Thursday, May 31, 2012

6/5: See the Transit of Venus


And there is cheap fun through Monday on the calendar.

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TUES 6/5

6pm to Sunset
The Transit of Venus
at the Surface of the Sun
FREE

It all depends on how interested you are about the machinations of our solar system, but this is a cool moment that won't happen again in your lifetime*.

As planetary orbits go Earthlings saw Venus pass across the Sun in 2004, and we are going to wait 105 years before it will happen again.

It should be visible from 6pm until the sun sets. If you go to the Transit of Venus site, there are various safe viewing ideas to general information as well as a free smartphone app.

Please don't stare at the sun! If it's cloudy BU and Harvard below offer a video feed of the event. (From a satellite?)

There are a few options to see it with some professional assistance:

- #1 -

Rooftop Viewing
at Phillips Auditorium, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge (between Porter Sq and Fresh Pond)

They say:

Attendees don't need to bring anything. We will offer filtered telescopes, solar projection, and a limited number of eclipse viewer glasses.
Parking is available at 60 Garden Street, 160 Concord Avenue, and the lot on Bond Street between Garden Street and Concord Avenue.
From personal experience, there's a lot of room on the roof even if a big crowd shows up.

- #2 -

Boston University Viewing Options
at Coit Observatory, rooftop of 725 Comm Ave, Boston
at 3 locations along Comm Ave, Boston

They say:
To enable the most people to view the transit safely, BU astronomers will staff telescopes across BU’s campus.
Underneath the observatory in Room 522, there will be astronomical smarty-pants to chat about the planets, stars, dark matter, and whatever else you like. (And this is where the video feed will be shown.)

- #3 -

Museum of Science Viewing (RSVP Required)
on the Garage Roof, 1 Science Park, Boston


Registration is FULL.

They say:
A number of telescopes will be set up[...] equipped with solar filters for safe viewing.
There are very few spots left, so hurry and RSVP!

* With advancements in science, some of us could be alive in 2117 -- if some other cataclysmic event doesn't occur first.

Friday to Sunday Calendar

Some highlights:

Tom Brady and his buddies are playing a casual game at Harvard Stadium on Friday (registration req'd)...

The Figgs are doing 2 nights of great American rock at Church ($10)...

Tijuana Sweetheart are rocking 2 farewell nights at O'Brien's ($8)...

For the 33rd year, Cambridge River Festival goes down on the Memorial Drive side of the Charles on Saturday...

Postponed: The Greenway is the site for an experimental art festival on both weekend days...

Jamaica Plain's Sunday fun-day includes the Green Roots Festival and a chili competition...

A big chunk of East Somerville's Broadway will be blocked off for music & fun on Sunday...

Anglophiles can swing by the Old State House to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee on Sunday...


THUR 5/31: Talk, Music, Film



FYI: There is weekend cheapness on the calendar with quite a few outdoor items.

Let's hope the weather can be as cooperative as today.

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THUR 5/31

6pm
George V. Lauder, "The Grand Diversity of Fishes: Form, Function, and Evolution": Lecture
at Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Ah, fish! They're not just for dinner anymore...

The Harvard Museum of Natural History has revamped its Fishes Gallery, and it's reopening on Saturday. It would be a bummer if you don't get to take a little peek into the fresh, fishy fixtures; however one will still hear the Ichthyology Curator of Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology expound on aquatic marvels and the updated exhibits.

THUR 5/31

7:30pm to 8:30pm
12th Annual "Revels Celebration of the Spring"
at Dwight Hall, Perkins School for the Blind, 175 N. Beacon St, Watertown
FREE

Feat: Perkins School Secondary Program Chorus, Revels Repertory Company, The Perkins Duo, Mulberry Morris children’s dance team, and the "Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss"

Technically it's still spring despite feeling like summer lately. The climate-controlled theatre will assist the Revels Repertory Company and Perkins students/alumni preserve the spirit of the season. The hourlong includes some bell-wearing Morris dancers and a Cornish celebration of the coming summer.

THUR 5/31

8pm
"Moonrise Kingdom": Preview Screening
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

The waiting lines at free Brattle screenings can get daunting, so I don't want to imagine the queue for Wes Anderson's quirky tale of in an alternate version of New England summer in 1965.

If one is not a fan of "Rushmore", "The Royal Tenenbaums", etc; some people might just be piqued by the star power of Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Harvey Keitel, Frances McDormand, Jason Schwartzman, and so on.

"Seating will occur on a first-come-first-sat basis." Doors at 7pm, so you might have to consider waiting for an hour is worth the early view and free admission. (Bring a book and/or a friend.)

THUR 5/31

8:30pm
For the Sake of the Song: The Rolling Stones - "Exile on Main Street"
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Feat: Patrick Coman & The Lo-Fi Angels, BrownBoot, Matt Borello Band, "Exile on Elm Street"

To people that consider themselves to be connoisseurs of the Rolling Stones, the majority will say that "Exile on Main Street" is their best album. Almost anyone can also praise the album, because there are just enough classics amid the rambling/mysterious rock and blues that it's hard to describe or dispute.

I like how the FTSOTS has split up the album in quarters just like the 4 sides of a double-LP. Each band gets a fan favorite as the order goes: BrownBoot ("Tumbling Dice"), Patrick Coman & The Lo-Fi Angels ("Loving Cup"), Matt Borrello ("Happy"), and Exile on Elm Street (Ryan Fitzsimmons, Kara Kulpa, Danielle Miraglia, Tom Bianchi, and Erik White get side 4 with "All Down the Line" & "Shine a Light".

THUR 5/31

Red Heroine (9:30pm), Cask Mouse (10:45pm)
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
$7

Since I've mentioned Boston Beer Week a couple times, I should mention this gig is a technically a beer-related event since the guys from NH's White Birch will be there to talk about their brews that will be on tap.

Oh, yeah. And there are bands onstage. The indie-folk venture previously known as Mr Sister changed their name to Red Heroine last year, so I don't feel bad reminding people. Whatever you call it, this band revolves around an amazing voice that stretches and croaks like an Appalachian Billie Holiday. The country/Americana Cask Mouse also pull on your heartstrings like a lonesome call on the plains.

THUR 5/31

10pm
Full Tang, Super Hi-Fi
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$5 / 21+

It could be an attempt to keep a distance from the dreadlocked hacky-sack players of my youth, but I hear a pleasant difference between jam-band sound and the way Full Tang injects African influences in the rock stew. Add Brooklyn's Super Hi-Fi horn-powered funkiness which makes me think "Afro-Dub" may be one of the best branches of reggae.

This is the kind of dance party I can get into.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

WED 5/30: Talk, Rock, Latin


Is Boston Beer Week something to get excited about? Well... If you like drinking beer, it might add a twist to your pub time.

Today's CTB-approved Boston Beer Week events include: Todd's Taco Night at Green Street Grill (featured beer & taco for $3.99) and Oskar Blues Pint Night at Flash's (buy the beer and keep the pint glass).

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WED 5/30

6pm to 7:15pm
"Interop: The Promise and Perils of Highly Interconnected Systems": Discussion
at Wasserstein Hall, Milstein West (2nd Floor), 1585 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Law School)
FREE w/ RSVP

Feat: John Palfrey & Urs Gasser

The co-authors (and Harvard law professors) delve into a subject where most people might stop at "Yes, the easy access of different types of information over disparate platforms. I wish there was some kind of standard like they did with electrical plugs -- except those damn Europeans with their funny plugs..."

It's going to be wonky, but there should be a discussion of some big concepts.

WED 5/30

7pm to 9pm
Science in the News: "Climate Change -- Earth's Climate: Old Problems, New Thoughts"
at Pfizer Auditorium Hall, Mallinckrodt Bldg, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Not a climate change expert? These lectures are structured for any interested lay people to hear an introduction to the subject, some of the recent research, as well as ethical/social angle.

Tonight's lecture focuses on the effects of greenhouse gases and desert dust blowing across the Atlantic Ocean. It can be a relatively depressing discussion because it seems like the world has waited too long to remedy the effects, however the presenters have a new solution to share.

WED 5/30

8:30pm
"WFNX Local Exposure": The Daily Pravda
at Hard Rock Cafe, 22 Clinton St, Boston (near Faneuil Hall)
FREE w/ RSVP / 21+

Aw, man, it's sad to see WFNX is going off the air. On the other hand, they sorta deserve it for playing so much Red Hot Chili Peppers lately... The pre-planned events are still happening even if the radio station has stopped transmitting.

Until it goes dark, I understand the RHCP quotient has decreased, and they've championed local music like playing Boston bands beyond the "Boston Accents" program -- and this free gig at the Hard Rock.

Take a minute to RSVP then soak in the The Daily Pravda who obviously love David Bowie, which is a good starting point for modern-rock band who have expanded their sound over the years.

WED 5/30

9pm
Tampoffs, The OBN IIIs, Reports
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

9pm
"SM Night" w/ Earthquake Party!, Thunders, DJ's Iron Fist & El Poser
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

We can do a little 'compare and contrast' exercise for these gigs:

Both have an out-of-town band (The OBN IIIs from Austin and Thunders from Chicago). There are DJ's at Middlesex for dance time, ad probably no DJ's -- or anything close to organized dancing -- at Radio. While I expect both are 'queer-friendly', SM night specifically mentions it along with encouraging sexy summer outfits.

I like the idea of mixing noisy-spikey garage-rock with dancing. Sometimes it's really good to spazz out to rowdy garage-punk while standing in one place (or dancing).

WED 5/30

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

This is an all-female band who combine the various sounds of Cape Verde into an smooth, buoyant Latin-jazz blend that you'd expect from islands with Portuguese/African/Caribbean influences.

WED 5/30

9:30pm
Grass Widow, Shepherdess, Bent Shapes
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

There's another good gig with a visiting band, San Francisco's Grass Widow. The jangly trio of ladies appear to be high on cool tunes and good vibrations while being low on rockstar attitude. They're joined by two of my faves Shepherdess and Bent Shapes who I raved about when they were Girlfriends and have added another guitarist and changed the moniker.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tuesday & Wednesday Calendar

Just in case another post doesn't go up today.

FYI: As part of Boston Beer Week, you can take your glass home if you buy a pint of Sam Adams at Flash's from 6pm to 9pm tonight.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

SUN 5/27: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

When you auto-tune science, it's more than just funny like the news.

SUN 5/27: Music, Cemeteries, Poetry, Theatre


After some internet connectivity issues, we're back. You don't don't have to go to the MFA for cheap Monday fun.

If you feel like going to Marshfield today, there is a Native American Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow & Crafts Festival ($5 or less). Who knows why, but the details are in a Word file on their site.

For those interested in finding a nearby Memorial Day celebration, scroll down at Boston Events Insider to find an extensive list of municipal events.

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SUN 5/27 (and MON 5/28)

Various Times
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day

Sunday -- 12:45pm
Monday -- Noon
Sunday Schedule:
12:45pm -- Beth DeSombre, Rick Drost, Rick Gottlieb, Ryan Alvanos
2:15pm -- Bewilderbeast
3pm -- Oen Kennedy, Tom Smith, Kim Jennings, Levi Schmidt, Dan Cloutier
5pm -- April Bender
5:45pm -- The Pretty Darns
6:30pm -- Hannah & Maggie
7:15pm -- Hannah Sanders & Liz Simmons
8pm -- Ariel Rubin, Rhianna Larocque, Kerri Lowe
9:15pm -- The Greg Hawkes Ukulele Trio
10pm -- Dave Champagne, Lloyd Thayer, Patrick Coman, Brian Webb
Over the next 2 days Passim still has a bunch of folk, bluegrass, blues, and rock acts for the majority of the day. One doesn't even have to spend 11 hours to get your money's worth. Pick a section and enjoy a handful or two of fine music.

No actual open fire, but lots of good tunes.

SUN 5/27

Various Times
Open House & Performance
at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge
FREE
2pm to 5pm -- Bigelow Open House
4pm to 5:30pm -- Ray Lam & Yelena Beriyeva
Strange as it sounds, Mount Auburn Cemetery is a nice place to visit even if you don't want stay there...

They have tours, and I took a 1-day photography class there. The landscaping and sculpture is beautiful, and quite a few famous people are buried there.

There is a Memorial Day Service on Saturday -- and you can visit anytime -- but Sunday has a couple diversions that should enhance a visit like being able to walk around the usually closed Bigelow Chapel (built 1846) and a performance of works for clarinet & piano.

SUN 5/27

2pm
"Poetic Convergence": Boston Poetry Slam
at Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain
$5

Feat: Simone Beaubien

Despite no mention on Boston Poetry Slam's or Simone Beaubien's internet presences, they've been on the Forest Hills for month's. This is actually the last of a monthly poetry series, and it's like a little bit of Wednesday night Cambridge in Sunday afternoon JP. Except it's a chapel instead of a dive bar basement.

Like Mt Auburn Cemetery, it's a rather beautiful walk through the grounds. And don't forget the shortcut from Forest Hills T via Tower Street.

SUN 5/27

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.

The trio is joined by Kevin Barry who'll likely sit in on lap steel guitar to kick up the good ol' honky-tonking quotient up another notch.

Unlike most gigs at Radio, kids are allowed to be there when accompanied by adult.

SUN 5/27

8pm
"Projection"
at Creative Co-Op, 549 Columbus Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE w/ RSVP

One is taking a chance when attending an original play, but there are some promising indications.

It's a detective-noir story described as "half David Lynch, half Dashiell Hammett, a dash of the existential" that also features a live musical score (and some cinema elements).

The play is probably about 30 minutes long, and a musical performance follows from the play's composer Jonathan Sibha.

There might even be complimentary beer and coffee...

RSVP is requested.

SUN 5/27

Sea Monsters (10pm), The Franks (8:30pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10-ish

After playing every Sunday for years at Precinct, the Sea Monsters revive the soul-rock party on most 3-day weekends.

Maybe it's the centuries of repression, but there are more soulful singers from Ireland than you'd expect from the very pale inhabitants. (No offense intended towards anyone.) Christian McNeill is definitely one of the good ones, and this may be my favorite of his many projects.

(This might be the last Sea Monsters/Precinct gig until Labor Day...)

SUN 5/27

9pm
Dietrich Strause Band
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

If you can grab a stool or a chair, it's easy to spend any night at Toad with pints and rootsy tunes. Singer-songwriter Strause and band will lay down a folky alternative to Passim's campfire that leads you into Memorial Day weekend.

SUN 5/27

9pm
"Legends Live Forever"
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

Feat: Clockwork & DJ Dex

Hosted by Mark Merren & Jamal Rahman

Kudos for giving Dorchester's Donna Summer a prominent position on the flyer that includes Whitney, Michael, Tupac or Biggie. I get the feeling is that Robin Gibb won't get too much tribute time in a night dedicated to artists that have passed on...

I think this is one of those Memorial Weekend gigs that may not be on the radar, but it could be a fun gig with a variety of singers and emcees with house band Clockwork.

Friday, May 25, 2012

5/25 to 5/28: Campfire Festival


It's a blurry image, but you get the idea...

There is cheapness through Monday on the calendar, and I have made my "Top 12 of the Weekend" list.

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FRI 5/25 (thru MON 5/28)

Various Times
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day / $30 Weekend Pass

Friday -- 6pm
Other Days -- Noon to Midnight
For the majority of the next 4 days Passim is hosting about 100 musical folk, bluegrass, blues, and rock acts. One doesn't even have to spend 11 hours to get your money's worth.

Passim's Campfire festivals usually happen at the beginning and end of the summer season. Performers will sing some songs solo as well as join together for impromptu collaborations -- just like a... campfire sing-along!

I'm not sure if anyone can handle sitting there all 4 days, but there is wall-to-wall folk, bluegrass, blues, and rock. These people are much better than the usual crowd that trade songs around a fire pit.

The whole schedule is listed below (and I tried to fix as many bad links, including MySpace and Facebook links when practical). I'd suggest picking a section and enjoy a few hours of music like: Friday (8:15pm to close), Saturday (3:45pm to 9:30pm), Sunday (6:30pm to close), or Monday (6:45pm to close) -- or any time really.

There may be less s'mores but also fewer mosquitoes (and they serve beer and wine now)...

FRIDAY:
6pm -- Melody Kills
6:45pm -- Meghan Yates
7:30pm -- Three Tall Pines
8:15pm -- Amy Correia, Nathan Reich, Matt Borrello, Nick Young
9:45pm -- The Suitcase Junket
10:30pm -- Rusty Belle
11:15pm -- OldJack
SATURDAY:
Noon -- Blues Ensemble
12:45pm -- Jug Band Ensemble
1:30pm -- Eric Leva
2:15pm -- Megan Lui, Francesca Blanchard, Bailey Cooke, Kat Quinn
3:45pm -- Summer of Aden
4:30pm -- Kellen Zakula
5:15pm -- Clayton Mathews
6pm -- Forrest O'Connor
6:45pm -- Jenna Lindbo, Jen Starsinic, Adrianne Lenker, Kwesi Kankam
8:15pm -- Jarrod Dickenson, Ryan Flaherty, Ryan Fitzsimmons
9:30pm -- Jake Hill, Melvern Taylor, Dietrich Strause, Connor Garvey
11pm -- The Bengsons
SUNDAY:
12:45pm -- Beth DeSombre, Rick Drost, Rick Gottlieb, Ryan Alvanos
2:15pm -- Bewilderbeast
3pm -- Oen Kennedy, Tom Smith, Kim Jennings, Levi Schmidt, Dan Cloutier
5pm -- April Bender
5:45pm -- The Pretty Darns
6:30pm -- Hannah & Maggie
7:15pm -- Hannah Sanders & Liz Simmons
8pm -- Ariel Rubin, Rhianna Larocque, Kerri Lowe
9:15pm -- The Greg Hawkes Ukulele Trio
10pm -- Dave Champagne, Lloyd Thayer, Patrick Coman, Brian Webb
MONDAY:
Noon -- Honky Tonk Ensemble
12:45pm -- Mountain Music Ensemble
1:30pm -- Andrea Belanger, Christa Gniadek, Carrie Ferguson, Kayln Rock
3pm -- Flynn Cohen's DeadString Ensemble
3:45pm -- Jake Armerding
4:30pm -- We Avalanche
5:15pm -- The Whiskey Boys
6pm -- Hannah Read Band
6:45pm -- Audrey Ryan, Alec Spiegelman, Jeremy Lyons, Jeff Conley
8:15pm -- Mike Block
9pm -- The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library
9:45pm -- Hanneke Cassel, Rose Polenzani, Caitlin Canty
11pm -- The Grownup Noise

Have a folky good weekend!

5/25 to 5/28: Top 12 Cheap Fun - Memorial Weekend



The calendar has more cheapness over the weekend, but these are a good variety giving you the best chances for fun.

Let me repeat: Don't believe other sites that mention a "Faneuil Hall Street Performers Festival" this weekend. It's happening at the end of summer instead of the usual beginning. (And it's not terribly exciting either...)

Monday is the beginning of Boston Beer Week, there are a few events that might qualify as 'CTB-approved', so beer-lovers might want to check it out.

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FRI 5/25 (thru MON 5/28)

Various Times
"Campfire Festival"
at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 per day / $30 Weekend Pass

Friday -- 6pm
Other Days -- Noon to Midnight
For the majority of the next 4 days Passim is hosting about 100 musical folk, bluegrass, blues, and rock acts. One doesn't even have to spend 11 hours to get your money's worth. Pick a section and enjoy a handful or two of fine music -- like Friday, Sunday, or Monday night (my best bets).

No actual open fire, but lots of good tunes.

FRI 5/25

7:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas" w/ Jamie Kilstein
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

A few of our local funny people including Matthew Filipowicz might open for Jamie Kilstein who is a really agitated guy (and radio host). From the clips I've seen he doesn't tell jokes as much as he rants about politics or religion or relationships and there are some funny, provocative moments. Can you handle the anarchistic, atheist, vegan, etc comedy? There is one way to truly know.

You might just want to dance your frustration at the convoluted clustermuck of the world, so stay for The Pill (10pm).

FRI 5/25

9:30pm
RIBS, Suicide Dolls, Herra Terra, Yoga Girls
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

The first RIBS CD "British Brains" shot out of the box like a fully-formed, modern hard-rock that was ready for the big time. The riffs were locked in tight -- and really interesting as you might expect from music students. You can download a kickass song from the new EP before getting a big dose of rock bookended by the electronic duo Yoga Girls before and after the bands.

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SAT 5/26

10am to 3pm
Summer Open House
at Community Boating Boathouse, 21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston (Esplanade)
FREE

Over the last month there have been a few free sailing open houses on Boston Harbor, and now you have a chance to check out the sailing center on the Charles.

Try to get there on the hour when orientation/tours begin. They'll show you the facilities, and you learn a bit about sailing. Maybe they know I've been telling people to go for a little sail, but they've become a bit coy about putting folks in the water as they now say:

And inquire about going out on the water with a volunteer instructor for an introductory sail.

There's no pressure to become a member ($20 discount off the full year adult membership), so you inquire!

SAT 5/26

5pm
"Awesome Day 2012"
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$10
3pm -- BBQ starts
5pm -- Music starts
Feat: Gozu, Jack Burton vs. David Lo Pan, Sherman Burns, Never Got Caught, Jim Healey, Teenie B's One Car Pile-up, Quarterly, more

It looks like Saturday is going to be an awesome day. For some people, it could be more awesome listening to a load of metal/punk bands at an Allston club (that isn't really dive-y anymore). If you get there a couple hours early, there is going to be some grilling on the back patio. Sounds kinda awesome.

SAT 5/26

9pm
Hallelujah The Hills, Viva Viva, Frank Smith, The New Highway Hymnal
at Middle East - Downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 advance / $12 day of show / 18+

This is the second CD release show, but first in my heart. The first Hallelujah The Hills blew my mind a little bit for being a splendid collection of noisy chamber-pop with a personal all-time favorite ("Wave Backwards To Massachusetts"). The second album confused me a little bit, but the new album has them dressing melodies in strange attire and clever musical bits that is very satisfying.

The lineup is stacked from top to bottom including Frank Smith who moved to Austin (I thought broke up) but they're touring back to the old stomping grounds.

This one is going on the 'Top 12', because you can still get advance tickets for $10. Go to the Middle East between 2pm and 8pm and go up the stairs at the Upstairs room (472 Mass Ave) -- or the "Upstairs upstairs".

SAT 5/26

9pm
Yoni Gordon Orchestra, Civil Warblers, Radio Control
at Moe's Lounge/Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 / 21+

If you haven't been to Radio yet, what's taking you so long? There are a lot of good gigs happening! You also haven't experienced the upstairs/downstairs cover charge station. Be ready to say which show you're seeing, but there is easy access between floors in the back of the club.

The upstairs show is pretty darn good (Age Rings, Eldridge Rodriguez, Sarah Borges, etc) so it wouldn't hurt to pop up every now and them, however we lean towards celebrating 10 years of Yoni Gordon, one of those guys who is a rocking' song machine that gives 110% on stage.

SAT 5/26

10:30pm
Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, Fat Creeps
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Yes, I'm a sucker for the Epsteinian brand of nerdy grooves from The Motion Sick to Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling to Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library and beyond. DNFMOMD slaps you in the face as an arty-punky spy-rock duo, and Fat Creeps ease you with lo-fi, bored-gal garage pop.

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SUN 5/27

Various Times
Open House & Performance
at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge
FREE
2pm to 5pm -- Bigelow Open House
4pm to 5:30pm -- Ray Lam & Yelena Beriyeva
Strange as it sounds, Mount Auburn Cemetery is a nice place to visit even if you don't want stay there...

They have tours, and I took a 1-day photography class there. The landscaping and sculpture is beautiful, and quite a few famous people are buried there like: Charles Sumner, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Mary Baker Eddy, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Buckminster Fuller, Charles Bulfinch, Fannie Farmer, Edwin Land, B.F. Skinner, Curt Gowdy, etc.

There is a Memorial Day Service on Saturday -- and you can visit anytime -- but Sunday has a couple diversions that should enhance a visit like being able to walk around the usually closed Bigelow Chapel (built 1846) and a performance of works for clarinet & piano.

SUN 5/27

8:30
Sea Monsters (10pm), The Franks (8:30pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10-ish

After playing every Sunday for years at Precinct, the Sea Monsters revive the soul-rock party on most 3-day weekends.

Maybe it's the centuries of repression, but there are more soulful singers from Ireland than you'd expect from the very pale inhabitants. (No offense intended towards anyone.) Christian McNeill is definitely one of the good ones, and this may be my favorite of his many projects.

(I think the next Monday holiday is Labor Day...?)

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MON 5/28

10am to 4:45pm
Memorial Day Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Hey, it's a free trip to the MFA. Now that Wednesday nights not really as free as it used to be, but who remembers to go to the Fens on a Wednesday night?

The big exhibit is currently "Alex Katz Prints", about 125 works by the NY/Maine-based artist that can be surprisingly evocative despite the flat, smooth quality of many portraits. Young people will also have a chance to try their hand at making a Katz-like collage.

Besides the museum's collection, there are a couple visiting Renoirs and an Edward Weston photo exhibit based on Whitman's "Leaves of Grass".

Take a free guided tour or listen to a talk, if you like.

MON 5/28

7pm
"New and Improved": Workshop & Open Mic
at Radio, 379 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5 / 21+
7pm -- Workshop w/ James Caroline
8pm -- Open Mic
9pm -- Featured poet: Omoizele Okoawo
Most spoken-word open-mic's don't begin with a workshop (that's been teased as a "soul-opening exercise in vulnerability and fight"). It might be too late to help the struggling poet that will later take their turn, but maybe it will provide the right inspiration. The night is capped by Omoizele Okoawo who has coached the Lizard Lounge team, so there may be a lesson or two at the end as well.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

THUR 5/24: Shakespeare, Film, Talk, Music


Do most people watch Conan O'Brien on the web instead of TV? The seats at the JFK Library are full, but there's a live webcast of his conversation on comedy at 6pm.

For the record:
You might've seen the Faneuil Hall Street Performers Festival on the CTB Calendar (and other sites), but I've confirmed it's NOT happening this weekend as has been the case in the past.

You can bet there will be various performers everyday the weather cooperates, but the cavalcade will probably happen at the end of summer.

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THUR 5/24

6pm to 8pm
Shakespeare & Leadership: "Coriolanus" Reading & Discussion
at Cutler Majestic Theater, 219 Tremont St, Boston (Theatre District)
FREE

Feat: Paul Grogan (The Boston Foundation), Richard Holbrook (Eastern Bank), Chris Mayer, (The Boston Globe), James E. Rooney (MA Convention Center Authority), Jim Roosevelt (Tufts Health Plan), Phyllis R. Yale (Bain & Co.)

Local big shots are recruited to perform a staged Shakespeare reading presented by the Boston Chapter of the Federalist Society, Commonwealth Shakespeare, and others.

"Coriolanus" is known to be one of the Bard's more difficult plays, but feel free to hear business leaders act it out then discuss how the play relates to their view of power over others.

THUR 5/24

6pm to 8pm
Community Is Us, "The NAACP Rally for Trayvon Martin": Screening & Discussion
at Grove Hall Public Library, 41 Geneva Ave, Dorchester
FREE

Filmmaker Paul Morgan appears to be the creative force behind the community TV program "Community Is Us". There was an NAACP rally for Trayvon Martin last month, and this is a chance to see Morgan's program and discuss the case -- as more information has been made public since then.

THUR 5/24

6:30pm to 8:30pm
Marjorie Williams, "Markets of Paris": Discussion
at French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough St, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

Whether you're planning on going to Paris or not, the flea markets are a cool experience that Marjorie Williams might be able to take you there (assisted by your active imagination).

She's doing other readings in the area, but your admission includes a wine reception where you drink the cost of the event.

(This event is presented in English.)

RSVP required: 617-912-0400

THUR 5/24

7pm
Debra Samuels, "My Japanese Table": Food Workshop
at Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St, Boston (Back Bay)
FREE

One may think they know about Japanese cuisine, but food writer Debra Samuels lived there for over 10 years. Tonight's presentation may be geared for a wide audience, however Jamie Bissonette made tripe soup when he appeared at Trident last year.

You might see anything from her book, "My Japanese Table: A Lifetime of Cooking with Friends and Family".

THUR 5/24

9pm
Birds of Play, Josh Lederman & The CSAR's
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

I've heard James Christensen, one of the Birds of Play, on his own where the vibe is decidedly more folky. While it's not a balls-to-the-wall affair, this project rocks with the volume at a reasonable level. Friends of BoP, Josh Lederman & The CSAR's will likely kick up a rootsy racket.

THUR 5/24

9:30pm
You Can Be A Wesley, Magic Magic, Beast Make Bomb, Night Fruit
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

This might be the 2nd time that You Can Be A Wesley has taken a hiatus, and that may have lasted a year or so. If you've been thinking about seeing them, this could be your last to dig their sunny indie-rock for a while. They're joined by musical compadres including the chamber-pop/psych-rockers Magic Magic. Night Fruit is growing on me, and Brooklyn's Beast Make Bomb sounds pretty good.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

WED 5/23: Slurpees, Talk, Film, Music


The CTB Calendar has stuff through Saturday.

Being brief today. Happy humpday!

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WED 5/23

11am to 7pm
"SlurpFree" Day
at participating 7-Eleven stores
FREE

Like I said earlier, you don't have to try the new sugar-free mango slurpee. Just grab a little frozen treat, and don't drink it too fast.

WED 5/23

6pm
"Using Colony & State Records to Trace Your Native American Ancestors in Massachusetts"
at Orientation Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Cheryll Toney Holley of PastTense Genealogy will give you some pointers to trace your Native American roots in Massachusetts.

The big question: Will Elizabeth Warren show up?

WED 5/23

7pm
Radical Film Night: "We Still Live Here / As Nutyauean"
at Lucy Parsons Center, 358A Centre St, Jamaica Plain
FREE

Let's keep the Native American ball rolling with a documentary presented by the Boston Interpreters Collective. It's about a Wampanoag woman, Jessie Little Doe Baird, has revived their previously 'extinct' language.

WED 5/23

8:30pm
The Minor Three, Tilt-A-Whirl, Ruby Fox
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Two rocking' trios and a singer-songwriter.

WED 5/23

9pm
Banditas, Bunny's a Swine, Cathy Cathodic, Big Digits
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7-ish

It's a mix of two cool indie-rock bands and a couple of fun underground hip-hop acts. Whoop it up as Banditas and Bunny's a Swine are heading on the road to Florida and back.

WED 5/23

Bri Arden (11:30pm), Mieka Pauley (10:30pm), Jon Berman (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Two singer-songwriters and a saxophonist. (I assume he's playing with a band.) Mieka Pauley is pretty awesome, so weigh that against the potential sax instrumentals.

WED 5/23

10:30pm
Ghostwriter, Rob Potylo, Swamp Bear
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish

It seems like Ghostwriter (from Portland, OR) and Swamp Bear may have similar influences in a modern, noir bluesy approach. Who knows what Rob Potylo will do, but he's usually intense and edgy in his creative endeavors.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

WED 5/23: Another Free Slurpee Day


Cheapness through Saturday is on the CTB calendar.

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WED 5/23

11am to 7pm
"SlurpFree" Day
at participating 7-Eleven stores
FREE

They usually wait until the calendar matches their name (7-11), but 7-Eleven wants to let you know about their new reduced-calorie slurpees.

Sugar-free mango is being unveiled this month and will be followed by sugar-free strawberry banana in July and sugar-free cherry limeade in August.

So walk into any 7-Eleven and grab a 7.11 oz cup (while supplies last) and try the new flavor or one of the full-strength sugar brain-freeze bombs. (Don't forget to greet and thank the cashier.)

What makes it sweet without sugar -- who knows? A large conglomerate wouldn't put something else equally unhealthy in there? Of course not!!!

On the other hand, life is short. A tiny slurp isn't the worst thing you can do..

It might even enhance your attitude on a cloudy day.

TUES 5/22: Talk, Rock, Dance


It's $11, however it should be funny to see the premieres of the some 48 Hour Film Project shorts that were made this past weekend. There are 6 sets of films screening at 7pm and 9:30pm over the next 3 days at the Kendall Square Cinema.

If you're feeling glum today, embrace it. Actually ride it as far as you can go, because it's World Goth Day. FYI: There was a list of top 100 goth songs in the Phoenix last year.

Note: There are cheap options on the calendar through Friday. More to come...

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TUES 5/22

5pm
Linda Greenhouse, "A Very Short Introduction to the Supreme Court": Lecture
at Honan-Allston Public Library, 300 N Harvard St, Allston
FREE

Why have a talk about the Supreme Court? As part of Harvard's 375th anniversary, academics have been visiting the branches of the BPL.

Yale Law professor Linda Greenhouse talks about those guys (and recently gals) in black robes that sit at the top of the Judicial Branch and affects our lives for decades and centuries after their decisions.

TUES 5/22

6pm
Brita Belli, "The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins & Rising Autism Rates"
at Boston Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

It seems reasonable to think the rise of autism is linked to a mix of environmental and genetic factors. Brita Belli writes about 3 families with autistic children to examine the issue from different angles.

Shouldn't we also look at the process of diagnosis and pharmaceutical treatment? Is there a similar level of autism in the rest of world?

TUES 5/22

7pm
Rory O’Connor, "Friends, Followers & the Future: How Social Media are Changing Politics, Threatening Big Brands, and Killing Traditional Media"
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

This is one of those great examples of the book title as summary. The preponderance of social media has changed how millions use the internet, so news outlets, advertisers, and political animals have grabbed onto the phenomena.

Journalist Rory O’Connor has been covering the online scene for a while, so he can probably make more sense of Facebook, Twitter, etc and their impact on you.

TUES 5/22

9pm
The Effective Dose, Richard James & The Name Changers
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

As The Effective Dose has been the anchoring band of Tuesdays in May, Richard James & The Name Changers did the January residency presented by MySecretBoston. That means you're getting a double-hit of funky, jammy rock. And it's free, baby. Free to dance, free to sway stiffly, or whatever you like.

TUES 5/22

10pm
PETROL: Third Anniversary Party
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Feat: DJ Justin Miller, The Juan Maclean

While some of us have clung to our electric guitars, Boston is more of a dance town every night. Petrol has been at it for 3 years of Tuesdays, so kudos to them. Besides the usual crew, big-time NYC DJ's Justin Miller and The Juan Maclean.

Monday, May 21, 2012

MON 5/21: Talk, Cupcakes, Music


Keeping it brief, let's hope the weekend coverage really will be early this week.

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MON 5/21

5:30pm to 7:30pm
Rock Shop #16: "Future Of Music Coalition presents Money From Music"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE

Feat: Charles McEnerney

Last year, there was a big survey about how musicians of all levels are making money these days. If breaking down the results as it applies you is not really your thing, Charles McEnerney and the rest of the panel will help you out.

This should be in a giant lecture hall and have someone from every band in town there.

This presentation will be part of the "Money from Music" research survey conducted by the Future of Music Coalition

MON 5/21

6:30pm
Douglas M. Bingham, "Lighthouses & Lightships of Massachusetts Bay & Boston Harbor": Lecture
at South Boston Public Library, 646 E. Broadway, Boston (Southie)
FREE

A lot of people are into lighthouses. While still functional, there's a nostalgic affection for these beacons that speckle New England's shores. Maybe this illustrated lecture will be up your alley.

There may be refreshments after the event, and there's even more likelihood that people will amble over to the Playwright for more lighthouse talk.

MON 5/21

7pm to 9pm
CupcakeCamp Boston
at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$5

This might be the most tempting reason to go to Arts at the Armory where professional and amateur bakers are going to make loads of cupcakes for your enjoyment (and hundreds of other people).

If you don't feel like walking from Davis Square, there is the #88 or #90 bus. Of course, a walk might be good for you.

MON 5/21

The White Owls (8pm), Andrea Gillis Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Like I said before: You're getting two great bar bands that go great together. Dennis Brennan captains a kick-ass team of players through blues classics and hidden gems. Andrea Gillis is the big, soulful voice in front of her punky bar-band.

The White Owls have been Monday night regulars for a while, but who knows how long the Andrea Gillis Band may run.

MON 5/21

8:30pm
"Big Night Out for ALS"
at The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 to $10 suggested donation

Feat: Dietrich Strause, Mercy Bell, Hugh McGowan, Colin Kelly, Jill Gibson & Julee Antonellis, Mark Lipman, Kara Kulpa, Bryan Murphy, Kirsten Opstad-Comdey, Valerie Thompson, Kristen Ford, DJ V Nice

Almost every other Monday is a Big Night Out at the Burren where it's a queer music and dance party. Tonight's extravaganza with a dozen performers doing about 15 minutes each is going to benefit the Massachusetts chapter of the ALS Association (aka Lou Gehrig's disease). Yes, there will be raffles.

MON 5/21

9:30pm
Marley Mondays w/ The Duppy Conquerors
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Mondays can suck. Bob Marley music can make it suck less.

MON 5/21

10pm
"Freak Flag Benefit Show"
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Fat History Month, Hyena

I'm glad to help spread the word for a 'zine that needs to raise some money. Maybe the "donations accepted" is obvious, but it doesn't seem to be explicitly stated in case you just wander in to hear some musical weirdness.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Saturday & Sunday Calendar

Well, it's a beautiful day -- and I'm enjoying it...

Friday, May 18, 2012

FRI 5/18: Boozy & Dancey Pride, Surf, Rock, Blues, Country


Plenty of cheapness happening tomorrow: Earthfest, Porchfest, bikes, kites, sailing, art, zombies, and more...

If you see some film crews rushing around town this weekend, they're probably trying to complete a short film -- story to editing -- in 48 hours.

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FRI 5/18

6pm to 8pm
"Sip the Rainbow": Cocktail Reception
at Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington St, Boston (Bay Village)
$10 [Register]

Boston Pride Week is around the corner, so it's a perfect time to review how the local celebration has progressed in "Pride: 40 Years of Protest & Celebration" culled from the photo archive of The History Project.

Running concurrently is photographer Joel Benjamin's portraits of Pride revelers from 1992.

Tonight's reception isn't free, but your donation includes 3 Grey Goose cocktails inspired by different colors in the Pride flag.

Registration is likely required (but they shouldn't turn away someone if there is space).

FRI 5/18 (and SAT 5/19)

8pm
Sean Dorsey Dance, "The Secret History of Love"
at Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St, Roxbury
$10 to $30

Wow, it's a busy LGBT night. The basis of the dance presentation is a 2-year research project that interviewed transgender and queer seniors in San Francisco and Boston. Their stories about the last 100 years of (usually) unspoken love narrate the choreography of the 4 performers.

As I see it, there are 3 price tiers that starts at $10.

FRI 5/18

9pm
Matt Heaton & The Electric Heaters, The Derangers, Surf's Up Spicoli
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$5

Everyone has their tolerance level for instrumental surf music. If you can handle it, this is a perfect setting to drink and chat without feeling bad about ignoring the lyrics. There may be even be a subtle urge to shake and shimmy with friends and strangers.

FRI 5/18

9pm
The Rationales, Aloud
at Tommy Doyle's, 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$5 / 21+

It's still a mystery why the original House of Blues doesn't host more nights with what I consider the better bands in Boston. There's a proper stage in a comfortable-sized room that sounds pretty good.

Tonight is one of the occasional exceptions where two excellent rockers combine a la Wonder Twins. The Rationales take the form of breezy, rootsy powerpop. After recently celebrating their 10th anniversary, Aloud delivers a genuine tunefulness in fine form that should new listeners to the merch table or iTunes.

FRI 5/18

9:30pm
Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, Ten Foot Polecats, Yankee Cockfight
at the Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

The blues will probably expand as the night goes on. I wouldn't be surprised if NH duo Yankee Cockfight kick things off with their rough, gutsy, down-home guitar/harmonica/foot-stomping blooz. The Ten Foot Polecats are are a trio influenced by this minimalist, greasy blues and bring their own local take on it.

If you went to Arnold Arboretum last Sunday, you would heard Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers get mothers and children dancing on the lawn. This is going to be a Friday night party, and you're going to hear some of the best blues as Muddy and Wolf did it when they first started playing with electric bands.

FRI 5/18

10:30pm
Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish / 21+

They call themselves Americana, but Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons are the kind of Americana that goes well with cowboy hats and shit-kickin' boots. One doesn't need to see the band to enhance your beer-swilling good time, but let's hope there aren't too many cowboy hats tonight.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Thursday to Saturday Calendar

It's a pretty good Thursday night:
There is a lot of good music... Some interesting talks on marine biology and astronomy... Sports fans should think about seeing Frank DeFord... One can bike then bowl... Art-loving 20-somethings can mix somewhere other than a bar...

It seemed like it would be better to give a preview of weekend cheapness.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

WED 5/16: Bike, Art, Talk, Music


Thought of the Day:
Simon & Garfunkel had a song called "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.", and they didn't sing the day of the week during the song...

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WED 5/16

6:30pm to 8pm
Ride of Silence
start at Seven Hills Park, behind the Somerville Theatre (Davis Sq) to Boston Common
FREE

It's not exactly a 'fun ride' when commemorating bicyclists who have been killed or injured, but this seemed to be the most interesting of today's Bay State Bike Week event that doesn't involve biking to work.

It will be about a 7-mile ride that begins at 7pm sharp then passes slowly and silently through Cambridge and Boston. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the ride takes place next Wednesday.

Helmets required, and lights strongly recommended. It wouldn't hurt to send an RSVP.

WED 5/16

6:30pm to 8:30pm
Art on the Marquee, "Spring 2012": Reception
at 3rd Floor, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St, Boston (Seaport)
FREE

Feat: Francois de Costerd & Todd Antonellis, Christopher Field & Sarah West, Georgie Friedman, Lina Maria Giraldo, Christopher Graefe, Linda DeHart, and Meg Brooker, Ben Houge, Michael Lewy, Dennis Miller, Matthew Shanley, Jeffu Warmouth

If you pass the Convention Center at the right time, you might see art in between the usual announcements on the 80-foot-tall LED marquee.

The second batch of video pieces will begin screening, and this is a chance to get an early look and meet some of the artists. (You have to think there will be some refreshments too?)

WED 5/16

7pm
"Neglected Diseases of the Bottom Billion": Discussion
at Pfizer Auditorium, Mallinckrodt Bldg, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

For something more uplifting than a "Ride of Silence", a group of graduate students from various disciplines will talk about the diseases that are killing and disabling millions in the under-developed regions of the world.

Yes, it's a dangerous world out there.

WED 5/16

7:30pm
Alizon Lissance with Cheryl Aruda, Mike Duke, Ed Scheer
at Smoken' Joe's BBQ, 351 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
FREE

It's been a while since I've mentioned a gig at Smoken' Joe's. The place doesn't really have much of a bar area to sit and listen, but the tables seem available for beverage-buying blues-lovers if there's room available.

Keyboardist-singer Alizon Lissance is hosting three top-notch local players to her weekly showcase, so why not?

WED 5/16

Bad Rabbits - DJ set (11pm), Grass is Green (10:15pm), Ghost Thrower (9:30pm), Wind in Sails (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8 / 18+

Here's an interesting mix going on. The Receiving End of Sirens are playing a sold-out reunion gig next door, so the guys from Bad Rabbits are going to DJ as an after-party. A couple post-punk bands rock out beforehand, and the opener is an acoustic dude who used to play in a band that probably shared gigs with TREOS.

WED 5/16

9:30pm
The Psychic Paramount, Cropduster, A Troop of Echoes, The Shape
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

The last band of the night may not necessarily be headliners, but that's the case with The Psychic Paramount who roll and rumble in a big, loud, noisy, spacey way that seems deeper and more textured than most bands that I've heard of this ilk. Three proggy-jammy-trippy bands precede them; I've listened to Cropduster a few times before, so I feel more confident giving them a thumbs-up as well.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

TUES 5/15: Science, Film, Music

The Effective Dose, Tuesdays in May at Church
Keeping it short before it gets later.

The weather is looking good, so think about getting on your bicycle and join in on Bay State Bike Week fun.

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TUES 5/15

7pm
Nova Presents: "Robo Cafe" w/ Dr. Sonia Chernova
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

7pm
Science by the Pint: "Human Microbiome" w/ Dr. Eric Alm
at Tavern on the Square, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

If I were going to absorb some scientific knowledge tonight, I'd probably go to Middlesex Lounge:

1) Robots are cooler than bacteria in your body.
2) Nova's Science Cafe is usually more of a presentation versus mingling with scientists.
3) Most people won't be eating while you hang out.
4) Robots!

TUES 5/15

7pm
"Bernie": Preview Screening
at Kendall Square Cinema, One Kendall Square, Cambridge
FREE w/ PDF Pass

Even if the early reports had not been positive about Jack Black's surprisingly good performance as a murderous mortician -- based on a true story -- I would give the benefit of doubt to director Richard Linklater.

The guy who made "Slacker", "Dazed and Confused", "Before Sunrise", etc always has the chance to direct a sleeping winner.

Print out the pass for two people and get there early, because seating is not guaranteed.

TUES 5/15

8:30pm
Kristen Ford Band
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

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

If I were going to rock out in Union Square tonight, I really don't know where I'd go. I might hit both clubs since they're a short walk away and it's free.

Whether you like your rock a little bit folky (Kristen Ford) or a little bit indie/pop (The Honors), Union Square is a good place to be on Tuesday nights for free music for the near future. It looks like The Honors might wrap up their Tuesday night residency at the end of the month.

Someone will probably be playing at Bull McCabe's too.

TUES 5/15

9pm
The Effective Dose, Dub Down Crew
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

Tuesday night music continues to be presented by MySecretBoston if you're in the mood for funky jam-rock and reggae.

[May Residency]

Monday, May 14, 2012

MON 5/14: Music & Burlesque



If you're a regular bicyclist or have been mulling dusting off that two-wheeler in the basement/yard/bedroom, Bay State Bike Week has begun.

There many ride-related events through SUN 5/20 intended to inspire you to join the ever-growing pedaling population.

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MON 5/14

The White Owls (8pm), Andrea Gillis Band (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE / 21+

Two great bar bands that go great together. Dennis Brennan captains a kick-ass team of players through blues classics and hidden gems. Andrea Gillis is the big, soulful voice in front of her punky bar-band.

MON 5/14

9pm
Underground Hip Hop Chronicles Pt. 3: "Ace Royal Flush Edition"
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 /21+

Feat: Mark Merren, Pat G, Iyadonna, April Stanford, Notoriety, Ace Da Youngin, Ace Da Truth, Sir Locksley, Cathy Cathodic

It seems weeknight hip-hop has found a home at Church with frequent Monday night showcases with a variety of quality local MC's appearing. Why "Ace Royal Flush Edition"? Besides a couple guys with 'Ace' in their name, I wouldn't be surprised if others claim to be the real ace hip-hopper.

MON 5/14

9pm
Rogue Burlesque Revue
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

It might be worth a shot when the hilarious Mehran is hosting and a didgeridoo player (?) is going to perform beside the ladies disrobing with some panache.

MON 5/14

9:30pm
Gentleman Jesse and His Men, The Barreracudas, Earthquake Party!
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9

It's a double shot of Atlanta garage-rock/powerpop with Gentleman Jesse & His Men and The Barreracudas. They're joined by the splendid Boston noisiness of Earthquake Party.

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