Sunday, November 30, 2008

11/30: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video!

Get frustrated at Windows? This is "The Matrix" if it ran on XP...

Saturday, November 29, 2008

SUN 11/30: Folk, Rock, Ska, Art

Medicine Wheel
I'm pretty sure that more people read this blog than the Boston Globe, but there's a mention in the Sunday edition. Welcome to my little slice of cheapness! Hope you eventually see something you like.

For the regulars, maybe this extra scrutiny will make me ship up. You might still get a tardy weekly list. (I even have a few ideas that I haven't done yet that might happen soon...)

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SUN 11/30

7:30pm
Julie Dougherty and others
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Julie Dougherty has been folking around for decades; there are touches of jazz influence (think Joni), and she does have a lovely voice. Julie is performing with a band. Soulful songstress Erinn Brown (and band) are going to do a short set, and perhaps other artists as well.

SUN 11/30

9:30pm
Keys to the Streets of Fear, Night Trees, Magic Magic
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

The Milky Way is the best place to be on a Sunday night when you don't care how tired you are on Monday morning. Almost every week there are some amazing, edgy bands to check out.

If you read "savage-rock punkers", I'm not buying it. Lately the music is bluesy, mood rock. Sounds pretty good to me! (And they're usually sharp dressers, nice touch...) Night Trees ruminate around in a minor-key cloud of psychedelic fuzz. On the other hand, Magic Magic is a relatively sunny blast of chamber-pop.

SUN 11/30

10pm
Guns Of Navarone
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$8

It's not difficult that a bunch of whiteys from Worcester could fall in love with ska and early reggae. It sounds pretty good, but sometimes I'm less convinced by the singer who sings as if he's from Jamaica. Sometimes it sounds fine, other times not so much. If you're in the mood for a Sunday night dance party, this is the show for you. They play the deep tracks, and there's a lot of love for the music.

SUN 11/30 to MON 12/1

Midnight to Midnight
Medicine Wheel
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

As you may know, MON 12/1 is "World AIDS Day". The Medicine Wheel is annual installation in remembrance of those who've lived and died with AIDS, and it centers around 36 shrine-like pedestals arranged in a circle with different designs and various items left by visitors over the years. Every year, it changes slightly with a different theme; it's the Paper Project this year.

I've been there once before, and it's a heavy experience. It's dimly lit, and most people are respectfully quiet, but there are periodic performances. It's a quite a special experience.

Note: this starts at midnight on Sunday, and goes 24 hours throughout Monday.

SAT 11/29: Xmas Tree, Tech Mixer, Rock

Andrea Gillis
Hold on, folks, I might be on a roll. I think I might have the rest of the week today...

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SAT 11/29

5pm to 6:30pm
Annual Harvard Square Tree Lighting Event
at Upper Courtyard, Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

I guess it's time for the holiday season to get in full swing. They're going to light this tree around 6pm, but there is supposed to be a Santa Claus, a gospel choir, and complimentary drinks. (So bring a flask...)

SAT 11/29

8pm to Midnight
"Information Superhighway Two: The Secret Headquarters Edition"
at Berkman Squared, 50 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

With so many techies in town, this is the best place to hang out with geeks and talk about stuff. Harvard's Berkman Center hosts this new "monthly party gathering hackers, activists, artists, designers, nonprofits, startups, academics and general geekery to hang out and connect with one another."

As they say:

*No agenda, no "networking," no presentations. Just beverages, food, ideas and cool people.
*This time: come out and meet Boston's Secret Masters of Hidden Hackspace, Homebrew Mad Science, and Cyber Revolution
*Also: hear about our scheme to rent a decommissioned missile silo. And how you can too, on less than $10 bucks a month. (No, seriously) [sounds intriguing -- rob].
Meet people behind: DIYBio, Willougby and Baltic, NUBLabs, The Public Radio Exchange, Textfiles, The Free Software Foundation, and others.

SAT 11/29

10pm
Andrea Gillis
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

This is the kind of band you might see in a movie. It's a smallish bar, and there happens to be a ridiculously good act ripping it up in the corner. Andrea Gillis is tremendously soulful singer; she can belt it out with the best of them and has put together seriously rockin' band. The movie analogy ends when Jessica Alba doesn't show up alone, and she wouldn't go home with you anyway.

SAT 11/29

10pm
Dan Wright World Collective
at Matt Murphy's Pub, 14 Harvard St, Brookline (Brookline Village)
FREE

It's hard for me to get a handle on this band from the two samples I heard, but there's a lot of potential for cool, folkish indie-rock. Perhaps the best analogies I read are Wilco, Beck, Jack Johnson... Hey, it's free and Mett Murphy's is a good spot that you might not go to often.

Friday, November 28, 2008

FRI 11/28: Punk, Alt-Country, Comedy Plus


Do you think I took my day off to get caught up on "Cheap Thrills"? Well, I did a little bit of CTB work, but I mainly cooked, ate, drank, and laid on the couch. It was a good time... Sorry.

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FRI 11/28

9:30pm
The Murder, The Pariah Beat, Punk Blues Revival
at O'Brien’s, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

I really like The Murder, and this could be a pretty cool show overall. The Murder offer a brand of classic Boston punk with catchy, in-your-face tunes and plenty of devil-may-care. For some variety, The Pariah Beat dish up a torrent of punkish gypsy-style acoustic rock. To keep things interesting, their name "Punk Blues Revival" supposedly describes the openers well; I read that they juice up old blues songs.

FRI 11/28

Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles (11:15pm), Girls Guns & Glory (10pm), Mike Macdonald & The Widow Makers (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10, 21+

I'm a big fan of Sarah Borges. On a cursory listen, you might say she's "country", but there's a lot of rock 'n roll. Trust me -- if you like music, you're bound to like Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles. Great voice, kickass band, excellent songs. She puts on a great show too. Girls Guns & Glory may be on alt-country, but they won the Rock 'n Roll Rumble this year. Mike Macdonald & The Widow Makers are dran good band as well.

FRI 11/28

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table "...is Born Again": 2nd Anniversary
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 -- 21+ / $13 -- 18+

Yep, Union Square Round Table have been making PA's the funniest dive bar for two years -- and hopefully they'll continue their bimonthly smorgasbord of comedy, music, etc. There is usually a theme, and it looks like "born again" might be the link tonight.

Some of the expected performers: Eugene Mirman, Patrick Borelli, Val Kappa, Nick Branigan, Keira Horowitz, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Ben Dryer, Caitlin Roy, TD Sidell, Chris Braiotta, Nate Johnson, and Mehran Khaghani.

Shepherdess will be the musical guests.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

FRI 11/28: Buy Nothing Day

Buy Nothing Day
You can do it!

It's not about being cheap. There's no need to engage in this orgy of conspicuous consumerism. Besides there'll be plenty of sales after Friday...

Read more about Buy Nothing Day.

There's not many cheap happenings on Thanksgiving, but there's a couple below for later tonight.

You're just going to have to eat & drink a lot, watch football, and enjoy time with your loved ones... (I hope.)

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

WED 11/26 & THUR 11/27: Music, Ping Pong, Comedy


I hope your stomachs are appropriately stretched for tomorrow. If I don't write again before Friday, THANKS for reading!

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WED 11/26

8pm
"The Last Blast"
Feat: Acrobrats, Auto Interiors, Jay Allen, Coffin Lids, Curses, Konks, Muck and the Mires, Spitzz, Sprained Ankles, Tampoffs, Triple Thick
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$5

I wrote about this below, but this is where I'd like to be if I can get my Thanksgiving prep done and get out of the house. One last chance to party at the Abbey.

The tentative schedule:

12:45am: Triple Thick
12:15am: The Konks
11:45pm: The Coffin Lids
11:15pm: Muck & The Mires
10:45pm: The Tampoffs
10:15pm: Spitzz
9:45pm: The Curses
9:15pm The Acrobrats
8:45pm: Auto Interiors
8:15: Sprained Ankles
7:45pm: Jay Allen

WED 11/26

The Lights Out (11pm), Muy Cansado (10pm), oldjack (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

On any other night, I'd be raving about this show. Kudos to The Lights Out for anchoring 4 great shows this month. (And I think I've said something about The Lights Out residency every Wednesday.) If garage-rock isn't your bag, then you've got a free blast of modern uber-catchy rock from The Lights Out, furious lo-fi post-punk from Muy Cansado, and refreshing soul/rock from oldjack.

WED 11/26

10pm
The Night Before Thanksgiving Extravaganza
Feat: The Coachmen, The Cranktones
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$5-ish

A whole night of rockabilly and country from some of the swinging-est guys in town. The bands share members, but their shared website doesn't work anymore. Some of the "Coachtones/Crankmen" also play with The Spurs, so you can get a flavor. I like the vibe Midway Cafe; it's a bit like having an Abbey Lounge in JP. It could be free tonight; it's often hard to tell even if you call up an ask the cover charge -- but I doubt it would be more than $5 if there's a cover.

WED 11/26

10pm
Open Table Tennis
at The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
Donation: one new ball

I find this to be an interesting offer to get out of the house:
If you can play, show up.
It's down the street from the Abbey, so coordinate as you like. (Maybe they'll let people BYOB tonight...)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THUR 11/27

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble, gobble.

THUR 11/27

10pm
Bitches Brew
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Everyone gives thanks in different ways. Besides other gigs throughout the year, these local jazz vets play every Thanksgiving. It's nice to think there's still some cool, live music to find on almost every day of the year. This jazz-fusion quintet funks it up in the style of electric Miles Davis, circa late-60s/early-70s, and they know what they're doing.

And you can give thanks for having something to do if you want to escape a feast that has gone on too long...

THUR 11/27

10pm
"The Great and Secret Comedy Show"
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I have it from a good source that the Thanksgiving show is free, so go laugh with Renata Tutko and many other funny people after stuffing your face all day.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

WED 11/26: Abbey Lounge FINAL Show


8pm
"The Last Blast"
Feat: Acrobrats, Auto Interiors, Jay Allen, Coffin Lids, Curses, Konks, Muck and the Mires, Spitzz, Sprained Ankles, Tampoffs, Triple Thick
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$5

They seem to have had a combination of problems that led to this point, but the Abbey is closing in a few days, and tomorrow is the last show. It was the site of many great rock shows -- ones that I heard with my own ears as well as the tales of awesomeness.

They're going out with a bang at least. I'll put up a list of Wednesday (and beyond...) stuff later, but I can't imagine any other bar I'd want to be tomorrow night for musical and sentimental reasons. This is great line-up of bands that have, on many nights, given CPR to "Rock" on that stage. (I'm also sad when a dive bar closes.)

Hey -- the night before Thanksgiving is like an extra Friday! The tentative schedule:

12:45am: Triple Thick
12:15am: The Konks
11:45pm: The Coffin Lids
11:15pm: Muck & The Mires
10:45pm: The Tampoffs
10:15pm: Spitzz
9:45pm: The Curses
9:15pm The Acrobrats
8:45pm: Auto Interiors
8:15: Sprained Ankles
7:45pm: Jay Allen
If you want to read more about it, you can read the blog entries on their MySpace page or this (one of many) thread(s) on The Noiseboard.

If you're one that will want to ensure your drunkenness 'til the bitter end, keep in mind there is a chance this crowd will drink everything behind the bar. Just offering my opinion...

TUES 11/25: Mostly Free Music (& Some Art)


I guess I'm not in the mood for really loud and noisy rock tonight. Maybe I want to stay calm before Thanksgiving...

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7pm to 9pm
John A Walsh, "Goody's Lament": Art Reception
at Goody Glover's, 50 Salem St, Boston (North End)
FREE

Kudos to Goody Glover's for sticking around a few years. I think two or three bars at that location turned over quickly before Goody's. Maybe they asked John A Walsh to create an illustrated version of the real Goody Glover's story, but he did; and it's hanging upstairs. Walsh will be there tonight, and sadly the exhibit isn't permanent (ends MON 12/1). It's an early tale of Irish persecution in the Colonies. The plaque outside said she was hanged nearby, and that's true if you consider Boston Common close.

No free drinks tonight, but it's something besides music (to keep the list balanced)...

TUES 11/25

9pm
The Sacred Shakers
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Supposedly this is the first gig where all 8 members of this big old-time, gospelly country outfit will play together. If that description interests you at all, then you'll love The Sacred Shakers. The group is comprised of some of the best players around. It is beautiful music!

TUES 11/25

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson (11pm), Castanets (10pm), The End Of The World (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

It's a night of hip, blog-tastic musicians with buzz. Castanets was here last month, and I remarked how cool his new album sounded yet it was a quiet, moody affair. I didn't make it that night to see if he was joined by a band, but he's said the songs will definitely get a full-band reinterpretation tonight. Give Castanets a listen.

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is a singer-songwriter-with-a-troubled-past that would also be a good listen if you can't make it tonight, because really good songs are performed splendidly. The End of the World is a Brooklyn band that simply makes great-sounding rock 'n roll that has a bit of a throwback sound because it's so straightforward.

TUES 11/25

10pm
Preacher Jack
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE (feel free to drop something in the basket)

I'm a big fan of Preacher Jack and often say that one should check him out at least once. That's still my position. With his long hair and white beard, he's a contemporary of the original, wild rock 'n roll / boogie-woogie piano-players. Luckily he's from the North Shore and still gets the joints jumping around town.

TUES 11/25

10pm
Brothers McCann
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

It's not just a gimmick. The two singer/songwriters in the band are brothers. It's the last Tuesday of a month-long residency, so maybe they'll fight...) There's a easygoing, soulful grove to their sound; not as folky/rootsy as many of the other performers at Toad -- if that means anything to you.

Monday, November 24, 2008

MON 11/24: "Free For All" - A Thanksgiving Benefit


9:30pm
Thick Shakes, Barnicle
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 online or at door

In past years, I think I've suggested that people could go down to Great Scott for the free Thanksgiving feast, and now they could use a little help. I'll let Carl from Great Scott explain:

As many of you may know, for the past 18 years Great Scott has hosted a free Thanksgiving turkey and fixins dinner for anyone who wants to come for whatever reason.

In the past, local merchants have been amazing in donating the bulk of the funds, along with individual donations, that it takes to feed up to 400 people.

This sudden and frightening economic downturn has understandably put a dent in how much we were able to collect and we're hoping that we could get an infusion of small donations to ensure that there's enough food so nobody is left with an empty plate.

This is all very last minute... But in the meantime (and regardless) if anyone finds themselves near Great Scott and wants to drop a few bucks in the jar it'd be massively appreciated in ways it would be hard to express electronically.
So on very short notice, Thick Shakes and Barnicle are going to play tonight. I've enjoyed listening to both bands at various times. This could be a good spur-of-the moment destination that adds good karma. Stop by after partying with Three Day Threshold!

(If one was inclined, they could purchase a ticket online to help the cause whether or not they can go...)

MON 11/24: Beer 'n Rock, Sea Musical, Acoustic Fun


Hi, how are you? More cheapness for the week ahead is probably coming tonight. I saw "Slumdog Millionaire", and it was really good. If your date has a strong stomach for some difficult scenes, it turns out to be a romantic movie with redemption and triumph in the end without a schmaltzy, saccharine aftertaste.

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MON 11/24

6pm
Three Day Threshold: CD Listening Party
at The Monk's Cell / The Publick House, 1648 Beacon St, Brookline (Washington Sq)
FREE / 21+

Don't know Three Day Threshold? The stars are aligned for a near-perfect introduction. Besides swaggering, honky-tonk roots-rock; part of their charm is their hard-drinking joie de vivre. Unfortunately they won't play live tonight, but you can hang with the band in a Belgian-style bar and listen to their new live album titled "Lost in Belgium". TDT recorded the album on a previous European tour, and they're heading back next month with one show at a Belgian prison. (Johnny Cash is probably smiling.)

The CD listening is supposed to start at 7pm, but it wouldn't hurt to loosen up before things get going.

I heard that people who show up can get free copy of "Lost in Belgium". ("Donations appreciated but not necessary")

These guys are great drinkers, so it should be a good time.

MON 11/24

7pm
"The Navigator": Staged Reading/Singing
at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St, Boston (Berklee / Back Bay)
FREE

Michael Wartofsky, a professor at Berklee, composed the music of "The Navigator" in collaboration with writer/director Kathleen Cahill, which was commissioned for Beverly's North Shore Music Theatre. A cast of students will sing this musical; as I understand it, the performances and direction will be there, but there won't be a full-fledged set, etc. Just like a standard Broadway musical, there's love, the sea, and time travel.

MON 11/24

Davina Yannetty (10:10pm), John Borecki (9:20pm), Phil Wisdom (8:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

Tiny instruments and big fun for a tiny price. On the couple occasions I've heard Davina Yannetty uke it up, I've been thoroughly entertained by her witty originals, well-chosen covers, and droll banter. John Borecki may be playing the mandolin, and I wouldn't be surprised if he and Davina might play a few tunes together. Most likely Phil Wisdom will hide behind a regular-sized guitar, but his band's Butterknife's stuff still sounds pretty good.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Did watching Monty Python make me twisted? Or did I like watching them, because I was twisted? Doesn't matter. They make me laugh.

From "The Life of Brian"; perhhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifaps a nice way to start the work week...



(Always look on the bright side of life.)

Saturday, November 22, 2008

On Second Thought...


Sorry! Will try again tomorrow.

Am going to see my lady and have a nice Saturday night / Sunday morning...

Check back in a little bit...

my home feels like an igloo
Spent some of my writing time on chores around the house...

I hope to have something new up in a bit.

Friday, November 21, 2008

FRI 11/21: Wine, Bad Poetry, Depp Talk, Rock

Good Night States
The Friday posts have been sucking lately, because I try to cram so much in. The weekend stuff should be the best post of the week, and I feel confident that I'll correct this. I'm throwing part of a separate post about the wine thing below. (It was really good "cheap experience".)

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FRI 11/21

5pm to 7pm
"Friday Flight School: 606 Congress Uncorked"
at 606 Congress, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, 606 Congress St, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
$5 donation

I went to check this out last week, and here are some thoughts I was working on.

I'm not one to hang out in hotel restaurants, especially in the Seaport District. This is my second time going someplace I thought would be fancy and was surprised at how relaxed and casual the atmosphere was. I probably would feel a little uncomfortable with a sleeveless t-shirt and daisy-dukes on (except when I'm at home), but I had a collared shirt & jeans on.

You head into the hotel, and the restaurant is easy to find. I told the hostess that I was here for the "Friday Flight" and she graciously directed me to the back of the restaurant. You'll be greeted by Sean the Manager and the wine people of the night. Last week, they had 4 wines from Oregon from 2 different winery that they brought in an order. The wines were quite good, and the bethel Heights Pinot Noir was great. There was a rose that wasn't my 'cup of tea', but it was better than expected. The two women that were representing the wines were friendly, helpful, and gave good descriptions of each.

Besides the table of cheeses and crackers, little appetizer plates were brought around. I had a crab salad on crostini, mozzarella & heirloom tomato w/ microgreens, and a fried mac-n-cheese ball. All very tasty!

Your $5 is a donation to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. This is one of those places that is on the honor system with a large vase on the cheese & crackers table to drop your dough. You definitely get your $5 worth, and it's a good cause.

Sadly, tonight is the last in the Friday Flight series for this year, but Sean told me they're thinking of something new to do after the holidays are over. The final theme is "highlights" from the restaurant's wine list featuring "the list’s shining stars, best buys, and unexpected gems."

You can show up any time between 5pm and 7pm, and they'll get you going. After tasting the 4 wines they didn't shoo me out at all. I was offer more wine and little plates. Awesome! For $5, you get a generous slice of the "good life".

I came away with a really good opinion of 606 Congress. It's an upscale place without being pretentious that makes good food. (I noticed their Thanksgiving dinner prices weren't much different than other good restaurants that I've seen...)

FRI 11/21

7pm
Murray Pomerance, "Deep Depp: Travails of Celebrity in the Global Era": Lecture
at Room B-05, College of Communication, 640 Comm Ave (BU campus)
FREE

Johnny Depp is an awesome actor with a truly impressive breadth of roles. As fascinating a subject as Depp is, it might be just as fascinating to watch a film critic geek out over the dark, brooding thespian in an "illustrated talk".

FRI 11/21

8pm
"The Bad Poets Society": An Unique Festival of Inferior Rhymes
at Spiegel Auditorium/Blacksmith House, 56 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

I'm not feeling ironic enough to get into this at the moment, but I bet this could be really funny.

FRI 11/21

8pm
Good Night States, The Brooklyns, The Bloodsugars, Merlin Moon, Cooper, Flaming Awesome
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$6 / 21+ (after 10pm)

If you feel like rocking out on the Cambridge side of the Charles, this is a pleasantly diverse line-up. Even if you don't go, I suggest checking out the synthy, powerpoppy indie-rock of Good Night States from Pittsburgh. Good stuff! Also the The Brooklyns (from Boston), The Bloodsugars (from NYC), and Merlin Moon (from L.A.). To the band "Cooper": That's a stupid friggin' name in the age of the Internet. I don't know anything about you except your inability to come up with a good band name.

Starting off the night is the local improve group, Flaming Awesome. Where else are you going to get this kind of entertainment for $6. I think the comedy will start at 8pm and it won't get rocking before 9pm (maybe 9:30...?).

FRI 11/21

8:30pm
International Pop Overthrow Festival
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

You can see below for my general description of the International Pop Overthrow fest. Tonight is an outstanding line-up with mighty chunks of rock, superlative songwriting, and great playing.

Tonight's schedule:

8:30pm: Henning Ohlenbusch
9pm: Salvatore Baglio
9:30pm: The Motion Sick
10pm: John Powhida International Airport
10:30pm: Fireking
11pm: The Doom Buggies
11:30pm: 1.4.5.



Thursday, November 20, 2008

FRI 11/21: McSweeney's Online Sale


I love books as gifts, and I love witty essays on McSweeney's. It's more than books too: T-shirts, arty notecards, peculiar/arty DVDs. They have the CD from Nick Hornby's "Songbook" for $2. Most of the stuff is half-off, but the sale on lasts through today, 11/21.

Give random, cheap lit to your friends and family this "holiday season"!

From the email:

Mc SWEENEY'S CRAZY EXCESSIVE SALE

You feel poor. We feel poor. Let's feel poor together. This week only, almost everything is half-price. Escape the holiday rush and cross every name off your list in one cheap swoop.

- Angsty cousin? All Known Metal Bands.
- New fan? The Better of McSweeney's.
- Paleontologist in the family? "What Happens in La Brea Tar Pits Stays in La Brea Tar Pits" t-shirt.
- Newlyweds spending their first winter together? The Secret Language of Sleep.
- Michael Cera fan? Wholphin No. 6.

And so on — we've got all your bases covered, and it's all excessively discounted, all right here.

Want more? How about this: if you spend over $60, you get a FREE copy of either Nick Hornby's new collection Shakespeare Wrote for Money or Michael Chabon's Maps and Legends. All you have to do is spend $60 (not including shipping) at our online store; then, at the bottom left of the first page of checkout, find the field for Promo Code. In this field, type in the code for the book you'd like:

- MAPS AND LEGENDS promo code: MC01
- SHAKESPEARE WROTE FOR MONEY promo code: NH05

Cheap, fast, painless, mutually beneficial. Also, good books. Do not deprive your loved ones! Please go now: store.mcsweeneys.net

Crazy Excessive Sale through this Friday, November 21.

THUR 11/20: Photos, Books & Song, Jazz, PowerPop

The Kickbacks, at Church
Okay, it's a bit premature... I'm going to call it -- this was a really short autumn. It's not even Thanksgiving yet!

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THUR 11/20

5:30pm to 7pm
"Interpreting East Somerville": Opening Reception
at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville (Central Hill)
FREE

I don't want to toot my own horn, but there's a "Cheap Thrills Rob" photo in this exhibit. I told you there was a good chance for your East Somerville photography to be chosen. Let's say, "Out of the 40 pictures, 39 of them should be rather good..." I don't know when I'm getting there, but I have to see what the rest of it looks like -- and try to see any reaction to my submission.

You can check it out if you're in Somerville City hall before mid-January, but there are refreshments tonight.

THUR 11/20

7pm
Rick Moody & Wesley Stace: Reading & Performance
at Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut St, Newton
FREE

I enjoy readings that offer something a little more than authors and their books. Tonight's authors are going to also sing some songs together. Rick Moody's most well-known work is the novel-turned-movie "The Ice Storm", but he swung through town in '05 with his folkish band, The Wingdale Community Singers. His new collection of novellas, "Right Livelihoods", seems to be getting good reviews.

Those of you might go to the International Pop Overthrow Festival might be tuned into Wesley Stace by his nom-du-rock, John Wesley Harding. The singer-songwriter wrote a fascinating novel from the perspective of a ventriloquist's dummy, "By George".

Expect to hear some old-timey music to be covered after the readings and bonhomie. Should be pretty cool.

THUR 11/20

8pm
Music of Dave Holland
at Brown Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Do you want to hear some jazz? Bassist Dave Holland has played with Miles Davis, Theolonius Monk, Stan Getz, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, etc. Dave seems to be a regular guest at NEC where he gives some master classes that culminate in a concert. It might be nice of him to sit in with the students at some point tonight...

THUR 11/20

The Sneaks (11pm), The Mystery Tramps (10:30pm), The Kickbacks" target="_blank">The Kickbacks (10pm), Jerry Fuentes (9:30pm), Ian Axel (9pm), Andy Pratt (8:30pm), Satch Kerans (8pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

Boston's International Pop Overthrow Festival is starting out with a damn good line-up of local acts and a couple New Yorkers. I wish I had already been familiar with Andy Pratt, and I should have been since he attained major-label success in the 70's and has traveled around the world while still being prolific.

The Kickbacks are a favorite of mine; they have a twangy roots-rock angle, but I often get a Paul Westerberg vibe palling around with Steve Earle. The Mystery Tramps are on the young side, and maybe that's part of their appeal, but they rock in my opinion. I should like The Sneaks more; maybe if I saw them live, I would have a completely new opinion...

On further review, I've seen Satch Kerans and Ian Axel play. Satch is going to have a full band behind his heartfelt songwriting. When I saw Ian Axel, he was a keyboard playing maniac; a bit more Elton John than Ben Folds as I recall. Wouldn't be surprised if Jerry Fuentes and Ian collaborate tonight; they've performed together before.

(See below for more IPO info.)

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

THUR 11/20 to SUN 11/23: International Pop Overthrow Fest

International Pop Overthrow Festival, Boston
Various Times
International Pop Overthrow Festival
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

International Pop Overthrow is the multi-city / multi-national showcase for hundreds of kindred spirits that love the kind of rock 'n roll that was "pop" in '60s and '70s. A lot of bands still take that classic formula that was taught to us by The Beatles, Beach Boys, Byrds, etc; and put their own twist on it. Whether jangly, fuzzy, punky, rootsy, and/or whatever else -- serving a good song is what's important.

With 6 or 7 performers doing short sets, you're bound to hear something you like. Quite a few of them have played the Boston festival in the past couple years, so they must be doing something right. My advice is to go to any show that you can and bring open ears to love some new music. Maybe pick a night that has a band that you already like... or a band that you've wanted to see... I've always had a good time at an IPO show in Boston (or LA).

(Oh, how I listened to Material Issue's "International Pop Overthrow" tape over and over again...)


** = Bands I already like. More info (I hope) coming on the others...

THUR 11/20

8pm: Satch Kerans
8:30pm: Andy Pratt
9pm: Ian Axel
9:30pm: Jerry Fuentes
10pm: The Kickbacks **
10:30pm: The Mystery Tramps **
11pm: The Sneaks
FRI 11/21
8:30pm: Henning Ohlenbusch
9pm: Salvatore Baglio
9:30pm: The Motion Sick **
10pm: John Powhida International Airport **
10:30pm: Fireking
11pm: The Doom Buggies **
11:30pm: 1.4.5. **
SAT 11/22
8:30pm: Bird Mancini
9pm: Peter Baldrachi
9:30pm: Frank Ciampi **
10pm: The Shills
10:30pm: Oranjuly
11pm: Popfilter
11:30pm: Topheavy **
SUN 11/23
2pm: Food Will Win The War
2:30pm: Allison Francis
3pm: Caitlin Frame **
3:30pm: Frank Critelli
4pm: The Naomi Star
4:30pm: Mars
SUN 11/23
8pm: Carlene Barous
8:30pm: Steve Caraway
9pm: Emeen Zarookian **
9:30pm: Apple Betty **
10pm: Gene Dante and The Future Starlets **
10:30pm: Shadwell
11pm: Lemonpeeler

WED 11/19: Skate, Spoken Word, Hypnosis, Opera, Film, Rock

Skating on Frog Pond, Boston Common
If I wasn't on the verge of feeling normal after a few days of cold/flu symptoms, I might go to any and every one of these things.

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WED 11/19

5:30pm to 9pm
Skating Rink Opening
at Frog Pond, near Beacon St, Boston Common
FREE

There'll be demonstrations by skating teams and nationally ranked skaters. When they're not on the ice, you can skate for free. Normal skate rental rates still apply ($8 / $5 for 13 and under), but you can bring your own. It's pretty cold for November, but there's always a chance that you'll see Mayor Mumbles fall while skating...

Local mascots like "Wally" and "Blades" (Bruins) should be there with some other kid-friendly characters.


WED 11/19

6pm to 8pm
Juan Angel Chavez, "The Speaker Project"
Feat: Duncan Wilder Johnson, Clay N. Ferno, Iann Robinson, Dave Tree
at Paine Gallery, South Bldg, 2nd Fl, about 611 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)
FREE / All Ages

Some might think of "slam poetry" when "spoken word" is mentioned, but that's not the case at all tonight. Most of these guys have spent time singing in metal and punk bands, and Iann Robinson is the former MTV VJ most often associated with their heavy metal programming from '99 to '03. The first hour is open mic, so feel free to bring some words and step inside the giant speaker box. The foursome above will take turns in the second hour. I've listened to Duncan Wilder Johnson and Clay N. Ferno, and this should be pretty interesting. You might feel like you drank some coffee afterwards.

The exhibit itself is pretty cool, and it ends on SAT 11/22. The large installations function as non-electric speakers where the performers get inside to do their thing to alter the way one listens and watches.

Note: Every building at MassArt is listed as "621 Huntington", but doesn't help people who don't know their way a round. If you look at the campus map [PDF], it looks like the South Building is around 611 Huntington Ave. If you see the Bakalar Gallery on the 2nd floor, you're going to the right way.

WED 11/19

6pm to 8pm
"Hypnosis in Practice": Lecture
at Room 270, Bldg 4, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear)
FREE

The speakers include a psychiatrist, a hypnotherapist, and a hypnotherapy client who will discuss the science of hypnosis and how it's used to treat addiction & phobias as well as its role in surgery. There's a chance for the crowd to be hypnotized at the end of the lecture -- but it won't be mandatory...

If you're getting hungry, you don't need to eat ahead of time. There should be Indian food to be had.

WED 11/19

7pm
Opera Boston Underground: "Virtue & Vice, Part I"
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

The beauty of the Opera Boston Underground is the chance to hear some opera without actually having to go to the opera. So few opera houses have as many beers on tap as the Lizard Lounge. As the first show of a themed pair, music director Gil Rose along with singers Glorivy Arroyo, Christian Figueroa, and others offer songs and arias that reflect the "7 Virtues". (The 7 deadly sins will be covered early next year.)

I usually don't believe it when people say this, but there is a chance for a full house tonight. Don't be surprised there will be a line outside when the doors open at 7pm.

WED 11/19

7pm
"Russian Ark"
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

In the ultimate example of mise-en-scene, the entire 99-minute movie is a single shot as the narrator and his companion walk through the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. In each room, they experience a different era of Russian history played out in various ways. After watching this amazing creation, you can turn to your companion and impress them with this little factoid: This was the fourth take... (FYI, the ending is digitally enhanced.)

WED 11/19

9pm
The Lights Out, Township, Midatlantic, MeandJoanCollins, Static Of The Gods, The Crushing Low
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

For their 3rd Wednesday of the month, it's as if The Lights Out are putting on a free pre-show of the International Pop Overthrow Festival. Every band tonight is reason enough to go see a show, and you can see them all at one shot. The schedule for tonight's series of 20-minute shots of rock goodness.

11:40pm: The Lights Out
11pm: Township
10:30pm: Midatlantic
10pm: MeandJoanCollins
9:30pm: Static Of The Gods
9pm: The Crushing Low

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

TUES 11/18: News Talk, Films, Rock 'n Film

Aloud: I Just Want To Witness...
Did anyone take a Tylenol cab yesterday? I should've tried, darn it... I could be in Back Bay before 8pm -- maybe I'll ask him to take me to East Boston. Haha.

Did you hear about the BC Student who was hit by a green line trolley yesterday? Is it just me, but could the trolley driver have tried to stop as well as honking the horn???

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TUES 11/18

6pm to 8pm
Ellen Hume, "The Future of the News": Soap Box Series
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

Long-time journalist and currently Research Director at MIT's Center for Future Civic Media, Ellen Hume will lead a discussion about the future of the news. I sense that people at MIT might have a good grasp on the future of most topics. It sounds like a broad topic to me, but feel free to bring some questions with you. "Refreshments served."

You can stay home and watch this live via Windows Media Player.

TUES 11/18

9pm to Midnight
"The Upsetter" w/ Reception and Q&A
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Some might not be aware of Lee "Scratch" Perry, but he's one of the architects of reggae music as a performer and producer. Perry basically also created the remix -- which may not be something we should thank him for... This documentary looks at his life from a youth to the present and includes interview footage from artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Paul McCartney, and The Clash.

Hey, it's a free movie with a pre-screening cocktail reception as DJ Jayceeoh spins.

You can RSVP until 6pm today, and it's one of those shows where it's first-come, first-seated until they reach capacity.

TUES 11/18 + WED 11/19

7pm
"Russian Ark"
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

In the ultimate example of mise-en-scene, the entire 99-minute movie is a single shot as the narrator and his companion walk through the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. In each room, they experience a different era of Russian history played out in various ways. After watching this amazing creation, you can turn to your companion and impress them with this little factoid: This was the fourth take... (FYI, the ending is digitally enhanced.)

* * * Not-so-Cheap Thrill * * *

TUES 11/18

8:30pm
Aloud: "I Just Want To Witness..."
w/ Media Made (opening)
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$12 / $7 students / All Ages

I try not to break the $10 ceiling very often; but I'm going to this, and I think it'll be pretty cool. They don't serve alcohol, so you won't spend a lot on beer...

If it was only Aloud onstage, I'd still recommend this show. I've seen them twice, and they've delivered the goods. Their recordings have a big, melodic rock sound that gets translated into a no-nonsense, driving monster that doesn't forget the melodies.

Tonight is the premiere of the multi-media show based on their CD "Fan the Fury", where the band has collaborated with filmmaker Johnathan Carr. I'm not that great at picking up the lyrics, but I had a feeling that something was being said. "I Just Want To Witness..." focuses on "themes of voyeurism, social rebellion, and modes of modern (mis)communication" on "the CD’s songs of struggle, perseverance, injustice and love." Projected video created and assembled by Carr and other artists is going to accompany Aloud through the performance. We'll have to see how to describe this accurately...

Monday, November 17, 2008

MON 11/17 to SUN 11/23: Free Cab Rides (w/ Conditions)


Noon to 8pm
"Tylenol Warming Taxis"
at various CVS locations
FREE

As part of a Tylenol promotion, there will be special taxis outside of some CVS locations this week from Noon to 8pm. They will supposedly take you "wherever you need to go in Boston."

Who knows if they'll dump you at the city limits, or if they might take you anywhere within a certain number of miles... It's really happening, because the taxis were in NYC last week.

If I were near one of these stores at the right time, I'd give it a shot. Some people might be freaked out by getting into a non-medallion cab, so there might be rides available... You probably wouldn't have to tip 'em!

Update: Okay... From what I've been told is that you can get around Boston / Brookline / Suffolk County area with a maximum "trip value" of $25, which will take you pretty far. Maybe they'll take you across the Charles, if you ask nicely... (Also, they're not Boston cabbies.)

MON 11/17

-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 55 Summer St (Downtown Crossing)
TUES 11/18
-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 231 Mass Ave (across Christian Science Plaza)
WED 11/19
-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 631 Washington St (Downtown Crossing)
THUR 11/20
-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 900 Comm Ave (near BU)
FRI 11/21
-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 3 Post Office Sq (Financial District)
SAT 11/22
-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 263 Washington St (Chinatown)
SUN 11/23
-- 587 Boylston St (Copley Sq)
-- 300 Longwood Ave (Longwood Medical Area)
If I find out more, I'll update this post.

MON 11/17: Much Music Monday

Lemuria and Gordon Gano's Army, at Great Scott
Hey, folks. It's musical Monday. I like this flyer too.

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MON 11/17

6pm
Tom Morello: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury Street, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Am not a big fan of the The Nightwatchman as a solo acoustic act, but it's heartfelt revolutionary music from Tom Morello. He ripped my head off with the first Rage Against the Machine album, and kept on ripping it up beyond that. So you can see him play a few tunes tonight.

MON 11/17

9pm
Aindrias de Staic
The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

It was a small group of people that experienced Aindrias de Staic at The Lily Pad last week. I think most people didn't know how to react -- Is this guy acting? Or is this real? -- especially in a liquor-free space. (Good thing that I didn't bring a flask; all 10 people would've noticed including the proprietor sitting next to me.)

He did perform his show "Around the World on 80 Quid". Originally conceived to be a screenplay, this show has been a big hit at festivals in Edinburgh, Melbourne, and New Zealand. It was a hilarious and touching story about roaming the globe looking for satisfaction of the soul. It's a musical journey filled with all sorts of misadventures -- and a running joke of being stereotyped as an Irishman and a pub-style fiddler.

I sensed there was a lot of truth in the story, but it's hard to tell trough the tall tales. You get the feeling that the wild ball of Black Irish hippie-gypsy energy running around the stage (and the globe) truly is an open-hearted adventurer who makes the most of his foibles, as well as making friends wherever he goes.

I laughed my ass off and sang along without a drop of booze at hand. I can imagine it'll rowdy 90 minutes (or so) tonight!

MON 11/17

10pm
Brett Rosenberg
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Super guitarist Brett Rosenberg rocked Boston for several years, mainly in The Rudds and his own various projects. Now he's spreading the musical wealth around Nashville, but he's released a new CD and hitting the road. Sure, there's a bit of Nashville that's crept into his sound, but the witty lyrics and great sense of songmanship is still there. Brett will play solo but promises "solo-electric mayhem, special guests, Robert Palmer obscurities, and all-around good vibes." I suspect his Rudd-mate John Powhida might join in the fun and possibly Figgs/etc Mike Gent.

MON 11/17

9:30pm
Lemuria, Gordon Gano's Army, The Serious Geniuses, The Fake Boys
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

Sooner or later, you're going to love Lemuria so why not make it sooner? This Buffalo band is rightfully making fans with a ear-friendly brand of driving, fuzzy rock; a little bit like Husker Du with melodic female vocals. They're known for excellent live shows too. As a Violent Femmes fans, I was already behind Gordon Gano's Army before I heard a note. It's sloppy slice of British pop-punk, but I love this stuff when it's done with this amount of charm. The Serious Geniuses rock it with a bit of indie-noisiness, and The Fake Boys are going to give you high-octane local punk.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

SAT 11/15: Art, Film, Rock, Rock, Rock (no paper or scissor)


Argh, there's too much good music tonight! The tragic part is that I can't make it to any of it... But you go ahead and have a good time. (Maybe I'll skip my party...)

I've got a lot of crap to do, but I'm hoping to find some CTB-writing time.

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SAT 11/15

Noon to 5pm
Juan Angel Chavez, "The Speaker Project"
Feat: Kevin Moore, Santiago Cardenas, Shirley
at Paine Gallery, South Bldg, 2nd Fl, about 611 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)
FREE

Juan Angel Chavez, the artist, builds these giant boxes that look really cool found-art installations, but they're also meant to function as non-electric speakers where the performers sit/stand/jump/etc inside. It's the last week of the exhibit (ends 11/22), and there are performances scheduled everyday except Sunday and Tuesday. This is a chance to listen and watch in a different way.

Three performers are scheduled today.

Noon to 2pm: Kevin Moore -- acoustic folk
2pm to 3:30pm: Santiago Cardenas -- solo classical & flamenco guitar
3:30pm to 5pm: Shirley -- alt-rock trio

SAT 11/15

2pm
"I.O.U.S.A.": Screening & Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Downstairs, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

If you haven't been sufficiently freaked out by the financial markets crisis, this documentary came out earlier this year and explains why we're screwed because of the massive National Debt. It's sometimes nice to blissfully unaware, but this may be a good time to get a better grasp of the situation. If you crap your pants, it helps out the apparel and adult-diaper industries...

SAT 11/15

7:30pm
Eric Laufer: A Rockin' Benefit
Feat: Nate Gibson & The Gashouse Gang, The Gamma Rays, Pulp 45, The Stumbleweeds, Johnny Carlevale & The Rolling Pins, Rocky Velvet
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$10

The Two-Timin' Three/Four are a rockabilly band that made the Boston-to-Austin move at some point. Sadly their singer, Eric Laufer, was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in September. Most musicians don't have insurance or savings to speak of, so this is a benefit to help defray the costs of the funeral etc.

A half dozen of our local country/rockabilly should whoop it up tonight to make this a celebration of life in lieu of doing the annual Christmas Rock N' Roll Odyssey next month. The schedule of music is:

12:30am: Rocky Velvet
11:30pm: Johnny Carlevale & The Rollin' Pins
10:30pm: The Stumbleweeds
9:30pm: Pulp 45
8:30pm: The Gamma Rays
7:30pm: Nate Gibson & The Gas House Gang
Thru The Keyhole Burlesque are expected to perform twice, around 10pm and 11pm. DJ Easy Ed will be spinning rockabilly and rock 'n' roll "from early until late."

Proceeds from the cover charge and the various raffles will go to Eric's family.

SAT 11/15

8pm
Church's One Year Anniversary Celebration
Feat: The Nebulas (11:15pm), Lars Vegas (10pm), Gene Dante & The Future Starlets (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

It's a weird name for a bar/restaurant, but the people that run Church have made a damn good music club. Over the past year, I've seen several shows over there. The bookers usually get a lot of good bands on the same bill at reasonable cover charges. The sound is usually excellent, thanks to the placement of the stage and knowledgeable sound men. (I made a suggestion once; he snarled at me, but fixed the sound.)

It's going to be a fun party. From 8pm to 9pm, there should be free PBR and Maker's Mark -- oh, and some free food. It's their anniversary party, so they might give out some good nosh. With free drinks, all music sounds better; but this is a pretty good lineup. The Nebulas are instrumental surf-rock, but this isn't all lazy, chill-in-your-beach-chair music -- they pep it up. Lars Vegas should be pretty interesting; something conceptual is definitely going on in their stylish cabaret rock. Gene Dante has toured in musical productions of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Hedwig and The Angry Inch", so the glam thing is definitely in the mix of early-70's Bowie-esque rock.

SAT 11/15

The Men (11:45pm), The New Alibis (10:45pm), The Throwaways (9:45pm), Doggfight US (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8

You may know already, but the Abbey Lounge is closing at the end of the month. There's not much more time to enjoy another of the good rock clubs in town. This is the kind of Saturday night they hosted over the years. It's a night of in-your-face Boston punk from top to bottom. These bands may not have been around for a long time, but they're strewn with guys from dozens of bands. This is as good as any of the remaining shows.

SAT 11/15

9pm
The Right-Ons, The Downbeat 5, John Powhida International Airport, Go Dog Go
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 / 21+

This show comes close to being mind-blowing. I've seen The Downbeat 5 take roof off of larger clubs, and I love when they put the pedal to the medal. The DB5 will probably do something special, because they have a solid grasp on whatever they do and their music already has a lot of soul and early-60's pop blended into garage/punk. Downbeat 5 is one of my favorite bands, whatever they do!

It's hard to believe that The Right-Ons are from Madrid, but they really are. These hombres rock with such a keen understanding of American soul music and authentic American vocals, I would guess they're British... The Right-Ons are in town for about a month recording an album. John Powhida International Airport is the new(ish) project of the singer from The Rudds. Powhida has tremendous vocal range and charisma. The recordings have a quirky pop with loads of funk/soul vibe, but the band tonight might rock it out a bit more. Go Dog Go opens up, and they sound pretty darn good too.

SAT 11/15

Scarce (11:45pm), Wheat (10:30pm), Triple Thick (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

This is another scary good show, and Halloween is long gone. After getting to the cusp being one of the big indie-rock bands of the '90s, Scarce hit a detour when Chick the singer had a brain aneurysm. After more than 10 years, Joyce the bassist's writing of her memoir rekindled interest in playing again last year. The same fire and chemistry were still there which has led to more gigs here and there (as a full band and acoustic duo). Tonight is a new CD release.

Who knows what to expect from Wheat tonight. I saw them at TT's about 6(?) years ago, and it was a joyous rock marriage of fuzzy rock with touches of Beach Boys orchestration, like a more straightforward Radiohead. They've had major personnel changes since then, and fell off my radar a bit. Triple Thick make wonderfully shambolic garage-rock.

(Flyer says $8, but TT's website says $10.)

Friday, November 14, 2008

FRI 11/14: Wine, Talk, Reggae, Salsa, Blues, Jazz, Irish Film

Leo Genovese
Instead of making people wait, I doing more of an usual daily post and will hopefully get the whole she-bang out later (or more weekend stuff at the least). I noticed there's no cheap rock listed tonight, but there are MANY good options tonmorrow!

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FRI 11/14

5pm to 7pm
"Friday Flight School: Thanksgiving Pairings"
at 606 Congress, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, 606 Congress St, Boston (South Boston/Seaport)
$5 donation

There's a weekly wine tasting at this hotel restaurant near the waterfront tonight. I mentioned the first one about 6 weeks ago, and there are only two more sessions this year. Tonight are wines to go with Thanksgiving; next week is "606 Congress Uncorked", some highlights from their wine list.

Sure, some places offer free wine tastings, but your $5 will benefit Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. Each might have a 'theme' and will be "accompanied by seasonal
light bites prepared by chef Toby Hill."

It's supposed to be a casual event, so you can show up any time between 5pm and 7pm. Be gluttonous! You gave to charity... (I might even see how much booze you can get for $5 probably more than a full glass altogether.)

FRI 11/14

7pm
Mia Kirshner, "I Live Here": Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Okay, she's one of the actresses on "The L Word", but she collaborated with a group of authors and artists to create a "print documentary" (others call it a "book", Mia) about 4 hot spots: war in Chechnya, ethnic cleansing in Burma, globalization in Mexico, and AIDS in Malawi.

Presented in association with Amnesty International, their Northeast Regional Director Joshua Rubenstein will introduce the evening.

(She's Canadian, so this isn't a total ditz. You could still stare if the words bore you...)


FRI 11/14

8pm
Fear Nuttin Band
at The Apple Store, 815 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

If you're jonesing for some sleekly designed technology products and reggae-rock, the Fear Nuttin Band from Springfield is giving an acoustic performance the largest Apple store in the world. Sounds pretty good...

FRI 11/14

9pm
"A Night of Salsa"
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 before 10pm, $13 after 10pm

A Night of Salsa with Jose Masso (Host of WBUR's Con Salsa) and MetaMovements, a dance lessons group. Masso is going to give a presentation on salsa from 9pm to 9:45pm. MetaMovements gives salsa lessons from 9:45pm to 10:30pm, so experienced dancers could go through the motions or sit at the bar with a $3+ drink... Looks like Jose Masso is going to DJ most of the night, and MetaMovements perform around midnight.

FRI 11/14

10pm
Monster Mike Welch
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Mike Welch is from Somerville, but he's got the Chicago blues down pat. From the first 10 seconds I listened to him, I knew this guy was a sick player. He's still pretty young, but he started getting attention as a kid in the early-90's ("Elwood" from the Blues Brothers gave him his nickname). Welch has a masterful touch and a soulful voice. I thought he was good when I saw him.

FRI 11/14

9:30pm
Leo Genovese & the Chromatic Gauchos
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$10

Leo Genovese is an Argentinian-born pianist who went to Berklee, and it looks like he still makes his home around here when he's not touring with various groups including Esperanza Spalding. He's an amazing musician who's just going to keep getting more attention and accolades on a national and international level. There's a good chance that $10 gigs will happen less often. He's playing in a quartet (with sax) setting tonight.

FRI 11/14 and SAT 11/15

Various Times
Annual Magners Irish Film Festival
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
$10 (Friday) / $8 Saturday

The film festival started last night, but it was sold out in advance. Tonight's screening is considered a "special event" because it's two of the festival's award-winners: "Director's Choice" and "Best Short Fiction":

FRI 11/14:
7pm
"Vox Humana", "The Basket Case"
Neither are comedies tonight, if you know what I mean. (They're quite sad yet lovely films.) There's an after-party at Grafton Street Bar & Grill starting around 9:30pm that's open to anyone. Maybe some Irish filmmakers will be there.

There are more movies tomorrow, but I think these are your best bets:
SAT 10/15:
5pm: "At Home With the Clearys" (Best Documentary -- about a priest who has a kid with the maid)
7pm: "Anton", "Lowland Fell"
9pm: "Kings"
All look quite good, and there's not much chance of wider distribution. I think "Kings" made the festival rounds last year to good reviews, but I don't recall a Boston run.

(Yes, the dates of the whole festival are 11/13 to 11/24 but it's more like 11/13 to 11/16 and 11/20 to 11/24. Later next week is a retrospective of director John Boorman.)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

THUR 11/13: Shakespeare, Stencil, Blues, Folk, Booze

Ben Sollee, Great Scott tonight
It pays to listen to college radio! I sometimes listen to WERS at work, and I won tix to see Sarah Borges and Juliana Hatfield at the Museum of Science. I didn't talk to Juliana, but she seemed alright. Both performers played great sets.

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THUR 11/13

6:30pm
Alex McNeil, "Who was the Real William Shakespeare": Lecture
in Room C05/C06*, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

There are a lot of people who don't believe William Shakespeare actually wrote all of those plays and sonnets. The President of the Shakespeare Fellowship is going to tell you why the true bard was Edward de Vere (17th Earl of Oxford).

* Did you know there were more conference rooms downstairs to the side of the Rabb Lecture Hall? That's where this lecture is...

THUR 11/13

7pm
Russell Howze, "Stencil Nation": Book Reading & Presentation
at Lucy Parsons Center, 549 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

Soneone suggested that the first stencil may have been when someone put paint on their hand then placed it on a rock thousands of years ago. The new book, "Stencil Nation: Graffiti, Community, and Art", collects hundreds of street art examples from all over the world. Author Russell Howze will give about an hour presentation about the history and various aspect of the stenciling form as well as show some actual stencils. For the art-curious and future street artists...

THUR 11/13

8pm to 10pm
Erin Harpe
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamica Plain
$5 / 21+

I have some reasons to believe that this show will actually start early. Harpe claims she'll be playing two sets of real, deep acoustic delta blues. (Yes, she kick ass. You'll hear the original material brought to life again.) She needs to finish by 10pm, because it's Queeraoke night. You'll want to get there on time anyway, because ribs from Jakes Boss BBQ are included with the cover charge -- while they last...

THUR 11/13

10pm
Ben Sollee, Kim Taylor
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Some singer-songwriters place a cello between their legs instead of a guitar in their laps. Well, I don't know there are plural singer-songwriter cellists; but Ben Sollee is really damn good. He was in town a couple months ago with the Sparrow Quartet, a heavy-duty modern/bluegrass-ish outfit that includes Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn. Now's a chance to get the "Ben Sollee" experience.

It's easy to be drawn in with his smooth soulful vocals; the lyrics are quite thoughtful. (He even wrote a dis' song about Kanye West.) It's refreshing to hear a solo performer making a sweet sound with strumming or ivory-tickling. I'm sure he'll play he's jazzy re-write of "A Change is Gonna Come" (as an Obama supporter).

Now, I don't have an issue with guitar playing. I love it. Kim Taylor is a fantastic singer-songwriter that will surely entertain.

Free/Cheap Booze Alert:

THUR 11/13

4pm to 8pm
Annual Holiday Splendiferous Wine Tasting
at Liquor Land, 1033 Mass Ave, Boston (near South Bay Center)
FREE

I saw this from my friend Lily Von Schtoop's blog. There's no need to spend a lot of money on holiday spirits; you'll likely find a good deal on something you like. There's no need to even spend any money. It's supposed to have a lot of wines to taste. Try them all... Make different faces (some good, some bad)... After you've tried everything a least once, walk out like you'll be back (you probably will) and get on the bus to home.

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