there will be Virgo-A-Go-Go dancers and a pirate!

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SAT 9/18

10pm
Deva Mahal
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Every now and then, The Beehive hosts an artist that is exceptional enough to pay for overpriced drinks in lieu of a cover charge. Deva Mahal could probably sing excerpts from case law, and I'd still give it a listen.

This is when soulful, jazzy, funky singing should be described as sublime. Enjoy it now before you're embarrassed that it's playing in Starbucks and the like.