Saturday, April 28, 2012

4/28 & 4/29: Free Sails in Boston & Charlestown


Yes, there is more cheapness for the weekend, but you've got to start somewhere.

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SAT 4/28 and SUN 4/29

Noon to 3pm
Sailing Open House
at Courageous Sailing, Pier 4, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

1pm to 5pm
Sailing Open House
at Boston Sailing Center, Lewis Wharf, Boston (North End)
FREE

Sure, they're trying to get you interested in sailing with them -- whether you're a salty dog or landlubber or somewhere in between. It's usually a no-pressure experience, because they also know most people just want to a free ride on a boat.

As these sailing events start happening, it's good to remember to wear clothes that can get wet. Keep in mind it will feel colder on the boat.

And if you are interested in taking lessons or becoming a member, both places offer discounts on days like these.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Friday Calendar

Before it gets any later, here is Friday's list.

More to come...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

THUR 4/26: Words, Art, Music


Technically the online tickets for most screenings for Independent Film Festival Boston are $10 ($11 at the door), but you know how it goes with the inevitable service fee. Still there are a lot of interesting movies that have a strong chance of returning to theaters in coming months.

There are screenings now through WED 5/2 -- and there are some free film-related panels on Saturday and Sunday.

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THUR 4/26

6pm
"The Way of the Cross": Reading/Discussion
at Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Feat: Gabriele Tinti, Shaun El C. Leonardo, Peter Lerner, Micky Ward

Apparently the nexus between art and boxing is broader than Leroy Neiman.

Author, art critic and boxing aficionado Gabriele Tinti has combined his words with the paintings of Shaun El C. Leonardo into a book form tribute to Arturo Gatti.

One of the great periods of boxing were the 3 fights between Gatti and the "Pride of Lowell" (and movie subject) Micky Ward, so he'll join the discussion tonight as well as members of the historic Somerville Boxing Club.

THUR 4/26 (thru SUN 4/29)

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
at Various Locations
Much FREE

A week of science stuff continues with more coming this weekend. About tonight's highlights, there is something informative and something infotaining.

6pm
"Improbable Research Reports"
at Voltage Coffee & Art, 295 Third St, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE
From the people that bring you the Ig Nobel Prizes that celebrates the most ridiculous endeavors of science (intended to be serious):

This program features what's pretty much accurately described as an "all-star cast of scientists, journalists, and other enlightening entertainers" will do 2-minute presentations on weird science and the like.

6:30pm to 9pm
"Cloud Computing: A Plain English Intro to the Cloud"
at Lecture Hall, Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge (near Harvard Sq)
FREE
If you're confused about the "cloud computing" concept, you should walk away much more informed.

You have to guess which is which...

THUR 4/26

7:30pm
Amy Correia & Band
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

I wouldn't be surprised if you can't get in to see the acclaimed singer-songwriter. She did the same time slot two weeks ago, so maybe some those fans might stay home to let a few new faces inside.

THUR 4/26

8pm
Fred Hersch: "Leaves of Grass"
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

I listened to a clip (YouTube), and walt Whitman's poetry dances with classic vocal jazz better than I expected. Perhaps it was easy to focus on writing the music, when the lyrics were solid...

Pianist, composer and NEC faculty member Fred Hersch is joined by a 7-piece ensemble as well as singers Dominique Eade (alumna) and Tommy Boynton (student).

THUR 4/26 to SAT 4/28

Various Times
"The Incident with the Mud"
at Copeland Studio 354, CFA Bldg, 855 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE
Thursday -- 9pm
Friday -- 5pm
Saturday -- 8pm

When you start with a mysterious title, even a brand-new student play feels like it could be worth a chance.

The synopsis begins:
When Sean was six, a disaster struck the Paulson household. Nobody forgot, nobody forgave. Now, seventeen years later, history repeats itself.


THUR 4/26

9pm
Aloud (11:35pm), Spirit Kid (10:45pm), The Wicked Tomorrow (10pm), Oranjuly (9pm)
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 /18+

When I think about Aloud having a '10th Anniversary' show, it's more than just a celebration of a kick-ass rock band. This is a tribute to the perseverance of good music and a belief in the words and chords and melodies that's every time someone presses play -- and just like tonight when the drummer counts off the first tune and guitar picks careen across strings.

Aloud brings great songs from a great couple of people who find the right rhythm sections. They even got 3 really good bands. Even if Oranjuly doesn't start exactly at 9pm, you should probably get there on time so you don't miss what could be your new favorite band.

There are other worthwhile gigs that I'd usually recommend more strongly:

THUR 4/26

9pm
Guillermo Sexo, Marconi, The Red Heroine, The Milling Gowns
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

Mainly darkish, shoegazey of different flavors.

THUR 4/26

Shepherdess (Midnight), Seashell Radio (11pm), Travels (10pm), Seana Carmody (9pm)
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

Wow, there's a lot of cool indie-rock that includes players from many veteran Boston bands.

THUR 4/26

9pm
Hayley Jane & The Primates
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE / 21+

Hey, it's free, fun, folky rock.

THUR 4/26 (and THUR 5/3)

9pm
Mount Peru, The Wrong Shapes, Stereo Soul Future, Muy Cansado
at Davis Square Theater, 255 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$7 / 21+

Kudos to Mount Peru for doing a 3-week residency in this recently renovated theater space. Dang this is another show with a really strong lineup including one of my faves Muy Cansado.

An Ode to Fenway Park



If you didn't go to Fenway's Centennial Open House last Thursday, you missed out. It was pretty cool even if you showed up during the last hour.

For the Red Sox fans out there, this poem written in honor of the anniversary will give you a warm 'n fuzzy feeling in at least a few couplets...

This is just one of Dick Flavin's wonderful Sox-related poems.

As one might expect, there is Thursday & Friday cheapness on the calendar.

(Yes, I took that photo a few years ago with my crappy point-and-click.)

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LONG LIVE FENWAY PARK
By Dick Flavin

For a hundred years she's stood here,
Heard cheering, seen our tears.
Through all the good times and the bad
Fenway perseveres.

She's baseball's great crown jewel,
A treasure - this is why.
Look out there on her field, you'll see
The ghosts of games gone by.

There's Babe Ruth standing on the mound,
Ted Williams at the plate.
And someone's great grandfather
Just came in through the gate.

That's Yaz patrolling in left field,
In center, Freddie Lynn;
Cronin's playing shortstop
But Pesky's coming in.

Luis Tiant whirls and spins
And then he lets it go.
There's another leaping catch
By Dom DiMaggio.

Jim Rice lines one off the wall,
Malzone comes in to score.
Pedroia makes a diving stop,
Or is that Bobby Doerr?

Fisk hits one deep into the night.
Will it be foul or fair?
It caroms off the foul pole
And the cheers still fill the air.

Dewey Evans' rifle arm
Just cut a runner down.
There's Tony C, still young and strong,
The toast of his hometown.

Roberts steals another base
Pinch running for Millar.
There's Radatz, Lonborg, Jimmie Foxx,
And Pedro and Nomar.

Look closely. You can see them all.
They come here everyday.
Fenway was and is their home.
It's where her ghosts still play.

And in the dugout by first base,
There sits the current squad.
Someday they will take their place
With all the Fenway gods.

That's why this place is magic,
Why she's made such a mark.
She's one hundred and still going strong.
And long live Fenway Park!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

WED 4/25: Science, Talk, Rock


Thanks to anyone out there that was thinking of going to McGreevey's last night to throw tomatoes at me -- then decided against it. I might do something like that again (with a little more warning).

On the past two Tuesdays, I've tried the $1 burger and Dante's $2 grilled cheese. I compared and contrasted on the way home, and there isn't a clear winner. Maybe I'll have a full post before next Tuesday.

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WED 4/25

6pm to 9pm
Annual Science Trivia Challenge
at Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE

It's Cambridge Science Fest all week, and the annual Science Trivia Challenge could be an entertaining way to pick up some scientific knowledge.

It would more fun to compete with a team, but the deadline has passed. There are various rounds that begin at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm.

There are other things going on during the day and evening, but this is the one that I'd want to see and looks like it will have available seats.

WED 4/25

6:30pm
Beverly Ford & Stephanie Schorow, "The Boston Mob Guide: Hit Men, Hoodlums & Hideouts"
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

The Whitey Bulger case may actually begin someday. Isn't it time to brush on Boston's organized crime history?

WED 4/25

7pm to 10pm
Mary Roach, "Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism"
at Science Center, Hall C, 1 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE w/ RSVP

The author of "Stiff", "Spook", "Bonk", and "Packing for Mars" receives the award that may not have a lot of prestige after 5 years, but Roach writes fascinating books on various non-fiction topics.

As one person was suggesting, they have finally recognized a female. (Previous winners were Salman Rushdie, Greg Graffin, Joss Whedon, and the "Mythbusters" guys.)

WED 4/25

9pm
Waylon Speed, Shelterbelt
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

You've got to love a country-metal band from Vermont, right? Well, they're not all-metal-all-the-time, but they do their fair share of rocking out. I hope to see Shelterbelt in person; the songs sound pretty good, and these guys have played in Boston faves such as Mittens, Frank Smith, Fuzzy, etc.

WED 4/25

9pm
"Test Pressing" w/ Audrey Ryan
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
FREE / 21+

Every now and then, I enjoy an open-mic night without performing, and I like when there's a featured performer so you know that you'll like at least one act. The good news is that the awesome Audrey Ryan is anchoring the last Test Pressing at O'Brien's before it finds a new home.

Sign-ups are at 8pm, and performances should begin around 9pm. Audrey will likely go on about 10:30pm.

WED 4/25

9pm
Kristen Ford Band, Spider Cider, Bottom of the Well, Holiday Mountain, Molly Zenobia
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE / 21+

Kristen Ford Band, Spider Cider, and Bottom of the Well went on a 7-day tour that spanned from Philadelphia to Portland. After taking a couple days off, they are joined by few friends for a big ol' folky, funky, rocky homecoming show. Yes, you'll see multiple recurring faces onstage.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

TUES 4/24: Music, Talk, Science


A little bird told me that I was mentioned in a Boston.com post about good blogs in the area. So thank you, Dara Sussman -- and whoever may be reading because of her.

Since she mentioned my shout-out for McGreevy's $1 burgers on Tuesday nights (4pm to 11pm). I'll go there tonight and give a dollar to the first 5 people that I hear asking about the 'Cheap Thrills Boston' guy. Or just say, "Hi, Rob."

I'll definitely be there between 7pm and 8pm. Look for the dorky, balding guy in gray business casual at the bar...

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TUES 4/24

5:30pm
Liederabend
at Williams Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Maybe listening to German "art songs" from the 19th century doesn't float "das boot" -- but maybe you're in the moody for some jaunty, old tunes that traces back to the beginning of people singing around a piano.

(Apparently Williams Hall is n the same building as Jordan Hall.)

TUES 4/24

6pm to 7:10pm
Fiscal Fitness for 2012: "Forging Your Financial Future"
at Conf. Room 6, Concourse Level, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Could you and your family benefit from a financial planner?

I assume this is a situation where no one will want you to invest at the end of the presentation.

TUES 4/24

6pm
Steven Raichlen, "Man Food Fire: The Evolution of Barbecue": Lecture & Tasting
at Geological Lecture Hall, Peabody Museum, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

It might be tough to get in to this presentation based on the popularity of food lectures on the campus. When the doors open to a first-come, first-served lecture and reception; there is probably going to be line.

I've seen Steven Raichlen host cooking/grilling shows on PBS, and he knows his stuff (that's delivered in a classic PBS style).

After a talk about the multi-cultural history of applying food to fire (and vice versa), Bondir's Jason Bond is going to prepare a barbecue tasting paired with local beer. Raichlen will also sign his books such as "Planet Barbecue", "Barbecue Bible", and "Best Ribs Ever".

TUES 4/24 (thru SUN 4/29)

Various Times
Cambridge Science Festival
at Various Locations
Much FREE

There are also daytime events. Some of the evening highlights are:

6pm to 9pm
Swissnex Boston Science Cafe featuring The Giant Cell
at The Atrium, 100 Technology Sq, Cambridge (Kendall Sq)
FREE w/ RSVP
Switzerland sponrs some life-science fun and discussion.
6:30pm to 7:30pm
Ernest Moniz, "The Clean Energy Future: Opportunity or Train Wreck?"
at Sidney Pacific Residence, 70 Pacific St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE
Professor Moniz has also spent time in government, so he should have an interesting perspective on what the future of clean energy development. There is an RSVP if you're going to stay for dinner.
7pm to 8:30pm
Charles Duhigg, "The Power of Habit": Discussion
at Lecture Hall, Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge (near Harvard Sq)
FREE
A NY Times reporter has written about the nature of habits, such as making/breaking them and the pros & cons.
7pm to 9pm
Story Collider: Science Fest Edition
at MIT Museum, 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE / 21+
Stories about how science has affected people's lives. It's apparently for a mature audience, but there should be some laughs (and a cash bar).
TUES 4/24

9pm
6th Degree, Samly Man & The Phamily Dub Band
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

It's a dub reggae party hosted by MySecretBoston.

TUES 4/24

9pm
The Honors
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

It's a catchy indie-rock party that you still have some Tuesdays to catch.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Monday Calendar


A calendar list is better than nothing. Right?

If you love trivia, you need to try Big Quiz Thing's monthly visit to Cambridge... It's the best trivia night I've seen.

And there are some cool things with the Cambridge Science Festival tonight, including a science & food event that looks full and another science & food event that might have room...

Roman Polanski's 1971 version of "Macbeth" is supposed to be rather intense...

Sunday, April 22, 2012

SUN 4/22: Free Grilled Cheese!


In case you're wondering, there is other cheapness on the calendar.

It may not be a good day for a picnic or a boat ride, but have a happy Earth Day!

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SUN 4/22

1pm to 6pm
2nd Annual Free Grilled Cheese Day
at all Cheeseboy locations
FREE

It looks like a good day for a grilled cheese, there's a free one with your name on it. (It's on the melted cheese, so you can't see it.)

Swing by South Station or Prudential Center or Natick Mall or South Shore Plaza or even Providence Place for a complimentary "Cheeseboy Classic" (American cheese on Italian bread) in celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month.

Although no purchase necessary, they sell tomato soup...

Friday, April 20, 2012

4/20 to 4/22: Weekend Calendar

Lets's start the day with a list of cheap options for the next 3 days.

Let me also share my "Top 10" for the weekend (in chronological order):

FRI 4/20 (thru SUN 4/29) -- Cambridge Science Festival
at various locations

FRI 4/20 -- Dub Apocalypse, The Duppy Conquerors
at Arts at The Armory Performance Hall

FRI 4/20 -- Robbers on High Street, Future Carnivores, I Have Ears
at Radio

FRI 4/20 -- LEGACY 4/20: "The Spring Classic"
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna

SAT 4/21 -- Record Store Day
at various locations

SAT 4/21 -- First Annual Boston Storytelling Festival
at Boston Public Library

SAT 4/21 -- Scissormen, Peter Parcek
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common

SUN 4/22 -- "Picnic for the Planet"
at Boston Common Frog Pond

SUN 4/22 (and next weekend) -- Sailing Open House
at Courageous Sailing

SUN 4/22 -- "Celebrating the Centennial of Fenway Park"
at JFK Library (Registration Req.)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

THUR 4/19: Fenway Park All-Day Open House


There is cheapness through Thursday on the calendar.

It's one of those nights where Union Square is hopping with The Upper Crust rocking at one club and a rock-paper-scissors tournament at another.

While it's $12, the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Finals ar at TT's tonight. May the best band win!

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THUR 4/19

9am to 7pm
100th Anniversary Open House
All gates at Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston
FREE

How many times does one walk and gawk around Fenway without worrying about getting back before the next inning begins?

For the ballpark's 100th anniversary, it's nice to see the Red Sox organization to do something for fans that might not get a chance to buy a ticket to the game.

A hundred plaques and historical markers have been placed in relevant locations for this initiative to call it a "Living Museum". Even if we think changes in the last few years may be corny, consider them as part of the bargain that saved Fenway Park from demolition.

The cool thing is that you should be able to go into places that you wouldn't normally go -- maybe not even on the usual tour.

There will be special displays and presentations throughout the day, and some former Sox players will be signing autographs. (Not sure of the time, but I saw that Oil Can Boyd will be there.)

I think it would be cool to get a good look inside the scoreboard area...

Hey, why wouldn't you go?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

WED 4/18: Words, Music & Sox Balloons


If you see a balloon today with no owner, grab it to see if it has Red Sox tickets inside!

The Sox are randomly placing 100 balloons in neighborhoods around Boston to coincide with their 100th anniversary between 7:30am and 3:30pm.

It's possible that it might have the above logo on it, so don't just look for the standard "B".

Actually, you should pop any possible balloon...

Even if you don't find a balloon, you can walk around Fenway Park for free from 9am to 7pm on Thursday.

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WED 4/18

6pm to 8pm
David Lemon, "Changing Traditions: Adobe's Work to Preserve, Revive, and Enhance the Legacy of Type": Annual Dwiggins Lecture
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

For typography lovers, it's time for the annual lecture on design of literary relevance. Adobe's Senior Manager of Type Development is making an appearance who will likely be joined by some colleagues.

WED 4/18

7pm
"Liberty’s Vigil, The Occupy Anthology: 99 Poets among the 99%": Reading
at Porter Square Books, 25 White St, Cambridge (near Star Market)
FREE

Feat: Fred Marchant, Alice Weiss, Anne Whitehouse

Are poets trying to cash in on the Occupy movement? Do people who want to 'cash in' become poets?

Three of the 99 poets who were inspired by the activism of the last year will appear and share their work.

WED 4/18

7:30pm to 10pm
"Rock Therapy" with Gene Dante, Al Polk
at Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
FREE

The dirty little secret about rockers all over town is that they have day jobs -- accomplishing many things besides singing and playing.

I seem to recall that Mr. Boogie is the type of guy who does help people with issues in their lives, and I suspect he'll delve deep into the real Gene and Al. There should be some performances after the talk show.

(Beer and wine will be available.)

WED 4/18

8pm
NEC Philharmonia + Hugh Wolff
at Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston (New England Conservatory/Fenway)
FREE

Program:
Ravel, "Une barque sur l'ocean"
Barber, "Cello Concerto"
Brahms, "Symphony No. 2, Op. 73, in D Major"
Along with the simply talented students that comprise the Conservatory's philharmonic ensemble, cellist and NEC string concerto competition winner Christine Lamprea will be featured on Barber's "Cello Concerto".

WED 4/18

9pm
Storyliars: "Fame"
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE

There's a different theme every month upon which a group of (mainly) comedians each tell a story. All of them are true except for one, and the audience members can win a prize by deducing -- or guessing -- correctly.

WED 4/18

9:30pm
The Dennis Brennan Band
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 advance / $10 door

Of course there's a chance that the Dennis Brennan Band might play every Wednesday in May as well -- or that Brennan and the bluesy White Owls will maintain their Monday gig at Toad -- but you never know.

Expect to hear DB and the crack musicians to play two sets of rootsy-rock with gusto and verve. Great songwriting combined with top-notch playing. This guy keeps getting better over the years and doesn't seem to slow down.


WED 4/18

10pm
Members of Morphine with Jeremy Lyons
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
FREE

They used to call themselves the "Elastic Waste Band", but there was no reason to keep the secret this group is basically two-thirds of Morphine -- and they nail the old stuff really damn well.

New Orleans guitarist Jeremy Lyons is no Sandman, but he balances reviving the vocals and being himself.

If you can't make it tonight, then you can find them here on most Wednesday nights.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tuesday to Thursday Calendar

Most of the stuff on today's calendar is free.

Since it's Tuesday, I personally might go for a $1 burger day at McGreevy's or a $2 Grilled Cheese at Dante.

Monday, April 16, 2012

MON 4/16: Boston Marathon


Happy Patriots Day, folks!

For another year, the Minutemen of Lexington and Concord have re-fired the first shots of the American Revolution.

And the spirit of Paul Revere (or someone dressed like him) is riding through Somerville as William Dawes still probably gets less attention as he passes through Cambridge.

More cheapness on the calendar...

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MON 4/16

9:15am until the last guy crosses the line
116th Boston Marathon
from Hopkinton to Boston
FREE to watch

Oh, man... It's a hot one! I was at the scorcher in 2003, and standing along the route was an effort.

It's not too late to go watch the marathon, but it's probably too late to get a good spot.

The fastest wheelchair competitors will cross the finish line around 11 am, and the first runners should be arriving about an hour later.

Maybe you can find a decent sight line near Cleveland Circle or Coolidge Corner. I've enjoyed hanging out on a couple occasions on Comm Ave just a bit after Heartbreak Hill. Bring a little ice chest, and you should be okay...

Sunday, April 15, 2012

SUN 4/15: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Take a listen to Reptar who played in town last week.

SUN 4/15: Rugby, Roy, Revere, Rock


Oh, what a beautiful day!

You probably won't be able to get near the marathon finish line tomorrow. Copley Square is pretty much shut down today so you can walk in the middle of the street and photograph your mock victory (along with everyone else).

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SUN 4/15

9:30am to 4pm
Rugby League Open Tryouts & Cheerleading Tryouts
at Sports Center & Briggs Field, about 120 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Rugby Tryouts:

9:30am -- Registration
10am to Noon -- Core Skills / Strength & Conditioning
Noon to 2pm -- Lunch Break / Video Session
2pm to 4pm -- Team Strategies / Scrimmage
Cheerleading Tryouts:
10am to 12pm -- Registration & First Draft
12pm to 2pm -- Lunch Break
2pm to 4pm -- Finals
Yes, it's rugby. No, it's not a bunch MIT geeks trying to avoid getting tackled.

The Oneida FC and the Boston 13's are actually holding open tryouts. If you're walking around this afternoon -- or if you really love rugby -- the best time to swing though is between 2pm and 4pm for the scrimmages and the cheerleading tryout finals.

SUN 4/15

4pm
Roy Sludge Trio
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Last year, Sludge released a kick-ass country CD with a good dose of wit called "Too Drunk To Truck", and the songs go from there.

I also like how his site labeled this gig "Free Sludge". Buy yourself another beer since you didn't pay to get in and enjoy the tunes tonight.

SUN 4/15

7pm to 9:15pm
"Paul Revere Row": Presentations & Reenactment
at USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard
FREE

On the eve of Patriot's Day, the people of Charlestown can remind us that Paul Revere's ride began there while he was looking for one or two lanterns atop the Old North Church. Beyond these few factoids, my confidence in the story begins to falter.

I saw a schedule from a couple years ago, which is probably similar to the current agenda. Various speakers will info-tain, and you know there will be some fife & drums. All the while, a surrogate Paul Revere will row across from North End and arrive about 9pm.

SUN 4/15

9pm
Bad Veins, The Field Effect, Daybreaker, Rich People Food
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

Even if you don't feel like staying out late tonight, do yourself a favor: check out Bad Veins. These guys from Ohio know their way around melodies, and they make a fun, synthy racket. Get in on the ground floor, because if the Black Keys can make it...

Three local catchy indie-rockers join the party.

SUN 4/15

10pm
"This Has Been A Disaster - Thanks For Having Us" #6
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Doug Keith (Sharon Van Etten band), Marisa Anderson, William Giraldi

Music-loving author Steve Almond and Hallelujah The Hills frontman Ryan Walsh talk to musicians about musical horror stories. I'm not sure about author William Giraldi's rock credentials, but he'll likely have a couple good stories up his sleeve.

I wish this was still an hour earlier when they did it at Toad. On the other hand, it's only an hour like any other day of the week.

Expect Doug and Marisa to performa few songs as well.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

SAT 4/14: Music, Korea, Dance, Theater, Film


I don't like making flyers on the fly, but I saw a cool Ryan Adams stencil on Flickr, and I didn't round up a full-size image of one of the gig flyers I wanted...

BTW: Sunday cheapness is on the calendar.

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SAT 4/14

4pm to 8:30pm
Far from Finished, Yesterday's Heroes, The Radicals, The Furiousity, The Union Boys
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$8 / All Ages

Wow, WTF? Far from Finished is on the road making fans and playing big gigs all over the place, and thankfully they'll still play an all-ages punk matinee at the Midway.

Maybe it's because it's one of the last shows for Yesterday's Heroes. Or maybe because it's just how it should be when you're back home. There is plenty to like about this gig, but it's FFF and the lady-punk of The Furiousity that offer the most interesting stuff.

SAT 4/14

7pm to 9pm
BU Korean Student Assoc Culture Show: "Wedding Clashers"
at Tsai Performance Center, Boston University, 685 Comm Ave, Boston
$5

Maybe I've watched too much Margaret Cho standup, but I think a variety show has potential. It centers around the tale of a traditional guy preparing to marry a modern Korean-American woman. There will be music and dancing.

It's a glimpse of Korean culture (from the BU student perspective).

SAT 4/14

8pm
"For the Sake of the Song": Ryan Adams
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$8

Feat: Dan Zinder, Brian Carroll, Patrick Coman

There are plenty of suckers for the man who may have kickstarted the alt-country/Americana boom of the last 10 years. There are way too many songs to choose from...

It might be more about the emotional content than Ryan Adams' delivery. I could listen to anyone sing the tender lyrics of the whole "Heartbreaker" album. Could someone even go back to his Whiskeytown days?

Show and listen to a sample of covers and originals from guys who must surely owe a little bit to this crazy guy.

SAT 4/14

8pm
"Spring Works"
at Boston Conservatory Theater, 31 Hemenway St, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Students in the Conservatory's dance program have put about a year into these 8 original choreographies as well as 2 pieces by local choreographers, Lorraine Chapman and Anna Myer.

Most of the music is original as well to accompany the kinetic poems and stories (with a nod to yesterday's poetry and story slams).

I watched a bit of Anna Myer's "All at Once", and I'd like to think that not all of the pieces will seem so formal.

SAT 4/14

8pm
"In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)"
at Student Theater at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$6

Yes, it's a play that takes place during the late 19th-century when electricity was a new technology. Inevitably someone applies it to human sexuality -- with the most honorable of purposes in this case as a cure for "female hysteria".

If you didn't see this comedy about sex, love, and soulful experiences when it was first produced in town a couple years ago, this is the next chance.

(Hang in there, this might be a 2.5 hour play.)

SAT 4/14

8pm
"The Super Eighties: Super 8 Films from the 1980's": Screening & Dance Party
at Spectacle, 128 Brookside Ave, Jamaica Plain (near Green St T)
$8 suggested donation

Films by: Saul Levine, Ericka Beckman, Tom Roades, Anne Robertson, FASTWURMS, Joe Gibbons, Peggy Ahwesh, Jennifer Montgomery, Eldon Garnet, Edie Steiner, more

I'll be honest: I watched the documentary "Blank City" about the underground NY film scene of about the same era, and the idea of watching a couple hours of low-budget art films in an unmarked art space -- followed by a dance party -- seems pretty cool.

I doubt anyone really wishes that they were still making films on crappy 8mm cameras (that will not be shown on film projector tonight), but it's interesting to see what was being done with limited resources.

SAT 4/14

9pm
Bobb Trimble's Flying Spiders (11pm), Stephen Brodsky (10pm), The Fantasies (9pm)
at Store 54 (basement), 16 Harvard Ave, Allston
$5 suggested donation / All Ages

Maybe I would've laughed at Bobb Trimble back in the '80s, especially since I didn't know that his early Worcester bands mainly consisted of kids (which I just read in a Guardian article). Still I'm inclined to believe he's the psychedelic brother of Syd Barrett who grew up in Central MA.

One never knows which Stephen Brodsky is going to show up (metal, powerpop, psych-rock), but clicking on his site's "New Recordings" is a YouTube link from February with acoustic Steve and his brother on drums doing something compellingly moody. I wonder if The Fantasies are the "Flying Spiders" tonight; that is some pretty sweet 70's pop from Northampton.

It's a BYOB situation, although the music might provide a bit of a head rush.

SAT 4/14

9:30pm
Banana Phonetic, The Doctors Fox, Sounds of Venus, Left Hand Does
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

I dig the laid-back, vaguely rootsy jam-rock of Banana Phonetic and the eclectic dork-rock of The Doctors Fox. There's nothing wrong with the other bands, but they don't tickle the monkeybone that makes me excited about their music.

Friday, April 13, 2012

FRI 4/13: Science, Slams, Comedy, Dance, Film, Theatre, Music


Whoops! I guess this is an unlucky day for me...

Weekend cheapness is on the CTB Calendar.

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FRI 4/13

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

Tonight's monthly open house is also the opening of a new exhibit "Rivers of Ice: Vanishing Glaciers of the Greater Himalaya". Guides will give tours beginning at 5:30pm, and a discussion will follow at 6pm.

Honestly, there are lots of cool stuff at the MIT Museum that's worth the price of admission, but it's even better when you can get in for free.

If you really want to see the best exhibit in the building, go upstairs and spend some time with the kinetic sculptures of Arthur Ganson. They look cool, and many embody scientific/philosophical ideas.

FRI 4/13

7pm to 10pm
"Louder Than A Bomb": Youth Poetry Slam Finals
at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 W Newton St, Boston (South End)
$10 / FREE for high school students with a valid school ID

"We would like to make this event accessible to everyone and will offer reduced/ sliding scale ticket pricing at the door."

If you're not necessarily a fan of slam poetry, you can walk away feeling the next generation has many thoughtful and impressive members.

The statewide competition started with 16 teams and have been narrowed down to representatives of Peabody, Worcester, Newburyport, and a Somerville/Boston group.

Along with 5 rounds of verbal kung-fu, guest poet Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo who was runner-up in the 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam will also share her work.

FRI 4/13

7pm
"Festival of Narratives": StorySlam Night
at Pozen Center, about 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt, enter on Evans Way)
$5

Chapter I of the Festival of Narratives sold out rather quickly, but each week in April brings a different event to showcase artistic forms of the human need for storytelling.

In conjunction with MassMouth, some students (and the general public) are invited to share true stories on the theme of "Mystery and Misfortune".

Even on Friday the 13th, some will even win prizes...

FRI 4/13

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas: Friday the 13th"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Ryan Shaner, Lillian DeVane, Laura Crawford, Ethan Marsh, Danny Richardson, Andrew Durso, Rob Potylo

Hosted by Rob Crean

Think about it this way: You're paying about 62 cents per funny person. Is that even enough to feed a kid in Africa for a day? I don't think so.

With no drink minimum (or drink maximum), this is a pretty damn good deal to start your weekend with a bunch of laughs.

I'm probably not looking in the right places, but I haven't noticed Rob Potylo (fka Roadsteamer) doing stand-up lately. He could rip your face off -- in a comedic way.

FRI 4/13 (and SAT 4/14)

8pm
"Spring Works"
at Boston Conservatory Theater, 31 Hemenway St, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Students in the Conservatory's dance program have put about a year into these 8 original choreographies as well as 2 pieces by local choreographers, Lorraine Chapman and Anna Myer.

Most of the music is original as well to accompany the kinetic poems and stories. (See the slams listed above.)

FRI 4/13

8pm to 11pm
"A Double Barreled Night Of Exploitation Films"
at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
$8 online / $10 door (cash only)

Feat: "Dear God No!" & "Nun of That"

Neither of tonight's features are quite what you normally get from the "All Things Horror" guys, but the indie-spirit is there. They're resuming what I like to call Boston's monthly indie-horror festival in a few weeks.

Instead we have a couple of modern grindhouse at its low-budget best. On one hand, there are bikers and seminude women going crazy. On the other hand, there are sexy, badass nuns cleaning up the streets with way more firepower than a sharp ruler.

FRI 4/13 (and SAT 4/14)

8pm
"In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)"
at Student Theater at Agganis Arena, 925 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$6

Yes, it's a play that takes place during the late 19th-century when electricity was a new technology. Inevitably someone applies it to human sexuality -- with the most honorable of purposes in this case as a cure for "female hysteria".

If you didn't see this comedy about sex, love, and soulful experiences when it was first produced in town a couple years ago, this is the next chance.

FRI 4/13

9pm
The Spampinato Brothers
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

It's weird to think that NRBQ is still out on the road with only one original member. On the other hand, they're probably playing superb rock 'n roll much like former bassist Joey Spampinato and guitarist-brother Johnny (who played with the 'Q for a while) in their band. This is real good-time music.

Tickets are being sold in advance, but I'd like to think a few walk-ups can squeeze in.

The inimitable DJ Easy Ed will probably play a lot of old-time rock and rockabilly after the live music finishes around 11:30pm.

FRI 4/13

9:30pm
Semi Final Night #2
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Feat: Garvy J (11:45pm), The Rationales (11pm), Ghosts Of Jupiter (10:15pm), Sherman Burns (9:30pm)

The Finals are going to be $12 next week, so it technically won't qualify for CTB but might still make the list.

I give up on trying to pick the winners. All of the Prelim winners and wild-card Sherman Burns moved to the next round because they were the best bands that played on their respective nights.

In theory you're going to hear 4 of the currently best local bands give you their very different take on what's rocking at this moment.

FRI 4/13

10pm
Hands and Knees, Summer Cult, Fashion Snake, Jim Heffernan
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7 / 21+

Whenever Hands and Knees are on the bill, there's not much more required to give a big thumbs-up to that gig. Gotta love their jangly, twangy rock with a bunch of satisfying songs that still have a little rough 'n tumble swagger.

Add a wry indie-folk band from upstate NY and a solo dude from Brooklyn. Fashion Snake is a bit of a mystery, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's one guy or a full-on/minimalist art-rock ensemble.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Thursday to Saturday Calendar

I don't know where the day went, so here is the summary of cheapness for the next couple of days. I might have a weekend preview tonight...

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

WED 4/11: Classical, Talk, Jazz Film, Blues

Matt Hill & The Deep Fryed Two, tonight at Smoken' Joe's and tomorrow at Rosebud Bar
FYI: The calendar has cheap fun for Thursday & Friday.

And you might still be able to win tickets for Friday's Beer Summit (see below).

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WED 4/11

5:30pm to 6:45pm
"BSO 101": Adult Education Series
at Symphony Hall, 310 Mass Ave, Boston (South End-ish)
FREE

I mentioned this seminar/series when it started in October, and it's not too late to get some insight into classical music from Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians.

Tonight's session is titled, "Beethoven Up Close". An RSVP email is suggested, and you don't have to say it's your first time...

WED 4/11

6pm
Glenn Stout, "Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark": Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

The PBS program on Fenway Park was interesting, but it didn't capture the Sox fans' passion for the historic baseball stadium.

Glenn Stout appeared in the show, and I don't blame him for my tepid response.

WED 4/11

6:30pm
"Blue Note: A Story of Modern Jazz"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Harvard's Learning From Performers program is presenting 2 nights of films related to the Blue Note label that released much of the classic jazz records of the '50s and '60s -- however only the first night's documentary is free.

The unfortunate aspect is that I've heard the film is heavy on interviews versus performance footage. Still jazz drummer/writer/producer Michael Cuscuna who runs his own label will introduce the program and provide a little music history for students of all stripes.

WED 4/11

7pm to 8:30pm
Tom Hayden & Noam Chomsky: "Revisiting Port Huron"
at Wong Auditorium, Tang Center, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

On the 50th anniversary of Tom Hayden's civil rights/anti-war manifesto, he and Noam Chomsky discuss its relevance in history and the present. They say:

A brief question and answer session will be held following the talk.
(My favorite part of these events is watching Chomsky get the rock-star treatment afterwards.)

WED 4/11

8:30pm
Matt Hill & The Deep Fryed Two
at Smoken' Joe's BBQ, 351 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
$5-ish

Hey, it's nothing to sneeze at when someone wins "Best New Artist Debut" at the Blues Music Awards -- like Matt Hill did last year. The kid can play, and he can sing. This is Saturday night music that's arriving a few days early, so be prepared to have a good time.

The St. Louis guitarist and his band might be on their first trip to the Boston area. He and the "Deep Fryed Two" are playing tomorrow at the Rosebud in Somerville tomorrow night. The cover will be $10, and it's usually $5 at Smoken' Joe's.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Win 2 Tix to Boston Beer Summit on FRI 4/13


FRI 4/13

5:30pm to 9pm
Boston Beer Summit
at Park Plaza Castle, 130 Columbus Ave, Boston
$42.50 / 21+

I have attended the Boston Beer Summit several times, and it was worth the price of admission as far as my friends and I were concerned.



But why pay when you can win tickets?

You and one friend have a chance to go to the Friday night session for free with hundreds of beers from about 75 breweries.

It looks like there tickets still available for Friday and the early Saturday session (12:30pm to 4pm).

Tuesday & Wednesday Calendar

Here's the calendar for the next couple days. Some of Wednesdays gigs are only $10 if buy tickets in advance (i.e. today).

Some of today's options include:

Harvard's President is talking Civil War history at BPL... Suffolk's NORML chapter has a bunch of speakers and non-smokable hemp samples... One of the few remaining Beat poets is getting an award (to go with his Pulitzer) at MIT... Live experimental cinema at the Brattle... Free music near the Fenway and Union Square...

It's not on the calendar, but a new HBO show is having a screening tonight that requires a RSVP.

There are also scotch tastings through Friday in the Seaport District that might still have spaces to RSVP.

Sunday, April 08, 2012

SUN 4/8: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Did rabbits live in Palestine 2,000 years ago? Does it matter if I got jelly beans as child?

This weekend turns my thoughts to celebration of life of the supernatural and lapine variety... And somehow the 'Jive Bunny' came to mind.

Let's look back to the '90s when a mash-up was just a cycle of songs with a consistent drum track. Music has evolved!



And let's not forget that great journalist -- and Brookline son -- Mike Wallace will never interview anyone on "60 Minutes" again.

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Saturday & Sunday Calendar

Oh, I didn't clean last night (or type enough).

If you haven't looked yet, the Pillow Fight is going to be on the Greenway near the North End.

Or you could stop in and hang with the Together Festival peeps, if you're around Central Square.

Friday, April 06, 2012

SAT 4/7: Pillow Fight!


Even though I'll likely spend much of tonight preparing for company, I might just procrastinate by elaborating on cheap weekend fun.

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2:55pm
Banditos Misteriosos Pillow Fight 2012
at Secret Location, to be announced at Midnight
FREE

If someone wakes you on Saturday with a swift yet soft whack on the head, it's a celebration of "International Pillow Fight Day".

Hundreds of people show up for the Banditos' semi-flash mob, and the crowd gets bigger every year.

Arrive before 3pm, and discreetly bring a pillow (un-feathered/non-painful). Wait for the horn, then have some fun bashing anyone with a pillow.

There has been a hint about the location -- that it will be easy for PAX East attendees to take a break from the virtual work for IRL gaming. (Tony Hawk's video games are non-competitive too, right?)

I can think of a couple Seaport spots off the top of my head:

Maybe everyone could fit in front of the Convention Center? I think it would be cool to do it around the ICA and the outside stairs as long everyone maintains minimal safety awareness.

Check their website or Facebook or Twitter for the actual location.

FRI 4/6: Art, Talk, Film, Comedy, Music


If fashion around town looks a bit more daring than usual this weekend, keep in mind that Boston is hosting PAX East and Anime Boston.

There's also a Burlesque Exposition in Cambridge, but I doubt many of those ladies will be swinging on the bars of the T. I don't even recommend touching them if you don't have to...

Weekend cheapness is on the calendar.

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FRI 4/6

5pm to 9pm
First Friday Open Studios
at SoWa Arts Bldg, 450 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

When I've gone, there were decent crowds passing through. Several dozen studios with interesting works are always open in the rather large building, and there's bound to be refreshments in a few...

Go tonight or any first Friday of every month.

FRI 4/6

6pm to 8pm
"To Stand Against War": Conversations with Hamid Dabashi
at Room 522, College of Arts & Sciences Bldg, 725 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

The event is subtitled, "The Costs and Consequences of War with Iran".

The biggest takeaway from this discussion probably won't the information about Iran's nuclear program or the effect of sanctions on the average citizen -- I think it may be a good chance to get a taste of the Iranian persona compared to the caricature of the country's president.

FRI 4/6 (thru SUN 4/8)

Various Times
8th Annual European Short Film Festival
at Room 250, Bldg 10, 222 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Friday -- 7pm
Saturday -- 3pm, 7pm
Sunday -- 7pm
The annual Euro-Short Fest offers a variety of styles from around the continent with films from Germany, Romania, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and Poland.

That's just tonight's program which clocks in around 2 hours & 20 minutes by my count (without the intermission).

This could be the first night of your polyglot journey! Or just pleasant viewing experience with free popcorn and soda...

FRI 4/6

8pm
Kitsch In Sync: "Greatest Story Ever Told"
at Castlebar, 575 Washington St, Brighton (Oak Sq)
$5 / 21+

If you don't get it, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" is an old movie about Jesus that is still broadcasted on a few channels every year on Easter. This improv group is actually making fun of the other epic that's getting recycled, "Titanic" -- and who knows what other topics will get skewered.

When googling for "Titanic" and "Castlebar", you find out that some passengers bought their tickets to a watery death in this Irish pub.

FRI 4/6

8pm to 11pm
"The Spring Ramble"
at Arts at The Armory Performance Hall, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$10

Feat: Patrick Coman & the Lo-fi Angels, The Autumn Hollow Band, Meg Smallidge & the Wednesdays, The Pennies

This ain't the most T-friendly venue in the area (try #88 or #90), but there's a lot of fun inside that white fortress of culture.

It happens to be a 'seasonal fundraiser' at the Armory, so there will be amusements along with the Americana. (Yes, there will be adult beverages too.)

FRI 4/6

9pm
Riki Rocksteady & The Arraignments, Soulshot, Freddy Loco
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

With DJ Selector Star David

It's always good to have an angle to promote your gig, but is it really a big deal to be the first reggae night at a club that's less than a year old?

On the other hand, Riki Rocksteady and Soulshot are really good ska/reggae performers.

And when was the last time you've heard Belgian ska like Freddy Loco? Has there been a first time?

FRI 4/6

9:30pm
2012 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Preliminary Night #5
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Feat: The Bynars (11:45pm), Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck (11pm), Brownboot (10:15pm), Pray For Polanski (9:30pm)

There's no point in trying to predict who will win tonight's preliminary round. I wish this was a semi-finals night, because I like them all.

Don't expect The Bynars to follow Bow Thayer again, and it's doubtful Pray For Polanski and Brownboot are going to pair up for a month-long residency. Still this is the synthy-rootsy-indie-rock fun of the Rumble. Say "Hallelujah!"

FRI 4/6

9pm
Spitzz, Bugs and Rats, Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion!, Brave Cavemen, War on Words
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

This could be called a punk-rock extravaganza, even though Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion are deep into the surf sound and Spitzz is leans garagey, except for peculiar meanderings of Brave Cavemen. Maybe that's what makes this lineup so punk...

Sneak Peek 5/2: Bacon & Beer Art Show


I love that poster, and there is a $10 related event to the Boston Bacon and Beer Festival.

The calendar has the Friday through Sunday cheapness. A dedicated Friday post should be up soon.

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WED 5/2

6:30pm, 8pm
Bacon & Beer Art Show
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

Co-presented by Super Precious Gallery

Tix available for 6:30pm & 8pm

The main event on SAT 4/28 is full, however there is still a chance to get into this pork 'n paint party:

Enjoy contemporary art inspired by bacon and beer from 20+ artists while munching on bacony offerings from Stone Hearth Pizza Company, Wicked Kickn' Savory Cheese Cakes, and Pink Box Desserts, with beer from Watch City Brewing Company, Clown Shoes Beer, and Left Hand Brewing Company.
If the artwork above is any indication, there should be plenty of laughs -- even if they're fueled by beer and heavenly aroma of bacon.

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Friday & Saturday Calendar

Hey, ho! Take a gander at the next 2 days of cheapness.

It's a Passover/Easter weekend, but there are options on both Saturday and Sunday including a Saturday pillow fight at an undisclosed location.

THUR 4/5: Talk, Beats, Tunes


Wow, it's opening day! As tough as the season ended for the Sox, we begin with an optimistic clean slate today.

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THUR 4/5

7pm
"The Short American Century: A Postmortem": Reading/Discussion
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Feat: Andrew Bacevich, Jeffrey Frieden, Akira Iriye

BU and Harvard professors take a cold, objective look at the US accomplishments of the last 70+ years. (The title includes "Short".) Agree or disagree, these gentlemen can stimulate conversation without flaming rhetoric.

THUR 4/5

8pm to 9:30pm
Shea Rose, Lovewhip
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
FREE / Donations accepted

This is another new monthly series known as "WAAF's Bay State Rock Bistro Busk" that makes a compelling reason to get on the bus (#88 or #90) through Somerville to Arts at The Armory.

Two acts that can get loud and funky get it going in a more intimate and not-the-same-kind-of-funky space.

It's a busk, so feel free to drop something in the guitar case.

THUR 4/5

9pm
Red Bull Thre3Style Competition
at Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: DJ Braun Draper, DJ LayzeeBoy, DJ Midas, DJ Reel Drama, DJ Frank White, DJ Durkin, DJ Joey-C, DJ Knife

Nine local DJ's get 15 minutes to get the dance floor bouncing by playing 3 different genres. The winner gets $1,000 and qualifies for the East Coast finals.

Local hip-hopper Akrobatik will host the event, and DJ Vice will keep spinning after the competitors.

THUR 4/5

9:30pm
2012 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Preliminary Night #4
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Feat: The Fagettes (11:45pm), Parlour Bells (11pm), Never Got Caught (10:15pm), Cask Mouse (9:30pm)

With 3 preliminary nights down and 3 more to go, Boston Band Crush is a good spot for a mix of Rumble videos and recaps.

I suspect that Never Got Caught might have a good chance at winning tonight, because the judges haven't picked a hard/punk band to advance yet -- if they even think about that sort of thing. Any of these bands -- from the dramatic pop of Parlour Bells to Cask Mouse's Americana to ragged indie-party-rock of The Fagettes -- have the stuff to advance to the semi-finals.

THUR 4/5

9:30pm
Together Festival: "Ninja Tune Showcase"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 21+

Feat: Starkey, FaltyDL , Percussion Lab (Nooka Jones & Nihal Ramchandani)

Think of this as a reminder that the Together Festival is in full swing. They've got lots of events happening through Sunday 4/8.

Although I listen to less electronica than I did about 10 years ago, Ninja Tune was consistently a stamp of interesting electronic/hip-hop sounds. And here is an in-person sampler.

THUR 4/5

9:30pm
Rocking Horse Rodeo, Annalise Emerick
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
FREE / 21+

On one hand, there's Boston guys playing good. clean alt-country. On the other hand, there's a folk gypsy who recently landed here from Nashville.

THUR 4/5

10:30pm
Chris Warren
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE-ish / 21+

Besides currently playing in the awesome-rockin' Viva Viva, Chris Warren recorded a solo album last year where the songs' lyrical content feels more potent with the volume turned down.

It might be a $5 cover. He might be joined by a drummer. It will be worthwhile in both or neither cases.

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