TUES 4/3: Ice Cream, Video, Film, Music

It's tough to encourage folks to visit the Cheers Bar that looks like the TV show -- or the Bull & Finch downstairs that isn't really special except for the exterior sign.

On the other hand, you could enjoy "samples" of Cape Ann Brewing from 6:30pm to 8:30pm tonight. They suggest calling ahead, but "walk-ins welcome, space permitting".

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TUES 4/3

Noon to 8pm
Free Cone Day
at participating Ben & Jerry's stores

It's that time of year when Ben & Jerry's give a free scoop to their patrons around the world. (It's been my experience that you get a cup if you ask nicely.)

* In case you're not in the mood tomorrow: Sign up for their mailing list, and B&J's will email you a certificate for a free ice cream at the scoop shop location of your choice. Don't do it today, because you only have 2 weeks to redeem it.

TUES 4/3

6pm to 8pm
"Wonder Channel": Opening Reception
at Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston (Fenway)
FREE

Exhibit: TUES 4/3 & WED 4/4 -- Noon to 6pm

About 14 artists from SMFA's Advanced Digital Imaging for Video + Installation course will have their video work on view today and tomorrow.

The fun part of the reception is the opportunity to interact with the artists instead of asking your questions into the ether.

TUES 4/3

7pm
"In the Mood for Love": Screening
at Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Maybe "Chungking Express" is my favorite Wong Kar-Wai film for showing the humor in unrequited love. "In the Mood for Love" explores multiple extra-marital affairs. He not only creates lush, colorful cinemascapes; but he's also a master at capturing the joy and ache of love.

TUES 4/3

8pm to Midnight
"A Night of Music Celebrating Miles Davis"
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Feat: Phil Grenadier (trumpet), George Garzone (sax), Tim Ray (keys), John Lockwood (bass), Luther Grey (drums)

After a quick search, the closest Miles milestone I could find was the recording of "Tribute To Jack Johnson" on 4/7/70. There doesn't need to be a reason for a quintet of veteran musicians to blow through a night of the jazz giant's oeuvre, but these nights usually have that sort of inspiration.

The chef may be inspired with some special dishes, but that's over our cost threshold. As I remember, the stage can be seen from the bar.

TUES 4/3

8:30pm
Tricky Britches, The Ballroom Thieves
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$5

A couple songs from the Tricky Britches have made it on a few mix CD's I've made, so it's only right to give a shout-out to the string band from Portland. Along with The Ballroom Thieves, it should be an all-around bluegrassy and folky good time.

TUES 4/3

9pm
Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Prelim Night #3
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

Feat: Letterday (11:15pm), Ghosts Of Jupiter (10:30pm), The Tin Thistles (9:45pm), The Susan Constant (9pm)

This is going to be an interesting preliminary battle, because the bands sound so different. Will the straight-up pop-rockers advance? Can a jammy-rock band beat a post-punk outfit or even raucous group in a classic Boston punk vein?

TUES 4/3

9pm
"Dames & Dudes -- A Songrwriter's Round Robin"
at The Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$5

Feat: Ricky McLean, Molly Pope, Jeff Chasse, Annalise Emerick, Ian Fitzgerald, Charlotte Huffman, Sam Wheeler, Kit Wallach

JP dudes and dudettes can listen to dudes and dames that include members of The Nickel & Dime Band, Welcome Home, Gracious Calamity, and a variety of solo acts.

TUES 4/3

9pm
The Hub Dub, Nicole D'Amico & Friends
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

If you'd rather hear some free reggae and funky folk-rock, the MySecretBoston is still presenting Tuesday nights at Church without a cover. There's usually a different anchor band each month who are joined by weekly guests.

TUES 4/3: Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day

TUES 4/3

Noon to 8pm
Free Cone Day
at participating Ben & Jerry's stores

It's that time of year when Ben & Jerry's give a free scoop to their patrons around the world. (It's been my experience that you get a cup if you ask nicely.)

It should be a nice day even if we don't break temperature record like most of March...

If you want to try new flavor (Greek Frozen Yogurt), go for it. If you want an old standby, indulge yourself. With an 8-hour window and multiple locations in the area, it's possible have both.

* In case you're not in the mood tomorrow: Sign up for their mailing list, and B&J's will email you a certificate for a free ice cream at the scoop shop location of your choice. Don't do it today, because you only have 2 weeks to redeem it.

4/2: Monday Briefly

No need to think about the weekend. Mondays can be fun-days...

Just a few blocks apart in Cambridge, there are two discussions that appeal to different crowds: Education and NFL professionals discuss how gridiron analytical methods could be applied to classrooms. And a former Federal Reserve Chairman will chat with a law professor and a business professor.

The BPL is celebrating Shakespeare's birthday this month beginning with Laurence Olivier's 1948 version of "Hamlet" which may seem long and slow to some, but it's a touchstone for other actors who portray the Danish prince.

A live play in Davis Square promises to be a stimulating post-modern comedy that questions the experience of seeing a play, and tonight is "Pay-what-you-can Night" before the final 3 performances this weekend.

The Rock 'n' Roll Rumble is back, and preliminary-round gigs are going down at TT's this week except for Wednesday. Catch a couple bands you already like and/or find some new favorites like tonight's strong lineup including Thick Shakes and Animal Talk.

If you prefer continuity over variety, you can catch the garage-punk antix of Hunx and a couple other bands at Great Scott.

It hasn't been around as long as the Rumble, but Boston's annual electronic music festival Together could run for the foreseeable future. It's more than music, and there are many events from now through Sunday that fall between $10 and free.

SUN 4/1: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

No April Fools Joke today.

Sometimes it bums me out that Joe Strummer isn't walking around to share more songs and inspiration.

Sunday Calendar

There's still time to do something...