TUES 11/30: Talk, Party, Music, Film, Comedy, Art

Yeah, there are two events listed at the same place tonight. And I listed the tree lighting in Copley Square, because I was already going to list the talk at the BPL. What are you going to do? All seemed appealing and had no cover charge...

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

TUES 11/30

5pm to 6pm
Tree Lighting
at Copley Sq, Clarendon St & Boylston St, Boston
FREE

Feat: United States Air Force Brass Band Quintet, Trinity Church Choristers, Brian Jones & the Copley Singers, and "participatory caroling"

Not exactly the most exciting event, but Copley Square is a great view any time of year with Trinity Church and the Hancock Tower(s).

If you're going to a reading/discussion at the Boston Public Library (see below) and get there early, you could enjoy some holiday music and maybe some complimentary refreshments.

TUES 11/30

6pm
"The Best American Sports Writing": Discussion
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

Feat: Peter Gammons, Bob Ryan, Bob Hohler, Glenn Stout

Tonight's discussion will help you recall some of the best sports stories of the last year or so. The series editor Glenn Stout with this year's guest editor, Peter Gammons. As I understand it, Stout chose a bunch of articles for consideration, then Gammons picked 25 to be included in the antology.

Both Bob Ryan and Bob Hohler of the Globe have articles included, so I imagine most won't be disappointed by a Boston-centric conversation.

TUES 11/30

6pm to 9pm
Boston Music Awards: Nominee Bash
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: DJ Paul Foley

The voting is closed, so you'll have to wait until Sunday's ceremony to find out who won. A bunch of the nominees and performers should show up tonight for a pre-show party. Anyone is welcome to join in and hang out. I can't say "everyone is welcome", because the room isn't really enormous.

TUES 11/30

7pm to 9pm
"Perfect Pitch": Berklee Music Battle
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 18+

So it's not a competition to see who has perfect pitch (although maybe some Berklee geeks do have an underground competition like that).

What has happened: Berklee songwriters submitted songs, singers auditioned, and now performers have been matched with 15 songs. They'll be backed by a Berklee band, and the audience will choose the winner who receives $3,000 in studio time.

The material is a healthy mix of genres and could be interesting. I already thought it was funny that one guy is singing, and someone else is performing the song he wrote.

TUES 11/30

8pm
"Four Boxes": Screening
at Room 120, Bldg 6, 182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

The trailer makes this indie flick look suspenseful and clever, but the feedback on IMDb is rather negative.

It was shown at Seattle International Film Festival and SXSW last year and hasn't been released in theaters yet. You can make up your own mind tonight instead of being influenced to pay for something might be stupid in the future.

TUES 11/30

9pm to 1am
Monthly Comedy Night
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Feat: Ken Reid, Dan Boulger, Sameer Naseem, Matt D, Patrick Barrett, Matt Kona

After the Boston Music Awards party (see above), the Enormous Room is presenting the first of its monthly comedy night. I think Ken Reid is really funny, and Dan Boulger has made me laugh whenever I've listened to him. (Dan also won the Boston Comedy Festival a few years ago.) Maybe Patrick Barrett will do his character "MC Yung Homofobe"; good stuff.

TUES 11/30 (and TUES 12/1)

11pm to 11pm
"Medicine Wheel"
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Tomorrow is World AIDS Day, and there are various local events happening today and tomorrow to commemorate it. This 19th annual art installation/event that evolves every year will open tonight, and all are welcome to visit for 24 hours.

Around 11:45pm, a procession starts outside the Cyclorama. There are usually some performances throughout the event. (I think on the hour.)

I went one year, and it was a very heavy and somber experience.

MON 11/29: Film, Talk, Karaoke, Rock

I don't think people really wait anymore to shop online until Monday, but I guess many online stores are offering deals today. Good luck...

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

MON 11/29

6pm
"Cider House Rules"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

As far as novel adaptations, this may be in the top level. Maybe it's because John Irving was invoved. It's screening tonight, because those princes of Maine and kings of New England filmed scenes in Western and Central Mass.

MON 11/29

7pm
Salman Rushdie w/ Maria Tatar, "Luka and the Fire of Life": Discussion
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

Tickets available at Harvard Book Store and by phone at 617-661-1515.

Rushdie is discussing his new novel with Maria Tatar, folklore & mythology professor at Harvard. "Luka" is somewhat of a sequel to his last novel "Haroun and the Sea of Stories".

I guess the fatwa against him is not ostensibly in effect, but it's impressive that he still makes scheduled public appearances.

Note: Usually these tickets can be used as coupons toward Harvard Book Store purchase, but not these tickets.

Also: Mr. Rushdie will be signing and personalizing only copies of "Luka and the Fire of Life". He will not be signing any of his previous titles.

MON 11/29

8pm
Nerdnite: "Post-Thanksgiving Nerdery"
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 / 21+

Most Nerdnites have two talks that are often on the esoteric side of the spectrum, but tonight's subjects seem rather functional within the abilities of most people.

David Craft is scientist who also enjoys foraging and has written a book about it. He'll talk about "City Hauls: Foraging for wild plants and other foodstuffs within the city limits."

Gotta love Vaughn Tan's subject title: "Fun with joints" -- furniture joints, that is. Vaughn is a guy who used work in the tech world, but he decided he would rather be involved with wood, etc.

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

MON 11/29

9:30pm
Gong Show Karaoke
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 18+

Last week was a lot of fun, even for a relatively small crowd. When you think about karaoke at a divey bar, you might imagine what goes on at Gong Show Karaoke. It's loose and casual, and they kick it up a notch with the panel of judges who may gong you in mid-song -- like the old TV show.

The vibe is still generally positive. MC Tommy Somerville is a cool, funny guy (and possibly the loudest person I've ever met). Usually a band serves as the judging panel. Last week, Burning Streets were fair and not too harsh on the mediocre singers. I have a feeling that Tijuana Sweetheart may give a bit more attitude.

The point is to go and have fun and not worry about how good you are. I was gonged in the second half, and it wasn't bad at all. The top 2 people do win prizes like a discount on your bar tab or a pair of tix to a TT's show.

Although listed on the site as 8:30pm, the action really starts around 9:30pm.

MON 11/29

10pm
Girlfriends, Weed Hounds, Cuffs
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

This is the Cheap Thrills music pick of the day. If you haven't fallen under the fuzzy, punky garage-pop spell of Girlfriends yet, there is no time like the present. It seems like the world is teeming with bands that could fall under this description, but Girlfriends have the right chemistry and tunes that rise to the top of my consciousness.

Together with NY's Weed Hounds, who bash out a nice reverb-n-distortion heavy indie-pop, and Cuffs, which is the new project from a couple of the Pants Yell guys; this is going to be a sweet gig.

You could this check out and Gong Show Karaoke around the corner for the same (-zero-) dollar amount.

SUN 11/28: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Wow, I'm just about the worst blogger around. There was supposed to be a Sunday post, and it seemed too late when I noticed it didn't appear.

I gladly accept all of the 100 movie insults in this clip.

*** Much NSFW Language ***

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

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

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

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

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

SAT 11/27

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

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

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

SAT 11/27

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

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

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

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

SAT 11/27

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

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

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

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

SAT 11/27

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

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

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

FRI 11/26: Goldbergia, Comedy, Music

Oh, man. I hope most people eat and drank less than me yesterday. Here is something before it gets any later.

Paul Waddell is still living with a turkey at the Meme Gallery today and tomorrow, and he'd love company for some interactive performance art.

If you're going to shop today, Newbury Comics sent me an email that they're giving a 10% discount on everything today.

If you feel like driving to Avon, you could see The Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture. It should be open for at least four more weeks.

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

FRI 11/26

1pm to 4pm
13th Annual Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction Event
at Rockwell Cage Gynmasium, 120 Vasser St, Cambridge (MIT campus)
$10 / $5 students, seniors, people under 18

Expect to see 30+ teams bring their Goldberg-ish creations that will be connected into one giant, quirky "chain reaction" by mechanical-genius/artist Arthur Ganson aided by MIT students.

Each link of the contraption will be set up checked out from 1pm to 3pm, when spectatorscan walk around and talk to the teams. The main event is scheduled for 3:30pm. With each segment lasting between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, it really could last 15 to 45 minutes.

Your admission fee also gets you into the MIT Museum for the day, which will be open until 6pm, so I encourage you to go see Ganson's exhibit. Really cool stuff.

If you have the day off and don't want to shop, this is something you're not likely to see again -- until next year.

FRI 11/26

7:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5

Feat: Justin P. Drew, Joey O'Neill, Lucas Lewis, Emma Willman

How funny was your dinner last night? This will be funnier.

Rob Crean and Anderson Comedy host The Gas every Friday night for an relatively early and cheap night of comedy.

FRI 11/26

Girls Guns And Glory (11:15pm & 12:15am), Highway Ghosts (10:15pm), Daisy's Little Secret (9:15pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Girls Guns & Glory say this is their "1st Annual Post-Thanksgiving Bash", so there's some promise to become a post-turkey tradition. It looks like GG&G are going to play 2 sets of top-notch twangy rock that won them the Rumble a couple years ago. Highway Ghosts and Daisy's Little Secret get the party started with Americana and Southern rock.

FRI 11/26

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Hey Sluts, It's Thanksgiving"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

Feat: Eugene Mirman

Isn't it a good sign when the theme of the night makes you laugh?

In my mind, this may always be somewhere between a comedy and variety show with a stable of regular performers that may tell jokes or just speak about something (with or without multimedia) that will make you laugh or maybe do something else slightly strange. And frequent guest Eugene Mirman is really damn funny.

Some of the possible performers: Chris Braiotta, TD Sidell, Ben Dryer, Keira Horowitz, Nick Branigan, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Caitlin Roy

Musical Guest: Life Partners

FRI 11/26

9:30pm
Midatlantic, Dirty Bombs
at House of Blues -- Front Room, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston (Kenmore Sq)
FREE / 21+

When the Front Room at the House of Blues began booking bands, they had some good bands playing almost every night of the week.

We music-lovers can still find live music here on a less frequent basis, but the quality is still high -- like this one-two punch of big rock. The Ireland-Boston-based Midatlantic serves up some tasty rock that often spreads wings and soars (but not in an irritating way). Dirty Bombs is a new band featuring the main guys from The Luxury and Conservative Man with the rhythm section of Televandals for a kickass blend of guitar and synth that rocks and makes you want to dance.

FRI 11/26

10:30pm
The Throttles
at Plough & Stars, 912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5-ish / 21+

The Throttles will play "two or three sets". The guitarist and bassist used to play with rockabilly band The Amazing Royal Crowns, and I hear some surf and blues influences from this trio.

As I often sat about gigs at the Plough: If you start drinking early enough, you'll be there before they start charging at the door...