TUES 11/30: Talk, Party, Music, Film, Comedy, Art

Yeah, there are two events listed at the same place tonight. And I listed the tree lighting in Copley Square, because I was already going to list the talk at the BPL. What are you going to do? All seemed appealing and had no cover charge...

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TUES 11/30

5pm to 6pm
Tree Lighting
at Copley Sq, Clarendon St & Boylston St, Boston
FREE

Feat: United States Air Force Brass Band Quintet, Trinity Church Choristers, Brian Jones & the Copley Singers, and "participatory caroling"

Not exactly the most exciting event, but Copley Square is a great view any time of year with Trinity Church and the Hancock Tower(s).

If you're going to a reading/discussion at the Boston Public Library (see below) and get there early, you could enjoy some holiday music and maybe some complimentary refreshments.

TUES 11/30

6pm
"The Best American Sports Writing": Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Feat: Peter Gammons, Bob Ryan, Bob Hohler, Glenn Stout

Tonight's discussion will help you recall some of the best sports stories of the last year or so. The series editor Glenn Stout with this year's guest editor, Peter Gammons. As I understand it, Stout chose a bunch of articles for consideration, then Gammons picked 25 to be included in the antology.

Both Bob Ryan and Bob Hohler of the Globe have articles included, so I imagine most won't be disappointed by a Boston-centric conversation.

TUES 11/30

6pm to 9pm
Boston Music Awards: Nominee Bash
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: DJ Paul Foley

The voting is closed, so you'll have to wait until Sunday's ceremony to find out who won. A bunch of the nominees and performers should show up tonight for a pre-show party. Anyone is welcome to join in and hang out. I can't say "everyone is welcome", because the room isn't really enormous.

TUES 11/30

7pm to 9pm
"Perfect Pitch": Berklee Music Battle
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 18+

So it's not a competition to see who has perfect pitch (although maybe some Berklee geeks do have an underground competition like that).

What has happened: Berklee songwriters submitted songs, singers auditioned, and now performers have been matched with 15 songs. They'll be backed by a Berklee band, and the audience will choose the winner who receives $3,000 in studio time.

The material is a healthy mix of genres and could be interesting. I already thought it was funny that one guy is singing, and someone else is performing the song he wrote.

TUES 11/30

8pm
"Four Boxes": Screening
at Room 120, Bldg 6, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

The trailer makes this indie flick look suspenseful and clever, but the feedback on IMDb is rather negative.

It was shown at Seattle International Film Festival and SXSW last year and hasn't been released in theaters yet. You can make up your own mind tonight instead of being influenced to pay for something might be stupid in the future.

TUES 11/30

9pm to 1am
Monthly Comedy Night
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Ken Reid, Dan Boulger, Sameer Naseem, Matt D, Patrick Barrett, Matt Kona

After the Boston Music Awards party (see above), the Enormous Room is presenting the first of its monthly comedy night. I think Ken Reid is really funny, and Dan Boulger has made me laugh whenever I've listened to him. (Dan also won the Boston Comedy Festival a few years ago.) Maybe Patrick Barrett will do his character "MC Yung Homofobe"; good stuff.

TUES 11/30 (and TUES 12/1)

11pm to 11pm
"Medicine Wheel"
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Tomorrow is World AIDS Day, and there are various local events happening today and tomorrow to commemorate it. This 19th annual art installation/event that evolves every year will open tonight, and all are welcome to visit for 24 hours.

Around 11:45pm, a procession starts outside the Cyclorama. There are usually some performances throughout the event. (I think on the hour.)

I went one year, and it was a very heavy and somber experience.

MON 11/29: Film, Talk, Karaoke, Rock

I don't think people really wait anymore to shop online until Monday, but I guess many online stores are offering deals today. Good luck...

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MON 11/29

6pm
"Cider House Rules"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

As far as novel adaptations, this may be in the top level. Maybe it's because John Irving was invoved. It's screening tonight, because those princes of Maine and kings of New England filmed scenes in Western and Central Mass.

MON 11/29

7pm
Salman Rushdie w/ Maria Tatar, "Luka and the Fire of Life": Discussion
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

Tickets available at Harvard Book Store and by phone at 617-661-1515.

Rushdie is discussing his new novel with Maria Tatar, folklore & mythology professor at Harvard. "Luka" is somewhat of a sequel to his last novel "Haroun and the Sea of Stories".

I guess the fatwa against him is not ostensibly in effect, but it's impressive that he still makes scheduled public appearances.

Note: Usually these tickets can be used as coupons toward Harvard Book Store purchase, but not these tickets.

Also: Mr. Rushdie will be signing and personalizing only copies of "Luka and the Fire of Life". He will not be signing any of his previous titles.

MON 11/29

8pm
Nerdnite: "Post-Thanksgiving Nerdery"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Most Nerdnites have two talks that are often on the esoteric side of the spectrum, but tonight's subjects seem rather functional within the abilities of most people.

David Craft is scientist who also enjoys foraging and has written a book about it. He'll talk about "City Hauls: Foraging for wild plants and other foodstuffs within the city limits."

Gotta love Vaughn Tan's subject title: "Fun with joints" -- furniture joints, that is. Vaughn is a guy who used work in the tech world, but he decided he would rather be involved with wood, etc.

DJ Claude Money should be there to fill the chatty gaps with grooves for the last NerdNite of the year.

MON 11/29

9:30pm
Gong Show Karaoke
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 18+

Last week was a lot of fun, even for a relatively small crowd. When you think about karaoke at a divey bar, you might imagine what goes on at Gong Show Karaoke. It's loose and casual, and they kick it up a notch with the panel of judges who may gong you in mid-song -- like the old TV show.

The vibe is still generally positive. MC Tommy Somerville is a cool, funny guy (and possibly the loudest person I've ever met). Usually a band serves as the judging panel. Last week, Burning Streets were fair and not too harsh on the mediocre singers. I have a feeling that Tijuana Sweetheart may give a bit more attitude.

The point is to go and have fun and not worry about how good you are. I was gonged in the second half, and it wasn't bad at all. The top 2 people do win prizes like a discount on your bar tab or a pair of tix to a TT's show.

Although listed on the site as 8:30pm, the action really starts around 9:30pm.

MON 11/29

10pm
Girlfriends, Weed Hounds, Cuffs
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

This is the Cheap Thrills music pick of the day. If you haven't fallen under the fuzzy, punky garage-pop spell of Girlfriends yet, there is no time like the present. It seems like the world is teeming with bands that could fall under this description, but Girlfriends have the right chemistry and tunes that rise to the top of my consciousness.

Together with NY's Weed Hounds, who bash out a nice reverb-n-distortion heavy indie-pop, and Cuffs, which is the new project from a couple of the Pants Yell guys; this is going to be a sweet gig.

You could this check out and Gong Show Karaoke around the corner for the same (-zero-) dollar amount.

SUN 11/28: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Wow, I'm just about the worst blogger around. There was supposed to be a Sunday post, and it seemed too late when I noticed it didn't appear.

I gladly accept all of the 100 movie insults in this clip.

*** Much NSFW Language ***

SAT 11/27: Turkey Art, Food Book, Tuba Xmas, Folk

Not the best cheap Saturday in history, there is still some things to do besides shopping. (If you have to but gifts, it may be better to get it done sooner than later...)

There's an excellent music gig at Midway Cafe tonight with Coyote Kolb, Mr. Sister, Stephen Brodsky, and The Points North. It could be $10 or more -- or less -- this place makes it hard to pin down a cover charge. I've called in the past, and they've wouldn't specify, and I heard of instances of changing it on the day of the show. These bands are awesome in a mainly twangy, folky way; so I suggest giving it a listen.

There is also a $10 punk show at Great Scott, but the special quality seemed to be a reunion/nostalgia show for people who are in their mid-20's -- not that it's a bad thing...

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SAT 11/27

9am until 10pm
Paul Waddell, "I Like Massachusetts and Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Me"
at Meme Gallery, 55 Norfolk St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I wonder if Waddell is feeling a bit crazy after spending 3 days with a live turkey in a room that's about 15' x 20'. Did he practice ahead of time to understand what would happen? Or would that ruin the spontaneity of action?

You can go down to my favorite little art gallery in Central Square and ask him. You could also join in the performance-art fun today. I assume that the turkey will still be there at the closing reception from 7pm to 10pm. That might be fun just to see hip, artsy people dealing with live poultry.

SAT 11/27

2pm
Joanne Chang, "Flour": Book Signing & Sampling of Holiday Treats
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

It's going to smell really good in the Booksmith's basement, and it will likely waft upstairs, because Joanne Chang is bringing (making?) treats while she talks about and signs copies of her recipe book.

If haven't been to one of her Flour locations, this pretty good stuff and maybe she gives you a little bit of her mojo in the book...

Although I'm not happy about the conspicuous consumerism of the holiday season, there is some good gift-shopping here and in the shops around Coolidge Corner.

SAT 11/27

2pm to 3pm
Boston TubaChristmas
between Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston
FREE

Over a hundred tubas, euphoniums, sousaphones playing holiday music must be amusing and absurd. At least, it might be amusing for a few minutes.

Why tubas? Why not? These guys hardly ever get the glory.

Of the past few years that I've been aware of this performance, this might be the best weather they've had...

SAT 11/27

Danielle Miraglia (7:30pm), The Jess Baggia Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The bluesy, folky Danielle Miraglia sings with a sultry, soulful voice and has got some sweet fingerpicking guitar chops. Her songs are often meaningful stories chock full of emotion.

Later on, The Jess Baggia Band keeps it folky but on a mellowish folk-rock tip that will go down as easy the craft beer you may be drinking.

FRI 11/26: Goldbergia, Comedy, Music

Oh, man. I hope most people eat and drank less than me yesterday. Here is something before it gets any later.

Paul Waddell is still living with a turkey at the Meme Gallery today and tomorrow, and he'd love company for some interactive performance art.

If you're going to shop today, Newbury Comics sent me an email that they're giving a 10% discount on everything today.

If you feel like driving to Avon, you could see The Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture. It should be open for at least four more weeks.

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FRI 11/26

1pm to 4pm
13th Annual Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction Event
at Rockwell Cage Gynmasium, 120 Vasser St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10 / $5 students, seniors, people under 18

Expect to see 30+ teams bring their Goldberg-ish creations that will be connected into one giant, quirky "chain reaction" by mechanical-genius/artist Arthur Ganson aided by MIT students.

Each link of the contraption will be set up checked out from 1pm to 3pm, when spectatorscan walk around and talk to the teams. The main event is scheduled for 3:30pm. With each segment lasting between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, it really could last 15 to 45 minutes.

Your admission fee also gets you into the MIT Museum for the day, which will be open until 6pm, so I encourage you to go see Ganson's exhibit. Really cool stuff.

If you have the day off and don't want to shop, this is something you're not likely to see again -- until next year.

FRI 11/26

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

Feat: Justin P. Drew, Joey O'Neill, Lucas Lewis, Emma Willman

How funny was your dinner last night? This will be funnier.

Rob Crean and Anderson Comedy host The Gas every Friday night for an relatively early and cheap night of comedy.

FRI 11/26

Girls Guns And Glory (11:15pm & 12:15am), Highway Ghosts (10:15pm), Daisy's Little Secret (9:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Girls Guns & Glory say this is their "1st Annual Post-Thanksgiving Bash", so there's some promise to become a post-turkey tradition. It looks like GG&G are going to play 2 sets of top-notch twangy rock that won them the Rumble a couple years ago. Highway Ghosts and Daisy's Little Secret get the party started with Americana and Southern rock.

FRI 11/26

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Hey Sluts, It's Thanksgiving"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

Feat: Eugene Mirman

Isn't it a good sign when the theme of the night makes you laugh?

In my mind, this may always be somewhere between a comedy and variety show with a stable of regular performers that may tell jokes or just speak about something (with or without multimedia) that will make you laugh or maybe do something else slightly strange. And frequent guest Eugene Mirman is really damn funny.

Some of the possible performers: Chris Braiotta, TD Sidell, Ben Dryer, Keira Horowitz, Nick Branigan, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Caitlin Roy

Musical Guest: Life Partners

FRI 11/26

9:30pm
Midatlantic, Dirty Bombs
at House of Blues -- Front Room, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

When the Front Room at the House of Blues began booking bands, they had some good bands playing almost every night of the week.

We music-lovers can still find live music here on a less frequent basis, but the quality is still high -- like this one-two punch of big rock. The Ireland-Boston-based Midatlantic serves up some tasty rock that often spreads wings and soars (but not in an irritating way). Dirty Bombs is a new band featuring the main guys from The Luxury and Conservative Man with the rhythm section of Televandals for a kickass blend of guitar and synth that rocks and makes you want to dance.

FRI 11/26

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

The Throttles will play "two or three sets". The guitarist and bassist used to play with rockabilly band The Amazing Royal Crowns, and I hear some surf and blues influences from this trio.

As I often sat about gigs at the Plough: If you start drinking early enough, you'll be there before they start charging at the door...

THUR 11/25: Thanksgiving Art, Meal, Radio

While most of us may not feel the significance of the harvest, at least we have a day to reflect on what we're grateful about. May everyone have a splendid Thanksgiving!

I had this post pretty much ready yesterday, then I destroyed it somehow… (Hey, at least I customized the image above -- and you can tell...)

I wish there was more to get you off the couch today/tonight. On the other hand, it's a good day to be o the couch. Unless you're like my family, and like to go to the movies after dinner.

Thank you for reading!

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THUR 11/25 thru SUN 11/27

9am until 10pm (on Saturday)
Paul Waddell, "I Like Massachusetts and Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Me"
at Meme Gallery, 55 Norfolk St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Yes, it's true. Someone is spending the next 3 days in a room with a live turkey.

A performance artist will spend 3 days with a live turkey while he gives thanks for... all sorts of things. It seems like Paul Waddell is based in Boston and Quebec, so he must truly appreciate stuff like "Football, SMFA, Red Sox, Food, Boston" as well as "Joseph Beuys, Snow, God, and everything that makes America great."

People are encouraged to visit and participate with whatever he comes up with. So visit Paul, and you can make art in a way!

There is a closing reception on SAT 11/27 from 7pm to 10pm.

THUR 11/25

Noon
Thanksgiving Meal
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
Free / All Ages

I think this is the 20th year (The Phoenix probably has revised their write-up in years) that Great Scott has been opening its doors and its heart to those who needs some company and/or food. Hundreds of people regularly show up. So as they say, "Everyone is welcome to lend a hand or grab a plate."

I still have not gone down, but I assume you can buy a beer to wash down the turkey and fixin's...

THUR 11/25

Noon, 4pm
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree": Thanksgiving Broadcast
at WZLX (100.7 FM)
FREE

Also on WUMB-FM (91.9 FM) at noon. Other stations may play it, but these two have it easily found on their websites.

If you can't wait, there are YouTube clips in the post below.

Off-Topic: Gratitude

Turkey is in the oven, green bean casserole is ready to go, and the 7-layer dip is made. So I'm going to do a little blogging.

I don't have to spend the day with my family, but we love each other. These are a few things I'm thankful for.

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"Thanks"
by W. S. Merwin

Listen
with the night falling we are saying thank you
we are stopping on the bridges to bow from the railings
we are running out of the glass rooms
with our mouths full of food to look at the sky
and say thank you
we are standing by the water thanking it
smiling by the windows looking out
in our directions

back from a series of hospitals back from a mugging
after funerals we are saying thank you
after the news of the dead
whether or not we knew them we are saying thank you

over telephones we are saying thank you
in doorways and in the backs of cars and in elevators
remembering wars and the police at the door
and the beatings on stairs we are saying thank you
in the banks we are saying thank you
in the faces of the officials and the rich
and of all who will never change
we go on saying thank you thank you

with the animals dying around us
our lost feelings we are saying thank you
with the forests falling faster than the minutes
of our lives we are saying thank you
with the words going out like cells of a brain
with the cities growing over us
we are saying thank you faster and faster
with nobody listening we are saying thank you
we are saying thank you and waving
dark though it is

11/25: "Alice's Restaurant" on Boston Radio

I'm not sure if I'm going to find more Thanksgiving cheapness than the performance art and the Great Scott celebration on the calendar, but we'll see.

Also, I repeat my apology for screwing up the MFA hours below!

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9am, Noon, 4pm
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree": Thanksgiving Broadcast
at WZLX (100.7 FM)
FREE

Also on WUMB-FM (91.9 FM) at noon. Other stations may play it, but these two have it easily found on their websites.

Way back in 1965, Arlo Guthrie celebrated Thanksgiving out in Great Barrington. Since hippies typically oppressed by "The Man", he and a friend were 'arrested for littering' when they couldn't find a good place to put the preprandial rubbish.

This is his amusing musical statement that runs more than 18 minutes, so it may be the longest Thanksgiving song ever -- except when Guthrie performs a longer version...

UPDATE:

Okay, I listened to it again upon seeing Eileen's comment. I smiled a lot and giggled quite a bit. Everyone should listen to it at least twice...

If you don't want to wait for the radio -- or pay for it -- I've included two clips of the whole thing. Pretend you're flipping the record over.

WED 11/24: Art, Music, Film, Comedy

Everyone ready to overeat and overdrink tomorrow?

For most people, this is the "Friday" of the week, so here are some options in case you don't feel like drinking at the local bar with people that come home for Thanksgiving.

There's not much going on tomorrow, but I'll probably have a Thursday post anyway.

I saw a list of restaurants open tomorrow and Charlies Kitchen had the cheapest Turkey dinner deal ($16). Of course, you could hit Great Scott who host an annual free Thanksgiving meal that's open to all.

UPDATE: Jeez! I apologize for really screwing up about the MFA hours today!

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WED 11/24

10am to 4:45pm (correct hours)
Community Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

UPDATE: Closing at 4:45pm!!! I made a reading comprehension error.

They say about 10,000 people showed up for Saturday's free opening of the Art of the Americas wing. If you're not busy running errands, you'll likely find a much smaller crowd today.

Unfortunately, it looks like the Free Wednesday night plan may be on the way out. It's still around for December, but it looks like it will be a 'voluntary donation' deal in the future.

I did get an email from someone at the MFA that tonight is still a free night.

Think of it as a chance to see a major development in the art world for free...

WED 11/24

5pm to 7:30pm
Billy Novick Trio
at Grand Lobby Lounge, Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

I'm not sure if Billy and his trio are showing up the night before Thanksgiving. Despite his website only mentioning his residency through October, this site seems like a reputable source that says he's playing most weeknights in November.

I mention this, because this is better jazz than is usually heard for free in a hotel lounge -- and I was looking for a good variety for tonight...

WED 11/24

7pm
"Grizzly Man": Free Screening
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

If you haven't seen this documentary, it is mind-blowing to see a clearly crazy guy who decides to go into the Alaskan wilderness and spend time living among the bears.

Legendary director Werner Herzog culled the film from Timothy Treadwell's own video footage of himself. (He, of course, was eventually killed by a bear.)

WED 11/24

8pm
Dan Crohn, Chris D., Chris Fleming, Nate Johnson, Jim Whitman, Joe Wong
at The Comedy Studio, top of Hong Kong, 1238 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$8

A few laughs before seeing some annoying relatives could do the trick. And drinking too...

Print this coupon, and get a $1 discount on admission.

WED 11/24

8:30pm
Amy Correia, Jennifer Kimball, Alyssa Bonagura
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door / 21+

Amy Correia and Jennifer Kimball are both highly acclaimed singer-songwriters with very different vocal styles. To see both on the same bill in an intimate club -- at "Cheap Thrills" approved price -- is a very pleasant surprise. A big folkin' surpise indeed.

Both are performing with bands (drummer Billy Beard doing double-duty). Alyssa Bonagura will kick things off with a solo set.

If you can't make it, Kimball and Correia will be here next Wednesday also.

WED 11/24

10pm
Destroy Babylon, The Macrotones
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

Now this is a "Let's party like it's Friday" gig. If you're not putting the turkey in the oven at the crack of dawn (which I don't suggest), then you could be shaking a tail-feather to the big funky Afro-beat vibe of The Macrotones and reggae-rockers Destroy Babylon.

These bands have teamed up on other occasions to play The Clash's "London Calling" in its entirety, so I wouldn't be surprised if you heard a few Clash numbers at some point...

TUES 11/23: Pizza, Piano, Bluegrass, Rock

Maybe I'm still numb with all the fun from last night's karaoke, but I'm having a difficult time getting excited for today's cheapness.

Seriously, Gong Show Karaoke is a really good time. I'll write about it further and remind you next week.

MC Tommy Somerville is a great guy. The judges were Burning Streets, who are really cool guys and did a good job of judging and gonging. (I won 2nd place with a Joe Jackson song!)

Shout outs to Ashley from Boston Band Crush (am sorry we were gonged for our duo) and Meghan from The Deli & Desert Race -- and DJs Paul & Megan and Kevin and all the characters that were there.

(It's about twice as much as $10, but the Free Energy/Foxy Shazam at the Paradise should be a good gig...)

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TUES 11/23

7pm to 9pm
"Pizza En Fuego": Spicy Pizza Tasing
at The Upper Crust Pizzeria, 94 Main St, Watertown (near Watertown Square)
FREE

Feat: Jamie Bissonette (Coppa), Marco Suarez (Canary Square), Barry Proctor (Upper Crust)

Hmm... I like pizza, and I like spicy foods...

I don't know how much sampling there will be, but I'm guessing it will taste pretty damn good. Upper Crust's Barry may need the home-field advantage, because the two other guys are well-regarded.

It is a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, so don't be bashful to give a little donation if you're asked.

TUES 11/23

8pm to 10pm
Ya-Fei Chuang, "Piano Concerto Feast"
at Seully Hall, 4th Fl, Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Hey, it's a "piano feast" during Thanksgiving weekend...

Ya-Fei Chuang was winning international competitions when she was in her teens, and she currently teaches at the Boston Conservatory.

I didn't find tonight's program, but I don't think you'll care after watching a clip of her playing some Rachmaninov.

TUES 11/23

8:30pm
Bluegrass Pickin' Party
at Cantab Lounge - Downstairs, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7 suggested donation

Feat: The Lowbrow Boyz (8:30pm), The Jerks of Grass (10pm)

This weekly pickin' party has been going on for more than a decade, so this is the place on any Tuesday that you feel like listening to live bluegrass.

All are invited to play at the beginning and after the featured bands -- but it's assumed that you know how to play...

They say the donation is voluntary; still it would be good karma to drop something in the hat when it comes around.

TUES 11/23

9:30pm
The Resurrectionists, Rick Berlin and His Nickel & Dime Band
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$6

The Resurrectionists are near the end of a November residency, and tonight would be a good night to go.

Besides their twangy, rootsy rock that will have you bobbing your head and tapping along, the mighty indie-rock song phenomenon known as Rick Berlin will perform with the band that most famously is the live karaoke band at the Milky Way.

MON 11/22: Talk, Jazz, Karaoke, Rock

Ah, there two good flyers I saw for tonight, but I went with the out-of-town bands instead of Viva Viva's.

There is a very strong chance that I'm going to check out the Gong Show Karaoke at TT the Bear's tonight. If you prefer having someone to chat with between songs and share a laugh at some of the performers, I'll be the dorky guy who's still wearing his business-casual work clothes and the green shoulder bag. My lady (who doesn't like karaoke anyway) is out of town, so I will be flying solo.

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MON 11/22

7pm
Rock Shop #9: "Design Shop"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / All Ages

Feat: Aaron Belyea (Alphabet Arm), Gary Hedrick (ElefhantWorks), Liz Linder (Liz Linder Photography), Marc Beaupre (Beagle Printing), Marcus Ohanesian (Perfect Evolution)

The Rock Shop series is geared towards the music realm, but maybe anyone in a creative endeavor might hear something beneficial.

Part of a successful musical enterprise is the visual aspect. It's not everything, but it's good to have the right promotional materials, a decent web presence, and a CD (or album/tape) that doesn't look like crap.

The panel is there to answer your questions, so feel free to have one...

MON 11/22

7pm
"Lobsters and Their Kids on the Move in the Gulf of Maine": Lecture
at Harborside Learning Lab, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE

Lobsters migrate for the best temperature for their eggs? How far does a lobster go in 9 to 12 months? Jason Goldstein (Center for Marine Biology, UNH) talks about this kind of stuff tonight.

Registration requested.

I've usually left people find this space in the parking lot area on their own, but copied the relevant part from a PDF map.

"Programs last approximately one hour followed by a reception."

MON 11/22

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

I watched a few clips of the John Funkhouser Trio, and these guys can play. You may or may not like it (I did) or jazz in general, but you can't say it isn't good.

Tonight is a quintet performance with a guitarist and a singer added for an hour of jazz.

MON 11/22

8:30pm
Gong Show Karaoke
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I still haven't seen this yet with my own eyes and ears, but I suspect it's more fun than the usual karaoke night and heavier on the rock than others. Some prizes are awarded to encourage participation.

I think most competitions of this kind don't usually have a panel of critical judges from the music scene -- with access to a gong a la the old TV show. If not a real gong, they'll figure out a way to stop someone awful. Then the fun likely begins...

I'm 90% there tonight. If 5 CTB readers show up, I'll definitely sign up to sing...

MON 11/22

9pm
Weekend, Young Prisms, Young Adults
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 18+

A couple shoegazey bands from San Francisco are playing along with the local Young Adults who have a noisy, punky good thing going on. I liked how they said they wanted to sound like Lightning Bolt meets the Ramones.

Both Weekend and Young Prisms have got their stuff together, but I preferred Weekend. Through all the layers of reverb and distortion, you can still hear a recognizable core of catchy melodies. Even when things get on the droney side, I found myself hanging on longer than I'd normally expect.

MON 11/22

10pm
Viva Viva, The Needy Visions
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$6 / 21+

When I first heard Viva Viva, they seemed to chug along like a more straightforward rock locomotive. It seems like they've taken a turn towards a lo-fi, rootsy indie-rock vibe. The intensity is still there, and the stage presence is as strong as you'd expect from guys who've led a bunch of excellent bands (The Lot Six, Officer May, The Beat Awfuls, etc).

Their new album may be getting a wider release tomorrow (already available at Newbury Comics), so why not play a gig to celebrate? And why not have The Needy Visions also play some of their buoyant, devil-may-care garagey rock? And why not invite DJ Nighttime Gallagher to keep things grooving between sets?

SUN 11/21: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Yeah, I'm a sucker for viral videos...



If you you haven't heard the original uncensored version, you can.

SUN 11/21: JFK, Art, Skate, Music

It's cold, but it's sunny. One can sit in and watch football, or there's fun to be had beyond your couch.

If you feel like enjoying a drag show, TraniWreck is celebrating Thanksgiving or "TransGiving" at Club Oberon. I don't think I'm supposed to post the $5 discount code for the advance tix, so click to see it. The standing-room price would be $10 (plus any service fees) available until 6pm.

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SUN 11/21

10am to 3pm
Open House
at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals St, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
FREE

As it was the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's election, we can observe the 47th anniversary of his assassination.

If you ever wanted to look inside JFK's childhood home, go in for free today. You may have seen that little sign for it on Harvard Ave.

SUN 11/21

Noon to 6pm
Annual Open Studios
at Brickbottom Studios, 1 Fitchburg St, Somerville (near Lechmere)
at Joy Street Studios, 86 Joy St, Somerville (near Lechmere)
FREE

See art, talk about art, walk to more art, maybe buy some art... About a hundred artists in various media are participating between the 2 locations that are just down the street from each other.

SUN 11/21

Noon to 6pm
Museum School Art Sale
at School of the Museum of Fine Arts, 95 Museum Rd, Boston (The Fens)
- What you buy -

The MFA is charging to get in again, but art is on display and for sale around the corner. It's the last of a 4-day sale, so who knows what's left. On the other hand, they might be vulnerable to haggling...? (Although I think the proceeds benefit programs at the school.)

SUN 11/21

5:30pm
Skating Rink Opening
at Frog Pond, near Beacon St, Boston Common
FREE

Believe it or not, it's getting cold enough to skate outdoors (if you have a special compound that can be kept frozen).

The entertainment portion of the event includes a bunch of medal-winning skaters including figure skater Emily Hughes and host & speed skater Dan Weinstein. There will be more local skating teams, mascots, dancers, and booths with giveaways.

I suspect all of the hullabaloo will last about an hour, then you can skate for free. Slightly less free, if have to rent skates ($8 / $5 for 13 and under).

The rink should be open until 9pm tonight.

SUN 11/21

7:30pm
Brookline Symphony Orchestra: Debut Concert
at All Saints Parish, 1773 Beacon St, Brookline (near Cleveland Circle)
$10 / $5 students, seniors

Program:

Carl Maria von Weber, "Overture to Oberon"
Mozart, "Symphony No. 39"
Beethoven, "Symphony No. 7"

Some ambitious souls have revived a tradition of a volunteer-based Brookline Orchestra. These are one of those chances to hear quality classical music for a fraction of the usual cost.

SUN 11/21

7:30pm
Rock Shop Film Shop: "Regina Spektor: Live In London"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / All Ages

Psst.

As I'm writing this, there are folks in Greenwich Village that are paying to see this concert film in a theater. Any of us can watch it for free.

Most people don't want to watch a concert film of Regina doing her thing while standing up about 90 minutes, so there will be seats available. (Doors open at 7pm)

SUN 11/21

9pm
Asa Brebner Band
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

When I was at Billy Ruane's birthday concert this past week, I thought it was a shame that most f these people may not have shown up this year if Billy wasn't in an urn. Shouldn't we celebrate more when people are still alive?

Tonight is Asa Brebner's birthday, and he's doing what he loves -- and anyone was is invited to have a good time as well with major guy in Boston rock (Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers, Robin Lane & the Chartbusters, and much more).

Hopefully Asa will be with us for a long time to come, although his most recent CD from this year was titled "Suenos De Los Muertos" (or "Dreams of the Dead"). It should bluesy, rootsy rockin' bash. Every Asa gig I've seen has been thoroughly fun time.

SUN 11/21

9:30pm
Small Black, Class Actress, Stereo Telescope
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Call it 'electro' or 'new-new wave' or 'synth-pop' or 'Henry', there's a lot of cool tunes to hear from a couple Brooklyn bands and Boston's Stereo Telescope (with members of Campaign for Real Time and This Car Up).

If you do nothing else, I heartily recommend that you put Class Actress' "Journal of Ardency" on your next party mix. It must be on quite a few already...

The Pint is Sometimes Mightier...

...Than the keyboard.

I thought I might just go for a few pints and be a good boy last night.

Well, I'm not a good boy.

I think it's better to realize that I won't have another Saturday post up in the near future, so the one below will have to do.

I realized that I didn't mention the Brickbottom and Joy Street Open Studios (near Union Square) were happening today and tomorrow.

I'll rally with Sunday cheapness soon. (There is surprisingly quite a few choices for a Sunday.)

Cheers!

Sneak Peek: SAT 11/20

Hey, besides the SMFA sale listed below, I think there might be arts & crafts for sale in the Burren's back room from noon to 4pm.

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SAT 11/20

10am to 9:45pm
Community Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

This is kind of a big deal in the art world. Bottom line: The photos make the new wing look amazing, and I've yet to hear anyone say something negative.

I do think the masses will show up early for the free day, and they may not have "read the fine print" to know that the new wing doesn't open until 11am. If you want to avoid the likely massive crowds, I suggest going later in the day since they'll be open until 9:45pm

Of course, there will be talks and family-friendly activities throughout the day as well as live classical music in the new courtyard at 6pm.

Psst: There is free admission on WED 11/24 from 10am to 4:45pm

SAT 11/20 and SUN 11/21

Noon to 6pm
Museum School Art Sale
at School of the Museum of Fine Arts, 95 Museum Rd, Boston (The Fens)
- What you buy -

If you're at the MFA, you might as well check out the artist sale around the corner. You might found something for a loved one (or for yourself).

SAT 11/20

8:30pm to 1am
"JP vs Somerville Dance Off"
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway)
$12 / 21+

Feat DJ's: Mark E. Moon & Pink Sweatshirt, Linear B. vs. Just Joan and Evaredy, Certified Max

Yeah, I'm breaking my $10 rule for a Girls Rock Camp fundraiser. Besides dancing, there'll be "raffles, contests, and trash talking".

At least one good reason to dance is to protect the reputation of your neighborhood. You don't have to pick a side to have a good time, but you really should...

Sponsored by PBR, so assume what beer might be available...

SAT 11/20

9pm
Lemuria, Young Leaves, Dan Webb & the Spiders, Save Ends
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 18+

This is going to be a kick-ass punk/rock show with bands like Buffalo's Lemuria that are ready to win you over as their biggest fan.

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SAT 11/20

9:30pm
Scissormen, Peter Parcek
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$9 advance / $10 door / 21+

A big helping blues is going down including one of the periodic returns of Scissormen from Nashville.

FRI 11/19: Art, Film, Rock

In case you're curious, Saturday cheapness is already on the calendar.

The big thing is the free opening day of the new Art of Americas wing at the MFA. I suspect the real clusterf*ck will be in the morning and afternoon, but you can get in until 9:45pm. I might go just to walk in and around the new structure.

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FRI 11/19

6pm to 9pm
Triiibe, "In Search of Eden: A Work in Progress": Reception
at 808 Gallery, 808 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

At the midpoint of this developing exhibit, this group that is centered around triplet-sister performance artists shares the "progress" in their "work" on the themes the biblical story, temptation, and the modern concept of Eden.

Since the multi-media installation really is changing, this is as good of a time for a reception, and you'll probably see all sisters in the same room...

I watched the preview video, and it looks lots of interesting things are going on.

FRI 11/19

7pm
"Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt & The Magnetic Fields"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75

While this documentary is being shown several times over the next 3 days, I most strongly recommend tonight's 7pm screening where Claudia Gonson and Chris Ewen (members of The Magnetic Fields) will introduce the film and participate in a post-film Q&A.

When I checked last night, it seemed like tickets were still available...

FRI 11/19

7pm
"Wavelengths": Avant-Garde Showcase
at Bright Screening Room, Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$10 / $5 students

This year's Toronto International Film Festival marked the 10th anniversary of the experimental film program. It consisted of 6 different programs, which have been distilled in this collection.

Those into weird visuals that may not seem to make sense, this is the cream of the crop.

Warning: At least one film has stroboscopic effects. (I've seen that warning before, so I might as well let you know.)

FRI 11/19

Runner & the Thermodynamics (Midnight), The Lights Out (11pm), The Organ Beats (10pm), Minor Stars (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

As a Boston band of the recent past that was well-loved by local fans and was on track for the brass ring of national attention, it's by sheer happenstance that Runner & the Thermodynamics are playing a one-night-only reunion gig after 5 years. These guys rocked in groove that appealed to classic-rock folks without losing their indie cred. Hey, they went on tour with Alice Cooper!

It gets even better with a solid rock build-up to the main event.

I'd get there early for NC's Minor Stars who also know how to straddle heavy rock and powerpop, somewhat like The Organ Beats who rawk out with a lot of attention to melodies and Noelle's super vocals. On top of that, The Lights Out whips out their punchy, hooky guitar rock (that I still want to call radio-ready, even if a lot of radio won't play it).

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THUR 11/18: Film, Art, Music

So I went to the Billy Ruane birthday party last night and heard a ton of good music. It sure would've been a much more jubilant affair if Billy had not been there in an urn.

There was plenty of good vibes. For example: an old friend of the Ruanes proposed to one of Billy's sisters, and she accepted.

After Chris Brokaw's mind-blowing symphony of feedback, the melancholy welled up and I decided I was ready to go. I know I missed some great acts, but that's how it goes.

I don't think many photos came out well, but I'll try to post them in the near future.

There is more Thursday cheapness on the calendar.

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THUR 11/18

6:30pm
Food at 24fps: "The Secret Of The Grain / La Graine Et Le Mulet"
at Adams House Pool Theatre, about 23 Bow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

This film is a long one (over 2 hours) that may start off a bit slowly, but the NY Times gave it a good review a couple years ago. It also won 4 of the top awards at the French Oscars including "Best Picture" of '08.

The story is realistic family drama centered around a Tunisian immigrant dock worker who has a seemingly impossible dream to open a restaurant. In French with subtitles. (The original title is closer to "The Grain and The Fish".)

Alia Meddeb of the delicious, authentic Baraka Cafe will introduce the film, and there is usually some related refreshments afterward. Although free, it wouldn't hurt to throw a buck or two in the jar.

As far as the address, I entered through this door last month.

THUR 11/18

7pm to 10pm
Walter Sickert Presents: The InkDrip Sessions
at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7 / All Ages

7pm -- Artists' talk & reception; DJ Metal Tiger Music
8pm -- meff 'n jojo's Tiny Instrument Revue
8:40pm -- Titler
9:20pm -- True Vintage Duo

Of the three weeks of InkDrip Sessions, this one might be the most appealing to me. It's also the last night of this art & music residency curated by Walter Sickert who has the aura of mad genius but I can't say for sure.

Besides his mad-genius music, he makes mad-genius art. He created something everyday for a year, and a portion has been displayed each week along with performances from his musical friends.

Tonight's art theme is "Post Apocalyptic Lounge". Among the performers tonight is the shockingly hilarious Titler who I interviewed a couple years ago before I reviewed his show. The weak-hearted might find his piano-songs offensive, but I laughed a lot. On one side is the more traditional songs via piano & vocals by the True Vintage Duo, and the mirthful mandolin/ukulele tunes from meff 'n jojo.

THUR 11/18

Dennis Brennan Quatro (10pm), Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers (9pm)
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

As far as I'm concerned you can't go wrong with Dennis Brennan or Erin Harpe, so imagine how damn good it will be to hear them back-to-back. As the "Quatro", Brennan takes his rootsy rock and gooses up the rock quotient. When Harpe is joined by The Delta Swingers, her acoustic early-blues styling is bumped a few decades further for something like the electric bands of Muddy Waters. Good stuff!

THUR 11/18

9:30pm
Jenny Owen Youngs, Paul Dempsey, Lauren Flaherty
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

When I was looking at Great Scott's schedule a few days ago, I swear I didn't see this $10 show...

While Jenny Owen Youngs is the reason I give this gig a big thumbs-up, it should be a full night of kick-ass singer-songwriter types. Youngs (Owen Youngs?) caught my attention with her golden voice and and a lilting song whose chorus repeats "What the f--- was I thinking?" And the rest of her stuff delivers beyond the F-bombs.

WED 11/17: Talk, Film, Billy B-Day, Rock

Hey -- if you see me at the Billy Ruane party (see below) tonight, I have an unopened PBR-theme chapstick in my bag and will give it to the first person who asks for it.

For the skaters out there, the Frog Pond rink is opening tomorrow 11/18 Sunday 11/21. After the skating entertainment, you can get on the ice for free (you still pay for skate rentals: $8 or $5).

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WED 11/17

6pm to 7:30pm
Soap Box Discussion Series: Chris Reddy, "Probing the Plume"
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

Let's talk more about the Gulf oil spill. Oil isn't spewing out of the faulty well, but there is still oil in the water from the accident (as I read the info from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution). One of their people is going to discuss what happened and the current status.

WED 11/17

7pm
Ronan Tynan: Lecture & Performance
at Tsai Performance Center, Boston University, 685 Comm Ave, Boston
FREE

My original impression of this guy was that he was the Irish opera singer who regularly appeared at Yankee Stadium. He has since moved to Massachusetts, and I think he has sang at Fenway. I didn't realize that he was also a physician and a paraplegic athelete.

Doors open at 6:30pm with seating on a first come, first serve basis. I'm not sure how this will work, but free tickets can be reserved at 617-353-8725 or by email.

WED 11/17

7pm
"Arif Mardin: The Greatest Ears in Town": Screening
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Both legendary music producer Arif Mardin and his son Joe (documentary's co-director) are Berklee grads, so this seems an apropos place for what is probably the Boston premiere.

With Atlantic Records for about 40 years, he worked on loads of jazz, soul, R&B, pop, and more. This guy is the string that connects "Good Lovin’" (Young Rascals), "She's Gone" (Hall & Oates), "Jive Talkin’" (Bee Gees), Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You" and "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones.

WED 11/17

7pm to 9pm
Science in the News: "Star Power: New Ways to Harvest Energy from our Sun"
at Armenise Ampitheatre, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston (Harvard Medical School / Longwood)
FREE

This is the last lecture in this year's series, and they're talking solar energy.

WED 11/17

7pm
Billy Ruane Memorial Birthday Bash
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

I wrote about this yesterday. I have a feeling this won't be the last celebration in his honor, but it's going to be a major two-club, one-price blow-out for a Boston great.

There were about 160 tickets still available as of last night...

WED 11/17

9:30pm
Summer of Aden, Huddled Masses, Mount Peru, Broken River Prophet (solo)
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

For those interested in some non-Billy Ruane rock, this show looks pretty darn good. I suspect it will have a good contrast of light and dark.

Adam from Broken River Prophet will begin with a solo set of noirish Americana, followed by Mount Peru who have a pleasantly loose powerpop thing going on. Huddled Masses is something like a side project from two of the guys from Guillermo Sexo who are stripping down some of the thick psych fuzz. Summer of Aden is the sunny indie-pop cherry on the sundae.

Maybe Billy would've dug this show...

11/17: Billy Ruane Memorial Birthday Bash

7pm
Billy Ruane Memorial Birthday Bash
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Wow. I don't know how to neatly summarize the overwhelming amount of music that's happening in celebration of Billy Ruane's birthday after his untimely death about 3 weeks ago. Even if he can't be there in the flesh, Billy's friends and other music-lovers can celebrate his Birthday.

There's so much that has been said in praise of the man who has meant so much to the Boston rock scene. The Phoenix has quite a bit centralized.

As far as Wednesday night, the last time that TT's and the Middle East held a joint event was probably 23 years ago for Billy's 30th birthday party. Billy Ruane brought live music to the Middle East -- just think about that.

There's plenty of background info about the party is in a Facebook note from one of the organizers, Mary Lou Lord.

Some of the bare basics:
-- It is one admission for both clubs, so theoretically you can move between the two venues. If a room is at capacity, either wait or listen to the other stage.
-- The Middle East will host mainly seasoned acts, while TT's will lean towards Billy's more recent favorites while also sandwiching in the originally scheduled acts: Jon Langford (ex-Mekons) and Chris Mills.
-- The cover charge is going to a fund that will fund various charities, maybe including the Mark Sandman Music Project.

I have a difficult time believing it will stay on schedule, but this may be a good guideline:

Middle East

Opening Song: Lilia Halpern-Smith
7pm -- Drew O'Doherty
7:15pm -- Eric Martin
7:30pm -- Rockin' Bob Cenci
7:45pm -- Randy Black
8pm -- Linda Viens & Catherine Coleman
8:15pm -- Jimmy Ryan & Sean Staples
8:30pm -- Joe Harvard
8:45pm -- Willie Alexander
9pm -- Chris Brokaw
9:15pm -- Hilken Mancini & Thalia Zedek
9:30pm -- Reid Paley
9:45pm -- Pat McGrath, Stephen Fredette, Peter Wolf
10:15pm -- Michael Patrick Macdonald (speaking) & other Billy stories
10:45pm -- Slideshow
11pm -- Tanya Donnelly & Skeggy Kendall
11:20pm -- Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents
11:35pm -- Buffalo Tom
Midnight -- Lady Lamb the Beekeeper
12:20am -- Closing Song

TT The Bear's

7pm -- Emily Forsythe
7:15pm -- Nina Violet
7:30pm -- Fred the Donkey
7:45pm -- Bell & the Bees
8pm -- The Raging Teens
8:25pm -- Slideshow/Speaking
9:15pm -- The Neighborhoods
9:50pm -- Chris Mills
10:30pm -- John Langford
11:40pm -- Drug Rug
12:05am -- Banditas
12:30am -- Frank Morey

I strongly encourage you to get advance tickets. Both clubs seemed to still have online tickets, although TT's version seemed to have less fees than the Middle East.

If you wanted to go in person today, the Middle East box office (up the stairs 472 Mass Ave) is open from 1pm to 7pm. You can buy tickets at TT the Bears after 6pm.

Update: As of 7pm last night, there were about 160 tickets left.

If you wanted to see/contribute to the memorial murals at Fourth Wall Project, your last chances are Wednesday 11/17 and Thursday 11/18, from Noon to 6pm.

TUES 11/16: Talk & Rock

Has anyone tried Four Loko? I'm sure it tastes like carp, but I'm intrigued by how much opposition it's received.

Someone at Harvard called it "badness in a can"... Hey, dude, that makes people want to drink it!

A friend told me they saw some college-age people drinking it on the Red Line, because it's rather ingeniously packaged like an energy drink. Nice work, undergrads!

I might regret it, but I'm going to drink one before it's banned. Wish me luck.

Note: The show of the week is going to be tomorrow's Billy Ruane posthumous birthday bash ($10) at the Middle East - Downstairs and TT the Bear's. One ticket gets you into both clubs, so think about getting an advance ticket -- if there are any left.

Also: My apologies if you click on a MySpace link below. The whole site seems to have become even crappier than before.

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TUES 11/16

7pm
Dyan deNapoli, "The Great Penguin Rescue": Lecture
at New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE

Oil spills are on the radar lately, and this incident occurred about 10 years ago off the coast of South Africa. The spill could have wiped out half of the African penguins, but DeNapoli and other experts led thousands of volunteers to avert an aquatic bird disaster. I like that this woman is called "The Penguin Lady".

Registration is requested.

TUES 11/16

7pm
Matt Taibbi, "Griftopia": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Are you angry -- or pissed off or somewhere else on the spectrum -- about the "financial bailout"?

What bothers me was that the ostensible cause was people unable to pay their mortgages and the tremendously f---ed up set of exotic financial instruments that subsequently fell like dominos.

If the government was going to bail anyone out, shouldn't have been the homeowners/citizens/voters so they could pay their mortgages; then reform the shady world mortgage trading?

Gah! See what happens when one starts to think about this stuff? In his new book, Rolling Stone and Phoenix contributor Matt Taibbi digs deep into many of the stories of the movers and shakers with a good bit of outrage.

TUES 11/16

7pm
Story Slam: "A Boston 'T' Party"
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / $6 with Charlie Card

Riding the T is fertile ground for stories. (I'm not sure I'll ever forget the article about a woman giving birth on the Orange Line about 3 years ago.)

This is a chance to tell and/or listen to 5-minute personal stories from the underground (and above). If you have the winning story tonight, you'll compete in the championship in April. Last year's grand prize was a trip to Italy...

TUES 11/16

8:40pm
Corin Ashley Band, The Dirty Truckers, Andrea Gillis Band, Hilken Mancini, Jenny Dee & Friends, Dave Aaronoff, Drew O'Doherty, Brendan Little, Chris Keene, Jonathan Pape, Uke Springsteen
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

In this modern world of repackaging the past, Bruce Springsteen's multi-DVD/CD "The Promise" seems like the perfect holiday gift for the Boss-fanatic in your life. There was about 80 songs recorded for his 4th album "Darkness on the Edge of Town", so this includes unreleased tunes and a documentary on the making of the album.

While this is probably part of a massive promotional campaign, Bruce has a ton of awesome songs for this assortment of excellent local acts to choose from as they'll each play at least one from his catalog.

Tentative schedule:

11:45pm -- Corin Ashley Band
11:25pm -- The Dirty Truckers
11:05pm -- Andrea Gillis Band
10:50pm -- Hilken Mancini
10:30pm -- Jenny Dee & Friends
10:05pm -- Dave Aaronoff
9:50pm -- Drew O'Doherty
9:30pm -- Brendan Little
9:15pm -- Chris Keene
9pm -- Jonathan Pape
8:40pm -- Uke Springsteen

Again, tomorrow night will be a giant mass of music as a Billy Ruane Memorial Party. Musicians will be performing at TT's and the Middle East - Downstairs. You can buy a ticket from either place ($10) and get into both as occupancy allows.