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.