THUR 5/26: Food, Film, Music

I might have stayed in my comfort zone on today's list, but I think these are the best cheap options. I don't want to steer you wrong, folks.

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THUR 5/26

7pm
Cooking Demo: Jamie Bissonnette
at Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St, Boston
FREE

Chef Jamie is known to be a snout-to-tail guy, however I doubt he's going to butcher a whole pig in a bookstore. Maybe he'll recreate the tripe dish or pig ear terrine that are featured in the recent cookbook, "Primal Cuts: Cooking with America’s Best Butchers".

Besides demonstrating strong culinary vision at Toro and Coppa, Bissonnette won an episode of "Chopped" last month -- and that may be the toughest cooking contest on TV.

THUR 5/26

7pm
"England!": Screening
at Goethe Institut Boston, 170 Beacon St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Yep, it's a German film about a man who gets sick at Chernobyl and titled on the character's destination.

There may be other movies about a dying person on a final quest, but this one seems to avoid the predictable plot points and cliche sentiments.

From this clip, it definitely has potential to be a really cool film.

THUR 5/26

7:30pm
Franc Graham Band
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

I was about to compare Franc Graham to Lucinda Williams and wondered if that was an unfair comparison. Then I read her bio where she mentions how Lucinda heard her stuff and invited Franc to open for her on tour (unfortunately didn't have a happy ending). Still, she writes some cool, earthy songs with a cleaner vocal style.

THUR 5/26

8pm
Japan Tsunami Benefit
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Feat: Michael Tarbox, Lloyd Thayer

The impulse may be to question a benefit concert for one disaster when there is a more current disaster. The people in Japan are still struggling, and there will surely be other fundraisers for the victims of recent tornados.

On the other hand, one can go hear some pretty awesome country-flavored and bluesy tunes simply for the enjoyment and not worry what happens to your cover charge. I've heard Michael Tarbox rip it up, and I've heard some gentle stuff. Lloyd Thayer is a tremendous slide guitarist with a rough voice.

(BTW: Proceeds go to the Japanese Disaster Relief Fund – Boston)

THUR 5/26

10:30pm
Movers & Shakers, Lenny Lashley
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

For the third year in a row, Movers & Shakers are doing every Thursday in May at the Plough. There's a different opener every week, and they're worthwhile.

There are bands near and far that rock out in a big, American, punky style. I've always thought Movers & Shakers are one of the best, and they keep on getting better.

You've had 3 previous chances to get a free taste this month. Get a hearty, meaty piece of rock pie and savor all those little unexpected chunks of musical flavor.

On this last Thursday, Darkbuster's Lenny Lashley is doing an acoustic thing these days. Even when Lenny gets country, it's punk in its own way.