Wednesday, August 31, 2011

WED 8/31: Talk, Classical, Rock


I was surprised how many cheap things were going on tonight. I wish I could've narrowed this down more, but I found all of these worthwhile in various ways.

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WED 8/31

6pm
"Ask What You Can Do: Inspiring Public Service": Panel Discussion
at JFK Jr Forum, Littauer Bldg, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Harvard Kennedy School)
FREE

A conversation with:

- Joseph A. Curtatone (Mayor of Somerville, MA)
- Shaun Donovan (US Secretary, HUD)
- Pam Kingpetcharat (Human Rights First)
- Carie Lemack (Global Services Network)
Moderator: David T. Ellwood

Not much info available, but it does seem that most of the panelists are relatively young for politicians. Keep in mind, this shouldn't be a chance to complain to Mayor Curtatone about something happening on your street.

I have corresponded with people at Harvard Kennedy School in the past, and the public are welcome to sit in on these forums.

WED 8/31

6pm to 7pm
Molly Birnbaum, "Season to Taste: How I Lost My Sense of Smell and Found My Way": Discussion & Signing
at Orientation Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

I heard Birnbaum on the radio, and her story about losing her sense of taste after a car accident was interesting -- especially because (spoiler!) she was studying to be a chef.

WED 8/31

7pm
Boston Landmarks Orchestra w/ Boston Ballet
at Hatch Shell, Storrow Dr, Boston (Charles River Esplanade)
FREE

Program:
Tchaikovsky, "The Nutcracker, Op. 71"
Tchaikovsky, "Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (Pathetique)"
Tchaikovsky, "Swan Lake, Op. 20"
Tchaikovsky, "The Sleeping Beauty, Op.66"
I'm not sure if there's been a nicer Wednesday evening in August to sit outside by the Charles. I'm also not sure if the ground is dry after the weekend's rain, so consider bringing a blanket or chair.

The BLO will be joined by some dancers from the Boston Ballet to perform many classic excerpts from Tchaikovsky's ballets. Sugar plum fairies may not be dancing in your head yet, but they will...

WED 8/31

Royal Wedding (11pm), The Invisible Rays (10pm), Eddie Japan (9pm)
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

This should be a fun time aka "Midway Massacre" as you might get a dog or a burger from the grill...

A couple guys from The Big Disappointments are doing something as Royal Wedding while the other band is taking a break; there's a Scottish dude on bass, and it reminds me of The Fall which is a good thing.

Instrumental rockers The Invisible Rays get spacey 'n proggy, and they add a visual element to their performances that is pretty cool.

My faves are Eddie Japan who capitalize on expressive vocals and horns to add a '60s lounge/soul vibe to their tasty pop goodness.

While I advocate getting out of the house, you could watch the webcast and see what you're missing. (Or would be missing without the webcast...)

WED 8/31

Bo Barringer & Rachel Arnold (10:30pm), Jonny Pape (9:45pm), Phil Wisdom (9pm)
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

When Bo Barringer rocks with MEandJoanCollins, it doesn't get better in my opinion. He's doing a new thing as Future Carnivores, and he'll be joined by a cellist tonight. I assume it'll be 3 darn-good, generally acoustic sets.

WED 8/31

9pm
Male Bonding, Love Inks, Girlfriends
at Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

As much as I like other gigs tonight, this is the gig that I would go to for 3 reasons. 1) Male Bonding rocks out, and they're visiting from England so you might as well see a cool new punchy band while they're in town who seem to give good show. 2) Love Inks from Austin are simply fantastic. And you will fall in love with singer Sherry LeBlanc’s vocals whatever way you lean. 3) For noisy garage-pop excellence, Girlfriends have found the perfect formula.

There is way too much awesomeness converging (for $10) in one show.

WED 8/31

9:30pm
Rodeo Church, Mornin' Old Sport, Dirty Virgins
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$5 / 21+

Down the street from Brighton Music Hall, there's a pretty cool gig. I recommend checking out Rodeo Church's crunchy, synthy, Spoon-y rock. I thought Mornin' Old Sport sounded one way, because I was listening to one portal; so I never picked up how they sound really old-timey based on some videos I've seen recently. (Lesson to bands: Remember to update all your sites or get rid of them.) This is Mornin' Old Sport's last Boston gig before they move away. Dirty Virgins will probably open with loud, messy punk-rock.

WED 8/31

10pm
Bodega Girls present "Cool Ranch 'Endless Summah' Party"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: You Can Be A Wesley, DJ Paul Foley

Usually Bodega Girls host and DJ then invite other bands to perform on the last Wednesday of the month. For the end of summah, a bunch of musical friends are joining in for what they're calling "Bodega Sluts". Along with the Bodega's nasty jams, You Can Be A Wesley adds some bright, danceable(?) indie-rock to the night.

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