THUR 1/19: Top 4 Free Things To Do Tonight

Happy Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe!

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

THUR 1/19

6pm to 8pm
"100 Years (version #4 Boston, 2012)": Opening Reception
at Stone Gallery, 1st Fl, College of Fine Arts Bldg, 855 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Performances: Marilyn Arsem, Jeff Huckleberry, Mari Novotny-Jones, Daniel S. DeLuca, EL Putnam

After stops in Dusseldorf; New York City and Moscow, an exhibit that covers the last century (or so) of performance art will be on view through SUN 3/25.

More than 200 pieces (including photos/video/audio) are on display, and there will be multiple live performances over the next couple months.

Several artists associated with local Mobius Group will do some wild and wacky -- err, I mean, give thought-provoking and sublime displays of their work...

THUR 1/19

7pm to 8:30pm
"Celebration of the 203rd Birthday of Edgar Allan Poe"
at Boston Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

The Edgar Allan Poe Foundation of Boston is sponsoring a birthday for America's original master of macabre who grew up a few blocks away near Boston Common.

Speakers will include Prof. Paul Lewis, Boston's preeminent Poe scholar who curated the BPL's exhibit a couple years ago.

Project manager Jean Mineo will present the 3 top proposals for the Edgar Allan Poe Square Public Art Project and ask for your feedback.

You may even win a prize during the Poe-themed trivia game, and there's a rumor that Mr. Poe (or a close facsimile) will show up.

THUR 1/19

7pm
Catharine Utzschneider, "MOVE! How Women Can Achieve Athletic Goals at Any Age"
at Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
FREE

Attention female readers who are looking for some perspiration inspiration: BC professor and Liberty Athletic Club coach Catharine Utzschneider has filled a book with scientific information and personal stories about female athletes from various levels.

THUR 1/19

7:30pm
SkeeNation Boston: Season II Kickoff Tourney
at The Greatest Bar, 3rd Fl, 262 Friend St, Boston (near North Station)
FREE / 21+

There is little luck at the upper echelon of skeeball. That said... With a little luck, you and a partner could walk away from this shindig with a pair of Celtics tickets.

The costs to register for the 8-week season wasn't readily available, but you can compete tonight for free -- and there's no obligation to show up again.

Judging from last season's teams, it seems to be a healthy but casual sort of competitiveness...

WED 1/18: Music, Talk, Theatre, Poetry, Games

Alright, now we're getting a decent variety of cheapness in 2012...

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

WED 1/18

5pm
Anthony Green: Performance & Signing
at Newbury Comics, North Market Bldg, 4 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston (Quincy Market)
FREE

If you're a Circa Survive fan, you may know he's doing an in-store performance before his gig at the Paradise.

If you're not, then why not check out a free performance if you work near Faneuil Hall.

WED 1/18 (thru WED 3/7)

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

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is presenting a second season of free lectures at Symphony Hall to discuss various topics and to listen to excerpts of pieces from upcoming concerts (Mozart, Beethoven, etc).

There are 3 sessions left, and those who show up will find the answer to "What Makes a Symphony?"

The BSO discusses "Two Choral Masterpieces" on 2/15 and "Beethoven Up Close" on 3/7.

WED 1/18

6pm to 7pm
Ray Jayawardhana, "Strange New Worlds: From Meteorites in Antarctica to the Search for Life Beyond Our Solar System"
at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
FREE

If you missed a previous lecture about the hunt for life in the universe, we live in Boston where there are plenty of scientists who will publicly share their knowledge.

(There should be free parking in the garage at 52 Oxford Street.)

WED 1/18

7pm
Theda Skocpol & Vanessa Williamson, "The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism": Discussion
at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

7:30pm
Philosophy Cafe, "A Philosophical Look at Inequality"
at Harvard Book Store, Lower Level, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

It seems like there have been quite a few books on the Tea Party. Maybe next year will see a spate of Occupy manuscripts. Since you have a pair of Harvard professors collaborating on the project, the research and analysis of the movement should be sound and reliable.

In my mind, a philosophical discussion about inequality relates to the Tea Party who seem to say that life is unfair and we should let it be.

WED 1/18 (and WED 1/25)

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Winter Panto 2012: "Humpty Dumpty"
at Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston (South End)
$5 minimum

For many years, 'pantomime' conjured images of playing charades. Somewhere along the line, I read about the English tradition of presenting a musical/comedy show around Christmastime. They're usually silly (sometimes bawdy) versions of commonly-recognized tale.

You could pay full price on other nights, but I talk about cheap fun like pay-what-you-can nights (payable at the door day of show only) tonight and next week.

This production says it is suitable for all ages, and there's no doubt that you've never seen Humpty Dumpty like this before.

WED 1/18

8pm
Poetry Slam: World Qualifier Semi-Final
at Cantab Underground, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Central Sq & Harvard Sq)
$5

I've been to the Cantab's poetry night, and it's quite a vibrant and crowded scene. I'd get there early if you really want to get in, because it can be a full house.

Besides the open-mic at 8pm, 18 poets will compete in a two-round slam around 10pm to narrow down who will represent the Cantab at the National Poetry Slam (not in Boston this year).

WED 1/18 (and WED 1/25)

8:30pm
Roy Sludge
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. Buy yourself another beer since you didn't pay to get in and enjoy the tunes tonight and/or next Wednesday.

When people give directions to Radio, it's easy to say, "It's across the street from Market Basket." So maybe you can do some shopping beforehand...

WED 1/18

9:30pm
"Punch Out!" Competition
at Good Life, 28 Kingston St, Boston (Downtown Crossing)
FREE

Feat: DJs El Amado, Thaddeus Jeffries, Team Teamwork

When you're not dancing, there is going to be an informal Punch Out! tournament on 2 Wii's and 2 Atari 2600's with a grand prize of dinner for two at the restaurant upstairs.

They've done Tetris and Tennis tournaments before, so they must have worked out a decent plan to make this work.

1/17 to 3/6: MBTA Public Meetings

If you haven't heard, the T is facing a large operating budget shortfall [Globe/Herald].

I went to a public meeting when the MBTA considered raising fares a couple years ago (and taxes were raised to avoid an increase). Someone explained the budgetary pickle much like this article.

Currently, there appears to be 2 potential proposals of fare increases & service reductions that can be reviewed in a "Discussion Guide" on the MBTA site.

There are PDF and Word versions in English, Cape Verdean, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. FYI, both of them screw the riders in any language...

The full schedule of related public meetings is listed below, and they begin tonight and are free to attend!

Someone recently asked me what can be done. It seems like there are a handful of options that come to mind:

1) Go to one of the public meetings to share your personal transit story and/or express general outrage.

2) Start/sign an online petition to protest the changes -- or to call for an independent audit of the MBTA books.

3) Follow a burgeoning "Occupy the MBTA" on Facebook or Twitter and see what ideas pop up.

4) Hold a fundraiser for the T.

It's my understanding that at least a few MBTA board members are supposed to be at each meeting, so your voice will be heard.

As I see it, the public needs to express their opinion on fares and services. The MBTA will feel empowered to do whatever they want if we don't participate at all.

TUES 1/17

5:30pm to 7:30pm
Newton City Hall, War Memorial Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave

6pm to 8pm
Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square

WED 1/18

6pm to 8pm
Chelsea Public Library, Auditorium, 569 Broadway

THUR 1/19

6pm to 8pm
Roxbury Community College, Auditorium, 1234 Columbus Ave

MON 1/23

1pm to 3pm
4:30pm to 6:30pm
State Transportation Building, Floor 2, Conference Rooms 2 & 3, 10 Park Plaza, Boston

TUES 1/24

4:30pm to 8pm
Attleboro High School, 100 Rathbun Willard Drive

WED 1/25

6pm to 8pm
Salem City Hall Annex, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington St

TUES 1/31

6pm to 8pm
Mildred Avenue Community Center, 5 Mildred Ave, Mattapan

WED 2/1

6pm to 8pm
Hennigan Community Center Cafeteria, 200 Heath St, Jamaica Plain

THUR 2/2

1pm to 3pm
6pm to 8pm
Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 1353 Dorchester Avenue

MON 2/6

5pm to 7pm
Lowell City Hall Council Chambers, 375 Merrimack Street

TUES 2/7

6pm to 8pm
Lynn City Council Chambers, 3 City Hall Square

WED 2/8

4:30pm to 6:30pm
Shriners Hospital Auditorium, 51 Blossom St, Boston (behind MGH)

6pm to 8pm
Hingham Town Hall, Central Meeting Room, 210 Central Street

MON 2/13

6pm to 8pm
Boston Public Library, Boston Room, 700 Boylston Street

TUES 2/14

6pm to 8pm
Framingham Town Hall, 150 Concord Street

WED 2/15

6:30pm to 8:30pm
Quincy High School Auditorium, 100 Coddington Street

6pm to 8pm
Thomas Crane Public Library Community Room, 40 Washington St, Quincy (Thanks, Jen, for the update!)

THUR 2/16

6pm to 8pm
Malden City Council Chambers, 200 Pleasant Street

TUES 2/28

6pm to 8pm
Somerville High School Auditorium, 81 Highland Avenue

WED 2/29

6pm to 8pm
Cambridge City Hall Council Chambers, 795 Mass Ave

6pm to 8pm
Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass Ave

THUR 3/1

6pm to 8pm
Government Center Auditorium, 119 School Street, Waltham

TUES 3/6

6pm to 8pm
Massasoit Community College, Liberal Arts Building, Lecture Hall LA 560
1 Massasoit Boulevard, Brockton

TUES 1/17: Talk, Music

There are quite a few Tuesday residencies of free music this month. It's probably a good way to get people out on a weeknight in January...

I think I posted the Young London gig, so I can remember them if they go big-time...

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

TUES 1/17

6pm to 7:30pm
Lori Andrews, "I Know Who You Are and I Saw What You Did": Author Talk
at Boston Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

It's inevitable to compromise your privacy if you do practically anything online.

Prof. Andrews will probably freak you out, but wouldn't you like to have a better understanding of what's happening when you're on Facebook -- or even send emails?

TUES 1/17

7:30pm
Eddie Scheer's Tuesday Night All-Stars
at Smoken' Joe's BBQ, 351 Washington St, Brighton (Brighton Center)
FREE

Guests Mr. Nick & Monster Mike Welch

While mainly a restauarant with a stage, there is a small bar area to have a drink and enjoy bluesy music almost every night of the week.

As for the Tuesday session, this week's guests include the fine harp skills of Mr. Nick and hotshot blues guitarist Mike Welch who is known across the country/globe.

TUES 1/17

Abbie Barrett & The Last Date (7:30pm), The Blue Ribbons (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

On their latest release, Abbie Barrett & The Last Date shares a trio of uptempo indie-poppers that I enjoy a bit more than the folkier, sensitive stuff. I think The Blue Ribbons have been doing their weekly bluesy/rootsy weirdness for a while -- and that's a good thing.

TUES 1/17

8:30pm
Kristen Ford Band, Tilt-A-Whirl
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE / 21+

It's a Kristen Ford double-header. There's a different band opening during this January residency, except she'll be in the drum chair for the loose rock of Tilt-A-Whirl before leading her positive-vibe, folky pop-rock.

TUES 1/17

Richard James & The Name Changers (10pm), The Hornitz (8:30pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

Thanks to MySecretBoston, Church is a spot for free, funky, jam-bandish rock every Tuesday this month.

To give you an idea what to expect from RJ & The Name Changers, someone listed last week's songs on the residency Facebook page. Besides their originals, the band worked in several tunes by Phish and The Beatles.

Tonight's opener is also the horn section for The Name Changers who do some cool stuff with drum machines, etc.

TUES 1/17

8:30pm
Young London, Glowkids & Fuse, Mic Raygun, Michael Hensley
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

Hey, I've posted other electro-pop gigs. Young London may be too sleek 'n polished for my taste, but they probably have a better chance at national fame than most of the local bands I love. The Phoenix even called them one of the 12 best new bands for the upcoming year.

There are DJ's and other electro-popsters on the bill. I sorta dig the rougher sound of Mic Raygun who will supposedly give free flash drives to the first 10 people that say, "Dicks, pits and lady bits" to him after his set.

MON 1/16: MLK, Art, Talk, Music, Trivia

Happy Dr. MLK Jr Day!

I hope most of you don't have to work today.

If not, you can pretend you're a fighter for social justice.

Hey, The White Owls and Andrea Gillis Band are at Toad (for free) tonight too.

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

MON 1/16

10am to 4:45pm
MLK Jr Day -- Open House
at Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston (Fenway)
FREE

I have been to an Open House day in the expanded MFA, and there was a reasonable amount of room for me. Of course there are musical performances and art activities, or you could check out a couple exhibits then do something else with the rest of the day.

This is a good chance to see "Degas and the Nude" that is closing next month and going to Musée d’Orsay in Paris. It could be described as a hundred naked ladies, but it's also a study by one of the pioneering Impressionists.

MON 1/16

1pm
"A Day of Service & Celebration In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."
at Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston
FREE

Feat: Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Steve Grossman, Lee Pelton, Tulaine Marshall, more

Above the souvenir booths, the City and the Museum of African American History present a program to honor the man whose dream has given some of us a day off.

Amid performances from the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, people like the state treasurer, Emerson College's President, and more will read passages by Dr. King.

Psychiatrist and educator Dr. Alvin Poussaint will deliver the keynote address.

MON 1/16

6pm to 9pm
Rock Shop #14: "The Need to Be Heard"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
FREE

Feat: Audrey Ryan, Michael Creamer, Will Dailey, David Day

The Rock Shop series is geared towards the music realm, but maybe anyone in a creative endeavor might hear something beneficial.

Perhaps any kind of artist who does their thing very independently could benefit from "The Need to Be Heard", a book by Audrey Ryan that is the foundation of tonight's discussion with other musicians and music professionals.

Not only do you walk away with a bunch of tips, you also meet other local music people -- like the monthly Rock 'n' Roll Social at at the Model Cafe.

MON 1/16

7:30pm
"James Brown Get Down for MLK Day!"
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$3 Suggested Donation

If you don't recall why watching vintage concert footage of James Brown makes sense for a MLK Jr Day celebration, it was Soul Brother Number One who televised his concert at the Boston Garden on the night of King's assassination.

It's widely believed this prevented major rioting in Boston that plagued other cities across the country. There's a DVD about the concert, and I bet some of it will be shown tonight.

MON 1/16

8pm to 10pm
The Big Quiz Thing
at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Yes, Virginia, there is a free trivia night where there's a $200 1st-place prize.

It's very competitive, but it can be done. The Cheap Thrills Boston team tied for 2nd place in June. I think our team helped to make the night considered to be "The ideal live-trivia audience".

Your average pub trivia is alright, but this is probably the most entertaining trivia game I've played.

MON 1/16

9pm
The Sound of Growing Up, The Winter Sounds, Triggers
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Attention powerpop lovers, there is gig that will warm your musical cockles as the temperature has become wintry. If you don't dig the keyboard-heavy, uptempo Sound Of Growing Up with bits of horns and ukulele, you might like The Winter Sounds from Nashville via Athens, GA. From what I heard The Winter Sounds sound more UK than Southern with precious melodies and sparkling guitars.

If not those two, Pittsburgh's Triggers should sink their big tasty hooks in your ears. (Too many cliches? Hope not.) Even if you don't go, take a listen and find some new mixtape tracks.