TUES 2/9: Film, Jazz, Rock, Comedy

Whenever February rolls around, I always think of the old Chris Rock/SNL skit when he points out that Black History Month is the shortest and coldest of the year. I haven't seen a lot of related events yet, but I'll an eye out. Berklee's Africana Studies dept is hosting a month-long concert series, including a performance tonight.

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TUES 2/9

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

Someone at Harvard's VES Department must really like Wong Kar-Wai, because their Tuesday/Wednesday free screenings often feature his films.

I prefer "Chungking Express" for its humorous take on unrequited love, but "In the Mood for Love" explores multiple extra-marital affairs in the director's typically lyrical, lush, colorful style.

TUES 2/9

7:30pm
Lionel Loueke
at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St, Boston (Berklee / Back Bay)
FREE

After graduating Berklee, guitarist Lionel Loueke has been getting some attention for melding jazz with the West African of birthplace Benin. Besides accolades by publications like DownBeat for work with his own trio, Loueke has played with big shots like Terence Blanchard and Angelique Kidjo as well as touring with Herbie Hancock.

As part of this month's music series "Roots and Reason: A Celebration of American Roots Music", he's doing a solo set. It shouldn't a dry performance as he usually sings, scats, and adds vocal percussive sounds.

TUES 2/9

8:30pm
The Champagne of Bands, Sidewalk Driver (acoustic), Brendan Boogie & The Best Intentions, Kuuluuko, Bo Barringer, Duncan Wilder Johnson
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

This might be the last time you can catch some of the "One Night Band" magic until its hopeful return later this year. One of the more interesting random distributions of that day was the roster for "The Champagne of Bands" where 4 bandleaders were tossed together. The bonhomie of the whole project triumphed over individual egotism as they succeeded to create at songs that fell into each of their comfort zones.

The rest of tonight's lineup consists of sets by the individuals doing their own thing in one way or another. Destructathon/Bring the Knife frontman Duncan Wilder Johnson will unleash some spoken-word. MEandJoanCollins singer Bo Barringer is playing a solo set, and Tad McKitterick's band Sidewalk Driver are going acoustic. Drummer Cullen Corley's blues-rock duo will give it up heavy-and-trippy style. Brendan Boogie & The Best Intentions will surely deliver a blissful batch of powerpop.

Show up at 8:30pm to see the "One Night Band" short film that documented the whole process back in August.

TUES 2/9

9pm
The Rob Crean Show
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

Feat: Mehran, Gary Petersen, Ryan Douglass, Brendan Thomas Crowley, Adam Haut, Lucas Lewis, The Ex-Girlfriends, more

In a perfect world, you could watch The Rob Crean Show late at night on a cable channel that doesn't censor the dirty words. Like a talk show with sketches, interviews, video shorts, performances, and other funny segments, Crean and regulars are joined by some guests comedians and a musical act. You are definitely going to laugh several times, especially with Mehran on the bill. The Ex-Girlfriends know how to put funny and folky together (and not end up funky)...

TUES 2/9

9:30pm
Viva Viva, Leisure
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$7 / 21+

I have to mention "Tearoom Tuesdays" again this week. TeaParty Boston have booked two damn good bands together again. The rootsy indie-rock of Viva Viva is matched the sleek Britpop-ish Leisure, who I haven't heard much about but that could change. (Or not, due to the generic band name -- but the music is good.)

MON 2/8: Film, Art, Middle Eastern, Rock

Congrats, Saints! Laissez les bon temps rouler...

Starting tonight, it's the inaugural electronic music festival called "Together" that lasts through SUN 2/14. There are multiple events at different locations, including some panel discussions and other events. A lot of it is less than $10, if not free.

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MON 2/8

7pm
"Fight Club" w/ Dr. Richard Wrangham
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75 / $7.75 students, seniors

Yes, it's a violent movie. We're a violent species. The story is also really damn good which includes one of the best twists ever.

Prof. Wrangham (anthropology, Harvard) may be one of the best people to explain why guys would start underground fighting clubs. (D'oh, I just broke the first rule of fi-- ...never mind!) Over ten years ago, he co-wrote a book called "Demonic Males: Apes and the Origins of Human Violence."

MON 2/8

7pm
New England Art Awards Ball
Feat: Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band
at the Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
FREE

The New England Art Awards Ball is probably the best site to read about the region's art scene. They also annually present local arts awards (17 categories this year) where anyone is invited to vote, and likewise all are invited to hear the winners announced tonight in the back room of the Burren.

The SLSAPS will probably blow some extra joyful tunes since all of New Orleans and lovers of the Crescent City are celebrating today -- even though there's not much room to march in the Burren's back room.

"Creative attire is encouraged."

MON 2/8

8:15pm
2nd Annual Middle Eastern Festival
Feat: Husnu Senlendirici, The New York Gypsy All-Stars
at Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$10

This year, the Middle Eastern Festival has its eyes towards the West where Romani musicians from Turkey and Greece mingle with jazz.

After spending a couple days with Berklee students, Turkish clarinetist Husnu Senlendirici will make some beautiful music with them in the first half of the concert. Senlendirici and the New York Gypsy All-Stars perform together in the second half.

MON 2/8

10pm
Tony The Bookie, The IOA
at ZuZu!, 474 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

He may not have your winnings (or maybe he does!), Tony The Bookie will lay down some killer songs that straddle the fence between modern indie and old-time country. The IOA who do a funky, afrobeat/rock blend. When they played in November, I had heard the singer was going to Myanmar for a couple months so he'll probably have some interesting stories to tell...

SUN 2/7: Sunday Night Off-Topic Video

Have you seen this yet? Italian actor and singer Adriano Celentano made a gibberish song of what English sounds like. An oldie but a goodie; I think the song is pretty good...

SAT 2/6: Books, Dance, Fest, Chili, Classical, Rock, Jazz, Film

I was thinking about tomorrow's Super Bowl, and any neighborhood bar should be a good spot to watch the game or crash a party if you don't have plans yet. (Bring some beer, if you do...)

Go Saints! Whodat!

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SAT 2/6

10am to 4pm
Mid-Winter Book Sale
at Mezzanine Conference Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston (Copley Sq)
- What you buy -

Most books are $2 or $1, and there might be some books you wouldn't see elsewhere...

SAT 2/6

Noon to Midnight
House of Love For Haiti
at Roxbury YMCA, 285 Martin Luther King Blvd, Roxbury
$10 minimum donation / $3 minimum for ages 12 to 17

Dance your ass off to help others. You'll hear a little bit of various styles as the DJs change every hour or so. There's going to be some live singing, raffles and other 'surprises'. Who wants to bet that some plays a certain Village people song...?

Tentative DJ Schedule:

Noon -- DJ NI-TEE
1pm -- DJ PAUL FOLEY

2pm -- DJ BRUNO

3pm -- MS. THANG

4pm -- DJ VAL BEATS / DJ PAIN / DJ CUE

5pm -- KING ILABASH

6pm -- DJ NOMADIK & LUNA del FLOR

7pm -- DJ CRUZZ

8pm -- IGNACIO FORRESTER

9pm -- “Man of The House” CHRIS GRANT & DJ SAVUTH

10pm -- KC HALLET

11pm -- BOB DIESEL

SAT 2/6

Noon
Annual Lowell Winterfest
Around Downtown Lowell [PDF map]
Mostly FREE

There is a spot in my heart for Lowell. It's further than most places I list, but it's so hard to find human dog-sledding! It was as cool as I expected as two (often creatively dressed) teams race against each other in minute-long heats that happen at relatively quick intervals. You can see my video and a couple pix from last year.

There's a bunch of activities and bands play. My faves were the races and the marshmallow roasting. Beer is sold too.

It could still be a good time although there's not much snow -- if any. Some of the highlights are in the post below.

It's not a far walk from the Commuter Rail station to Downtown Lowell, but there seems to be shuttles (#9 & "Downtown"?) too...

SAT 2/6

1pm to 3pm
"Some Like it Hot" Chili Cook-Off
at DeGugliemo Plaza, about 27 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

After the hot chocolate tasting a couple weeks ago, the savory stuff is being ladled for free in roughly the same spot. They say Tory Row is making "Braised Beef Chili with melted Vermont Cheddar" and Savenor's will offer "Hearty Game Chili with Guinness and a hint of blueberries". Whoa, not for the faint of heart. Participating: Crema Cafe, Grendel's Den, Fire and Ice, Redline, Savenor's, Tommy Doyle's, Tory Row, Uno Chicago Grill -- and rolls from Bertucci's too! Vote for your favorite.

Music by Marcus Santos and Bloco AfroBrazil

SAT 2/6

8pm
Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble
at Bulger Center, Boston College High, 150 Morrissey Blvd, Boston (near JFK/UMass T)
FREE

This show is so big, the Boston Conservatory is presenting it across town, and the hall at BC High looks like a state-of-the-art facility. The draw for me is the Gershwin stuff; "Rhapsody in Blue" is definitely a candidate for the best song of the 20th century. You'll also hear the premiere of "Towards a Constellation" by Boston Conservatory Composition Competition winner Jason Huffman.

Program:

Gershwin, "Cuban Overture", "Rhapsody in Blue"
Griffes, "Poem"
Huffman, "Towards a Constellation"
Copland, "Suite from The Red Pony"

Trust me, it's a 5-minute walk from the T station, but there's plenty of parking.

SAT 2/6

9pm
Malibu Lou's Birthday Bash
Feat: The Dirty Truckers, Muck & the Mires, Watts, The Cretins
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
$10 / 21+

I don't really know Malibu Lou, but I'm sure I must've seen him at the Abbey Lounge at one point or another. He looks like a good guy, so why not have a good time on his birthday? He'll probably open it up with his band The Italians, then Lou will probably be ready to get stinkin' drunk.

You can do the same even if you don't feel like doing a shot. The bands kick ass from the Stonesy twangy-rock of The Dirty Truckers, and the best damn garage-rock band in the country Muck & the Mires, the top-notch rock of Watts and pop-punk of The Cretins.

SAT 2/6

9:30pm
Lake Street Dive, Margaret Glaspy
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

It could be the night that you feel like chilling out with some jazzy country-soul-folk-pop in my favorite basement bars ever. Whether doing their own delightfully skewed love songs like "Sometimes When I'm Drunk and You're Wearing My Favorite Shirt" or doing a Hall and Oates cover, it's a good time. On MySpace, Margaret Glaspy's genre descriptors are soul/folk/roots; and I get it. What I hear with that swinging ensemble behind her is a young woman who love Billie Holiday, and it sounds great. (Maybe a soulful Carole King vibe.)

SAT 2/6

Midnight
"This Is Spinal Tap" w/ Razormaze
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10

Maybe metal-heads should hang out at a bar in Allston then head down Harvard St to see the greatest rockumentary about the world's loudest band. Before each screening, Derek Smalls would nod approvingly while puffing on his Calabash pipe at the very metal bands who'll play a set before the movie:

Razormaze will blow your hair back with thrash-metal whether you have a mullet or not. The midnight shows at Coolidge Corner usually have something extra up their sleeves, so there might be a game or activity of some sort too.

FRI 2/5: Winterfest, Film, Folk, Rock

Better late than never, right?

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FRI 2/5 & SAT 2/6

Various Times
Annual Lowell Winterfest
Around Downtown Lowell [PDF map]
Mostly FREE

There is a spot in my heart for Lowell. It's further than most places I list, but it's so hard to find human dog-sledding! It was as cool as I expected as two (often creatively dressed) teams race against each other in minute-long heats that happen at relatively quick intervals. You can see my video and a couple pix from last year.

There's a bunch of activities and bands play. My faves were the races and the marshmallow roasting. Beer is sold too.

It could still be a good time although there's not much snow -- if any. Some of the highlights are in the post below.

It's not a far walk from the Commuter Rail station to Downtown Lowell, but there seems to be shuttles (#9 & "Downtown"?) too...

FRI 2/5

7pm
"Il y a longtemps que je t'aime" ("I've loved you so long"): Screening
at Room 300, Higgins Hall, 140 Comm Ave, Chestnut Hill (BC campus)
FREE

It's not exactly a feel-good Friday flick, but I remember many positive reviews for this French movie (with subtitles) that delves into some heavy subject matter. Who's not a Krisitin Scott Thomas fan after watching "The English Patient"?

There are more French films this month [PDF].

FRI 2/5

AA Bondy (11:45pm), Willy Mason (10:45pm), Ryan Lee Crosby & Elio DeLuca (10pm), Paul Sentz (9:10pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

I would've encouraged you to go listen to either AA Bondy or Willy Mason, if they were the only performer. It's amazing that you can get both of these incredible singer-songwriters who get underneath your skin in different ways and still touch your soul. You also get the fantastically melancholy of Ryan Lee Crosby who's joined by dude-of-many-bands Elio DeLuca.

FRI 2/5

Kingsley Flood (Midnight), Lifted (11pm), Brother Mosley (10pm) The Slim Pickings (9pm)
at Cantab Underground / Club Bohemia, 738 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$8

I really enjoy the rockin' Americana of Kingsley Flood, and I've dug the Lifted's funky/jazzy hip-hop when I occasionally listened to their stuff. I never thought about putting them together -- along with a funky rock band and another rootsy group.

FRI 2/5

9:30pm
Doggfight US, The Acro-Brats, Buried In Leather, Anarchcunts
at O'Brien's, 3 Harvard St, Allston
$7 / 21+

It's going to be a good, long night of fast, loud, and hard punk -- none of these bands are going to take it easy. It's one of the last shows to catch the fine Boston punk of Doggfight US. The Acro-Brats rip it with great riffs and attitude. Thankfully some bands just can't stop like Buried in Leather who I thought was hanging up their hardcore hat last year, but you've got another shot to hear them in-person. The one time I saw them, I remember it as being really loud and feeling like the music was pummeling me. Good times!

FRI 2/5

10pm
The Dangerous Brothers
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Christian McNeill, Jimmy Ryan, Billy Beard, Tom Bianchi regularly play at Toad either solo or in various combinations. It's should be a good night for good tunes and good playing while drinking good beer.

FRI 2/5 & SAT 2/6

Midnight
"This Is Spinal Tap"
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$10

Maybe metal-heads should hang out at a bar in Allston then head down Harvard St to see the greatest rockumentary about the world's loudest band. Before each screening, Derek Smalls would nod approvingly while puffing on his Calabash pipe at the very metal bands who'll play a set before the movie:

Friday -- Ramming Speed (expected to play some Spinal Tap tunes)
Saturday -- Razormaze (thrash)

The midnight shows at Coolidge Corner usually have something extra up their sleeves, so there might be a game or activity of some sort too.