FRI 9/16: Film, Music, Comedy

Although a little over $10, tonight's TraniWreck at Club Oberon is a benefit for Truth Serum's Aliza Shapiro who has put together quite a bit of cheap fun over the years. Even if medical bills are as daunting as they used to be, independent artists need help with living expenses after a brain hemorrhage.

As for Saturday, there's art all over in the South End, music & stoners on the Common, more daytime music at the Hatch Shell, Somerville & (believe it or not) Stoneham. Maybe you'd prefer a Pamplona-theme pub crawl through downtown or go on a time-venture with our flash-mob meisters.

--------------------------------------------------------------

MON 9/19 (thru THUR 9/22)

Various Times
27th Annual Boston Film Festival
at Stuart Street Playhouse, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District)
Most $9

It's difficult for me to recommend many of these movies, but maybe you'll see something that you like. Previous years have included "Conviction", "Welcome to the Rileys", "Lars and the Real Girl", etc.

As usual, the lineup is a mix of films that might hit the independent theaters in the next year and films that have Boston ties. Tonight's "Certainty" (6:45pm) may be the best shot. It was written by comedian/actor/Sox fan Mike O'Malley and stars Giancarlo Esposito among others.

The premiere of local documentary "Give Me a Shot of Anything: House Calls to the Homeless" on Monday should be interesting.

FRI 9/16 (and SAT 9/17)

7pm
The New England Pop Music Festival
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

Tonight's schedule:

Midnight -- Angeline
11pm -- Wayne Cabral
10pm -- Watts
9pm -- Joe Turner & the Seven Levels
8pm -- A Pony For My Birthday
7pm -- Fireking

Like the International Pop Overthrow and the like, these events allow the listener to hear more bands than usual.

Of the two nights still remaining, it seems like tonight's lineup offers a little more variety and tomorrows show has a bit more powerpop going on.

There are plenty of good bands both nights, and the Rosebud is great spot to see bands.

Note: All the proceeds from the festival benefit Doctors Without Borders, Animal Rescue League of Boston, and Community Music Center of Boston.

FRI 9/16

7:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Sean Wilkinson, Sharkee Katz, Andrew Mayer, Alingon Mitra, Christopher Gardner, James Creelman, Santiago Angel, Tim Vargulish, Lillian DeVane

Call me crazy, but I'd rather hear comedy without going to a comedy club. Do you want to laugh? And drink tallboys? I hear the pickleback is popular at Great Scott...

If you're looking for something different on any Friday night, you can hear a bunch of comedians for a low cover (sometimes lower when you go with someone) and still have time do something else.

When you're onto your next stop, you also have something interesting to say...

FRI 9/16

8pm
Warren Zanes
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

If you dug the Del Fuegos, you may not know that guitarist/younger-brother Warren Zanes has been doing a lot more that writing songs in the last 20 years or so.

Although you might not notice, he conducted most of the interview's in upcoming George Harrison documentary; and he's worked at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's doing a solo gig in support of his new album.

FRI 9/16

Roy Sludge (Midnight), Movers & Shakers (11pm), Tony The Bookie (10pm), The Unholy Three (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

In support of his new album, Roy Sludge is also gigging. As with other country/rockabilly bands (The Spurs/The Cranktones) he has led, Sludge serves up enjoyable, witty tunes with top-notch musicianship. The CD is called "Too Drunk To Truck", and it goes on from there.

Two of my favorite rockin' bands who don't shy away from getting rootsy and/or twangy are also playing. Another interesting wrinkle is an appearance from the Unholy Three which is probably the magic act that includes the drummer from The Pixies and the singer from Possum Dixon (that's for those of you who remembered Del Fuegos, above).