MON 6/13: Salsa, Humor, Sharks, Songs

Random thought: Why isn't Monday the 13th thought to be an unlucky day?

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MON 6/13

6:15pm to 9pm
Salsa in the Park 2011
at Blackstone Community Center courtyard, 50 West Brookline St., Boston (South End)
FREE

Feat: DJ Hernan

6:15pm -- Lessons for all levels
7:15pm -- Additional lessons for beginners

It may not be the best night to salsa dance al fresco, but this is the first of a summer-long series of free dance nights every Monday through 8/29 (except for July 4th).

They will still dance tonight even if it's raining, because the plan is move inside the Community Center when the weather isn't cooperating.

Supposedly hundreds of people of all ages would come out last year...

MON 6/13

7pm to 9pm
"Funny as a Crutch"
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 encouraged donation

Feat: Kevin Kennedy, Ethan Gilsdorf, David Petrie, Carol Hammond, Jeff Stern

When I list readings, it's with the mutual understanding that there's a chance that it will be boring. I usually try to avoid those that appear to be on the dry side unless the subject has significant merit.

That won't be the case tonight as a handful of New England writers bring out the good stuff. It may not be light material, but the laughs will be there.

Kevin Kennedy of Vermont goes by the handle of Natureman, so he's got all sorts of twisted, rural bits. I went to a Ethan Gilsdorf reading, and a LARP-style swordfight broke out.

Musical interludes will be provided by the Lyons Family Band (who are involved with a Vermont audio company).

MON 6/13

7pm to 8pm
Juliet Eilperin, "Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks": Reading
at Harborside Learning Lab, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE w/ Registration

Scientists are still trying to figure sharks out, so there is still many mysteries on our planet. The flip side is that sharks may also be at a critical stage of survival in general.

Juliet Eilperin's new book looks at this strange species of ocean-dwellers that have capture our imagination for centuries.

Registration requested.

"Programs last approximately one hour followed by a reception."

MON 6/13

Kathryn Calder (10:25pm), Bird Of Youth (9:25pm), Slowdim (8:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Each band is doing something quite good, but what really caught my eye/ear is that Kathryn Calder has been singing and playing keyboards with The New Pornographers since the "Twin Cinema" album. Her slightly gentler solo stuff appeals to the N.P.-fan in me.

There's a New Pornographers connection with Bird Of Youth as well (besides these tour dates) such as a shared producer and I think I saw a YouTube clip where B.o.Y.'s Beth Wawerna sang with Calder and A.C. Newman at some radio concert. She rocks out a bit more, but there is still a strong melodic streak.

Our local group Slowdim will get things going on the right foot with a catchy, dreamy, noisy batch of tunes.