FRI 9/23: (Maybe) A Free Grilled Cheese

11:30am
100 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
at Roxy's Grilled Cheese, about 600 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

You may or may not know that Roxy's Grilled Cheese finished in third place on "The Great Food Truck Race".

Either way, most of you love melted cheese between two slices of bread. The reason why you probably won't be one of the 100 people who will get a free lunch is that Roxy's is more than the average grilled cheese.

These are fancy sandwiches, and they might already have a line at the 'secret location'.

The clues have been that it's 'near one of Boston's National Historic Landmarks' and 'somewhere along the Boston Marathon route' -- they already visit Copley Square on Fridays.

Still, you might get free food if you're nearby tomorrow. Check Twitter to be sure.

THUR 9/22: Music, Art, Vonnegut

Psst. There are some insanely good music options this weekend. Some require advance action to keep 'em $10 or under:

There are 2 excellent nights of rock 'n roll at Church that is raising money for a MS charity ($10 advance / $12 day of show / both nights for $18).

Saturday is also the 3rd iteration of "One Night Band" the Middle East - Downstairs ($10 advance / $12 day of show) where 40 musicians get split up into 8 bands in the morning and perform that night.

Both places offer online and offline purchases.

Psst, psst, there is also a free Miller Lite waiting for you at the Pour House around 6pm; look for the "Thirsty Thursday" promotion/commotion.

Yes, other Friday & Saturday cheapness is on the calendar.

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THUR 9/22

5pm to 10pm
"The Boston Song" Music Festival
at 2nd Floor, Quincy Market, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE

Feat: Sweet Tooth & The Sugarbabies, Doug Trasher, Shea Rose, Alicia Lemke, Me vs. Gravity, Lisa Bello

It won't have the legs of "Dirty Water", but "So Good (The Boston Song)" doesn't embarrass the town and will probably be in a Boston tourism commercial of some kind. Heck -- the music video is a advert for the Hub!

So the Berklee kids who wrote it for as a class assignment are taking it another step with a 'music fest' that was supposed to be outside but has been moved inside Quincy Market. A variety of their musical friends join in.

There are differing schedules between the music and venue sites, so show at any point and you have a chance of hearing a live version of "The Boston Song" eventually. Sweet Tooth & The Sugarbabies are going to play song in each of their sets. (I originally read the info as saying every band was going to play it -- a good idea for next time, guys.)

THUR 9/22

6pm to 7pm
Artist Talk: Jeff Sheng
at Room B-04, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

Photographer Jeff Sheng will discuss his work that includes a series of gay military personnel. In the 'Good Timing' department, he can speak about the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and celebrate the way art interacts with life.

THUR 9/22

7pm to 11pm
College Night
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston (The Fens)
FREE with college ID

Feat: Liz Longley, Keith Fullerton Whitman

If I've said it once, I've probably said a few more times: Don't throw ever throw away your college ID! You can keep getting discounts and going to events like this.

Thousands of students show up every year for free art and music and eats. (Thanks, Chipotle and Pinkberry!)

Something else? For some reason, there will be hula-hooping... And it's yet another chance to see the new Contemporary Art wing.

THUR 9/22

7:30pm
"Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt": Kurt Vonnegut Jr Tribute
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$8 / 21+

Poetry, Etc:

8:15pm to 9pm -- James Caroline, Charles Coe, Jade Sylvan, The Duende Project, Simone Beaubien, Daphne Gottlieb
9:25pm -- Meghan Chiampa & Jade Sylvan speak about Vonnegut
9:30pm -- Shadow-puppet theater by Woellert & Clark
9:45pm -- Cabaret by Scarlett Strawberry

Music:

10pm -- Connor Wood
10:15pm -- Jade Sylvan
10:30pm -- Space Balloons
10:50pm -- Army of Mars
11:05pm -- Somerville Symphony Orkestar

If one has read "Slaughter-House Five" or "Breakfast of Champions", Kurt Vonnegut has blown that mind multiple times -- or it was a singular that lasted through the whole reading.

In an article co-organizer Meghan Chiampa (of Desert Race Boston)says she wrote her thesis on "B of C". It's neither the anniversary of Kurt's birth or death, but no reason is needed to celebrate the author with poetry, music, shadow puppets, and more.

Hey, don't the Tralfamadorians tell us that all time exists at the same time? They would enjoy this fast-paced program occurring on a night that just another night on the time dimension.

THUR 9/22

8pm
Mrs Danvers, Echorev, Megan Lui Band
at Cafe 939, 939 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$8 / All Ages

I might recommend a gig just because I dig Mrs Danvers for keeping a foot in the powerpop yard while also keeping it funky and dancey next door. There are a couple more interesting bands such as Echorev (with one of the Mrs Danvers ladies); discerning ears will flip out for how they nail a chill vibe that is ridiculously deep on musical ideas. Megan Lui Band who comes across as solid songwriter when solo and should kick it up a notch with her band.

THUR 9/22

9:30pm
Brown Bird, Coyote Kolb, Mr. Sister
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$8 / 18+

There is going to be some folky, rootsy music in 3 different shades of awesome. Brown Bird kicked ass at the Newport Folk Festival, so you have to give a tip of the hat and a listen to the Providence duo. If you're a long-haired, hippy, twangy, bluesy music lover and don't love Coyote Kolb; then something may be wrong with you. That could be enough, but Mr Sister might cause a neck injury, if you're not paying attention to Amelia Emmet's transcendently creaky voice from the moment she bgins.

THUR 9/22

9:30pm
Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, Adela & Jude
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$5 / 21+

This is going to be an "old time dance revival" where delta-blues guitar mistress Erin Harpe will open with a solo set to hear her fantastic rendition of the early 1900's acoustic-fingerstyle blues. Adela & Jude play the kind of early country that makes you worry about your eternal soul. Thankfully, Erin & the Delta Swingers will get you back into a dance party spirit.

WED 9/21: Peace, Talk, Dance, Humor

A few things:

* 1 *
So I had to check out "The Ames Sessions" last night after writing about it, and I had a good time. They decided to move it inside, which was fine. I did notice their patio space looked like a comfy spot. To all my cheap friends, I can happily report that 'Gansett tall boys are $3.50.

Leo Blais delivered a fine solo set that was a big hit with the dancing toddler (and me). Anna Rose was even better in person especially on her new material, and Boston was treated to the first live performance of her Arcade Fire cover. I chatted with her briefly afterwards, and kudos to anyone who makes a Son House reference! (I even met a couple music bloggers and a couple Weekly Dig dudes.)

People who want to grab a drink after work and hear some cool music on a Tuesday should head over in the next 2 weeks. Both nights should be interesting.

* 2 *
If you wanted to try the Boston Film Festival tonight, I think there's a 50-50 shot to enjoy "Fort McCoy" (9pm) based on a real Nazi POW camp in Wisconsin starring Eric Stoltz.

* 3 *
Have you listened to The Bynars? They rip it up with crunchy guitars, and they pump up the vintage-style keyboards for a kickass good time -- for the most part.

They sent me an email that they're offering another track from their album for free. It's a bit of a 'downbeat song', but there are 2 more free tracks. Download, enjoy, then consider buying...

Btw: Cheapness through Saturday is on the calendar.

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WED 9/21

6pm
Peace Corps: Information Meeting
at O'Neill Federal Bldg Auditorium, First Floor, 10 Causeway St, Boston (North Station)
FREE w/ RSVP

Does your job suck? Maybe you don't have one at the moment? Want to break up with your S.O. and don't know quite how to do it?

Try leaving the country for a couple years with Peace Corps...

There's an info session at the government building next to the Garden from 6pm to 7pm. You have to RSVP by email -- or call 617-565-5555 -- to get in.

WED 9/21

6:30pm to 8pm
"A Constant Round of Entertainments: The Life of the William Brattle House": Lecture
at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

Some people love hearing about colonial architecture and history... Tonight and next week's lectures focus on a couple Cambridge buildings.

Part of "Hidden Gems: Historic Georgian Houses in the Boston Area" series.

WED 9/21

7pm
Science in the News: "Mind-Machine Interface: Computers and the Wired Brain"
at Armenise Ampitheatre, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston (Harvard Medical School / Longwood)
FREE

For the next 9 weeks, people who know about biology, astronomy, and other topics will simply tell you about the latest developments -- hence the "Science in the News" moniker.

For instance, 3 neuroscience grad students will discuss how machinery is being created to interact with people via the brain.

Registration is recommended.

WED 9/21

8:30pm
"Hot Snow"
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$5 advance / $8 door / $10 VIP seating

From the video of a Club Oberon performance, there wasn't much interaction in this "dance-theater, club-art piece". With the size of this room, I don't know how many could dance along. Sit back on a soft couch and enjoy the kinetic, audio/video performance that is happening every 2nd & 3rd Wednesday throught the end of the year.

(There is supposedly a Bacardi special called "Hot Snow Tea" for $3 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.)

WED 9/21

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

Feat: Brian Longwell, Ken Reid, Tim Vargulish, Matt Kona, Will Smalley, David Drake, Will Noonan, others

Hosted by Walter vs. Himself and Rob Crean

The idea behind StoryLiars is relatively simple: A group of comedians -- in this setting -- each tell a story based on the evening's theme. All of them are true except for one, and the audience members can win a prize by deducing (or guessing) correctly.

With a topic like relationships, I could believe any crazy story -- so good luck!

TUES 9/20: Words & Music

A couple college lectures... A couple free music gigs... A little wine 'n literary chat, and a some Boss tunes...

Not a bad Tuesday.

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TUES 9/20

5pm
Thomas Whalen, "A Man of His Times: Bill Russell and the 1960s": Lecture
at African American Studies Program, 138 Mountfort St, Brookline (near BU)
FREE

Even non-basketball fans might know Bill Russell's impact on the basketball court. It could be interesting to get some perspective about the champion hoopster off the court.

TUES 9/20

6pm to 7:15pm
Cathy Davidson, "Now You See It: How the Brain Science of Attention Will Transform the Way We Live, Work, and Learn": Lecture
at Austin Hall East, about 1511 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Law School)
FREE w/ RSVP

If there's space to be in the room, there's bound to be stimulating thoughts about using technology to transform the classroom and the workplace besides simply hacking away in old paradigms on new tools.

TUES 9/20 (thru TUES 8/4)

6pm
"The Ames Sessions": Anna Rose, Leo Blais
at Woodward, Ames Hotel, 1 Court St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE w/ RSVP

I mentioned this yesterday, and maybe you can still RSVP. As I said earlier:

It's going to take a while for people to stop mentioning that Anna Rose's dad is an Oscar-winning composer whose work includes "Little Shop of Horrors" and "The Little Mermaid". She is off to a good start with an appealing folk/pop sound that includes a rather nice Arcade Fire cover.

Leo Blais is our most tuneful local representative on the patio. This is the kind of bittersweet, melodic powerpop that I can listen to for hours. Although I didn't take the time to find them, I'll never forget seeing pictures of Leo's apartment that was decorated by his handmade album artwork of his lyrics, etc. (You get the idea on his site.)

The good thing about the RSVP page lets you respond for any and all of the 3 scheduled Tuesdays of music on the Woodward patio.

TUES 9/20

6pm
Will Dailey: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Faneuil Hall)
FREE

If you don't feel like RSVP'ing for anything, Will Dailey is going to play a mini-set that might include a bunch of songs from his new album. If it's anything close to his previous work, there will be an awesome little gig for 30 minutes (or however long it lasts).

TUES 9/20

7pm
DeWitt Henry, "Ploughshares Turns 40!"
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

A literary journal, "Ploughshares", is created while some people are drinking at the Plough & Stars, and it's still going after 40 years. Co-founder DeWitt Henry has written a memoir, "Sweet Dreams: A Family History", and he'll likely read a passage. Poet Gail Mazur will also recite at least one piece. Expect "wine and light refreshments".

TUES 9/20

8:40pm
"Happy Birthday Boss, Goodbye Big Man": Springsteen Tribute
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$7 / 18+

Feat: Corin Ashley & Dave Aaronoff, Paper Snakes, Eric Salt, Uke Springsteen, Brendan Little, Emily Pilowa, Matt York, others

It's almost Bruce's birthday and Clarence Clemons shuffled off about 3 months ago. Let's hope someone invited a sax player... Of course, the ukulele tribute group is on board, and I like how Paper Snakes is rooted in The Boss (if you believe their Facebook wall).

There is a schedule on the TT's calendar, but I don't think it matters much. If you dig Bruce Springsteen and love the local music scene, it'll be a double-fantastic tonight.

Tuesday Music: "The Ames Sessions" thru 8/4

6pm
"The Ames Sessions"
at Woodward, Ames Hotel, 1 Court St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE w/ RSVP

This building around the corner from City Hall could be a case study in preventing homeless veterans from loitering -- install a luxury hotel with a fancy bar on the ground floor.

My tone doesn't mean that hotels are bad and intimidating vagrants are good -- I just find it interesting. When the scaffolding came down, the result was rather subtle since they maintained most of the historic exterior.

For the next 3 Tuesdays, a different pair of artists are scheduled to situate on the patio for a couple sets of tunes that should be perfect accompaniment to relaxing with a tasty drink.

The folks at MuseBox havve done a good job to match musicians together:

9/20: Anna Rose, Leo Blais

It's going to take a while for people to stop mentioning that Anna Rose's dad is an Oscar-winning composer whose work includes "Little Shop of Horrors" and "The Little Mermaid". She is off to a good start with an appealing folk/pop sound that includes a rather nice Arcade Fire cover.

Leo Blais is our most tuneful local representative on the patio. This is the kind of bittersweet, melodic powerpop that I can listen to for hours. Although I didn't take the time to find them, I'll never forget seeing pictures of Leo's apartment that was decorated by his handmade album artwork of his lyrics, etc. (You get the idea on his site.)

The next two weeks are going to be worth your while as well.

9/27: Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, Supercute

8/4: Kim Boekbinder, Audrey Ryan

As far as tomorrow's gig, it's still possible to RSVP as of this posting. If it's raining, I'd lie to think they'd move it inside. Hey, Courtney Love played somewhere inside the Ames.

Even if it rains, I saw the mention of "specials and prizes" during the Ames Sessions.

Yes, most of the cocktails are over $10 (and awesome, btw). Have a beer or splurge... You might still feel ahead of the game with a free tunes...