Weekend Calendar

Lots of fun on the weekend friends. The Head of the Charles and Boston Book Festival may sound awesome to you, but manage your expectations and have a good time. Or do anything else.

10/11 & 10/12 Honk! Festival & Parade

(Some of my person HonkFest pix)

Okay, trying to get back into the groove with Saturday & Sunday cheapness on the calendar.

This is basically a repost, because -- as I say below -- Honk Festival is my favorite day of the year in Somerville.

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SAT 10/11 and SUN 10/12

Various Times
Honk! Festival & Parade
around Davis Sq, Somerville & Harvard Sq, Cambridge
FREE

Saturday -- 12:3pm to 9pm
Sunday -- Noon to 6pm

The HonkFest convenes horn bands of different shapes and flavors for a weekend of music and populist spirit.

For the 8 years in a row, Davis Square is filled with horn music and beautiful freaks, as if a bit of New Orleans is dropped in the middle of Somerville. I go whenever I can, because it's my favorite free event of the year.

About 30 bands from around the country -- including a group from NOLA, Austin, and even London -- set up at different spots around Davis.

Spend as much time as you can to walk around find your favorites. Bring your positivity and your party shoes.

On Sunday, you can parade along with the bands to Harvard Square for a couple hours. Then many of the bands will perform on a couple of the Ocktoberfest stages.

SUN 8/25: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

I love Hallelujah The Hills, and I love WBUR.

Friday & Saturday Calendar

Hold on to your hats; there may be more to come soon...

If I were going to do one thing Friday night, I'd go to the free rock show at Radio. If I wanted to dance, there's the "Videodrome Discotheque Madonna Birthday Party" or Lovewhip's gig at the Midway Cafe.

MON 8/19: Big Quiz Thing, Still Awesome

Tonight's annual "Big Lebowski" screening at Coolidge Corner Theatre may be close to 'sold out' already. Not everyone gets onstage for the pre-movie fun, yet it's a fun night.

That leaves BQT as the best cheap thrill of the night. Below is basically a re-post.

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8pm to 10pm
The Big Quiz Thing: "August Edition"
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 a couple years ago. We surely contributed to making it "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 info-tain 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 don't be afraid to make the best out of a question where you have no idea...

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.

SAT 8/17: 6 Cheap Thrills for Saturday

I still don't feel like I have found everything I would like to share. Still any of these should be a good time.

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SAT 8/17

11am to 2pm
"Sandmandito!"
at Revere Beach, Revere (close to the Revere Beach T)
FREE

What is stopping you from going to Revere Beach?

Dirty? Not really. I'm afraid of swimming in the water, because I don't know what's in there. I have seen that the beach itself is as clean as any beach.

Don't want to go by yourself? What better way to ave with strangers than playing with sand among the Banditos Misteriosos? Grab a towel and swing by CVS for a cheap set of sand sculpture tools.

(I'd finish up with a walk to Kelly's, but that's me.)

SAT 8/17

Noon to 4pm
Roxbury Community Block Party Collaborative
at Bartlett Yard, 2565 Washington St, Roxbury (near Dudley Sq)
FREE

When Bartlett Yard became an intentional graffiti park earlier this year, I wanted to go -- especially since it likely won't last more than a couple years.

I decided to go today and saw there is a party. Bonus: music and fun surrounds the art 'al fresco'.

SAT 8/17

7pm
Blue Oyster Cult, Ghosts of Jupiter
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

There are people out there who want to picnic with Blue Oyster Cult and hear "Don't Fear the Reaper" by the Charles and scream "More cowbell!"

You don't need to show up at 4pm like WZLX suggests. The music won't start before 6:30pm with local jam-rock band Ghosts of Jupiter.

SAT 8/17

9pm
Eldridge Rodriguez, Guillermo Sexo, MG Lederman, Controller
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8

I love these dark/melodramatic/noisy bands, so I'm pretty sure you will too. There will supposedly be karaoke downstairs...

SAT 8/17

9pm
Roy Sludge, The Barley Hoppers, Leah & Her J-Walkers, DJ Easy Ed
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10

Hey, who doesn't love a rockabilly/country dance party with our pal DJ Easy Ed who will keep the hopping and bopping non-stop between bands?

SAT 8/17

9:30pm
Sinnet, The Luxury, Ex-Magicians
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 21+

Or maybe you'd prefer heaping sets of melodic rock? Sinnet is especially good to my ears.

SUN 8/11: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

A guy named Gerard sent me the link for this video along with a kind note about how he became aware of David Craft, the urban forager. Eric Buck of Corvid College also appears, and I'm still trying to get my head around his interesting organization of free education.

SAT 8/10 & SUN 8/11: 7 Cheap Thrills for the Weekend

It's been a while since, I've been in my usual spot to share the cheap fun of Boston. I'm taking it slow, but here we go...

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SAT 8/10

2pm to 5pm
Boston Fuzzstival 2013: Part 1
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Ghost Modern (4:25pm), Boogie Boy Metal Mouth (3:45pm), Winter (3:10pm), Underwater Bear Ballet (2:35pm), The TeleVibes (2pm)

6:30pm to 1am
Boston Fuzzstival 2013: Part 2
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Feat: Ghost Box Orchestra (Midnight), The New Highway Hymnal (11pm), Creaturos (10:15pm), Guillermo Sexo (9:30pm), Moniker (8:45pm), The Fagettes (8pm), Nice Guys (7:15pm), Doze (6:30pm)

Much like the Deep Heaven Now shows of recent years, Fuzzstival is another super-long day of good bands in our community that love to make fuzzy/scuzzy/gazey/trippy rock in all sorts of flavors.

Of course the bands I like are playing in the second half (most of the act after 8pm), but who doesn't love some free rock with the sunny day on the other side of the Corner window?

SAT 8/10

5pm to 8pm
Boston Urban Music Festival: Roller Party
at Marine Industrial Park, about 650 Summer St, Boston (Seaport/Southie)
FREE

Feat: Gilbere Forte, Bridget Kelly, Shea Rose, Dutch Rebelle, DJ Knife, The ICA Teen DJ Collective

Really? Free roller skating in a park with live hip-hop and R&B? Music, art, and food meet falling on your ass in the best possible way. Thanks, City of Boston.

SAT 8/10

6pm to 10pm
"Ignite! A Fire and Street Food Festival After Dark"
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St, Bow St)
FREE

Union Square is a fine spot on any Saturday. If performers are going to play with fire while some of the restaurants put fire on food in the fresh air, it should be a good time.

SAT 8/10

11:15pm to 6am
Annual Boston by Bike at Night
Start at Trinity Church, Copley Sq, Bolyston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Night owls with wheels can have a zero-emission sightseeing adventure around town. Ride through Boston 'til dawn with more than 100 bicyclists. The rules of the road are generally followed, but do you think any cars are going to screw around with a massive bicycle gang?

The ride starts to leave around 11:45pm, but it’s a good idea to get there early.

The route changes every year, and it usually encompasses about 30 miles around Cambridge, Charlestown, as far down as JP, or even towards Brookline while occasionally stopping for a bit of local info.

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SUN 8/11

10am to 5pm
Annual Chinatown August Moon Festival
around Beach St, Harrison Ave, Tyler St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

If you want to get a taste of Chinatown, why not go on one of those weekends when there's more action than usual? Sunday is one of those days when music and dance and martial arts demonstrations and vendors are a plenty.

I bet someone will be selling mooncakes. Try one -- it's a Moon Festival thing.

SUN 8/11

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

I liked the name of the band, so I gave them a shot. This is the kind of lovely. folky music that help you float into the working week.

SUN 7/7: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

On Saturday morning, I watched a man leap in front of a Red Line train and kill himself. It's no more or less tragic than other suicides, but it was very strange and horrific.

Don't do it, please.

Friday Calendar

Weekend Calendar

Will I write it up before I go have fun? Inquiring minds want to know...

Friday Calendar

Happy Summer Solstice!

Maintaining a similar level of suck...

SUN 6/16: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

For all of the dads out there...

Weekend Calendar

This is late, but I hope it finds you in the mood for good music.

I'm not sure if I can go to Starlab Fest, Squeezebox Slam, and the Big Star tribute set (Sister Lovers at Toad). There's not a bad gig tonight! I'm not even a huge Lilys/Prefab Messiahs fan, but I'm amazed they're in Inman Square...

Friday Calendar

More weekend fun should be forthcoming...

Saturday Calendar

There is a lot of cheap fun happening today.

I'm considering going to each one -- for a little while...

SUN 5/12: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

This is my statement that I'm not giving up on our adventures in cheapness...

Wednesday Calendar

Yep, Wednesdays often have a nice variety of cheap options...

SAT 5/4: Day Cheapness

Yes, I mentioned watching the Kentucky Derby at Suffolk Downs.

It's free to get in, but there is no live racing today. If you've never been there, it's about as fancy as you'd expect a horse track in Eastie would be -- and that's part of the 'charm'.

Go, OverAnalyze!

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SAT 5/4

Various Times
Free Comic Book Day
at Participating (Cool) Stores
FREE

Pick up a free comic book, or take a kid you know to the comic book store. When I got my free comic book one year, it seemed like it was a special edition created for F.C.B.D. -- still it's a couple free stories...

According to the website, some nearby participating shops:

* Newbury Comics
* New England Comics
* Hub Comics
* Comicopia
* Million Year Picnic

Aside from getting some free colorful illustrated reading material, most of these places have other fun going on including visits by comic book creators.

SAT 5/4

11am to 9pm
Boston vs. NYC Food Truck Throwdown
at Kennedy Greenway, about 200 Milk St, Boston (near Aquarium)
FREE Admission

Three good things about the Food Truck Throwdown:

1) More food trucks will be concentrated in the same area than usual to provide greater selection.
2) It's easier to go downtown than NYC to try some of these truck treats.
3) If you don't spend your weekday lunchtime near food trucks, it's nice to have the option on the weekend.

SAT 5/4 (and SUN 5/5)

Noon to 6pm
Somerville Open Studios
all over Somerville
FREE

There's a lot of painting, sculpting, photography, assembling, etc around Somerville. Over 300 artists in about 100 locations show you what they've been making. (They'll even sell you stuff.) Look for orange balloons.

If I were you, I'd take the T and walk around (or take the trolley). I read their tips, and I agree with them.

If you start in Davis Sq or Union Sq, you'll be sure to find maps/pamphlets in stands where you can see all the open studios and the trolley route. strategically located around town.

SAT 5/4

Noon to 6pm
Wake Up the Earth Festival
at Southwest Corridor Park, Jamaica Plain (near Stony Brook T)
FREE

Everyone is welcome to chill out and celebrate the beauty of the Earth. From what I can tell, all sorts of lovely and arty Jamaica Plain weirdness will be on display in the park.

More info is on the PDF Schedule & Map. The available info is not as detailed as other years, but that's so JP…

If you get there at noon, you should see a parade arrive. There are 6 "stages" of music, storytelling, theatre, and yoga -- so use the grass as your mat.

Food, arts, crafts, and the yearning for social justice will likely abound.

Weekend Calendar

If you're angry at my mediocre output, you're not alone.

Believe it or not, there are cheap options on the Fifth of May that have nothing to do with drinking Mexican Beer at Faneuil Hall...

Friday Calendar (& Weekend Sneak Peek)

Besides what is on the calendar, there are also great rock shows on both sides of the river tonight just slightly over the CTB limit: Kingsley Flood's long-awaited CD Release show at Brighton Music Hall -and- Tallahassee’s CD Release show at The Sinclair. All the bands are excellent at both gigs.

More fun stuff will (at least) appear on the calendar. The 3 big happenings you should think about this weekend are:

SAT 5/4 -- Wake Up the Earth Festival [PDF Schedule & Map] (Noon to 6pm, Free)

SAT 5/4 & SUN 5/5 -- Somerville Open Studios (Noon to 6pm, Free)

SUN 5/5 -- Harvard Mayfair (Noon to 6pm, Free)

Or (for a cheap thrill, free admission) you could hang out and bet on the Kentucky Derby at Suffolk Downs...

And Saturday is Free Comic Book Day!

Saturday Calendar

Something to get the weekend going...

The awesome Laura Cortese is playing 2 shows at Club Passim tonight. It's over the CTB limit, but someone asked me to mention it. Definitely in the top 3 singer-songwriter-fiddlers I've ever heard.

Thursday Calendar

Want to do something tonight? Look below. Want to something this weekend? It's probably going to be a late-night/morning update...

It seemed like the Independent Film Festival of Boston (Now through TUES 4/30) was going to be $11 per screening, but tix are $10 online (no 'service fee'?). See a movie now before it becomes a success (or doesn't get a Boston release)...

WED 4/24: Talk, Film, Classical, Hip-Hop, Rock, Humor

Yep, I went brief. It felt like the thing to do.

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WED 4/24

7pm
"Boston After The Bombings": A Public Conversation Of Hope & Healing
at Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St, Boston (Theater District)
FREE w/ Registration

Tom Ashbrook & Jack Beatty of WBUR's "On Point" talks to "community and civic leaders" and the audience about the healing process.

And please don't bring big, bulky backpacks...

WED 4/24

7pm to 8:30pm
"Flirting with Danger: Power & Choice in Heterosexual Relationships": Screening & Discussion
at Room 133, Bldg 3, 33 Mass Ave (Rear), Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

One of the events during MIT's Sexual Assault Awareness Month explores the "line between consent and coercion".

"WARNING: This film contains discussions about sexual assault and/or violence that may be triggering to survivors."

WED 4/24

7:30pm to 9pm
Salon: "Intellexploitation: Gender, Race, and Body Image in Post-exploitation Microbudget Filmmaking"
at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
$5 suggested donation

Feat: Mark Phinney, Paul M. McAlarney, Michael J. Epstein

Three first-time feature filmmakers discuss the process of meaningful, provocative films with low budgets.

Donations support Somerville Arts Salon series.

WED 4/24

8pm
NEC Philharmonia: Spring Concert Series Finale
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Program:

Borodin, "Polovtsian Dances"
Stravinsky, "The Rite of Spring"
Schumann, "Symphony No. 1 ('Spring')"

It was a 100 years ago that Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" shook the orchestral world. "Polovtsian Dances" was also performed on the same night (to less acclaim). Conductor Hugh Wolff and the NEC Philharmonia will also perform Schumann's first symphony that was inspired by the season.

A pre-concert lecture at 6:45pm will help explain the significance of "Rite of Spring".

WED 4/24

9pm
Soulkore's 2nd Annual J Dilla Tribute
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$10

Feat: Letia Larok, Strobe & Essex, Mark Merren, City Slickers Crew, Eroc (Foundation Movement)

Hosted by DJ Nomadik

Influential hip-hop producer J Dilla died about 7 years ago, and many local artists get together to perform tracks from his repertoire and more for a night of music and art. (Dilla collaborated with Common, Madlib, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, etc, etc.)

A portion of the proceeds will go to The J Dilla Foundation.

WED 4/24

9:30pm
The Bynars, Andre Obin, Dance for the Dying, ATM
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

The Bynars will bust out the party-rock with crunchy guitars and bloopy synths. They have a lot of dancey and hip-hop support to make it another sweaty night in Allston.

WED 4/24

9:30pm
The Union Square Round Table: "Dreams"
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5

Feat: Fur Purse, Andrew Durso, Jimmy Anicet, more

No longer shackled to their namesake neighborhood, Union Square Round Table present general kookiness that's meant to be comedy and music. Most performances have a theme to bring some cohesion, except they usually are quite broad -- for your added enjoyment!

Monday Calendar

Two recommendations for tonight:

It will probably be a full house, but the Iguana Music Fund Night at Club Passim should be a great free show of perfomances by recipients of grants by the Passim organization (7pm, Free).

The 2nd night of the Rock n Roll Rumble Semi-Finals has been rescheduled. If you get there early, you can hear a set by Randy Black & the Heathcroppers. Randy also led Limbo Race who won the Rumble in 1982... (9:30pm, $10/18+)

SUN 4/21: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

There's been a wide range of emotions this week, so I found 2 videos that reflect the 'rah-rah' and the introspective...

SAT 4/20: Record Store Day, Rock, Jazz, Theater

Today is 4-20, and it seems like a really good time to get really high after a crazy week. The Commonwealth treats it like you were driving too fast, so lighten up. Right?
http://masscann.org/

Or simply go out and have a good time.

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SAT 4/20

Various Times
Record Store Day
at Various Locations in USA
FREE

Let's celebrate that record stores still exist, and maybe the resurgence of vinyl will bring a long period of success. Before I was old enough to go to live shows -- or had enough money to go arena concerts -- I would spend hours in record stores looking and touching and LISTENING to records.

The beauty of records stores may be that you're listening together with other people instead of your headphones or at home hunched over a keyboard.

I'm a bit sad that my local Newbury Comics aren't hosting live performances, but they will probably still have a table of freebies to enhance your purchases.

At Underground Hip-Hop, they're donating 10% of all today's sales to onefundboston.org.

At Tres Gatos, vinyl is 10% off and hardcover books at 50% off -- and it's a great restaurant

Some of the other stores participating in MA including Nuggets (Boston), Armageddon Shop (Cambridge), Weirdo Records (Cambridge), Somerville Grooves, Skippy White's (Roxbury) .

SAT 4/20

6pm to 1am
Deep Heaven Now 7
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Precinct:

6pm -- Empty Phrases
7pm -- Winter
8pm -- Moontowers
9pm -- Space Bums
10pm -- Night Fruit
11pm -- Infinity Girl
Midnight -- 28 Degrees Taurus

PA's Lounge

6:30pm -- The Freeways
7:30pm -- Of the Sun
8:30pm -- Last Remaining Pinnacle
9:30pm -- Bobb Trimble & the Flying Spiders
10:30pm -- The Modern Voice
11:30pm -- Boom Said Thunder!

I don't know if I could handle these many bands, but it's easy to get your money's worth with one cover charge for 2 venues over 6+ hours of ambient/psych/shoegaze rock. As you're bouncing between clubs, remember that drinks are cheaper at PA's Lounge.

SAT 4/20

8pm to 10pm
Mark Harvey & the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra: "Echoes & Resonance"
at Kresge Auditorium, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Mark Harvey and the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra have been performing jazz at MIT for 40 years, they're reprising some works from the past: "Saxophrenia", "Beyond", "JB's Dreamtime", and "Moon Mist". Masters such as Joe Lovano, Herb Pomeroy, Ran Blake, and Mercer Ellington were originally featured at their MIT premieres.

SAT 4/20

8pm
NU Stage Presents: "Bat Boy"
at Blackman Auditorium, Ell Hall, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston (Northeastern campus)
$7

A musical about a tabloid story seemed like an amusing idea. While I haven't seen it, it might be funny.

SAT 4/20

9pm
Viva Viva, Hey Ice Machine, Shepherdess
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

As soon as I heard (the band that is now) Hey Ice Machine, they shortly changed their name and moved out of Boston. This is some of the best twangy rock I know of, and this includes two other extraordinary bands.

SAT 4/20

9:30pm
RIBS, Color Channel, The Year Million
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 21+

I expect that RIBS will go on last, because they kick ass. You will dance and have a good time with the other bands, but RIBS will grab you by the ears and make headband. This is hard and heavy rock that non-metal fans can share with dudes with Metallica t-shirts.

Be Careful -- and Aware -- Out There

This has been a weird day. I've watched too much news and haven't been able to focus on anything. I'll probably update on Saturday morning.

I don't know what's actually happening tonight, but here is some of the major announcements.

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Commonwealth of MA:

The "shelter in place" request for affected communities has been lifted. However, please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If you see the suspect or suspicious activity, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Tips, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) & choose prompt #3. MBTA has reopened (commuter rail to resume on Saturday)

Residents and businesses should monitor media for further information.

Boston:

Incident Updates (Last Updated 4/19 6:30PM)

MBTA: Limited Service has RESUMED on ALL MBTA modes except the Commuter Rail. Copley Station still closed. MBCR will resume tomorrow 4/20 (Saturday Schedule). See www.mbta.com for updates.

Residents in Boston, Watertown, Newton, Belmont, and Cambridge: The request to "shelter-in-place" and stay indoors has been lifted at this time. Public safety officials ask you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Emergency Notifications: Sign up for ALERTBoston, the city's emergency notification system [link]

TIPS for Investigation: Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) & choose prompt #3. Submit info to FBI website. Submit info via Email: Boston@ic.fbi.gov.

Emergencies: Dial 911

Residents With Questions: Call the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500.

4/15 Marathon Incident Press Release: Full City of Boston response to Boston Marathon tragedy [link]

4/15 Marathon Incident Map: Latest crime scene perimeter [link]

Cambridge:

4/19/13,6:43 PM -
The stay indoors request has been lifted, but people are advised to stay vigilant. Rubbish and recycling for those who have a Thursday & Friday collection will take place Saturday, April 20.The Apr. 20 Recycling drop center will be open normal hours. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is cancelled. Some other city programs that were previously cancelled may resume. Please check with specific agency. MBTA service is resuming. Please monitor local media for latest updates.

Watertown:

April 19, 2013 1:11 PM
THE 'STAY AT HOME' ORDER HAS BEEN LIFTED. PLEASE REMAIN VIGILANT IN ALL YOUR ACTIVITIES.
WATERTOWN RESIDENTS WILL SEE SATURATED PATROLS THE ENTIRE WEEKEND.

Thursday to Saturday Calendar

I'm working on a new strategy when I'm behind on my writing:

Instead of going into detail about today's lectures/discussions or free film screenings or comedy or Shakespeare or the Cambridge Science Festival or the Rock n Roll Rumble Semi-Finals or the other rock, jazz, classical gigs; I'm going to give you a preview of the cheap music/art/talks/drama tomorrow and Saturday.

Have you ever seen photos or footage of people doused in colors at a Holi festival? That's happening at BU on Saturday!

Wednesday & Thursday Calendar

Did you leave the house without a jacket? I did!

Plenty of cheap fun to be had...

TUES 4/16: Volunteering, Jazz Film, Science

Whatever insanity was behind yesterday's attack at the Marathon, it has succeeded in bringing the best out of people and strengthening our sense of community.

Patton Oswald wrote:

...So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."

I think the events below are still happening. Chin up, my friends, and let's keep going.

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TUES 4/16

5:30pm to 7:30pm
One Brick Boston Monthly Social w/ Slumbrew
at The Kinsale, 2 Center Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

Feel like volunteering in the near future? Hang out with One Brick Boston and drink a Slumbrew. You might even win a raffle...

TUES 4/16

7pm
Science Cafe: "Deep-Sea Vents"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Dr. Peter Girguis

The purpose of Science Cafe is to present topics to the non-scientist. It's like a live version of NOVA (who organizes these events). Harvard's Dr. Girguis will tell you about tiny living creatures on at the bottom of the ocean.

TUES 4/16

7pm to 9pm
"Jazz Dreams II": Screening
at Room 101, College of Communication, 640 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

In the spirit of "7 Up" and "Hoop Dreams", filmmaker Geoff Poister follows the trajectories of three young jazz musicians and plans to check in on them every 10 years or so.

A post-film Q & A session features Poister and one of the feaured artists Courtney Bryan follows the screening.

TUES 4/16 (thru SUN 4/21)

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
at Various Locations
Much FREE

If you don't associate 'science' with 'fun', then you might need to give the Cambridge Science Festival a chance to change your mind. During the next week, one of the smartest cities around touts one of the big things it does well with programs and activities for all ages.

Tuesday highlights include:

7pm to 8:30pm
"You're the Expert"
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

An interactive nexus of comedy and knowledge that is usually a non-free show at Club Oberon.

* * * * *

7pm to 8:30pm
"Genetic Genealogy: How much can your DNA tell you?": Discussion
at Broad Institute Auditorium, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

Yes, your genes give insight to your family history -- but what kind of insight?

* * * * *

8pm
The Story Collider: "The Science I Never Expected"
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Feat: Marc Abrahams, Scott Asakawa, Seth Mnookin, Hazel Sive, Justin Werfel, Anna Wexler

Six people tell personal stories about the wonder of science in one way or another.

MON 4/15: Marathon, Science, Cats, Music

Happy Patriots Day, folks!

I didn't see any compelling 'Tax Day' discounts, so this is what I've got...

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MON 4/15

9:15am to the last guy crosses the line
117th Boston Marathon
from Hopkinton to Boston
FREE to watch

It's not too late to go watch the marathon, but it's probably too late to get a good spot.

The fastest wheelchair competitors will cross the finish line around 11 am, and the first runners should be arriving about an hour later.

Maybe you can find a decent sight line near Cleveland Circle or Coolidge Corner. I've enjoyed hanging out on a couple occasions on Comm Ave just a bit after Heartbreak Hill. It's relatively T-friendly, not too crowded, and one would be okay probably if they brought a little ice chest...

MON 4/15 (thru SUN 4/21)

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
at Various Locations
Much FREE

If you don't associate 'science' with 'fun', then you might need to give the Cambridge Science Festival a chance to change your mind. During the next week, one of the smartest cities around touts one of the big things it does well with programs and activities for all ages.

Two of the cool things I would have suggested are already at full capacity, but there another decent option is "Climate Science: The Conversation" at John Harvard's Brew House (7pm).

MON 4/15

7pm
Simon Tofield, "Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos": Discussion
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

You don't have to be a 'cat-person' to enjoy cartoons or comic strips that ridicule their eccentricities. One of Boston's best illustrators and cat-lover, Jef Czekaj, talks to Simon Tofield about his feline friends.

MON 4/15

8pm
"Music for Food"
at Brown Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
* Donation non-perishable food item or a monetary gift

Program:

"Argentinian Songs"
Strauss, "Mädchenblumen, Op. 22"
Dvorak, "String Quintet No. 3 in Eb Major"

Listening to classical music may seem like it's enough personal improvement for one day. Pile on a philanthropic donation to the Greater Boston Food Bank, and you should give yourself a hearty pat on the back! (Because no one else likely will...)

MON 4/15

9pm
Earthquake Party, The Shones, Thick Shakes, Nice Guys
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

The weather has been gradually teasing us into thinking that Spring is here, so it's about that time when restaurants and clubs open their patios. Besides a full night of rousing garage/punk, this is a "BYO-Burger Night". Get there a little early to put something on the grill for a rather cheap meal outside of your kitchen.

MON 4/15

9pm
"Monday's My Friday"
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5 suggested donation / 21+

Feat: The Chicago Vin Coalition, Robin Lane, Kingdom of Love, The Honeysuckles, Phil Aiken

There is one more music event to help others with the proceeds of this gig to benefit Robin Lane's Songbird Sings, a support initiative for victims of domestic abuse.

The legendary Ms. Lane will be among the performers along with some blues/rockabilly, folk, pop, and a tribute to jazz vocalist Anita O'Day featuring the night's hostess Chris Toppin.

SUN 4/14: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

The mind of a runner in the Boston Marathon from a couple years ago...

SUN 4/14: Crafts, Science, Music

Some of the listings below encourage you to but stuff, but you can just look around...

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SUN 4/14

11am to 5pm
"Local is for Lovers: 2.0"
at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
FREE admission

Remember in February when we had the "Nemo" blizzard? What was intended as a pre-Valentine's Day arts & crafts fair has been rescheduled for a pre-Patriots Day arts & crafts fair.

Your loved one may appreciate a gift that's not tied to a fake holiday (and your parents probably would like a gift for their upcoming fake holidays).

SUN 4/14 (thru SUN 4/21)

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
at Various Locations
Much FREE

If you don't associate 'science' with 'fun', then you might need to give the Cambridge Science Festival a chance to change your mind. During the next week, one of the smartest cities around touts one of the big things it does well with programs and activities for all ages.

There is plenty of science fun, but I wholeheartedly encourage you to check out the Artisan's Asylum Open House/DIY Fest (1pm to 5pm). I love that there is a giant space for people to make cool things. It's an amazing collective of workshops.

SUN 4/14

2pm to 4pm
Tallahassee: "Old Ways" Album Listening Party
at Tres Gatos, 470 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Before their new album is released on 5/7 or when you go see them at The Sinclair on 5/3, why not hang out with Tallahassee and listen to "Old Ways"?

Eat, drink, and/or be merry while listening to the progress of a band that was already making some awesome music.

SUN 4/14

2pm to 5pm
"Art For Music 2013": A JP Music Festival Fundraiser
at James's Gate, 5 McBride St, Jamaica Plain
FREE admission

Unlike "Local for Lovers", this is a silent auction to support the 3rd annual JP Music Festival. There will be more than 50 pieces to give as gift or keep for yourself.

If you do win some bids, which could be quite likely, then you will go to the JP Music Fest and know it happened thanks to you.

There will be bluegrass from Mark Killianski (2pm to 3pm) and harpsichord(!?) dude Peter Sykes (3pm to 4pm) will provide the tunes. Maybe you like "raffles, a light buffet, and dessert bar"?

SUN 4/14

8pm
Boston Modern Orchestra Project et al., "Olly, All Ye, in Come Free"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE w/ RSVP

It's possible that you might get in by shooting an email at this late hour, but one never knows. At 7pm, Oliver Knussen will receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree during the pre-concert talk. While the program doesn't include his operatic works based on "Where the Wild Things Are" or "Winnie the Pooh", it will hopefully be a night of playful orchestral music.

SUN 4/14

9pm
Marnie Stern, Roomrunner, Grass Is Green
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

The main draw is Marnie Stern who seems like her music appeal to guitar-geeks, but there's enough weirdness to get the math-rock crowd excited. (I still wonder if her parents are jazz guitarists Mike & Leni Stern.) It's going to be noisey-fun night all-around with with Baltimore's Roomrunner and local lads Grass is Green.

SAT 4/13: Film, Graffiti, Trivia, Music

Sunday and Monday cheapness on the Calendar -- in case you have Patriots Day off.

There is plenty of Cambridge Science Festival as well -- like the Artisan's Asylum open House & DIY Fest on Sunday.

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SAT 4/13 (and 4/14)

Various Times
Boston Running Film Festival
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$9

Saturday's Program:

"Mountain / Trail / Ultra" -- 2pm
"New England Roots" -- 5pm
"Spirit of the Marathon" -- 8pm

There are two kinds of people at a "Running Film Festival": those who love running and those who love someone who loves running.

It's a big weekend for running, and I love the atmosphere in Copley Square where you can walk in the middle of Boylston Street and pretend to win -- hell, even finish -- the Boston Marathon as goof around on the actual finish line.

Running documentaries feed your soul when carbo-loading is not enough.

SAT 4/13

4pm to 7pm
"Graffiti Jam"
at Boston Harbor Shipyard, about 256 Marginal St, East Boston (Boston HarborWalk)
FREE

Feat: Cedric Douglas, Percy Fortini-Wright, DJ Moe Dee

If someone says Boston is not as hip as other US metropolitan cities like NYC or SF, take them to Eastie past all of the authentic Latin-American eateries to the outdoor sculpture gallery where you can occasionally find a hip-hop dance party while artists are working on a mural.

It's not exactly the Manhattan view from Brooklyn, but I love seeing Boston from that perspective.

Boston Magazine wonders why it's difficult to get permission for events like this, but they may have forgotten the Phoenix piece on the active official hostility of graffiti.

SAT 4/13

6pm
"Take the Quiz, Leave the Cannoli": The Sopranos, Godfather, and Goodfellas Trivia
at Common Ground Bar & Grill, 85 Harvard Ave, Allston
$5

You may know "The Godfather", "Goodfellas", and all mafia popculture -- but so do a million other people. Far fewer than million people can fit in Common Ground, but it's going to be competitive anyway.

SAT 4/13

7:30pm
"Sister Lovers - An evening of Big Star & Chris Bell"
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Free music every night makes Toad a good entertainment option, and sometimes there is something really awesome happening. For example, Township's Marc Pinansky does his introspective proto-alternative rock thing as he leads a kick-ass band through the music of the seminal Big Star.

SAT 4/13

8pm to10pm
"Music and Technology": Bleep Blop
at Killian Hall, Hayden Library, 160 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

They had me at "Bleep Blop", because I love the sound and the connotation of a percolating ghost in the machine. The music is modern classical that includes the electronic aspects like another acoustic instrument. I hear it as an organic merging of the electronic.

SAT 4/13

9pm
Rockabilly Spring Fling
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5 / 21+

Feat: Whiskey Kill, Johnny Carlevale & The Juke Joint Rhythm Rockers, Leah & Her J-Walkers, DJ Easy Ed

It doesn't matter whether it's warm, cold, raining, sleet, snow -- it's a good time for a rockabilly fling. Bring your mail carrier or another dance partner on the relatively pleasant Spring night.

Whiskey Kill is celebrating a new album, and a couple other rockabilly outfits thrown in with DJ Easy Ed keeping the affair hopping between live sets.

SAT 4/13

Various Times
2013 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble: Preliminaries Night #6
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Feat: The Daily Pravda (11:45pm), Ruby Rose Fox (11pm), Jack Burton vs. David Lo Pan (10:15pm), Parks (9:30pm)

The first five bands in the semi-finals are all over the place (The New Highway Hymnal, Camden, Eddie Japan, Lifestyle, White Dynomite) so who knows which group will move on tonight.

I really dug Oranjuly, and the main guy is still making melodic gems in Parks. Jack Burton vs. David Lo Pan will blast people's faces off. Ruby Rose Fox may have a deeper and sweeter voice than any of the guys. Then The Daily Pravda kick ass too. Good times.

SAT 4/13

10:30pm
The Dirty Truckers, The Connection
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$6-ish

The Dirty Truckers almost won the Rumbe a few years ago by bashing it out as if the Rolling Stones were American (andstill young). It's great night for straight-ahead rock with the retro-power-pop of The Connection.

FRI 4/12: Science, Film, Art, Sport, Theater, and Much Music

Don't you hate when you write a blog post at home and forget to post it before you leave? Here you go anyway.

There is more weekend cheapness on the Calendar.

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FRI 4/12 (thru SUN 4/21)

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
at Various Locations
Much FREE

If you don't associate 'science' with 'fun', then you might need to give the Cambridge Science Festival a chance to change your mind. Over the next 9 days, one of the smartest cities around touts one of the big things it does well with programs and activities for all ages.

The most interesting item on today's agenda:

7:30pm
"Big Ideas for Busy People"
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / FREE students

Ten speakers on ten topics for ten minutes each -- 5 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for questions.

FRI 4/12 (to SUN 4/14)

Various Times
Boston Running Film Festival
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$9

Friday's Programs:
3pm -- "New York, NY"
5:30pm -- "Spirit of the Marathon"
8pm -- "Women in Running"

If you want to get pumped for Monday's marathon, you might enjoy watch some movies about running near the Finish Line...

FRI 4/12

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

The MIT Museum offers a monthly mini-Science fest every month when they let you in for free. There is a new photo exhibit focusing on people's local relationship to the environment all over the globe.

FRI 4/12

6pm to 8pm
"What's Next - BU Graphic Design MFA Thesis Show": Opening Reception
at Stone Gallery, 1st Fl, College of Fine Arts Bldg, 855 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE / Donations accepted

A dozen graphic design majors answer the question on the lips of many parents of art school students...

FRI 4/12

7:30pm to 10:30pm
MIT Recreations Innertube Water Polo Tournament
at Zesiger Teaching Pool, 120 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

It's too late to enter now, but it could be quite absurd to watch water polo teams on inner tubes. It strikes me like the idea of synchronized swimmers wearing life preservers.

FRI 4/12 (and SAT 4/13)

8pm to 11pm
"The Actor's Nightmare Deluxe"
at School of Law Auditorium, 765 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$7

Unlike inner-tube water polo, this one-act play is intended to be absurd. The 30-minute piece will be augmented by "several pre-show vignettes to introduce the plays referenced within the play."

FRI 4/12

Patrick Coman & The Lo-Fi Angels (11pm), Tad Overbaugh & The Late Arrivals (10pm), Highway Ghosts (9pm)
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 / 21+

It's a strong line-up of rootsy rock.

FRI 4/12

9:30pm
Mean Creek (11pm), Potty Mouth (10pm), Shark? (9pm)
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$10 / 21+

I'm sure Mean Creek has been invited to the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble, but I guess they're hoping for more than regional success -- they have the talent and sound to be bigger than Boston. (The 3 most popular acts to win the Rumble are probably The Dresden Dolls, Gang Green, and 'Til Tuesday.)

FRI 4/12

9:30pm
2013 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble: Preliminaries Night #5
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Feat: White Dynomite (11:45pm), The Suicide Dolls (11pm), The Field Effect (10:15pm), Coyote Kolb (9:30pm)

Befitting a Friday night, the Rumble features some hard-hitting rock, intriguing textures, and a heavy alt-country/blues jam-tacular. This is one of those situations when 4 really strong teams are in the same division, and only one gets to advance to the playoffs.

FRI 4/12

10pm
The Pill w/ The Milling Gowns
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 21+

I'm not sure if the Milling Gowns make me want to dance, but it might be nice to take a break from jumping around to the rock & Brit-pop to hear an interesting band.

THUR 4/11: Film, Lit, Music

It's not on the CTB calendar, but I thought it would be cool to share a fundraiser for the Cape Ann Brewing beer bus(?) at Audubon Circle tonight. I didn't dig to find what's wrong with the VW van -- still it could be a good time. For $10, you get a beer and appetizers and raffle ticket to win a beer bus party.

Cheapness through Monday is on the Calendar.

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THUR 4/11

7pm
Bright Lights: "Far From Afghanistan"
at Bright Screening Room, Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

Directors (and Emerson professors) John Gianvito and Rob Todd, who will be in attendence, compiled footage from the war in Afghanistan to give an alternate viewpoint from the mainstream media.

THUR 4/11

7pm to 9pm
Peter Matthiessen, "Thoreau Award for Literary Excellent in Nature Writing" Presentation
at Room 250, Bldg 10, 222 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Hopefully Matthiessen will speak extensively at this award program, because hearing a literary great speak is the main reason to go.

THUR 4/11

7pm
Silent Film Classics: "The General"
at Conference Auditorium, 2nd Fl, Sherman Union, 775 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Some consider Buster Keaton to be the greatest silent film actor for his amazing stunts and cinematography with sad-sack deadpan.

Silent film expert Martin Marks is manning the piano for the live soundtrack.

THUR 4/11

7:30pm
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The last time I walked by Toad when Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones were playing, and it was packed. It seems natural to down a few pints and kicking back to the breezy, old-time acoustic swing of Melvern Taylor's ukulele with the Meltones chugging along.

People love the ukulele power just about every other Thursday night.

THUR 4/11

Various Times
2013 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble: Preliminaries Night #4
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Feat: Twin Berlin (11:45pm), Lifestyle (11pm), Whitcomb (10:15pm), Mount Peru (9:30pm)

It's the Rumble, baby! And I hope Mount Peru is one of the bands in the Finals.

THUR 4/11

10:30pm
Bent Shapes, Foul Swoops, Halfsour
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish

Your best non-Rumble option for fuzzy-scuzzy awesomeness is at the Plough with the most excellent Bent Shapes and Virginia's Foul Swoops.

Wednesday to Saturday Cheapness

Later, I will share my highlights for the next few days then work on doing a decent job on weekend (and beyond) coverage.

TUES 4/9: Free Ice Cream Today!

There is more cheapness through Thursday on the Calendar -- mainly film and music.

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Store Hours
Free Cone Day
at participating Ben & Jerry's stores
FREE

Oh, it's a good thing that Ben & Jerry's is owned by a giant conglomerate. Those 2 guys from Vermont don't have to worry about buying everyone a free ice cream on a warm Spring day. Heck, the lines have been long in previous years when the weather has been crappy.

It's one per customer, although I know a guy who visited more than one location in a day... (Harvard Sq, Newbury St, Prudential Center, Park Plaza, Natick, Salem, etc -- it can be done.)

Even one scoop of Cherry Garcia still makes me happy, and I might even try Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt, one of the new flavors this year.

If you don't feel like having a free cone (or cup) today, I think they'll still send you a coupon for signing up on their mailing list. Wait until you're, because I had 2 weeks to redeem it.

You also have some time (4/19) to enter the Ben & Jerry's #PintProject Contest via Twitter by doing something creative with an empty Ben & Jerry's pint then tweeting them a picture or video link with #PintProject.

MON 4/8: Talk, Jazz/Classical, Rumble, Burlesque, Rock

Okay, let's hope my current roll picks up speed before the weekend...

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MON 4/8

6pm
Rock Shop #25: Pressing the "Press"
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

6pm -- Meet & Greet
7pm -- Discussion

Feat: Michael Marotta, Luke O'Neil, Brad Searles, Hilary Hughes

Hosted by Kevin Hoskins & Steve Theo

Does your band want press? Do you have any endeavor that you'd like to get covered by the press?

You could pick up some hints tonight. I've heard a few new tidbits whenever I've attended Rock Shop.

Networking will continue after the discussion until 9pm.

MON 4/8

8pm
"Monk/Webern"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Program:

The Very Attractive People, "Elite Oriole Tit Toot"
Abby Swidler & Ilya Portnov, "Swung No Chaser"
Simon Hanes, "Bagatelle (Fuck! Ahhh! Fucking Fuck Off!)"
Daniel Pencer, "tropic tension"
Anton Webern arr. by the ensemble from "Variations for Piano, Op. 27 No. 2: Sehr schnell"
Ran Blake, "The Short Life of Barbara Monk"
Thelonious Monk, "Monk’s Mood"
Lautaro Mantilla, "El tiempo es un maní"
Jacob Means, "Above; The Untamed Hound"
Mark Goldstein, "peacock princess no. 3"
Anton Webern, "Concerto, Op. 24"
Thelonious Monk, "Ask Me Now"
Marnen Laibow-Koser, "Scene with BACH"
Tyler Gilmore, "Cross Criss"
Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler arr. Thelonious Monk, arr. Anna Patton, "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"

Students and faculty play their compositions based on the work of Thelonius Monk and Anton Webern to explore the similarities between the great jazz pianist and the Austrian composer of the 12-Tone school.

MON 4/8

Various Times
Rock 'n' Roll Rumble 2013: Preliminaries Night #2
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Feat: Camden (11:15pm), Herra Terra (10:30pm), The Deep North (9:45pm), Endation (9pm)

If you missed last night's prelim battle, there are 5 more to go. Like most nights, it's a mixed bag of bands that want to rock their hearts out.

MON 4/8

9pm
Punk Rockin' and Pastie Poppin'
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$8

Feat: Abby Normal, Mary Widow, Lolli Hoops, Kid Vicious, Penny Candy, Honey Pie, Sir Sleaze-a-lot, Jane Doe, Claude Kitten, Femme Brulee, Belle Gunz, Dinah DeVille

Hosted by Taylor Connelly

It's a burlesque birthday party for Dinah DeVille at this month's show and "Punk Rock Dance Party". The 'Burlesque Roulette' wheel also makes it world premiere tonight...

Cover charge includes 2 raffle tickets.

MON 4/8

9:30pm
Devil on Horseback, Fire King, Triple Thick
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

You don't need to go to the Rumble for loud rock music. I might personally be more inclined to get a triple-shot with garage dudes Triple-Thick, hard-poppers Fire King, and old-school riffage from Devil on Horseback.

SUN 4/7: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

There will be some that say the filmmaker S.G. Collins is part of the cover-up, but this is a rather rational and witty explanation why the 1969 moon landing was not faked.

SUN 4/7: Greeks, Foraging, Political Humor, Rumble

Well, it could be a good little Sunday. Here are some diversions for your consideration...

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SUN 4/7

1pm to 3pm
Greek Independence Day Parade
from Copley Square to Boston Common, Boston
FREE

The Greeks are proud people who think they invented everything, because they did do a lot for civilization about 3,000 years ago. More recently, Maria Menounos was born in Medford...

Our Greek-American neighbors annually parade to Boston Common and celebrate the anniversary of the war of independence against the Ottoman Empire. There will be music, dancing, food vendors, etc at Parkman Bandstand.

SUN 4/7

2pm
Ellen Zachos, "Backyard Foraging": Discussion
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

There is food outside your door. Not in a market, not on a farm, and not that squirrel in the road -- apparently it's growing wild and safe to eat. Ellen Zachos can tell you about some of the flora described in her book.

SUN 4/7

8pm
Abbie Barrett & The Last Date, Frank Viele
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

You could end the weekend with some brews and acoustic tunes. On one hand, there's Abbie Barrett's delightful folk-pop. On the other, there is Frank Viele's acoustic funk that could be your bag.

SUN 4/7

9pm
Vermin Supreme, Rob Potylo
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Political activism meets humor and film and music for a night with Vermin Supreme and Rob Potylo.

It is hard to imagine Vermin Supreme not looking like a maniac all of the time with a rubber boot on his head. He sheds one crazy persona for another crazy persona as a Christian fundamentalist politician as seen in the movie "Vote Jesus". There will be a discussion along with a screening.

Rob Potylo will likely be weird, funny, and/or musical in his way.

SUN 4/7

Various Times
Rock 'n' Roll Rumble 2013: Preliminaries Night #1
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

The Rumble has survived the radio station that initially sponsored it in 1979 to remain an institution that is more music festival than a battle of the bands. It still is a competition where some groups move on to the finals for prizes.


On six of the next seven nights, we will find out who goes on to the semi-finals. To the casual fan, it's a great chance to hear several top-notch local bands that generally cover different sounds in each show.

Tonight is a mix of shoegazey/psychedlic/hard-prog/indie-rock, so it should be a good time.