THUR 10/6: Music, Art, Cabaret

Wow, it's Thursday already!

I've been invited to review a Halloween-ish burlesque show (see below), and I've noticed that my ensemble is completely beige, business-casual. There's no point in trying to look cool, but why couldn't I have at least worn a black shirt? [Now stoicly accepting my lot.]

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THUR 10/6

7pm
Cuffs, Cotton Candy
at Boomerangs, 716 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

I wouldn't be surprised if indie-pop concerts didn't spontaneously occur at JP thrift stores on a regular basis. We have received advance notice tonight, and it should be pretty cool to hear two cool bands while browsing.

Y'know... In a Jamaica Plain thrift store kind of way...

THUR 10/6

6pm to 9pm
Ben Houge, "Kaleidoscope Music": Opening Reception
at AXIOM Gallery, Green Street T, Ground Floor, about 150 Green St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

This installation manipulates the real-time sounds of the T station below into music and rhythms that have been programmed to never repeat.

Along with the ambient soundscape, Houge will display altered images of Shanghai's neon lights that were taken while he lived there for 6 years.

Exhibition on display through SUN 11/6.

THUR 10/6

7:30pm
Berklee PULSE presents: "BANDED"
at Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Feat: Zili Misik, Aloud, Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, Ghost Box Orchestra, Tumbleweed Company

If you've ever played in a band -- and wished your output could be... better -- this project is rather fascinating where Berklee professors are matched with local groups to work on a song from beginning to end.

It was filmed as a documentary called "BANDED", and I watched the preview. Bands from different genres seem to benefit from the solid music theory advice, but who knows how much controversy I didn't see.

This show has a strong variety of good bands, including the fantastic rock of Aloud and the adorbale lilt of the Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library -- and proceeds go to the Berklee City Music Scholarship Fund.

THUR 10/6 (thru MON 10/31)

8pm
"The Wrathskellar"
at 545 Cambridge St, Enter thru Rear, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$10 (and up)

Give the Boston Babydolls kudos for making an empty storefront into a portal to an alternate version of a Victorian London club and offering "an evening of revenge, jealousy, greed, betrayal, lust, murder and - of course - sultry dancing."

Can burlesque be dark and creepy? I'll find out tonight as I've been invited to this opening night (with post-show Q&A session) with $10 cover.

There will be performances Thursdays to Sundays through October with a final presentation on Monday 10/31. The general admission will be $20, but there is a site with discounted tickets available for most nights.

THUR 10/6

9:30pm
"Salon Gone Wrong: Den of Debauchery"
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

Feat: Jojo the Burlesque Poetess, Broke-Ass Stuart, Walter Sickert, Tiny Instrument Revue, Why Are Those Girls So Loud, Craig Robertson

It's one part birthday party (Jojo & Walter), one part book-release (Jojo), and several other parts of music, spoken-word, laughs, dancing, and peculiar revelry.

"Art, zines, books and music will be for sale."

THUR 10/6

Lydia Loveless (11:45pm), Hayley Jane & The Primates (10:50pm), Civil Warblers (9:55pm), Andrew Greene (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

There's a country/rockabilly streak to this lineup anchored by the young-body/old-soul Lydia Loveless from Ohio. Hayley Jane & The Primates have a rootsy bounce. As you might expect the Civil Warblers get down-homey that should appeal to fans of Bread & Roses, since some of those guys are in this band.

THUR 10/6

9:30pm
Motherboar, Acaro, Death Ray Vision, Your Pain Is Endearing, Swarm of Eyes
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Yeah, it's metal night at Great Scott. I've listened to most of these bands a few times, these guys are not crewing around. Motherboar has won multiple awards for best local metal band, so isn't it about time you've listened?