Thursday, February 28, 2008

Holy Moley! Awesome Photo Blog...

© Dmitri Goutnik


All photos on radio.uruguay are by Dmitri Goutnik who apparently lives in St. Petersburg, and photographs all over. Most are black & white, but some are in color (some colored as above).

The Guardian had one of this series in their travel section. (I love that news organization...)

Just had to share my joy with you,

~r

Sneak Peek: FRI 2/29 & SAT 3/1


I probably won't have another post today, but here's some stuff to think about...

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 2/29

6 pm
Ben Karlin, "Things I've Learned from Women Who've Dumped Me"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store or 617-661-1515)

Ben Karlin used to work on "The Daily Show" & "The Colbert Report" and has compiled stories of getting dumped written by the likes of Andy Richter, Stephen Colbert, Dan Savage, Nick Hornby, Patton Oswalt, and so on. The deadline to submit your love/rejection story has passed, but the winner should be funny.

FRI 2/29

9pm
Union Square Round Table
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

Comedy, music, and general entertainment for the ironic hipster from:
Chris Braiotta & TD Sidell, Nick Branigan, Steven Derocher , Marian Didio, Ben Dryer, Keira Horowitz , Caitlin Roy, Yoni Gordon & The Goods, and "special guests from NY" (who will be one or more of these guys).

FRI 2/29

9pm
"Dripping With Enthusiasm" (Part Deux)
at Tufts Oxfam Cafe, Miller Hall basement, 210 Packard Ave, Medford (Tufts campus)
FREE / All Ages

All Night Long Leap Day Dance Pah-ty.

(I believe you can find it.)

FRI 2/29 and SAT 3/1

9pm
The Figgs, Watts (FRI), The Rudds (SAT)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

The Figgs are one of the best rock bands around. They should be playing to thousands, but we're lucky to get them for 2 nights at the best new music venue in a long time. Each night has a set by the opener and two sets by The Figgs (with The Rudds on Saturday!)

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

SAT 3/1

Noon
2nd Annual Bacon Eating Contest
at Atwood's Tavern, 877 Cambridge St , Cambridge
FREE

There's still a chance to 'compete' if you can get an entry(?) in before 8pm tonight. Those who slow down to look at accidents might enjoy watching this...

SAT 3/1

10pm
Say Hi, The Big Sleep
at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston
$10 / 21+

Great Scott is really good at hosting many 'buzz bands' of indie-rock.

SAT 3/1

7 pm
Breaking the Silence Exhibit: "Israeli Soldiers Talk" - Opening Reception
at Harvard Hillel, Beren Hall, Second Floor, 52 Mt. Auburn Street
FREE

Besides photography and video from the occupied Palestinian Territories, two of the former IDF soldiers associated with the Breaking the Silence organization will be present for opening remarks.

SAT 3/1

8pm
Greg Klyma, Ryan Fitzsimmons
at Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St, Jamaica Plain
$10 advance / $12.50 door

Two excellent artists at an amazing place for concerts. Reserve a spot by emailing Jeff at least 24 hours in advance, and please show up if you do! Get the info here.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

TUES 2/26: French Kicks, Bon Savants, Harris, Aloud

French Kicks
8:30pm
French Kicks, Bon Savants, Harris, Aloud
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

I'm not afraid to admit that I was late in hearing French Kicks, but I started with the most recent album, "Two Thousand". While the diehard fans seem pissed that they've moved away from their punkier garage origins, I think it's great stuff.

I like the earlier songs, but I also enjoy the current texture and subtlety. The riffs are more developed, additional flavors lend extra color, and I dig the drummer adding a lot of interesting rhythmic ideas.

They might have hit the scene around the time of The Strokes and The Walkmen, but I don't know what people expect beyond some good tunes played well... French Kicks offer quality pop-rock that sits well next to Band of Horses -- and yes, I'll say it -- Radiohead's "In Rainbows" and Snow Patrol.

The three openers -- Bon Savants, Harris and Aloud -- are excellent local bands who all offer something different yet make a complementary line-up. A good way to check out new music is to listen for free.

My friends at Going.com put on a free Bang Camaro show a month (or so) ago, and it looks to be a monthly series co-sponsored with Miller. All you have to do is RSVP here -- and register if you're not a member at Going yet. (It's a event-oriented social networking site that will send you as many emails as you decide. I even have a 'group' on the site.) Hurry up and sign up if you want to go.

I'll be there, so please say "hello" if yout think you recognize me...

BONUS:
If you haven't seen this yet, you must watch this hilarious Jimmy Kimmel clip, "I'm F***ing Ben Affleck"!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

My Thoughts: Silent Dance Experiment

before boston silent dance experiment
Even though I didn't make it to Thunderdome XI last night, I roused myself before noon and got my ass to Faneuil Hall for the Silent Dance Experiment. In a few words, I guessed correctly -- it was friggin' awesome! It turned out to be a big crowd (200+?) of cool, friendly people. I think the few that didn't know what was going on had a good time. It was a fun little 13-minute dance festival.

Didn't make it down today? You can still do it!

Get a bunch of friends to download the track and have your own silent dance party!

It takes a little preparation -- but not much -- to simulate the original event:

* In my opinion, you need at least 10 people to have a successful "dance experiment."
* Get a box -- or something people can grab the colored index cards from.
* You need some yellow index cards. It's important that someone has a yellow card.
* Okay. This one is weird, but someone has to be Moses. They can get as much into character as they like. At the very least, they need a sign or nametag that says "Moses".
* Decide on how you start the track at the same time. (I suggest a "Ready, go!" or something like that...)
Because of the instructions, you do have to meet in front of Faneuil Hall. No biggie... It'll be fun whether or not you listen ahead of time -- but don't be too prepared!

Definitely some cheap fun when you're downtown. Maybe on a pub crawl...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Cheap Thrills: 2/22 to 2/29

Cancelled? I hope not.


So what if Boston has declared a snow emergency... It's Friday! Have fun -- weather be damned as long as you have a flask to keep you warm!

Oh, okay. Call ahead or check websites to make sure things are still happening... Heck everything may be cancelled by now. Be safe and warm.

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 2/22
* Boone, Topheavy, Doom Buggies, Dave Clark Band, The Buckners
* Lester Brown, "Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization": Discussion
* Thunderdome XI
* Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival -- and SAT 2/23
* Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup -- thru SUN 2/24

SAT 2/23
* Silent Dance Experiment
* Wings Over Cambridge, The Lowest of Lowe, Clock Strikes Ten
* The Everyday Visuals, The Sterns, Thick As Thieves
* Indoor Flea Market
* "Renewal" -- and SUN 2/24
* Boston Globe Travel Show -- and SUN 2/24
* Sarah Borges And The Broken Singles, Jimmy Ryan

SUN 2/24
* Rock-n-Romp, Bon Savants, Wonderful Spells, Neal Pollack, "Alternadad"
* Hallelujah the Hills, Titus Andronicus, Amoroso
* Oscar Night

MON 2/25
* "The Devil Came on Horseback": Free Screening
* Media and Politics: A Ready to Vote Event
* Main Fader, Rachel Mcadamz, La Zen Bee, OH-DEE, One-Man Peyote

TUES 2/26
* Open Mic & Elizabeth Butters
* French Kicks, Bon Savants, Harris
* Anderson Comedy Troupe, "Swayze-oke"
* Session Americana/Session Britannica
* Scott Ritter, "The Case for Peace with Iran"

WED 2/27
* The Motion Sick, Bryan McPherson, Jason Bennet & The Resistance
* Pandora Get-together

THUR 2/28
* Fred Wesley and Berklee's Music of James Brown Ensemble
* Ann Fessler: "The Girls Who Went Away"
* "Tongue, Smell, Color"

FRI 2/29
* Ben Karlin, "Things I've Learned from Women Who've Dumped Me"
* Union Square Round Table
* The Figgs -- and SAT 3/1

SAT 3/1
* 2nd Annual Bacon Eating Contest
* Greg Klyma, Ryan Fitzsimmons

--------------------------------------------------------------

8pm
Boone, Topheavy, Doom Buggies, Dave Clark Band, The Buckners
at O'Brien’s, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

I've been told this show has been cancelled.

FRI 2/22

7:30pm
Lester Brown, "Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization"
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Lester Brown of the Earth Policy Institute has been a leading thinker on environventalism/sustainability and the economy for decades. This place will be full.

FRI 2/22

10pm
Thunderdome XI
at Greek American Political Club, 1st floor, 288 Green St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

It's a giant, sweaty dance party. I would go to this if I didn't have plans. I feel way better bumping to great tracks surrounded by indie/hipster kids than go somewhere with a dress code and attitude. People who want to dance but don't like dance clubs should feel welcome here. I heard the guy that organizes Thunderdome is moving, so this could be you chance.

Local DJs Mistaker, DJ Die Young, David Day are joined a crew from Brooklyn: TROUBLE & BASS, Passions, Star Eyes, The Captain. Cool lighting presented by BLOODSUGAR.

FRI 2/22 and SAT 2/23

Various Times
13th Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50

It's the Looney Tunes Revue (a combo of All Bugs Revue & Looney Centennials) on both days. An encore program screens on MON 2/25.

FRI 2/22 thru SUN 2/24

9pm (last show at 1pm)
Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
$10 / 18+ (last show: All Ages)

The last 3 shows...

FRI 2/22
with Mark Lind & The Unloved, The Rum Fits, S4G

SAT 2/23
with: Hub City Stompers, The Allstonians, Band Of Felons

SUN 2/24
with Stigma, Death & Taxes, Reason Enough
All Ages -- 2pm

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

SAT 2/23

12:50pm
Silent Dance Experiment
at Faneuil Hall, in front of the Sam Adams Statue, Boston
FREE

These random, public 'interactive performances' seem to be sweeping Boston. If you have an mp3 player, you might want to join in the fun... The special mix mp3 file is available, but you're not supposed to listen to it until you get there...

SAT 2/23

Wings Over Cambridge (9pm), The Lowest of Lowe (10pm), Clock Strikes Ten (11:30pm)
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 / 21+

Okay, I basically know what's going on. It's a 30-year celebration/re-release of Nick Lowe's classic album, "Jesus of Cool". It was re-titled "Pure Pop for Now People" in the US, because they didn't think people could handle the use of 'Jesus' on a rock album. (Thank you, Stryper, for fixing that...) Nick Lowe is one of my all-time faves and is somewhat responsible (as a performer/songwriter/producer) for much of what I often call power-pop.

Various tribute shows are going on around the country this weekend. The Lowest of the Lowe will likely be some form of The Gentlemen's rhythm section who'll be joined by some of the best locals to sing one or two Nick Lowe songs. (Expect to see singers from The Rudds, The Pills, The Dirty Truckers, The Click 5, Merrie Amsterburg, Phil Aiken, and more.)

Other special treats are 3/4 of The Pills doing of set of Paul McCartney & Wings; there couldn't be a better match in my mind! The Rudds sound like they are big fans of Cheap Trick and will pay tribute on the other side of Lowe.

SAT 2/23

The Everyday Visuals (11:30pm), The Sterns (10:30pm), Thick As Thieves (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

SAT 2/23

10am to 3pm
Huge Indoor Flea Market
at Smith Center Auditorium, 20 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton
FREE Admission

Who knows what people have donated to benefit the Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum...

SAT 2/23 and SUN 2/24

10am to 6pm (5pm on SUN)
Boston Globe Travel Show
at Seaport World Trade Center, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston
$10

Had I been on top of this, I could have told you how to get free advance tix, but I thought they'd still be available today and tomorrow... A great resource for travel/vacation info without contacting a travel agent...

SAT 2/23 and SUN 2/24 (and more)

1:45pm (3:50pm on SUN)
"Renewal"
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
$9 / $8 seniors & students

I always thought environmentalism should be promoted by religious groups, and I guess it's starting to happen. This documentary looks at issue across America and through various belief systems. If co-director Martin Ostrow is there, ask him about his film on the bouncing ball of sing-a-longs. My friend, Lily, wrote about this in her blog.

SAT 2/23

8pm
Sarah Borges And The Broken Singles, Jimmy Ryan
at The Center for Arts in Natick, 14 Summer St, Natick
$16 / $15 students & seniors

Not *cheap*, but I got to ask Sarah a few questions recently.

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

SUN 2/24

3:30pm
Rock-n-Romp
Feat: Bon Savants, Wonderful Spells, Neal Pollack reads "Alternadad"
at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston
$8 advance / $10 door / FREE under 13

There's no reason for kids to listen to Raffi or Jumping Monkey Band or whatever crap is sold to the youngsters of America. Give a young person some Ramones, and they will be happier, more interesting people! This is a new (to Boston) organization that offers a place for young people to hear some real rock with their parents also digging it. Bon Savants and Wonderful Spells are excellent bands. Neal Pollack will read from his book, "Alternadad," which should resonate with the older folks. The guy who wrote children's book "Punk Farm" will also be there.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must be accompanied by a child. If you have kids, and you want to expose them to rock... If you owe your sibling one, you could get the kids out of the house for a few hours... If you like MILFs, and you have access to a kid...

"Each ticket is good for admission for one adult and one child under 13." (I don't know what happens with multiple kids.)

SUN 2/24

9:30pm
Hallelujah The Hills, Amoroso, Titus Andronicus
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / Donation Suggested

Hallelujah The Hills is kicking off their tour with a free show, but you could kick in a buck or two. (The free part is a Sunday experiment at Milky Way.) Maybe they'll be too big to play the Milky Way when they return... Or not. Amoroso does some heavy, experimental rock. I thought Titus Andronicus would sound pretentious, but I really like their straight-forward rawk!

SUN 2/24

Or you could watch the Oscars.
I think Daniel Day-Lewis will win, and "No Country..." gets best picture.

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

MON 2/25

6pm
"The Devil Came on Horseback": Screening & Discussion
at Wiener Auditorium, Taubman Building, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Kennedy School of Govt)
FREE

MON 2/25

6:30pm to 8pm
"Media and Politics": A Ready to Vote Event
at Tsai Performance Center, 685 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

The panel includes Jonathan Alter (Newsweek, CNN, etc), Tom Ashbrook ("On Point", WBUR), David S. Bernstein (Boston Phoenix), Renee Loth (Boston Globe) and other national journalists.

How does a newspaper choose a candidate to endorse? How have 24-hour news networks, blogs and the internet changed campaigning? How do sexism, racism, religion and ageism factor in the electing of a candidate? How does the media influence the American voter and a candidate's campaign? Explore these question, bring your curiosity and directly engage a panel of distinguished experts from various fields of media. Learn about the issues that concern you in the upcoming presidential election.
The flyer as PDF file.

MON 2/25

10pm to 1am
Main Fader, Rachel Mcadamz, La Zen Bee, OH-DEE, Truman Peyote
at All Asia Cafe, 334 Massachusetts Ave. , Cambridge
$5 / 18+

Plenty of live electronica that spans ambient/folky stuff to house/crunk. I feel so strange using 'crunk' in a sentence... Hey, I love the name "Truman Peyote".

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

TUES 2/26

7pm
Open Mic & Elizabeth Butters
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5

TUES 2/26

10pm
Anderson Comedy Troupe: "Swayze-oke"
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

TUES 2/26

8:30pm
French Kicks, Bon Savants, Harris, Aloud
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

My friends at Going.com have topped themselves. They had a free Bang Camaro show a month (or so) ago, but I actually like French Kicks -- and other people around the country like them too! Bon Savants and Harris are cool bands, so I should be there! Be there too. It's really not a big deal to register on Going if you haven't already, and you get as much email as you want.

RSVP here.

TUES 2/26

9pm
Session Americana/Session Britannica
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$6 advance / $8 door

I don't know why there's so much good, cheap music this Tuesday, but there is. Local princes of roots-music Session Americana are doing a special show with friends like Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), John Powhida (The Rudds), and more to join them on songs from the other side of the pond.

TUES 2/26

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Scott Ritter, "The Case for Peace with Iran"
at West Newton Cinema, 1295 Washington St. Newton
Suggested donation: $10

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

WED 2/27

The Motion Sick (11pm), Bryan McPherson (10pm), Jason Bennett & The Resistance (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

WED 2/27

7:00pm
Pandora Get-together
at Morse Auditorium, 602 Comm Ave Boston (BU campus)
FREE w/ RSVP

Pandora is a fascinating type of Internet radio that you help to program by indicating why you didn't like a song they chose for you. They call it the Music Genome Project. You can learn more about it.

RSVP (with number of guests) at: tour@pandora.com

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

THUR 2/28

8:15 p.m
Fred Wesley and Berklee's Music of James Brown Ensemble
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / $5 students & seniors

The music of James Brown may one day save the world when funk-loving aliens spare us thanks to the bottomless grooves of Soul Brother #1. Fred Wesley was the badass trombomist and one of the pillars of the James Brown bands. Don't forget he also played with Parliament/Funkadelic/etc. The Godfather of Soul won't be there, but his spirit will be felt in every booty in motion.

THUR 2/28

6pm to 9pm
Brenda Dixon Gottschild and Helmut Gottschild, "Tongue, Smell, Color"
at Broad Institute Auditorium, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

THUR 2/28

7pm
Ann Fessler, "Along the Pale Blue River": Screening & Discussion
at Paresky Conference Center, Main College Bldg, 300 The Fenway, Boston (Simmons College)
FREE

Ann Fessler is chair of the photography at RISD and the author of "The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade". (A rather wordy yet descriptive title...) She will screen her short film that tells the story of a young mother who gives up her child, and that child seeking out the mother. I rarely post events at Simmons, and this should interest some. "A reception will follow" = free food and drink!

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

FRI 2/29

6 pm
Ben Karlin, "Things I've Learned from Women Who've Dumped Me"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 (tix available at Harvard Book Store or 617-661-1515)

Ben Karlin used to work on "The Daily Show" & "The Colbert Report" and has compiled stories of getting dumped written by the likes of Andy Richter, Stephen Colbert, Dan Savage, Nick Hornby, Patton Oswalt, and so on.

Submit a story (fact or fiction) of lessons learned from getting dumped, being rejected, having a broken heart, or any other (likely embarrassing) tale of woe in the world of love -- and you might win a copy of the book and a $25 Harvard Book Store gift certificate. Deadline: midnight, 2/27.

FRI 2/29

9pm
Union Square Round Table
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 -- 21+ / $11 -- 18+

FRI 2/29 and SAT 3/1

9pm
The Figgs, Watts (FRI), The Rudds (SAT)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

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

SAT 3/1

Noon
2nd Annual Bacon Eating Contest
at Atwood's Tavern, 877 Cambridge St , Cambridge
FREE

Supposedly you can register at the website, but you might have to go in or send them an email. If you compete, I might cheer you on.

SAT 3/1

8pm
Greg Klyma, Ryan Fitzsimmons
at Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St, Jamaica Plain
$10 advance / $12.50 door

Two excellent artists at an amazing place for concerts. Reserve a spot by emailing Jeff at least 24 hours in advance, and please show up if you do! Get the info here.

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

Favorite Animated GIF of the Week.

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

Book Sale of the Week:

McIntyre and Moore Booksellers Moving Sale

30% Off thru WED 3/5
40% Off thru WED 3/12
50% Off thru WED 3/19

Sadly my favorite Davis Sq late-night bookstore is closing and will eventually open in a smaller space near Porter Sq. You can help lighten their move.

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

Link of the Week:

People have mixed feelings about these "Restaurant Weeks"; I do as well, but I've had some wonderful meals at places I wouldn't normally go. It's coming up again...

I heard about this on the radio, and I guess I was inspired to share by the Fessler event above. Anyone can call and just talk to someone about an abortion experience. (Y'know... If you want to talk to someone...) -- 866-4 EXHALE

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

Quote of the Week:

"If a man would register all his opinions upon love, politics, religion, learning, etc., beginning from his youth and so go on to old age, what a bundle of inconsistencies and contradictions would appear at last!"

-- Jonathan Swift

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

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Sneak Peek: FRI 2/22 to SUN 2/24

Thunderdome @ Elks Lodge, Feb 07
I don't know what else will make the final cut, but these will...

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 2/22

8pm
Boone, Topheavy, Doom Buggies, Dave Clark Band, The Buckners
at O'Brien’s, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

I'll be here to bask in wall-to-wall rock -- and maybe the renovated O'Briens still has cheap PBR...? Complaints/compliments gladly accepted in person.

FRI 2/22

7:30pm
Lester Brown, "Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization"
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Lester Brown of the Earth Policy Institute has been a leading thinker on environventalism/sustainability and the economy for decades. This place will be full.

FRI 2/22

10pm
Thunderdome XI
at Greek American Political Club, 1st floor, 288 Green St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

A giant, sweaty dance party. People who want to dance but don't like dance clubs should feel welcome here. I heard the guy that organizes Thunderdome is moving.

FRI 2/22 and SAT 2/23

Various Times
13th Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50

It's the Looney Tunes Revue (a combo of All Bugs Revue & Looney Centennials) on both days. An encore program screens on MON 2/25.

FRI 2/22 thru SUN 2/24

9pm (last show at 1pm)
Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
$10 / 18+ (last show: All Ages)

The last 3 shows...

FRI 2/22
with Mark Lind & The Unloved, The Rum Fits, S4G

SAT 2/23
with: Hub City Stompers, The Allstonians, Band Of Felons

SUN 2/24
with Stigma, Death & Taxes, Reason Enough
All Ages -- 2pm

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

SAT 2/23

12:50pm
Silent Dance Experiment
at Faneuil Hall in front of the Sam Adams Statue
FREE

These random, public 'interactive performances' seem to be sweeping Boston. If you have an mp3 player, you might want to join in the fun... The special mix mp3 file is available, but you're not supposed to listen to it until you get there...

SAT 2/23

Wings Over Cambridge (9pm), The Lowest of Lowe (10pm), Clock Strikes Ten (11:30pm)
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

I hope to have figured this all out by tomorrow...

Special Tribute Night to Nick Lowe (update: link fixed), Wings, and Cheap Trick.
Feat. Members of The Pills, The Gentlemen, The Rudds, Eric Salt, Phil Aiken, etc.

SAT 2/23 and SUN 2/24

10am to 6pm (5pm on SUN)
Boston Globe Travel Show
at Seaport World Trade Center, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston
$10

Had I been on top of this, I could have told you how to get free advance tix, but I thought they'd still be available today and tomorrow... A great resource for travel/vacation info without contacting a travel agent...

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

SUN 2/24

3:30pm
Rock-n-Romp
Feat: Bon Savants, Wonderful Spells, Neal Pollack reads "Alternadad"
at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston
$8 advance / $10 door / FREE under 13

If you have kids, and you want to expose them to rock... If you owe your sibling one, you could get the kids out of the house for a few hours... If you like MILFs, and you have access to a kid...

SUN 2/24

9:30pm
Hallelujah The Hills, Amoroso, Titus Andronicus
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE / Donation Appreciated

Hallelujah The Hills is kicking off their tour with a free show (but you could kick in a buck or two). Maybe they'll be too big to play the Milky Way when they return... Or not.

Extra Stuff for THUR 2/21 & My Lunar Eclipse

stupid photographer
If I was a dedicated blogger I would've downloaded my photos to share one, most of them sucked. I went to Harvard last night, and the rooftop was dark and crowded! The next time I'm going somewhere really cool, I shouldn't let anyone know...

There were two observation lines, and we passed up Saturn to check out the main attraction. The line was long, and it was cold. I could tell the lady wanted to go, when she said something like "Wanna go?" It was still a good view of the eclipse, and we walked by the original telescope where Dr. Pickering probably spent hours looking at Pluto and Uranus. (Haha, I made myself laugh...)

There's already a few Thursday events listed below and it's a good night for Darkbuster. Here are a couple more. The weekend 'sneak peek' may be posted in the late afternoon today.

THUR 2/21

7:30pm to 9:30pm
"Leadership and Ethics in Foreign Policy: The Case of Fidel Castro vs. Robert McNamara"
at Real Colegio Complutense, 26 Trowbridge St, Cambridge (just off Harvard campus)
FREE

This seems so timely with Fidel stepping down...

This lecture will examine theories of good and bad leadership and the ethical frameworks for making such judgments... Historical case studies regarding Fidel Castro and Robert McNamara, and the foreign policy decisions they made, will be analyzed...
THUR 2/21

7pm
"Commit to the Line"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

Rachelle Dermer is the Chair of the Digital Photography at the New England Institute of Art AND a cancer survivor. This film presents her recovery from two surgeries for uterine cancer and how she regained a positive, healthy life including mountain biking and... filmmaking.

After the premiere of the film, there will be a panel discussion with participants with well-rounded perspectives.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Thru SAT 2/23, MON 2/25: Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival

Various Times
13th Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$9.50

If Bugs Bunny and friends are at the Brattle, it must be winter vacation week. The question that comes to my mind: Is it worth $9.50 to watch a bunch of cartoons that seen a hundred times already? I went last year or the year before, and I loved it. There were a bunch of kids that might have been watching them for the first time, so it was great to hear the fresh laughter. I didn't even mind the kids talking here and there.

I'll always been a fan of Looney Tunes, and I think Bugs Bunny is one of the greatest, most versatile comic actors of all time. Whether he's hippity-hopping to international locales, yukking it up through history, spoofing fairy tales, singing opera, or simply cross-dressing to evade Elmer Fudd -- this rabbit could get you laughing dozens of ways while remaining the same cool smart-ass.

And look at all the crap that's out in the theatres right now! (Jumper? Fool's Gold?)

The programs started on Friday, but the rest of the screenings are:

All Bugs Revue:

TUES 2/19, THUR 2/21
Looney Centennials (in honor of Mel Blanc's 100th b-day):
WED 2/20
Looney Tunes Revue (a combo of the other programs):
FRI 2/22, SAT 2/23
Bugs Bunny Film Festival Encore (different from others):

MON 2/25

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Off-Topic: Funny Pic

Wow, I'm doing more and more 'off-topic' stuff lately... Sorry, this one made chortle...

I give you the same warning I had: Chris Farley Baby.



You laughed, didn't you?

Saturday, February 16, 2008

SUN 2/17 to SUN 2/24: Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup

Bostonist is one of my favorite sites, and now they post some of my stuff. I offer a slightly different format of the Darkbuster post for my blog...

9pm (last show at 2pm)
Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
$10 / 18+ (last show: All Ages)
$50 All-show Pass available

Yes, the title is a parody on The Bosstones' annual show that they recently revived, but Darkbuster is giving playful homage to their friends. They even played one night of the Hometown Throwdown in December.

Darkbuster started their own multi-show tradition with a similar idea to create something special for local fans. Their profile is rising with two CD's under their cap and hundreds of shows around the States (and 24-date European tour next month). Their feral sonic assault epitomizes classic Boston street-punk, but they throw in other punk flavors as well as ska and country to keep you guessing. Much of the lyrics demonstrate their sense of humor and fun-lovin attitude. Oft-described as drunk-punks for songs such as "Whiskey Will", "Cheap Wine", "Lenny's A Drunk", and a tributes to the 'great' American brews simply titled "Bud" and "Miller". (Miller High Life is sponsoring the Throwup, so don't be shy to ask the Miller Girls for some shwag...)

The venues have risen each year, and they've also added an eighth show to the punkstravaganza. Darkbuster will play different sets throughout the week with different bands opening each night. Every night features a cavalcade of rock tales about Boston, drinking, fighting, social injustice, joys of Irishness, departed friends, the power of music, and combinations thereof.

I listened to every band, and I feel a little woozy already:

SUN 2/17
The first night should rock not only for the restless crowd's energy but 'reunion' sets from Pinkerton Thugs and Three Sheets, and The Throwaways add some crunchy power-pop.

MON 2/18
with The Welch Boys, The Outsiders

TUES 2/19
Tuesday's lineup brings it down a notch with Celtic-folk-driven The Larkin Brigade
and "acoustic-punk" of Jay Allen & The Arch Criminals. I wouldn't be surprised some of the Darkbusters also did a stripped-down set at some point...

WED 2/20
with The Scars, The Morgan Knockers

THUR 2/21
On Thursday, guitarist-accordionist Marc Orrel has left The Dropkick Murphys last month to focus on his own band, Gimme Danger. It's more of a bluesy retro-rock and sounds great. I believe a couple other Dropkicks play with him, so they'll get a warm reception. Jason Bennett & The Resistance are no slouches either.

FRI 2/22
Sadly, one of the reasons that Friday looked so good was a set by The Shods, but they can't make it. The substitutes, Mark Lind & the Unloved, are are pretty good though. S4G is driving down from Montreal, and The Rum Fits are coming all the way from New Mexico to play the Throwup. They have no scheduled shows for a week on either side of this gig!

SAT 2/23
It's ska night on Saturday with The Allstonians and Hub City Stompers (from NJ).
Also: Band Of Felons

SUN 2/24
The all-ages afternoon bill on Sunday includes the solo band of Stigma (guitarist of NYC hardcore pioneers Agnostic Front), Long Island hardcore group Reason Enough, and local hard-twang punk of Death & Taxes.

The savings on $50 8-show pass is going towards your visit to rehab, but that's your choice...

cheap thrills - boston

Friday, February 15, 2008

Cheap Thrills: 2/15 to 2/22

see the lunar eclipse on 2/20
So I went and had some fun last night. (Thanks to Peter who bought me a drink. You rock, man! I'll remember you from now on.) As usual, I post some/most of my list.

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 2/15
* Muck and The Mires
* Downbeat 5, Rock Bottom
* Mini Opus: Small Work from Montserrat: Closing Reception and Sale
* State Radio
* "Born in the Bronx": Book Signing & Old-School Hip-Hop
* Dr. Ali Abdiweli, "Human Rights and Civil War In Somalia"

SAT 2/16
* Free Self Defense Class for Women
* Jason Berube, "The Mayan Calendar & The Transformation Of Consciousness": Lecture
* Varsity Drag, The Perennials, The Lights Out, Big Big Bucks
* The Moonlighters, Craig Robertson
* "Beyond Belief"

SUN 2/17
* Chinese New Year Parade
* Cafe Sci: "CERN" (and the largest and most expensive machine ever)
* Lizard Lounge Poetry Night 11th Anniversary Show
* Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup -- thru SUN 2/24

MON 2/18
* Rick Berlin, Emeila, Jeff Chasse
* Free Beginner Salsa Lessons

TUES 2/19
* Switches
* "Burn to Shine" (Seattle): Free Screening
* "Positive Illusions: What's So Great About Truth?": Discussion

WED 2/20
* "Sensational Spain": Wine Tasting
* Lunar Eclipse
* Chandler Travis Philharmonic
* Raps on the Gap: "Hip Hop Music and School Success"

THUR 2/21
* Sick Tricks Bike Night
* "The Simpsons -- Backstage Tour"
* My Pamplemousse

FRI 2/22
* Boone, Topheavy, Doom Buggies, Dave Clark Band, The Buckners
* Lester Brown, "Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization": Discussion

SAT 2/23
* Silent Dance Experiment
* Wings Over Cambridge, The Lowest of Lowe, Clock Strikes Ten

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 2/15

10pm
Muck and The Mires
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

They claim they're playing 40 songs in two sets, the last local show for a few months.

FRI 2/15

10pm
Downbeat 5, Rock Bottom
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Downbeat 5 are awesome, and Rock Bottom has a bunch of seriously good players for 70's-rock fun.

FRI 2/15

6pm to 8pm
"Mini Opus: Small Work from Montserrat": Closing Reception and Sale
at Bear Gallery, 116 Rantoul St., Beverly (Montserrat College of Art)
FREE

Small works of art that can be purchased tonight for $10 each...

FRI 2/15

7pm
State Radio: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

State Radio is one of the bands that has risen out of reggae-rockers Dispatch.

FRI 2/15

9pm
"Born in the Bronx": Book Signing & Old-School Hip-Hop
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / $7 online / 21+

Joe Conzo was photographing his South Bronx neighborhood, and he often pointed his lens at the pioneers of hip-hop before the world paid attention. Tonight is a book-signing party for his collection "Born In The Bronx" with performances by some of his early subjects, Cold Crush Brothers and Rodney C, as well as some of Boston's torch-bearers like Kiki Breevlife and Floorlords dance crew.

I saw this in some forum: "caz [of Cold Crush Brothers] was the rakim of rap before rakim was. c'mon yall, these is legends."

FRI 2/15

7pm to 9pm
Dr. Ali Abdiweli, "Human Rights and Civil War In Somalia: Stories from A Forgotten Country"
at Room 237, Building 4, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Get some history of the civil war and learn what's happening now.

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

SAT 2/16

Noon to 1:30pm
Self Defense Class for Women
at Villari's Self Defense Center, 54 Union Sq, Somerville
FREE

Improve your alertness & confidence -- and learn a couple moves to take care of that perv on the T.

"Call ahead to reserve your space: 617-625- 5070"

SAT 2/16

3pm to 5pm
Jason Berube, "The Mayan Calendar & The Transformation Of Consciousness": Lecture
at Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$5 or b/o

I thought the Mayans said the world would end in 2012, but I guess it'll be more like a new era of existence. Hear all about it...

SAT 2/16

Varsity Drag (Midnight), The Perennials (11pm), The Lights Out (10pm), Big Big Bucks (9pm)
at The Cantab Lounge (Underground) 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Rockity power-pop.

SAT 2/16

9pm
The Moonlighters (10pm - 2 sets), Craig Robertson (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

The Moonlighters are modern people in the style of old-time swing. Craig Robertson is part of the local organization Ukulele Noir. (Btw, I like the new Church; the bar is better than the old Linwood Grill setup.)

SAT 2/16

7pm
"Beyond Belief"
at Remis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (Fenway)
$15, but...

This documentary is an amazing story. From MFA description:

Susan Retik and Patti Quigley are two ordinary soccer moms living in the suburbs of Boston until tragedy strikes. Rather than turning inwards, grief compels these women to focus on the country where the terrorists who took their husbands’ lives were trained: Afghanistan. Over the course of two years, as they cope with loss and struggle to raise their families as single mothers, these extraordinary women dedicate themselves to empowering Afghan widows whose lives have been ravaged by decades of war, poverty and oppression – factors they consider to be the root causes of terrorism.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 2/17

10am to 5:30pm
Chinese New Year Parade
near Harrison St and Essex St, Boston (Chinatown)
FREE

I'm guessing the big spectacle will be the opening ceremony, but there will be more activities, dragon action, and firecrackers throughout. Good day for dim sum?

SUN 2/17

6pm
Cafe Sci: "CERN" (and the largest and most expensive machine ever)
at Lir (Upstairs), 903 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE / 21+

Deep under Switzerland, the science world is waiting to unlock some secrets of the universe with an $8 billion science experiment. It's fascinating stuff, and these nights are purposely jargon-free. Cafe Sci is a semi-regular gathering where you watch a segment from the NOVA, and a scientist (MIT professor Steve Nahn, this time) is there to talk about it -- mainly to answer questions. It was very casual when I went. And NOVA is a great show that gives all the science the average person would want to know.

I don't always list these, so you get on the e-mail list by writing here.

SUN 2/17

8pm
Lizard Lounge Poetry Night 11th Anniversary Show
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 21+

Poetry slam starts at 8pm, poetry jam starts at 9:30pm. There are so many special guest poets and musicians, there won't be much room for an audience.

SUN 2/17 thru SUN 2/24

9pm (last show at 1pm)
Darkbuster's 3rd Annual Hometown Throwup
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston
$10 / 18+ (last show: All Ages)

Darkbuster played along with The Bosstones at one of their Hometown Throwdowns. While they were on 'hiatus', Darkbuster started their multi-show tradition. Three years in and they've moved from O'Briens to Harpers. They'll be performing various sets throughout the week, and it's going to be a punkstravaganza with all sorts of great bands and surprises.

If you're not a fan yet, Darkbuster is on the cusp of recognition akin to Dropkick Murphys. It's a ferocious sonic assault with playfulness in their attitude and many of the lyrics. Oft-described as drunk-punks, many of their loyal fans will go for the $50 8-show pass, and there won't be enough liver transplants to fill the need.

"Sponsored by Miller High Life with giveaways and the Miller Girls"

Sunday's show includes The Throwaways (a slightly re-formed Marvels), and the reunions of Pinkerton Thugs and Three Sheets.

MON 2/18
with The Welch Boys, The Outsiders

TUES 2/19
with Jay Allen & The Arch Criminals, The Larkin Brigade

WED 2/20
with The Scars, The Morgan Knockers

THUR 2/21
with Gimme Danger, Jason Bennett & The Resistance

FRI 2/22
with Mark Lind & The Unloved, The Rum Fits, S4G
(Update: Sadly, The Shods won't be able to perform.)

SAT 2/23
with: Hub City Stompers, The Allstonians, Band Of Felons

SUN 2/24
with Stigma, Death & Taxes, Reason Enough
All Ages -- 2pm

(Stay tuned for 'extended coverage'.)

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

MON 2/18

Rick Berlin (10:10pm), Emeila (9:20pm), Jeff Chasse (9:20pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3

MON 2/18

See Darkbuster above!

MON 2/18

7pm to 9pm
Free Beginner Salsa Lessons
at Morss Hall, Walker Memorial Bldg, 142 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

(Every Monday through 5/19)

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

TUES 2/19

Noon
Switches
at First Act Guitar, 745 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

Not a bad way to spend a lunch break, if you're nearby. One of Britain's up 'n coming bands with a lot of promise.

TUES 2/19

6pm
"Burn to Shine" (Seattle): Concert Film
at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston
FREE / 18+

TUES 2/19

7:30pm to 9:30pm
"Positive Illusions: What's So Great About Truth?": Discussion
at McIntyre & Moore, 255 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

I love the title of this month's discussion. It could be a pretty lively dialogue:

"Socrates said that the unexamined life isn't worth living. But what if discovering the truth about ourselves didn't set us free, but merely depressed us? Are we sometimes better off believing falsehoods, or should commitment to truth always come first? Is it possible to knowingly deceive ourselves, and if so, should we?"

This might be the last Philosophy Cafe at McIntyre & Moore as they're soon closing in Davis Sq to reopen at some undisclosed (to me) location.

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

WED 2/20

6:30pm to 8:30pm
"Sensational Spain": Wine Tasting
at BarLola, 160 Comm Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

The Spanish Quarter wines are rather inexpensive, but I read a good review anyway. They're about to be sold in the Boston area, so enjoy some of their complimentary wine and tapas. There should be live music and flamenco dancing. Someone will also be there to talk about the wines, if you feel like it.

RSVP by 2/19.

WED 2/20

9pm to 11pm
Lunar Eclipse
at Harvard Observatory, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq and Fresh Pond)
FREE

With binoculars or even the naked eye, the moon is going to look pretty darn red around 9pm EST. The prime time will be between 10pm and 10:30pm. Why not get a better look at an obsevatory? This is the last lunar eclipse for 2 years.

Remember to dress warm!

WED 2/20

8:30pm to 11:30pm
Chandler Travis Philharmonic
at Toast Lounge, 70 Union Sq, Somerville
FREE

They're doing their incredibly casual mix of rock/pop/jazz/country/soul/etc almost every Wednesday.

WED 2/20

6:30pm to 8pm
Raps on the Gap, "Hip Hop Music and School Success": Discussion
at Starr Auditorium, Belfer Center, 79 JFK St, Cambridge (Kennedy School of Govt)
FREE

This is apparently the first in a series of presentations on ways to reduce racial and socioeconomic gaps in achievement. It may be similar topic as a talk at Berklee last week, but among the panel of scholarly types is the excellent Talib Kweli.

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

THUR 2/21

8pm
Sick Tricks Bike Night
at The OtherSide Cafe, 407 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10 / All Ages

I meant to find out more about this thing, but you'd probably enjoy this if you really love your bicycle or love hanging out with bike-messenger types and that sort of crowd. It's a fundraiser for the Northeastern Cycling Club, so your admission gets you a free draft beer (or cup of chili) and a raffle ticket. I know there'll be bike videos screening... More raffle tickets will be for sale, and they claim to have more than a hundred prizes "everything from socks and pumps to wheelsets".

THUR 2/21

7pm to 8:30pm
Mike Reiss, "The Simpsons -- Backstage Tour": Lecture
at Rosovsky Hall, Harvard Hillel, 52 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Like "The Simpsons"? Writer Mike Reiss was there from the beginning. He doesn't appear to be selling a book or anything; he's just a grad who's talking at his alma mater about his time with 'The Simpsons' and his other work like 'The Critic' and 'Queer Duck'. Expect some friggin' funny clips. Yes, it's open to the public.

THUR 2/21

10pm
My Pamplemousse
at The Alchemist Lounge, 435 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain
FREE

An interesting indie/world-music sound. I especially like the name too...

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

FRI 2/22

8pm
Boone, Topheavy, Doom Buggies, Dave Clark Band, The Buckners
at O'Brien’s, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

I'll be here. Complaints/compliments gladly accepted.

FRI 2/22

7:30pm
Lester Brown, "Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization"
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

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

SAT 2/23

12:50pm
Silent Dance Experiment
at Faneuil Hall in front of the Sam Adams Statue
FREE

These random, public 'interactive performances' seem to be sweeping Boston. If you have an mp3 player, you might want to join in the fun... The special mix mp3 file will be available on the website on SUN 2/17.

SAT 2/23

Wings Over Cambridge (9pm), The Lowest of Lowe (10pm), Clock Strikes Ten (11:30pm)
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

Special Tribute Night to Nick Lowe (update: link fixed), Wings, and Cheap Trick

Feat. Members of The Pills, The Gentlemen, The Rudds, Eric Salt, Phil Aiken, etc.

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

Link of the Week:

Send someone a kooky e-card, available for some hilariously mundane occasions.

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

Quote of the Week:

"Love involves a peculiar, unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding."

-- Diane Arbus

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

th-th-that's all, folks.

~r

Sneak Peek: FRI 2/15 & SAT 2/16

Downbeat 5
Not much of an advance post, but I went to see Fitless at Church last night and stayed out late...

--------------------------------------------------------------

FRI 2/15

10pm
Muck and The Mires
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5

They claim they're playing 40 songs in two sets, the last local show for a few months.

FRI 2/15

10pm
Downbeat 5, Rock Bottom
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Downbeat 5 are awesome, and Rock Bottom has a bunch of seriously good players for 70's-rock fun.

FRI 2/15

6pm to 8pm
"Mini Opus: Small Work from Montserrat": Closing Reception and Sale
at Bear Gallery, 116 Rantoul St., Beverly (Montserrat College of Art)
FREE

Small works of art that can be purchased tonight for $10 each...

FRI 2/15

7pm
State Radio: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

State Radio is one of the bands that has risen out of reggae-rockers Dispatch.

FRI 2/15

9pm
"Born in the Bronx": Book Signing & Old-School Hip-Hop
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / $7 online / 21+

Joe Conzo was photographing his South Bronx neighborhood, and he often pointed his lens at the pioneers of hip-hop before the world paid attention. Tonight is a book-signing party for his collection "Born In The Bronx" with performances by some of his early subjects, Cold Crush Brothers and Rodney C, as well as some of Boston's torch-bearers like Kiki Breevlife and Floorlords dance crew.

I saw this in some forum: "caz [of Cold Crush Brothers] was the rakim of rap before rakim was. c'mon yall, these is legends."

FRI 2/15

7pm to 9pm
Dr. Ali Abdiweli, "Human Rights and Civil War In Somalia: Stories from A Forgotten Country"
at Room 237, Building 4, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Get some history of the civil war and learn what's happening now.

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

SAT 2/16

Noon to 1:30pm
Self Defense Class for Women
at Villari's Self Defense Center, 54 Union Sq, Somerville
FREE

Improve your alertness & confidence -- and learn a couple moves to take care of that perv on the T.

"Call ahead to reserve your space: 617-625- 5070"

SAT 2/16

3pm to 5pm
Jason Berube, "The Mayan Calendar & The Transformation Of Consciousness": Lecture
@ Outpost 186, 186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
$5 or b/o

I thought the Mayans said the world would end in 2012, but I guess it'll be more like a new era of existence. Hear all about it...

SAT 2/16

Varsity Drag (Midnight), The Perennials (11pm), The Lights Out (10pm), Big Big Bucks (9pm)
at The Cantab Lounge (Underground) 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Rockity power-pop.

SAT 2/16

9pm
The Moonlighters (10pm - 2 sets), Craig Robertson (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

The Moonlighters are modern people in the style of old-time swing. Craig Robertson is part of the local organization Ukulele Noir. (Btw, I like the new Church; the bar is better than the old Linwood Grill setup.)

SAT 2/16

7pm
"Beyond Belief"
at Remis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (Fenway)
$15, but...

This documentary is an amazing story. From MFA description:

Susan Retik and Patti Quigley are two ordinary soccer moms living in the suburbs of Boston until tragedy strikes. Rather than turning inwards, grief compels these women to focus on the country where the terrorists who took their husbands’ lives were trained: Afghanistan. Over the course of two years, as they cope with loss and struggle to raise their families as single mothers, these extraordinary women dedicate themselves to empowering Afghan widows whose lives have been ravaged by decades of war, poverty and oppression – factors they consider to be the root causes of terrorism.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUN 2/17

8pm
Lizard Lounge Poetry Night 11th Anniversary Show
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5 / 21+

Poetry slam starts at 8pm, poetry jam starts at 9:30pm. There are so many special guest poets and musicians, there won't be much room for an audience.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Cheap Thrills: THUR 2/14

CAVS GIANT Art Party
Feel like going out instead of eating a tub of Haagen-Dazs? Here are a few ideas. Stay tuned for a "sneak peek" of the weekend...

--------------------------------------------------------------

THUR 2/14

6pm
Richard Wrangham, "Why We Cook: Food and Pairbonds in Human Evolution": Lecture
at Geological Lecture Hall, Harvard Museum of Natural History, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Educate yourself about how food has affected human mating over time. Then get out the whipped cream and edible underwear!

THUR 2/14

6:30pm to 9pm
3rd annual CAVS GIANT Art Party
at Center for Advanced Visual Studies, 265 Mass Ave, 3rd Floor, Cambridge (MIT Museum building)
FREE

A party that celebrates BIG art. A very big cake will be served, and you might get your portrait drawn... Hey, it's free and open to the public.

THUR 2/14

Amber Spyglass (11pm), Alison Wood (10pm), Fitless (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$7 / 21+

Fitless is the best Scottish/Basque alt-rock band this side of the Watertown-Belmont line. Get a little rocktronica with Amber Spyglass and some folkiness from Alison Wood.

THUR 2/14

9:30pm
Viva Viva's Valentine's Day Prom w/ Mittens, DJs Nighttime Gallagher & Gucci Vuitton
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Viva Viva and Mittens are two excellent indie-rock bands. People are encouraged to "dress" for the prom. DJ Nighttime Gallagher is the singer from Apollo Sunshine.

THUR 2/14

10:30pm
Chris Wilhelm
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

A very good local singer-songwriter.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Off-Topic: RIP, Roy S.


When I heard about Roy Scheider's death, at first I was in denial, then I was angry, then I wanted to bargain with God ("Why couldn't it have been Britney?!?"), then I got depressed, but I've finally accepted it.

(Hey, I really enjoyed "All That Jazz"...)

Cheap Thrills: WED 2/13


It's trickling out this week. The Cheap Thrills list, that is...

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WED 2/13

10am to 6pm
Women's Heart Health Fair
at Belvidere Arcade, Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St, Boston (back side, behind Pru Tower)
FREE

If you're near the Pru today and you're a woman, there are free health screenings, various seminars on nutrition, fitness, and healthy lifestyle info. This seems to be the kind of thing to find all sorts of pamphlets if you don't have a lot of time...

WED 2/13

7:30pm
"Quickies": Opera Boston Underground Valentine's Show
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8 / 21+

The four semi-staged mini-operas -- short yet complete vs. arias from larger works -- will only be about on an hour of music for $8, but it's better than paying $70+ for more opera than I'd care to hear in one sitting. It's also a much longer walk to the bar (or bathroom) at the Cutler Majestic. Believe it or not, this gets pretty crowded so you should get there early if you really want to get in.

The Dennis Brennan Band is also playing at 9:30pm for $5 in his frequent and extraordinary way.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

2/12: Free Pancakes at IHOP, Today until 10pm


Unfortunately National Pancake Day is not a federal holiday -- yet! This commemorates all the pancakes gave their lives 20 years ago today at John Candy's house.

You still have time to make a snack or meal out of a short stack (3) of pancakes. Every year IHOP gives away pancakes in hopes of guilting you to give some cash to support local children’s hospitals. People actually gave $625k last year, not counting coffee and juice sales.

There's a limit of one stack per person, and you have to eat them there. If you're going to the Brighton and Harvard Sq locations; remember the best #64/#66 bus transfer is near the nexus of Cambridge St, Brighton Ave, and N. Beacon St.

Or you can just have one stack...

Cheap V-day Ideas


Hopefully I'll post a few Wednesday & Thursday events but -- in case you look to a wacky blogger for V-Day ideas, I jotted a few down.

(You know this is a BS promotional event, right? Romance shouldn't be restricted to one day per year. Okay, rant is over.)

* Give blood together.
* Leave a note of adoration in 25 words or less. Don't gush; get to the point. Hell, make it a haiku for poetic flair.
* Look into their eyes, and say something heartfelt.
* Get a jug of wine and incense; call it "60s free love night".
* If you're going to give a present, buy something at an independent store like Magpie or Honeyspot.
* Make some digital valentine candy.
* If we get any snow that sticks, buy a can of red spray paint and write a message in front of your love's home -- in the snow... (maybe on a grassy spot...)
* I like making a mix CD.
* A good shag is nice any time of year.

Monday, February 11, 2008

My Thoughts: Sarah Borges, "Diamonds in the Dark"


To the discerning country/roots-rock fan: You need to listen to Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles. I recently got the new CD "Diamonds in the Dark" from this local artist, and I love it almost as much as Lucinda's "Car Wheels on Gravel Road". You get youthful vitality in place of world-weary wisdom, and it sounds so good. Sarah's second CD rocks with ample steel guitar that goes way south of Taunton, MA and rolls without smoothing out all of the edges.

I was struck by her beautiful vocals on every track from beginning to end. The party starts with "The Day We Met" and it's bouncy riff & rockabilly twang. It's a great joyous song, because it conveys the thrill of new love and doesn't get sappy. You could even sing it to your significant other (but it's so much better from Borges).

The first of the handful of covers is "Come Back To Me" by X, which is almost unrecognizable to a fan of the L.A. punk band like myself. The next tune is "Stop and Think It Over" written by Memphis garage-rockers Reigning Sound, and Mary Weiss (formerly of 60's girl-group The Shangri-Las) also covered this on her recent album where the song sounds like it doesn't have the power to get out of the slow lane. On the other hand, Sarah really gives it the gas behind the wheel of this power-pop nugget.

She goes Nashville big-time on Dolly Parton's "False Eyelashes" whose tale of an up-n'-coming singer might fit Sarah -- for the time being. On every one of these songs, Borges and band take control and make it their own; none more so than on the closing number, "Blind Love" from Tom Waits. This recording has a such a sensitivity and original approach, you might think Sarah wrote this tender ballad. I didn't recognize it as the "Rain Dogs" lament until the end of the first chorus.

I shouldn't even mention that the swinging blues number "Open Up Your Back Door" was once a gritty track by Canned Heat. (How many people besides me even know who they are?!?)

Of the other originals, I especially love the noir-country of "Modern Trick"; I'm a sucker for a steel guitar making those 'lonesome road' moans over great chords and around the lyrics' great imagery of taking control of one's life like manipulating various media. It's one creepy remix away from a David Lynch soundtrack.

While I doubt Sarah Borges was ever as forsaken as the "Belle Of The Bar", but it's a cool song that again doesn't fall over into exaggeration. There's a good range of tempo and temperment from the contemplative "Around 9" to the upbeat "Lord Only Knows" and rockin' "Diablito" that will keep your attention. Likely to be an album that will stay in your CD player for a long time, if you still do that sort of thing...

She'll definitely be on a lot more iPods and stereos as the months roll by, so I encourage you to get on board now. By the end of the year, Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles could be riding high on the charts if there's any justice in the world. Fans of artists like Lucinda Williams, Rosanne Cash, Neko Case, The Jayhawks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dwight Yoakam -- heck, The Flying Burrito Brothers -- etc. will dig this.

AND she's bringing her charming stage presence to the Natick Center for Arts ($15+, maybe less?) on SAT 2/23. Slightly more than $10, so maybe she's getting too big to play at the smaller Cambridge venues; I'll let you know if she does. BTW, her first CD is pretty awesome too.

Check out the cool retro/modern video for "Stop and Think It Over":

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