SAT 3/12: Film, Comedy, Theatre, Rock

It's going to suck tomorrow and eventually get better, but I'll be another reminder to "spring forward"...

As usual, one never knows what you're really going to get with performance art. Dirk Adams is doing something called "small pleasures, little treasures" at T-accessible Meme Gallery in Central Square. I've met Dirk, and he seems like a good guy.

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SAT 3/12

Various Times
Jack Kerouac's 89th Birthday Celebration: Film Screenings
Various Locations
FREE

1pm
"What Happened to Kerouac?": Kerouac Birthday Matinee
at Community Room, Pollard Memorial Library, 401 Merrimack St, Lowell
FREE

1:40pm, 3:40pm
"David Amram: The First 80 Years!": Screenings
at Boott Cotton Mills Museum Theater, 115 John St, Lowell
FREE

Today would be Jack Kerouac's 89th birthday, and Lowell loves to celebrate their literary son now that he's no longer carousing in the bars of Lowell.

The evening music is waiting-list full, but there are a couple daytime documentaries if you're near Lowell. One on Jack himself, and one on his friend David Amram, a great musician and human being who participates in many Kerouac/Lowell events.

SAT 3/12

3pm to 4:30pm
WICF Headliners Talk Comedy: The Creative and Business Sides
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Feat: Kurt Braunohler, Rachel Dratch, Jen Kirkman, Morgan Murphy, Kristin Schaal

Moderator: Maria Ciampa

While probably geared towards other comedians, it should be interesting to hear the stories of professional funny people on different rungs of the ladder.

(Dude, Kristen Schaal goes from "Flight of the Conchords" to "The Daily Show" to hanging out with you in Harvard Square...)

SAT 3/12

6pm
Red Sox Natives 2011 Spring Training Kickoff & Kiss Winter Goodbye Bash
at TP's Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill, 15 Middlesex Canal Park, Woburn
FREE

Feat: The Herland Brothers

Every now and then, I run into Frank, one of the organizers, and he's a wild man. He told me this Sox shindig is the more, the merrier.

These guys get together throughout the season, so maybe you'll find some kindred spirits to celebrate and commiserate.

The spring training game is in the afternoon; the fun follows in a Woburn sports bar. They're calling it a doubleheader for a two-part evening. At 6pm: it's free snacks, trivia, raffle, and a 'Fantasy Forecast' contest. Around 9pm, some people will have dinner and the covers/originals band will get going.

Put on your cap and shirt and get primed for a great summer.

Yeah, I might be there.

SAT 3/12 (thru SAT 3/19)

Various Times
"Bear Patrol"
at Boston Playwrights Theatre, 949 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$8 / $4 students

Thursday thru Saturday -- 7:30pm
Sunday -- 5pm
Late Nite Friday & Saturday -- 10pm for $4.

I really wanted to go last week to tell you about this show. From what I can gather, this seems to be a post-apocalyptic, beats-heavy, Boston-based take on a "Wizard of Oz" road tale that examines the bonds of family and friendship.

Playwright John J. King said:

I wanted to do a show that was a blast for the audience. When I read the novel of the Wizard of Oz, I kept finding strange connections to Boston, and it’s been fun to create this tour of our city thru the eyes and narrative-arc of a story we all know and love. The familiarity of the tale and setting, I hope, will give the audience a lot to connect to and laugh at.

Ain't it great that we can affordably see wild & crazy theater?

This show "runs 90 minutes", and is "not appropriate for children under 16."

SAT 3/12

8:30pm
The Alrighters, Razors in the Night, Cradle To The Grave, Full Body Anchor
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

There is a lot of hard 'n heavy 'n hammering rock goodness. Full Body Anchor will smack you in the face, and you'll say "Thank you, can I have another?" It gets more punk-metal from there until it's capped off by (maybe the last time?) full-on R&B time warp by The Alrighters when saxophone and stand-up bass was edgy and wild. It's going to be a refreshing slap in the face to complement that smack you got earlier.

SAT 3/12

The Acre (Midnight), The Dirty Truckers (11pm), Brendan Boogie & The Best Intentions (10pm), Sodafrog (9pm)
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

In the continuing adventures of Brendan Boogie's monthly EP releases, he sets new music free to dance and roam among the laptops and portable players across the land. March's free download is a quartet of song called "I Hate New York" produced by the excellent Will Dailey. It's stripped down, however I'm getting a little bit more melancholy on the title track although we can still appreciate the sentiment...

Boogie and The Dirty Truckers are the lean, mean, meaty rock in the middle. Sodafrog warms it up with mesmerizing songs on the acoustic tip. The Acre leads you into the night on a roots-gaze magic carpet ride.

SAT 3/12

10pm
Three Day Threshold
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

If nothing else grabs you, maybe stumble into an East Cambridge bar with dozens of beers on tap. Three Day Threshold may just be the perfect honky-tonking bar band to waste the night away.

FRI 3/11: Film, Museum, Opera, Mardi Gras

Based on their sliders, The Bleacher Bar already serves better food than you'd expect from a bar that's located behind centerfield at Fenway Park. The winner of tonight's Sandwich Showdown (7pm) is a contest to get a new tasty choice on the menu. For $15 (going to charity), you can taste the top 10 and cast your vote. I think you can stuff yourself and get your money's worth...

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FRI 3/11 (to SUN 3/13)

3pm, 5:30pm, 7:45pm, 10pm
"The Friends of Eddie Coyle": Screening
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$8

Friday $5 matinees: 3pm, 5:30pm

Call me a traditionalist. There is an experimental film festival also happening at the Somerville Theatre through TUES 3/15, but I'd rather see a classic Boston crime movie on the big screen.

Do you think "Battle: Los Angeles" or "Red Riding Hood" is going to be better than Robert Mitchum trying to stay out of prison and hoping he can stay alive?

FRI 3/11

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

When I saw tonight's theme was "Nautical Night", I was a little worried that that Chantey Singers would be there...

It looks like there will be simply be an emphasis of the aquatic aspects of the museum's sesquicentennial anniversary exhibit with gallery talks and demonstrations.

If you ask me, Arthur Ganson's kinetic sculptures is the coolest exhibit in the building. Even more wonderful if you don't have to pay to get in.

FRI 3/11

6pm
"Death and the Powers": A Conversation
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The robots are aiming to conquer another human realm -- opera.

Many of the creative forces behind "Death and the Powers" are local humans like composer Tod Machover (MIT), librettist Robert Pinsky (BU), and director Diane Paulus (ART).

There has never been more technology melded into this genre before with people and robots performing together on a stage with animated pieces.

Prior to the US premiere next week, Machover will discuss the background, the process, etc.

If that isn't enough robots for you, stick around for "Battlestar Galactica: The Miniseries" at 7:30pm ($9.75 / $7.75 students / $6.75 seniors). It's the first 3 hours that revived the sci-fi saga in 2003.

FRI 3/11

8pm
The Mardi Gras Show
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Feat: Otis Grove, Mighty Tiny, Opposite People, Confederacy of Dumpsters, Vostok 4

There's no reason to stop the good times from rolling past Tuesday. Meghan Chiampa of Desert Race Boston has put together quite a party for her first show for those who want a little more NOLA-style party.

The Confederacy of Dumpsters solely exist to play Mardi Gras gigs in the Boston area. They don't need a website; they know where to bring the horny funk n' soul. Since Mighty Tiny wears Venetian carnevale masks at every gig, this band was destined to play their theatrical rock on this occasion.

There's even more funky, jammy good times with Opposite People and organ-trio Otis Grove. Throw in the high-energy quirkiness of Vostok 4, and the 'bon temps' will 'rouler'.

Beads and masks provided. Costumes recommend.

FRI 3/11

9:30pm
The Macrotones, Marcus Santos & Bloco Afrobrazil
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$8

Let's keep the party vibe going. To shake your booty on the other side of town, I'd recommend the Brazilian rhythms and Afro-funk grooves.

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THUR 3/10: Music, Art, Comedy, Stories

The Church gig had a colorful yet static flyer for tonight's gig, but someone went to the trouble of making a promo video.

I wish bands didn't put the "doors open" time to make some people stand there for an hour, but that's how it goes.

The music lover again has too many good choices on a Thursday night. Whether it's the rocking gig above or the indie fun at Great Scott or the soul/garage blowout in Davis Square.

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THUR 3/10

6pm to 7:30pm
St. Patrick's Celebration
at Parker Hill Branch Public Library, 1497 Tremont St, Roxbury
FREE

Feat: Michael O'Leary with Rob Huffman

Hmm, a St. Patrick's celebration at a library with "Irish Style" refreshments...

One can assume there won't be a keg or a bottle of whiskey, but it is the season for Irishness. Maybe you'd like to warm up with some Celtic music and maybe soda bread?

I did notice the library is between Brigham Circle and Roxbury Crossing, if you wanted to go.

THUR 3/10

7pm
"Crisis and the Everyday: An Evening with Liza Johnson": Lecture & Screening
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
FREE

Video artist Liza Johnson seems to create films where she gets non-actors to act in scenes similar to their lives like people in post-Katrina Mississippi or people in a circus school.

The DeCordova Museum has given her their annual Rappaport Prize, and she'll present a couple clips and discuss her work.

"Admission on a first-come, first-served basis."

THUR 3/10

Various Times
Women in Comedy Festival
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
Many $10 or under

If there needs to be a platform for women to perform comedy, then go for it. Maybe it's something about the behind-the-scenes interactions like the excerpt from Tina Fey's current New Yorker article.

However I don't really think audiences have a problem laughing at female comedians. And there will be plenty of opportunities over the next 5 days. Most $10 shows are tonight (as well as some good shows above) and Sunday 3/13. There is also a free panel on Saturday at the Brattle Theatre.

7pm

Ready, Set,...Wife: A Frank and Funny Discussion on Marriage
at ImprovBoston (mainstage)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

Feat: Robyn Okrant & Cathleen Carr, Maria Ciampa, Giulia Rozzi, Myq Kaplan

7pm

What Philosophy Majors Do After College: Starring Jen Dziura
at ImprovBoston (studio)
$7 / $5 students, seniors

8pm

Variety Pack: Improv, Sketch, & Musical Comedy
at ImprovBoston (studio)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

Feat: Shrink, The Naughty Nanas/ The F**k-it Bucket List, Jessica Delfino

10pm

Comedy Spanning the Nation: Stand Up
at ImprovBoston (studio)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

Feat: Kate Ghiloni, Emma Willmann, Lillian DeVane, Will Smalley, Deep Throat Regina, Sarah Mittens, Subhah Agarwal, Kara Buller, Virginia Jones, Tracie Spencer, Amber Bixby

Hosted by Kate Ghiloni

Yes, there are a couple men in there. It'sgoing to be okay.

THUR 3/10

8pm
"Tales from Somerville": Community Storytelling Slam
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

There are a lot of stories in every town around here. After living in Somerville and hearing a few, this could be a funny, revealing session.

Don't be disappointed if you don't get a chance to take the stage for your 5 to 10 minute story moment. The Somerville Arts Council may have selected people ahead of time.

On the other hand, attendees get to vote for the best story.

THUR 3/10

The Hush Now (11pm), A Bit Much (10pm), Action Verbs (9pm), Butterknife (8pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$8 / 18+

It's a bit refreshing to see a rock show start at 8pm... Why make us wait?

Even if you don't go, listen to The Hush Now's "Hoping and Waiting" on the home page. This is a band that puts loads of thoughtfulness and musicianship to good use for making clean, tasty, macho rock. It's going to be a bunch of sweet rocking' tunes compliments of Action Verbs and Butterknife. Although A Bit Much may be too expansive for my taste and think they're more clever than they actually are, the music has its moments.

THUR 3/10

9pm
Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints, Muck & the Mires, Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents
at Rosebud Bar & Grill (behind Diner), 381 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 / 21+

The Sunday Saints are playing every Thursday with different friends this month. It's going to be a double-barreled soul attack when Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents join in. It doesn't let up when garage-rock masters Muck & the Mires hit the stage.

Cultures of Soul Records has put out a Sunday Saints record, and they're supposed to be giving out some prizes on each night. I think Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints sound better in person, but it's not bad to get something.

THUR 3/10

9:30pm
Spirit Kid, The Fagettes, Andy Maher Candy Bar
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

For a some variety, you might enjoy this gig. Spirit Kid's jangly-crunchy powerpop anchors the show. For some reason, I'm inclined to think new band The Fagettes are Australians who may be living in town. They're still sound like a fabulous mess. Likewise, there's something peculiar going on with Andy Maher Candy Bar; his one-man indie-rock does work in its own way.

Robotkid will add sound and visuals for additional fun.

WED 3/9: Art, Reading, Comedy, Music

Besides the Canadian rock at O'Briens below, the next cheapest rock show of note is the Rural Alberta Advantage/Muy Cansado gig at the Middle East - Downstairs ($12).

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WED 3/9

6 pm
Joao Ribas, "Fax": Curator Talk
at Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

The fax seems rather quaint these days. Once it was the greatest advancement in communications is usually a bother and hindrance these days.

Perhaps curator Joao Ribas can discuss whether this is a historical appreciation or topical statement. Or both. Or something entirely different.

I haven't been to the exhibit which opened last week, but I'm sure there are a bunch of cool transmissions. And new pieces are supposed to arrive while it's on display.

Exhibition is open through April 10.

WED 3/9

7pm
Wesley Stace & Jonathan Coe: Readings
at Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut St, Newton
FREE

While I came to know him as singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding, Wesley Stace has become quite a clever novelist, and his new story "Charles Jessold, Considered As A Murderer" has been well-received.

He's joined by another English writer, Jonathan Coe, whose new book "The Terrible Privacy Of Maxwell Sim" is witty satire on technology where the protagonist falls in love with the voice on his GPS (among other quirkiness).

Stace will supposedly play a song too.

WED 3/9 (thru SUN 3/13)

Various Times
Women in Comedy Festival
at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
at Mottley's Comedy, 61 Chatham St, Boston
Many $10 or under

If there needs to be a platform for women to perform comedy, then go for it. Maybe it's something about the behind-the-scenes interactions like the excerpt from Tina Fey's current New Yorker article.

However I don't really think audiences have a problem laughing at female comedians. And there will be plenty of opportunities over the next 5 days. Most $10 shows are tonight, Thursday 3/10, and Sunday 3/13.

7pm

"Monsters of Improv"
at ImprovBoston (mainstage)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

8pm

Mottley's Kick Off Show
at Mottley's Comedy Club
$10

Feat: Julie Kitayama, Lisa Corrao, Adi Blotman, Rose Surnow, Deborah Etta Robinson, Chelsea White, Pat Galante, Alli Breen

Hosted by Maria Ciampa

8pm

Beards & Broads: Stand Up
at ImprovBoston (mainstage)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

Matt Kona, Kristin Seltman, Theresa Condito, Shea Spillane, Tari Fanderclai, Niraj Shah, Erika Kreutziger, Jessica Brodkin

Hosted By Matt Kona

9pm

Mad Men and Milkshakes: Storytelling
at ImprovBoston (mainstage)
$10 / $7 students, seniors

Feat: Men of a Certain Height, Satan Drank My Milk

Hosted by Jess Sutich

10pm

The Big Stand Up Show
at ImprovBoston (mainstage)
Hosted by Ellen Moschetto
$10 / $7 students & seniors

Feat: Ellen Moschetto, Janet McNamara, Laura Clark, Lady Doyle, Dr. Raj Sivaraman, Sarah Blodgett, Dawn Whitwell, Laura Crawford

Yes, there are men performing. It isn't called "Women Only Comedy Festival"...

WED 3/9

8pm
Boston Conservatory String Orchestra
at Boston Conservatory Theater, 31 Hemenway St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE

Program:
Handel, "Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 5"
Schubert, "Death and the Maiden" D. 810, D minor

It seems like there has been quite a bit of free classical music lately. If there are good options available, I'll try to pass it on. If one is going to be cultured/bored, doesn't it feel better that it didn't cost anything.

But you won't be bored.

WED 3/9

9:30pm
Small Sins + TBA?
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8

I'm not sure why no other bands are listed on this gig, because Small Sins are a pretty good synthy indie-pop band from Toronto. I assume there will be an opener or two. Take a chance, and you'll hear at least one good act.

TUES 3/8: Mardi Gras, Art, Film, Music

Since it's Mardi Gras and International Women's Day, I hope those wanting beads will lift up their shirts with a sense of empowerment...

If you dig The Wandas, they're going to have a listening party at the Enormous Room at 8pm. Hang out with the band before they trek to Canadian Music Week and SXSW.

I also saw that Smoken Joe's has a small bar space, but they're planning on serving a bunch of Cajun-style dishes if you're hungry and want to party.

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TUES 3/8

5pm
"Fat Tuesday Party"
at Dick’s Last Resort, Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall)
No Cover

This ain't my favorite place in town. Far from it, but you don't have to love the spot to have $2.75 SoCo hurricanes and $3.50 Harpoon IPA's for Mardi Gras.

They usually have some beads, masks, other crap along with some live music around 8pm and plenty of insults from the waitstaff.

At some point, there will be a crawfish eating contest with a $100 cash prize.

TUES 3/8

6:30pm to 8:30pm
"Women.Make.Art": Panel Discussion
at Alumnae Lounge, Aidekman Arts Center, about 40 Talbot St, Medfrod (Tufts campus)
FREE

Panelists: Janet Goldwater, Jann Haworth, Margaret Rose Vendryes

It seems apropos to have a discussion about women as the creaotors of art on International Women's Day. The panelists include a filmmaker Janet Goldwater and artists Jann Haworth & Margaret Rose Vendryes who both have works in two Tufts exhibits: "Seductive Subversion: Women Pop Artists, 1958-1968" and "African Divas".

(Cool side note: Jann Haworth created the "Sgt. Pepper's" album cover.)

TUES 3/8

7pm
"An Island": Screening
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 Optional Donation

Filmmaker Vincent Moon has directed unorthodox concert films for Mogwai, The National, REM, and many shorter sessions. His most recent is a 50-minute foray with the Danish band Efterklang on the small island where they're from. The tunes are pretty damn cool, and the clip I saw was cinematographically beautiful.

Opus Affair and HowAboutWe are presenting the film. One is a socializing/drinking org, and the other is a new king of dating site. I imagine that well-heeled/open-minded singles will be lingering about.

The suggested donation is quite optional. Part of the agreement to screen the film is that it be free, but feel free.

Note: "RSVP is to estimate attendance and does not guarantee space at the screening. The first 120 people will be admitted."

TUES 3/8

8pm
Lisztomania
at Williams Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Maybe the first wave of "Lisztomania" included scores of screaming teens. In the bicentenary of his birth, Franz Liszt's fans are likely to listen intently and applaud politely.

Before songs and films, there was genuine Lisztomania for the Hungarian pianist-composer who wowed 19th-century Europe with his virtuoso performances.

Tonight's performance comprises 8 pieces played by various NEC piano majors who'll do their best to match the maestro's sick technique.

TUES 3/8

Telekinesis (11:15pm), The Love Language (10:05pm), Slowdim (9:10pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Speaking of sick (see above), there is a sick amount of melodious emotion happening at this show.

Telekinesis is basically a solo guy from Seattle who tours with a band to flesh out his powerpop creations that should fit quite nicely in anyone's headphones. Hey -- if Superchunk plays his song in concert, it should be good enough for you.

The Love Language has had people falling under the spell of their lo-fi indie-pop since their initial album full of break-up songs. He didn't get his ex- back, but the NC band rocks on.

Local guys Slowdim fit in nicely with a batch of gently catchy songs at their first(?!) gig.

TUES 3/8

10pm
The Chicken Slacks
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

When a classic rocker as to cancel, and it happens to be Mardi Gras, why not call the funky Chicken Slacks to party up the joint.

They love New Orleans and Mardi Gras...