WED 2/29: Talk, Burritos, Film, Music

Happy Leap Day!

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WED 2/29

6pm
Jodi Picoult, "Lone Wolf": Reading
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$5

When I think of Jodi Picoult, I can't help but think of the (compelling) discussion about male bias in 'serious literature'.

If you're a fan, it looks like there are still tickets available online or by phone (617-566-6660). Ir you're making a last minute decision, you should consult the Brookline Booksmith site.

WED 2/29

6pm to 8pm
"Spoon Ninja" Burrito-Rolling Competition
at Anna's Taqueria, 446 Harvard St, Brookline
FREE w/ RSVP

There will be two competitions tonight. We will find out who among Anna's fastest burrito-builders will take home this year's "Golden Spoon" trophy.

Although there's no room to compete in the amateur category, I have to think the burrito battle by-products will be shared with the crowd.

There's some info about the late 2010 battle at Burrito Blog (of course).

WED 2/29

6pm to 7pm
Mary Miller, "The Maya Murals of Bonampak: Life & Death at a Royal Court": Lecture
at Room B50, Stone Science Bldg, 675 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

A team from Yale began their study of Bonampak about 15 years ago, and Dr. Miller is one them who may be able to speak most definitively about their research on the largest examples of Mayan art to be found.

I suspect the lecture will be light on the 'end of the world' or 'ancient aliens', but they say, "reception following at the Castle."

WED 2/29

7pm
"Rear Window": Screening
at Harvard Film Archive, 24 Quincy St., Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Bottom line: This is one of the classics from Alfred Hitchcock who may still be the "master of suspense".

And it's free on a big screen.

WED 2/29

7:30pm
"Refresh Refresh Refresh"
at All Asia Bar, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

Feat: Ryan Douglass, Wesley Morris, Caragh Poh, Ike Sriskandarajah, Liz Wood

Hosted By Leon Neyfakh

This reading series began when Boston Globe Ideas columnist Leon Neyfakh lived in New York, he once described his motivation like this:

If there’s one motivating idea behind the series it’s that there’s nothing better than hearing a short, funny thing read out loud to you. it’s not much of an insight, but it turns out that having five gifted, charismatic people who have little to do with each other go up and do that is pretty much guaranteed to be fun and surprising.

When you have a movie critic from the Globe and a contributor from the Atlantic, it could be worth the price of admission.

WED 2/29

7:30pm
"Time Bandits": Screening
at Room 522, College of Arts & Sciences Bldg, 725 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

The interesting aspect of this screening is that it's the first half of a seminar that concludes tomorrow with a chance to review original material from the production.

I saw this movie at the right time of my adolescence to consider it as one of the coolest films ever and galvanize a love for director Terry Gilliam.

WED 2/29

9:30pm
The Dennis Brennan Band, Dietrich Strause
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 advance / $10 at the door

Off and on, Dennis Brennan and band have done stretches of weekly residencies at Lizard Lounge. I doubt there was ever an off night for the band itself.

Expect to hear DB and the crack musicians to play two sets of rootsy-rock with gusto and verve. Great songwriting combined with top-notch playing. This guy keeps getting better over the years and doesn't seem to slow down.

WED 2/29

9:30pm
Bodega Girls present "Cool Ranch"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Pajaritos, DJ Paul Foley

Potential wintry mix should trump the urge to shake one's booty. (Maybe the line might be shorter than usual?)

The Bodega Girls usually host and DJ then invite other bands to perform on the last Wednesday of the month, but they're doing it live tonight with "new songs, old hits, cover jams". You can get a taste on YouTube.

The guest DJ's will bring the party as usual, and the Pajaritos crew might add some Latin flavor.

TUES 2/28: Pancakes, Italian, Japanese, Film, Talk, Rock

Yep, I felt like posting it. Wednesday cheapness on the calendar.

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TUES 2/28

7am to 10pm
National Pancake Day
at Participating IHOP Locations
FREE / Donation suggested

Do you feel like pancakes for dinner?

Like I said yesterday, the International House of Pancakes serve about a million free stacks of pancakes each year -- with one small, non-binding catch...

IHOP hopes that their guests make a donation to support children’s hospitals. It seems like the average donation was about $2.

So really, it's only potentially free. Still when was the last time someone made you a short stack (3) of pancakes? Even with a donation, a beverage and a reasonable gratuity; it's not a bad deal.

There's a limit of one stack per person, and you have to eat them there.

TUES 2/28

5:15pm to 7:15pm
"The Coddling Controversy: Italian POWs on Boston's World War II Homefront": Discussion
at Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston St, Boston (The Fens)
FREE w/ RSVP

Feat: Anne Marie Reardon, Stephen Puleo

The discussion is fascinating, because most people may not know that Italian POW's were allowed semi-freedom in places like Boston in the last couple years of World War II.

TUES 2/28

6pm to 8pm
"Hoichi the Earless": J-Horror Theater Performance
at Simmons Hall, 229 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

This is too peculiar to ignore. A Greek-Irish-Japanese writer Lafcadio Hearn translated a bunch of old Japanese tales including a ghost story known as "Hoichi the Earless".

A production based on Hearn's version that includes a singer, Butoh dancer and couples Japanese lutists are on a mini-US tour.

TUES 2/28

6pm to 9pm
"Black Power Mixtape 1965-1975": Screening & Discussion
at Howard Thurman Center, George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

We have to thank Swedish TV journalists who were interested in our Civil Rights movement. They accidentally preserved the archival footage of their interviews with Black Panther and other activists such as Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, and Angela Davis that create the core of this new film.

A discussion moderated by Professor Ruha Benjamin (Sociology & African American Studies) will follow the screening.

TUES 2/28

7pm
Andre Dubus III, "Townie - A Memoir": Reading
at Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut St, Newton
FREE

Last year, the author of "House of Sand and Fog" wrote a memoir of his rough youth on the North Shore. In one interview or another, I remember him saying that he thought about fictionalizing it, but opted for the more direct approach.

I remember that Newtonville Books would walk people over to a nearby bar to continue the conversation after the reading. Neither the bookstore or the author may be up for that anymore.

TUES 2/28

8pm
Balagan Presents: "Highlights -- Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Fest"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $8 students, seniors

The French have a special affinity for film. Some describe the Clermont-Ferrand Festival as the short-film analogue to Cannes.

Balagan Films (who show something at the Brattle every other Tuesday) and the France Consulate present 6 films ranging between 7 to 23 minutes from Denmark, China, US, Germany, England, and Italy will last about 90 minutes.

Curator of the experimental film & animation competition, Calmin Borel, be in attendance for a Q&A.

If you show up early, DJ Ethan Kiermaier begins spinning at 7pm. I assume that's for people to mingle? Or get down like a French disco?

TUES 2/28

8:30pm
"From Gust To Hail": Screening
at Aviary, 48 South St, Jamaica Plain
$5 suggested donation

Since I'm mentioning the international shorts, I must give some love to our local filmmakers. Curators Luis Arnias and Matt McWilliams have taken a set of 15 films made in New England to various cities, and this is the 'homecoming screening'.

They say:

Homemade Apple Cider will be available during the screenings and all works will be screened in their original 16mm or super 8 format.

The shorts range between 45 seconds and 15 minutes and will also last about 90 minute (including some shorts by Arnias and McWilliams).

TUES 2/28

9pm
The Life And Times, The Jim Healey Band
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$10 / 21+

I guess if a band is from Missouri, the sound is going to be described as 'Midwest alternative' or 'Midwest emo'. The Life And Times have quite a few moments of big, heavy rock that is more spacey than anything bashing. The singer-guitarist was in Shiner, if you remember the '90s.

Jim Healey usually does bash heads -- musically speaking -- in bands like We're All Gonna Die and Black Thai. His eponymous band (with cello) pummels the ears in a gentler manner, but the firm footing is present in the songs.

2/28 to 3/6: *Almost* Last 4 MBTA Meetings

This is it, folks. After almost two month of meetings.

There is still a chance to stand up against service cuts and fare hikes. Mainly service cuts... Or mainly fare hikes...

Update: Besides the Cambridge venue change, the MBTA website lists an extended meeting schedule that includes Haverhill (3/5), Revere (3/6), Fitchburg (3/7), Hull (3/7), and Brighton (3/12).

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TUES 2/28

6pm to 8pm
Somerville High School Auditorium, 81 Highland Avenue

WED 2/29

6pm to 8pm
Cambridge City Hall Council Chambers, 795 Mass Ave

6pm to 8pm
Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass Ave (Thanks, C'port resident!)

THUR 3/1

6pm to 8pm
Government Center Auditorium, 119 School Street, Waltham

TUES 3/6

6pm to 8pm
Massasoit Community College, Liberal Arts Building, Lecture Hall LA 560
1 Massasoit Boulevard, Brockton

At that time, I offered a few ideas on how to express yourself and/or effect change regarding the potential fare increases/service reductions (including holding fundraisers, which could be fun/funny/provocative event).

However I forgot to mention the The T Riders' Union who have been active on general MBTA issues. And now they have an online petition.

Someone named "Sean" later commented on the original post:

I suggest those of us who want sustained, if not improved public transit in Greater Boston, take a cold, hard look at not just protesting, but proposing what it is that we do support to fix the T's finances. That is, if want decent, or even improved transit, we do have to pay for it somehow.

[snip]

Mass Inc., a non-partisan think-tank has some truly reasonable and realistic proposals; backed by cold-hard data that I believe we all should take a good look at, and debate.

[another snip]

The whole thing is at the bottom.

Personally, I felt better after I spoke at a meeting and asked a few questions...

2/28: Free-ish Pancakes at IHOP

Am passing along some info about a free food opportunity.

There could be a Monday post forthcoming. Monday through Wednesday cheapness is on the calendar.

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TUES 2/28

7am to 10pm
National Pancake Day
at Participating IHOP Locations
FREE / Donation suggested

Tomorrow is National Pancake Day, and banks & post offices will be open.

For quite a few years, the International House of Pancakes serve about a million free stacks of pancakes. There is one small, non-binding catch...

IHOP hopes that their guests make a donation to support children’s hospitals. It seems like the average donation was about $2.

So really, it's only potentially free. Still when was the last time someone made you a short stack (3) of pancakes? Even with a donation, a beverage and a reasonable gratuity; it's not a bad deal.

There's a limit of one stack per person, and you have to eat them there.

If you're going to the Brighton and Harvard Sq locations, the best #64/#66 bus transfer is near the nexus of Cambridge St, Brighton Ave, and N. Beacon St. Or you can just have one stack...

SUN 2/26: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

What a beautiful time-lapse view of the stars...

SAT 2/25: Night Cheapness

Why did Sweet Caroline's open after the baseball season last year when their biggest draw is the proximity to Fenway Park? Nonetheless they survived through winter until the Sox return. If you're drinking near the Fens, they're having and 'opening party' tonight with some free appetizers around 9pm.

PS: Thanks, aek!

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SAT 2/25

7pm, 9pm
Sons of Liberty: Improv Comedy
at Room B50, College of Arts & Sciences Bldg, 725 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

A trio of BU students will perform 2 60-miute sets of longform improv comedy. If you like the first performance, maybe you should sit through the second one to make sure it's really improvised.

The only major difference between this and Improv Asylum is that no one will bring you a bucket of beer.

SAT 2/25

8pm to 10pm
Token Creek Chamber Music: "Mozart Marathon Concert"
at Kresge Auditorium, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Program:

"Divertimento in Bb major for Horns and Strings, K.287"
"Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, K. 442"
"Concerto in D Major, K. 537"

As a composer that's been revered for centuries, it's interesting to consider that Mozart left more than a hundred unfinished pieces. Harvard music professor Robert Lewin has picked up the baton and has completed 3 of those pieces.

Along with their performances, Lewin will discuss the project with MIT music professor John Harbison. I think both might also perform.

SAT 2/25

8pm to 10pm
"20-Minute Musicals"
at Student Theater at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Some must be interested in hearing what the BU On Broadway kids can do in bursts of 20 minutes.

In most cases musicals get tedious around the 15-minute mark, so this could be just right...

SAT 2/25

The Gentlemen (11:30pm), Watts (10:30pm), The Rationales (9:30pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Although I've narrowed down the night's music gigs to my top three, this gets the *Rock Lock* pick. If I actually did that sort of thing, The Gentlemen wholeheartedly deserve it as they will likely play their "Blondes Prefer Gentlemen" album in its entirety to celebrate the release's 10th anniversary. Ballsy powerpop doesn't get much better than this (except for chief Gentleman Mike Gent's other band The Figgs).

The good times keep on rollin' and rocking with the fantastic Watts and Rationales.

SAT 2/25

9:30pm
Wheat, Camden, Ashpark
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Around 10 years ago when I first heard Wheat, I couldn't get enough of them. The singer called me out at TT's once for having a big smile on my face, but I felt like I was listening to a bar-band Beach Boys. They were a band that might've already seen some changes and seem to keep morphing.

Wheat are in the midst of releasing new songs, and it's still awesome. Camden and Ashpark fall into a similar vein of pop-rock with an edge.

SAT 2/25

9:30pm
Lovewhip presents "Fire & Desire"
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

Feat: The Hornitz, Vice V'ersatile, Miss Madison West

As someone who lives much closer to the other end of the Orange Line, a night in JP often feels like an minor adventure that regularly rewards the effort. Although they play on the other side of the Charles, why not get down 'n funky with Lovewhip on their turf?

The delightfully wacky horn & beats of The Hornitz have been out and about lately, so here's another chance to get on the wagon early. There is a promise of "burlesque and comedy" as well, and that's what to expect from Vice V'ersatile and Madison West.

SAT 2/25

11:30pm to 12:30am
Jackie and Harry Birthday Show Blowout & Gang Initiation
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St., Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Featuring: Jackie Arko, Harry Gordon

Two funny people share a birthday today. I would try make an astro-icthyological joke, but I'm confused by the new system.

If you've had a few drinks in Central Square by 11:30, you might like to take a break and party with Jackie & Harry and their guests.

SAT 2/25: Day Cheapness

The Freemasons all over the Commonwealth are having open houses from 9am to 3pm to encourage people to join in their service mission. While the skulls of colonial heroes probably won't be sitting on the shelves, it might be interesting to walk into the lodge on Tremont Street for no particular reason.

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SAT 2/25

2pm at 4:30pm
Stacy Scibelli, "Made With Love": Interactive Artist Talk
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

For a little bit of romance and affection -- or maybe simple human connection -- take a little time to hear about Stacy Scibelli's project where she has created hundreds of crazy garments that two people wear at the same time.

Listen to her POV and try something on, then the next step is up to you.

SAT 2/25

2pm to 3pm
Charles River Dam Tour [PDF]
meet at flagpoles, Paul Revere Park, below Charlestown Bridge, Charlestown
FREE

How many times do you get to tour a dam facility?

The relatively uninspiring edifice in the shadow of the Zakim Bridge preserves the shores of Boston and Cambridge while accommodating boats and fish. Someone even spotted an Atlantic sturgeon near the dam this week.

Every time the guide makes a point, I suggest you say, "Damn..."

SAT 2/25

3pm to 4:30pm
Turkish Cultural Day
at Bush Building Lobby, about 105 Mass Ave (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Having recently watched Anthony Bourdain visit Istanbul, the culture of Turkey is more fascinating than ever. Turkish MIT students intend this event to be a chance for outsiders to take a peek at the wonders of Asia Minor in its food, music, some historical slides, and the art of paper marbling.

SAT 2/25

7pm, 9pm
Sons of Liberty: Improv Comedy
at Room B50, College of Arts & Sciences Bldg, 725 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

A trio of BU students will perform 2 60-miute sets of longform improv comedy. If you like the first performance, maybe you should sit through the second one to make sure it's really improvised.

The only major difference between this and Improv Asylum is that no one will bring you a bucket of beer.

SAT 2/25

8pm to 10pm
Token Creek Chamber Music: "Mozart Marathon Concert"
at Kresge Auditorium, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Program:

"Divertimento in Bb major for Horns and Strings, K.287"
"Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, K. 442"
"Concerto in D Major, K. 537"

As a composer that's been revered for centuries, it's interesting to consider that Mozart left more than a hundred unfinished pieces. Harvard music professor Robert Lewin has picked up the baton and has completed 3 of those pieces.

Along with their performances, Lewin will discuss the project with MIT music professor John Harbison. I think both might also perform.

SAT 2/25

8pm to 10pm
"20-Minute Musicals"
at Student Theater at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Some must be interested in hearing what the BU On Broadway kids can do in bursts of 20 minutes.

In most cases musicals get tedious around the 15-minute mark, so this could be just right...

Saturday & Sunday Calendar

For the record, I was not feeling well and spent most of Friday on the futon.

More should be up shortly.

Thursday & Friday Calendar

Grrr... Just a calendar today...

I don't know about the Socialete thing, but there will be some kind of Long Trail Brewery games tonight at Clery's...

WED 2/22: Drinks & Calendar

I haven't decided if I'm doing anything special for "National Margarita Day".

While this could turn out to be far from a "cheap" proposition, Ole (Inman Sq) and Zocalo (Back Bay), is offering free guacamole with every margarita ordered, which appear to be in the $10 to $13 range.

Get one, and it's a nice post-work snack -- after that, you're on your own.


Not into tequila? Why not try to wrangle a free Narragansett Cream Ale...

There's a re-launch party (6pm) for the old-school brew at The Salty Pig across from the Back Bay T station. The Dig has a good write-up about the beer itself. Besides liquid samples, expect to find something to nibble on.

Tweeters also have a chance at a Cream Ale prixe pack.

Check out other cheapness for today and tomorrow.

TUES 2/21: Talk & Music

New Orleans has no proprietary claim on Mardi Gras, but they do it better than anywhere else. Still we can "Laissez les bon temps roulez" in our corner of the world.

If you're spending time with a kid on vacation this week, there will be activities at the Mary Baker Eddy Library through Friday called "Mapping My World". It's free for ages 17 and under including the Mapparium, which is worth the $6 for adults. (Of course, I'm a fan of the Bugs Bunny Film Festival at the Brattle too.)

And cheapness through Thursday is on the calendar.

Update: So tomorrow is National Margarita Day. Besides celebrating independently, there is a small chance of sampling some free bevvies at Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake (7pm). You can get on the waiting list, and maybe they'll get in touch...

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TUES 2/21

7pm
"Community Gathering for Artists Who Create Socially-Engaged Work"
at Room 181, North Bldg, about 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)
FREE

If you create 'socially-engaged' art of any kind, you might have already heard about this get-together. Just trying to spread the word.

TUES 2/21

7pm to 9pm
Science by the Pint: "Clean Energy & Creating Plastic Solar Cells"
at Tavern on the Square, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Feat: Dr. Alan Aspuru-Guzik

Like the science cafes organized by PBS, some Harvard grad students leverage their resources to spread knowledge to those interested in stimulating conversation at a bar.

Another season begins with solar energy experts and continues on the 3rd Tuesday of the month through August.

TUES 2/21

7:30pm
Fat Tuesday Party w/ Ed Scheer Tuesday Night All-Stars
at Smoken' Joes BBQ, 351 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
FREE

While mainly a smallish restaurant with a stage, there is a small bar area to have a drink and enjoy bluesy music almost every night of the week.

There seems to be room to sit at a table and not eat from the looks of a recent Tuesday night, but it wasn't Mardi Gras. I suggest calling if you want to get in.

I ate here recently, and the food is really good.

TUES 2/21

7:30pm
Le Mardi Gras w/ Danny Heath & Wali Ali
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Speaking of good food, your meal will likely cost more than Smoken' Joes, but there is more room to hang at the bar.

I didn't find much specific info for tonight's gig.

Wali Ali is a guitarist who has had many high-profile funky gigs (Taj Mahal, Rick James, The Temptations, Peter Tosh, etc). Trombonist/singer Danny Heath is a Louisiana native who moved to the area about 8 years ago and plays with a variety of people. I assume they will lead different groups for at least a set each.

TUES 2/21

9pm
Elephant Wrecking Ball, Brighton Beat, The Hornitz
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

Thanks to MySecretBoston's free Tuesdays, there is plenty of funky/jammy bon temps that will roulez.

Elephant Wrecking Ball is led by the trombonist from John Brown's Body by his spacey, heavily-processed horn-playing for a dub-reggae vibe playing around jazz & funk. It should be a good time all the way through with the Brighton Beat's Afro-funk and cool experimentalism from The Hornitz.

TUES 2/21

The Devil's Twins (11pm), The Sinbusters (10pm), The Sour Doo-Dahs (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7

For lots of loud, two-person, punky garage-rock, this is a good bet. It may be too much kick-ass rock in gig, but you can handle it...

MON 2/20: Big Quiz Thing on Prez Day

Whoops, I almost forgot tonight's Big Quiz Thing! I'm basically reposting a previous write-up.

It really is the best trivia experience I've encountered, and it's free. The BQT visits us once a month, so you'll have to wait if you miss it.

Other Monday cheapness is on the calendar. Below are some thoughts about spending the evening with the Boston Philharmonic.

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8pm to 10pm
The Big Quiz Thing: "Hail to the Trivial Presidential Quiz Spectacular"
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Do you know a free trivia night where there's a $200 1st-place prize? It's very competitive, but it can be done. The Cheap Thrills Boston team tied for 2nd place in June. I think our team helped to make the night considered to be "The ideal live-trivia audience".

Your average pub trivia is alright, but this is probably the most entertaining trivia game I've played.

These folks will infotain with witty audio-visual brainteasers revolving around the Commander-in-Chief.

Even a wrong answer has a chance for points if it's funny enough, so prepare some Monica Lewinsky references...

If you don't win the grand prize in the 3-way finale, your team could go home with some books, DVD's, gift card and/or tickets to "The Donkey Show".

There is a bar as well even if it isn't a pub.

There is more Monday cheapness on the calendar.

MON 2/20: RSVP for Boston Phil rehearsing in Somerville

Yes, Monday cheapness is on the calendar.

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MON 2/20

6:30pm to 9:30pm
Boston Philharmonic, "Concert 3": Open Rehearsal
at Arts at the Armory Performance Hall, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
FREE w/ RSVP

Let's not kid ourselves. You and I don't know about Witold Lutoslawski.

The Boston Philharmonic is rehearsing Lutoslawski's "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra" which is described as:

Like a play without words it dramatizes the dilemma of the individual trapped in a repressive social system— in this case Soviet-dominated Poland— struggling to find his own voice and make it heard.

Later this week people are going to pay $15 to $90, so you could hear some world-class modern classical music for free.

Perhaps the drawback is that the rehearsal starts promptly at 6:30pm and will last until 9:30pm. The concerto is rather interesting but rather serious.

Oh, and you can't park on-site. (But it's better to take the #88 or #90.)

SUN 2/19: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Everyone is free to hold their beliefs, but... Jon Stewart has a humorous way of framing the argument.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

SUN 2/19: Bunny & Music

Is it weird to enjoy Sunday without football?

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SUN 2/19

Noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
Annual Bugs Bunny Film Fest: "All Bugs Revue"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75 / $7.75 student / $6.75 under-12

Matinees -- Noon, 2pm, 4pm: $7.75 general

I'll always been a fan of Looney Tunes, and I think Bugs Bunny is one of the greatest, most versatile comic actors of all time. Whether he's hippity-hopping to international locales, yukking it up through history, spoofing fairy tales, singing opera, or simply cross-dressing to evade Elmer Fudd -- this rabbit could get you laughing dozens of ways while remaining the same cool smart-ass.

See one of the great comic actors in collection of his greatest hits.

SUN 2/19

Sea Monsters (10pm), Samantha Farrell (8:30pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10-ish / 21+

For about 3 years, Christian McNeill and Jesse Dee used to weekly lead a big rootsy/soulful party with horns, various guests and adoring fans. It was a great way to end the week or begin the week (depending on your perspective).

Like most 3-day weekends, It should be like old times tonight -- except it looks like Jesse may not be there -- but the amazing Joanie Pimentel (ex-SuperHoney) is tonight's guest Sea Monster.

If it's not a good old time for you, it's perfectly acceptable to a good new time.

Get there early, because it should be a full house -- and you'll get to hear the jazzy/folky/soulful Samantha Farrell and her band.

SUN 2/19

Jason Anderson & The Best (10pm), Ette (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Although I've seen Jason Anderson play New Year's Eve gigs in the area for several years, I still don't think I know his story. Anderson and band excel at feel-good folk rock, and Ette reminds me of when I first heard The Jayhawks. Not a bad little night...

SUN 2/19

9:30pm
The Honors
at Green Dragon Tavern, 11 Marshall St, Boston (Haymarket)
FREE / 21+

My dilemma is whether to take advantage of George Washington's birthday with the Sea Monsters or The Honors.

They're both practically 3-day weekend options, because I don't want to attenuate my good times. The Honors rock out almost every Sunday, but I'm loath to awake Monday morning with pounding head and cotton-dry mouth.

Tonight could be wall-to-wall uber-catchy indie-rock that bounces and jangles and swoons in wonderful ways. Although the band may not think it's a benefit, I'm guessing the place isn't packed like a Friday night.

SAT 2/18: Night Cheapness

The day cheapness is listed below.

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SAT 2/18

8pm to 10pm
Moe Pope & Rain, Black El & Durkin
at Yes.Oui.Si Space, 19 Vancouver St, Boston (between MFA & MassArt)
$5 donation

I'm not sure why some excellent local hip-ohp is happening in an art space, but they regularly have various gigs here. Who knows what surprises might arise, but top-notch beats and rhymes should be expected.

SAT 2/18

8pm to 10pm
"For the Sake of the Song": Tribute to Tom Waits
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$8

Feat: Patrick Coman, Brendan Hogan, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Dressing the Debutantes

Patrick Coman and many of his usual co-conspirators travel through Tom Waits' dark and skewed universe in a folky vein.

The beauty of a Tom Waits tribute is that many of his songs are stark or plain -- as well as both stark and plain -- that allows people to bring a lot to their versions. The gravel voice and passion could sell almost any song, but the lyrics are so friggin' awesome.

SAT 2/18

9pm
"Boston Facial Hair Fiasco"
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

Feat: Township (11:30pm), Black Helicopter (10:15pm), Coyote Kolb (9pm)

Even when I'm not walking around with an uneven scruffiness on my face, there's an admiration for folks that can rock the facial hair. So why not have beard & mustache competitions in between bands?

I assume Marc Pinansky of Township has been disqualified from competing in the beard competitions, since he sports quite a bushy mass on his face. The band rocks harder than his beard in a way that makes you want to beard -- or hit the road sitting behind a bearded biker. Black Helicopter gets even sludgier. Some dudes in Coyote Kolb are beardish, which goes well with their deep, fuzzy bluesy jam.

SAT 2/18

9pm
The Wandas, Aloud, When Particles Collide, The Bynars
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

Wow, who put 3 of my favorite bands on the same bill? The Wandas are like a hook factory. I think Aloud have gone through 3 or phases since I first heard them, and they always sound like rock heroes. The Bynars bring the party with keyboard-heavy indie-rock. I don't recall hearing When Particles Collide before, but the duo from Maine sound like a potential new face.

SAT 2/18

10:30pm
Cuffs, Woollen Kits, Headband
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Settle in for some fun, jangly indie-pop from Cuffs and Australia's Woollen Kits who are finishing their US tour tonight. Then hold on to your pint glasses, because Headband will be shaking things up with a noisier batch of tunes.

SAT 2/18: Day Cheapness

Hey, enjoy your Presidents Day weekend!

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SAT 2/18

Noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
Annual Bugs Bunny Film Fest: "Chuck Jones Goes Looney"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.75 / $7.75 student / $6.75 under-12

Matinees -- Noon, 2pm, 4pm: $7.75 general

I'll always been a fan of Looney Tunes, and I think Bugs Bunny is one of the greatest, most versatile comic actors of all time. Whether he's hippity-hopping to international locales, yukking it up through history, spoofing fairy tales, singing opera, or simply cross-dressing to evade Elmer Fudd -- this rabbit could get you laughing dozens of ways while remaining the same cool smart-ass.

The amazing rabbit's friends like Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig are the focus of today's program (Various through 2/25 for winter school break). Although I've seen the cartoons a million times, it was a different experience to see it on the big screen with a bunch of kids laughing and talking.

SAT 2/18

4pm
Sadplant, The Furiousity, The Dead Tricks, Hooks & Sinkers, The Pity Whores
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$7-ish / All Ages

Yes, the all-ages punk matinee. It's been a while since I've been to one, but I contend that people of all ages are welcome. If you can drink legally, you should see a big part of the crowd isn't jaded yet.

They don't have much reason to stand with arms crossed when there are 5 damn-good bands. The Furiousity like a blurb of mine that they put it on their Reverbnation page: “The mostly-female Furiousity bash it out with sassiness, humor, and joie-de-vivre in rough and ragged punk attack.” There's a taste of NYC and CT with The Dead Tricks, Sadplant (who have released 7 albums in 5 years!) and Hooks & Sinkers. And what can I say about The Pity Whores that their Jerry Springer appearance doesn't already say?

In a week when some politicos wanted to turn back the clock on women's rights, I count 3 female bassists on this lineup.

SAT 2/18

7pm
"Primary" & "Crisis": Screening & Discussion
at Bright Screening Room, Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$10 / $7.50 Seniors / $5 Students

"Filmmaker Robert Drew is scheduled to attend the screening."

Robert Drew will be remembered as a pioneer in documentaries for films like these two portraits with JFK in the middle of the action. They got full access to Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey for 5 days in 1960's "Primary", where they battle for votes in Wisconsin.

After watching "Primary", the President let Drew film the unfolding of how the White House handled Alabama's Governor Wallace when he fought against the University of Alabama's integration in 1963 for "Crisis: Behind A Presidential Commitment".

Saturday & Sunday Calendar

Am typing away... I thought I had more cheapness for Sunday...

Friday Calendar

I'm disappointed when I don't deliver. Hopefully a full weekend post will be available tonight...

Wednesday Calendar

This hasn't been my best blogging week, but yesterday was FUBAR. (Nothing to do with romance.)

Here is the calendar o' cheapness before it's the afternoon...

MON 2/13: Talk, Art, Music, Theatre

Maybe you want to protest the MBTA's proposed service cuts & fare hikes... Or maybe you want have a few free slugs of booze... Maybe both or maybe something below...

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MON 2/13

6pm
Nancy Harmon Jenkins, "Stop Wait! What's in that Bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?"
at Demo Room #117, Fuller Bldg, 808 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Attention, foodies! Lately there's been talk about the shady world of olive oil production, and food writer Nancy Harmon Jenkins will likely distill it to a digestible size. There will be some oil tasting at the end.

MON 2/13

7pm to 9:30pm
"Rural Ireland": Opening Reception
at McMullen Museum of Art, Devlin Hall, 140 Comm Ave, Chestnut Hill (BC campus)
FREE

I think the preview for this exhibit was the first 'guest post' on CTB.

It seems it would be interesting to get a glimpse into the lives of Ireland's lower-class in and around the time of the "Potato Famine". The faces in these paintings are the friends & family of those who landed in New York and Boston.

MON 2/13

7pm to 9pm
"Love, InshAllah": Discussion
at Ticknor Lounge, Boylston Hall, 5 Harvard Yard, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The subtitle of this book is "The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women". This seems like a fascinating, because this is a segment of the population that many probably stereotype (perhaps subconsciously).

The editors Ayesha Mattu and Nura Maznavi will discuss the myriad stories with Harvard's Kathryn Coughlin.

MON 2/13

8pm
Vicky Chow, "Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano"
at Killian Hall, Hayden Library, 160 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

When I listen to avant-garde music, John Cage is one of my favorites. Sometimes the concepts and the process is more satisfying than the actual music, but his music usually stands well -- and I think you can feel the intention.

Not sure if I've heard "Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano". Supposedly Indian philosophy had a strong influence on the hour-long collection.

MON 2/13

8pm
New Works Series: "SUDZ!"
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The monthly free series offers a workshop from a local theatre group that's described as:

...all the camp, drama, shoulder pads, and improbability from your favorite daytime and prime time soap operas [brought] live to the stage.

Should be good for some laughs.

MON 2/13

The White Owls (8pm), Andrea Gillis Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Like I said last month: You're getting two great bar bands that go great together. Dennis Brennan captains a kick-ass team of players through blues classics and hidden gems. Andrea Gillis is the big, soulful voice in front of her punky band.

The White Owls have been Monday night regulars for a while, but Andrea Gillis Band's run may end in a couple weeks.

MON 2/13

9pm
Screaming Females, Parasol, Modern Hut
at Lorem Ipsum Books, 1299 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$5 to $7 suggested donation

The cool thing is that punky/poppy bands are playing in a bookstore. Screaming Females from NJ rock out with a diminutive female singer-guitarist who has a good scream, so the name fits. She also plays in Modern Hut that makes a rickety-rockety (and it's led by one of the dudes from For Science -- if you're hipper than me). Local twee-ish poppers Parasol are also on board.

Your donation will go to the bands for expenses.

2/13 to 2/16: This Week's MBTA Meetings

Hey, folks -- today is the last MBTA meeting in Boston proper...

The complete list of sessions through TUES 3/6 is on my original post (along with links to relevant "Discussion Guide", etc.

Let's say a brief Monday post is forthcoming, but stuff is on the calendar.

See below for the chance to attend a Jameson tasting tonight.

Tonight's opening reception for BC's "Rural Ireland: The Inside Story" could be a richer experience, because Emma Crawford wrote a preview for CTB.

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MON 2/13

6pm to 8pm
Boston Public Library, Boston Room, 700 Boylston Street

Note: There is going to be a rally in Copley Square from 4pm to 5:30pm with the T Riders Union, Occupy Boston, and other groups.

TUES 2/14

6pm to 8pm
Framingham Town Hall, 150 Concord Street

WED 2/15

6:30pm to 8:30pm
Quincy High School Auditorium, 100 Coddington Street

6pm to 8pm
Thomas Crane Public Library Community Room, 40 Washington St, Quincy (Thanks, Jen, for the update!)

THUR 2/16

6pm to 8pm
Malden City Council Chambers, 200 Pleasant Street

At that time, I offered a few ideas on how to express yourself and/or effect change regarding the potential fare increases/service reductions (including holding fundraisers, which could be fun/funny/provocative event).

However I forgot to mention the The T Riders' Union who have been active on general MBTA issues. And now they have an online petition.

Someone named "Sean" later commented on the original post:

I suggest those of us who want sustained, if not improved public transit in Greater Boston, take a cold, hard look at not just protesting, but proposing what it is that we do support to fix the T's finances. That is, if want decent, or even improved transit, we do have to pay for it somehow.

[snip]

Mass Inc., a non-partisan think-tank has some truly reasonable and realistic proposals; backed by cold-hard data that I believe we all should take a good look at, and debate.

[another snip]

The whole thing is at the bottom.

Personally, I felt better after I spoke at a meeting and asked a few questions...

MON 2/13: RSVP to Jameson Tasting

FYI: Plenty o' Monday cheapness on the calendar.

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MON 2/13

9pm
"Jameson Signature Event"
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE w/ RSVP

There was no webpage I could find, but I got the info from a reliable source. What I didn't get was lots of details, but I've been to this type of event.

They usually start you off with a glass of whiskey, then an 'ambassador' will tell you about the Jameson history and how awesome their spirits are.

Three or four different whiskeys might be tasted. Or they may share a few mixed drinks that are great with Irish whiskey.

St. Paddy's Day is around the corner, and there is more to Irish party time than Guinness.

Send an email, and they may have space...

SUN 2/12: Sunday Night Off/On-Topic Video

I mentioned Wiretap Wednesday a couple weeks ago. It's a new 'open stage' on the first Wednesday of the month at the Arts at the Armory where performers get 5 minutes to wow the crowd.

The folks that run this thing have a lot of talented friends, so every month could be a good night to sit and listen. And it's free!

This is a clip of Lainey SchoolTree at the inaugural edition.



What, were you expecting a Whitney Houston video?

Sunday Briefly

Funnily, there are 2 Chinese New Year celebrations today. I have a feeling there will be a more 'authentic' experience in Quincy then Harvard Square.

Since it's Darwin Day, a panel discussion about the man and subjects he may have thought about.

People are also drawing, telling stories, and singing.

SAT 2/11: Night Cheapness

I wonder if restaurants will be crowded on pre-V-Day weekend...

I wonder if a couple could share a falafel sandwich like the classic scene from "Lady and the Tramp"...

Day cheapness is below.

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SAT 2/11

7pm
Roger Miller presents: "Early Cartoons with Solo Prepared Piano"
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$10 advance / $12 door

Are you feeling cool and arty? Don't expect to hear "Academy Fight Song" from Mission of Burma's Roger Miller as he performs a set of prepared piano. This is avant-garde stuff.

It should prepare you for the cartoons that will be at least 60 years old. The soundtracks were pretty wild back then, especially the old Warner Brothers toons.

SAT 2/11

The Days Weight (11pm), Roz Raskin & the Rice Cakes (10pm), Tallahassee (9pm), Summer of Aden (8pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10

I like the mix of folk-rock and indie-pop sounds out of this lineup.

The Days Weight are celebrating their new album, which should sound a little rustic since they recorded it in the middle of Maine.

Although I haven't seen them in person, I have a feeling that Roz Raskin & the Rice Cakes might be a highlight. Their video clips suggest an extra jolt on top of the tunefulness.

Am glad to see Boston-based Tallahassee playing around. Not only do they have a kick-ass indie-folk thing going, I want to mention one more time that the singer briefly played for the Pats. (Let's not talk about last week.)

Who knows why they're called Summer of Aden -- July in Yemen must be terribly hot, and S.o.A. keep it pretty cool. It's easygoing that may convince you it's happier and rowdier than it's actually intended. Still a rather apropos soundtrack for a mellow good time.

SAT 2/11

8:30pm
"Ethnotronic Electric Chillout"
at Magic Room Gallery, Sound Museum, 155 N. Beacon Street, Brighton
FREE / 21+

Feat: Machine 475, Tigerforest, Amethyste

This much live ambient/electronic grooves may begin to feel a bit like a trance. Excellent, then it's working exactly as it should be. I've noticed that many shows at the Magic Room have cool projections going on as well. It's pretty cool stuff.

Machine 475 is mix of all sorts of genres, and they've got a violinist, thereminist and didgeridoo. Think about that for a moment.

SAT 2/11

9:30pm
"Lifestyle Valentine's Masquerade"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Feat: Lifestyle, Casey Desmond, Streight Angular

Whenever I see "dress sharp", it makes me hesitate. (If I don't dress sharp, will I have to stand behind the velvet rope? Or will they simply give a disapproving frown?) When there's going to be a trio sharply and vividly dressed bands, maybe it creates the right 'atmosphere'.

On the other hand, wearing a mask isn't so bad. That could be somewhere in the closet or available at an iParty store. There will be some people to mask your face if you came unprepared anyway.

Whatever you do, comfortable shoes will be helpful. With the synthy/poppy goodness of Lifestyle and Casey Desmond and the indie-rock party of Streight Angular, you will probably want to move around. Hey, dress how you like and dance and have a good time.

SAT 2/11: Day Cheapness

Are you going to have special time with a loved one tonight for early V-Day? Get some tips from my Cheap Valentine Ideas.

The opening reception for BC's "Rural Ireland: The Inside Story" exhibit is on Monday, but it opens today. Emma Crawford wrote a CTB preview.

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SAT 2/11 (and SUN 2/12)

Various Times
Boston Globe Travel Show
at World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston (Seaport)
$10 / FREE children 18 and under (with a parent)

* FREE with promo code *

Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Do you know what would totally make the Travel Show worth the trip? If you got in for free! Someone sent me a promo code for advance tickets, and I put in a jpeg in case it's supposed to be secret.

If you think you're likely to enter contests/giveaways, you're eventually going to give up your contact info...

Whether you have a dream destination or just want to go *somewhere*, there will be more travel info than you'll know what to do with. Maybe you should listen to one of the presentations to focus your quest.

SAT 2/11

11am
Annual Lowell Winterfest
Around Downtown Lowell [PDF map]
Mostly FREE

It's weird to have a Winterfest when it doesn't feel like Winter. I assume they will find some snow to make the tracks for the human dog-sled competition (3pm to 5:30pm).

This shindig is pretty fun when it's cold and snowy...

SAT 2/11

1pm to 5pm
"Overdrive 2.0: Jam and Dance Showcase"
at Tsai Performance Center, Boston University, 685 Comm Ave, Boston
$6

Yes, people still breakdance. If people still polka, then we should also breakdance. B-boys, b-girls, and hip-hop aficionados gather dance or watch (it's $6 either way).

(There is a later competition, but it costs more than 10 bucks.)

SAT 2/11

2pm
"At Night’s End": Play and Q&A
at Goethe Institut Boston, 170 Beacon St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE advance / $5 door

Award-winning playwright Motti Lerner is kind of a big deal in Israel, and it seems like this 90-minute two-act play is one of his new works that is presented here in a workshop followed by a discussion with Lerner.

I watched a short clip with the author, and it takes place during Israel's 2006 conflict with Lebanon where a family deals with the strife. The message has something to do with the courage to change.

SAT 2/11

7pm
Roger Miller presents: "Early Cartoons with Solo Prepared Piano"
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$10 advance / $12 door

Are you feeling cool and arty? Don't expect to hear "Academy Fight Song" from Mission of Burma's Roger Miller as he performs a set of prepared piano. This is avant-garde stuff.

It should prepare you for the cartoons that will be at least 60 years old. The soundtracks were pretty wild back then, especially the old Warner Brothers toons.

Friday Calendar

One of my short-term goals is to simply do better than yesterday (or last week). I believe I will succeed today.

Just in case, the Friday cheapness is below.

FYI: There is a promo code for free advance tix to this weekend's Boston Globe Travel Show.

If you think you're likely to enter contests/giveaways, you're eventually going to give up your contact info...

THUR 2/9: Talk, Art, Play, Music

I mentioned that there would be additional performances at BU's exhibit on performance art after the opening reception, and I think something is happening tonight from 6pm to 7pm.

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THUR 2/9

6pm
"Esplanade 2020 Unveiled" Public Meeting
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

6pm -- Presentation
7pm -- Moderated Discussion
8pm to 8:30pm -- Networking

In one way, it's nice to see that there are plans to improve the Esplanade. Not only will the general public have a chance to hear proposals but to respond to them tonight.

Personally, I'm skeptical that whatever projects will be complete by 2020 -- if that's what the title is meant to suggest.

THUR 2/9

6pm
"FIGMENT Lights": Launch Party
at Chinatown Park, about 120 Essex St, Boston (Kennedy Greenway)
FREE

File this under: "Hey, if you're going to the Good Life, you might as well stop at the Greenway for art 'n music 'n dance."

There will be a performance in celebration of new light-art installations followed by a mixer at 6:30pm at the Good Life Bar.

THUR 2/9

7pm to 10pm
Candy Leonard, "Beatleness!": Presentation
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$5

About 2 years ago, on the anniversary of John Lennon's birth, someone declared without reluctance that The Beatles are overrated. It made me think that people need to know more about the lads from Liverpool.

Who knows what Candy Leonard will say, but I suspect she'll give a strong case for the awesomeness of the Fab Four.

THUR 2/9

7pm
"There Will Be Words": New Play Workshop
at Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE / $2 suggested donation

Feat: Thom Dunn's "True Believers"

It's too bad this is a reading/workshop, because the play's setting is a comic book convention. Love and obsession will abound in the story, and some of it may be aimed at the opposite sex...

The Vagabond Theatre Group is probably presenting this in the back of the restaurant area where tasty food and drink (including beer & wine) will be available. This could be a good, low-key evening of theatre and dinner -- not dinner theater.

THUR 2/9

7pm
Gary Small, "The Alzheimer's Prevention Program: Keep Your Brain Healthy for the Rest of Your Life": Discussion
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

If you know about a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's Disease, you may already consume as much news and preventative advice -- and you probably want more. The simply curious are also welcome.

THUR 2/9

7pm
"Bringing King to China": Screening
at Cushing Hall, Room 001, about 140 Comm Ave, Chestnut Hill (BC campus)
FREE

This documentary features an ambitious young woman who wants to produce a play about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the National Theatre of China. Let's assume that it doesn't go smoothly.

Filmmaker Kevin McKiernan will be in attendance, and he is the father of the 'protagonist'.

THUR 2/9

8pm
"The Checkout": Leala Cyr & Ricardo Vogt
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

The cool thing about this performance is that it's being broadcast live on NY's WBGO 88.3 FM and the web. People in the room, by the radio, or at their computer will hear the sounds of an American vocalist/trumpeter and a Brazilian guitarist who blend their influences quite nicely.

THUR 2/9

What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? (11pm), SchoolTree (10pm), Goli (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

If you're going to make up a holiday, it should be as silly as Valenhog's Day (between Groundhog's Day and Valentine's Day).

One might as well celebrate with a lineup that often is neither one thing or the other -- as far as giving short description of the music.

As for What Time Is It Mr. Fox?, the question may refer to years instead of hours. There's a dark/modern aspect to their sound, but it wouldn't be out place in an oldtime cabaret setting.

You might recognize the SchoolTree frontwoman as the brunette half of The Steamy Bohemians. This a project where the songs are not so much aiming for LOL'ing, and it's a twist on theatrical pop. For instance, there is going to be some choreographed dancing during their set.

If you really asked me about my favorite cello-marimba duo, I'd say it was Goli without a doubt. I thought they weren't together anymore, but they've been studying at NEC -- where they must rock more than any other chamber ensemble.