FRI 5/20: Art, Civil Rights, Comedy, Music

Wow, I was surprised at how many people decided to click 'Follow' on Twitter. I'm seriously considering the occasional witty post to make it more entertaining...

Of course, the 'Rapture' isn't going to happen tomorrow. (Although it would be funny if aliens wanted to destroy the planet to make a space highway.)

What a way to celebrate tomorrow with Earthfest at the Hatch Shell and Porchfest across Somerville, and plenty of other cheap weekend options!

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FRI 5/20

6pm
"Bits + Pieces": Opening Reception
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Feat: Jane Blood, Nance Davies, Billy Mavreas, Lissa Rivera, Dana Sherwood, Isaac White

Artists aren't "hoarders"; they're just collecting material for future creations.

The concept of collecting and its meaning is theme of this exhibit that's on view through SUN 6/26. I think it might be interesting to ask them about their stuff tonight.

FRI 5/20

6:30pm to 8:30pm
"Freedom Riders: Could You Get On The Bus?": Screening & Discussion
at WGBH Studios, One Guest Street, Brighton
FREE w/ RSVP

It looks like there is still space, if you want to attend a screening of the program showing on PBS.

There will also be a discussion with the filmmaker Stanley Nelson and a panel with reporters and scholars: Callie Crossley, Phillip Martin, Kim McLarin, Peniel Joseph.

There's even free parking and a complimentary cocktail reception begins at 6:30pm.

FRI 5/20

7pm to 9:30pm
The Gas -- "Funny Boners 2: Crooked Directions"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5

Feat: Mehran Khaghani, more

Has there even been a dating show on TV lately? Sounds like it'll be a twist on "The Dating Game" where people from the audience will be chosen to participate. If I were organizing it, a guy/gal will be asking pre-written questions to a panel of comedians who will improvise.

If people realty value a 'sense of humor', it should be evident here.

Mehran will finish things off by simply saying crazy, hilarious shit.

FRI 5/20

8pm
"Wayfaring Strange: an offbeat song swap"
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7

Feat: Leesa Coyne, Joe Kowan, Davina Yanetty, Nick Zaino

In the middle of Somerville, 4 singer-songwriter types are planning to get strange. I assume it will be something like a "in the round" performance -- but different in a way... and strange songs...?

I still laugh thinking about Joe Kowan's alter-ego J-Krafty, the rapping bedazzler and Leesa Coyne of Naked on Roller Skates was one of his posse (Scissah or Knitta, I can't remember). And Davina Yanetty has some rather funny tunes too...

FRI 5/20

Static Of The Gods (Midnight), Endless Wave (11:10pm), Soft Pyramids (10:20pm), Vary Lumar (9:30pm), Emily Peal (8:45pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Both Static Of The Gods and Endless Wave have new CD's to share with the world. Before the double shot of shoegazey goodness, there's a trio of extremely satisfying pop and indie-rock that I'd like to hear more and more.

FRI 5/20

9pm
Queerpalooza
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$6ish / 18 +

Feat: Gunpowder Gelatine, Shepherdess, Happy Little Clouds, Nebraska, Michelle Barrett

The Midway already hosts a weekly "ladies' night", so at least a bunch of lesbians know how to get here. Of course, everyone is welcome to hear a couple of folky acts, a couple indie bands, and an all-female Queen tribute band.