THUR 11/10: Talk, Drama, Rock

The Frugal Traveler blog at the NY Times posted "Boston, Free and Easy (and Campus-Oriented)" this week, and I agree with the writer that local universities & colleges are great resources for the general public as well.

In the comments section, someone suggested a few links including CTB. So thank you, aek, whoever you are! I feel like this blog is now part of the "news that's fit to print"...

If you're going to ski or snowboard this season, I've heard from people that the Ski & Snowboard Expo (11/10 to 11/13) is a good place to find deals on equipment, and there is a lot of opportunities to save on ski passes, etc. Print the coupon, and get in for $10. It's at the Seaport World Trade Center this year.

FYI: Friday & Saturday cheapness is on the calendar. And there is some advance info for Saturday & Monday below.

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THUR 11/10

7pm
"Pitchapalooza" with David Sterry & Arielle Eckstut
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Shaw's Market)
FREE to watch / Buy the book to pitch

If you ever want to publish a book, you'll probably get a better idea of what it takes by sitting there and listening.

If you buy their book, "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How To Write It, Sell It, and Market It... Successfully", you might be picked to give a 1-minute pitch -- and the evening's "winner" will be introduced to an agent or publisher.

THUR 11/10

7:15pm to 9pm
Dr. Jamal Zahalka, "Debunking the Myth of Israeli Democracy"
at Austin Hall West, about 1511 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Law School)
FREE

I was thinking that even listing this event could upset people. That might be a little too sensitive.

The speaker is actually a member of Knesset who represents Palestinian citizens of Israel. We have an idea about his opinion. It might be more interesting for people who disagree with him. It would be even more interesting if an audience member freaks out and starts yelling at the guy...

Professor Duncan Kennedy of Harvard Law School will moderate.

FYI: "Dinner and refreshments will be served."

THUR 11/10 (thru SUN 10/13)

Various Times
"Polaroid Stories"
at Zack Box Theatre, Downstairs, 8 The Fenway, Boston (Boston Conservatory)
FREE

Thursday & Friday -- 8pm
Saturday -- 2pm, 8pm
Sunday -- 2pm

From what I read, I have a hard time guessing if this play is going to be good or not. It's inspired by a millennia-old Roman mega-poem, so that's promising. There's a warning that says, "For mature audiences only!" and that intrigues me.

They also warn, "Very limited seating."

THUR 11/10

8:30pm
Movers & Shakers, Viva Viva, Creaturos, Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

It was a few years ago when I said that I wanted to be in the Movers & Shakers. Strangely, they haven't gotten in touch (but they don't know I'm pretty handy with a guitar)... They seem to crank out rousing, American rock without my help as evidenced on their new album.

It sounds like one the main Viva Viva guys may not be at the gig tonight. Whether or not they are at full 'Viva', I believe it will still rock your socks (or other lower body garment) off. Gotta love the horn-band party music of Emperor Norton's SMB, and I can only assume players from Doomstar! & Ketman will make good Creaturos.

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THUR 11/10

9pm
Billy Ruane Memorial Birthday Bash
at Radio/Club Choices, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 / 21+

Feat: Thalia Zedek Band, Mary Lou Lord, Hilken Mancini, Reid Paley, MG Lederman, Michael Tarbox, more

It's been about a year since Billy Ruane shuffled off this mortal coil, and (like last year's show) I suspect there will be more memorial concerts for years to come. Although we didn't know each other, it's clear that if he came into your life that he left a profound impact.

Some of them are playing tonight, and they're all major players in my book, including a solo set by Reid Paley who now lives in NYC and recently recorded a duet album with Frank Black.

I wouldn't be surprised if other musicians get onstage as the night goes on.

THUR 11/10

9:30pm
The Features, Township, Around the World and Back
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

This should be a big, fun rock show. The Features are contemporaries and friends of Kings of Leon from Tennessee, and they deliver the southern indie-rock in a cool, unassuming vein that's similar to early Kings of Leon. On one hand, they haven't found the success that KoL did; on the other hand, they're still playing together.

Rumble winners Township are the top local practitioners of the kind of meat-and-potatoes rock that coexists as unfashionable and adored at the same time.

Albany rockers Around the World and Back sound a bit more laid-back and thoughtful, but you don't want to whip your head back and forth for 3 bands straight. Do you?