WED 3/28: Photos, Talk, Music

Yes, there is a nice batch of cheapness to choose from tonight. Tomorrow doesn't look so bad either.

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WED 3/28

5pm to 8pm
"101 Photographs for Freedom of the Press": Opening Reception
at Main Gallery, Art Institute of Boston, 700 Beacon St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE

In the era of citizen journalism and unconfirmed videos, it remains that there are many committed photojournalists that are casting a third-party eye to the world's danger zones.

They're also capturing the majority of the most evocative images -- about 100 of the last 70 years can be seen in this exhibit to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Reporters Without Borders (on view through SUN 4/22).

The question is: Can the Consulate General of France sponsor a reception without wine?

Susan Meiselas, Perter van Agtmael, and Antoine d'Agata of Magnum Photos should be there, because they're speaking at Lesley tomorrow.

WED 3/28

7pm
"A Tribute to Anthony Shadid": Panel Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Feat: Susan Chira (NY Times), Charlie Sennott (GlobalPost), Phil Bennett (Frontline)

Moderated by Alex Jones (Harvard Shorenstein Center)

Speaking of journalists in the danger zone, Anthony Shadid was one of those unflappable foreign correspondents who would not let a kidnapping in Libya deter him from heading to Syria less than a year later. It's hard to believe he was felled by an asthma attack on a horse.

Some of his former colleagues of the Pulitzer Prize-winner will gather share their recollections.

WED 3/28

8pm
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic (9:30pm), Goli (8pm)
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

When I think of Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, it's that Roger Miller (and Martin Swope) co-founded this group after Mission of Burma broke up -- and he hasn't even been in the band for years. It turns out Miller will be joining his former chamber-rock group for tonight's gig.

As a cello-marimba duo, Goli leans more towards the 'chamber' if applying the chamber-rock label. It's pretty interesting stuff however you slice or box it.

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.

WED 3/28

9pm
FNX Alternatour
at Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Feat: Tribes, New Highway Hymnal, Ms Mr

When I last checked, you could still register for the free gig. It seems like Tribes are a medium-tier band in the UK. They've got a heavy-guitar, alternative-rock sound and have been sharing gigs with The Kooks, Kaiser Chiefs, and the like.

Local psychedelic rockers New Highway Hymnal add a nice wrinkle to a line-up that curiously includes an NYC electro-pop duo. Vive la variété!

WED 3/28

9pm
Major Stars, Balaclavas, White Pages
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

The Major Stars played multiple Wednesdays in November at Precinct down the street, so the mojo in Union Square must be right for their noisy fuzz that tingles my spine -- maybe yours as well?

The White Pages punk things out to kick it off, and Houston's Balaclavas charmingly thumbs their collective at pleasing melodies with feedback guitars and a general dark attitude.

WED 3/28

9pm
Hallelujah the Hills, You Won't, The Milkman's Union, Boy Without God
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

Yeah, I'm a sucker for indie/folk/rock groups -- and good ones are stacked one on top of the other at this gig.

It's not too far off to say that CTB faves Hallelujah The Hills and You Won't have what it takes to be bands that random friends will be raving about in the future. They both have some great tunes that prick up the ears, and both generally keep things clever without sounding like there's a lot of effort. Boy Without God is usually one boy with a deep singing voice and passion that I find rather effective.

I'm not sure what it is about The Milkman's Union's quirky twang that hasn't overwhelmed me yet, but it could happen as I listen more often. (The readers of Deli New England are fans.)