FRI 3/19: Art, Theatre, Comedy, Rock, Coffee, Punk

Lots of Cheap fun tonight. Enjoy the the great weekend!

(More forthcoming...)

Hey, have you thought about entering the Cheap Thrills "Boston Skyline" necklace giveaway?

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FRI 3/19

7pm to 10pm
"Paint it Now": Opening Reception
at The Distillery Gallery, 516 E 2nd St, Boston (Southie)
FREE

For the second time, The Distillery Gallery and OverKill Studio allow a bunch of artists create on the gallery walls. About twenty artists from Boston, NYC, and Philly can only use black paint (like they did two years ago).

It looked really cool the first time. One of the exhibit sponsors is Narragansett, so there should be beer tonight...

FRI 3/19

7pm
Kristina Lenzi, "Clumsy Cakes Returns"
at Meme Gallery, 55 Norfolk St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Performance art involving a "lost cake recipe" and discovering the "meaning of a blank canvas." A bunch of cool stuff happens in this gallery, so...

FRI 3/19 (and SAT 3/20)

7pm to 9pm
"Demarcations"
at Killian Hall, Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Dr, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

I liked how this was described as a "short evening of theater games."

Fun includes but is not limited to: "An Objective Interpretation of a Kabbalistic Myth of Creation," devised by Istvan Cziegler; "The Birth of Rhythm out of Nearly Nothing," written by Weores Sandor; "Sound Groups and Dance Music," written by Weores Sandor; "Stepping Stones," written by Paul Welle; "Geographical Fugue," composed by Ernst Toch.

It seems like it'll be experimental theatre and similar cultural experiences...

FRI 3/19

7:30pm to 9:30pm
Anderson Comedy: "The Gas"
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5

Feat: Rob Crean, Peter Bowers, Benny Bosh, Jenny Z, Sarah Heggan, Will Smalley, Mike Abramson, Maria Ciampa

This weekly comedy show is a great chance to start the weekend with a bunch of funny people, and -- this week -- you can also help a good cause just by showing up and paying the cover charge.

Go laugh and drink PBR tall boys. I bet you'll have a damn good time for a total of $20...

The proceeds benefit 826 Boston, a nonprofit located in Egleston Sq that offers tutoring for young people to encourage and improve their writing.

FRI 3/19

Forgetful Jones (Midnight), I Pistol (11pm), Planetoid (10pm), Mascara (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

JustBill takes photos of a lot of rock bands around Boston. Apparently he put together a show of his own last year, and he's done it again. The two bands I really like are I Pistol who excel at well-crafted crunchy, fuzzy, powerpopping rock and Mascara's potent, progressive rock led by the charismatic Chris Mascara.

Planetoid specializes stoney, space-rock and dress up like aliens and robots -- which is pretty cool. (I'm assuming they are not really from outer space.) For some reason, I haven't gotten into Forgetful Jones (at least, to this date). You, on the other hand, may love them.

(Did you know this muppet is called Forgetful Jones? I had forgottten.)

FRI 3/19

9:30pm
Brownboot (11:45pm), The Dirty Truckers (10:45pm), The Rationales (9:45pm)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$9

What started out as a one-off Black Crowes tribute band turned into BrownBoot, a Faces/Rod Stewart Halloween gig, which has now turned into a kickass rock band with a soul-sational singer who will be doing a mainly original song set.

I guess The Dirty Truckers like Precinct, because they were there about 3 weeks ago. Union Square and those who can find it can soak in twangy, Stonesy, rip-roaring rock from one of last year's Rumble finalists. The Rationales start the party a la Americana.

FRI 3/19 (to SUN 3/21)

Various Times
NorthEast Regional Barista Competition
at Arts at The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
FREE

Friday -- Noon to 5:30pm
Saturday -- 11:15pm to 5:30pm
Sunday -- 10:30pm to 1pm

I checked with someone associated with the event, and it's open to the public. It's a timed event that's also judged on taste, where four espressos, four cappuccinos and four espresso-based signature drinks need to be completed in 15 minutes.

I doubt that anyone could sample each barista's espresso drinks since there will be up to 18 different competitors from across the region on the first 2 days and 6 finalists on Sunday.

There will be one espresso machine dedicated to making complimentary espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, etc for the spectators. Go if you're in the neighborhood, because you know it's going to smell great!

The winner goes on to the national championship next month in California where the US champ will be chosen for the international competition...

FRI 3/19 to SUN 3/21

Various Times
Boston Rules, OK 2010
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

I suspect that if you're going to attend (one of) these shows, you have already heard about it -- but I could be wrong.

With the number of bands playing over the next three days at this second annual punk rock festival, it's not likely that I would listen to all of them. There are good bands on every show and different flavors although it seems lie a lot of hardcore. For people that pay attention to the scene, note the reunions of The Vigilantes, Disorderly Conduct, and Guns Up.

The night shows are 18+, and the afternoon shows are "all ages" (like the Middle East's usual matinees).

FRI 3/19 -- 9pm

COA, PanzerBastard, Side Effects, Cromulent, Nothing But Enemies, Revilers

SAT 3/20 -- 1:30pm

The Pinkerton Thugs, Tommy and the Terrors, Razors in the Night, Disorderly Conduct, Oi! the Band, Colin and The Cancer

SAT 3/20 -- 9pm

The Vigilantes, Jason Bennett and the Resistance, Tijuana Sweetheart, These Lies, Paul & The Strings, War of Words

SUN 3/21 -- 1:30pm

Guns Up!, For the Worse, Ashers, Watchfire, Word for Word

THUR 3/18: Film, Talk, Roots, Pop, Reggae

Friends, I have to be honest. I want to spend more than $10 tonight.

The Ego & The Oracle ($15 / 21+) is happening at Lizard Lounge, and I love the band and the show overall.

Apollo Sunshine / Drug Rug / Edan ($13 / 18+) are playing at the Paradise too. These are two bands of full-on awesomeness, and I'm sure my appreciation of Edan would increase.

There are several good cheap options. I was too busy doing my NCAA brackets to write a better post... (It's hard to get excited about the tourney without the Tarheels...)

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THUR 3/18

6pm
"Ikiru"
at Room 537C, Geddes Language Center, 685 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
FREE

Part of a "Japanese Film Series"

Akira Kurosawa films are always worth the time.

THUR 3/18

6:30pm
"Kyrgyzstan To Kathmandu: A 6-Month Bicycle Adventure"
at 2nd Floor, George Sherman Union, 775 Comm Ave, Boston (BU campus)
$5 minimum donation

Presentation & Slideshow by Sage Cohen (BU Public Health)

Whatever bicyclists you've encountered, I doubt any were as crazy as Sage Cohen and her companion who went on a cycling trip through Central Asia through 5 countries in 6 months.

The distance as the crow flies was a bit more than 1200 miles, but I doubt there were many straightaways -- not to mention the mountains. I'm getting fatigued by thinking about it. On the other hand the images will be beautiful accompanied by a soundtrack from the region.

The presentation begins at 7pm, and there's some mingling and "light refreshments" for a half hour prior.

It's "sliding scale" admission (pay what you can), but they ask for a $5 minimum although $10 is suggested. Proceeds benefit the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition.

THUR 3/18

Zack Hickman & Barnstar (7pm), Greg Klyma & Friends (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Go early. Go late. Go early, and stay late. Both guys are witty songwriters that know how to entertain.

There are two easy reasons to like Zack Hickman: He sports a handlebar moustache and plays bass with Josh Ritter. When Hickman plays with Barnstar, the music leans towards bluegrass.

Greg Klyma seems like one of those lovable drifters. He's charming and you might even start thinking that he's a Boston guy or a [your town] guy, but he mainly roams. I doubt that he's dangerous except for his clever songs. I could be totally wrong about the charming-drifter thing, but the music is good.

THUR 3/18

8pm to 10:30pm
Corin Ashley, Jim Boggia, Varsity Drag
at Arts at The Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$8

Although Varsity Drag cancelled, it's still going to be a damn good show. Out of the 3 artists, Varsity Drag wasn't quite the perfect fit with the other two.

(Apparently Ben Deily of got an invitation to play with Evan Dando at SXSW for a mini-Lemonheads reunion. Whatever, dude...)

Before I saw this show listing, I was listening to Jim Boggia for about an hour and couldn't help but think about Corin Ashley. It's not unusual for two musicians to love The Beatles, but when listening to their songs, I feel that they both absorbed similar lessons then probably kept going down similar paths to pop nirvana.

Boggia (from Philly) sounds a bit folkier -- he wrote "The Harry Nilsson Song" while Ashley's CD is called Ashley called his CD "Songs From The Brill Bedroom".

More beautiful songs than you could shake a stick at, but you shouldn't wave a stick around.

THUR 3/18

10pm
Dread Rock, Mo Ambesa, WZBC DJ's Robin & Dwight
at Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$10

In the mood for reggae? This is the solid sound of roots reggae. I saw Dread Rock at a Cambridge street festival last year, and I think they were my highlight (besides seeing live chickens)... Mo Ambesa are a group of Vermonters who have some jazz influence but seem really serious about making a groove (and Rastafarianism). A couple reggae DJ's from BC's radio station will likely lay it down before, after, and in between sets.

RIP Alex Chilton

Goodbye, Alex. You left us with so much good music. I'm mainly sad that we never hung out -- except in my room and my car. Thank you.

Thank you for The Boxtops. Thank you, thank you, thank you for Big Star. (Go listen to "Ballad of El Goodo" for some beautiful melancholy.) Thanks for all the music.

He was simply awesome. I keep thinking of the best Alex Chilton tribute by The Replacements [YSI]. You didn't die in Memphis, but you're still cool:

If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.

Chorus:
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."

So we will rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.

- Chorus -

I never travel far, without a little Big Star

Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.

- Chorus -

WED 3/17: St Paddy's Stuff, plus

Happy Evacuation Day, folks! You know it's a town of drunks when the Red Line is as crowded as the day after Thanksgiving.

The Metro asked someone from McGreevy's how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a genuinely Irish way, and she said: "Help your mother boil the dinner and take some time to go to church."

Honestly, you don't need an excuse to binge drink. Feel free to do it any weekend...

Most bars are crazy-crowded today. You'll probably have a good time, but -- like New Year's Eve -- I'm not interested in waiting in line and/or paying a special cover charge.

While you're in line, grab some lads and/or lasses and consider my cheap drinking suggestions:

1) Share a bottle of Irish whiskey with some people and drink beer. (Am guessing you can find some good stuff for about $25.)

2) Make green jello shots: Get a couple packages of green jello, a cheap bottle of vodka, and some little cups (or something similar).

Generally, I say drink local. The closer you are to your home, the easier your stumble back will be.

Someone sent me a link for a webcomic about an Irishman who comes to Boston during the Potato Famine...

Kings in Back Bay sent a flyer saying that bowling and pool is free after 9pm...

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WED 3/17

7pm to 8pm
Peter F. Stevens, "Hidden History of the Boston Irish": Reading
at Harvard Coop, 3rd Level, 1400 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Looking for Irish people to toast? Hear about notable Boston Irish that don't get much notice.

WED 3/17

7pm to 11pm
Josh Lederman & The CSARs
at Sally O'Brien's, 335 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
FREE

Sally's feels crowded on any Friday night, so I can only assume it'll be jumping. I've seen Josh Lederman's rootsy Irish/klezmer/rock frenzy on a couple St Paddy's Days. In the past, he and the band -- like many others -- do sets at multiple clubs today, but I know the "Cambridge-Somerville All-Stars" appropriately celebrate in Union Sq for a couple hours.

WED 3/17

7pm
"3-on-3 Improv Tournament"
at Castlebar, 575 Washington St, Brighton (Oak Sq)
$1 or $3 / 21+

In a brilliant melding of comedy and March Madness on St. Patrick's Day, various local comedy and improv teams of three go head-to-head through a bracket to determine the winner. Each team gets 10 minutes per round.

There is some conflicting info about the cover, but the drinks are cheap (and cocktails were strong when I was last there). A recipe for good craic.

WED 3/17

9pm
Mellow Bravo, The Organ Beats, Midatlantic, The Luxury, Creepy Jones
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$10 / 18+

I guess Midatlantic (fka The Bleedin Bleedins) play a local gig near the date to celebrate the Irish holiday. As a band that has its roots firmly in Eire, the new name aptly describes the cross-pond link. Besides their anthemic rock, you got more of the big-rock sound with The Luxury. Things get a little heavier as the night goes on with The Organ Beats and Mellow Bravo. The band with my least favorite name of the night, Creepy Jones, twangs it all off.

DJ Belfrank, from Ireland, is supposed to spin too.

WED 3/17

9pm
"Sistas Doin' it for Themselves" Party
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$5

Feat: DJ Nomadik, Allyssa Jones, Darcie Wicknick, Sista D, Genevieve, Luna del Flor, more

Hey, not everything has to include green beer. (Please don't drink any green beer.) Remember that March is Women's History Month (and International Women's Month)???

My memory is a bit faulty, because this is apparently Soulkore's 9th annual party to celebrate woman power. Their usual monthly "Old School Party" is going to be a showcase for female DJ's and performers.

WED 3/17

10pm
Kiss My Ass
at P.J. Ryan's, 239 Holland St, Somerville (Teele Sq)
FREE

For those speak Gaelic or love The Pogues, you probably already know that "Pogue Mahone" means "Kiss My Ass". You may think there are other Pogues tribute bands around town (including one at the Plough tonight), but these guys are supposedly the best we've got.

Win a Boston Skyline Necklace!

Add a little bark to your bling!

Kelly of The Refinery has offered to give away one her skyline necklaces to a Cheap Thrills reader.

She turns wood into an assortment of necklaces, dog tags, rings, and a wine bottle holder.

Check out her Etsy shop -- or you can visit On Centre [Yelp, Facebook], the store in Jamaica Plain, which is carrying some of her items.

As you may have noticed, the sample photo is a generic skyline.

I actually stared at it for a long time trying to identify the buildings before I asked Kelly about it.

Your prize will actually capture some of the local architecture.

Whatever the final image is, you will be the first person to have this cool piece of Boston jewelry.

People will marvel. Friends will be astonished. Others will be jealous.

It's easy to win.

Just give your answer to following question...

How would you improve the Boston skyline?

There are some nice views, but could we rank up there with Chicago, New York, or Seattle?

Your answer could be funny, profound, practical, or whatever... The artist and I will choose the winner with no specific criteria other than the answer we like best.

So sign in with one of the listed ID's (Google, OpenID, LiveJournal, WordPress, TypePad, AIM) and leave a comment -- OR -- email us (me & Kelly, both on gmail -- add the punctuation).

Deadline to enter is Tuesday 3/30, and we'll pick a winner on Wednesday 3/31 so you know we're not fooling...

I'll probably post a couple reminders over the next two weeks. I personally think it would be fine to enter multiple times...

If you win, Kelly will mail it to you. (Thanks, Kelly! Check out her stuff!)

Happy brainstorming!

(I will hopefully have a Wednesday post up soon...)