WED 5/25: Bike, War Talk, Music, Dance

Yeah, I know you could dance to any music, but "Cool Ranch" at the bottom is intended for people to shake it...

When I first saw info on the Radical Roxbury Bike Tour ($10), I didn't think we'd have good weather.

Since it's a beautiful day, some of you might want to go on a bike ride and see the landmarks connected to Malcolm X, MLK Jr, Black Panthers and so on.

The group leaves meets at Roxbury Crossing Station at 6pm. It's limited to 20 people, but there seems to be space left as of this morning. You can purchase a spot ahead of time or bring cash with you -- and you have to bring a helmet as well.

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WED 5/25

6:30 pm
"Civil War Ancestors": Panel Discussion
at Orientation Room, 1st Fl, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

The men of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States might hate being compared to the DAR, but the machismo level is not in doubt.

Three members of MOLLUS will discuss how to research one's ancestors who may have fought in the Civil War, and they'll share some info about their Union relatives.

WED 5/25

7pm
Karl Marlantes & Sebastian Junger, "Matterhorn" and "War": Readings
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

If someone asks why there isn't more discussion about the wars still happening on the other side of the world, tell them they're looking in the wrong place.

Take Sebastian Junger's "War", which was researched with US soldiers in the most dangerous part of Afghanistan. ("Restrepo" is the documentary made during that time.)

What can be described as decades in the making, Rhodes Scholar and Vietnam vet Karl Marlantes has novelized his war experiences into what many have described as a powerful depiction its horrors.

WED 5/25

8pm
Diego Garcia, Matt Lowell
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / All Ages

So, it's a couple guys moving in opposite directions. Diego Garcia used to rock out as the singer in Elefant, and now he's gone quiet and contemplative. Matt Lowell has been a singer-songwriter type who has gotten a band to make a bigger sound.

WED 5/25

Coyote Kolb (10pm), Audrey Ryan (9pm), Kelly Godshall (8pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 18+

This gig looks like it might have steady rise that'll lead to a rockin' alt-country climax with Coyote Kolb. I assume Kelly Godshall who normally performs with the synthy Amber Spyglass will do a solo set. Then Audrey Ryan will accompany herself on guitar, drums, etc for the coolest kind of one-woman band creating delightfully quirky tunes.

WED 5/25

9:30pm
Hey Rosetta!, Old Abram Brown
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Newfie indie-rockers Hey Rosetta! add violin and cello to the mix, but I disagree with some who compare them to Arcade Fire. Maybe they're saying both are Canadian bands with more than guitars, but the sound is more earnest like a Travis for an example off the top of my head.

Our local dudes Old Abram Brown make big, beautiful rock that jibes well with our neighbors to the North.

WED 5/25

10pm
Bodega Girls present "Cool Ranch"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Stereo Telescope, DJ Monster Carl

What was once known as a "Lo-Fi Hedonistic Dance Party" has been abbreviated to "Cool Ranch".

While they do perform live, a couple of the Bodega Girls usually DJ on the last Wednesday of the month, usually inviting another group to do a live set. It sounds like BG will do some live stuff as well as a set from electronic duo Stereo Telescope.

Get ready for a hip, multi-media dancing mayhem with special lighting/visuals too.