Saturday, January 31, 2009

SUN 2/1: "What-Bowl Sunday?"


Unfortunately, Super Bowl isn't a big deal around here this year...

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SUN 2/1

6pm to 9pm
All You Can Eat Pizza Buffet
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
$10

You don't have to do the $10 buffet to watch the game there, but why go if you don't? I love the food at Milky Way/Bella Luna. Think about it -- three hours of unlimited pizza! It's not crappy delivery pizza; this is the gourmet-style good stuff!

Bowling will also be free from 6pm to 9pm.

SUN 2/1

3pm to 11pm
"StuporBowl" w/ Willie T and Dr. X, The Sprained Ankles
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

I just listed an All Asia show for Saturday, but sounds like it could be a good time -- if the 12ft. projection screen shows the game well enough. There's supposed to be a pool tournament, raffles, drink specials, and an included Chinese & Italian buffet. (Shh, I wouldn't be surprised if there was Super Bowl pool...)

Willie T and Dr. X are probably doing an acoustic set before the game, and The Sprained Ankles will be the half-time entertainment. Call me crazy, but a live punk band might be better than a couple Springsteen songs on TV...

SUN 2/1

6pm
Sex and Drugs Trivia: Super Bowl Edition
at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St, Boston (Mission Hill)
FREE

I was feeling quite competitive when I went to S&D trivia as part of Team Bostonist, but most people were having a rowdy, bawdy good time like it should be when sex and drugs are invloved. There were 3 or 4 rounds that each have a theme. One of them is going to be football-related this week. (Steroids or ???) There are prizes for the top finishers. (We won a sexual position daily calendar...) As far as team sizes, they welcome "3somes, 4somes and full on orgies."

Personally I like the sound of "nacho bar" and $1.50 PBR's. Watch the game and play trivia during half-time.

SUN 2/1

8pm
"William Shakespeare: Poet of the Caribbean"
at Rehearsal Room B, Basement, Kresge Auditorium, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

For those who hate football and not even interested in watching the commercials and overeating, the MIT Shakespeare Ensemble is doing their annual "24-hour show". The Shakespeare-inspired that's written 24 hours before the performance. They start with a title and go from there. This is the only performance of the play, and that might be a good thing...

You can see some pix from last year's "William Shakespeare: Vampire Hunter".

SAT 1/31: Swap, Jazz, Rock, Sweets, Laughs

Berklee HS Jazz Fest
I think something weird is happening with Google today... What's with the search results being "harmful"?

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SAT 1/31

1:45pm to 2:30pm
First Annual Boston Freeform Gift Swap
at Copley Sq, Boston (next to Trinity Church)
FREE

I mentioned this yesterday --

See the website for details, but you have to wrap it and should use previously used paper products (e.g. magazines, furniture assembly instructions, etc). Look for a blue-shirted person when you arrive, and please arrive no later than 1:50pm.

SAT 1/31

9am to 5pm
Berklee's 40th High School Jazz Festival
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Oh, if I had a nickel for every "band camp" story told at this shindig... Actually, this is good, clean, family-type fun. I think I stayed for about 2 hours last year and heard a lot of good music.

Some highlights this year: Delfeayo & Jason Marsalis (of THE Marsalis family) are doing a jazz improv clinic at noon. Three tremendous drummers, Gregg Bissonette (1pm), Terri Lyne Carrington (2pm), John Blackwell (3pm); the Berklee ensembles: Salsa (2pm), P-Funk (3pm), Tower of Power (4pm).

Check the site for a full schedule.

SAT 1/31

7:30pm
Baby Made Rebel, The Volunteers, Lifeguard Nights, Jett and The Writers, Fortran, Supa Dupa
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$6 / $9 for 18+ (21+ after 10pm)

This is going to be really fun indie-rock show with decent variety. It's going to be a long one with six(!) bands playing, but I don't think there's a clunker in the bunch. I'm really digging The Volunteers, and they said I could post an mp3 but I don't have the CD with me...

Update: Found one -- "So Deep for So Cheap"

What I like about the Volunteers' chances is taht they're smart and nimble, and they rock in all sorts of ways that makes it hard to pigeonhole them but everything holds together. It's not hard to believe them when the sound is balls-to-the-wall and when they get a little soulful 'n slinky, AND when they hit sardonic overdrive. You'll always remember when you saw The Volunteers at a crappy Cambridge joint, even if there's no justice in the world.

The leader of Lifeguard Nights seems like another great NJ eccentric that has song diarrhea. If you have time, it's kinda funny to read the reviews they've posted on their MySpace blog; I don't know if they're real, but everyone starts off as a negative review and ends up as a positive review. Another two bands that intrigue me about this show apparently are comprised of MIT students, which makes perfect sense based on proximity. At first Fortran is a ramshackle indie-rock mess, but I want to keep on listening. Supa Dupa going for the Sufjan Stevens/Polyphonic Spree vibe, and I like that stuff too...

SAT 1/31

8pm to 10pm
"Dark Chocolate Tasting"
at Room 100, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10

Try a dozen chocolates in an epicurean (but hopefully not snobby) session. Talk about the flavors like a wine tasting. Expect to hear about the process of chocolate-making and local spots for chocolate indulgence -- besides a big bag of Snickers from CVS.

SAT 1/31

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 -- 21+ / $13 -- 18+

A fun & funny time. This month's theme is "The Rules of Engagement". Some of the expected performers: Eugene Mirman, Nick Branigan, Keira Horowitz, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Ben Dryer, Caitlin Roy, TD Sidell, Chris Braiotta

Imagine that you and your friends wanted to put on a variety show in two hour-long sections at a dive bar -- and most of them were very funny. Oh, and someone would also play a couple mini-sets.

Musical guest: Patrick Grenham

Friday, January 30, 2009

Sneak Peek: SAT 1/31

The Volunteers, at All Asia Cafe on Saturday
Am getting there...

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SAT 1/31

1:45pm to 2:30pm
First Annual Boston Freeform Gift Swap
at Copley Sq, Boston (next to Trinity Church)
FREE

I mentioned this earlier --

See the website for details, but you have to wrap it and should use previously used paper products (e.g. magazines, furniture assembly instructions, etc). Look for a blue-shirted person when you arrive, and please arrive no later than 1:50pm.

SAT 1/31

9am to 5pm
Berklee's 40th High School Jazz Festival
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Oh, if I had a nickel for every "band camp" story told at this shindig... Actually, this is good, clean, family-type fun. I think I stayed for about 2 hours last year and heard a lot of good music.

Some highlights this year: Delfeayo & Jason Marsalis (of THE Marsalis family) are doing a jazz improv clinic at noon. Three tremendous drummers, Gregg Bissonette (1pm), Terri Lyne Carrington (2pm), John Blackwell (3pm); the Berklee ensembles: Salsa (2pm), P-Funk (3pm), Tower of Power (4pm).

Check the site for a full schedule.

SAT 1/31

7:30pm
Baby Made Rebel, The Volunteers, Lifeguard Nights, Jett and The Writers, Fortran, Supa Dupa
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$6 / $9 for 18+ (21+ after 10pm)

This is going to be really fun indie-rock show with decent variety. It's going to be a long one with six(!) bands playing, but I don't think there's a clunker in the bunch. I'm really digging The Volunteers, and they said I could post an mp3 but I don't have the CD with me...

Update: Found one -- "So Deep for So Cheap" by The Volunteers

SAT 1/31

8pm to 10pm
"Dark Chocolate Tasting"
at Room 100, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10

I listed last week's milk chocolate tasting, so...

SAT 1/31

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 -- 21+ / $13 -- 18+

A fun & funny time. This month's theme is "The Rules of Engagement". Some of the expected performers: Eugene Mirman, Nick Branigan, Keira Horowitz, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Ben Dryer, Caitlin Roy, TD Sidell, Chris Braiotta

Musical guest: Patrick Grenham

Newbury Comics (Fresh Pond) Sale Update


Okay. The discounts are bigger now, and we know SUN 2/1 is the last day. It's a pretty big store in a low-traffic (imho) location, so there could be a lot of good stuff left.

Again, it's not hard to get to the Fresh Pond location -- just keep riding the Red Line and walk a little bit...

SAT 1/31: Wildest Gift Swap Ever


1:45pm to 2:30pm
First Annual Boston Freeform Gift Swap
at Copley Sq, Boston (next to Trinity Church)
FREE

Like their silent raves and pillow fights before, the Banditos are organizing some public space fun. You still have time to pick something to bring for the swap. It doesn't have to be fancy, but you're creativity adds to the happening. As usual, there will be some funny twists on the Yankee swap concept.

See the website for details, but you have to wrap it and should use previously used paper products (e.g. magazines, furniture assembly instructions, etc). Look for a blue-shirted person when you arrive, and please arrive no later than 1:50pm.

FRI 1/30: Film, Cave Art, Music


I might not be at the top of my game today, but I'm getting stuff done.

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FRI 1/30

10am to 9pm
"Free Film Fridays"
at Mugar Omni Theater, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

The way to really enjoy science documentaries is to make them really, really big. I mentioned this a couple weeks ago, but I wanted to remind you. This looks like the end of free Imax for now...

Today's schedule:

Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk -- 8pm, 9pm
The Greatest Places -- 1pm, 6pm, 7pm
Wild Ocean -- 2pm
Roving Mars -- 10am, Noon, 3pm
Dinosaurs Alive! -- 4pm, 5pm
Carpe diem, esp. when it's gratis!

FRI 1/30

6pm to 10pm
Mike Dacey, "Throw It In The River": Opening Reception
at Washington Street Art Center, 321 Washington St, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

This is my art pick of the night. Sight unseen, I'm digging the idea of a cave-like "thing" made out of found material. You might say it's collected junk, and I say: You're right, but it's become really awesome, interesting junk -- and you can go in it! There may not be a lot of room, because the dude from Baixa is going to be whipping up some sweet psych-folk-ish grooves from inside; this is the kinda of music I want to hear from a cave... There'll be some of Dacey's 2D artwork in the gallery as well. The cave can be also seen tomorrow from noon to 4pm.

This could a good beginning for a night of Union Sq fun...

FRI 1/30

9pm
The Mystery Tramps (unplugged), Greg Hawkes w/ Tim Mann
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7

Friggin' Greg Hawkes -- this guy laid down some of the coolest keyboard parts in rock history with The Cars! When not playing with "The New Cars", he likes to downsize the scope of his music. He recently released an all-Beatles CD playing only the ukulele. You can hear a snippet of "Penny Lane" on his site, and I liked it. George Harrison was playing a lot of ukulele in his final years, so take that for what it's worth. He'll be joined by another uke-ster Tim Mann. Expect to hear some Beatles, Cars, and some of Hawkes' own stuff.

The Mystery Tramps might just be old enough to drink or very close, but they've rocking out together for a few years, and they've got a pretty tight sound. It's scaled back tonight, but there will be head-bobbing and knee-pumping aplenty.

FRI 1/30

10pm
Pressure Cooker
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

Everybody loves reggae ans ska, right? Pressure Cooker plays the kind of music that makes me forget about the economy and all the other bad news. Dance/sway, drink/stumble, and have a good time at the wonderful Milky Way before they move in a couple months.

FRI 1/30

10pm
Air Traffic Controller, Ann Driscoll, Loren Francis
at The Loft @ Tommy Doyle's (upstairs), 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE (maybe $2)

There was some conflicting info about the cover -- hey, a paltry $2 is a damn good deal anyway for 3 excellent performers. I also don't know if Ann Driscoll or Loren Francis will be accompanied by others, but all the music is super-duper fiesta of power-pop goodness whether band-ish or solo.

I was upstairs at the old House of Blues this week and was reminded what good space it is, even just to hang out.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

FRI 1/30: Go "Green" for Free Breakfast in Harvard Sq


7am to 9am
Walk/Ride Day Celebration
inside and outside Holyoke Center / Forbes Plaza, 1350 Mass Ave, Cambridge (umm, Harvard Sq)
FREE

I don't work near Harvard Sq, but I'd wear some green clothes to get free food. I already take the T, so I'm good with being "green" in my commute. (They should have steak & eggs for someone who bikes in tomorrow.)

Raffles will be held, and various stores in the area will offer some discounts. You can fill out a survey for an online raffle. Be truthful, but it doesn't seem to ask where you work...

This is sponsored in conjunction with Green Streets Initiative and the City of Cambridge.

THUR 1/29: T-Shirt Art & Music


Being brief today, so I can kick butt and get the Weekly List out tomorrow...

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THUR 1/29

5:30-7:30pm
"Beyond the Fluff & Fold": Opening Reception
Feat: Burtonwood & Holmes, Ben Colebrook, Aaron Krach, J. Morrison, Dave Ortega, Dan Rollman
at Art Institute of Boston Gallery, University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

People can wear t-shirts to make a statement about themselves or to spread an image -- or they might just look good in it. T-shirts are the canvass for the 7 artists in this show. This is a place to see some pretty cool shirts, and they're for sale. From my quick look, I know some shirts by these artists run between $10 and $25. And it's art!

Exhibit runs through SAT 2/28

THUR 1/29

"Influenza": Aloud (11:30pm), Thick As Thieves (10:15pm), The Motion Sick (9pm)
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

This is going to be a sick show, and not because of the flu. This is the first of a monthly series where bands will play sets where half of the songs are covers by artists that have influenced them. Get it? Influenced, Influenza...

This is especially sick, because Aloud and The Motion Sick are two of my favorite bands; Thick As Thieves sounds pretty good too. This going to be a rock spectacular! As far as I could see, none of the bands have spilled what songs they're going to do, but The Motion Sick gave clues on their blog.

I also wrote a full post for Bostonist.

THUR 1/29

7:30pm
Guggenheim Grotto
$5 / 21+

9:45pm
The Blizzard Of '78, Scarce (acoustic), Eddie Japan
$8 / 21+

at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)

Dang! Decisions, decisions... Either show is good...

This looks like the last Thursday at Lizard Lounge for Guggenheim Grotto. The late show is pretty kick-ass too. The Blizzard of 78 released a new CD last month, and it sounds leaner and meaner. Chick & Joyce from Scarce are going to open with an acoustic set. I haven't heard of Eddie Japan before, but it's definitely worth staying to hear this impressively developed pop.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

WED 1/28: Coffee, Film, Multi-Media, Dance


Okay, we've already had a few snowstorms this season. I'm ready to act like it's normal and do anything while it's snowing. After work, I might grab a piece of cardboard and sled down a hill...

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WED 1/28

All Day
Free Coffee & Breakfasty Bits
at Panera Bread Locations
FREE-ish

It's past breakfast time for most, but you can still go by your nearest Panera for a cup of coffee and a bite. They want you to donate a dollar to their Operation Dough-Nation Community Breadbox program.

WED 1/28

6:30pm
"The Big Lebowski"
at Central Public Library, 79 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
FREE

I love this movie. Fans should go and say the dialogue before the characters -- like some people I know... Other comedies to be screened in upcoming weeks.

WED 1/28 & THUR 1/29

7pm (8pm on THUR)
Bryce Dessner & Matthew Ritchie, "Darkness Visible": Performance & Lecture
at Broad Institute Auditorium, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

I'm not really sure how this is going to work out, except I liked their flyer (and was intrigued that this was the guitarist from The National). I watched a video of the multi-media installation "The Morning Line" that is the basis of these shows, and it's going to avant-garde and could be fascinating. The actual installation looks like a beautiful sci-fi set, but tonight's program is a discussion about their collaboration on the piece, a performance of the 25-minute musical composition that's heavy on the bass clarinet. A Q&A follows.

Tomorrow will mainly be a concert accompanied by Dessner's brother (also of The National), Evan Ziporyn (clarinetist from "The Morning Line"), and a group MIT & Wellesley students playing strings and guitars. This will include another Ritchie/Dessner piece with a video from Ritchie.

WED 1/28

10pm
MUSK, the Final Blow-out
Feat: Plunge Into Death, Magic People, Husky "N" Muskie, DJ Nitetrain, The Area D Initiative
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5 / 21+

Do you feel like dancing tonight? I've noticed a lot of wacky, fun events from MUSK over the years; so I tip my hat one more time and look forward to the next project(s). Sounds like they're going out with a blast with live electro & hip-hop and excellent DJ's:

a rare live turntable set from DJ Nitetrain, outsider rap strait outta the group home from Husky "N" Muskie, the psych-chaotic Magic People, one man DJ/band The Area D Initiative, and the band that kicked off MUSK 3 1/2 years ago: Plunge into Death

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

RIP, John Updike


Pulitzer Prize-winning author and longtime North Shore resident, John Updike died this morning after suffering from lung cancer.

I read the first "Rabbit" novel and was more shaken by unabashedly honest story of an imperfect American life than many other books. Can't really think of his short stories that jump out, but I imagine I would've bawled my eyes out if I read his Teddy Ballgame essay when it was published in the New Yorker.

I doubt Mr. Updike or any of his loved ones read this blog, but I send my condolences.

TUES 1/27: Talk, Film, Rap, Soul, Folk, Bowl

Gretel, at Toad
I was going to post another music gig today; but the more I listened to them, the less I liked them... There's still interesting stuff to do and other good (and free) music to hear.

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TUES 1/27

6pm
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., "In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past": Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Professors Gates is going to discuss his companion book to a PBS show called "African American Lives 2", which explores the genealogy of prominent people like Quincy Jones, Oprah, Chris Rock, etc.

TUES 1/27

6pm
Community Cinema: "Tulia, Texas"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP

Every month, we get a chance to see an episode of "Independent Lens" before it airs. This hour-long film looks at a slice of the "War on Drugs". (Haven't heard a 'mission accomplished' speech yet? Hmm, neither have I.)

Back in the late 90's, an undercover cop infiltrated the bustling drug industry of Tulia, TX (pop. 5,000) and busted 46 cocaine dealers. I'm sure the film might discuss the demographics of Tulia, but 39 out of those 46 were black. What a coup! Or was it...?

There should be a lively post-screening discussion. It would be nice to let them know you're coming.

TUES 1/27

6pm
Cappadonna: In-Store Performance
at Underground Hip-Hop Headquarters, 234 Huntington Ave, Boston (South End-ish)
FREE

Hey, all you Wu-Tang fans! Cappadonna has a new CD, and he's going to perform and sign copies. I posted this 6pm event last, because I don't believe it will really start at 6pm...

TUES 1/27

Jesse Dee (8pm), Gretel (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The early show is neo-soul man Jesse Dee performing solo -- quite good stuff. Later on is Gretel, which isn't my favorite name but the songs are lovely.

TUES 1/27

9pm
"Blizzard Bowl Tournament"
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

Sure, you could've bowled for free last night, but tonight it's free AND it's a competition. The first 12 teams of four bowlers to sign up will play for a chance at some kind of prize. You might fill a foursome when get there. At another Milky Way tournament, a CTB reader showed up solo and ended up on the winning team.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Sale @ Newbury Comics (Fresh Pond only)


It's not hard to get to the Fresh Pond location -- just keep riding the Red Line and walk a little bit...

I have no other info except what's above. From my experience with a similar moving sale at Government Center, there's no end date listed above because they'll probably close when they sell enough of the inventory. The sooner you go, the better.

MON 1/26: Chaplin, Tucker Max, Skeptics, Seuss, Rock, Country


"Gong hey fat choy!" It's the Year of the Ox today!

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MON 1/26

6pm
"Modern Times"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

It's Chaplin's final silent film even though "talkie-tecnology" was available. Feel like "the machine" of society is crushing you? This will make you smile though you're heart is aching...

MON 1/26

7pm
Tucker Max, "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell": Reading
at Borders, 511 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Some people I know think this guy is awesome. I'd like to think he's the drunk jerk that claims to be (he does look like one), but I have a hard time believing it.

MON 1/26

7pm to 9:30pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub: "Quantum Quackery"
at Tommy Doyle's (upstairs), 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Real scientist Andreas Mershin is tonight's guest, and he'll address how "quantum mechanics" is screwed up by people who don't really know what they're talking about. (Or are they purposely misleading? Hmm...)

MON 1/26

7pm to 10pm
Annual Salute to Dr. Seuss
at Room 120, Bldg 6, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Every year since his death, Prof. Henry Jenkins (Director, MIT Comparative Media Studies) celebrates the wonderful genius of Dr. Seuss. Besides a discussion about Seuss in relation to art and culture, there's a screening of the bizarre live-action film written by the good Doctor (born Springfield, MA), "The 5000 Fingers of Doctor T".

MON 1/26

8pm
Illius Rock Launch Party
w/ The Main Drag, The Wandas, All These Kings, It's From the Sky
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

It looks like Illius Rock is a promotional company that helps bands get support from their fans. You don't have to give money to any of the bands tonight, but maybe they'll ask. In fact, there should some free vodka drinks available at some point and other extras.

There are 4 good bands tonight. I especially like The Main Drag and The Wandas

To RSVP: go to the event page, click "Join Campaign", create a Fan account. (It didn't take too long; we'll see how much spam I'm going to get...) -or- email them with your name.

MON 1/26

9:30pm
The Coachmen w/ Duke Levine
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

After recently jamming together at a private party, The Coachmen and Duke Levine seem to have begun a new mutual admiration society. Guitar fiends are going to salivate by hearing some hot picking from two of the best players around town (Levine and Jerry Miller of The Coachmen). As a demonstration of their honky-tonkin' old-school attitude, The Coachmen's AOL web page went down about 6 months ago, and I doubt they even know it happened. I had seen it before, and there wasn't much to it any way...

Sunday, January 25, 2009

1/25: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

In case you missed it...



Dr. Joseph Lowery gave the best speech at the Inauguration:

(Thanks, Steven Waldman for posting the transcript.)

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
thou who has brought us thus far along the way,
thou who has by thy might led us into the light,
keep us forever in the path, we pray,

lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee,
lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee.

Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand --
true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.

[snip]

But because we know you got the whole world in your hand,
we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations.
Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.

For we know that, Lord, you're able and you're willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability,
mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor
or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.

[snip]

And while we have sown the seeds of greed --
the wind of greed and corruption,
and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption,
we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity
to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices,
to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.

And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations,
help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate;
on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.

And as we leave this mountaintop,
help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family.
Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces,
our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.

[snip]

Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
when tanks will be beaten into tractors,
when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree,
and none shall be afraid;
when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest,
and in the joy of a new beginning,
we ask you to help us work for that day
when black will not be asked to get back,
when brown can stick around --
when yellow will be mellow --
when the red man can get ahead, man --
and when white will embrace what is right.

Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: Say amen --

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: -- and amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

SUN 1/25: College Help, Noise, Ethnic Folk

Thurston Moore, Northampton Wools at SXSW
Let's not dwell about the weekend being almost over.

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SUN 1/25

2pm to 4pm
College Goal Sunday
at Various Locations across MA
FREE

Get some free info and help about applying for financial assistance. I think these people really want to help (even if they can't -- but be positive)! The site says that it's helpful to do this stuff even if you're not sure you're going to college in the Fall.

Click on your the location page for registration info.

Hey college-ready students, let me tell you my story--

I didn't think I was eligible for tuition assistance for various reasons. (We weren't rich, but we could afford HBO.) So I didn't even bother to look at my options. I paid my own way to state university, and it was okay -- there were plenty of babes in the quad that I could pine for... BUT who knows I could've been able to go somewhere more challenging, and maybe I would've cared a bit more.

I don;t know if this is going to be any good, but two hours (maybe less!) might change the rest of your life...

There's my story, and help is even more important today!

What do I need to bring?

If available, students and their parents should bring your FAFSA PIN, completed 2008 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 statements and other 2008 income and benefits information. Current bank statements, untaxed income records for the previous year (Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records), driver's license (if any) and alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen). This information is helpful, but not required.
Check the website for more info or call 877-4-CGS-MAS

(I almost used this picture at the top, because it's is a real college image...)

SUN 1/25

9:30pm
"The Weird & Wonderful Western Mass Show"
Fat Worm of Error, Grey Skull, Northampton Wools, Tarp, Pak, Lazy Magnet
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

As weird as I am, I definitely listened to a lot of jazz (including Coltrane & Monk) before I heard Sonic Youth. I probably dipped my toe in Sun Ra and Captain Beefheart before SY too. I still don't think I was prepared for the dissonant, experimental noise-rock of Sonic Youth. When you're in the middle of a retro-Clapton phase, this ain't spending much time in your speakers.

They did make noise-rock more palatable for me and others, and they forever embodied NY cool to me, even if Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon have moved to Northampton. Everything starts to bore me when you get past 128, but I know there are hippie-dippie types out there. There's also a bunch of arty explorers, and Moore is teaming with guitarist Bill Nace to make some electric cacophony.

Do you ever wonder why there isn't "classical music" today? Well, this is this is it! It's atonal and has a vague recognition of rhythm. Some of these groups didn't even bother to have a web presence.

I can't say this is for everyone, but you'll see a rock icon in one of the coolest places in town that's moving before the end of March. For me, it's enticing to see Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth (and Bill Nace) doing anything at the Milky Way.

I don't know if anyone could handle this without ecstasy or nicotine breaks, but don't forget about billiards and candlepin bowling...

SUN 1/25

10pm to 1am
Goran & Adrijana Alachki
at Sabur, 212 Holland St, Somerville (near Davis Sq)
"No cover, No minimum"

I know a Macedonian, and he's a good guy. Accordionist Goran Alachki is basically the best in Macedonia. They call him a national treasure, but it's a relatively small country... It's what you think of 'Greek' music, but they don't want to hear about that... (Plus Goran goes over the top to let you know that he's better than the Greeks.) Adrijana is going to sing and get the crowd dancing and/or yearning for the motherland.

Goran and Adrijana are also performing at a Macedonian folk dancing party at MIT on Monday from 8pm to 11pm ($7 suggested donation).

SAT 1/24: Lit & Wine, Drama, Music, Sweets


Oh, me of such weakness! I'm up on a Saturday morning, and I'm still typing! (After last night's sushi, sake, and snooze.)

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SAT 1/24

2pm to 3:30pm
"Hemingway and Pamplona: A Celebration 1959-2009": Discussion & Reception
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Today's panel discussion includes a Hemingway-loving professor (U. West Florida) Allen Josephs, Hemingway collection curator of the JFK Library(WTF?) Susan Wrynn, Bruce Rettman of the Boston Writing Project, and Mayor Yolanda Barcina of Pamplona. Maybe you're mildly interested in Papa's time in Pamplona? The discussion is followed by a reception with wine from the region to get your "Hemingway on"...

SAT 1/24

2pm & 7:30pm
"Uncle Vanya"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP (Donations gladly accepted)

Although Checkov wrote this play over a 100 years ago; the way he weaves frustration, existential angst, regret, arrogance, and desperate love has continued to push buttons and pull strings in various adaptations. I've seen a couple, and the strength and richness of the material paves a way for potent performances. I wish I would've gone last week to tell you more, but the new Boston Art Theatre has given a contemporary feel to the setting and dialogue.

What do I have to tell you? This is a great play performed by people who have a passion for their craft!

SAT 1/24

Jimmy Ryan Duo (6pm to 9pm), Caitlin Frame (10pm)
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

Two different shows at Atwoods, and no cover.

I can't be the first person to say it, but Jimmy Ryan is the Jimi Hendrix of mandolin. The guy is comfortable in all kinds of genres from bluegrass to punk, and he can basically do anything he wants on that thing. It's going to a mandocello (bigger mandolin) and fiddle duo with fiddler-at-large Dan Kellar. Perfect for an evening buzz at place with a great beer selection...

It's really hard to write about Caitlin Frame when listening to her superb songs, because I can't type while playing the air drums to "Give In" and swaying like Stevie Wonder. At first, I was thinking "Aimee Mann in a good mood"; but that's unfair, because Caitlin has deeper timbre in her voice. Remember being there tonight (or her next few shows), because the sound is well-built for success.

SAT 1/24

8pm to 10pm
"Milk Chocolate Tasting"
at Room 306, Stratton Student Center, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10

This is obviously not a pig-out. You try a dozen-or-so chocolates and discuss the characteristics of flavor. Expect to hear about the process of chocolate-making and local choco-commerce.

There's limited space (maybe 50?), but there's a "dark chocolate" tasting next weekend.

Not as fancy as the Boston Chocolate Trolley Tour, but it's also $70 cheaper!

SAT 1/24

9:30pm
Longwave, Wheat, Bon Savants
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

I'm really digging Longwave this week. I know I've heard of them before, but the new album sounds really good. Check it out if you like catchy guitar-rock. I wondered if the chime-y, soaring guitars would start to bug me; but they mixed up with some chunky tones and fuzziness -- good variety throughout.

A few years ago, I was in a big Wheat phase. The singer even called me out at a gig, because I had a giant, goofy perma-grin for the whole set. It's an original approach to rock that doesn't beat you over the head that I liken to (non-Amnesiac) Radiohead with nod to Beach Boys arrangement. The Bon Savants make good modern-rock; I like it when I hear them.

SAT 1/24

7pm 'til Morning
31st Annual Science Fiction Marathon
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$6 / $3 after "Brazil"

"Jurassic Park" (7pm), "Brazil" (10pm), "Doctor Who: Blink" (1am), "Southland Tales" (2am), "Planet of the Apes" (4:45am)

This is a really good line-up especially for the price. If I didn't have somewhere else to occupy my night-time hours, I'd definitely consider it -- just to see how I'd feel about watching "Southland Tales", the bizarre followup from the director of "Donnie Darko", at 2am. I didn't mention it above, but there's a pizza break after "Brazil" (around 12:30am), which is very likely included in the admission...

Friday, January 23, 2009

Sneak Peek: SAT 1/24


It's coming along...

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SAT 1/24

2pm to 3:30pm
"Hemingway and Pamplona: A Celebration 1959-2009": Discussion & Reception
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

SAT 1/24

2pm & 7:30pm
"Uncle Vanya"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP (Donations gladly accepted)

SAT 1/24

Jimmy Ryan Duo (6pm to 9pm), Caitlin Frame (10pm)
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
FREE

SAT 1/24

8pm to 10pm
"Milk Chocolate Tasting"
at Room 306, Stratton Student Center, 84 Mass Ave, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10

SAT 1/24

9:30pm
Longwave, Wheat, Bon Savants
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Best Saturday show for $10 or less.

SAT 1/24

7pm 'til Morning
31st Annual Science Fiction Marathon
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$6 / $3 after "Brazil"

"Jurassic Park" (7pm), "Brazil" (10pm), "Doctor Who: Blink" (1am), "Southland Tales" (2am), "Planet of the Apes" (4:45am)

FRI 1/23: Film, Comedy, Lit Party, Music, Theatre

Sarah RabDAU & Self-Employed Assassins, at Lizard Lounge
To those subscribers who've been thinking "WTF, man?!" I'm not going to have fun until the weekly list is sent.

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FRI 1/23

10am to 9pm
"Free Film Fridays"
at Mugar Omni Theater, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE

IMAX movies are free on January Fridays. I mentioned this a couple weeks ago, but I wanted to remind you. That's today and next Friday 1/30...

Today's schedule:
Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk -- 8pm, 9pm
The Greatest Places -- 1pm., 4pm., 6pm
Wild Ocean -- 2pm, 3pm
Roving Mars -- 10am, Noon, 5pm, 7pm

FRI 1/23

7pm
"Grub Gone... Wrong": Readings & Party
w/ Steve Almond, Keith Morris, Jorge Vega, Sarah Banse, Jane Roper, Randy Susan Meyers
at Grub Street HQ, 160 Boylston, 4th floor, Boston (Boston Common)
$8

On the occasions I've gone to Grub St parties, it's been a good time with food, drink, and readings. Tonight's theme is "tales of mistakes, devolutions, and foolish choices." There's a Dj for potential dancing, and bring some extra dough if you want to play in the charity poker tournament.

FRI 1/23

7:30pm to 9:30pm
The Gas w/ Rob Crean & Matt Wilding
Feat: Chris Coxen, Josh Gondleman, David Grabiner, Lamont Price, Robby Roadsteamer, MC Mr. Napkins, Mehran, The Steamy Bohemians
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5/18+

Far from being a comedy maven, but there are some very funny people tonight. Mehran was absolutely hilarious (with 'star' potential), and I have appreciation for nerd-rapper MC Mr. Napkins. And what is there to say about Roadsteamer? With 10 performers scheduled at $5, that's 50 cents per comedian. Even if they're not funny, you can't even complain. You can go do something else by 9:30 or even get home early...

An early comedy show for people who like to laugh but want to do something else afterwards...

FRI 1/23

7:30pm to 11pm
NOUR
at Killian Hall, Hayden Library, 160 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Perhaps to show that Iran doesn't have to be as scary as our last president generalized, this concert of a variety of traditional Middle Eastern music is the conclusion of "Iran Through the Lens of History" lecture/film series. Maybe there might be some extra exposition in the banter to keep things educational...

FRI 1/23

9:30pm
Sarah RabDAU & Self-Employed Assassins, Wakey!Wakey!, Goli, MEandJoanCollins
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

This is my favorite music gig of the night. Sarah RabDAU's talent is evident from the first line she sings, and the songs are well-written and engaging. She and the Self-Employed Assassins (a drummer) will be joined by a a string trio and guitarist for this CD release party.

Wakey!Wakey! is an intense pianist-songwriter dude. There also glammy rock electricity from MeandJoanCollins and marimba & cello wow-ness of Goli.

FRI 1/23

10:30pm
Shea Rose
at Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

This woman is damn impressive, and she can play! Shea Rose hits funk and rock and folk equally well with sexy, soulful power and fine restraint when called for.

FRI 1/23 & SAT 1/24

7:30pm*
"Uncle Vanya"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP (Donations gladly accepted)

Although Checkov wrote this play over a 100 years ago; the way he weaves frustration, existential angst, regret, arrogance, and desperate love has continued to push buttons and pull strings in various adaptations. I've seen a couple, and the strength and richness of the material paves a way for potent performances. I wish I would've gone last week to tell you more, but the new Boston Art Theatre company has given a contemporary feel to the setting and dialogue.

* 2pm matinee on SAT

If you don't RSVP, there might still be space available... (Don't forget to support your local theatre!)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

THUR 1/22: Humor, Nano-Talk, Classical, African, Russian

Bembe, African at All Asia Cafe
Wow, it's already Thursday. Thirsty Thursday -- right, folks?

TGI-almost-F! Can I get a "Hallelujah"? Okay...

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THUR 1/22

7pm
Christopher Monks, Ben Greenman, Dan Kennedy: Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

It's going to be a clever and witty night at the ol' Booksmith with three folks from the McSweeney's gang (funniest fricking people this side of The Onion). Editor Christopher Monks has written a 'life instruction' book called, "The Ultimate Game Guide to Your Life: Or, the Video Game as Existential Metaphor". Ben Greenman is a McSweeney's contributor and an editor at The New Yorker; his first book (2001) was actually called "Superbad". (Sound familiar? It's not the same.) Dan Kennedy's "Rock On" was a hilarious take on his life in the music industry. Who knows what Greenman and Kennedy will read...

THUR 1/22

7pm to 9pm
"Nanotechnology in Consumer Products Forum"
at Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston
FREE w/ RSVP

I know I'm not the only person who's fascinated by nanotechnology.

Are these consumer products developed using nanotechnology safe? Do consumer products containing nanoparticles present special health risks?

Express your own opinions, listen to the perspectives of others, and make recommendations to city officials in an interactive forum on these compelling questions.

No previous knowledge of nanotechnology is expected or required.

Featured speakers include:
- Sam Lipson, director of environmental health, Cambridge Public Health Dept;
- Alex Fiorentino, Museum of Science nanotechnology educator;
- Todd Kuiken, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars
Can you imagine tiny robots in your toothpaste? Try!

I don't know if there is still space available. I didn't want to register, since I can't attend. "Light refreshments will be served from 6:30pm to 7pm."

THUR 1/22

8pm
"All Hands on Haydn"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Over the course a handful of concerts, NEC students are going to perform all of Haydn's keyboard sonatas. Apparently they don't often make it to the concert halls, but starting tonight young fingers will constantly tickle ivories with Austrian melodies. A total of 8 sonatas will played tonight by 8 pianists -- and one of them has only 8 fingers! (Kidding...)

THUR 1/22

9pm to 1am
Uhuru Afrika presents "Bembe"
Feat: DJs Carlos Mena, Adam Gibbons, Max Pela
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 before 10pm / $10 after 10pm

This is a dance party that looks like a lot of fun on top of good grooves. It's hard to stand still when music from Mother Africa is pumping, and I expect that the other stuff will be Afro-influenced. Carlos Mena is apparently a "big deal" DJ from Oakland. Besides DJ's, there should be some live percussion and a screening of "Hommage a Noir", a filmic tribute to African music. I assume it's going to shown early in the night...

THUR 1/22 to SAT 1/24

7:30pm*
"Uncle Vanya"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP (Donations gladly accepted)

Although Checkov wrote this play over a 100 years ago; the way he weaves frustration, existential angst, regret, arrogance, and desperate love has continued to push buttons and pull strings in various adaptations. I've seen a couple, and the strength and richness of the material paves a way for potent performances. I wish I would've gone last week to tell you more, but the new Boston Art Theatre company has given a contemporary feel to the setting and dialogue.

* 2pm matinee on SAT

If you don't RSVP, there might still be space available... (Don't forget to support your local theatre!)

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

SUN 1/25: Free Help for College Tuiton


2pm to 4pm
College Goal Sunday
at Various Locations across MA
FREE

Get some free info and help about applying for financial assistance. I think these people really want to help (even if they can't -- but be positive)! The site says that it's helpful to do this stuff even if you're not sure you're going to college in the Fall.

Click on your the location page for registration info.

Hey college-ready students, let me tell you my story--

I didn't think I was eligible for tuition assistance for various reasons. (We weren't rich, but we could afford HBO.) So I didn't even bother to look at my options. I paid my own way to state university, and it was okay -- there were plenty of babes in the quad that I could pine for... BUT who knows I could've been able to go somewhere more challenging, and maybe I would've cared a bit more.

I don;t know if this is going to be any good, but two hours (maybe less!) might change the rest of your life...

There's my story, and help is even more important today!

What do I need to bring?

If available, students and their parents should bring your FAFSA PIN, completed 2008 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 statements and other 2008 income and benefits information. Current bank statements, untaxed income records for the previous year (Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records), driver's license (if any) and alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen). This information is helpful, but not required.
Check the website for more info or call 877-4-CGS-MAS

(I almost used this picture at the top, because it's is a real college image...)

Contest: Are you a Designer?


The Cut&Paste Design Tournament returns to Boston. It's expanded beyond 2D to include 3D and Animation categories. If you have an online portfolio, then you can enter.

The actual tournament takes place live where you create in front of an audience.

Entry deadline is FRI 1/23, and the Boston competition will on SAT 3/14 at the Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts. Scroll down to see the prizes.

Here are some pix and info about Boston's '07 event.

WED 1/21: Wind Talk, Rock, Theatre

I see where the 'Bryan Scary' name comes from...
Regarding some things I listed last week. I made a mistake and went to the "Downstairs" show at the Middle East on Friday when I should've gone to the "Upstairs" show. Maybe I'll do a separate post, but most of the bands that I heard were slightly disappointing with the exception of Muck & The Mires.

I didn't go to the "Flight of The Conchords" party, but I saw the episode later. Maybe it would've been funnier with free drinks on Friday...

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WED 1/21

6pm to 7pm
"Wind Policy and the new Administration"
at Muddy Charles Pub, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

When a breeze blows between your legs and you feel a tingle, are you thinking about harnessing the power of wind energy? MIT's Energy Club is going to informally discuss the government's approach to wind power in the next four (eight?) years, and it's open to the general public. Some background info can be found at the American Wind Energy Association.

WED 1/21

9:30pm
Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears, Jesse Gallagher Quartet
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Holy crap! Bryan Scary is good! I liked liked the band name, but I was blown away by the brilliant power-pop mastery. It's as if this guy was supernaturally touched by The Beatles at a deserted crossroads somewhere in Brooklyn. BS & The ST call their stuff "cinematic pop", and it does have soaring, majestic elements that will remind you of Queen. Some moments also reminded me of bands like Jellyfish and Sloan. Especially nice to hear is that the lyrics don't get short shrift, even though the music godly.

Bassist/Keyboardist Jesse Gallagher of Apollo Sunshine is premiering a new side project that might lean towards jazzy/folky stuff with a skewed sense of humor that Apollo Sunshine fans should appreciate.

WED 1/21 to SAT 1/24

7:30pm*
"Uncle Vanya"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP (Donations gladly accepted)

Although Checkov wrote this play over a 100 years ago; the way he weaves frustration, existential angst, regret, arrogance, and desperate love has continued to push buttons and pull strings in various adaptations. I've seen a couple, and the strength and richness of the material paves a way for potent performances. I wish I would've gone last week to tell you more, but the new Boston Art Theatre company has given a contemporary feel to the setting and dialogue.

* 2pm matinee on SAT

If you don't RSVP, there might still be space available... (Don't forget to support your local theatre!)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Cheap Chowder / W. has left the building...

Goodbye, Bushie!
Apologies to my conservative friends, but I'm ready for a change!

Update:
Do you like clam chowder? In honor of our 44th President, Legal Sea Foods is offering a cup of chowder for 44 cents today (with purchase of any entree).

This seems to be the real deal: You can also order a quart of chowder online for $4.44 (reg. $16.95) -- limit 2 quarts per order -- until FRI 1/23.

Another Update: The shipping fee for a quart of chowder is $19.95?! Not much of a deal after all...

TUES 1/20: Inaugural Fun, Art, Rock


Wherever you go in Boston today, you're going to find people celebrating. Here are some related and non-related events. You can check here for more ideas.

Good luck to President Obama and the new administration! C'mon, America. The more people that help, the better our chances are to rise up...

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TUES 1/20

11:30am
Inauguration "Living Room"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

A free champagne (or something similar) for the first 60 people who show up to watch the inauguration. (OJ also available.)

Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 11:30am.
(If you want to partake of your own beverage while watching history, there should be a big screen set up in the Harvard Sq Pit.)

TUES 1/20

5pm to 10pm
"Obama-rama Inaugural Gala on Ice"
at Charles Hotel Skating Rink, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

It's free skating and rentals tonight in celebration of Pres. Obabm. Grab a free hot chocolate... Maybe win a raffle...

Obama t-shirts and buttons will be for sale, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter.

TUES 1/20

6pm to 10pm
Obama Inaugural Ball, Bash and Celebration
at Cultural Exchange Center, Atlantic Works Bldg, 80 Border St, East Boston
FREE

Forget Cambridge; this sounds like the place for a radical good time. They recommend that you bring a couple old shoes for the "shoe-throwing contest"! There's going to be some jazz with Michael Carey (sax) & Todd Brunel (clarinet) and some acoustic party music from All of the Animals.

Bringing something for the potluck is encouraged. ("Please note: no alcohol can be consumed in this space.")

TUES 1/20

6:30pm to 9:30pm
"Turtles Can Fly"
at Room 105, Bldg 2, 182 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Someone recommended this movie, and I loved it. The movie tells the story of Kurdish orphans in Northern Iraq on the cusp of the US Invasion. They're surviving, but all are broken inside to different degrees and for different reasons. The cinematography was amazing as well. It's a film that will touch you somewhere.

This is the penultimate presentation in "Iran Through the Lens of History" that concludes with a Friday concert of traditional music from all over the Middle East.

TUES 1/20

7pm to 9:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

It's usually on Sunday afternoons, but they're getting arty at night every now and then. This has to be one of the best creative drinking experiences next to pouring paint on yourself after having too many gin & tonics! Wilder and looser than any other art class you've been to. You won't feel so bad about your drawing skills. Wild models, contests, and prizes.

This month's model: Gingerita of Babes in Boinkland and last month's successful Xmas twist "The Slutcracker".

TUES 1/20

9:30pm
Archelon (as Presidents of the United States of America), Death & Taxes, American Car
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

On Election Night, rock trio Archelon did a cover set of Presidents of the United States of America. They had a good time, and this seemed like another chance to perform one more time as Presidents of the United States of Archelon. It's an America-theme night with foot-stompin' punk of Death & Taxes and good ol' straightahead rock of American Car.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Off-topic: Cold out there...

Careful, I took this video earlier today...

MON 1/19: MLK Day @ MFA, Science Film, Funkiness


Oh, my. How I lacked motivation this weekend! I tried and worked on it, but it's not there yet. I still have until tonight! I'll get up-to-date. (My apologies to MLK and Karsh, but this seemed like a more interesting image to post.)

Btw, I'm planning to send out some kind of weekly list to subscribers tonight...

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MON 1/19

10am to 4:45pm
MLK Jr Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston
FREE

Every year the MFA opens the doors wide open on Martin Luther King Jr's birthday. It's one of the best deals in town, even without doing anything else. (When was the last time you saw their excellent collection?) It's the last day of the Karsh exhibit, and it's portraiture of basically the most famous people of the 20th century.

Extra culture includes: a film program (12:30pm) with a short on Paul Robeson and a feature-length documentary on Shirley Chisholm's historic '72 presidential campaign (Hello, Barack?), a poetry slam/spoken-word performance (2:30pm), a lecture/concert (3:30pm) about how music traveled from Africa with Bill Banfield & a Berklee faculty ensemble, photography-related activities, various guided gallery tours.

MON 1/19
7pm
"Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" w/ Tod Machover & Dalit Hadass Warshaw
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75 / $7.75 students, seniors

I've seen this movie, and it's pretty cool. You've heard the theremin a thousand times or more in your life. Leon Theremin was a scientific giant who created something new and creative -- a completely new musical instrument that alllows 100% human expressiveness. His life gets really crazy and mysterious.

It's good to watch on your own, but musical experimenter (and MIT professor) Tod Machover will introduce the film and lead a Q&A afterwards. Dalit Hadass Warshaw will also give a short performance, and you might see how difficult it is to make conventional music with a theremin.

MON 1/19

10pm
Lovewhip, Cathy Cathodic, Ms. Dominica K
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

There is going to be a good time whether you like it or not. There will be a wave of good times with a riptide that will tickle your feet until you boogie down or drown. Lovewhip may be our answer to Prince, except it's a funky, electro--jam with female guitar-slinging mastermind.

I'm also starting to think that Cathy Cathodic may be the next hot underground sensation to explode out of Boston. Every rap pushes the envelope with tongue WAY in cheek, but it still surprises you. Dominica K is twirling the baton to make it stranger and more fun. Right?

No guarantees, but this is where you can go buck-wild in a cool place on a Monday night.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

1/18: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

It's MLK Jr Day tomorrow. Inauguration Day on Tuesday.

We may not be to the "Promised Land" yet, but we're on the way. And some of us have a day off...

Friday, January 16, 2009

Sneak Peek -- SAT 1/17 to MON 1/19

MST3k at MIT
More to come...

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SAT 1/17

2pm to 6pm
Sip & Shop: "Hot Buttered Rum Day"
at Grand, 374 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)

Free Drink. Buy cool stuff, and there's a 10% discount while The Boston Shaker guy and the ladies of LUPEC Boston offer hot buttered rum samples.

SAT 1/17

7pm to 10pm
"Talking Mystery Science Theater 3000" w/ Joel Hodgson & Trace Beaulieu
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$5 suggested donation

Geek out about the science on Mystery Science Theater 3000 with the creators and watch some clips.

SAT 1/17

Gunpowder Gelatine (Midnight), The Liz Borden Band (11pm), Varsity Drag (10pm), Pop County (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

Top shelf rock capped by all-female Queen tribute band.

SAT 1/17

10pm
Rick Berlin, The Pariah Beat, The Bright Hours
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5

Inimitable songistry from Rick Berlin with gypsy-style acoustic rock and poppish garagesters (or garagish popsters?).

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

SUN 1/18

3pm to 5pm
"Best Lesbian Erotica": Reading & Reception
at Good Vibrations, 308A Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

If you're a guy, don't be creep.

SUN 1/18

9:30pm
The Boo Jays, Thunderhole, Ketman
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / 21+

Edgy rock for free in the best place that's closing in March...

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MON 1/19

10am to 4:45pm
MLK Jr Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston
FREE

Music, art, film, guided tours, and some family activities.

It also the last day of "Karsh 100: A Biography in Images".

MON 1/19

7pm
"Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" w/ Tod Machover & Dalit Hadass Warshaw
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75 / $7.75 students, seniors

MON 1/19

10pm
Lovewhip, Cathy Cathodic, Ms. Dominica K
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

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