66F and Sunny -- Use Protection

And I don't mean anything with SPF.

It wasn't exactly a bluebird on my shoulder, but...

I had to go outside and enjoy what a nice day we're having.

A bird promptly crapped on my shoulder.

One of my co-workers said I should buy a lottery ticket, and I lost.

Walking around was still a wonderful existence. If you read this in time, you should do yourself a favor. (Maybe tie someone else's jacket over your shoulders.)

Every THUR: ICA is Free after 5pm

A friendly reminder...

5pm to 9pm
Free Thursdays
at Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston (South Boston/Waterfront)
FREE

I know other museums offer free times, but have you been to the new ICA yet?

Waaaay back in December 2006, they swung their doors open to the public. Everyone knew our city's newest museum was having a free inaugural celebration, and thousands (including me) showed up.

After waiting in a long line, we were herded into a tent with various snacks and hot drinks. I recall some live music and some lights peculiar lights moving around the Target-sponsored room, which seemed slightly psychedelic after several cups of the non-alcoholic cider... Multi-media artist Halsey Burgund does really cool songs 'n things with audio samples, and he brought his "Bring Your Own Voice" Booth for people to participate in the creative process. The wait for your entrance number was interminable. (I rarely use that word, but it fits.) If you survived this purgatory, the only thing that stood in the way of Art was... another long line. So I left.

Since then, I've enjoyed the free Thursday Nights a couple times. I was surprised that all of the exhibition area is on the 4th floor, but it's still much larger than old location on Boylston. The view upon the harbor from the long hallway is really cool and may be my favorite sight at the museum. You also have to take a look at the 'interactive room' with the disorienting view of the water. Although you only have access to basically the ICA website, I've heard you can get on the internet. Here's a hint:

Although the winter schedule seems a bit light, there have been various special events on many Thursday nights that are often free as well, but they're first-come, first-serve admission.

This Thursday's forecasted high is 45°, so the walk wouldn't be horrible especially if you took the Silver Line...

Unlike other museums that make you hold a big, black audio guide to your ear, you can download audio tours for your mp3 player for free.

Cheap Thrills: 1/4 to 1/11

Hey, I stayed up real late on 12/31 and slept all of 1/1. Based on the party's length and the booze I contributed, I had a blast for about $6 per hour...

Lotsa music as usual, but a couple art things, a couple movies, and a reading with cupcakes... I still don't feel like posting all of my content, but here's some.

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FRI 1/4
* Hallelujah the Hills, Faces On Film, Reports
* Madi Diaz, The Blue Ribbons

SAT 1/5
* Python-A-Thon
* Nerd Nite, Make Ready, Add Hoc

SUN 1/6
* Plumerai, Pretty & Nice, The Peasantry
* Drop In and Draw

MON 1/7
* Jen & Henry (of Aloud), Kelley McRae, David Mirabella
* Michael Crockett, Art Opening

TUES 1/8
* Off the Couch: "Juno"
* Elvis Birthday Bash
* Spider John Koerner

WED 1/9
* Gamelanathon
* Lee Genesis

THUR 1/10
* "The Orphanage": Free Screening
* Jami Attenberg, "The Kept Man"
* Varsity Drag, Mark Lind & The Unloved, Jason Bennett & The Resistance, The Kickbacks

FRI 1/11
* Darkbuster Lite, Pug Uglies, Welch Boys, Dead Like Death
* Big Digits, JUICEBOXXX, OH-DEE!, Rachel McAdamz

SAT 1/12
* Pants Off Dance Off w/ Boston Derby Dames

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FRI 1/4

10pm
Hallelujah the Hills, Faces On Film, Reports, DJ Patrick Grenham
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

There is no doubt that "Wave Backwards To Massachusetts" by Hallelujah the Hills will join the pantheon of great name-checking songs. It's one of the few songs I want to immediately hear again. Even with the distorted vocals, I want to wade through the alt/chamber/rock to listen to the lyrics. You'll probably be a fan too, if you're not already. I bet Faces On Film hear their songs in their minds exactly like they play it; they sound totally in control of its gentle indie-rock. Reports don't play out that often so who knows when you can hear this boisterous, angular rock racket in person.


FRI 1/4

9:30
Madi Diaz, The Blue Ribbons
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 / 21+


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

SAT 1/5

3:30pm to 11:30pm
Python-A-Thon
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7.50 / $6 seniors/children under 12 (All-day Pass $25 / $20)

A production of Spamalot (based "...The Holy Grail") is coming to town in a couple weeks, and the cheapest seats are $27.50... You spend less for all 4 films or pick any of the most absurdly hilarious films ever.

Screening: "And Now For Something Completely Different" (compilation of vignettes), "Monty Python's Life Of Brian" (comic relief in the double feature w/ "The Passion of Christ"), "Monty Python And The Holy Grail" (the once and future skewering of Arthurian legend), "Monty Python And The Meaning Of Life" (the reason why the phrase 'wafer thin mint' will make me collapse in laughter).

The Brattle sez, "Expect prizes and surprises for this celebration of all things Python!"

SAT 1/5

8:30pm
Nerd Nite, Make Ready, Add Hoc
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
FREE (before 10-ish)

3x (informal, obscure, eclectic talks) + 2x (rock bands) = nerdy fun for any curious hipster/drinker/music-lover.

The scheduled talks: "The Life and Lore of the Maidu, one of many very small peoples", "Neo-Maxi-Zoom-Dweebie: Anthony Michael Hall as The Geek in John Hughes movies", "Amateur Radio: Now You're Talking!"

If you get there during the talks, you won't have to pay a cover ($5 - $8 range).

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

SUN 1/6

9pm
Plumerai, Pretty & Nice, The Peasantry
at Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
$7 / 21+

I think The Peasantry may be my favorite discovery this week. I really liked their fresh approach to writing Beatlesque rock with multi-genre flairs; the playing is inventive, lyrics sound good, and it has a great energy to my ear.


SUN 1/6

1pm to 3pm
Drop In and Draw
at Calderwood Courtyard, Fogg Art Museum, 32 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
$9 (museum admission) / $6 Students / FREE under 18

Definitely not as rowdy as Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret, but it's a casual chance to do some life drawing (models "dressed to resemble figures from paintings in our collections"), and the supplies are provided. Fun for the whole family, and admiision is for all of the art museums. I may not list this again, but there are future sessions: SUN 1/13, SAT 1/26, SUN 2/3, and SUN 2/10.


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

MON 1/7

8:30pm
Jen & Henry of Aloud (10pm), Kelley McRae (9pm), David Mirabella (8pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3 / 18+

Kelley McRae is worth far more than admission on her own -- poetic heartache pours out on her luscious voice. You may want to propose by the end of her set, but others have tried it unsuccessfully. You might still want to try after seeing her picture in a candy-striped dress.



MON 1/7

8pm
Michael Crockett, Art Opening
w/ music: Sway, Yankee Blue Jeans, Adam Rich, Michael Crockett, more
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

They don't really have live music at ZuZu anymore, and I've always thought it was a cozy spot for performances. As part of the art opening, which looks pretty good to me, I'm guessinghttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif the performers will start around 9ish... I liked the 'modern Appalachia' of Sway, and the jokey country of Yankee Blue Jeans; the artist and others will mainly offer acoustic singer-songwriter stuff.

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

TUES 1/8

6pm
"Elvis Birthday Bash"
at Dick's Last Resort, Quincy Marketplace, Boston
No Cover

Much like another heavy-set guy in a garish outfit, an Elvis impersonator hits town every year to celebrate the birth of the 'King' of rock 'n roll. Dana Z will rock the joint, and all the usual fun will be had like the look-a-like/sing-a-like karaoke contest ($250 grand prize, folks...), audience sing-a-longs, and jelly-doughnut-eating contest. I hope one of the Cheap Thrills readers wins something!

Need I mention Presley-themed food & drink items?


TUES 1/8

7:30PM
Off the Couch: "Juno"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St , Brookline
$9.75


TUES 1/8

7pm
Spider John Koerner
at Sally O'Brien's Bar and Grill, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

While Spider John Koerner's name may not be familiar to the general public, he's been a major traditional folk artist for decades. Koerner has been an influence on many including Bob Dylan who mentioned him in "Chronicles, Vol. 1". Hear him free tonight or at the Plough & Stars next week.

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

WED 1/9

8pm to 2am
"Gamelanathon!"
at Gamelan Studio, Hilles Building (lower main floor), 59 Shepard St, Cambridge (Radcliffe Yard)
FREE

No disrespect intended, but it seems like a novice can make some pretty convincing Indonesian gamelan music... As I read it, "Free food and music. All visitors are welcome to try out the gongs, drums, and chimes that make up the ensemble. No previous musical experience required." Sounds like you and your friends can stumble in and jam at any point in the night...

I don't know if gamelan instructor Jody Diamond is trying to recruit players or what.

WED 1/9

8:30pm & 10:30pm
Lee Genesis
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

Again, I'm a little perplexed by this show, but Lee Genesis does sing well and the music is tight -- and there aren't many free shows at Johnny D's. Imagine walking into a club and hearing Al Green singing his style of soul/gospel but not knowing any of the songs. He's been around for a while, but this is a celebration of releasing his first CD.

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

THUR 1/10

7pm
"The Orphanage"
at Loews Boston Common, 175 Tremont St, Boston
FREE w/ Flyer

If you liked "Pan's Labyrinth" but it wasn't creepy or scary enough for you, you should give "The Orphanage" a try.

Print out this pass (PDF link) to admit two, and get there early to get a better chance getting in.

THUR 1/10

7pm
Jami Attenberg, "The Kept Man": Reading
w/ musical guest Ryan Walsh of Hallelujah the Hills
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Ryan Walsh will sing, and you can have a cupcake too.

THUR 1/10

Varsity Drag (Midnight), Mark Lind & The Unloved (11pm), Jason Bennett & The Resistance (10pm), The Kickbacks (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

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

FRI 1/11

Darkbuster Lite (11:45pm), Pug Uglies (10:45pm), Nowhere USA (9:45pm), Dead Like Death (9pm)
at Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St, Somerville (Inman Sq)
$8


FRI 1/11

7pm
Big Digits, JUICEBOXXX, OH-DEE!, Rachel McAdamz
at Black Box Theatre, Brookline High School, 115 Greenough St, Brookline
$5 / All Ages


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

SAT 1/12

7pm
Pants Off Dance Off w/ Boston Derby Dames, 123 Party
at An Tua Nua, 835 Beacon St, Boston (near Fenway)
$10

Dancing, karaoke, cupcakes.

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

Song of the Week:

Weepin' Willie Robinson w/ Madi Diaz --
"Five Long Years/Rock Me Baby" (live)

Local blues legend Weepin' Willie died last Sunday at his JP nursing home when he fell asleep while smoking. From what I read, he had quite a full life in his 81 years. Robinson joined Madi Diaz at Matt Murphy's Pub for a song in December, and he still had it. In blues heaven, he won't set himself on fire...

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

Link of the Week:

Wow. Iraqi reporters for the McClatchy Newspaper syndicate have been keeping a blog since April 2007. Direct stories from the Iraqi POV.

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

Quote of the Week:

"life is an inexact science and time only goes one way."
-- Neil Playfoot

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To subscribe, unsubscribe, or submit an event: contact me at
cheapthrillsboston -that symbol- verizon.net

Thru THUR 1/17: 50% Sale at Boston Book Annex

10am to 9pm (SUN: Noon to 8pm)
Half-Off Winter Sale
at Boston Book Annex, 906 Beacon St, Boston (near Fenway)

Sorry, booklovers -- this might be dangerous, but there's 50% discount on every book.

"The Book Annex has approximately 100,000 volumes in stock in all categories. We are particularly strong in Political History, Literature and Art."

They have a warehouse full of books, so the selection will be just as good in 2 weeks...

Sneak Peek: FRI 1/4 & SAT 1/5

Okay, here are a few that are are going to make the list tomorrow. I offer a little advance notice instead of making you wait 'til whenever I get it done...

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

FRI 1/4

10pm
Hallelujah the Hills, Faces On Film, Reports, DJ Patrick Grenham
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 advance / $10 day of show / 18+

One awesome band (Hallelujah the Hills) and two very good ones. The dude from another good local group is handling the recorded music.

This is on the Hallelujah the Hills MySpace:

Pretty cool, huh?


FRI 1/4

9:30
Madi Diaz, The Blue Ribbons
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 / 21+

Quality female, singer-songwriter folk/rock; and some rockin' Americana.

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

SAT 1/5

3:30pm to 11:30pm
Python-A-Thon
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$7.50 / $6 seniors/children under 12 (All-day Pass $25 / $20)

A production of Spamalot (based "...The Holy Grail") is coming to town in a couple weeks, and the cheapest seats are $27.50... You spend less for all 4 films or pick any of the most absurdly hilarious films ever.

Screening: "And Now For Something Completely Different", "Monty Python's Life Of Brian", "Monty Python And The Holy Grail", "Monty Python And The Meaning Of Life".

The Brattle sez, "Expect prizes and surprises for this celebration of all things Python!"


SAT 1/5

8:30pm
Nerd Nite, Make Ready, Add Hoc
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
FREE (before 10-ish)

3x (informal, obscure, eclectic talks) + 2x (rock bands) = nerdy fun for any curious hipster/drinker/music-lover.

The scheduled talks: "The Life and Lore of the Maidu, one of many very small peoples", "Neo-Maxi-Zoom-Dweebie: Anthony Michael Hall as The Geek in John Hughes movies", "Amateur Radio: Now You're Talking!"

If you get there during the talks, you won't have to pay a cover ($5 - $8 neighborhood).

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

I don't think I'm alone on this, but I really dig Charlotte Gainsbourg.