THUR 8/23: Burgers, Music, Talk

Hey: If you're free tomorrow, you might want to get an early start for the "Free Fun Fridays" offer for a free ferry ride to a Boston Harbor island. (Author Chris Klein might have some pointers -- see below.)

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THUR 8/23

11am to 4pm
"Ultimate Baconator Challenge"
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

It could be a mob scene of freeloaders, but it wouldn't hurt to walk by for the chance to get a free Wendy's bacon cheeseburger and a shake as well as the chance at other free stuff.

Keep in mind this is a "while supplies last" situation.

More is listed below.

THUR 8/23

6pm to 8:30pm
Harborwalk Sounds: Cosmodrome
at Institute for Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
FREE

It should be a great night to sit outside on the waterfront. Why not listen to Cosmodrome's tight soul/funk jams out of Berklee?

Going to the ICA on any Thursday night for a free stroll through the galleries is a good idea.

The galleries may be at the high point of the year with an amazing exhibit of glass and mirrors and Brazilian street-art brothers who created the big head-wrapped kid in Dewey Square.

Whether or not modern art is your game, there is a hallway with a breathtaking view of the Harbor.

THUR 8/23

6pm
King & Queen Show
at Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont St, Boston (Roxbury Crossing)
FREE

Feat: Aria, more

Before Saturday's Carnival parade from Roxbury to Franklin Park, dancers and musicians are putting on this concert of Caribbean sights and sounds.

THUR 8/23

7pm
Chelsea Monroe-Cassel & Sariann Lehrer, "A Feast of Ice and Fire": Discussion
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Shaws Market)
FREE

Are you reading George R. R. Martin’s "Song of Ice and Fire" series? Or watching "Game of Thrones"?

You may have heard about these ladies who have come up with recipes for all of the dishes mentioned in the books -- even the really strange ones. It's sorta like the "Julie/Julia" thing with swords and dragons.

You're might also get a taste of lemon cakes.

THUR 8/23

7:30pm
Christopher Klein, "Discovering Boston Harbor Islands": Author Talk & Book Signing
at Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton (Newton Centre)
FREE

I've perused Christopher Klein's book on the Boston Harbor Islands, and it would be a worthy addition to anyone's collection for local information. It's very informative for exploring the Harbor and balanced with plenty of historical background.

There is still time and good weather for a boat ride.

THUR 8/23 (thru SUN 8/26)

8pm
Films at the Gate: "Master of the Flying Guillotine"
at Chinatown Park, about 120 Essex St, Boston (Kennedy Greenway)
FREE

Four kung fu movies will be screened al fresco in Chinatown with the original Chinese audio (and English subtitles). With so many titles to choose from -- and this connoisseur choosing them -- there won't be a bad night to go.

Universally recognized as one of the great martial arts movies, I remember seeing tonight's film as a kid and remember being fascinated that someone would come up with a weapon ike the flying guillotine.

The next 3 nights begin live demonstrations at 7:45pm, and there are walking tours at 6pm, 6:15pm, and 6:30pm

Not a bad chance to hang out and watch some kung fu movies while chowing down on some al-fresco takeout food in Chinatown...

THUR 8/23

9:30pm
Wino & Conny Ochs: "Heavy Kingdom"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

When you get a major metal guy of the past 25+ years like Scott Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, etc) who goes acoustic, some of the fans flip out -- in a good way or a bad way. I only saw positive reviews for the "Heavy Kingdom" album with German singer-songwriter Conny Ochs.

It's pretty much I expected: a cross between soulful, ballsy folk and doom metal without loud amplification.

Does anyone know who is opening?