FRI 10/7: Art, Music, Burlesque, Film

Last night I heard someone say in sinister tones, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow... you will be dead."

Let's hope not, but I think the "go out and have fun" sentiment is still buried in there...

Saturday cheapness is on the calendar.

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FRI 10/7

5pm to 9pm
First Friday Open Studios
at SoWa Arts Bldg, 450 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

There doesn't seem to be any open studios this weekend, but those who feel like getting close to the creative process can walk around the SoWa building. About 50 or so studios have been open on the occasions I've been there, and there is som wonderful stuff.

Go in a direction or pick a floor or just wander around until you see something you like through the open door.

FRI 10/7

6pm
Annual Viva La Vinal Festival
at Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE / Donations Welcome

Schedule:

6pm -- Audrey Ryan
6:45pm -- Abbie Barrett
7:30 pm -- Sophie Innerfield & Nick Murphy
8:15 pm -- Jenee Halstead

Dang, looks like it's going to be a beautiful day! Ignore the calendar and head to this verdant space outside of Union Sq for some beautiful music al fresco.

The fantastic flights of one-woman band Audrey Ryan strike a special chord with me, but I've seen all of these fine singer-songwriters. There may be too many good songs for one night, but I know you can handle it.

There are steps (and maybe some chairs), and folks can bring their own comfort items. As they say, "Picnicking & potlucking are welcome and encouraged."

FRI 10/7 (thru SUN 10/9)

Various Times
Fringe Festival: "Bluebeard's Castle"
at Lane-Comley Studio 210, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston (BU Theatre/near Symphony Hall)
$7

Friday -- 8pm
Saturday -- 6pm, 8pm
Sunday -- 2pm

This is the only opera written by the great Hungarian composer. While I haven't listened to this specific work, I find Bartok's music quite exciting.

Hey, listening to modern opera (probably an English translation), about a newlywed finding all the doors in her husband's castle are locked, may not be a weekend treat for everyone. This is going to stretch your culture muscles...

FRI 10/7 (thru MON 10/31)

8pm
"The Wrathskellar"
at 545 Cambridge St Enter thru Rear, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$14.50 advance / $20 door

While I was a 'guest' of The Wrathskellar proprietors last night, I was left leaving that it was a thouroughly enjoyable theater experience that was well-paced, funny, and sexy.

Although only the first show was $10, I want to give a shoutout for something above the usual limit. Pay attention from the beginning and you'll pick up clues for the narrative that emerges throughout the show.

Far from being a cheesy attempt to scare, it's darker than your average burlesque for Halloween time.

If you don't mind signing up (easy process), discounted advance tickets are available.

FYI: I noticed a couple people miss the sign, but you enter around the corner through a little alley behind the building.

FRI 10/7

John Powhida International Airport (Midnight), Sidewalk Driver (11pm), The Organ Beats (10pm), The Rationales (9pm)
at Radio/Club Choices, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 / 21+

Think about this: Even if you count each part of the Middle East as separate entities, there are more music clubs in Union Square than Central Square with the addition of Radio Bar (plus Precinct, PA's, Sally O's, and Bull McCabes).

Yes, I realize I've compared 4 apples to 5 oranges -- big deal. I still get the feeling this has the potential of being a new favorite place.

The initial reports was that they were keeping the existing "Club Choices" floor plan, but the Facebook page shows that they've been renovating.

You don't have to go on opening night, but this is a rock extravaganza from top to bottom. I suspect that people who don't get there early will be shut out. (I hope I'm not!)

FRI 10/7

9pm to 11pm
Silhouette Rising
at Capiz Lounge, Renaissance Boston Marriott, 606 Congress St, Boston (Seaport)
FREE

This may not have the hip factor of the Ames Sessions from a couple weeks ago, but you gotta appreciate that a bar in a Seaport hotel is going to have live, original music on Friday nights. It's a reason for sticking around if you're in the area.

From a brief listening of Silhouette Rising, they've got good harmonies and pleasing tunes.

FRI 10/7

9:30pm
earthquake party!, The Vandelles, The Foreign Resort, The New Highway Hymnal
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

If you can't get into Radio, this is a damn good show down the street coupling some cool Boston bands with cool NYC bands for noisy, fuzzy, shoegazey fiesta.

FRI 10/7

Midnight
"Popcorn"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9

I'm mainly listing this for people that may want to see this again for nostalgia. I'm no connoisseur of the genre, but while it had some good self-referential ideas, I'm not sure if the total movie was that good.

Please don't tell that to the crew that might be there, because this screening is also a fundraiser for the people working on the DVD/BluRay re-release.

There's a plethora of horror movies on Fridays & Saturday midnights throughout the month, so maybe you'll want to freak yourself out right before you go to bed...