Gentlemen, start your engines

By Christopher Muther, Globe Staff, 9/20/2003

SOUNDS
You could amble into Newbury Comics this afternoon, help yourself to a stack of scuzzy, fuzzy discs from rockers such as the Jesus & Mary Chain, the Stooges, and My Bloody Valentine, and then settle onto a dingy futon and take a hazy trip down memory lane. Or, you could just go to Avalon, where Black Rebel Motorcycle Club essentially accomplishes the same task, but live, loud, and sans futons. Cut from the same grubby denim as fellow rock revivalists the Strokes, BRMC kick kicks it in a low - key manner. Doors for this dark evening are at 6; $15. 15 Lansdowne St. 617-423-6398.

AFTER THE LOVE It's been a tough week for Cupid, what with Bennifer becoming simply Jen and Ben again. But Go! has found definitive proof that a couple can continue a healthy relationship after a break-up. They can even work together (keep those fingers crossed for "Gigli Returns," kids). The band Quasi, made up of Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss and her ex-husband Sam Coomes, creates beautiful songs about ugly relationships despite the divorce. Tonight, you can see the pair downstairs at the Middle East performing these catchy melodies. The show starts at 9; $10. 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-492-9181.

SIGHTS
DECK THE WALLS We've all been invited to homes where our good taste is assaulted by the gaudy decor. For Go!, this takes place whenever we visit our parents' house. The one place we always thought we'd be safe from this sort of tackiness was in an art gallery, but we were sorely mistaken. Tonight at 7, the Oni Gallery opens a new show called "Overhung." The gallery invited anybody and everybody (artist and non-artist) to hang art anywhere they darn well pleased. The result is a space crammed floor-to-ceiling with all manner of artifacts. In addition to "Overhung," Oni gives the art establishment another slap in the puss with an open mike Artist Statement Slam, where artists are judged not by their work, but by their make-up and charisma. This evening of art, performance, and tasty food is $5. 684 Washington St., 617-542-6983.

REEL LIFE Goodness, Kevin Anderton has been one busy hedgehog. His Midnight Chimes Productions has churned out 17 short films (most written by Anderton himself), and today you can see all of them in Cambridge. Beginning at noon, the films show continuously on four screens at 38 Cameron. You can also meet the 60 actors and seven directors who worked on these films, which includes the OJ Simpson parody "Celebrity Cheeters." The event is free. 38 Cameron Ave., Cambridge, 617-492-4091.

PAINT THE TOWN It's old-school hip-hop heaven tonight at the Cyclorama. DJ Kool Herc, the grandpapi of rap, and Seen, the original bad boy graffiti artist, join forces for an all-out break-dance fest at 8:30; $12. 539 Tremont St., 617-426-2787.

BITES
SUMMER'S LAST SUPPER This weekend may present a golden opportunity to do the nature thing by the sea, whether it's boating or a walk along the water. Think of it as mood insurance against the gray days of November. After all that sea air, you'll be so famished you won't want to go too far before a good meal.

If you're on the North Shore, off Gloucester or Manchester, you might try Circolo. The stylish decor in muted colors matches the finely crafted Northern Italian food. Despite its beach location, the tone is dressy.

Near Nantasket Beach in Hull, Bridgeman's also concentrates on Italian fare with an ocean view. Not surprisingly, seafood is the specialty with hearty portions of pasta, or sturdy meat dishes, put out by chef Paul Wahlberg (yes, actor Mark's brother).

Somehow, Mexican cuisine seems just right for a last summer fling. Cilantro in Salem offers basics such as enchiladas and soft tacos. But the chef/owner, Ester Marin, also goes into the nuanced food of central Mexico.

Circolo, 7 Beach St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, 978-525-2400. Bridgeman's, 145 Nantasket Ave., Hull, 781-925-6336. Cilantro, 282 Derby St., Salem, 978-745-9436.

ALISON ARNETT

Events can always be canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; call to confirm. Go! can be reached at go@globe.com or by calling 617-929-8257.