THUR 9/16: Photo, Talks, Taste, Music

I'd really like to get the weekend stuff up soon, so I'm being brief again today.

I don't say this often: I sorta wish I was in NYC this weekend for the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. There's a bunch of killer shows from today through Sunday organized by the funniest guy from Lexington since that fellow who took the first shot in the Revolutionary War...

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THUR 9/16

5:30pm to 7:30pm
"Heights of Observation: The Photographs of Vittorio Sella": Opening Reception
at Panopticon Gallery, Hotel Commonwealth, 502 Comm Ave, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

Both Ansel Adams and Bradford Washburn acknowledged the influence of Italian photographer and mountain-climber Vittorio Sella on their careers. After his first Alpine photo hike in 1879, Sella went on expeditions all over the world.

This exhibit should cover the majority of his work. After it closes on MON 11/8, it will likely travel around.

THUR 9/16

5:30pm
"Visible Language: On the Origins and Development of Writing": Lecture
at Geological Lecture Hall, Peabody Museum, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Feat: Dr. Marc Zender (Peabody Museum Research Associate)

Along with the return of the students, the area universities ramp up their activity including progams that are open to the public.

This lecture is the first in a series about the origin of writing systems around the world. I believe tonight will be a more general introduction, but Dr. Zender's specialty is Mayan hieroglyphs. Upcoming topics that are scheduled through December include: China's writing, cuneiform, Egyptian hieroglyphs, etc.

A public reception follows.

THUR 9/16

6pm to 8pm
Bols Genever Cocktail Tasting
at Brix Wine Shop, 1284 Washington St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I wouldn't go too far out of my way, because you'll probably get one taste. Mainly listed for those like me who are interested in trying this original-recipe, sweeter version of gin but don't want to pay for a bottle or cocktail of Bols Genever.

THUR 9/16

7pm
Gwynne Dyer, "Climate Wars: The Fight for Survival as the World Overheats": Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Dyer is a Canadian writer who was previously taught at the UK's military academy before giving journalism his full attention about 30 years ago. I get the feeling is that his new book would examine climate change in a rather practical sense.

THUR 9/16

7:30pm
Nando Michelin
at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St, Boston (Berklee / Back Bay)
FREE

In association with BeanTown Jazz Festival (free outdoor festival: SAT 9/25), Nando Michelin leads a jazz ensemble -- with his son on drums -- through a set tunes with a lot of Latin Amrican flavor.

THUR 9/16

9pm
MassHilarity
at Cantab Underground, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door / 21+

Feat: John Fisch, Andrew Mayer, Elvis Collins

If you feel like laughing and drinking, the Cantab's basement would be a good destination tonight.

THUR 9/16

Port Charles Quintet (Midnight), Mars (11pm), Weisstronauts (10pm), BrownBoot (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

This is the place to rock out tonight. Although I prefer when BrownBoot does the Faces/Rod Stewart/Jeff Beck stuff when they started as a one-off cover project, the original music is still ballsy rock with soulful vocals. The Weisstronauts will transition with a set of tremendous instrumental rock to the solidly rockin' Mars and the garage-rock goodness of the Port Charles Quintet.

THUR 9/16

10:30pm
Tin Can Hooley, Spitzer Space Telescope
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish

It's nearly halfway to St. Patrick's Day, so why not begin warming up with the traditional good-time Irish sounds of Tin Can Hooley. Spitzer Space Telescope is actually one guy with an acoustic guitar with lots of energy and good songs.

It might be free tonight, but it wouldn't hurt to get there an hour or so early and put the potential cover money into a beer.