WED 6/11: Prince Tribute, Doc, Comedy, Preacher Jack

I thought I had included the SoulStage/Prince party in the weekly list, so this is the only extra thing I'm adding today before it gets later.

Remember: Scooper Bowl is open 'til 8pm tonight for an extra hour of gluttony!

Stay cool, folks...

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WED 6/11

8:30pm
SoulStage2 & Prince Party
Feat: Letia Larok, J-Tronius, Daniel "Skyhigh" McClain, "Feedback" Washington, Genevieve, Velvet Stylus
at Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$8 with flyer / $12 / 21+

It was Prince's birthday on SAT 6/7, so Boston is having a party for the Purple One. Whether or not his new stuff matches the classics in Prince's catalog, he is a musical genius that's made some of the best music of the recording era. You can hear the funk and rock influences, but he created something new that all kinds of music-lovers could enjoy. I don't care how freaky or mundane the Artist Formerly Known as a Symbol becomes, we can't have too many tribute parties.

Tonight, the DJ's will be playing plenty of Prince-related music all night. Some excellent local hip-hop/R&B/soul artists will also perform, and I think each is going to some Prince material in their sets. Letia Larok is a female MC who's definitely not f---ing around; she's got a strong delivery while rapping, Larok sings sweetly as well. Daniel McClain sounds like a straight, classic R&B singer, and there's nothing wrong with that -- especially the way he does it. Genevieve sings, but she raps in a way that reminds me more of a slam poet. J-Tronius sounds like he's got some of the Prince vibe down as he claims to be from the ancient lost continent of Lemuria, and there's a funky psychedelia in his grooves. It should be a good night.

It may be the right night to dig out those ass-less pants, because prizes are to be won in the "prince-style outfit" contest.

There are two other versions of the flyer that you can print out for discounted admission: here and here. Take your pick...

From the Weekly List:

WED 6/11

6pm
"The Three Dumas": Screening & Discussion
at Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE w/ RSVP

This documentary on the life of Alexandre Dumas touches on his genealogy. It was unknown to me that the author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo was the grandson of a Haitian slave. The historical society is screening the Boston premiere, because it's the Atlantic slave trade was abolished 200 years ago. Writers/directors/producers, Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy, will the film and his life after the film. Arrive early (5:30pm) for refreshments.

My guess is that you can still call 617-646-0560 to register.

WED 6/11

9pm
The Rob Crean Show: "50th Birthday Celebration"
w/ Shane Mauss, Josh Gondleman, The Big Big Bucks
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$8 / 21+

It's a comedy show in the format of variety/talk show. Every presentation of the Rob Crean Show seems to have a theme, and this month's premise is Rob's "50th" birthday (not true). Imagine a late-night talk show with various segments, interviews, and performances. Now imagine it being funny... When I saw Shane Mauss perform, my buddy and I thought he was hilarious with great timing. The Big Big Bucks slightly irritate me -- I think it's their name mainly -- but they're a decent-sounding rock band. Members of the Anderson comedy troupe will perform as well.

WED 6/11

9:30pm, 10:30pm, 11:30pm
Preacher Jack
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE (but drop a little something in the basket) / 21+

As I said before: It is my firm belief that your life will feel more complete after you experience Preacher Jack in person. It's fitting that the Preacher will douse the faithful in 3 sets of his gospel-charged boogie-woogie/rockabilly at Church...

He's also playing at Dodge St Grill (Salem) tomorrow, 6/12. (Probably free also.)