WED 4/15: Cookies, Talk, Film, Roots, Rap, Punk Film, Chadbourne!

Try not feel any worse today. You pay taxes everyday at stores and in your paycheck... Have a free cookie or enjoy some other fun tonight!

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WED 4/15

10am
Cookie Day
at participating Subway locations
FREE

Looks like they're rolling out a low-carb chocolate chip cookie (and they've supposedly improved all the cookies). The best part is that no purchase is required. From what I've read, you can choose any cookie as supplies last...

There's plenty of Subway locations, so you can get WAY more than one cookie, if you have the time!

WED 4/15

7pm to 8pm
William Marchione, "Boston Miscellany: An Essential History of the Hub": Reading
at 5th Floor Reading Room, Barnes & Noble at BU, 660 Beacon St, Boston
FREE

This guy knows a lot about local history. It appears that Marchione is the leading force behind the Brighton Allston Historical Society. He's written many articles on various subjects, and quite a few are available on the site. "Boston Miscellany" is a book that looks into some of the interesting episodes.

WED 4/15

7pm
"2001: A Space Odyssey": Screening w/ Dava Newman
at Room 100, Bldg 26, 60 Vassar St, Cambridge (MIT Campus)
FREE

Will I ever fully understand "2001" without the assistance of LSD? (I have a feeling that I always nod off at some point, so maybe I need caffeine...?) Film critics can try to explain the symbolism, but there's so little story besides the symbols. Kubrick was so much smarter than me, so I'll keep trying every now and then. Let's just agree that HAL is still one of the coolest computers of all time.

I have a feeling that Prof. Dava Newman (Aeronautics & Astronautics) will discuss lunar exploration instead of film theory. The screening is part of the "Giant Leaps: The 40th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing" series.

WED 4/15

8pm to 11pm
Zack Hickman's House of Ill Repute
Feat: Mark Erelli, Neil Cleary, Barnstar, Ronald Reagan, MC Mr. Napkins
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

Moustachioed musical mastermind Zack Hickman has been organizing "musical circus" shows like this for a while at other venues like Club Passim and most recently Lizard Lounge. Being a top-notch musician and producer, he has a lot of friends who'll play along with him like Mark Erelli who is an amazing folk singer-songwriter who could probably fill the club with his fans. I read that he might do a Roy Orbison medley with horn section? Whoa. Barn Star is a bluegrass project that Zack plays in (and maybe Erelli too). Neil Cleary is going to serve up tasty, rootsty, pubby powerpop that might include Madonna or Schoolhouse Rock covers.

It's going to be a good time. My favorite nerdcore rapper MC Mr. Napkins is going to lay down some funny flows... Saxophone/comedy duo Ronald Reagan will do something... You might win a weird prize... Who knows who else might show up... The drinks may not be cheap, but you're not paying a $5 cover for this show like the Lizard Lounge...

WED 4/15

9pm
WTBU Presents:
Rapper Steph / The Throwbacks (Midnight), Front Page (11:15pm), Vikesh Kapoor (10:30pm), Camden (9:45pm), IHaveATummyAche (9pm), DJs Death Star
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / $3 Student ID / 18+

Boston University's WTBU has put together a mostly hip-hop show consisting of BU and Northeastern musicians. If a college has an excellent hockey program, it doesn't preclude a student body who raps. One of the acts that stands out is BU grad student Vikesh Kapoor who plays hardcore folk like it was done in the '60s. IHaveATummyAche does an electronica thing. Rapper Steph and The Throwbacks are usually separate groups, but they're performing a set together to cap the night.

WED 4/15

9:30pm
Cinemental presents:
"Pansy Division: Life In A Gay Rock Band" w/ Jon Ginoli & Joel Reader
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10

Pansy Division didn't impress me much when I first heard them. They were okay, but I liked plenty of other bands more. However there's little doubt they're real punks. If you don't count Little Richard's flamboyance, Pansy Division were the first rockers to come out of the closet. You don't have to be gay to like their music, but imagine how they helped so many young punks feel welcome.

Besides the new documentary (trailer on YouTube), co-founder Jon Ginoli will appear (after his 7:30pm book signing) for a Q&A and a brief acoustic performance with current guitarist Joel Reader who lives in town and rocks us locally in The Fatal Flaw.

CineMental is a monthly series presenting the best in independent queer cinema.

WED 4/15

9:30pm
Eugene Chadbourne
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

Guitarist/banjoist Eugene Chadbourne is here to take our minds off our tax debt with his mind-blowing music, but he hasn't shied away from political statements in the past. Let's hope he unites everyone by pulling a couple tunes on his infamous "electric rake".

Eugene actually responded to my email yesterday, and he described his current performances as touching on all periods of his career with mostly original songs but some covers. I think I first became aware of Chadbourne around the time of his album with Camper Van Beethoven.

His music has a deep folk, country and blues foundation, but he plays in an experimental vein that touches on avant-garde jazz. He had been frequently collaborating with Jimmy Carl Black (ex- Zappa, Captain Beefheart) in recent years until he died of lung cancer late last year. I bet fans of freak-folkers and avant-noise bands will dig this.

The first gig on his current tour seems to have been in NYC on Monday, and I found a video clip. I think it's "Thoughts of Mary Jane" by Nick Drake:

4/15: Tax Day sucks. Have a (free) cookie. Or more?

10am
Cookie Day
at Subway locations in USA & Canada
FREE

Looks like they're rolling out a low-carb chocolate chip cookie (and they've supposedly improved all the cookies).

The best part is that no purchase is required. From what I've read, you can choose any cookie as supplies last...

There's plenty of Subway locations, so you can get WAY more than one cookie, if you have the time!

TUES 4/14: Drinks al Fresco, Frank Talk, Comedy, Pop/Folk

What can I say? You have to choose between hanging out at The Barking Crab or listen to Barney Frank...

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TUES 4/14

6pm at 8pm
"Hit the Deck" Party
at The Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper St, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE
My enthusiasm has dwindled for The Barking Crab over the years. It's a great location, and the atmosphere hits the right pitch when the weather is nice. I have noticed that there have been several health dept. violations including moldy tap lines. Of course they have to clean them to pass inspection, but I tend to order bottled beer these days.

I had my first lobster in Boston there, and I recognize there's a bit of a crapshoot to do it again. I'd consider it if I went there tonight -- lobster (1-1/4 lb.) dinners w/ corn and cole slaw are $15. (Cheaper than usual, but similar to deals near Faneuil Hall.) A portion of the proceeds will go to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay along with some charity raffles.

Dude with an acoustic Brian Bergeron will play... One person who most accurately guesses the weight of a crab will win a "mixed crab bowl" ($80!?) per month for a year...

TUES 4/14

7:30pm
Barney Frank: Talk / Q&A
at First Unitarian Society, 1326 Washington St, West Newton
FREE

Congressman Barney Frank makes a public appearance in his district, but it's open to all. You're going to get some of the expected "political posturing", but Rep. Frank is a smart guy who usually speaks his mind. He might be one of the people in Congress that actually understand the current financial crisis. You might hear something to help you understand what's going on.

It's probably going to crowded, but it looks like a big building.

TUES 4/14

9:30pm
The Rob Crean Show
w/ Shane Mauss, Dan Boulger, MC Mr. Napkins, The Hush Now
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

Last It's a comedy show in the format of variety/talk show. Imagine a late-night talk show with various sketches, interviews, and performances, and a "humorous take on the news" segment. Now imagine it being funny...

This is a pretty damn good show. I laughed a lot at Shane Mauss, and he has an original cadnce that adds another layer to the comedy. Dan Boulger is funny. MC Mr. Napkins is hilarious, a very good rapper, and on the cusp of busting on the national scene. (There's going to be videos by Dem T's, but I don’t find them funny...)

Musical guests The Hush Now have got their bright, poppy indie-rock running on all cylinders. Members of the Anderson Comedy troupe will probably perform as well.

TUES 4/14

9:30pm
Maria Taylor, The Whispertown 2000, Ryan Lee Crosby
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

If you're a fan of Azure Ray, then you already know Maria Taylor. She was the half of the group that provided the soft vocals that gave the wispy tunes their special glow. The music continues to spotlight her lovely voice. Taylor suggests you listen to the new CD "in a dark room, with a candle or two with headphones, maybe in the bath, but definitely horizontal." After you get out of the bath, you can listen to her at the club.

Whispertown2000 has a similarly chill sound and female vocals. Ryan Lee Crosby represents for Boston. I'm guessing Crosby will hold the crowd under his spell with his songs and an acoustic guitar.

4/12: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Steve Garfield is The Man! I wish I would've been clever enough to be him... And he's been friendly when we meet.

This is one of his videos from th restocking of Jamaica Pond that took place during the week. (Get your poles!)



It's kinda weird to see some of our elected officials playing with fish.

SUN 4/12: Zombies, Art, Africana, Americana, Mexicana

When the bunny meets the zombie? There's cheap fun for people that don't feel like doing the Easter thing. Jelly beans for everyone anyway!

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SUN 4/12

Noon
Boston Zombie Outbreak
meet at Davis Sq, Somerville to Harvard Sq, Cambridge
FREE

Some people think this is insulting to Christians or uncool to do when children are dressed in their Sunday best. I went back and forth when I heard about this, but let's remember what religion has their central figure rise from the dead. I also don't see the problem with people (young folks especially) handling a little Halloween on Easter. Secondly, has anyone considered what Passover people think of zombies???

Whether you're lurching or watching have a good day! I assume they'll stumble down Elm St and eventually stumble to Mass Ave...

I'm guessing the cops won't patrol the red plastic cups like St. Paddy's Day...

Email for info. [Facebook link]

SUN 4/12

2:30pm to 5:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+


Get something to draw on. If there's a cheaper life-drawing session, it can't be more fun than Dr. Sketchy's. Be arty, be boozy, and you can decide the proportion of both.

A couple of tips: Come on time to get a seat up front. Keep it small so others can crowd in around you. Bring your stuff in a milk crate so you have something to sit on or put your stuff on. (we have lots of seats, but more is helpful) There will be some fancy paper for you to buy if you want.

This month's models: "Johnny Blazes, M. Hanora, The Easter Bunny, and Jesus" (They said it, not me. See some pix from last year when Blazes and Hanora did a session.)

SUN 4/12

7pm to 9:30pm
Africa Night: "Letha Umlilo - Bring the Fire"
at Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy St, Cambridge (Harvard Campus)
$8 / $5 students

For Africans, this is a variety show with acts from all over the continent. For others, it's a cultural lesson with music, dance, comedy, poetry, and more. Some perfromers that live in the area will be there like Lamine Toure (Senegal) and Balla Tounkara (Mali) who are amazing. I'm fascinated that a couple rappers from Zimbabwe Comrade Fatso and Outspoken are appearing.

The guy who I find an interesting choice is comedian Michael Blackson; he's from Africa, but grew up in Philly. IRL he doesn't speak with an accent, but his act is in stereotypical African accent that repeats "muddafukka" over and over. I'm sure I'm not picking up the subtle satire... Many student groups will also perform.

It might just blow your mind how vastly diverse Africa actually is. It's been blowing my mind thinking about it, I listen to the BBC and read The Guardian online... I'm trying, and it's friggin' hard! Maybe I should go, but I don't know if I'd be able to sit through a show when I'm jacked up on Easter candy.

SUN 4/12

Audrey Ryan (8pm), La Tuza (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

I can't decide what I like more about Audrey Ryan. Is it her thoughtful lyrics or her inventive melodies that flow into your ears like audio honey. We don't get much Mexican roots music around here. I've spent a lot of time in L.A., and La Tuza does it right.