SAT 11/27: Turkey Art, Food Book, Tuba Xmas, Folk

Not the best cheap Saturday in history, there is still some things to do besides shopping. (If you have to but gifts, it may be better to get it done sooner than later...)

There's an excellent music gig at Midway Cafe tonight with Coyote Kolb, Mr. Sister, Stephen Brodsky, and The Points North. It could be $10 or more -- or less -- this place makes it hard to pin down a cover charge. I've called in the past, and they've wouldn't specify, and I heard of instances of changing it on the day of the show. These bands are awesome in a mainly twangy, folky way; so I suggest giving it a listen.

There is also a $10 punk show at Great Scott, but the special quality seemed to be a reunion/nostalgia show for people who are in their mid-20's -- not that it's a bad thing...

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SAT 11/27

9am until 10pm
Paul Waddell, "I Like Massachusetts and Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Me"
at Meme Gallery, 55 Norfolk St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

I wonder if Waddell is feeling a bit crazy after spending 3 days with a live turkey in a room that's about 15' x 20'. Did he practice ahead of time to understand what would happen? Or would that ruin the spontaneity of action?

You can go down to my favorite little art gallery in Central Square and ask him. You could also join in the performance-art fun today. I assume that the turkey will still be there at the closing reception from 7pm to 10pm. That might be fun just to see hip, artsy people dealing with live poultry.

SAT 11/27

2pm
Joanne Chang, "Flour": Book Signing & Sampling of Holiday Treats
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

It's going to smell really good in the Booksmith's basement, and it will likely waft upstairs, because Joanne Chang is bringing (making?) treats while she talks about and signs copies of her recipe book.

If haven't been to one of her Flour locations, this pretty good stuff and maybe she gives you a little bit of her mojo in the book...

Although I'm not happy about the conspicuous consumerism of the holiday season, there is some good gift-shopping here and in the shops around Coolidge Corner.

SAT 11/27

2pm to 3pm
Boston TubaChristmas
between Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston
FREE

Over a hundred tubas, euphoniums, sousaphones playing holiday music must be amusing and absurd. At least, it might be amusing for a few minutes.

Why tubas? Why not? These guys hardly ever get the glory.

Of the past few years that I've been aware of this performance, this might be the best weather they've had...

SAT 11/27

Danielle Miraglia (7:30pm), The Jess Baggia Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The bluesy, folky Danielle Miraglia sings with a sultry, soulful voice and has got some sweet fingerpicking guitar chops. Her songs are often meaningful stories chock full of emotion.

Later on, The Jess Baggia Band keeps it folky but on a mellowish folk-rock tip that will go down as easy the craft beer you may be drinking.