TUES 9/13: Words, Drinks, Tunes

No offense to tomorrow's cheapness, but today is looking more interesting...

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TUES 9/13

5pm
An Evening with Andre Dubus III
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

5pm to 7pm -- Cocktail hours
7pm -- Speaking portion

A few months ago, Andre Dubus III has given a few interviews (The Phoenix & JS Ink) where his open answers give a glimpse into the prose awaiting in his memoir of rough youth on the North Shore.

If you haven't picked up into the new book from the author of "House of Sand and Fog", this is a chance to get a sample from the source.

TUES 9/13

5:30pm to 8pm
Center Open House
at French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

If you have the slightest interest in learning French and/or taking French lessons, you should be fine to walk around the building, see what's going on in the French Center, listen to a little music, and have a glass of wine.

I've been to the first floor, and it's a pretty nice building. It could be worth 30 or 40 minutes of your time, and it's calmer classier way to get a free drink instead of the Stuff Boston party.

RSVP is recommended at 617-912-0400 (but not required).

TUES 9/13

6pm to 8pm
Stuff Boston YOP: "Fall Fashion Issue"
at North 26, The Millennium Hotel, 26 North St, Boston (Faneuil Hall /Haymarket)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

I tried to tell you yesterday. There's a possibility you can still RSVP to get in. (I didn't check this morning.)

TUES 9/13

7pm to 8pm
John Ferling, "Independence: The Struggle To Set America Free": Discussion & Signing
at Harvard Coop, 3rd Level, 1400 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

It's great that people are expressing interest in colonial American history by calling themselves tea-partiers. (There's even a talk about the modern conservative movement tomorrow around the corner from the Coop.)

Maybe they should pick up a history book like this one, which covers the period from the Boston Tea Party to the Continental Congress debating in 1776.

The book is probably missing the story of Paul Revere's famous ride to 'warn the British'...

TUES 9/13

7pm
"Poets for Haiti": Reading
at Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton
FREE

Feat: Wendy Mnookin, Gail Mazur, Kim Triedman, Barbara Helfgott Hyett

Shortly after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, there was a reading with 18 authors at Harvard to benefit the relief effort.

An anthology ($20) has been published including those writers with illustrations by Haitian artists, and the proceeds will go to Partners in Health who have been providing assistance well before the earthquake.

After hearing from some contributors, there may be time for people to read a poem of their own (arrive early to sign up for the open mic).

TUES 9/13

8pm
Michael Tarbox & El Yucateco
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Whether solo or with the Tarbox Ramblers, Michael usually digs deep into the roots of American music to incorporate blues/country/gospel into a rip-roaring rock 'n roll party -- or a darkly gently folkiness.

I get the idea we're going to hear a little twist on "ballads, fever dream blues, amorous hymns" with tonight's band (Mexican name?) that includes pedal steel guitar and strings.

TUES 9/13

9pm
Annie's Rock N' Roll Birthday
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Feat: Guillermo Sexo (11pm), Aloud (10pm), Sarah RabDAU & Self-Employed Assassins (9pm), Allix Mortis, Brandy Wine

You may not know Annie personally, but she has put together some excellent rock shows over the years and is a real champion of the local music scene. And she's a wonderful person on top of it all. Obviously you don't have to know her to enjoy a kickass gig in the middle of the week.

When Aloud is firing on all pistons, it's some of the best lean, mean, straight-up rock anthems I've heard with big handfuls of melody and emotion. Thankfully, there's only one Self-Employed Assassin behind Sarah Rabdau, because it leaves more space to appreciate her outstanding vocals and keyboard. For some reason, I've never been too excited about Guillermo Sexo's approach to noisy, fuzzy sound; but that doesn't mean you won't love it.

I assume the burlesque dancers will perform between bands, and one should expect "games! favors! cake! prizes!", because Annie is throwing a party.