What to do this weekend, Jan. 27-29
Making plans? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!
THURSDAY
MINTED: Catch DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa fame) spinning alongside DJ Frank White at Julep Bar. It also happens to be local man about town and 6one7 Productions co-founder Frank Stavrianopoulos's birthday party. Happy Birthday, Frankie. Jan. 26, 10 p.m. Tickets: $16.50. 21+ Julep Bar. 617-858-4841, www.julepbar.com
GET REAL: Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing" is a good play about a bad play. The Tony winner includes elements of romantic idealism, worthy causes, and an acting career are all thrown in for laughs. Presented by the Salem Theatre Company. Jan. 26 at 7:30 (Through Feb. 18). $22, $18 seniors, $12 students (name-your-own-price tickets for Jan. 26 and 27 previews). Salem Theatre Company Theater, 90 Lafayette St., Salem. 978-790-8546. www.salemtheatre.com
FRIDAY
THE HOOD INTERNET: Chicago-based DJ/producer duo The Hood Internet returns to Boston for a night of dance-inducing rhythms and clever mash-ups at the Middle East. Glowkids (of Glow Boston fame) will open. Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 18+ The Middle East Downstairs. 617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com
WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHTS OUT DJ SKATE: Who says you can't dance in skates? Glide along the ice (rhythmically, of course) to the tunes of a rinkside deejay. Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets: $5, $4 for skate rentals. Jim Roche Community Ice Arena. West Roxbury. 617-323-9512, www.fmcicesports.com
PAULA DEAN, ARE YOU LISTENING?Emerson College professor, Robbie McCauley, wrote and performs in her one-woman show, "Sugar" presented by ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. The theater artist takes you on her life's journey from Southern comfort foods to New York's 60s and 70s avant-garde theater, and explores the pains and triumphs of living with diabetes. Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. (Through Jan. 29). $25-$49. The Jackie Liebergott Black Box at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Boston. 617-824-8400. www.artsemerson.org
COME TOGETHER: When it rains it pours, and it pours Friday at RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles when the tribute band performs the Beatles' discography including complex songs the Fab Four recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. 8 p.m. $33-$63. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, R.I. 401-421-2787. www.ppacri.org
SATURDAY
HEROES: Saturday nights at T.T. the Bear's means DJ Chris Ewen will be weaving together a sonic tapestry of retro, electro, '80s new wave, and punk alongside some old school goth. Jan. 28, 10 p.m. $7, 18+ T.T. The Bears Place. 617-492-0082. www.ttthebears.com
DJ DEKA: Boston's own DJ Deka will claim his spot behind the decks at Underbar, where he'll also be celebrating his 30th birthday. Joining him will be the likes of DJ Mark Doyle to warm up the crowd and Daniel Costa in the side room. Jan. 28, 10:30 p.m. (doors at 10 p.m.) Tickets: $20. 21+ Underbar. 617-292-0080, www.underbaronline.com
CHURCH'S CHILI COOKOFF: On a cold winter day, warm up with some hot chili when chefs from the Fenway area (including Fenway Park, Jerry Remy's, Tasty Burger, Sweet Cheeks, and Sweet Caroline's) compete for the title of Chili Champion. Jan. 28 from 1-4 p.m. $8-$10. All ages. Church of Boston, 69 Kilmarnock St., Boston. 617-236-7600. www.ticketfly.com
SUNDAY
YEAR OF THE DRAGON CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Celebrate with a dim sum buffet, kung fu and lion dance demonstrations, music, and children's crafts. Proceeds benefit the ACCE non-profit community group dedicated to promoting Chinese culture. Jan. 29 from 4-7 p.m. $25, $20 seniors, $15 under 11, $9 under 5 (Reservations recommended). China Blossom, 946 Osgood St., North Andover. 978-470-2293. www.chinablossom.com
PLANES, POWER TOOLS, AND POETRY: It's easy to picture carpenters tossing back a few beers after work. Not so easy to picture is a group of carpenters sharing poetry at a pub. The Carpenter Poets of Jamaica Plain formed about 10 years ago at a local pub to explore the connection between carpentry and writing. Inspired by Boston Poet Laureate Sam Cornish, the Poetic Convergence Series showcases Boston poetry groups. Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. (the series continues the last Sunday of Feb., March, and May). $5. Forsyth Chapel at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-3150. www.foresthillstrust.org
Contributors
Stephanie Callahan is a native Bostonian who loves cooking, traveling, spa treatments, and being on the ocean.
Milva DiDomizio is a New England native who's fond of cooking, singing, and Boston's arts and culture scene.
Swati G. Sharma is a Somerville resident and is a fan of city living, exploring Boston’s nightlife, and dancing.
Emily Sweeney is a Boston native who goes out all over, from Irish pubs in Southie to the roller rink in Dorchester.
