12/31: Global Midnight Party Guide

In case the party is starting early, here is a repost of a "Global Midnight Party Guide" where you can see where it's midnight in relation to Boston (aka Eastern Standard Time). And, yes, some places have a "half-hour" time zone.

Don't let any gaps in your geography knowledge stop you from toasting on the hour -- or half-hour in some cases...

And there are a few Boston ideas below.

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2pm

Islamabad
Lahore
Karachi

2:30

Kabul

3pm

Dubai

3:30pm

Tehran

4pm

Moscow
Baghdad
Riyadh
Kuwait City
Nairobi

5pm

Jerusalem
Beirut
Cairo
Johannesburg
Istanbul
Helsinki
Bucharest
Athens

6pm

Barcelona
Paris
Algiers
Amsterdam
Copenhagen
Milan
Berlin
Prague
Warsaw

7pm

Reykjavik
Casablanca
Dublin
London
Lisbon

8pm

Atlantis?

9pm

Rio de Janeiro
Sao Paulo
Buenos Aires

10pm

Santiago
Asuncion

10:30pm

Newfoundland

11pm

Santo Domingo
La Paz
San Juan
Halifax

11:30pm

Caracas

12/31: Some NYE Cheapness

The cheapest good time is to stock up on cava or prosecco and party with friends at someone's home.

Otherwise, Allston is a good place to be for NYE if you're going out with a couple good options below and fancy places like the Silhouette...

Remember that the T is free after 8pm, and there is extended trolley and commuter rail service until 2am.

Happy New Year!

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MON 12/31

Various Times
First Night
at Various Locations around Boston
FREE / $18

With a discreetly deployed flask one could be entertained outdoors for a little while without buying the button, but there is so much worth the $18 like Magnetic Fields, Tanya Donelly, John Scofield, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Ellis Paul, and more.

MON 12/31

8:30pm
Jason Anderson
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 18+

I can only assume Jason Anderson used to live here, because this guy has been coming to Boston for quite a few consecutive 12/31 gigs to spread the folk-rock positivity. Take a look at a clip from a couple years ago.

As they say, "...Semi-formal attire is strongly encouraged."

MON 12/31

8:30pm
You Can Be a Wesley, Creaturos, The Migs, BoyToy
at Regina's Pizzeria, 353 Cambridge St, Allston
FREE / Donations appreciated

If I didn't already have plans (and generally eschew bars on NYE), I'd probably go to Regina's. (I didn't know if I would like the remodel of the former Sports Depot, but I do.)

There will be plenty of great rock along with $1 pizza slices after 9pm, and $2 tallboys.

MON 12/31

9pm
Sidewalk Driver, Eldridge Rodriguez
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10

The New Year's Eve Party is going on upstairs and down, but the main attraction is two sets by the fantastically glam Sidewalk Driver.

MON 12/31

9pm
"Fuck New Year's"
at Bukowski Tavern, 1281 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
at Bukowski Tavern, 50 Dalton St, Boston (Back Bay)
$1 to you!

Just like Charles Bukowski would want it, both establishments that bear his name are acting like it's any other night of the year.

They're even going to give you a buck for showing up, which you should spend on booze -- or a burger if you're going to fight someone later. (You'll need your strength.)

A PBR toast might happen around midnight.

MON 12/31

9:30pm
Beware The Dangers of A Ghost Scorpion!, Thick Shakes, Ladybones
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$10 / 21+

Didn't I say Allston is happening tonight? There is some serious surf- and garage-rock to welcome 2013.

MON 12/31

9:30pm
Dan Webb & the Spiders, Lube, Ex-Magicians, Secret Hearts
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

There's lots of loud rock and punk almost every Monday at Charlie's, so tonight is no different.

MON 12/31

10pm
The Four Legged Faithful
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE / 21+

It's probably going to be a full house for this bluegrass-y blend. Mainly because you can't fit many people in Toad.

MON 12/31

10:30pm
Haley Jane & The Primates
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10-ish / 21+

If you can get in this other relatively small joint, it should be a good time and live rock 'n roll.

MON 12/31

11pm
Fireworks Cruise
at Gate C (Mass Bay Lines), 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE

You can put your name on the waitlist, but I suspect most of the 300 people that reserved spots will show up.

SUN 12/30: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

While the holiday season is a time for merriment, some people can feel a bit more down than usual. I can understand that feeling.

I do hope that all of us find joy in the upcoming year. The video has a few suggestions.

There's a mention of "G.O.D." at the end (whatever that means)...



Some NYE cheapness is on the calendar.

12/29: Almost Back from my 'Fishing Trip'

I can imagine that most are not expecting much from me lately, but I still want to do something helpful here.

The last week has been a blur -- and not what I'd call a relaxing vacation. I've realized that I can't get much done at the Chili's before I get on my flight, so it's Bloody Mary time. Happy Saturday!

If I was in town, I'd probably go see Andrea Gillis at Toad (Free) or Mieka Pauley at Johnny D's ($10). (Two great singers, and my heart is in Camberville...)

Cross your fingers for me, so I can uncross them to type faster. Let's do a last-minute NYE post or two in the next day for those who feel like venturing out, then have a kick-ass 2013.

12/24: Free CTB Xmas Mix

Hey, are you having people over tonight or tomorrow? Throw some of these tunes on for some background.

I can't remember where I found all of these tunes. The best holiday mash-ups are from DJBC and his Santastic crew... The Phoenix has given free mixes the past two years... A slew of holiday music posts can be found on Can You See the Sunset and AM Then FM.

The zip file [SendSpace or Mediafire] includes the songs, and I've titled them with my sequence:

1 - "Xmas Party, Part 1" -- Bob & Ray
2 - "Everybody Christmastime" -- Tralalas
3 - "Frosty The Snowman" -- Kay Hanley
4 - "Just Like Christmas" -- Aberdeen City
5 - "James Brown Died on Christmas Day" -- Hands and Knees
6 - "Xmasploitation (Santa's Baddass Revenge)" -- mojochronic
7 - "Happy Christmas" --The Toasters
8 - "Snow Day" -- Bleu
9 - "Christmas Wrapping" -- The Waitresses
10- "Xmas Party, Part 6" -- Bob & Ray
11- "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You" -- Billy Squier
12- "Feliz Navidad" -- El Vez
13- "Jingle Bells" -- Reverend Horton Heat
14- "This Christmas" -- The Organ Beats & Friends
15- "O Holy Night" -- South Park
16- "Last Christmas" -- The xx
17- "Xmas Message" -- Barry White
18- "Rocknroll Christmas" -- Quichenight
19- "Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas" -- Eels
20- "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" -- Amos Milburn
21- "Chiron Beta Prime" -- Jonathan Coulton
22- "Hanukkah" -- The Beatlesandlers
23- "Santa Claus" -- The Sonics
24- "A Wicked Hardcore Christmas" -- Big D and the Kids Table
25- "This Time Of Year" -- Mighty Mighty Bosstones
26- Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" -- The Jackson 5
27- "Santa Claus And His Old Lady" -- Cheech & Chong
28- "A Very Whiskey New Year" -- Three Day Threshold & Summer Villains
29- "Christmas Time is Here" -- Vince Guaraldi Trio
30- "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" -- Los Straitjackets

There's a lot of Boston-centric artists, because Boston is awesome.

It sucks to blog from the West Coast, but I will try to update the CTB calendar soon.

SUN 12/23: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

As I limp into the new year, I think it will be a good one. I hope it will be for all of us.

Happy Festivus!

Monday & Tuesday Calendar

Cheap fun is out there.

If you don't have any plans for tomorrow night, you could RSVP for WFNX's "Mistletoe, Music & Misfits Holiday Party". It's likely one of those 'everyone can RSVP, because we'll let people in until we're at capacity' kind of parties with good music.

SUN 12/16: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

It was a bad news week for kids, so here is a video that I saw a while ago about a kid who used his imagination and created something positive.

Caine's Arcade from Nirvan Mullick on Vimeo.

Friday & Saturday in Brief

Hey, it's the second Friday of the month, so you could go to the MIT Museum fof free tonight... Or laugh your arse off at Great Scott ($5)...

The Figgs are playing two nights at Church in celebration of their 25th anniversary as one of America's great rock bands ($10)....

The Lights Out have 2 nights at Radio with different rock friends on Friday & Saturday ($10).

And there's an "Americana Christmas" show at Johnny D's ($10).

As for Saturday, some highlights include:

-- Some tix may be left for the annual Somerville Illuminations Tour ($10)

-- The Cover-Up is celebrating Prince ($10 advance)

-- Free ice skating in Kendall Square

-- There's a punk-rock Hurricane Sandy fundraiser at the Midway Cafe ($8)

-- Probably not as good as last week's Santacon, but... Bad Santa Bar Crawl ($10)

Thursday Calendar

Okay, let's hope we can get the weekend (maybe more) up tonight...

If you're a Tolkien fan, you may want to go on a quest to Malden for a night of 'Middle Earth' pub triva...

Or you could do late-night shopping in Inman Square...

Tuesday & Wednesday Calendar

Not a vast variety of cheapness tonight, but there might be something to tickle your fancy...

SUN 12/9: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

If you are tired of auto-tuned clips, think twice about playing this one.

On the other hand, I think I will be singing "Bring on the roasted potatoes" this holiday season...

SUN 12/9: Shop, Draw, Listen

I'm in a vague sense of denial about the encroaching holiday season, but there are topical events below.

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SUN 12/9

10am to 4pm
Holiday Flea Market & Bloody Mary Bash
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
* Whatever you buy

It may say more about my personality, but I love the idea of browsing arts-craftsy/vintage stuff while drinking a bloody mary. I didn't know TT's had 'world famous Mega Monster Bloody Mary'. (In a plastic cup maybe?)

They're even calling it Santa's Hot Dog Village where you get a Narragansett tall boy and a hot dog for $5.

A 'Bad Santa' will be there, and you can bring something for the food drive to benefit Rosie's Place.

Or there's a holiday market in the South End too where you can find a branchy place with Bloody Marys.

SUN 12/9

2:30pm to 5:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 drawing / $10 ogling / 18+

Models: Johnny Blazes & Madge of Honor

There are few times when hanging out at a bar is considered creative or artistic beyond napkin origami...

At Dr Sketchy's, drawing and drinking are combined at whatever ratio you desire as the usually wild models put provocative twist on traditional posing.

A couple of tips that I cribbed from the organizer a while ago:

Come on time to get a seat up front. Keep it small so others can crowd in around you. Bring your stuff in a milk crate so you have something to sit on or put your stuff on. (we have lots of seats, but more is helpful) There will be some fancy paper for you to buy if you want.

No one is going to criticize your drawing, so don't worry about your skills. You gotta start some time, and you're not going to find a cheaper life-drawing class... with a bar...

SUN 12/9

Noon to 6pm
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
at The Loft, 438 Somerville Ave, Somerville (next to Market Basket)
FREE

Performance Schedule:

1pm -- Amy Alvey
2pm -- Mike Crockett
3pm -- Kristen Ford
4pm -- Patrick Coman
5pm -- Dan Blakeslee

Another shopping experience for the day is right next to Market Basket in that building with the Indian market. While you look at the locally-produced goods, local musicians will share their tunes. They say free wine and coffee for guests so you better not cry, better not shout, and better buy something.

SUN 12/9

3pm to 5pm
"Music of the Silk Road"
at Yenching Auditorium, Peabody Museum, 2 Divinity Ave, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE / Donations welcome

How often do you listen to music from Tibet, Turkey, China, and Japan? If never, then this is your chance. If it's often, then you probably don't go to many concerts.

SUN 12/9

9pm
Marc Pinansky & The Bored Of Health
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Most of Marc Pinansky's Sundays have been spent at Precinct in Union Square, so he and the Bored of Health are headed to Porter Square. Unlike Marc's hard-rockin' Township, I believe the BoH consists of a steel guitarist and a stand-up bassist.

SAT 12/8: Santas, Dance, Theatre, Music

Wow, it's the last month of year! Where did the time go?

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SAT 12/8

Noon to 11pm
Boston Santacon 2012
meet at Game On!, 82 Lansdowne St, Boston
FREE

From Kenmore Square to North Station, a horde of drunken Santas will be trouncing bar to tavern to pub before their busy night on the 25th.

If you have the right suit, join in. If not, sit back and watch hundreds of jolly old lushes overtake any number of watering holes.

SAT 12/8

1pm & 4pm
MIT DanceTroupe: "Fifty Shades of Plié"
at Little Kresge Theatre, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10

Give these guys credit for dancing on the coattails of a major pop culture phenomenon of the past year. ONe hopes there might be some wit and sass in the show that will feature "dance pieces in contemporary, hip hop, ballet pointe, and tap."

SAT 12/8

2pm & 8pm
"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot"
at Agganis Student Theater, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$6

This play seems more appropriate for the Easter season when the Biblical snitch Judas is brought into a metaphysical court to be judged for his actions and the consequences.

When originally produced Off-Broadway in 2005, it attracted such talents as Philip Seymour Hoffman, Eric Bogosian, and Sam Rockwell. Let's hope the humor and philosophical points hold up when performed by college students.

SAT 12/8

3pm to 5pm
5th Annual Holiday Prelude Tour
at Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham
$5

When I would pass by Gore Place, I often wondered what the mansion of a Revolution-era politician looked like on the inside. The way I see it, a limited $5 tour might satisfy me as much as the usual $12 tour.

SAT 12/8

Elephant Stone (8pm), Air Traffic Controller (7pm), Guillermo Sexo (6:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Having played with Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Horrors, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, and others, bassist/sitarist Rishi Dhir is doing his own psych-rock thin in Elephant Stone.

The early show includes the masterful folk-rock of Air Traffic Controller and Guillermo Sexo's own fuzzy goodness.

SAT 12/8

7pm
"Boston Workmen's Circle Radical Hanukkah Party"
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 advance / $12 door

Amazing music of the Michael Winograd Klezmer Ensemble anchors a party on the first night of Hanukkah, and people of all beliefs and non-beliefs are welcome.

You don't need to care about the miraculous 8 days that the oil lasted to light the menorah to dance and enjoy potato pancakes & doughnuts. (And how many deeply religious Jewish people do you know?)

SAT 12/8

7pm to 8pm
Winter Opera Series
at CFA Concert Hall, 855 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Maybe an hour of opera is just right for the beginning of your evening -- a perfect prelude to a basement kegger. (Or whatever you want to do...)

SAT 12/8

7:30pm
Tunefoolery's Holiday Concert
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10 suggested donation

If you think the holiday season is making you crazy, then you might want to sit back for a while and listen to the Tunefoolery concert. It's a program for musicians in mental health recovery, so you can might be able to relate to these folks.

I imagine the funds go to the non-profit organization or the performers -- a good cause either way.

SAT 12/8

7:30pm
Greg Klyma
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
FREE

I'll repeat my blurb about Greg Klyma once more:

Greg Klyma seems like one of those lovable drifters. He's charming and you might even start thinking that he's a Boston guy or a [your town] guy, but he mainly roams. I doubt that he's dangerous except for his clever songs. I could be totally wrong about the charming-drifter thing, but the music is good.

(I have a feeling he is a Somerville resident.) The songwriter/storyteller extraordinaire will be joined by a few musical friends backing him up.

SAT 12/8

9pm
The Barley Hoppers, The Fearless Leaders, Easy Ed’s Record Hop
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$8 / 21+

It's a winter's night of hot rockabilly & honky-tonk.

SAT 12/8

9pm
"Strummer 10 Anniversary Show"
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5

Feat: Last Stand, The Unstables, The Hired Men, Cerebral Ballsy

It sucks to think that Joe Strummer rocked off the mortal coil 10 years ago. Expect hear a bunch of songs from The Clash and his solo days. When I last noticed Cerebral Ballsy play, they were basically an acoustic version of 007 Hundred Club.

SAT 12/8

9pm
Dead Cats Dead Rats, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Amoroso, Ask the Dead
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

Keep in mind that Dead Cats Dead Rats were the best punk band in last year's Phoenix poll, and I dig them too. There are three the kick-ass bands on the bill. If you're not getting into it, the problem might be you.

SAT 12/8

9:30pm
The Afro D All-Starz
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

I think I saw MC Afro D Z Ak on the Red Line this week, and his big hair looks pretty cool offstage as well. It should be a soulful blend of funk and hip-hop as he leads a big, horn-laden band.

Weekend Calendar

I'm not writing about weekend chepness, however getting my wisdom teeth removed did not get me in a writing mood last night. Stay tuned...

Wednesday thru Sunday Calendar

Well, the 'Tuesday to Thursday Highlights' post didn't happen... Why don't we aim for an early 'Weekend Cheapness' report, shall we?

Lot's of fun tonight. I listed Boston Nightlife Awards, because there are free tickets available (but I wouldn't pay to get in).

Monday thru Friday Calendar

Okay, folks. The plan is to post a 'Tuesday to Thursday Highlights' tonight, then get the 'Weekend Cheapness' up before the actual weekend.

That will hopefully get us ahead of schedule to move forward. Stay tuned...

SUN 12/2: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

If you haven't seen the kid from "Two and a Half Men" slag his show, you might want to start here.

Otherwise, I love the expressions on Craig Robinson's face.

12/2: Sunday in Brief

And there's cheapness through Wednesday on the calendar.

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SUN 12/2

10am to 5pm
Artists Group of Charlestown Open Studios
at Stove Factory Building, 523 Medford St, Charlestown (near Schrafts Center)
FREE

Noon to 6pm
Vernon Street Open Studios
at Vernon Street Studios, 6 & 20 Vernon St, Somerville (Winter Hill)
FREE

Noon to 6pm
Karen Aqua: Studio Show & Sale
at 11 Miller Street Studios, Somerville (near Porter Sq)
FREE

There are a couple chances to see art, talk to the artists in person, and maybe buy some art. It's a win-win for supporting local creative people and not worrying about the recipient already having whatever you give them.

There's also a "Holiday Vintage Market" behind the Indo in Union Square today and next weekend.

SUN 12/2

6pm to 9pm
Annual Harvard Humanist Holiday Party
at Community Center, 3rd Fl, 12 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE -- Bring Cereal

The good thing about this party is that you don't need to wonder if someone celebrates any variation of ChrismaHanuKwanzaa -- just say "Happy Holidays!"

Swing by the market and grab a box or two of cereal, because the Humanist Community are on a month-long drive to donate their collection to the Pine Street Inn.

SUN 12/2

7pm
"A Little Calm before the Storm": Staged Reading and Q&A
at Goethe-Institut Boston, 170 Beacon St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / $5 students

This German play is about centers on stage actors portraying Hitler. It will be in English, and playwright Theresia Walser will be present for the Q&A.

SUN 12/2 (and MON 12/3)

7pm
"Aurora Borealis: A Festival of Light & Dance"
at Dance Theatre, 915 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

This is the open dress rehearsal of BU's annual program from theatre and dance groups. Students and faculty will perform dances and "movement pieces" with probably more emphasis on how to use lighting for maximum effect. (See a clip.)

There are 2 performances tomorrow at 7pm & 9pm.

SUN 12/2

7:30pm
Boston Music Awards Simulcast
at Redstar Union, Building 400, One Kendall Sq, Cambridge
FREE w/ RSVP

Feat: Mean Creek, Gem Club, Yale MA

You can almost be at the Boston Music Awards tonight by watching it in Kendall Square. Simulcast praters even get live performances from some top Boston bands.

(You can still RSVP, and I think it's a first-come first-serve admission system.)

SUN 12/2

8pm
Poetry Jam: Lizard King/Queen Finals & Douglas Bishop
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 18+

Feat: Rudy Cabrera, Taqua the Edutainer, Erik, Neiel Israel, Marlon Carey, Porsha Olayiwola, Bobby Crawford, Art Collins

As the PJ site says:

Eight poets will compete to be the 2013 Lizard Queen or King and potentially represent the Lizard Lounge in the 2013 Individual World Poetry Slam. Three rounds of poetry from some of the best performance poets in the greater Boston area.

Exclamation points were removed for poetry coolness...

SAT 12/1: Medicine Wheel & Calendar

Since it's "World AIDS Day", you could visit the annual Medicine Wheel exhibit or go to open studios or buy stuff or listen to music. It's on the CTB calendar.

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SAT 12/1

All Day until Midnight
Medicine Wheel
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

The Medicine Wheel is annual installation in remembrance of those who've lived and died with AIDS, and it centers around 36 shrine-like pedestals arranged in a circle with different designs and various items left by visitors over the years.

I've been there once before, and it's a heavy experience. It's dimly lit, and most people are respectfully quiet, and there are periodic performances (on the hour). One can reflect in a quiet, safe, and beautiful place; it's a quite a special experience.

Every year, it changes slightly with a different theme.

Note: Anyone is free to "leave an offering (personal object, letter, picture, jewelry, poem...) for the healing and remembrance of all affected by HIV and AIDS."

Monday to Wednesday Calendar

It's mainly a variety of talks, films and music in the upcoming days. I hope to elaborate tonight/tomorrow morning...

SUN 11/25: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

If you haven't heard, Canada is done with pennies. Maybe the US can look into it after the 'fiscal cliff' is avoided.

SUN 11/25: JFK, Skating, Music

Okay, getting back into the swing of things. Monday and Tuesday cheapness on the calendar.

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SUN 11/25

9:30am to 4pm
49th Anniversary of 1963 National Day of Mourning
at JFK National Historic Site, 83 Beals St, Brookline (near Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Every year around Thanksgiving, we remember that President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963.

Even though the Kennedys didn't live their anymore, many Brookline residents gathered at JFK's home at his birth after his death.

Since the house is a national historic site, it is open to the public most of the time. It's free today, and there will be a 'brief memorial ceremony' outside at 2:30pm.


SUN 11/25

1pm to 3pm
Winter Kick-Off Celebration
at Frog Pond, Boston Common, Boston
$5 (+ $9 skate rental) / FREE under 14 (+ $5 skate rental)

The kick-off celebration today does not include a professional skating demonstration (like on 11/29). The rink isn't exactly free, but they will be offering free 15-minute lessons (limited space) for those who are rusty. You might win a raffle prize like season passes.

SUN 11/25

4pm
Roy Sludge
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

On most Sunday afternoons, Roy Sludge and his buddies dish out foot-stomping country music with loads of wit (their CD's title track is "Too Drunk To Truck").

Now there's open mic comedy from 7:30pm to 9:30pm downstairs.

SUN 11/25

8pm to 11pm
Kevin So, Rebecca Correia, Eric Schwartz, Tom Bianchi
at The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
Donations appreciated

Former Boston singer-songwriter Kevin So has moved to Nashville, so it's been described as a homecoming show. Along with a general air of bonhomie, there will be a figurative barrel full of good tunes as well.

This is basically the scene in the Burren's back room every Sunday.

SUN 11/25

9pm
Lowman
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Lowman stands front and center with his big stand-up bass and whips out some clever, low-key indie pop. He might be playing a standard bass guitar tonight, because who wants haul an instrument that is wider than the tiny trail between the bar and tables.

SUN 11/25

9:30pm
"The Bubbler" Viewing Party w/ Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Did you see the premiere of "The Bubbler" last week? It's pretty damn good! It's hard to believe there is a totally pro TV show (on TV38) about the Boston music scene.

Host Ryan Spaulding of Ryan's Smashing Life has a great voice for the narrations and a natural interviewing style. It's a great reason to change the channel after football and before sleepytime.

Or you can hang out with other music-lovers and musicians at Radio while waiting for the program. Since they're one of tonight's featured artists, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling is going to play a few acoustic songs.

SAT 11/24: Holidays, Rally, Tubas, Rock, Opera

Okay, so we may be off and running again...

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SAT 11/24

Noon to 7pm
City of Lights Parade & Holiday Celebration
around Downtown Lowell (PDF map)
Mostly Free/Cheap

It's not quite the winter wonderland of Lowell's Winterfest, and it's not quite a beautiful winter's day to stroll around the historic downtown district shopping and watching street performances and sampling hot chocolate at various shops (25 cents a pop).

It's still happening, so you can still go. There's a parade from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

SAT 11/24

Noon
End The Fed/End the Wars Rally
meet at Parkman Bandstand, about 165 Tremont St, Boston (Boston Common / Tremont St Side)
FREE

Wow! A whole rally could be devoted to ending the war in Afghanistan or ending the Federal Reserve, but it's double-shot of activism where people will hear speakers and music in the Common then march to the Federal Reserve building near South Station.

Remember, you don't have to already agree with whatever is being said. Won't it be interesting to hear about the alternatives to the current financial system?

SAT 11/24

2pm
Annual Tuba Christmas Concert
between Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston
FREE

My assumption that a hundred tubas/euphoniums/sousaphones playing holiday music would be amusing and absurd. It's actually just as musical and pleasing as any holiday concert.

There is still a holly-jolly vibe, but the lower timbre rounded the edges on some of the songs.

It's not as silly as I had hoped, but that is a lot of tubas in one place.

This might actually be a reason to purposefully walk through Faneuil Hall. On your way back from wherever you're going, you can see the trees light up at night.

SAT 11/24

8pm to Midnight
Cask Mouse, Coyote Kolb, Tallahassee
at New Alliance Audio/EMF Building, 110 Brookline St, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

It looks like anyone can go tonight. It's a pretty cool scene in the EMF building where you find the New Alliance recording studio and a bunch of band rehearsal spaces (that probably won't be open).

With three really good Americana/jam-blues/folk-rock bands, it's should be a good time. And it's "sponsored by Drambuie and Narragansett"...

SAT 11/24

8pm to 10pm
Opera on Tap: "Opera's Most Dysfunctional Relationships"
at Jacob Wirth, 37 Stuart St, Boston (Theater District)
FREE

Some may prefer the Friday Night Sing-alongs where everyone can sing in drunken harmony. I'd rather hear people who sing well, and one rarely gets a live opera soundtrack while hanging at a bar. Every now and then, Opera on Tap visits Jacob Wirth.

Who knows what the program could be when it seems like most operatic stories include dysfunctional relationships. Expect anything -- that sounds like the women should be wearing Viking helmets.

SAT 11/24

9pm
Midriff Records Residency Night X: Home for Little Wanders Benefit
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8

Feat: Soccer Mom, Eldridge Rodriguez, Ex-Planets, Relations

This is the sound of fuzzy, garagey indie-rockers doing a good deed for orphans. Or you can just go and hear a bunch of good tunes.

SAT 11/24

9pm
Dead Cats Dead Rats, In the Meantime, The Down and Outs, Transit Gloria
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

It's not a Saturday night in Boston without a good punk rock show, right? Well, at least it's true tonight.

SAT 11/24

9:30pm
The Birds of Play, Josh Lederman
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

There is good, free singer-songwriter folk-rock in Union Square.

SAT 11/24

10pm
Glenn Yoder & the Western States
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

There is good, free singer-songwriter folk-rock in Porter Square.

Friday & Saturday Calendar

So let's see if this could be a new beginning. I'm going to update the calendar a bit more and hopefully get the weekend fun up before tomorrow.

Although it's Buy Nothing Day, I doubt that includes laughing/rocking/having a couple beers...

SUN 11/18: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

I saw this one a while back, but it seems appropriate after the election...

SAT 11/17: Day Cheapness

Okay, there is cheapness for Saturday and Sunday on the calendar. Stay tuned for further updates...

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SAT 11/17 (and SUN 11/18)

9am to 5pm
TEDxBeaconStreet 2012
at Lincoln School, 19 Kennard Rd, Brookline (near Brookline Hills/Reservoir)
FREE w/ Registration

An offshoot of TED's sharing of knowledge and ideas from various speakers is the TEDx program where communities are encouraged to hold their own sessions. Thank goodness that the Net has more than porn and lolzcats!

There are sessions from a variety of speakers with an emphasis on youthful contributors as you might expect from a school location. If you see an appealing set of speakers, it looks like registration is still open.

SAT 11/17

10am to 4pm
Lynn Open Studios
at/around Lynn Museum & Historical Society, 590 Washington St, Lynn
FREE

My theory is that great art can be found where the rent is cheap. Let's not paint Lynn with the broad brush, but few really WANT to live in Lynn -- but perhaps many people do. This is a great chance to discover the unseen coolness of Lynn (instead of just racing there for another drink before last call).

One could put their faith in LynnHappens and start at the Lynn Museum, and most of the other locations are nearby. I'd walk through the Pinkham Building studios for a bit before checking out some of the group-exhibition spaces.

SAT 11/17 (and SUN 11/18)

Noon to 6pm
Annual Open Studios
at Brickbottom Studios, 1 Fitchburg St, Somerville (near Twin City Plaza)
at Joy Street Studios, 86 Joy St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

About 50 to 60 artists in each of the studios will open their doors to show you their stuff. Expect to see a wide variety of styles and media. My theory is that the art is more creative when the studio location is grimy and unpleasant.

The 2 buildings are only a couple blocks away. It might be easier to approach from Union Square, but there are (easy-to-miss) stairs if you take the train to Lechmere and walk over the bridge.

SAT 11/17

5:30pm to 10pm
"Blink!" Launch
at Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston
FREE

Rarely do I encourage people to specifically see something happening at Faneuil Hall. This is not one of of those rare occasions.

While I can understand making holiday plans in advance, it's too early to begin the conspicuous consumerism in my book. Some of you may be ready to see the Xmas tree lighting, and I'm pretty sure I've seen the surrounding trees do a little light show in previous years.

(Hey, now it's energy-efficient LED lights! Celebrating the season has never been so impactful since the druids and wiccans, et cetera danced around the living trees.)

There is entertainment all day long such as live classical and pop music. Jerod Mayo is going to show up at some point -- probably at the 5:30pm official kickoff program.

SAT 11/17

7pm, 9pm
"Pretty Sweet": Screenings
at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

Put your baseball hat on backwards, pull your shorts halfway down, and RSVP to see the Boston premiere of some gnarly skateboarding videos.

Actually "Pretty Sweet" has taken 3 years to compile, so it better be really good. A photography exhibit from the making of it will be on display.

The cool part is that skate pro Kenny Anderson and Girl/Chocolate photographer Ben Colen will be on hand for the fun.

If you send an RSVP email, tell them which screening you'd like to attend.

Friday Calendar

I'd like to briefly explain the lackluster delivery at CTB lately. I recently started a new job that has been stimulating and challenging.

It's great except that I'm thinking and typing and analyzing and learning at an intensity that sometimes leaves me a little less energized to research and listen and think and type when I get home (or in some day breaks).

I do love sharing fun ideas, and I believe I can get back to a good pace here. (Some folks have even offered to collaborate, and I'll get back to you soon).

Who knows... I might have a kick-ass night of CTB writing ahead of me... There's some good stuff this weekend that I already should've told you about.

Until then TGIF!

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I think anyone who has seen "Sherman's March" will be interested in anything documentarian Ross McElwee does. He'll introduce his 2011 film at the Harvard Film Archive ($9)...

BU Stage Troupe's "Mr. Marmalade" sounds like a children's story that has gone terribly wrong and not even suitable for children. That's why I'm intrigued ($6)...

Of course, there's a lot of great rock around town. The number one choice for The Sheila Divine fans would be the Dear Leader show ($10) at TT's... Velah/The Field Effect/The Rationales/Freddy Hall ($8) at Radio should be a sweet show... And the annual International Pop Overthrow ($10 at Precinct) always has a soft spot in my heart...

SUN 11/11: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Watch Louis CK as Lincoln and wonder if Daniel Day Lewis was the right choice for Spieberg's movie...

Weekend Calendar

Argh, I didn't post anything before heading out on my own fun. Enjoy something!

11/9: Top 5 for Friday

There is cheapness on the calendar for Friday and Saturday.

Below are my Top 5 Friday picks (in chronological order).

PS: If you're going to the Ski & Snowboard Expo this weekend, don't pay full full price. I've seen $2 discount codes that might work: GLOBE or TP.

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FRI 11/9

5pm to 8pm
Second Fridays
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

The main reason I recommend the MIT Museum is the Arthur Ganson exhibit, and the genius himself will be there tonight.

FRI 11/9

7:30pm
The Gas: Beantown & Brown
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

The Gas is more than usual tonight, but it'll still feel like a bargain if you drink enough PBR... A bunch of ethnically Indian/South-Asian comedians will make you laugh, and at least some won't rely on 'stereotype' material.

FRI 11/9

7:30pm
Mount Peru, Arc & Stones
at Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

I've got a soft spot for loosey-goosey indie-pop of Mount Peru, and Brooklyn's Arc & Stones sound good too.

FRI 11/9

9pm
Audrey Ryan, Cuddle Magic, The Daredevil Christopher Wright, Railbird
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$9

Audrey Ryan is my favorite one-person looping band on this side of Mississippi. There's a lot cool and quirky music going on all night.

FRI 11/9

9pm
Naked on Roller Skates (Midnight), Muy Cansado (11pm), Sarah Rabdau & the Self-Employed Assassins (10pm), Old Jack (9pm)
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

As far as awesome rock goes, there are 4 excellent flavors of the local scene on the same bill. Muy Cansado and Naked on Roller Skates both have new music to share, so get ready to leave the club with a CD (maybe a download code)...

11/6: Election Night in Brief

I hope everyone who can vote does so. (And I hope they vote the same way I do.) You can find your polling place, in case it has moved or you've forgotten.

For those who like contests of the non-Presidential variety, there's the weekly game night at Good Life...

The program at the Brattle tonight consists of 4 short films about the female body that might educate conservative men who think they understand women...

There are free drinks to be had tonight: vodka at Cafeteria (Back Bay) and Fernet-Branca at Royale. Since the RSVP's were still open when I last checked, I assume it's better to arrive early to get in...

For those who just want to hear some tunes, I've listed punk or funk or rootsy rock...

SUN 11/4: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

I would normally find something political for the pre-election Sunday, but I saw a heartbreaking video of filmmakers spending their $500 pay for a Hurricane Sandy video to buy clothes for Sandy victims.



You don't need me to tell you that a $10 donation can be made by texting 'Red Cross' to 90999 -- or there's the Red Cross website.

Friday & Saturday Calendar

Cross your fingers for more detail tonight, but if I were to have a Friday 'cheap thrill' these are my highlights:

An arty-dance thing at the BCA’s Mills Gallery...

Some classical music from Berklee's Symphony Orchestra...

Since I rarely post anything in Waltham, I saw there's rockabilly at the Mad Raven...

Cool person Meghan Chiampa is celebrating her birthday with cool bands at Sally O'Brien's...

I love legendary guitarist JJ Rassler, and I love Toad – and they’re together again tonight.

Halloween Calendar

Feel like doing something Halloween-related tonight? (Old-time-pop duo Victor and Penny are not even really named Victor and Penny...)

You may want to consider that The Pill's annual Halloween show is popular and could sell out.

I did include one event over $10, because it's difficult to ignore a party called "SquidHouse of Horror" with music from Darling Pet Munkee, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Moe Pope, and more.

Have a good time and try to stay alive...

CTB Fun with Sandy 10/29: Candle, Cards, & Box o' Wine

Since most of the stuff that I was going to list for tonight has been cancelled and the T shutting down at 2pm, have a good time at home.

Maybe you'll have power tonight. Just be ready to sit in the dark...

Hopefully you have some company and social lubrication to maximize the fun.

Be safe, everyone!

SUN 10/28: Sunday Night On/Off-Topic Video

Creatures of the night prance around on a windy night...

More Halloween videos can be seen on Flavorpill.

Friday & Saturday Calendar

Hey, folks. I'm still alive and still care about getting it right here...

Lots of movies and music and Halloweeny stuff... It should be a good weekend before Hurricane Sandy hits next week...

Monday & Tuesday Calendar

Okay, we're going to try to get as much cheap stuff in advance on the calendar then update the main page...

SUN 10/21: Sunday Night On/Off-Topic Video

It turned out to be a beautiful weekend and a great chance to watch the Head of the Charles. This is a perfect example why you shouldn't text and row...




As a bonus: I thought it was cool when President Obama signed back to a guy in the crowd.

Thursday & Friday Calendar

These are my highlights for Thursday...

If you want to laugh: Chris Elliott is pimping his new book at the Coolidge Corner Theatre ($5 tix available through Brookline Booksmith), and local funny guy Rob Crean will interview him.

If you love history: The folks at the Longfellow House are talking about stuff they found that might have belonged to George Washington (FREE w/ RSVP, call 617-876-4491).

If you like when art gets science-geeky: Check out the "In the Holocene" opening reception at MIT's List Visual Arts Center (FREE).

If you like fairy tales: They are the theme for a story slam at The Puppet Showplace Theatre ($9 advance / $10).

If there's still space to RSVP: I would like to see Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), Tanya Donnelly (Throwing Muses/Belly) sing jazz standards in Kendall Square.

If you want to rock out: Somerville is my place with Shepherdess & Bunny's a Swine in Davis Square ($5) - or - Will Dailey & Audrey Ryan in Union Square ($8).

Wednesday in Brief

For some reason, BU is overflowing with free/cheap options tonight!

From the "Super PACS & Social Media" panel discussion to a one-woman show based on Charles Dickens characters to a play set in Somerville (thru SUN 10/21) and a 'modern translation' of an Alexandre Dumas story ($7, thru SAT 10/20)...

A BU professor is even giving a lecture at Harvard on Mayan science and art...

In non-BU cheapness:

I perpetually hope to better understand the Arab Spring, so I'm glad that there are free panel discussions like the one at Old South Meeting House...

And you can listen to Harvard undergrads talk about the 'microbiology of food and drink' at the Longwood campus...

There are free comedy shows at Middlesex Lounge and Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna...

It's also that time of the month where Brendan Boogie provides 'Rock Therapy' with local musicians at the Armory...

The Members of Morphine & Jeremy Lyons can be found at Atwoods Tavern on most Wednesdays, and tonight they're celebrating Dana Colley's Birthday. (That's another guy who is cool to me even when I've had quite a few beverages...)

All of this and stuff for tomorrow are on the calendar below.

Tuesday & Wednesday Calendar

Egads, it's been a bad week at CTB. I am pushing for an early weekend post(s) and returning some emails that have been stacking up.

More to come...

SUN 10/14: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Saw this on Letterman and wanted to see it again. Mitt + Gangnam = pop gold...

Saturday & Sunday Calendar

I will be typing more today, but there is a lot of fun out there...

Friday Calendar

Well, progress was made last night -- not as much as I had hoped. Here is something before it gets later.

If you haven't been to the MIT Museum, it's a cool place (Arthur Ganson exhibit!) -- and it's free once a month...

There's free indie-film at BU... A lecture at MassArt...

Almost every weekend can start with a laugh at Great Scott...

There's a benefit show at Radio, and you get way more than $10 worth of music so buy tickets if they're having a raffle...

There's also blues in the back of the Rosebud... Power-pop at Tommy Doyle's... Noisey/catchy stuff at Midway Cafe...

If you're near Lowell, they've got a bunch of Kerouac-related events this weekend...

There is an Armenian food fest in Watertown today and tomorrow; and real Armenian people are way better than the TV versions...

Wednesday Calendar

Obviously I haven't been where I want to be with our little endeavor here. Thanks for your patience!

Tonight's a pretty good mix of what I usually call "Talk & Rock".

You can still RSVP for tonight's free WFNX Disorientation Show with The Static Jacks and Camden (and the 10/23 gig with Gentleman Hall) -- because RSVP doesn't guarantee entry. Fans should get there earlier than later...

Of course, there are a couple quality options for cheap music on the Cambridge side of the river.

Let's hope I update the calendar and blog tonight.

FYI: If you don't get regular emails from Goldstar, they occasionally have one-day only specials like $6 tickets to "Bye Bye Liver: The Boston Drinking Play" for FRI 10/12 and other upcoming performances. They call it 'free', but it's still better than paying $20...

MON 10/8: Art, Talk, Film, Music

I don't know if any indigenous activists got to the Christopher Columbus statue this morning. I hope people who have the day off are enjoying it. Maybe you'd like to read an article in The Atlantic that gives an interesting take on Columbus Day and its haters.

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MON 10/8

9:30am to 6pm
Opening Our Doors 2012
All around the Fenway, Boston
FREE

Almost every every cultural institution in the Fenway area offers free admission and special programs. (I don't know how they do it, but their flying kites inside Northeastern's Fenway Center, and you can make a kite for $5.)

If you're going to one cultural location today, the biggies are the MFA, the Gardner Museum, and the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

Other than that, take a look at the PDF program and see what tickles your fancy.

MON 10/8

7pm
Science & Cooking Lecture Series: Raül Balam Ruscalleda (Moments)
at Science Center, Hall C, 1 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Listen to one of Spain's most distinguished chefs talk food at Harvard's series where great culinary minds from around the world have shown up to speak to the students (and the general public) for the Science & Cooking course.

MON 10/8

7pm
Gore Vidal's "The Best Man": Screening
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.25 / $6.25 seniors, children

It must be a startling contrast to watch "The Best Man" during the current political season, because the current race isn't written by Gore Vidal.

His fictional 1964 campaign is surely far more interesting and biting compared to 2 relative centrists trying to avoid gotcha moments.

MON 10/8

9:30pm
Man Alive!, Dog Patch Ramblers, Old Hat
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

It's billed as 'Bluegrass Night' where you'll hear a bunch of old-timey (post-Columbus) American music. The tunes should swing from alt-country to folk-punk and maybe some actual swing...

MON 10/8

10pm
Hands and Knees, Leamers, White Pages
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Whereas Charlies Kitchen is usually louder than Zuzu on Monday nights, I suspect it's going to loud and buzzing in the tinier room with some awesome local loud and/or twangy outfits Hands & Knees and White Pages playing host to the garagey noise of Montreal Leamers.

SUN 10/7: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Hey, folks, there 30 days until the election.

This message starring Samuel L. Jackson is especially dedicated to a guy named Barack who used to live in Somerville...

SUN 10/7: Day Cheapness

Hey, it's autumn! We're supposed to go outside when it's a little gray...

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SUN 10/7

10am to 4pm
Kite Fly
at Pope John Paul II Park, 899 Gallivan Blvd, Dorchester (Neponset Greenway)
FREE

I wish the weather was a little nicer today, yet it’s still a good day to fly a kite – the best diversions for all ages with a cord and no electricity.

It’s a BYOK affair obviously, although I laid down on the grass at this park when a kite festival was on a sunnier day.

SUN 10/7

Noon to 4pm
Man Swap 2: A Clothing Swap for Men
at SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

Fashion-forward dudes can update their wardrobe with a simple exchange. Bring "gently used clothing, accessories and shoes" and you get a ticket pick up something else.

This is the South End, maybe you can swap your man as well...

SUN 10/7

11am to 5pm
2nd Boston Local Food Festival
at Kennedy Greenway, 200 Milk St, Boston (near Aquarium)
FREE

This old list of 10 ways to become a locavore is still relevant, and walking around the BLFF should provide loads of other ideas.
There will be demonstrations, food vendors, and music.

SUN 10/7

11am to 6pm
Roxbury Open Studios
around Roxbury [PDF Program]
FREE

11am to 5pm
Lowell Open Studios
around historic Downtown Lowell
FREE

So we're in the middle of Open Studio season. Again, I like these things to talk to the artists and see their studios. Maybe you can do your holiday shopping early over the next couple months.

SUN 10/7

Noon to 6pm
Honk! Parade & Harvard Square Oktoberfest
from Davis Sq, Somerville to Harvard Sq, Cambridge
FREE

If you didn’t honk your brains out yesterday, it’s not too late. The bands are leaving Davis Square down Elm Street around noon and should be all the way to Harvard Square by 2pm. Everyone is free join along for the parade.

If you don't mind crowds, there are 6 stages of live music, 3 beer gardens, hundreds of crafts & food vendors. Most of the performers are the Honk bands, so it’s a cool reprise of yesterday’s fun.

SUN 10/7

Noon to 6pm
Davis Square Oktoberfest
outside Redbones, 55 Chester St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE Admission

For something on a smaller scale: there's going to be a beer garden and food from nearby restaurants including Redbones. I bet there's going to be some bratwurst and other German-style treats.

SUN 10/7

Noon to 4pm
JP Rocks and Rolls Festival
at Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St, Jamaica Plain (near Stony Brook T)
FREE

It’s basically an arts/craft mart with records and other funky stuff for sale that you might expect for Jamaica Plain.

SUN 10/7

1pm
Columbus Day Parade
from Suffolk Downs to Maverick Square, Boston (Eastie)
FREE

If can ignore the abuse that European explorers inflicted on the native peoples of North America, have some old-fashioned fun at the parade.

Friday & Saturday Calendar

Well, before it gets any later, note the calendar has cheap options for tonight and tomorrow.

As for highlights tonight:

The Gas is going for the political laughs... If you stay at Great Scott, The Pill is celebrating their 15th anniversary (and Morrissey, of course)...

Photographer Nicole Tammaro is having a book release party for "Boston - Rock N Roll" with some of her mainly loud 'n hard friends/subjects at Radio...

Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers are anchoring "Daisy Duke's Hillbilly Hoedown" at the Midway Cafe that will no doubt be a wacky night of music, burlesque, comedy, and -- yes -- a Daisy Dukes competition for those brave enough to wear their shortest short-shorts...