Top picks of the week
SUN 8.20
Boston Derby Dames: For those seeking an alternative to professional wrestling with just as much kitsch as well as athleticism, the skater-owned Boston Derby Dames league has that combo down perfectly. With names like Ivana Clobber, Amandaconda, Jodie Faster, and Shellby Shattered (above front, with Harlot Fevah), mixing it up on the league’s three teams, the girls ram elbows into ribs while keeping their tongues firmly in cheek. During the three 20-minute periods, two teams, comprising one ‘‘jammer’’ and four ‘‘blockers,’’ take to the track. Jammers try to earn points for each of the opposing team’s blockers they pass. The wheels will fly tonight at Joe Moakley Park at 6. Free. Joe Moakley Park, William Day Boulevard, South Boston. www.bostonderbydames.com
THURS 8.17
Andy Crouch: In this sometimes oppressive heat, the right beer can provide some much-needed cool. Lawyer and beer connoisseur Andy Crouch helps thirsty readers choose the best brews in his book ‘‘The Good Beer Guide to New England.’’ The guide profiles more than 100 establishments and provides insight into each locale’s ambience, food, brewing philosophy, and best offering. There’s also information on the brewing process, appreciating beer, and Crouch’s choices of the ‘‘11 great New England beer bars.’’ The author is at Newtonville Books tonight at 7:30 as part of the Books & Brews series. After the reading, attendees over 21 are invited for a free drink at Ariadne. You may never look at Milwaukee’s Best the same. Free. Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut St., Newton. 617-244-6619. www.newtonvillebooks.com
FRI 8.18
Mariachi Fantasia: Socialites can enjoy smooth sounds and spirits tonight at the MFA for ‘‘MFA Summer Fridays’’ in the Calderwood Courtyard. Tonight at 5:30 the music is muy caliente courtesy of Mariachi Fantasia, led by master percussionist Angel Wagner. Patrons can wash down the hot tunes with a cool glass of Bombay Sapphire, the official drink of this 21+ party. The MFA presents ‘‘MFA Summer Fridays’’ every Friday through Aug. 25. Free with museum admission. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300. www.mfa.org
MON 8.21
‘‘Madagascar’’: Recent films such as ‘‘Barnyard,’’ ‘‘Over the Hedge,’’ and ‘‘Monster House’’ have left audiences feeling a little flat, but the lush CGI spectacle that is ‘‘Madagascar’’ may have just enough fun and eye candy to win them over. Tonight at dusk, the film screens at the Elma Lewis Playhouse as part of Mayor Menino’s Night at the Movies series. In the film, Marty, a zebra (voiced by Chris Rock) facing a midlife crisis, decides there’s more to life than his simple existence in New York City’s Central Park Zoo. Along with a pampered lion (Ben Stiller), neurotic giraffe (David Schwimmer), and the rest of their anthropomorphized menagerie, Marty and company take off only to find themselves stranded in — you guessed it — Madagascar. Free. Elma Lewis Playhouse, Franklin Park (entrance closest to Seaver Street). 617-908-4002. www.franklinparkcoalition.org
SAT 8.19
Harry and the Potters: It’s a fact that kids (and even some adults) go crazy for Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling’s lucrative series has spawned movies, toys, and even a punk-rock band out of Norwood. Harry and the Potters, made up of brothers Paul DeGeorge (as Harry Year 7) and Joe DeGeorge (left, as Harry Year 4), perform punk tunes inspired by the books at libraries, bookstores, galleries, and basements. Today at noon, the brothers bring their brand of book rock to the Brattle Theatre. $10. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge. 617-876-6838. brattlefilm.org
