FRI 2/11: Music & Comedy

Congratulations to the Egyptian people for at least nonviolently changing their country. Let's hope today's developments are the first steps towards a democratic government.

BTW: Did you know that the short-film Oscar nominees are being screened at Kendall Square Cinema in separate programs for live-action and animated.

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FRI 2/11

6pm to 9pm
Kristen Ford
at Bull McCabe's, 366 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

I've seen the Kristen Ford Band a couple times, and I think she's awesome. She has such a strong positive energy that exudes from her and the songs. It might be impossible to dislike her full-throttle folk-rock. You'll either be 1) blown away, 2) thoroughly refreshed, or 3) unswayed yet admiring of the effort.

FRI 2/11

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5

Feat: Ben Keefe, Will Noonan, Guitler Raphael, Eve, Shawn Donovan, Al Park, Danny Richardson, Sean Kleier, Greg Gallant, Mary Briwa

Tonight's show is hosted by Rob Crean and Lillian DeVane, who seem to be actual sweethearts -- or something similar if 'sweetheart' isn't quite right.

Whatever the labels, love and laughs should be in the air. With about a dozen comedians for $5, how can you not laugh enough to get your money's worth. There are going to be some funny people on stage and plenty of reasonably-priced tallboys behind the bar.

I bet you can still stick around for The Pill at 10pm without paying another cover charge that features a live set from synthpoppers Stereo Telescope.

FRI 2/11

8pm
"Lisztomania"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

As I said last week: Before "Lisztomania" (the pop song) and "Lisztomania" (the movie), there was genuine Lisztomania for the Hungarian pianist-composer who wowed 19th-century Europe with his virtuoso performances.

It's reasonable to assume that his compositions can be quite intense for subsequent pianists to perform.

This year is the bicentenary of his birth, so the NEC is presenting a series of concerts -- that continues next Friday -- where all of their piano majors as well as other students will perform.

The theme of tonight's program are compositions while living in Italy.

More Liszt celebration continues at the Boston Conservatory next month.

FRI 2/11

9:30pm
The Fagettes, Cocked N' Loaded, The Grinds, The Snipes
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

With the exception of the hard 'n heavy rock of Cocked N' Loaded, it's a punk 'n garage parade of bands that range from the relatively new (The Snipes) to the really, really new (The Fagettes, The Grinds). So if a band you liked called it quits lately, there are new bands starting all the time.

I think the bands are listed above in last-to-first order...

FRI 2/11

10pm
"Enchantment Under the Sea Dance"
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$8 / 21+

Feat: The Wandas & DJ Leah V

Yes, it sounds familiar because it's a "Back to the Future" reference.

I suspect DJ Leah V will throw in more than a few nods to the '50s, and The Wandas are definitely going do some period-appropriate cover songs among their top-notch pop-rock.

It wouldn't hurt to get into the spirit and dress like you're going to a formal high school dance.