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.