Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Rock - The Hush Now, et al.



Many Boston bands get inspired for the musical equivalent of 'dressing up' as other bands, but The Hush Now have recorded Halloween tunes for 2 years in a row: "The Legend of Dudley Town" after the cursed CT village and last year's "Please Mephistopheles, Leave Me Alone".

It made me think of other 'scary' songs, local and otherwise.

If you didn't celebrate over the weekend, you've probably postponed your party until next weekend. That means you have time to make a Halloween mix. Or maybe you'll find this post for a future year -- if there will be one!

(I suspect this is the beginnings of a post in 360 days.)

On the local front:

Boston Band Crush's Halloween Spooktacular 2011, you can dowload songs like: "Zombie Apocalypse!" - Madame Psychosis, "You Creep Me Out" - Apple Betty, and "Haunted House" - The Bynars. And last year's edition had such classics as "Justin Bieber In The Haunted Graveyard" by Summer Villains.

Darling Pet Munkee is playing at the Middle East tonight, and they have some killer songs (free download) like "MONSTER S-I-Z-E MONSTERS" and "Genuine Soil From Dracula's Castle".

Some generally creepy/spooky local artists that come to mind are: Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, Humanwine, Ian Adams, Black Fortress Of Opium, What Time is it Mr Fox?, Doctor Gasp, The Coffin Lids, and Box Five just toured on their Poe project. (That guy is so Raven...)

More local Halloween songs can be found on WFNX's Boston Accents playlist from last night and last year.

Some obvious tracks:

"Thriller" - Michael Jackson
"The Time Warp" - Rocky Horror Picture Show
"Dead Man's Party" - Oingo Boingo
"Pet Semetary" - The Ramones
"Monster Mash" - Bobby Pickett (Somerville, MA native)
"I Put a Spell on You" - Screaming Jay Hawkins
"Werewolves of London" - Warren Zevon
"Superstition" - Stevie Wonder
"Welcome to My Nightmare" - Alice Cooper
"Don't Fear the Reaper" - Blue Oyster Cult
"Frankenstein" - Edgar Winter Group
The less obvious tier:
"(Every Day Is) Halloween" - Ministry
"Bela Lugosi's Dead" - Bauhaus
"Red Right Hand" - Nick Cave
"Devil In My Car" - The B-52s
"Hell" - The Squirrel Nut Zippers
"People Are Strange" - The Doors
"Halloween" - different songs by Misfits, Dead Kennedys, Sonic Youth, Siouxsie & The Banshees
"I Was A Teenage Werewolf" - The Cramps
"Werewolf" - Southern Culture on the Skids
"This Is Halloween" - The Nightmare Before Christmas
"Zombie Graveyard Party" - Be Your Own Pet
"Somebody's Watching Me" - Rockwell
"The Munsters Theme" - Los Straitjackets
"Rapture" - Blondie
"Graveyard Girlfriend" - Groovie Ghoulies
"Gargoyles Over Copenhagen" - Nekromantix
Anything by Roky Erickson ("I Walked With a Zombie", "Two-Headed Dog", "Creature with the Atomic Brain")
Non-Halloween tunes, but scary in their way...
"War Pigs" - Black Sabbath
"Do You Take This Man" - Diamanda Galas
"The Man in the Long Black Coat" - Bob Dylan
"Earth Died Screaming" - Tom Waits ('Bone Machine' album in general)
"The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead" - XTC
"In the Court of the Crimson King" - King Crimson

MON 10/31: Halloween & More


Egad, you'd think I'd be tip-tapping away on bloggin' cheapery with the snowy/rainy weekend weather. Below are the Monday comments from the Halloween preview and the calendar with non-Halloween options.

I'm not sure if there are tickets for the final night of "The Wrathskellar", but you could check.

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

Not exactly Halloween, but the crowd at the "Steampunk Form & Function II" exhibit opening in Waltham will wear outfits that look like costumes to me.
(6pm to 9pm / $10 / $5 child, student, senior)

The Halloween Bike Ride that starts in Jamaica Plain is a local tradition of costumed folks on pimped bikes hit the streets that go bump in the night -- and day.
(8pm / Free)

The Klezwoods are having a Halloween dance party at Precinct with Cirkestra and others. (8pm / $5)

You should dress like your favorite biblical character, if you feel like going to Atwood's Tavern. Musid provided by Eric Royer "and the Sodomites".
(9pm / Free)

Tricky and treatful bands like Darling Pet Munkee and Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band are playing "Revenge of Halloweenies" at the Middle East - Upstairs.
(9pm / $8 advance / $10 day of show / 18+)

Charlie's Kitchen is having a "Riot Grrrl Halloween", and it's a broad definition to include covers from Bratmobile, The Runaways, and Kate Bush
(9:30pm / $5)

Since Halloween is on a Monday, then Earthquake Party! is going to plat a set of Misfits covers at ZuZu.
(10pm / Free)

Sunday, October 30, 2011

SUN 10/30: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

It's been a month since Occupy Boston began, and it's far from over.

Of the performances at OB, Sleepover Shows caught stripped-down versions of Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library and Hallelujah the Hills at Dewey Park.

It's okay if you haven't been down to Occupy. You might be surprised how easy it is to talk to people.

If you see reports that make you anxious about interacting with the protestors, keep in mind that you probably have more in common with Occupy folks than the commentators on TV.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Weekend Preview

It seems like a Friday night post like this will not bode well for more cheap info, but I believe it could be different.

I do have some Halloween highlights through Monday listed below...

FRI 10/28: Walk, Art, Theater, Film, Rock


Happy Friday!

My post of weekend Halloween-ish cheapness is below for those interested...

I'm not sure where Boston stands on intensity/volume of Halloween tribute shows, but am guessing we're near the top.

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

FRI 10/28

7pm
"Spooky Night Walk"
meet at Valley Gates Parking Lot, Circuit Dr, Boston (Franklin Park, between Playstead and Golf Course)
FREE

I get a little uncomfortable when I've walked in Franklin Park when it's getting dark.

This group is going wiithout flashlights, so you're not going to feel more secure. It's probably going to be cold and damp...

A person with a vivid imagination could freak themselves out ona walk like this! I'll be inside somewhere with an adult beverage... ("Stargazing to follow from 8pm to 8:30pm.")

"Look for the Jack O'Lantern" to find the meeting spot.

FRI 10/28 (and SAT 10/29)

7pm to 9pm
"Revenge Of...Freeky Fright Nights!": Reception & Costume Ball
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway)
FREE

Friday -- Opening Reception
Saturday -- Costume Ball/Contest
When this was at the Weekly Dig offices last year, I saw a bunch of cool stuff and had a few complimentary drinks.

There's also a costume ball/contest tomorrow at the same time.

FRI 10/28 (and SAT 10/29)

Various Times
"Reefer Madness: The Musical"
at Zack Box Theatre, Downstairs, 8 The Fenway, Boston (Boston Conservatory)
$10
Friday -- 7:30pm & 10pm
Saturday -- 7pm
In my mind, I'd expect stuff like this at Emerson too, but I stopped regularly checking their calendar because I didn't see similar gigs.

Anyway... The Conservatory kids are performing the play that was inspired by the old cult movie about the dangers of marijuana. Consider this your warning -- in the form of songs!

Proceeds go directly to BroadwayCares: Equity Fights AIDS.

They say tickets can be reserved by e-mail. Wouldn't hurt if you really want to get in.

FRI 10/28 (thru MON 10/31)

8pm
"The Wrathskellar"
at 545 Cambridge St Enter thru Rear, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$13 or $20 advance / $25 door

Although only the first show was $10, I want to give a shoutout for something above the usual limit. Pay attention from the beginning and you'll pick up clues for the narrative that emerges throughout the show that is a thouroughly enjoyable theater experience -- well-paced, funny, and sexy.

There may be a $13 standing room option available, but I hear there aren't many tickets left for the last weekend.

FYI: I noticed a couple people miss the sign, but you enter around the corner through a little alley behind the building.

FRI 10/28

8pm
"Nosferatu"
at Arts at The Armory Performance Hall, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$10

Feat: Brendan Cooney Quintet

This German silent film may still be the creepiest vampire film I've ever seen. The look of Count Orlock was so weird, one has to wonder if the actor may have actually had a big bald head and pointy teeth.

This is the first time that Brendan Cooney has played his gypsy/klezmer/avante-garde score in the Boston area, and I suspect it'll suit the Transylvanian setting quite well.

FRI 10/28

8pm
9th Annual Pill Halloween Show
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Feat: Spirit Kid & Friends (as The Beatles), Lindsey Starr (as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Endless Wave (as Ride), Dirty Bombs (as Kasabian)

Not only do The Pill guys have been doing a weekly Britpop, etc dance night at various clubs for 14 years, they've done Halloween specials for 9 years. Besides getting cool bands to pretend to be cool-and-more-famous bands, they'll DJ and make you dance in a Halloween costume.

In case you're wondering, the offhanded clue suggests that Sprit Kid will be focusing on The Beatles' "White Album".

Better try to get in this year, 'cause next year's milestone will probably be crazy. Then you'll have to wait until the 11th time...

FRI 10/28

8:30pm
Count Zero, Death Of The Cool, VJ Dziga, DJ Pace
at Magic Room Gallery, Sound Museum, 155 N. Beacon Street, Brighton
$10 / 21+

I'd probably suggest this show if it were any club because Count Zero is a fantastic band, but the Magic Room looks like a cool place to have a multimedia rock show -- especially for Halloween. I've seen pictures from other gigs, and they all look like quite an experience.

I'm a little blown away whenever I listen Count Zero or singer Peter Moore's stuff. Not only is it clever, but it's simply great. Besides playing 2 sets, I think Moore will make an appearance in alter-ego mode...

FYI: You would probably feel out of place if you didn't get into the spirit of things and dress up. They say "beer and wine available", so that's a party.

FRI 10/28

9pm to 11pm
Liz Lohnes
at Capiz Lounge, Renaissance Boston Marriott, 606 Congress St, Boston (Seaport)
FREE

Yes, there is live original music in the Seaport. And it's free. If you're going to be prowling the area via trolley, you take a listen to a poppy Berklee student doing her thing.

FRI 10/28

9pm
Bikini Whale (as The B-52s), Louder My Dear (as INXS), Gondoliers (as Mötley Böö), Neon Angels (as The Runaways)
at Radio/Club Choices, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 / 21+

Firstly: My apologies for the listing of previous shows at Radio. I assumed that the sign was changed before they opened. When I saw it wasn't, I assumed that it would be done after opening weekend. When I walked by on Sunday, it still said "Club Choices". In case people are not familiar this is the new place, I will label gigs with both names until it changes.

Secondly: Wow, this is going to be good show. If the Neon Angels play post-Runaways songs like "I Love Rock & Roll", then it's a full-on trip back to the '80s.

Bikini Whale has a great combo of players, and the early B-52's always sounded kooky-creepy to me -- in a Tim-Burtonesque way. I'm guessing The Neon Angels is this awesome band, based on a rumor from the Joan Jett tribute at Rosebud last month.

I think Louder My Dear and Gondoliers can give really interesting interpretations of INXS and Motley Crue. I hope they're not too faithful.

[Facebook]

10/28 to 10/31: Halloween Cheap & Links


A regular Friday post is forthcoming, but I know people like to have Halloween fun more than I do. There is regular cheapness over the weekend. Below are some holiday-related highlights.

For more comprehensive info:
The Boston Phoenix has a rather tight, high-level list of events with hyperlinks to more details. Boston Events Insider has a longer list with event summaries that includes North Shore, South Shore, MetroWest and beyond. I like how Boston Band Crush has listed the Halloween rock (mainly) shows; it's easy to make a choice.

PS: For a creepy, bawdy time (that's over the usual CTB limit), "The Wrathskellar" is playing in East Cambridge every night through Monday.

And isn't nice to have a link to pumpkin patches, etc in Eastern Mass?

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

FRIDAY 10/28

Though probably not a cheap endeavor overall, there's basically a $5 trolley service to 13 Seaport bars which is also a costume contest. Not a bad deal if you wanted to bar hop in that area -- and the admission fee benefits the Friends of the Fort Point Channel. (6:30pm to 10pm)

Take a spooky walk through Franklin Park with no flashlights. That could be scary on any night...
(7pm / Free)

There's a reception for a Halloween art group show at Fourth Wall Project. Or you can go on Saturday for the costume ball/contest.
(7pm to 9pm / Free)

A quintet plays their original score to a screening of "Nosferatu" at Arts at The Armory.
(8pm / $10)

In a practically hidden room in Brighton, Count Zero & friends are playing a Halloween-themed show.
(8pm / $10 / 21+)

Four solid bands musically masquerade as bands like The Beatles & The Yeah Yeah Yeahs at The Pill's 9th annual Halloween party at Great Scott.
(8pm / $10 / 21+)

I like the mix of The B-52s, INXS, Motley Crue or "Mötley Böö", and The Runaways at Radio/Club Choices.
(9pm / $5 / 21+)

You could see "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Harvard Sq Loews on any Saturday midnight. The usual suspects will be unusual all weekend from Friday to Monday.
(Midnight / $10 / 17+ -- 10pm on Sun & Mon)

SATURDAY 10/29

For price of admission at Cambridge Brewing Company's Great Pumpkin Ale Fest, you get a special glass. Beer lovers can then buy 40 different pumpkin-flavored brews.
(1pm to 12:30am / $10 / 21+)

Does more German silent cinema with the Devil screening at MIT with keyboards and vocals count as Halloweeny?
(7pm / Free)

Should I mention the Halloween art reception/costume party at Fourth Wall Project again? .
(7pm to 9pm / Free)

At The Lights Out's Annual Halloween Extravaganza, 4 more good bands do Michael Jackson, Spinal Tap, The Beatles' "Revolver", and Prince at Church.
(9pm / $10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+)

While a disco-themed Halloween at Johnny D's gives me a slight headache at the moment, you might love it.
(10pm / $10 / 21+)

SUNDAY 10/30

For some reason, I don't have a problem with some wholesome fun in Eastie at a Halloween-themed ice skating session. I guess I like the idea of going to the neighborhood to try someplace new to eat. There's always Santarpio's, but...
(12:30pm to 2:20pm / $5 + $4 rental)

Dave Crespo's After Party has cleverly titled the show at TT the Bear's, "Hurray for the After Life" with Danny Ross and my homeboys Somerville Symphony Orkestar.
(8:20pm / $8)

I guess some people might want to see MIT students drop pumpkins off a tall building.
(Midnight / Free)

MONDAY 10/31

Not exactly Halloween, but the crowd at the "Steampunk Form & Function II" exhibit opening in Waltham will wear outfits that look like costumes to me.
(6pm to 9pm / $10 / $5 child, student, senior)

The Halloween Bike Ride that starts in Jamaica Plain is a local tradition of costumed folks on pimped bikes hit the streets that go bump in the night -- and day.
(8pm / Free)

The Klezwoods are having a Halloween dance party at Precinct with Cirkestra and others. (
8pm / $5)

You should dress like your favorite biblical character, if you feel like going to Atwood's Tavern. Musid provided by Eric Royer "and the Sodomites".
(9pm / Free)

Tricky and treatful bands like Darling Pet Munkee and Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band are playing "Revenge of Halloweenies" at the Middle East - Upstairs.
(9pm / $8 advance / $10 day of show / 18+)

Charlie's Kitchen is having a "Riot Grrrl Halloween", and it's a broad definition to include covers from Bratmobile, The Runaways, and Kate Bush
(9:30pm / $5)

Since Halloween is on a Monday, then Earthquake Party! is going to plat a set of Misfits covers at ZuZu.
(10pm / Free)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

THUR 10/27: Talk, Halloween, Theater, Music


The flyer is not my most recommended show, but it looks really cool.

Keeping it brief, but Friday (as well as more Thursday) cheapness is on the calendar.

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

THUR 10/27

7pm
Sean Wilentz, "Bob Dylan in America": Discussion
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Do you want to hear someone talk about Dylan's influence? Sean Wilentz isn't just rambling over multiple cappuccinos; he has done the research.

THUR 10/27

7pm
Long Time Courting, Robbie O'Connell
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10 / 21+

While he's not a Clancy Brother, Robbie O'Connell is a nephew who played with them for a long time. I think he lives nearby, but I don't often see shows like this.

It's a Celtic music party with Long Time Courting, a locally-based quartet.

THUR 10/27

7pm
"Horror Sounds": Evening of Horror Films & Sickened, Bleak Electronic Music
at Yes.Oui.Si Space, 19 Vancouver St, Boston (between MFA & MassArt)
$5

Feat: Reviver, Xela, The Vomit Arsonist, Zerfallt, Xiphoid Dementia, DVJ Deftly D

If lilting Irish melodies aren't your thing, perhaps you'd prefer scary, harsh, ambient noise while horror movies are projected?

THUR 10/27 (thru SAT 10/29)

Various Times
"Reefer Madness: The Musical"
at Zack Box Theatre, Downstairs, 8 The Fenway, Boston (Boston Conservatory)
$10

Thursday -- 8pm
Friday -- 7:30pm & 10pm
Saturday -- 7pm
In my mind, I'd expect stuff like this at Emerson too, but I stopped regularly checking their calendar because I didn't see similar gigs.

Anyway... The Conservatory kids are performing the play that was inspired by the old cult movie about the dangers of marijuana. Consider this your warning -- in the form of songs!

Proceeds go directly to BroadwayCares: Equity Fights AIDS.

They say tickets can be reserved by e-mail. Wouldn't hurt if you really want to get in.

THUR 10/27 (thru MON 10/31)

8pm
"The Wrathskellar"
at 545 Cambridge St Enter thru Rear, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$13 or $20 advance / $25 door

Although only the first show was $10, I want to give a shoutout for something above the usual limit. Pay attention from the beginning and you'll pick up clues for the narrative that emerges throughout the show that is a thouroughly enjoyable theater experience -- well-paced, funny, and sexy.

There may be a $13 standing room option available, but I hear there aren't many tickets left for the last 5 shows.

FYI: I noticed a couple people miss the sign, but you enter around the corner through a little alley behind the building.

THUR 10/27

9pm
Pretty & Nice, Emperor X, Oranjuly, Bozmo, The Diamond Mines
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
18+ $10

I think Pretty & Nice is the only band doing a 'Halloween tribute' set as the SoCal punks Hot Snakes. SoCal solo, lo-fi-pop dude Emperor X is also on the bill with 3 incredibly good local rockers with cool tunes.

THUR 10/27

9pm
Alejandro & the Fame (as Lady Gaga), The Dahkness (The Darkness)
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$7 / 21+

I guess these two artists may both enjoy theatricality and being as "big" as possible...

Okay, you're probably going for Gaga -- by guy-guys -- and won't be offended by The Darkness, especially when they declare "I Believe in a Thing Called Love."

THUR 10/27

9:15pm
Born of Fire Annual Halloween Show
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Schedule:
12:15am -- Sad Wings Of Destiny (as Judas Priest)
11:30pm -- Entombed tribute
10:45pm -- Jack Burton vs. David Lo Pan (as Botch)
10pm -- Dio/Heaven and Hell tribute
9:15pm -- Suicidal Tendencies tribute

Didn't Judas Priest dress up all year long? I suspect local metal fans will see some familiar faces on stage.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

WED 10/26: Book, Classical, Trivia, Rock, Dance


As I like to see it, the cheap options are spread around town.

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

WED 10/26

6pm
Jeff Lindsay, "Double Dexter": Reading
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Who knew the TV show was based on novels?

Oh. You did?

You still might be interested -- along with the rest of us -- hear some of the latest book and hopefully get a little insight about the source material versus the show.

BTW: It was going to be a ticketed event at the Coolidge Corner Theater, but it's been moved to the bookstore.

WED 10/26

8pm
Liszt 200th Birthday Celebration
at Tsai Performance Center, Boston University, 685 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Lisztomania continues in the Hungarian pianist-composer's bicentennial year. It's time for BU's piano students to pound, stab, and dance across the keyboard in what should be a 'greatest hits' kind of program.

WED 10/26

8pm
Trivia Wednesdays
at Bell In Hand Tavern, 45 Union St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

I mentioned this about a month ago.

There are other pub trivia nights out there, but you have to RSVP for this one. My theory is you and your team (up to 6 people total) might have a better chance at the top prize is $50 off the bar tab.

WED 10/26

The Broken Lights (11:30pm), Captain Cat (10:30pm), The Sinister Turns (9:30pm), Comasoft (8:30pm)
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

A trio of local bands offer up a bunch of tasty indie-pop for a mid-week respite. It's hard to believe you won't hear something you like from Captain Cat or The Sinister Turns. I haven't seen The Broken Lights yet, but they supposedly have a strong visual aspect to their performance.

A Chicago band, Comasoft, has the opening slot. They don't really match the rest of the lineup, and it's not my cup of tea; but it might be worth a laugh?

WED 10/26

9pm
The Fagettes (Midnight), Headband (11pm), Carlisle Sound (10pm), Chris North Dream Quartet (9pm)
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5 / 21+

One way to fight the urge to staying in for the night is to simply not go home. If you get to this gig aka "Midway Massacre", they claim to have some "burgers & dogs on the grill". Hey, there's potential to eat something! Then there's a good mix of trippy and gargey rock to wash it down (beer not included). If you still don't go out, you might want to see what you're missing via the internet.

WED 10/26

9pm
Future Games II: The Halloween Special
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

Yeah, it's a crazy Halloween dance party on a Wednesday. The Videodrome Discotheque and Heart & Dagger Productions had so much fun previously in the future, they're doing it again...

You know the people who will show up are serious about having a good time. And they will want to shake the precipitation off their costumes as quickly as possible.

Monday, October 24, 2011

TUES 10/25: Talk, Horror, Party, Rock

TS & The Past Haunts, tonight at Great Scott
Okay, we have a couple Boston/Allston options today. Tomorrow, there could be some JP fun...

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

TUES 10/25

6pm to 7:30pm
Life in the Universe #1: "Are We Alone?"
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Sara Seager, Dimitar Sasselov

It seems like 4 parts is still not deep enough to talk about life in the universe, but at least we can see the end of the lecture series versus the edge of existence...

Tonight's question won't be answered with a yes or a no, but it still could be an exciting discussion with professors from MIT and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

You can sit and wonder about the chances of life on other planets, or you can hear some experts tell you.

TUES 10/25

7:30pm
Sebastian Junger, "War": Discussion
at Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

The Cambridge Reads program has been excited about getting people to read more -- and this visit by Sebastian Junger who will discuss his book about being deeply embedded in Afghanistan.

I'm not sure if tickets are still available from the Cambridge Main Library, Harvard Book Store or Porter Square Books; but it looks like seats were still available when I last checked.

TUES 10/25

8pm
"100 Years of Chills: A Vincent Price Centennial Tribute"
at Area Four, 500 Technology Sq, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
$5 suggested donation

8pm -- "The Tingler" (w/ Vincent Price short films)
10pm -- "Theatre of Blood"
Without having seen all Vincent Price movies, I'm not sure if his melodramatic style ever scared me other than simply being creeped out. It was fun to watch these cheesy flicks, and why not celebrate his birth centennial.

The restaurant/coffeshop is planning on coming up with some fancy versions of movie snacks, and I assume their usual menu will be available while watching the program on their walls.

As a reminder, the Brattle is a non-profit operation; the proceeds of your donation goes to them.

TUES 10/25

9:30pm to 10:30pm
Stuff "Nightlife Issue" Party
at Bijou, 51 Stuart St, Boston (Theater District)
FREE w/ RSVP

Good for Stuff Magazine for being true to their Nightlife Issue by having a late mixer at a club where I'd never want to be -- especially when Jacob Wirth is next door.

Looks like they'll offer free cocktails with Hennessy Black, a new cognac-based blend that's designed to work in mixed drinks. I think you can still RSVP...

TUES 10/25

9:30pm
TS & The Past Haunts, Aficionado, Worried Well
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Although Piebald didn't feel like a "Boston band" to me, I thought it was cool that they were from around here. Former frontman Travis Shettel is playing with a married rhythm section that's being called TS & The Past Haunts. The new EP is very easy on the ears, but I think longtime fans can dig it.

The other bands include labelmate Aficionado and a Maine duo that whip it up in complementary fashions.

MON 10/24: Film, Nerd, Rock


I don't like when it's an 'all-Cambridge' night, but that's how it goes in cheapness.

Happy Food Day, by the way! There's not many local events that would cost $10 or less today, but the idea is to promote healthy, affordable, sustainable food.

There are free recipes in a PDF from folks like Mario Batali, Rick Bayless, and Mark Bittman.

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

MON 10/24

8pm
CineCaché: "Unhappy Birthday"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $8 seniors, students

Regarding CineCaché, the Chlotrudis Society presents a series of "sneak previews, festival favorites, regional features, and overlooked gems" every other Monday through the end of the year.

It's the time of year where scary films abound, so a horror film about something going terribly awry for couples stuck on a secluded British island is a Halloween-appropriate selection. There's even a gay angle to make it edgier...

MON 10/24

8pm
NerdNite: "Boston History and Viruses"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Talks:

"A Tourist in My Own City: Uncovering the Weird & Interesting Right in Front of Our Eyes"
by Devin Cole

"Dinosaurs, Zombies, and Shapeshifters: A Paleovirologist's Guide to Our DNA"
by Ravi Subramanian
It's my firm belief that you can work any NerdNite topic into the next general conversation you have. At the very least you can open up with, "You know what I heard on Monday?"

You're likely to hear a few new things about Boston, and science topics like virus vulnerability might be scarier than any movie this side of "Contagion"...

DJ Claude Money should be there to fill the chatty gaps with grooves for the last NerdNite of the year.

MON 10/24

9:30pm
Thief Thief, Celestial Shore, Fat History Month
at Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

My interest in numbers has me thinking about the 2-5-2 pattern of bands that could fall under a math-rock / post-punk umbrella. The Boston bands on either side of the NYC quintet are duos, not that they don't make enough noise to fill the space. Should be interesting.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

SUN 10/23: Rowing, Halloween, Art, Lanterns, Flies

Artisan's Asylum power pumpkin carving, at Monster Mashed Up in Somerville
There is music tonight as well, but the day is about to begin.

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

SUN 10/23

8am to 4:30pm-ish
Annual Head of the Charles Regatta
along the Charles River, Cambridge (and Boston)
FREE

Maybe it's more exciting if your alma mater is racing, or you know one of the guys. Neither applies to me, but it seems like one of those classic New England events that everyone should experience if only for a little while.

I hadn't thought of it, but a New Zealand rower suggested this race is more curved than others.

Do I have a good spot to suggest? Anywhere that's easy for you. I usually do my Red Line thing and roughly walk from the Central Sq point somewhere close to Harvard Sq.

So it's like a walk along the river on an autumn day with more rowers than usual.

SUN 10/23

Noon to 4pm
"Monster Mashed Up"
from Union Square to Porter Square, Somerville [PDF map]
FREE

Sometimes my reading comprehension fails, because it took me a while to figure this was bigger than the usual ghostly tour of the Milk Row Cemetery.

Between Union to Porter, 2 miles of Somerville Ave will be closed to traffic for all sorts of fall/halloween fun at various spots.

From noon-ish to 6pm, there's a Oktoberfest-like spirit with live music and beer garden. The music is organized by Sally O'Brien's, Bull McCabe's, and Machu Picchu; so bands like Kevin Byrne, The Johnnie Come Latelies, and probably some pan-flute.

Since the guy who sang "Monster Mash" was from Somerville, DJ's will begin a "Monster Mash Mash-up" competition around 4pm.

Besides the cemetery tour, people can watch the Artisan's Asylum crowd take pumpkin carving to extremes or competitively cornhole for cash.

More family-oriented stuff is happening at Conway Park with costume contests and puppet shows, etc.

On the Porter Sq end, there's tango dancing and worldly music and a craft fair.

There should be other miscellanea along the way for those who prefer a more urban autumnal scene to a river stroll.

SUN 10/23

Noon to 5pm
Dorchester Open Studios
Various Locations in Dorchester (near Uphams Corner and Lower Mills) [PDF map]
FREE

It's a bit spread out, and more information was available on another site, but my theory is that lower rent attracts dedicated artists.

The number of individual studios and group locations are about even, it seems like most of the locations are in 2 neighborhoods. Yes, there are some rough areas -- but Dorchester is a big place, and much of the violence happens in one square mile...

SUN 10/23

6pm
Annual Lantern Parade
at Jamaica Pond, 507 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Even though this looks like it’s mainly a family/kids-oriented type of activity, single adults with attitude can also enjoy themselves with or without irony.

Think of it as hundreds of people walking around Jamaica Pond (not in the pond) with handmade lanterns for your pleasure. You walk around and enjoy the different views.

Just sit back and enjoy the view (or buy one or make one in the afternoon).

This could be an easy event for discreet flask-handling or equivalents...

[Facebook]

SUN 10/23

7pm
"Lord of the Flies": Workshop Performance
at Jewels 2 Studio, Room 356, CFA Bldg, 855 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Besides lectures and classes, BU has a program of events meant to engender conversation on various topics like "violence". What a great story to cover the underlying violence and selfishness in modern society.

Someone better yell, "I have the conch!" because that's one of my favorite lines from the book.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

FRI 10/21: Talk, Theater, Rock


Gah! Gah! This is later than expected, and everything looks good in one way or another.

I noticed that I overlooked The Pill tonight, and they're featuring the first live gig for The Sterns in 4 years. It's a good band, and the dancing will be accompanied by good tunes, so that's another option to make your entertainment decision even harder...

If you're into antiques, I did see this offer to save $5 on admission to The Ellis Boston Antiques Show at the Cyclorama this weekend.

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

FRI 10/21

7pm
Amy Stewart, "Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army & Other Diabolical Insects": Reading
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

Sure, insects can be unpleasant little creatures. The idea that tiny animals have had a major impact on human history is an interesting topic on several levels.

FRI 10/21

7pm
"Town Hall Meeting on Media and Democracy": Screening & Discussion
at Room 250, Bldg 10, 222 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Panelists: Brian Stelter (NY Times), Cindy Rodriguez (Emerson College), Sasha Costanza-Chock (MIT), Craig Aaron (Free Press)

Remember hearing about "Page One: Inside the New York Times", the documentary that follows some of the journalists for a year?

Tonight's event will show clips from the movie to spur the conversation about the changing media industry and it affects the democratic process. Yes, Brian Stelter is one of the reporters featured in "Page One".

Audience participation will be "strongly encouraged", and a RSVP is requested.

This is also the opening event of the Social Movements/Digital Revolutions Conference that's taking place on Saturday ($20+).

FRI 10/21 (and SAT 10/22)

8pm
"Before The Fame"
at Zack Box Theatre, Downstairs, 8 The Fenway, Boston (Boston Conservatory)
FREE

Saturday -- 7pm
This could be a disappointment, but I expect a "musical based on the life & music of Lady Gaga" will be an exciting misfire at worst.

The basement theatre has a limited capacity and it's "Family & Friends Weekend" at the Conservatory, so who knows one's chances of getting in...

FRI 10/21 (thru MON 10/31)

8pm
"The Wrathskellar"
at 545 Cambridge St Enter thru Rear, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$13 or $20 advance / $25 door

Although only the first show was $10, I want to give a shoutout for something above the usual limit. Pay attention from the beginning and you'll pick up clues for the narrative that emerges throughout the show.

I should've posted my review already, but I was left leaving that it was a thouroughly enjoyable theater experience that was well-paced, funny, and sexy.

Far from being a cheesy attempt to scare, it's darker than your average burlesque for Halloween time.

There is a $13 standing room option for the advance tickets.

FYI: I noticed a couple people miss the sign, but you enter around the corner through a little alley behind the building.

FRI 10/21

9pm
Mean Creek, Age Rings, Static of the Gods, Young Adults
at Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

This is one of those local music shows where you might feel flabbergasted that all these bands are based around here -- and are still playing venues where you can still see them from the back of the room.

Your opinion may vary, but Mean Creek and Static of the Gods are the standouts here. Whatever it takes to build a following and "making it" to the next level that exists in the music biz, I think they're doing at least with bitchin' songs and great performances. This is big indie-rock, and it's not to late to get on the bandwagon.

Age Rings and Young Adults also kick ass. I wouldn't be surprised if you loved these guys too.

It might be a couple bucks more than $10 (the advance price), but I have bought my tix earlier than the doors opened (8pm tonight) and paid the lower cover...

FRI 10/21

Mellow Bravo (11:45pm), The Grinds (10:45pm), Cask Mouse (10pm), Duncan Wilder Johnson (9:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

If you like (or have listened yet) the Boston Emissions radio show, and you didn't go to the Plough last night, Anngelle Wood continues to her celebrate 3rd Anniversary as hostess with the mostest. (Has to be added, no?)

The show has got a nice build-up starting with Duncan Wilder Johnson. While most spoken-word artists feel like cool jazz, Duncan is hardcore metal. After the solid Americana of Cask Mouse, The Grinds are going to take it up several notches as these vets of various garage/punk bands grind it out fast and loud.

The party climaxes with Mellow Bravo's big, bold hard rock. Listening to them makes me think of a more bombastic time in music, but these guys deliver with their heart and soul. If you haven't seen it, there's a clip of frontman walking offstage at this year's Rumble and finishing the song outside on top of a car. That's the glory of rock 'n roll, folks.

FRI 10/21

9pm
The Melismatics, I Pistol, Modern Day Idols
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$9 / 21+

Okay, The Melismatics caught me off-guard. I just wasn't expecting to hear a band with a lame name to be so damn good. I had to YouTube a couple live clips, and this power-pop combo is even better in person. It looks like they're the latest awesome band from Minneapolis (and their van has 300,000 miles on it).

The other acts are no slouches either. I would dig I Pistol even if I didn't know one of the guys. This is just song after song of well-crafted, crunchy rock that knows how to add the hooks all over the place. From the ashes of Topheavy comes the Modern Day Idols who will likely have a new slew of catchy tunes.

Weekend Calendar

This doesn't mean there won't be another post today. I just have a meeting in 5 minutes...

Thursday, October 20, 2011

THUR 10/20: Art, Theater, Talk, Burlesque, Rock

Otto Piene, Lichtballett
Oh, what a bad blogger I was last night. I didn't do much listening, researching, or typing at all... (But Friday cheapness is on the calendar.)

There was a funny moment on my way home: A transvestite sat next to me on the T, and then a woman was smoking a hand-rolled cigarette when I exited the station.

It struck me that transvestites are far more common than hand-rolled cigarettes.

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

THUR 10/20

5:30pm
Otto Piene, "Lichtballett": Artist Talk & Reception
at Bartos Theatre / List Visual Arts Center, Wiesner Bldg, 20 Ames St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

5:30pm -- Artist Talk in Bartos Theatre
6pm to 8pm -- Reception
Art that manipulates light fascinates me. Fireworks or any shiny object has a similar effect, but it's a different level when done by a Bill Viola or Otto Piene.

These will likely be the coolest disco balls that emit their own light that you'll ever see...

If you get there early, you can hear the 83-year-old, German-born Piene speak.

THUR 10/20 (thru SAT 10/22)

Various Times
"To Kill A Mockingbird"
at Roxbury Repertory Theater, 1234 Columbus Ave, Roxbury (Roxbury Community College)
$10 / $5 students
Thursday -- 10am, 8pm
Friday -- 10am, 8pm
Saturday -- 2pm
With the early performances of this production, it reminds me that the book was aimed at the 'young-adult' market. Still, "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a classic story that often ends up on top novel lists.

The movie was pretty darn good as well, and I assume the stage version may fall somewhere between the two.

THUR 10/20

7pm to 8:30pm
An Evening with Travel Writers: Anna Wexler & Lawrence Millman
at Room 14N-304, Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

CTB reader Laura passed along this reading. With winter on its way, maybe it's a good time to begin fantasizing about taking a trip...

Note: Without personal knowledge of the Hayden Library, could this be in room "14E-304"?

THUR 10/20 (thru MON 10/31)

8pm
"The Wrathskellar"
at 545 Cambridge St Enter thru Rear, Cambridge (East Cambridge)
$13 or $20 advance / $25 door

Although only the first show was $10, I want to give a shoutout for something above the usual limit. Pay attention from the beginning and you'll pick up clues for the narrative that emerges throughout the show.

I'll have a review of my experience up soon, but I was left leaving that it was a thouroughly enjoyable theater experience that was well-paced, funny, and sexy.

Far from being a cheesy attempt to scare, it's darker than your average burlesque for Halloween time.

I noticed there is a $13 standing room option for the advance tickets.

FYI: I noticed a couple people miss the sign, but you enter around the corner through a little alley behind the building.

THUR 10/20

8:30pm
"The No Hipsters Rock & Roll Revue"
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Feat: Aaron Shadwell, Stella Swingline, Brendyn Schneider, Madam Karen Lee, Thru the Keyhole Burlesque, The Duet Jameson, Marc Zegans

You've been warned, hipsters! Stay away from the Cantab's basement, because they don't want to sing songs, tell stories, and dance the burlesque for your ironic fixie-riding asses and your over-sized glasses.

THUR 10/20 (and THUR 10/27)

9pm
The Deadly Gentlemen with guests
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$8

This kind of bluegrass-y supergroup is normally seen playing at the Cantab, but it's not Tuesday. String-band-loving hipsters can hang out and enjoy the hot playing and tight harmonies. Banjoist Greg Liszt is probably the only MIT doctorate that's played in Bruce Springsteen's touring band, and that bassist is the son of mandolin master David Grisman.

THUR 10/20

Davila 666 (11:30pm), Barreracudas (10:30pm), Port Charles Quintet (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Wow, it's not just that Davila 666 is a Puerto Rican garage-rock band with lyrics en Espanol -- it's really, really good. They're on tour with Barreracudas, punky power-poppers from Atlanta. It all starts with a fine example of classic Boston garage from Port Charles Quintet, which includes the singer and drummer from one of my faves The Prime Movers.

THUR 10/20

10pm
Beware The Dangers of A Ghost Scorpion, The Tin Thistles, BlackWolfGoat
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Mondo Thursday at the Plough is celebrating Anngelle Wood's 3rd anniversary as the host of the excellent local-music radio program Boston Emissions.

For such an occasion, a broad sampling of local music is on deck. Beware The Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion really nailed their name for a horror-surf band. What is more badass than a band of masked musicians? Maybe a scorpion that is a ghost.

It doesn't seem too much of a stretch to have B.T.D.O.S.G.S. on the same bill as the hard, rowdy Boston punk of The Tin Thistles. It gets more interesting to include the metallic ambience of BlackWolfGoat.

Raise a glass (or two) with Angelle and friends while celebrating with cool sounds.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Wednesday Highlights


We had at least one better weekend post than the previous week, so let's skimp in the middle of the week to improve the near future.

Thursday, Friday and other cheapness is on the calendar...

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

It starts early-ish (5:30pm), but the Boston Symphony Orchestra begins a second season of free lectures at Symphony Hall called "BSO 101".

Is it intended to encourage attendance? Yes. Even if these are your only visits, you are not a bad person.

There are 2 Wednesdays in November, and sessions resume in January. An RSVP email is suggested...

I couldn't choose between the book events:

For the NPR crowd, Steve Inskeep talks to Robin Young about his Karachi book at the BPL...

Former Barack-buddy and current Harvard law prof Lawrence Lessig has some good ideas about reducing corporate corruption in poitics at Harvard Book Store...

Steve Almond is reading from his new collection of essays at Brookline Booksmith, and you might even snag a cupcake...

As for music:

There is some sweet indie-pop at TT the Bear's Place...

And if you're in the Back Bay area around 10pm, why not listen to some tripped-out funk-jazz at Berklee (150 Mass Ave) -- in the cafeteria.

Other cheap options include:

The Science in the News lecture series examines what we're learning about the science front about aging in the Longwood area. Registration is recommended...

At Hibernian Hall, Roxbury residents share stories from the neighborhood's past (like fighting a freeway expansion and winning).

If you wanted to see a staged version of "Lord of the Flies", there are performances through SUN 10/23 at BU...

The theme at Storyliars is "Intoxicated", so that provides a wide berth on funny, true stories -- and one false story. Hey, it's free humor at the Milky Way...

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

TUES 10/18: Talk, Film, Rock

Bleached, tonight at Great Scott
Even when I don't feel like having a grilled cheese sandwich there are restaurants and food trucks that serve them as well as Dante on Tuesdays.

Hotel restaurants are not normally my bag, but the bar menu was pretty darn reasonable when I had a great little burger while enjoying a secret keg of Yuengling that someone brought back from PA a couple years ago.

They tweak their version every week, but you can't be too disappointed at $2 for a large half of tastiness.

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

TUES 10/18

5pm
"Summer in Angola": A Slideshow
at African American Studies Program, 138 Mountfort St, Brookline (near BU)
FREE

What the heck do you know about Angola? (I know they were a Portuguese colony at one time, and they had a long civil war.)

Dr. Linda Heywood (Director, African American Studies Program) and Prof. John Thorton (History & African American Studies) will talk about their summer trip to the country, which will probably quite enlightening.

TUES 10/18

6pm to 7pm
Lowell Lecture: Malcolm Rogers
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

I doubt there will be any revealing information about the machinations of running the Museum of Fine Arts, but I could be wrong.

TUES 10/18

7pm
"The Jazz Singer": Screening & Discussion
at The Modern Theatre, 525 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$5 / Free with Suffolk ID

The first major "talkie" premiered in Boston at this same theatre in 1928.

Everyone will step into a giant time machine for the duration of the film, and a discussion will follow about the transition beyond silent films and why the heck it was okay for Al Jolson to appear in blackface...

TUES 10/18

8:40pm
Plumerai, My Bubba & Mi, The New Highway Hymnal, Karen Zanes
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7-ish

I like the trippy variety from the (likely) solo songs of Karen Zanes and the peculiar acousticism of Danish duo My Bubba & Mi to the full-on modern/throwback pysch-rock of New Highway Hymnal and the more subtle, smoother fuzz of Plumerai.

TUES 10/18

9:30pm
You Can Be A Wesley, Bleached, The Most Americans
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

An article/blog/something recently said with seeming sincerity that You Can Be A Wesley has played Great Scott about 25 times. YCBAW haven't completely won me over -- which probably means they're on the way to superstardom -- however they bust out a janglish indie-rock that leaves me in a positive mood.

Things are going to be more consistent at this gig with Bleached, a punky-messy L.A. band fronted by a pair of sisters, and newish The Most Americans with one song on their Facebook page that builds into a really cool post-punk crescendo.

Monday, October 17, 2011

MON 10/17: Info, Stories, Songs

Shenandoah Davis, tonight at ZuZu
As of today, you can RSVP for the Peabody Museum's Dia de Muertos Fiesta on WED 11/2. The art and culture is much more interesting (and cooler) than Halloween. When I went a few years ago, the food and drink was a nice touch too.

There is is also a StuffBoston RSVP party (6pm to 8pm) at The Greatest Bar on WED 10/19 where you'll probably get free rum cocktails.

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

MON 10/17

6pm to 9pm
Rock Shop #12: "Marketing That Doesn't Suck"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE

Panelists: Sooz, Kevin Hoskins, Ben Maitland-Lewis

Again, these sessions are aimed at bands however other creative types may hear some good information about marketing.

MON 10/17

7pm to 8:30pm
"Literary Firsts"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Janaka Stucky, Danielle Dreilinger, Catherine Parnell, Elizabeth Gormley

I've met (and read material by) a couple of tonight's participants, so I doubt it will be a boring reading. There's also a variety since each "Literary First" includes a poet, essayist, fiction writer, and someone who tells a story about their early sexual experience.

At least there's a bar...

MON 10/17

7pm to 9pm
MassMouth Story Slam: "Wheels"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / $5 students

Hosts: Richard Fries, Norah Dooley

If you feel like telling a story, ten people will do more than listen at the story slam. Tonight's tales must give their spin on the theme of "wheels".

MON 10/17

10pm
Audrey Ryan, Shenandoah Davis
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

If you can handle staying out 'til Midnight (or later) on a Monday night, you'll be rewarded with the fantastic music from two of the finest, most original singers from Boston and Seattle.

Shenandoah Davis is touring with a cellist and drummer/guitarist while Audrey will loop herself into a one-woman band.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

SUN 10/16: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

If you're still wondering about the Occupy Boston demonstration, so here are a couple clips from Dewey Square: a short statement from the crowd recorded by Open Media Boston and a collection of interviews by The Matthew Filipowicz Show.

Agree or disagree -- but you are probably part of "the 99%", and these folks are there for you.



Friday, October 14, 2011

Top 12 Cheap Weekend Options

3rd Annual Boston Book Festival, Saturday in Copley Square
Of course, there is more to do and see for under $10. I also think you'd be quite entertained if you spent a few extra dollars to see "The Wrathskellar".

These are my highlights for Saturday and Sunday.

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

SAT 10/15

10am to 7:30pm
3rd Annual Boston Book Festival
at Various Locations, around Copley Sq, Boston
FREE

Most of the time, I suggest just walking around these sort of things. This is the kind of the event where you need to figure out what you want to see ahead of time.

Whether it's the panel topics or the authors, look at the schedule, make a list and get there at least 15 minutes early, which means you can't necessarily bop from one talk to another. I strolled around the first time and missed every talk because it was full or had already started.

Some that I find interesting include people like Jennifer Egan ("Fiction: Time Is..."), Chuck Klosterman ("Far Out Fiction"), Siddhartha Mukherjee & Christopher Lydon ("Frontiers of Science"), Richard Russo, Andre Dubus III ("What’s Up With Men?"), Daniel Clowes ("Graphic Novels: Drawing the Story"), or Richard Russo.

You can even listen to Michael Ondaatje or Deval Patrick.

Other fun sessions are "Don't Know Much About Boston History Quiz" or "Flash Fiction Open Mic" or "Writer Idol", where publishing/book people read and critique anonymous excerpts of manuscripts.

In Copley Square, many of the books will be for sale. You might even get it signed. Of course, there will be live music from Berklee-related bands from 11am to 5pm.

Ever the non-conformist, Henry Rollins is reading at Brookline Booksmith at 7pm.

SAT 10/15

Members of Morphine (5:30pm), Super Ska (9pm)
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

For many Wednesday nights, you could go to Atwoods Tavern and hear Dana Colley and Jerome Deupree play a bunch of Morphine songs with ex-pat New Orleans blues-guitarist Jeremy Lyons.

Every now and then, they do an early show at Sally's. It's a mix of the classics along with some new ones. Often times it sounds really damn close to the old days, but I'd like think that Sandman would make it sound more dangerous.

The Tarbox Ramblers at Johnny D's ($10) might be a rarer sight these days, but I love Morphine.

SAT 10/15

7pm to 10pm
Cookie Clash 2011
at Comicazi, 407 Highland Ave, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$6

I don't know how many people have baked dozens of cookies, but there should be quite an array. The categories are: "classic chocolate chip", "bar", and "wild card"; and you will help decide the the champs.

Will you eat $6 of cookies? Yeah, probably. It should help you think that the proceeds will benefit Boston Partners in Education, an organization that helps struggling students.

Yes, you get milk or coffee to wash it all down.

SAT 10/15

8pm to 10pm
For the Sake of the Song: A Tribute to Bob Dylan
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$8

Feat: James Houlahan, Ryan Fitzsimmons, John Colvert

Ah, His Bobness! He has been alternately changing people's lives then doing something to disappoint them. Dylan does what he wants to do.

He's a good subject for the 2nd anniversary of "For the Sake of the Song". Various local performers play some favorite Dylan songs as well as their Dylan-influenced ditties. There will be raffles too.

SAT 10/15

8pm to Midnight
"Elements Of Oddity": Art Exhibition
at Hourglass Tattoo Studio, 1680A Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
FREE

They claim that some sideshow performer/freak types will be in attendance to match the art. I think there's a good chance at having a free PBR or two as well. You might even get a photo with another colorful partygoer or win a prize...

SAT 10/15

9:15pm
"The Crazies": Screening
at Bright Screening Room, Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
$10 / $7.50 seniors / $5 students & children

Midnight
"Creepshow"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75

George Romero has made so many classic horror films. It's kinda cool to showcase his work around Halloween time. And it's kinda cool -- or a bummer -- that you have two choices on the same night.

SAT 10/15

9:30pm
The Men, The New Alibis, The Acro-brats
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

All three are kick-ass punky bands, and I love the idea of having one less band than usual.

Sometimes three is enough, especially when The Men and the The New Alibis are not currently active but are doing reunion gigs on the same bill.

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

SUN 10/16

1pm
"A Bell Raising Celebration"
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

They've acquired a Paul Revere bell from 1801, and it's going in the steeple today at 2pm.

From 11am to 12:30pm, you can get a free close-up look before the festivities begin at 1pm with performances by the Old South Church Choir, Boston Landmarks Orchestra Brass Ensemble, Back Bay Bell Ringers, and Boston Children's Chorus.

SUN 10/16

1pm to 5pm
Harvard Lampoon & Boston Bruins: "Best Sports Team Ever" Parade & Fest
from the Lampoon Castle to Brattle Street, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Feat: OldJack (1pm), Susan Cattaneo (2pm), Self Proclaimed Rockstars (3pm)

Why not proclaim the B's as the Best Sports Team Ever? Of course, the Lampoon is known for pranks; but I have a feeling this is really happening -- even if it's just Andrew Ference and a locker room assistant...

The plan is for music and miscellaneous fun at parade destination, and the Bruins should arrive on Super Duck Tour vehicles around 4:15pm. If you want to see the rolling celebration, I'm guessing they'll leave the Castle around 4pm and go something like this.

One thing I can confidently say: It won't be as crowded as the Boston championship parade...

SUN 10/16

2pm
"A Visit with E.E. Cummings": Walking Tour
at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
$9

Maybe I'm strange, but walking around Forest Hills without a guide is a lovely experience. If you really want to see where Cummings is buried, a guide is helpful. (It took two visits for me to find e.e.'s grave.)

With the guide, you'll also hear some poems and stories.

The cemetery is an easy walk from the Orange Line T, Forest Hills stop via the Tower Street shortcut.

SUN 10/16

7pm to 9pm
Massmouth Story Slam: "Supernatural"
at Doyle's Cafe, 3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$8 advance / $10 door

If you want to spend the day in JP, go from the cemetery to Doyle's and listen to 10 randomly(?) chosen tales that have a paranormal aspect. The winner will qualify for the next round that culminates in a final story competition in April 2012.

Massmouth has invited a "seer-visionary-healer and medium-intuitive" to be their guest -- maybe he'll get a message from the beyond...

Why pay for stories? I assume the money goes to paying for the grand prize which will probably be a weeklong vacation in Tuscany.

SUN 10/16

9:30pm
Nina Violet, Willy Mason, Tallahassee
at Radio/Club Choices, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 / 21+

Yeah, I'm listing another show at Radio. There are other music options on the calendar, this would be my choice. I still have not seen Willy Mason perform. His songs are so evocative especially delivered by that piercingly matter-of-fact baritone.

Fellow Martha's Vineyard native Nina Violet is rather impressive as well. She used to play in Willy's band, so they'll likely collaborate on a few tunes. I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't really noticed Boston-based band Tallahassee. I saw that the indie-folk band played at the Jamaica Plain Music Festival a couple months ago, but I just read this week that the singer was briefly an offensive lineman with the Pats. Pretty wild...

ShareThis2