MON 11/15: Film, Reading, Music

Will Monday ever get any better? I don't know, maybe if one starts the work week on Tuesday instead.

Yeah, the cheapness is similar to other Mondays, but that's how it goes. Maybe next week I'll check out the "Gong Show Karoke" at TT's then report back... Maybe I should organize a Cheap Thrills meetup? (I've put 2 seconds of thought into this, so stay tuned.)

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MON 11/15

6pm
"Charly"
at Rabb Lecture Hall, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
FREE

I saw this movie years ago and thought it was pretty good. The notion of science pushing the envelope of human development is still pertinent. If some entity had a risky treatment for mentally-challenged people, he'd probably want to test it on a full-grown subject.

As part of the "Made in Mass" series, there are a bunch of Boston exterior shots from all over town, so it counts way more than some other films.

MON 11/15

7pm to 9pm
Four Stories: "The Drum Literary Magazine"
at Enormous Room, 567 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Feat: Ethan Gilsdorf, Michelle Hoover, Lynne Griffin, Bret Anthony Johnston

Hosted by Faith Salie

Instead of putting it in your magazine rack, "The Drum" is a literary magazine that presents itself as an audio podcast. It looks like a good night to listen to the pieces in person with four accomplished writers. I've been to an Ethan Gilsdorf reading and enjoyed it. True story!

There will be far more interaction with the contributors than simply listening, because Four Stories offers a free drink to the person who asks the best question.

MON 11/15

The White Owls (8pm), The Gilded Splinters (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

The White Owls are killer blues squad that has Dennis Brennan ripping through classic tunes with yet another set of top-notch players. It's just one of the several iterations that finds the amazing Brennan rocking at the clubs like a fringe benefit for living in the Boston area.

Tonight's late show should be teeming with Stone-sy Americana courtesy of The Gilded Splinters.

MON 11/15

10pm
Bell & The Bees, Birdlips, Invisible Hand
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$3 / 21+

Besides some word fun for me ("Birdlips and the Bees", "Invisible Hand led by a guy named Adam Smith"...), this is the most interesting cheap gig of the night.

I heard that it was rather packed at Bell & The Bees' CD release show last week, so you have another chance to get into their show, which is also at an intimate-sized venue. There are lots of positive vibrations in the folky tunes with Sue Bell's sweet vocals over any sort of instrumentation by the Bees.

They're joined by two bands from Virginia. I really have to give a big thumbs up to Birdlips who are a keyboards-guitar duo that make a melodic mellow sound that pulls you in like a set of claws in velvet gloves.

Invisible Hand had a good time when they swung through town in the summer swing, but they might need a good crowd response today -- and it shouldn't too difficult. Even at a lower volume than usual (if it's a full band gig), I sense it could be delightfully ragged set of catchy tunes.

SUN 11/14: Sunday Night Sorta On-Topic Video

Aw, dammit. I noticed about an hour ago that the Sunday post didn't go up. There was some poetry, drawing, and music happening.

Instead of William Shatner singing "F--- You" video, let's end/start the week with this Guster video.

It was created by the woman who taped my friends' wedding in Portland last month.

See how $10 can change people's lives -- quite a wonderful cheap thrill!

Bad Bad World from Guster on Vimeo.

Kinda touching, huh? If you pass it on, you might inspire some kindness and good karma...

Sneak Peek: SAT 11/13

When looking at this list, keep in mind that the music starting early continues until late.

We'll see how the bloggin' goes in the next couple days, but I feel optimistic...

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SAT 11/13 and SUN 11/14

Noon
Annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
$8

Saturday -- Noon to 7pm
Sunday -- Noon to 5pm

Last month's Boston Book Festival didn't have any old books for sale. Over 120 rare book dealers from the US and Europe are expected this weekend.

Included are a few sessions like "How to Cure Smelly Books..." (Saturday, 1pm) and free book appraisals (Sunday, 1pm to 3pm).

SAT 11/13 and SUN 11/14

Noon to 6pm
Annual Allston Open Studios
at Allston Arts District (1 Braintree St, 119 Braintree St, 99 Franklin St, 20 Rugg Rd)
FREE

Noon to 5pm
First Annual Arts & Crafts Fair
at Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum, 20 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton
FREE

About 40 artists and craftspeople in many media are displaying (and selling) their work at the nearby buildings of the Allston Arts District. Kids are invited to make a mural on the 3rd floor at 119 Braintree. For a different crowd, the Boston Academy of Burlesque Education are also opening their doors in the same building.

About a mile away, another two dozen artists and crafters are selling their wares at the Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum.

SAT 11/13

3pm
Deep Heaven Now 2
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

After laying dormant for a decade or so, the "Deep Heaven Now" moniker was revived in the summer for a day of ambient/psych/shoegaze rock at these two venues. It must have been a good time, because this next one is stretched over 2 days at the same places.

Precinct

3pm -- Second Day Venom
4pm -- Amoroso
5pm -- MMOSS
6pm -- The Crushing Low
7pm -- The Dirty Dishes
8pm -- Brief Candles
9pm -- Roh Delikat
10pm -- The Vandelles
11pm -- Gospel Gossip
12:30am -- 28 Degrees Taurus

PA's Lounge

5:30pm -- Joe Turner & 7 Levels
6:30pm -- Dead Leaf Echo
7:30pm -- Ghost Box Orchestra
8:30pm -- The Sounds of Kaleidoscope
9:30pm -- Bobb Trimble & the Flying Spiders
10:30pm -- Night Fruit
11:15pm -- Screen Vinyl Image
Midnight -- The December Sound

The good news is that a single cover charge gets you into both locations, and the schedule is staggered to maximize listening for the ambitious of varying degrees. (PA's and Precinct are only a block away from each other.)

SAT 11/13

3pm
"The Friends of Eddie Coyle": Staged Reading
at The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE / Donations accepted

The book is considered a classic, the film was awesome, and now it's been adapted as a play -- and I think it can work!

There are more RSVP's than space in the room, but sometimes people don't show up. You can send an email and try to get your name on the list...

SAT 11/13

7pm to 10pm
"The Somerville News Writers Festival VIII": Readings
at Arts at The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$10

Feat: Timothy Gager, Malachy McCourt, Sam Cornish, Steve Almond, Ethan Gilsdorf, Jennifer Haigh , Michelle Hoover, Rusty Barnes, Fred Marchant, Diana Der-Hovanessian, Dan Sklar, Martha Collins, Douglas Holder

A combination of prose and poetry is going down in the evening. After 7 years of doing it, I imagine they might have a system for breaks, etc. The piano & vocals duo Cooper De Ville will play some old-time jazz as people get settled.

The Book Fair (FREE, 11am to 4:30pm) will be have many of these authors signing their books at various times.

SAT 11/13

7:30pm
Sarah Blacker & All Kinds Of Sugar, Vary Lumar, Petrina Foley, Billy Rogan, Roni Pillischer
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

According to Sarah Blacker's site, these performers are gathering for Roni Pillischer's birthday who will also take the stage at some point. I assume they're going late into the night.

SAT 11/13

10pm
Deva Mahal / Fredericks Brown
at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

I don't recall seeing these gigs on any Deva Mahal or Fredricks Brown webpage, but I think they usually happen. Deva has an incredible voice whether or not she's collaborating with Kiwi keyboardist Steph Brown.

You're not paying a cover, so accept the more expensive drinks...

FRI 11/12: Comedy & Music

Oh, yeah. The weekend is upon us and it's a sunny day.

Reminder, I found a $2 admission coupon for the Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Show that's happening through Sunday.

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FRI 11/12

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

Feat: Niraj Shah, Kristin Seltman, Peter Bowers, Matt Kona, Tim Vargulish, Emma Willman, Meghan O'Keefe

My apologies to anyone who clicks on a previous post with Anderson Comedy's website. It's now the site of a male strip club in New York. Seriously, WTF?

The Facebook page has been way more informative lately, but I have an issue with FB and try not to link there if I can help it.

Nonetheless, these guys still do a weekly comedy show at a relatively early time with a low cover and a bunch of funny people. You can probably have 3 or 4 tallboys, laugh it up, and spend about $20 total. Not bad, right?!

FRI 11/12

9pm
17th Anniversary Party
at Milky Way Lounge/Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$3 suggested donation

Feat: Zili Misik

It's a bit sad that the Milky Way/Bella Luna are not celebrating at their original location on Centre Street. The new place may be a better spot for the restaurant half, but I was more a fan of the bar/music club downstairs.

They're still a good community member, so people may like to celebrate with them and the world-music ladies Zili Misik.

"Admission is free, but we are suggesting a $3 donation to raise funds for the Hyde Square Task Force."

FRI 11/12

9pm
"First Annual Teenage Heart Rock n Roll Circus"
at Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St, Jamaica Plain
$10 / 21+

Feat: The Sprained Ankles, Javier Y Los Dish-Dogs, The Scrapes, The Bad Lieutenants, Jason Bennett & The Resistance

Most of these punk bands are associated with Teenage Heart Records, and they picked a cool-sounding name for the gig. T's going to be a rockin' show. You may want to get there on the early side; because Jason Bennett & The Resistance is definitely one of the highlights, and they have to go on early in the night.

No set schedule? That's a circus! A cheeseburger eating contest by the Boston Extreme Eating Federation? That's a circus! There should also be cheap ($2.50) Narragansetts and whiskey...

FRI 11/12 and SAT 11/13

Various Times
Deep Heaven Now 2
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville (Union Sq)
$10 / 21+

After laying dormant for a decade or so, the "Deep Heaven Now" moniker was revived in the summer for a day of ambient/psych/shoegaze rock at these two venues. It must have been a good time, because this next one is stretched over 2 days at the same places.

FRI 11/12:

PA's Lounge

8pm -- Mind Yeti
9pm -- Herbcraft
10pm -- Quilt
11pm -- MMOSS
Midnight -- Electric Zeus

Precinct

8:30pm -- Red Skies
9:30pm -- Hadoken
10:30pm -- Transient
11:30pm -- Quiet Loudly
12:30am -- Endless Wave

SAT 11/13

Precinct

3pm -- Second Day Venom
4pm -- Amoroso
5pm -- MMOSS
6pm -- The Crushing Low
7pm -- The Dirty Dishes
8pm -- Brief Candles
9pm -- Roh Delikat
10pm -- The Vandelles
11pm -- Gospel Gossip
12:30am -- 28 Degrees Taurus

PA's Lounge

5:30pm -- Joe Turner & 7 Levels
6:30pm -- Dead Leaf Echo
7:30pm -- Ghost Box Orchestra
8:30pm -- The Sounds of Kaleidoscope
9:30pm -- Bobb Trimble & the Flying Spiders
10:30pm -- Night Fruit
11:15pm -- Screen Vinyl Image
Midnight -- The December Sound

The good news is that a single daily cover charge gets you into both locations, and the schedule is staggered to maximize listening for the ambitious of varying degrees. (PA's and Precinct are only a block away from each other.)

I assume the offer only pertains to tonight, but the "first 50 people to show up will get 2 free beers" (which will probably be Narragansett).

FRI 11/12

10:30pm
Bottomless Pit, Black Helicopter, The Beatings, Wallcreeper
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

The doors are opening at 10pm for a late rock show full of heavy, noisy indie-rock. When talking about these bands, references are made to others like Mission of Burma, Sonic Youth, Shellac, etc to give you a quick idea. It's always a good idea to catch The Beatings when you can. Also Chicago's Bottomless Pit includes two members of Silkworm, if that interests you.

THUR 11/11: Vets Day, Sun, Art, Drama, Music

Happy Veterans Day!

I don't know where the morning went, because I slept for much of it. Whoops, I'll just post what I've got...

The Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Show starts today and goes through Sunday at the World Trade Center. There's a coupon below to save a couple bucks.

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THUR 11/11 (thru SUN 11/4)

Noon to 6pm
Margaret Bellafiore, "Combat to Campus": Exhibit & Reception
at Mobius Art Space, 725 Harrison Ave, Boston (South End)
FREE

Reception: 5pm to 7pm

Thankfully, I found a Veterans-related event that fit my criteria. This project is mainly a sound installation based on interviews with a dozen veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who are now going to college.

Artist Margaret Bellafiore also teaches at Bridgewater State University, and she met these men and women through the school.

At least one of them, Michael Anthony, will be at the reception tonight. He has written a book and will sign copies of "Mass Casualties, A Young Medic's True Story of Death, Deception, And Dishonor in Iraq".

THUR 11/11

4:18pm-ish
"MIThenge"
at Infinite Corridor, from Bldg 7 to Bldg 8, Cambridge (MIT campus)
FREE

Twice per year, the sun sets at an angle that coincides with the long hallway at MIT and it looks really cool. A similar effect happens on different days at different locations with Stonehenge being a purposeful example.

It's dorky, but you'll likely never see another sunset reflection like this in your life. If I read the data correctly, today is the best day to see it, but you'll get a similar effect for a couple days.

In case you don't read the link, know:
- It's best seen at the end of Bldg 8, 3rd Floor
- Don't be a jerk; move to let others see after you.
- Don't look too long, it will hurt your eyes. (It's the sun!)
- Watch where you're walking; walk to the side or use a lower floor if you don't show up early.

THUR 11/11 (and THUR 11/18)

7pm to 10pm
Walter Sickert Presents: The InkDrip Sessions
at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (Spring Hill)
$7 / All Ages

Artist-musician Walter Sickert will present the fruits of his year-long project of creating art everyday that concluded about a month ago. After having a chance to view some of the pieces, Sickert has also assembled different friends to hear some folky, poppy goodness.

Each week's visuals will have a different theme, and tonight is "WireForest".

7pm -- Artists' talk & reception; DJ Metal Tiger Music
8pm -- George Woods
8:40pm -- Rachel Smith
9:20pm -- Goli

If you want to be a good doobie and help Sickert and his gang -- and be on TV -- by showing up at 5:30pm. "Chronicle" is showing up to interview Walter and soak in the cool art and atmosphere. You can be there!

THUR 11/11

8pm
"'night, Mother": Staged Reading
at Unity Church of God, 6 William St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$5 Suggested Donation

Like me, you probably missed the debut of this Pulitzer Prize-winning play when it was done at the AmRep Theater over 25 years ago. I didn't see the movie either.

It's not exactly a heartwarming, feel-good play as a daughter tells her mother that she's going to commit suicide and why she's doing it. So I imagine that a staged reading won't be too different than a full production.

"The cast and director will be available for a conversation with the audience following the performance."

THUR 11/11

8pm
Callithumpian Consort, "Boulez and Barraque Vocal Works"
at Seully Hall, 4th Fl, Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston (The Fens)
FREE

Program:

Boulez, "Le Marteau sans Maitre"
Boulez, "Improvisations I et II sur Mallarme"
Jean Barraque, "Sequence"

It's the first night of Boston Conservatory's annual New Music Festival, and the theme is "Celebrating Pierre Boulez: Discovering Jean Barraque" that offers a different program each night through SUN 11/14.

As far as contemporary classical, Berlioz is the man; and Barraque sounds quite good. Not usually my cup of tea, but it shouldn't stop you from trying. The Callithumpian Consort performs tonight (with a singer, yes), and various musicians take on the other nights.

THUR 11/11

Hank & Cupcakes (11:45pm), Jeddo Stars (10:45pm), Naked On Rollerskates (9:45pm), Biker Daughter (9pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9

I have to say that I already liked Jeddo Stars and Naked On Rollerskates. They're two of our local bands that rock out with loads of catchy tunes and snappy, chiming guitars. This tweet is a typo, but I like NonR's furriness for tonight's show.

As far as Hank & Cupcakes, I spent way too much time listening to them last night. H&C are one of those bass/drums duos with a big indie-pop sound. Biker Daughter not so much, but it's a full night of female-fronted bands. Good stuff.

THUR 11/11

9:30pm
Pretty & Nice, Spirit Kid, Oranjuly, Hot Protestants
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

Wow, a seriously wicked lineup around the corner!