We hear that NKOTB is playing a Christmas charity show at the House of Blues on Dec. 20. All net ticket proceeds will go to Toys for Tots, and fans are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to the concert. The boys even put together a quick video explaining how the idea came about:

(We love that Donnie Wahlberg talks about picking out a special outfit for the show this far in advance. And, as always, props for the Red Sox hat.)

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Sat.) at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Yes, tomorrow. Wonder if they'll perform "Funky, Funky, Xmas?" Fingers crossed.

Pasta, the innocuous comfort food we all love so, has inspired two cutthroat competitions this Sunday: the Ravioli Rumble at dante and the Mac & Cheeze Takedown at Great Scott.

The rumble kicks off at 1 p.m. and the takedown starts at 2:30 p.m. The former's in Cambridge, the latter is in Allston, aka the other side of the world. What's a carbohydrate fiend to do?

Here are the facts to aid your delicious, albeit difficult, decision:

Twenty locals will dish up their most creative mac & cheese recipes at Great Scott; taste all the concoctions for $10 and vote on your favorite (no Kraft here, folks). Sign up to compete in the cookoff — you could win a 6-month membership to the Mac of the Month Club from Good Tastes Kitchen in Newburyport (!!).

Across town at the Ravioli Rumble on dante's riverfront patio, Dante de Magistris has invited his chef friends — including Anthony Caturano from Prezza, Jamie Bissonnette from Toro, and Will Gilson from Garden at the Cellar — to come armed with gourmet pasta pockets filled with everything from butternut squash to pork belly. (We are currently drooling.) Tickets are $20 and reservations are required.

We'll be in New York this weekend sipping beers at Brooklyn Brewery and shopping up a storm. At least we know Bostonians will be well-fed while we're away. Mangia!

Thankfully, Lenka Kripac decided to take a break from her band Decoder Ring, drop her last name, and move from Australia to Los Angeles. Otherwise, we may never have heard her bubbly brand of infectious pop. Lenka has lent her Feist-meets-Bjork tunes to episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and "90210" — her music makes us want to wear frilly dresses and skip through a field with balloons. Seriously. See Little Miss Sunshine and opener Colin Smith at Great Scott Saturday night.

Isn't she fierce?

The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $12. Or, check out more weekend picks.

We heart free movies at the Boston Public Library. (Save $10.50 and see a classic on the big screen? Yes, please.) On Mondays through Dec. 14, catch flicks from celebrated director Robert Altman in the Rabb Lecture Hall.

Here's the schedule:

Nov. 9: "A Prairie Home Companion" 105 min. color, 2006
Nov. 1: "Fool for Love" 106 min. color, 1985
Nov. 23: "Popeye" 114 min. color, 1980
Nov. 30: "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" 120 min. color, 1971
Dec. 7: "Gosford Park" 137 min. color, 2001
Dec. 14: "Nashville" 159 min. color, 1975

Movies start at 6 p.m.

If I were alive in 1959, you better believe I would have spent my Saturday nights — post sock hop, of course — rolling strikes in my full skirt and letter jacket at Boston Bowl. My main squeeze and I would sidle up to the bar for 50 cent sodas and chat about Little Richard or The Big Game.

Boston Bowl turns 50 this year, and to celebrate, the Morrissey Boulevard alley and brewery is rolling back its prices to match 1959 prices from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7. That means tenpin and candlepin games for 50 cents each. Pizza, burgers, and sodas will also be 50 cents.

Crazy, Daddy-O!

A little something to sweeten your Monday: Kickass Cupcakes in Davis Square is hosting its monthly Cocktail Cupcake Hour tonight from 5-7 p.m.

Nibble on free Zombie, Jack & Coke, and Blue Raspberry Fizz mini cakes — the Jack & Coke has a bourbon frosting, yum!

We also heard that the bakery's "free cupcakes for a year" contest ends this week. Suggest an original cupcake flavor with name and ingredients at Kickass Cupcakes or on its Facebook page and you could win a dozen cupcakes every month for a year. (Two winners will be selected.)

Here's an idea from Terra:
Name: The Boston Globe
Cake: Black and White Marble Cake
Icing: Red Buttercream
Garnish: Oreo Cookie Crumbles
Other: What's black and white and "red" all over?

And, one from Kim:
Name: M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
Batter: jalapeno cornbread
Frosting: Pimento Cheese
Other: deviled ham garnish

Not sure about that one... hmmm.

[Wendy Maeda / Globe Staff]

*Yikes! I originally had the show date listed as Saturday, Halloween night. However, this concert is happening the night before Halloween: Oct. 30. Sorry for the mix-up. Thanks, karen.*

Attention trick-or-treaters: I just got wind of an awesome concert happening Halloween eve (Friday). Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem are playing Porter Belly's in Brighton. OK, so there won't be any Muppets in the house. But catchy local rockers Tori Pyne will be dressing up as Dr. Floyd Pepper, Animal, and the rest of the motley crew for their 10 p.m. show. In the immortal words of Janice: "Like, wow, man."

Wonder if we'll hear any "Can You Picture That?" or "Jingle Bell Rock"?

And, remember: We have a Boston.com Halloween Guide for all your costume, events, and scary movie needs.

If you know your bitters and tinctures and can recite the recipes for a Periodista or an Alaska without skipping a beat, Tipple Trivia is for you. Upstairs on the Square bar manager Augusto Lino and Citysearch.com's Christine Liu sling questions about cocktail ingredients, techniques, history, and the local bar scene; teams of four compete for prizes. The special team-sized drinks, served in teapots, should provide any needed liquid courage.

The next installment is at 9 p.m. this Sunday. Here's a toast to random knowledge!

The motto of local cooking video site how2heroes is "Cook, eat, be merry." You can do at least two of the three at the how2heroes Hoedown at the Herb Lyceum in Groton on Oct. 18.

Garden at the Cellar chef Will Gilson (below) will man the pig roasting spit and chefs Paul Callahan (Herb Lyceum), Brian Poe (Rattlesnake Bar & Grill), and Evan Percoco (BOKX 109 American Prime) will also be cooking and leading demos.

Add a dash of live music, a liberal shake of cold beer, and a sprinkle of candy-colored leaves and you've got the recipe for a perfect fall day in New England.

[John Bohn / Globe Staff]

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is rain or shine. Tickets are $20. RSVP required.

Yes, my friends, that's a command. Dig out your sequined gloves, military jackets, pet chimps, fedoras, and moonwalk to the Coolidge Corner Theatre Saturday for the Michael Jackson Sing-Along. Get there early — we expect lines of Dirty Dianas and Pretty Young Things waiting to pay tribute to the King of Pop.

The dance party kicks off at midnight — see (and sing along with) videos for "Smooth Criminal," "Bad," "Black and White," and all your favorite tunes. We're crossing our fingers for "Captain EO," a short film starring MJ and (randomly) Anjelica Houston shown in 3D at Disney theme parks in the '80s and early '90s. Memory lane, right? See ya later, trashcans!

Tickets are $10 and are on sale now. We want to rock with you. All night.

One of my favorite bands of all time - The Allstonians - will be playing at T.T.'s tonight, along with Ska-Prest and the All-Star Super Soul Revue. DJs Krezner and Kelly of Roots & Razors Sound System will be spinning in between.

Fashionably Late is a free night of music and fashion happening this Thursday at the Liberty Hotel. The party will feature music by Redd Foxx, Michael Savant, Chester French, Bad Rabbits, and Clinton Sparks, and Boston Ballet dancers will be sashaying down the runway in Karmaloop threads.

The event is 21+, admission is free, and doors open at 8 p.m....RSVP to: fashion@libertyhotel.com

Boston Fashion Week is just around the corner — Sept. 25 - Oct. 2, to be exact. To celebrate, the always-in-style Boston Public Library will screen fashionable flicks on the next three Monday evenings. "Mahogany" is playing on Sept. 14 and "Unzipped" is on Sept. 28.

And — drum roll please — one of my favorite films of all time is showing on Sept. 21:

"ZOOLANDER!" I must have watched this scene 200 times on repeat when the movie came out on DVD. David Bowie judging a walk-off between Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson to the tune of "Beat It?" Pure cinematic genius. See you there, barring a terminal case of the black lung, Pop.

Scoot your well-heeled self to the Rabb Lecture Hall. The free movies start at 6 p.m.

If you hear cries of "Legalize cachaça!" across the city Sunday, don't be alarmed. It's just fans of the popular Brazilian sugarcane spirit marching to recognize its independence. (Technically, cachaça is already legal. But distiller Leblon Cachaça wants to highlight the fact that although it’s frequently described as Brazilian rum, it’s not — most rum is made from molasses.)

The tippling masses will kick things off at the Liberty Tree at the corner of Essex and Washington Street at 5:30 p.m. and then head to Rumba (6-7 p.m.), The Beehive (7-8 p.m.), Tremont 647 (8-9 p.m.), Vox Populi (9-10 p.m.), and Eastern Standard (10 p.m. until close).

ES star bartender Jackson Cannon had this to say about the cause:

“For whatever reason, the U.S. is the only country in the world which makes the Brazilians label their cachaça as Brazilian rum... Just like cognac, champagne, and tequila, cachaça has its own unique character, culture, and history, and the Brazilians deserve to have their national spirit recognized by its national name: Cachaça.”

Cocktail aficionados, Brazilians, and other interested parties are welcome to join the march at any point along the way. Caipirinhas for all!

If I were Prince, I’d wear a backless, sequined unitard and drive in my little red corvette all day. Every day. Famed Chicago DJ and producer Felix Da Housecat must have a similar fantasy — see “We All Want to Be Prince” from his new album “He Was King.” Catch Felix and his club-shaking beats tonight at Underbar. DJs Texas Mike and Michael Savant will also be in the house.

The 21+ party kicks off at 8 p.m. The cover is $25 (!) — if you're hearing a world-class DJ, you're going to pay world-class prices.

Whilst roaming about the South End one evening, I stopped into Gaslight, where I happened to have the pleasure of meeting Bethany Van Delft. She’s a local comedian (with an impressive head of hair) and a founding member of “ColorStruck: Women of Color in Comedy.”

ColorStruck is a stand-up showcase that’s still going strong after nine years. Two shows are scheduled this month. This time around, the lineup includes Coleen Galvin (Providence), Esther Ku (NYC), Susan Alexander (NYC) Dhaya Lakshmi (San Francisco), as well as local favorites Deb Farrar-Parkman, Janet Cormier, and, of course, Bethany.

Here's the 411:

9th annual ColorStruck: Women of Color in Comedy
September 18 and 19, 8 p.m.
@ Tommy's Comedy Lounge
74 Warrenton St.
Boston MA

- Emily Sweeney

Hello, date night. Impress your main squeeze with a trip to Gordon's Fine Wine in Waltham this Friday for a screening of 2004's "Sideways" and tastings of wines featured in the movie. Wine snobs and Merlot devotees alike are welcome to watch, sip, and swish.

The night kicks off at 7 p.m. and admission is $35. Popcorn will be served.

NYC DJ ATOM mixes tracks that “make you wiggle,” according to organizers of dance mashups night Bootie Boston. We definitely chair danced at our desks a little to ATOM’s up-tempo take on Bill Withers’ “Use Me.” Hear his thumping handiwork Friday night at Good Life. Resident DJs BC, Lenlow, and Spence 4 Hire will also keep the crowd moving.

[Why so serious, ATOM?]

The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and the cover is $5. The first 50 people get a free mix CD with a back-to-school theme. (Conjunction Junction, what's your function?)

One thing Bella Luna and the Milky Way Lounge lost in its recent move to the Brewery were the bowling lanes.

Well, dry your eyes, bowling fans! The Milky Way will bring the lanes back — sort of — by projecting them onto the walls during the Oui! We Wii! event on August 18.

No need to don bowling shoes — but there will be a $25 gift certificate awarded to the competitor with the best bowling shirt. Oh, and feel free to enjoy the pizza at Bella Luna. The owners were able to bring the restaurant's original pizza ovens along for the move.

The event is free and 21+. Festivities kick off at 9 p.m. and will repeat every third Tuesday.

[The alley at the Milky Way's original location on Centre Street — thanks for the memories / Erik Jacobs, Globe Staff]

Elvis Presley might have passed on to the great Graceland in the sky 32 years ago this Sunday (Aug. 16) but that doesn't mean you hound dogs have to keep cryin' all the time.

Head down to Dick's Last Resort instead for the "Hunk-A-Hunk-A" Elvis memorial party. Enjoy Elvis' music as performed by impersonator Dana Z (pictured) and his band, and, if you're feeling up to it, compete in a jelly donut-eating contest for $100. The festivities kick off 7 p.m. and entry is free.

Sure sounds better than spending the night at Heartbreak Hotel.

The bartenders at Eastern Standard know how to make a mean whiskey smash — that's bourbon, lemon, and mint, for the uninitiated — and they've been doling them out since the hotspot opened in June 2005. They've made more than 21,000 smashes, in fact.

Celebrate this mixing milestone Aug. 16, with interesting twists on the original recipe (like chartreuse, peach, or cognac flavors), food, guest bartenders, and ... drum roll please ... the world's largest whiskey smash. One question: Can we swim in it?

Tickets for the bash are $30, which includes entry, food, and a smash. Imbibing starts at 7 p.m. sharp.

Whenever I order a sandwich or a burger, I always eat the pickle first. It has to be a salty, crunchy spear, however — I have no tolerance for the flimsy, piddly pickles some local restaurants serve.

Fellow pickle fanatics should head to Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge this Sunday. Bob McClure of famed McClure's Pickles will demonstrate pickling techniques. (We're told the "Art of Pickling" classes McClure teaches at the company's Brooklyn branch usually sell out.) You'll leave class with a jar of pickles — yum.

The class begins at 5:30 p.m., and there are still spots left. The fee is $35. To register, call 617-354-4750, or visit formaggiokitchen.com.

[John Tlumacki / Globe Staff]

And, if you happen to be in New York on October 4, make sure to catch the New York City International Pickle Day. No, really.

Last year, I wrote a story on Ghost-Town Studio in Providence — Pete Cardoso and Darren Johnson have worked with everyone from Wilco to Spoon. They do their own printing and even have a skateboard ramp in the workspace they share with other artists.

I've always been drawn to the raw, visceral beauty of concert posters. I'm pretty sure my mom was horrified when I bought kaleidoscopic prints of Woodstock, the Beatles, and the Who to hang around my childhood bedroom. I just love the stark, bright colors — each one is used sparingly for a different purpose.

So, you can imagine my giddiness when I heard Eileen Yaghoobian's documentary "Died Young, Stayed Pretty" is coming to the Museum of Fine Arts later this month.

The film — an official selection at the 2008 Montreal Film Festival — explores the gritty underground poster culture and its web of quirky, DIY artists. In the trailer, one of the designers states that poster art is "the purest form of art our culture has." Sounds like my kind of flick.

[Poster by Ron Liberti]

The first showing is at 8:10 p.m. on July 31 (the last show is on August 7).

Banditos Misteriosos (the same folks who brought you World Pillow Fight Day) will hold their 2nd Annual Scavenger Hunt this weekend.

The fun starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

Here's a scene from last year's hunt:

The Duxbury Art Association is still accepting entries for its inaugural skateboard art show.

The show is scheduled to open July 15. Click here for details...

Bela Fleck did something pretty special for the banjo. The Grammy-winning musician liberated the little, four-stringed hollow body from its old-time stereotype and let it play everything from jazz-fusion to psychedelic jam-band rock.

Even before Fleck was a high school kid plucking devoutly for hours to hone his skills, he felt a special connection to the banjo, an instrument conjured by American slaves from the blueprints of native African instruments.

That's why Fleck decided to visit Africa and explore the banjo's cultural roots. The documentary "Throw Down Your Heart," directed by Sascha Paladino, follows his travels and education.

The film has already won gold ribbons at four film festivals, including audience awards at South by Southwest and the Vancouver Film Festival.

On July 9 and 10, Coolidge Corner Theatre is screening the film. Fleck himself will be in the audience for Thursday night's show. Better buy your tickets early!

The latest installment of Rock N’ Roll Parents – a photo exhibit by Kelly Davdison – will be on display at Zuzu this month. The series includes portraits of Aaron Perrino of The Sheila Divine and Dear Leader, Shivika Asthana of Papas Fritas, Mary Lou Lord, and other well-known musicians with their kids. The opening party is Monday, July 6:

The New England Wild West Fest kicks off in Marsh Vegas on June 26.

This 3-day rodeo event will have bull riding, bronc riding, live country music, hay rides, chili contests, a mounted shooting demonstration (courtesy of the Massachusetts Six Shooters)... and on Sunday, legendary cowboy Rex Trailer (of Boomtown fame) will be making a special guest appearance:

Snappin' our fingers. Whoa-oh-oh.

Sorry, couldn't resist — consider that your Eddie Money moment for today.

If Dad's a frappe fiend, take him to Tags Hardware in Porter Square Sunday to hear Boston Globe Magazine columnist Adam Ried talk about his new book of recipes, "Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes," and demonstrate how to make some of them. The free tasting and chat starts at 2 p.m. and is sponsored by Porter Square Books.

Anyone for a Maple-Bacon shake?

More? See all Father's Day events in our calendar.

Or, is that just me?

Start your weekend off on a sweet note: Friendly's is giving away free ice cream tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. Get a single-scoop cone or dish — our favorite flavor was, is, and will always be Forbidden Chocolate. Glorious.

Find a Friendly's near you.

What's the matter, little legume? Can't wait for the Black Eyed Peas' new album "The E-N-D" to drop on Tuesday? Dying to hear the follow-up to the disc's gym-shaking single "Boom Boom Pow?" Well, then: Get thee and thy humps to Felt Saturday night.

The club is hosting the only "The E-N-D" listening party in Boston. (There are also official listening fetes in Miami, New York City, Las Vegas, L.A., and Chicago.) Preview the album. Sip a Boom Boom Pow cocktail; that's passion fruit vodka, lime, and simple syrup, folks. And get there early — the first 20 fans through the door get a BEP t-shirt.

The party starts at 10 p.m. It's free, but you have to RSVP.

Fergie Ferg and the gang better be thanking their lucky stars that this isn't the Stylephile blog. Because, if it was, I'd say:

- Taboo: Michael Jackson called. He wants his jacket and Bubbles the chimp back.
- Ferg: You're one sexy mummy.
- apl.de.ap: Did Dr. Seuss style your hair?
- will.i.am: I'm actually digging the military cap and slightly feminine jacket. BUT why the kangaroo pocket? Sort of an awkward place for your hand...

Boom. Roasted.

The generous Boston Harbor Hotel has posted its schedule of free Moonlight Movies for the summer. Sit on Rowes Wharf on a balmy Friday night with a drink and watch a classic flick? Don't mind if I do. Some of the highlights include: "A League of Their Own" (July 24), "Some Like it Hot" (Aug. 21), and "The China Syndrome" (Aug. 28). The series kicks off on June 19.

I'll be the one sobbing when Madonna's melodramatic "This Used to Be My Playground" plays during the final credits of the movie. Bring tissues.

Tickets are on sale for the second local screening of Speaking in Code. The documentary was directed by Amy Grill and features David Day (of Weekly Dig fame) and other kids from the electronic music scene. It screens at The Brattle on Thursday, May 21.

So if you missed the screening at the Independent Film Festival last month, here's your chance. You can buy tix here.

Bonus: A ticket stub from this 7 p.m. screening will get you to the front of the line at the Middlesex that night, just in time for Make It New, where the German DJ duo Wighnomy Brothers will make their US debut.

Have you heard of colony collapse disorder? The mysterious phenomenon refers to entire colonies of honey bees disappearing — a scary thought, considering that these winged workers pollinate many of the world's key crops.

For the whole month of May, the Fireplace is offering a honey-laced Help the Honey Bees! menu. Feel good snacking on sweet honey polenta and sipping green honey martinis; the Fireplace is donating 20% of the sales from the special menu to bee research at UC Davis and Penn State.

We're pretty sure Winnie the Pooh would go philanthropist for this cause.

The Great Boston Burlesque Exposition and Vintage Fashion Fair is happening this weekend at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge. The three-day event kicks off tomorrow with a bunch of burlesque classes, workshops and parties. On Saturday night, dance troupes from all over will compete in a Battle Royale of Burlesque, and the winners will be given Howard Awards (named in honor of the Old Howard theater in Scollay Square). For ticket information, visit http://www.burlesque-expo.com

Support local musicians. Head over to the Middle East for the annual WBCN Rock n' Roll Rumble. After rocking Allston for two years, the battle is bringing its thunderous chords and uncontrollable beats back to Cambridge.

The semifinals begin on April 16 and the damage is only $10. The semifinals continue the next night, and the finals are the week after. Check out the Wikipedia page for the rules.

The event is 18+ — so rock your hearts out, all you pretty young things.

[Welcome home, Rumble. Photo by David Kamerman/Globe Staff]

Get ready!

International Pillow Fight Day is Saturday, April 4. So don't be surprised if you're walking downtown and feathers start flying.

The official Pillow Fight Day website does outline some general rules:

+ Soft pillows only!
+ Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
+ Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras.
+ Remove glasses beforehand!
+ The event is free and appropriate for all ages.
+ Wait until the signal to begin.
+ This event is more fun with feathers!

For details about the upcoming pillow fight in Boston, visit www.misteriosos.org.

The championship game between Wisconsin and Mercyhurst takes place tomorrow (March 22) at noon at BU's Agganis Arena. Click here for details...

I love that Zehara Nachash calls herself "Boston's resident snake charmer" — as if there's competition for the title — and I love that she's culled together a motley crew of circus performers, belly dancers, illusionists, and their ilk to perform at this Friday's Odditorium in Cambridge.

The Boston Babydolls, Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band, and Oddville Vaudeville are all on the bill. Peter Tino (aka "The Human Floor") will also endure pointy stilettos and the weight of several people on his body. According to his MySpace page, he once welcomed a woman weighing over 400 pounds to stand on his face, covering both his nose and mouth. Um, ouch.

It's $15, 18+, and happening from 8-10:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. You're invited to get your freak on. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)

[Nachash and a slithery friend.]

The House of Pain invades Cambridge on March 17 to promote the release of their namesake adidas sneaker. The launch party at Concepts (37 Brattle St. Cambridge) will feature DJ Brek.One and complimentary food and drinks from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Salon Nouveau VI is happening tomorrow night at Johnnie's On The Side.

Doors open at 8pm. No cover.

Word.

The Dropkick Murphys are playing seven sold-out shows on Lansdowne Street between March 12-17, and McGreevy’s 3rd Base Saloon is hosting a series of pre- and post-show parties. The whole band plans to attend the pre-show bash at McGreevy’s on March 16 at 5:30 p.m.

The following weekend, McGreevy's will throw a pre-show bash for a different Celtic punk band. Expect the Pogues to stop by the bar for a few pints before their March 21 show at the House of Blues.

I just read an interesting press release. It says that Burtons Grill is giving away free food to people named Pat on March 17. I'm not making this up. From 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., customers who have “Pat” somewhere in their name will receive a free appetizer.

How many Patricks and Patricias will show up for this promotion? The folks at Burtons Grill aren't sure.

In the press release, CEO Kevin Harron says: “Of course, this is a city with a strong Irish community and we didn’t do much research on the number of 'Pats' in the area… so we’ll see what happens."

The giveaway is only happening at the restaurant's Boston location, at 1363 Boylston Street. And all Pats seeking free apps should bring a valid ID.

Looking for a new gig?

The New England Patriots need cheerleaders. Open auditions will be held next weekend. If you think you have what it takes, all you gotta do is brush up your resume, dust off those dance shoes and head down to Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28. It costs $20 to try out and registration starts at 10 a.m. sharp. Check out www.patriots.com/cheerleaders for details.

I want pancakes. I want pancakes.
(Sung to the tune of "I Want Candy," as performed by new wave darlings Bow Wow Wow.)

Well, the wait is over. IHOP's National Pancake Day is just around the corner. On Tuesday — Fat Tuesday, that is — stop by any area IHOP between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. for a free short stack of buttery, syrupy pancakes (three to a stack, friend). All IHOP asks in return? A donation to the Children's Miracle Network, if you're so inclined. Click here for more information.

This may just be the best Mardi Gras ever.

Longtime readers of this blog may be aware of my fascination with the game of Bingo.

You can imagine how ecstatic I was when I heard that one of my neighborhood haunts, 224 Boston Street, launched a weekly Bingo night.
It was started by 224 bartender Kathy Stanton (a fellow classmate from Boston Latin School...go Wolfpack!) and happens every Monday night from 7 to 9 p.m.

There’s a different theme each week. This past Monday was Drag Queen Bingo. The ever-fabulous Lucy Leggs served as the bingo caller and was assisted by her trusty assistant Chris, who spun the cage and distributed cards to players. They gave away gift certificates and packs of temporary body art tattoos as prizes.

When the game returns to 224 next Monday, the theme will be rock n' roll.

That's right, kids: Rock N’ Roll Bingo.

The game will be played like traditional bingo, but with a slight twist: as the bingo caller announces each ball, players shout out names of bands or musicians that begin with that letter. For example, if the caller said "B-9," you could say "Buffalo Tom," or "Bee Gees."

So mark your calendar:

Monday, Feb. 16
Rock n' Roll Bingo
7 - 9 p.m.
224 Boston Street
Dorchester, MA
No cover
www.224bostonstreet.com

The other day I received a Facebook invitation to an interesting event: gay rollerskating.

It’s happening this Sunday (Feb. 15) from 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Chez Vous roller rink in Dorchester.

Old school disco will be played early in the evening, followed by hip-hop and dance music. Admission is $10, and that includes a pair of rental skates, if you don't have your own set o' wheels. The organizers are encouraging gay folks and their friends to get there early. They also suggest to bring your own skates or rollerblades, if you have ‘em.

- Emily Sweeney

One of my favorite bands - Ladytron - will be performing at the House of Blues on Wednesday, April 8. I'm marking my calendar right now.

The members of Ladytron have been busy lately...spinning DJ sets in clubs and working in the studio with Christina Aguilera, writing songs for her new album. Now the band is getting ready to release a new EP featuring remixes of their song "Tomorrow," and then they'll be touring North America with The Faint. Tickets go on sale Feb. 13.

Here's an interview I did with Ladytron the last time they were in town, just a few hours before they played a show at The Paradise.

Is it unhealthy to live in the past like I do — to gorge so regularly on pop hits from my adolescence? Wait, wait. Don't tell me. As long as I've got encouragement – and good company – I'll keep acting a throwback fool.

Luckily, Retro premieres tonight at Privus: it's a weekly dance party dedicated to sonic goods from the '80s and '90s. An absurdly cheap cover (just $3!) guarantees a glass of complementary champagne, and a night of jams from DJs Gemini Caezar, Jam Master Jeff, and Sim Simma.

Guess who can't wait.

[Yea, Will, me neither / NBC Photo by Chris Haston]

Juliana Hatfield will be at the Duxbury Free Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. She'll be signing copies of her memoir, When I Grow Up, in the library’s Merry Meeting Room. The event is free, but tickets are required. You can snag your tix at the library or the Westwinds Bookshop two weeks before the event.

DJ Paparazzi must have known he was destined for great, bombastic things — how else do you explain his turntable name?

The famed L.A. spinster will hold down the fort at a special edition of electro and indie dance party So Dope at Venu Thursday. Ready for a little West Coast flavor, y'alls?

[He likes to move it, move it / Credit: Caesar Sebastian]

Hearthrob's Red Foxx and resident DJs JayK, Damien Paul, and Manny Random are also on the block-rocking bill. Wear something stretchy, breathable, and preferably neon. You will flail and you will sweat.

Come Valentine's Day, my high horse and I tend to stay in the shadows. Maybe it's because we know better than to get tangled up in the tentacles of corny cards and flowers, which, of course, are useless. Maybe it's because we're dark and mysterious. Or curmudgeonly. Anybody's guess.

But, let me tell you – that chilly exterior is hard to maintain when, say, this guy comes into the mix:

[Daryl Hall: The man, the legend.]

And when we could be bringing down the house.

After apparently being debriefed on my Fantasy Crush roster and favorite songs ever, the fine folks at Coolidge Corner went and made Valentine's Day irresistible with Total Eclipse of the Heart: The '80s Love Song Sing-Along.

There will be Hall. There will be Oates. There will be Prince, too, and Pat Benatar, George Michael, Rick Springfield, his best friend's girl... you name it. For hours!

I can go for that.

Like it or not, you're stuck — inextricably — in the month of love.

Since you'll be getting hit over the head left and right with sappy, sentimental clichés, you might as well make peace by trying to understand what's responsible for all this mushy stuff — besides a pink-and-white commercial industry that thrives on our needs for validation and chocolate, of course.

Helen Fisher is the chief scientific adviser for Chemistry.com and the author of "Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type." This Wednesday, she'll be at the Museum of Science to discuss her book, the ins-and-outs of coupling, and the extensive studies she's conducted on the lovelorn.

Just like a number-crunching Dana Scully in a world full of love-blind believers.

The event starts at 7 p.m., and it's part of the museum's new lecture series, "This Is Your Brain On..."

[Photo by Casey Kelbaugh]

Six words can say so much. Even about love: a big deal.

Clearly, this lowly blogger has a way to go before earning a black-belt in brevity
from Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser, the founders of the Six-Word Memoirs blog. But that's OK – they've already accrued enough pithy, often profound, proclamations
of the heart to publish a whole book.

They'll be at the Brookline Booksmith on Feb. 4 to promote and discuss their laconic labor of love, "Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Loss." Contributions come from authors like Elizabeth Gilbert to ordinary folks with a touch for the terse. But don't let size fool you: These tiny sentences pack an enormous punch.

We’ve all seen street artist Shepard Fairey’s portrait of President Barack Obama. The same portrait was used as the front cover of Time and Esquire magazines — we call that success.

[Damian Dovarganes / AP Photo]

Shepard’s works will be on display at the ICA starting next Friday — the exhibit is called “Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand.” Short notice, but don’t panic: his work will be up through mid-August.

And, circle Feb. 12 in your planners. At noon that day, curator Pedro Alonzo will share his experiences working with Fairey. The event is free with museum admission, but space is limited.

Finally, before heading out to the ICA, read this inspiring story about Fairey by the Globe’s own Geoff Edgers.

["Boston, I am your Ghostdad."]

Give yourself good reason to be thirsty this Thursday: Go work up a sweat at the Milky Way, before it's too late. The club — a veritable institution on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain — is switching hands and names before summer rolls around. Until then, local DJ Ghostdad will keep the dance-floor momentum up by coordinating a rotating series of events on Thursdays.

Tomorrow, the ruckus-bringing roulette stops on Bass Invaders for the first time since 2008, with Nick Yoder and Ghostdad himself behind the turntables. Expect enough house, electro, hip-hop and siren blasts to last a lifetime. Or at least until next week.

For a complete guide to Milky Way Thursdays, click here, or call the official JP Party Line: 1-800-988-7361

... won't make it to the Superbowl. The oh-so-hip Downtown Crossing eatery will slaughter a pig Sunday so you can snack on pork croquettes, bacon & egg pizza, pigs in a blanket, and ribs — all slathered with herb marinated pig butter. (<-- It's addictive, trust me.)

For $20, you can watch "those two team who aren't the Patriots" toss around the pigskin while you eat pig parts. Pigging out commences at 5 p.m.

Bet you didn't know that Sean Sears of Chicopee recently won the national "Rock Paper Scissors" championship in Las Vegas. He walked away with $50,00 — not too shabby. If you want to hone your skills, stop by P.A.'s Lounge in Somerville next Wednesday for a RPS tournament.

It's $4 to enter and there'll be prizes for the winners, including cash, movie tickets, and gift certificates. Hey, it's a start.

[Bill Greene / Globe Staff]

Paper was always my strategy. My sister would play rock — naturally, seeing as its the most destructive choice — and I'd sneak in with a little "paper covers rock" action. Bam! No dishes duty for me.

Looking to do some holiday shopping? Then swing by the Bizarre Bazaar at the Park Plaza Castle on Sunday, Dec. 7. This DIY craft fair / fleamarket will feature DJs, food, and over 140 vendors selling homemade stuff. Admission is $1.

- Emily Sweeney

The Dropkick Murphys have announced the dates of their St. Patrick’s Day shows in Boston. They’ll be playing five shows at the new House Of Blues on Lansdowne Street (Avalon R.I.P.) between Friday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 17. Pre-sale tickets will be available starting on Saturday, Dec. 13. The general on-sale date will be announced sometime after that....so stay tuned...

- Emily Sweeney

[You may or may not run into these guys.]

For anyone with a vinyl record-listening, vintage T-shirt-wearing vegan on your shopping list this year, might be interested in dropping by Mass Market 3, the annual DIY flea market at the Pozen Center at MassArt.

On Dec. 14, from noon to 6 p.m., the usual crop of ultra trendysetters (i.e. DJs, bands) will be on hand to shill buttons, books, clothes, and even baked goods to the general public. And with the current economic status in varying degrees of bad to worse, going the flea market route for gifts seems like an appealing cost-efficient way to save.

Of course, a pretentious 'tude not included with purchases, but it could come in handy when you want to barter.

Visit myspace.com/mass_market for all the details.

Well, this new chat format was so popular last week, we've decided to give it another go. All you have to do is type in your name and a question below when the chat kicks off and I'll respond to you via chat (like IM). Any burning questions about what to do this weekend?

On Thursday night The Blarney Stone will be serving up plenty of "Presiden-Tinis." The politically-inspired cocktail will be the signature drink at this year's Martinis on the Avenue fundraiser, which takes place Oct. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $30 in advance ($35 at the door) and proceeds benefit two Dorchester organizations: Fields Corner Main Street and St. Mark's Area Main Street. There will be refreshments, a cash bar, a live auction, and if you come dressed as a political character, you could win a prize. For tickets, visit the Fields Corner Main Street website or call 617-474-1432.

When I first heard about Cafe 303's Wild Game Beer Dinner, all I could think of was: Oregon Trail. Yes, I instantly imagined a dinner comprised of all the buffalo, bears, and stags you could shoot in the old school computer game (No chipmunks, though — only the trigger-happy fools who quickly died of dysentery shot at those.)

As it turns out, the Eastie hotspot is serving alligator gumbo, a rabbit-and-root-vegetable stew, and wild boar. And lest you fear chef Kevin Howard will be layering venison in your trifle for dessert, he tells me the final course will be a gingerbread cake with Moosetracks ice cream. Points for cleverness. Four beers from the Chicago-area Two Brothers Brewing Company will accompany the four courses.

The dinner costs $40 and starts at 7 p.m. on Monday. And if wild game isn't your thing — hello, Bambi's mom! — I highly recommend the trek to East Boston for 303's regular menu and eclectic beer list.

If the Car Talk Guys, local live music, and the promise of fried dough aren't enough to move your feet to Harvard Square's annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, at least go to see the "World's Longest Sofa." No, really.

The red beaut was designed by by Anders Nørgaard for BoConcept and first assembled for the Aarhus Festival in Denmark. The couch is 213 feet long and has 68 legs. And why would we need such a gargantuan piece of furniture? At 3 p.m., all 30 Honk! marching bands will sit on the sofa on Church Street for a group photo, obviously.

And you thought you'd already seen it all.

Stop! Do not sell your left kidney on Craigslist for New Kids on the Block tickets! I just received this email from Live Nation:

Due to production changes a limited number of seats to the sold out New Kids on the Block shows at the TD Banknorth Garden on September 26th and 28th have just been released. Tickets are available at the TD Banknorth Garden Box Office, by calling 866-448-7849, or by logging on to www.livenation.com.

Act quickly, and you too can hang tough with NKOTB.

[Sosolimited remixing the 2004 presidential debate]

Tuning in to a presidential debate might not seem like the most enticing way to spend a Friday night — commentary on foreign policy is a total buzz kill — but the Institute of Contemporary Art hopes you might re-consider.

On Friday, the museum hosts "Experiment: reConstitution with Sosolimited," where visual arts troupe Sosolimited will present a live remix of presidential debate No. 1, mixing words and images from the debate with light and sound, according to the ICA website. In 2004, the group did the same thing with the debates between John Kerry and George W. Bush. This Friday's event at the ICA will kick-off two more live debate remixes in NYC and Washington, D.C.

Judging by Sosolimited's website and the photo above, you can expect three dudes in black suits spinning at a turntable with a projection screen behind them. ICA spokesperson Joyce Linehan says they're going to track both Obama's and McCain's speech and repetition patterns as well. Creative for sure, but it doesn't sound very danceable.

So while you're there, check out the local DJs spinning in the lobby, the food and drink, and, of course, the voter registration table.

When I first heard "Who's the Boss"-alum Alyssa Milano would be at the Red Sox Team Store next Saturday, I was truly perplexed. Isn't she from California? Wouldn't she be a L.A. Dodgers fan and a Manny sympathizer?

Then, I remembered. A-Mils launched a women's baseball clothing line in conjunction with the MLB last year called Touch. Oh, and she blogs. (Side note: A St. Louis Cardinals spaghetti-strap dress is a little much, n'est-ce pas?)

Touch Bermuda shorts with baseball logos on the back pockets aside, I'm sure Alyssa's a really nice person. Stop by the store from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to glimpse and possibly meet her.

[Alyssa Milano hearts baseball.]

Alternately, if you were never a "Who's the Boss" fan and just couldn't get into "Charmed" (me neither), the 2004 and 2007 World Series Trophies will be on display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the store on the same day.

It's Friday. I know you absolutely don't want to talk about the Monday blues. However, nothing softens the back-to-work blow like free coffee, right?

Starting Monday, McDonald's is offering complimentary samples of its new espresso-based beverages between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Bottom's up. The deal's on through Sunday, so you have plenty of time to take full advantage of the promotion.

[By the way, I love the soft lighting in this press photo. It's like a coffee glamor shot.]

For more info on McDo's new drinks, read Jenn Abelson's story from the Globe's business section.

I'm one of the few people in my social circle who still doesn't own a bike (I know, it's so pedestrian of me). No matter, this event appeals to my competitive side: For the next two Mondays, Sept. 22 and Sept. 29, bring your two-wheeler to the free "Boldcrits!" bike race at the William E. Smith Field in Allston starting at 6:30 p.m. According to the Boston Biker blog, there will be "multiple race events for Category A and B riders, Scratch Races, Miss-n-Outs, etc." OK, I'm not sure what any of that means, but the winner does get a six-pack.

Beer. Now, you're speaking my language.

[Hopefully you won't go up against these guys.]

Feeling charitable this weekend? Head over to the Roxy from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Sunday and take part in "Rock 4 Peace." Co-sponsored by Students 4 Peace, Headcount, Mass Power Shift, and Alliance for Middle East Peace, "Rock 4 Peace" will feature performances from local student bands, Middle Eastern food, dance, and speakers. The $12 cover at the door will benefit children in Israel and Palestine and help fight malaria in Africa. Or, buy tickets online for $10. Get all the details on students4peace.org.

That's what I call peace, love, and rock 'n' roll.

My grandma is a big Friends of the Library, always-in-charge-of-the-book-sale-lady, so in her honor, a list of the upcoming Boston Public Library book sales:

Saturday Sept. 13 from 9-5
Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St., Jamaica Plain (617) 522-1960

Saturday September 20 from 9-5
Charlestown Branch Library, 179 Main St., Charlestown (617) 242-1248

Saturday September 27 from 10-3
North End Branch Library, 35 Parmenter St., Boston (617) 227-8135

Saturday October 4 from 10-4
Central Library, Copley Square 700 Boylston St., Boston (617)536-5400

Saturday October 4 from 9-3
West Roxbury Branch Library, 1961 Centre St., W. Roxbury (617) 325-3147

Thursday October 17 from 6-8 (members only, ok to join night of event)
Friday October 18 from 9-5
Saturday October 19 from 10-3
Hyde Park Branch Library, 35 Harvard Ave., Hyde Park (617) 361-2524

Saturday December 13 from 10-2
Honan-Allston Branch Library, 300 N. Harvard St., Allston (617) 787-6313

Beer and steamers? Um, yes please. From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain is hosting a mollusk celebration of sorts — a Shellfish Shindig, if you will. The locals who farm shellfish will be on hand to talk about sustainable aquaculture traditions and author Rowan Jacobsen will sign and discuss his book, "A Geography of Oysters."

Certainly feel free to wash that knowledge down with some beer and a bucket of the shelled stuff. Tickets are $10 (includes two beer tastings) or $25 (includes six beer tastings).

[She sells seashells by the seashore. But first, the aspiring gourmet makes steamed clams in a white wine-herb sauce.]

I just got an email from Jason (of Incus fame) saying that the New England Culture Fest has been postponed a day. The 5th annual fair trade festival was supposed to start this afternoon in downtown Lowell, but the organizers decided to wait for better weather tomorrow.

There's going to be a fair trade fashion show, dancing in the streets, organic beer on tap, interactive video art installations, salsa lessons, and a really diverse lineup of performers....they include Incus; a Mexican roots band; belly dancers; a flamenco quartet; a hip-hop-and-soul artist; an Afro-Brazilian dance troupe; a house & breaks/drum n' bass DJ; and a hippie "earthy and organic folk rock" band.

Here are the details:

New England Culture Fest
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008
2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
@ the Enterprise Bank Parking Lot, across from 172 Middle St. in Lowell [directions]
Admission: $10, children under 12 Free
Proceeds benefit Second World, a nonprofit arts organization in Lowell

Attention Parrotheads: In an effort to outsmart HurricaneTropical Storm Hanna and her destructive ways, the start time for tomorrow's Jimmy Buffett show has been changed from 8 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mr. Margaritaville wants smooth sailing — no rough seas to shake the mellow mood.

The Comcast Center gates will open bright and early at 8 a.m., so you might want to do a dry-run with your portable blenders tonight before bed.

There are some tickets still available on Ticketmaster.com and a quick search on craigslist.org revealed plenty of sellers.

[Hopefully, Jimmy won't need the umbrella / Robert E. Klein for the Boston Globe]

I don't know about you folks, but I'm still grappling with the impending change of season. Is it really September already? Summer's almost over, and among the losses: Free Shakespeare on the Common (well, I guess for good now), outdoor barbecues (I've never met a hot dog I didn't devour), and of course, warm weather (my bio, at right, doesn't lie).

But there's an upside. Over the next few weekends, Somerville is hosting some free, fall-familiar events to remind us that autumn has some perks, too.

On Saturday, check out the "Rock & Roll Yard Sale" at Union Square Plaza from 3 to 7 p.m. It sounds like a true hipster's paradise: vintage T-shirts, vegan cupcakes, and the must-have items of the moment — vinyl records.

For country-Western enthusiasts, the "Urban Country Fair 2008" from 3-7 p.m. on Sept. 20, offers art vendors, exhibitors, and performances from Boston's own cowboys, Three Day Threshold, among others. Visit the Somerville ArtsUnion website for more info on both events.

At least we still have time before another, less inviting season change.

George's Island will host some old-fashioned baseball games this weekend. And we're talking really old baseball here...complete with uniforms and rules dating back to the 1860s. That means the players field bare-handed, the pitchers throw underhand, and you may hear people shouting things like “We need a well-placed daisy cutter, Mr. Cunningham," (translation: we need a ground ball) and “Well hurled, Mr. Sheehy,” (translation: Nice pitch!).

On Saturday, the Melrose Pondfeilders will play the Fitchburg Rollstones. Then on Sunday, the Essex Base Ball Club will take on the Lynn Live Oaks. The games start at 11 a.m. on both days. Admission is free.

For details and information on how to get out there, check out the Boston Harbor Islands events page.

[via Boston Magazine]

(Harry How/Getty Images)

Haven't you always wanted a police escort? Ride your bike to work tomorrow and you can have one.

I'd join you but I'm having my bike shorts repadded.

Hey, big spender: If you plan to be on the Good Cape of Cod on September 4th and have an extra $150 to spare, head to Chatham Bars Inn for a "Gentleman's Smoker" to benefit the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Guys, you'll find an adult Candyland of cigars, cordials, martinis, lobsters, and live jazz at the event. Nautical attire is strongly suggested, so get your seersucker suits to the cleaners, tout de suite.

Ladies, sorry, this soirée is boys-only. May we suggest a dinner at Franklin Café in the South End and a late showing of "Vicky Christina Barcelona" while your boyfriends and husbands are playing Rat Pack in Chatham?

["Tell me Miss Trench, do you play any other games?"]

Fantasy Football players, you don't have to sit in a dark living room eating cold pizza while you pick your teams. Game On! is holding an Ultimate Fantasy Draft Party Thursday night at 7, complete with free wireless Internet access to search for players and stats.

To reserve space for a league, contact Tyler at 617-351-7001 or info@gameonboston.com.

We suggest trying to get this guy:

Stingray Body Art is hosting a fashion show on Friday that will showcase the work of local designers. The models will be posing in the windows and then strutting their stuff on the sidewalk in front of the tattoo shop. The event will be emceed by the fabulous Kendall Bretto, founder and president of Chandler Jewelry, and will feature music, food, & drinks. It starts at 7 p.m. and it's free.

Attention wordsmiths: If you like being the center of attention, or simply want to relive your glory days in the school spelling bee, you should volunteer to be a guest speller in the North Shore Music Theatre's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," running through Aug. 31.

Here's how it works, according to PR manager Carol LaRosa:
Each night before the show, two theater staff members walk through the lobby, asking patrons if they'd like to volunteer. About 20-30 people usually sign up per night. They are directed to our "casting director," who asks a few questions to get a feel for their personality ("Where are you from?" "Are you a good speller?" "Are you interested in current events?"), then selects four spellers. They are given basic instructions about being onstage (to ask for a word definition and to have the word used in a sentence). After that, it's totally improvisational. Spellers are NOT told the words ahead of time and are encouraged to spell as well as they can. Spellers stay onstage as long as they spell words correctly.

I saw the show last night, and it's delightful. The guest spellers spend quite a bit of time onstage, depending on how proficient they are, and even get to participate in a musical number.

If you sign up, though, just be sure you know how to take a joke, because you will be made fun of -- and you'll love it.

Or at least that's what I'd yelp if I hit a home run in next Saturday's Wiffle Ball Competition at City Hall Plaza. Over 30 teams will compete to be Boston's wiffle ball champions — ultimate bragging rights! Team registration is still open, according to organizers, so round up your friends who actually like to rise and shine before noon on weekends and sign up. Be there or be... sleeping in. We wonder if Menino will throw the first pitch?

["Take me out to the baaalll game" / istockphoto.com]

Interesting side note: I apparently had no clue how wiffle ball works before today. I thought it was played like baseball, where people actually run bases. Nope. Because it was invented (in Fairfield, Conn., of all places) to be played on congested streets or in cramped backyards, the "field" is a triangle. Batters score points based on how far they hit the ball — no running required. Nerds who are interested in this type of thing — like yours truly — please click here.

Attention punk fans: the Street Dogs will be making an appearance in B-Tree today. At 6 p.m. the band is going to play an acoustic set and autograph copies of their new album at Newbury Comics (400 Franklin St. Braintree, MA).

Like many people, I'm a sucker for freebies. And as a full-time college student, I've become especially adept at sniffing out every free Dunkin Donuts coffee day from Harvard Square to Brookline.

So imagine my joy when I stumbled upon the July Winedown event happening at 7 p.m. this Thursday at the Harvard Bookstore. Toscanini's will be scooping out free ice cream to commemorate the publication of a new book about 52 recipes for ice cream by Sally Sampson. (It already has one buyer.)

Hope to see you there. I'll be the one with an embarrassing amount of chocolate on my face.

Looking for some Latino culture this weekend? Festival Betances, which bills itself as "the oldest Latino community arts festival in New England," kicks off tonight in the South End. The entertainment runs the gamut, from Peruvian music to Mexican dancing to Puerto Rican spoken word, as well as food, crafts, and pony rides.

There's even something called a Grease Pole Contest on Sunday afternoon.

Looks like fun, right?

These guys won it in 2006:

I never went to summer camp. Thus, everything I learned about this outdoors adolescent rite of passage, I learned from "Wet Hot American Summer." So I imagine the Middlesex Lounge's benefit for the Cambridge Camping Association on July 30 will include plenty of tube socks, talking bean cans, and a schmaltzy, community theater rendition of "Day by Day" from Godspell.

I may be in luck. The menu at "Camp Middlesex" will feature tiny tacos, burgers, and Campfire S’mores cocktails, and there will be craft workshops. Lanyards! At 10 p.m., the bar will transform into a "co-ed social" dance party, complete with remixes of campfire songs. Scandalous!

It's $30 for beer, wine, apps, and the dance; or $10 for just the dance. All proceeds will go to the Cambridge Camping Association, which provides summer camp experiences for disadvantaged children. Get your tickets here.

S'mores, tacos, and dancing, all for a good cause? Count us in.

[These guys put the "camp" in, well, camp.]

This from in-the-know correspondent Tristram Lozaw:

Returning from a European tour with Boston’s Either/Orchestra world jazz ensemble, drummer Vincente Lebron (below) was stopped at Logan Airport by Immigration and Naturalization Services, which, under direction from Homeland Security, seized his passport and green card.

Lebron, who was born in the Dominican Republic and has lived in the United States since 1970 (in Boston since 1974), was placed in removal proceedings and has been sequestered at the South Bay Correctional Center since June 9. To help raise defense funds, 15 bands and singers including Orchestra Morphine, Charlie Kohlhase, Club D'Elf, and Russ Gershon of E/O perform a benefit show Wednesday night at 8 in the Ryles dancehall in Cambridge. It's $10 to get in -- not a bad price to help right a wrong.

[Photo/Leo Lefort]

Hankering for some Bastille Day fun? Our correspondant intrépide Jeff Miranda has an idea:

Sure we might have our differences, but Francophiles and Americans have more in common than you might think – for one thing, our shared love of independence. Today marks Bastille Day, the start of the French Revolution, and tonight’s “Revival” is celebrating through the universal language: dancing.

Billed for people who “hate Boston nightlife” according to its Facebook profile, this monthly dance party lives up its promise.

I checked it out in June and was glad to discover a place that shared an appreciation for the music I usually sing to myself at home – from old school Madonna (“Like a Prayer”) to Boyz II Men (“I’ll Make Love to You”) to Top 40 hip-hop and electronica, I wasn’t disappointed.

If you're tired of bumping and grinding to beatless house music, "Revival" might be for you. Tonight’s party kicks off at 9:30 p.m. at the Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge.

And, check out more ways to celebrate Bastille Day here.

[Everyone hearts France / Credit: Daniel Munoz, Reuters]

This little doggie will get a shampoo. This little doggie will munch on designer pooch treats. And this little doggie? He'll probably prance all the way home from Hotel Marlowe's annual "Bark & Bath" event this Saturday to raise money for the Trust for Public Land's Parks for People initiative.

Drop by the Cambridge hotel's courtyard between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and your four-legged friend will enjoy a wash-and-dry and snow cones and peanut butter cupcakes from Polka Dog bakery, all for $20.

Doesn't Rover deserve some TLC? After all, he slaves away all day at your house while you frolic and have so much fun at the office.

[Raingear recommended / Credit: Evan Richman, Globe Staff]

(Side note: Hotel Marlowe is completely pet-friendly and even offers packages and amenities specifically for your furry pals. Good to know if you have visiting relatives with cats and you are deathly allergic. To the cats, of course.)

Circuit City will be hosting in-store launch parties all over the country on Sunday to celebrate the release of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Those zany folks at Circuit City are asking people to "come dressed as a rock star" to try out the new game and compete for prizes.

But the launch parties aren't happening at every Circuit City store....only a select few. And none of them are around here...so if you want to attend, you'll have to drive out to Springfield, Mass. or Cranston, Rhode Island.

Didn't think you could afford tickets to see George Michael at the Garden July 27? You can now. Tickets to the show are going for $25. Plus Ticketmaster's famous fees, of course. Just go to a Ticketmaster location or log on to ticketmaster.com.

Poor, dreamy George. He must feel terrible. If it were up to my inner 15-year-old, the show would have sold out long ago.

Time to celebrate, and lots of stuff will be happening....even The Beehive is getting in on the action:

Attention Celtics fanatics: (There are some out there, right?)

Paint your body green and slide into your best basketball-shaped bustier, because DJ's at the Garden is hosting an Ultimate SuperFan Contest tonight. OK, you don't actually have to get that extreme: Every costumed fan will be entered to win two tickets for Game 6 (which we're hoping there won't be a need for). But you might as well get creative.

DJ's is giving away two tickets to Game 7, too, and is showing the game on 24 high-def TVs. So get out that giant green foam cowboy hat and get cracking!

You know how some days you just feel cursed? Like something out there is conspiring against you? Pino Irano, owner of Piccolo Nido in the North End, wants to help. The self-proclaimed "good luck charm" who says he has helped everyone from the Red Sox to the Celtics will perform the secret Italian ritual of “il malocchio” (the evil eye) at his restaurant Sunday, thereby ridding anyone of their bad luck if they come in between 4 and 7 p.m.

Of course, being freed from your curses isn't free. Admission is $35, which includes pizza, salad, a glass of wine, and, for the first 100 people, a T-shirt. Irano has a son with Tourette's syndrome, and the event is a fund-raiser for the Tourette Syndrome Association.

Hey, if Irano really did lift the Red Sox' curse and help catapult the once-lowly Celtics into the finals, it's worth a shot, right?

Ralph Nader is still running for president -- who knew? He's speaking at the First Parish Meetinghouse in Cambridge Friday night at 7:30. You're allowed to go, you're just not allowed to vote for him.

Here's your challenge for the weekend: Whip up a dish that doesn't contain meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey, and bring it to Sherborn for the Boston Vegetarian Society's annual vegan potluck on Sunday. It better be good, too, because this annual affair is a "spectacular display of lush vegan cuisine" -- at least according to the press release anyway.

This looks pretty lush:

[from veganmomma.com]

The free potluck starts at 1 p.m. at the Peace Abbey, 2 N. Main St., Sherborn. At 3 p.m., Gene Baur, cofounder and president of Farm Sanctuary, will give a talk titled "Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food."

Oh, and you can also check out Emily the Sacred Cow Animal Rights Memorial and visit rescued farm animals. But no matter what, do not, I repeat, do not, visualize bacon or hamburgers or chicken nuggets when you see them.

Buy It Like You Mean It is a very cool nonprofit that was started by some very smart cats from MIT. Their goal is to give consumers the lowdown on how companies really do business, so shoppers can make more socially-responsible purchasing decisions.....instead of blindly spending their hard-earned cash on products made by companies that are tearing down rainforests, using child labor, and doing other shady stuff that is never mentioned in glitzy marketing campaigns.

Their slogan is "change the world... one purchase at a time." Right now they're focusing on the chocolate industry, and with the help of volunteers, they're reviewing and rating candy companies. And quite fittingly, the official launch party for BuyItLikeYouMeanIt.org will be happening Tuesday at the Taza Chocolate Factory in Somerville.

The launch party will be family-friendly and will feature food, beer, and chocolate. Taza chocolatiers will demonstrate how their chocolate is made, and BILYMI volunteers will be on hand to show everyone how their ethical shopping technology works.

WHAT: Buy It Like You Mean It - Official Launch Party
WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 7pm
WHERE: Taza Chocolate Factory, 561 Windsor Street, Room B-206, Somerville, MA.
COST: Admission is free. Free parking in lot across street.

- Emily Sweeney

FYI: Dorchester Day is this Sunday, June 1st. The parade starts at 1 p.m. in Lower Mills and proceeds up Dot Ave to Columbia Road. Check out the latest issue of the Dorchester Reporter for all the details.

- Emily Sweeney

It's tough to get excited about writing a check and sticking it in the mail -- even when it's to benefit a good cause. Wouldn't you much rather be a good Samaratian by going to a comedy show?

You can do just that at Laugh for Relief 2008, going on Friday night at the Cambridge Family YMCA, which benefits the victims of China's May 12 earthquake. The show features Arlington's Joe Wong,
Sandy Asai, and Sean Bedgood .

Proceeds from the $15 tickets go to the Red Cross's China Earthquake Relief Fund. Tickets are available at joewongcomedy.com or at the door.

Much more satisfying than an evening alone with your checkbook.

Fields Corner Main Street will host “Dancing With the Stars of Boston,” on June 4 at UMass-Boston. Radio host Hank Morse and Channel 5's Susan Wornick will emcee the dance-a-thon, which will feature local celebs like Miss Massachusetts 2008 Jacqueline Bruno and WHDH-TV reporter Dan Hausle doing the cha-cha, tango, and waltz on stage.

FYI, here’s a clip of Andre Tippett performing at last year's event:

-- Emily Sweeney

Invented anything lately? Have a hankering to be a reality show star?

"Everyday Edisons" the PBS reality show about inventors and their inventions, is holding a casting call on Saturday at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. It's the show's only casting call in the Northeast this year, so all you brainiacs need to get on it.

The judges are looking for 10 to 12 inventors for the third season of "Everyday Edisons, which chronicles inventors as their concepts are turned into reality.

Registration is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., but you can get a jump on things if you register online.

Come on, it's a PBS reality show, how bad can it be?

And no, I don't mean macramé. I just got an email about an upcoming event combining two of my dear passions: craft brew and craft cheese. From 3-6 p.m. on May 17, the Wine Gallery in Brookline will host a free beer and cheese tasting event, sponsored by DrinkCraftBrew.com. We're talking tastes of dubbels and IPAs, and unique, locally made artisan goat cheeses (chevre, for the fancy set) from Westfield Farm in Hubbardston.

And honestly, if you thought this event couldn't possibly get any better, remember the Gallery's wine jukebox.

Hops to it! (Get it, hops? I crack myself up.)

[We hear that Westfield Farm makes a chocolate goat cheese. Wow.]

This from Sidekick writer extraordinaire June Wulff:

Robert Guillemin (left) has been called the Johnny Appleseed of Art and a Pavement Picasso, but we know him as Sidewalk Sam. For almost 40 years, the BU and BC alum has been making art accessible to everyone -- usually right at your feet.

Guillemin's latest outdoor project starts today about 11 a.m. in front of the Old South Meeting House. He and his Art Street team are painting an image of the Boston Tea Party, featuring the Sons of Liberty chucking tea crates from a ship into the sea. The scene should hold up all summer, but if you stroll by today, until 5 p.m., you can see the artists at work and get a free cup of Salada tea.

I just got an email about upcoming shows at the Cape Cod Melody tent in Hyannis and this caught my eye: The Regeneration Tour featuring The Human League, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, A Flock of Seagulls, and Naked Eyes on August 19.

Whoa. We already knew this cadre of pop stars would be stopping by the Bank of America Pavilion for a little "Heaven is a Place on Earth" on August 20, but the more intimate setting of the tent should be perfect for this ridiculously awesome tour.

I, for one, can't wait to fish out my t-shirt ties and leggings (Oh wait. Unfortunately, I can still buy those at the mall.) for the concert.

(Side note: On that infamous day when I watched the "I Love the 80s" marathon on VH1 for several shameless hours, I could have sworn that Michael Ian Black had a bit about Flock of Seagulls. Sorry, couldn't find it. You'll have to get by with this Cutting Crew segment, instead.)

[It's on.]

Want to learn how to shoot a shotgun, flintlock, caplock or muzzle loader?

You can learn those skills and more if you attend the "Becoming an Outdoorswoman Weekend" in June. It's co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Friends of the NRA.

Attendees will learn how to drive an all-terrain vehicle, paddle a canoe, cook wild game, and use a compass. There's even a self-defense class that teaches you how to use a walking stick or ski pole as a weapon.

The weekend-long workshop will take place June 6-8 in Lenox. Registration forms can be downloaded here.

-- Emily Sweeney

If you have a Bank of America card, you can get free admission to the MFA, DeCordova, Danforth Museum of Art, and Harvard's Museum of Natural History.

Click here for the 411.

(via The Beantown Bloggery)

There's a cool DIY flea market happening at MassArt this weekend:

(image credit: Brian Butler)

Here's da scoop:

Mass Market 2.0
Presented by Lindsay Metivier, with the support of Urban Monsters and Apple Scruffs
Sunday, May 4th 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
@ the Massachusetts College of Art's Pozen Center

Featuring: DJ Rexcashmere, DJ Lone Wolf, DJ HMS Beagle, DJ Cube

Admission: $1 (portion of proceeds goes to Aids Action Committee)
More info: MM2.0 Myspace page, MM2.0 blog

Hey, greasers: The Fonz will be the guest conductor for the annual Pops by the Sea concert in Hyannis on August 3. Henry Winkler — who will always be Barry Zuckerkorn to me — is set to helm the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Keith Lockhart. If the music isn't enough of a draw to get Cape Cod orchestra lovers to the show, the sheer star power of Winkler should pack the VIP tables, right? (Personally, I'd be more inclined to attend if Chachi was the guest conductor. Just saying.)

The performance benefits the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and you can purchase tickets here.

[Groovin' all week with you!]

It's a shame that the David Ortiz jersey was excavated from the foundation of the new Yankee Stadium. "The Big Papi Curse" has such a nice ring to it.

The good news is the tattered jersey is being auctioned off on eBay to raise money for cancer care and research. The auction runs through April 24; check it out here. The jersey is also on display, alongside tabloid headlines and photos about it, in an exhibit called "Cementing a Rivalry: The Yankee Stadium Jersey" at the Sports Museum at TD Banknorth Garden.

Really, though, I'm glad the jersey was removed. Big Papi is too smiley of a guy to be associated with an evil plot.

[See what I mean?]

If anything, his jersey lying underneath the stadium might have made the Yankees more likable. The horror.

Although our intrepid "Night is Young" columnists Danielle Capalbo and Jeff Miranda were lukewarm on Berklee College's newest student-run music venue and coffeehouse, Cafe 939, the spot's future schedule is chock full of promising indie star power.

Jason Anderson's on tap for Saturday, while local favorites The Click Five will play April 25 and the grungy Fiery Furnaces are a go for April 26.

And, look for the textured folk stylings of Ben "I sound pretty much like my pops" Taylor on May 7. Might be worth a stop on your weekend rounds, n'est-ce pas?

[C'mon Furnaces: Light my fire.]

Pinching pennies? Chic but cheap? We understand. Here are three free events this week for your going out pleasure.

[Note: I was visiting my grandma in upstate NY all weekend, so sorry for the delay in posting these fabulous freebies.]

Wednesday, April 16

- Cal Ripken @ Borders: Calling all baseball fans: Ol' blue eyes will sign copies of his book, "Get in the Game." Ripken, who played 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and was a two-time Gold Glove recipient and two time All-Star MVP, may have a thing or two to say about achievement and motivation. Just saying. 1 p.m.

- tokidoki for MIMOBOT Release Party at LAB: Perhaps you are so into the fashion tech world and already have these super cute USB flash drives on pre-order. But even if you aren't the most fly geek on the block, you'll get a kick out of Italian artist Simone Legno's creations. Stop by Allston Rock City for a sneak preview, prizes, and music. 7-9 p.m.

Thursday, April 17

- Hella Juice @ the Milky Way: Hey, breakers. Be sure to bring your moves to this monthly hip-hop and dance night. DJs On and On, Leanski, and Neebor will hold down the fort with old school 90s classics and new club hits. 9 p.m.

[Gimme some of those block rockin' beats! / istockphoto]

Got tickets to a Red Sox game? You're a lucky dog. But that doesn't mean that's what you have to eat. The KnowFat Lifestyle Grille on Brookline Avenue is offering a buy-one-get-one free special on burgers, salads, sandwiches, and wraps to anybody with a ticket to that day's game.

We recommend a hot dog and nachos at the game, then two burgers on the way home. It's been a long Red Sox-less winter -- you should celebrate.

Alert correspondent Danielle Dreilinger pointed out an interesting post on Lemmingtrail from one Eugene Mirman, who wrote that he and fellow funny man Jon Benjamin would be bartending at Chez Henri tonight after Jonathan Katz's show. I have to believe it's really the wacky comedian with local roots -- who else would say his signature drink is going to be a shot of absinthe garnished with money?

To read about a fun night out on the town I had with Mirman two years ago, click here.

Pinching pennies? Chic but cheap? We understand. Here are three free events this week for your going out pleasure.

Monday, April 7

- Mary Galli art opening @ ZuZu: The Somerville artist's spray painted pieces are influenced by street art and graffiti (below, a so-hip-it-hurts painting from Galli). She also uses markers in her work — thinking about Crayolas brings you back to third grade, doesn't it? DJ Brian Coleman spins at tonight's reception. 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

Tuesday, April 8

- Free cones @ J.P. Licks: Oh, Red Sox mania. It's coming Tuesday, ready or not. Even if you aren't a diehard baseball fan, you can certainly get on board with free ice cream at JP Licks' locations around the city. Get in the spirit with Green Monster Tea, Rice DICE Kream, One Sweet World Series, and Manny's Mocha Chip. What, no flavor for our crush Mike Lowell? 11 a.m.

Thursday, April 10

- "The Truth About Cancer" screening: Emmy-winning director Linda Garmon explores and questions her husband's death from cancer in this cathartic documentary. The 90-minute film will premiere on PBS on April 16, but you can stop by the Coolidge Corner Theatre for a sneak preview and Q&A with Garmon Thursday. 7 p.m.

[Someone's excited for her free cone on Red Sox opening day! Courtesy of Mary Galli]

Hey guys, do you have trouble with the ladies? If so, you're in luck. For a change. VH1 is looking for eight socially awkward types for its new reality show, "The Pick-Up Artist." You can get in on a casting call Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Vox Populi.

A dating makeover will no doubt be in the cards if you make the cut. So go on, give it your worst shot.

Pinching pennies? Chic but cheap? We understand. Here are three free events this week for your going out pleasure.

Tuesday, April 1

- Art-Scope 1 @ The Beehive: Leave it to this South End hot spot to introduce a new nightlife series that combines music, performance art, video, photography, and cocktails. This event is "appealing to the five senses," according to Beehive's website — in other words, it's perfect for patrons with a short attention span. Refreshments will be served, no foolin'. 7-10 p.m.

Friday, April 4

- Define-a-Thon @ Wellesley Booksmith: Hey kids, can you define "lexicographer"? That's what Steve Kleindeler is, and he'll be moderating this contest for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. It's like a spelling bee, except participants will be asked to define words for prizes. Pre-registartion is required. Are you smarter than a fourth grader? Here's your chance to find out. 4 p.m.

- Hello Stiletto Shoe Party @ DSW: If you're a true footwear fanatic, you won't mind hoofing out to Framingham Friday for this evening of shoe shopping and wine sipping. Bonus: If you are a member of the Hello Stiletto club and RSVP in advance, you'll get a free silver clutch at the door. See shoeclub.us/signup.php for details. 6:30-9 p.m.

[No, thanks. We'd rather not walk a mile in these shoes.]

Pinching pennies? Chic but cheap? We understand. Here are three free events this week for your going out pleasure.

Wednesday, March 26

- Ladies Night @ News: What's better than a free meal? Nothing. Technically, you have to buy a cocktail to get the three-course meal — but honestly, you were going to buy a martini or a mojito (or three) anyways, right? DJ Jay Prouty provides the noshing soundtrack. 5-11 p.m.

- Betsey Johnson fashion show @ Estate: Betsey's designs are often out on a fashion limb, so to speak, but we can't wait to embrace the craziness of her Spring 2008 collection. Ruffles, ribbons, and neon hues, oh my! The fashion show is free before 10 p.m.and the first 200 guests get goody bags. Just like Christmas! 9-11 p.m.

Thursday, March 27

- Gene Wilder book signing @ Borders Back Bay: Willy Wonka himself stops in Boston to promote his new, whimsical book, "The Woman Who Wouldn't." This is the actor's second historical novella — who knew? 6 p.m.

[Betsey makes poofy prom confections for the Rainbow Brite in all of us.]

The Great Boston Burlesque Exposition and Vintage Fashion Fair is coming up this weekend. Dancers from all over will be descending upon the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge for the three-day conference, where they'll learn the latest tassel-twirling techniques, hone their pastie-making skills, and attend classes like these:

Flirtin' and Fightin - Stage Combat for Burlesque
A Consumer's Guide to Corset Buying
Dancing in Shoes You Shouldn't Be Walking In
Hula Hooping for Performance and Burlesque
The Ins /Outs Around and Abouts of Chair Dancing
Performing With Live Snakes

Several performances are scheduled over the weekend, along with an art show, costume exhibit, and pool party. And on Saturday night, the dance troupes will compete in a “battle royale of burlesque” that will determine the winners of The Howard Awards, which were named in memory of the Old Howard theater in Scollay Square. For ticket information, visit www.burlesque-expo.com

-- Emily Sweeney

Tune in to MTV tonight at 10 to watch Boston dance group Status Quo compete on Randy Jackson's "America's Best Dance Crew."

Read all about the youth dance troupe here.

Read the Globe article about them here.

Read about how obnoxious Randy Jackson is here.

Get to the dry cleaners: Your favorite sweater needs to be pressed and ready for some Mr. Rogers tribute action tomorrow (March 20).

Mr. McFeeley — yes, the mailman extraordinaire himself — is asking people to wear a cardigan, cable knit, or turtleneck to celebrate what would have been Fred Rogers' 80th birthday. Please note: Although the late Mr. Rogers' preferred a zip-up look, you can wear any style that's special to you and still be in solidarity with your neighbors everywhere.

[Rogers in a hot red number says relax.]

The Dropkick Murphys just announced that they have more tickets available for their Saturday night show at Tsongas Arena on March 15th.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Imus fans, you'll be happy to hear that the big-mouthed talk show host will be broadcasting his St. Patrick's Day show at the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. It will be his ninth annual “Kiss Me I’m Imus” show taped in Boston, broadcast live March 17 from 6 to 10 a.m. on 96.9 FM (WTKK)

You can win tickets to the show at 969wtkk.com. Good luck getting them. You won't have any competition from me.

Got romance? If so, the Huntington Theatre Company wants you.

Just bring your S.O. to Finale in Coolidge Corner tomorrow night from 8 to 10 p.m., and tell the Huntington film crew your romantic story. Footage will be posted on the theater's website, and visitors will vote on their favorite stories. The winning couple will receive dinner, gifts, and VIP treatment at a performance of the musical "She Loves Me."

How good does this sound? On weekends, ChocoLee Chocolates (83 Pembroke St.) in the South End sells warm beignets filled with mascarpone-chocolate ganache ($7 for three). Apparently, they sell out within hours.

We know where we'll be on Saturday morning.

And this summer, the shop will be making homemade chocolate popsicles and snow cones. OK, we know where we'll be every chance we get.

Dearest Brattle Theatre:

You just made my day. Really. Just when I thought I'd have to endure another humdrum week of evenings spent huddled around pints at our neighborhood bar or playing trivia, whittling away the winter, you totally swooped in with another amazing idea altogether.

Not only are you hosting an 80s film fest next week — it's a rock 'n' roll 80s' film fest. Wow. I am so ready to dance in the purple rain, turn the speakers up to 11, and stop making sense with the Talking Heads. And while stalwarts like "Desperately Seeking Susan," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Purple Rain," and "Spinal Tap," are always welcome on any marquis, you're also offering such gems as "Rock and Roll High School" (which is actually from 1979, but I digress) and "Roadie." I mean, any movie featuring Meat Loaf, Alice Cooper, and Blondie is worth its weight in cinematic gold.

I hope you don't mind if I camp out in the theater. I'm sane and have good hygiene. All I need is some Sour Patch Kids and Sean Penn. Rad!

Your #1 fan,

Courtney
XOXO

Tomorrow night the Actors Playhouse will present “I Never Sang For My Father,” a play written by Robert Anderson which later became a movie starring Gene Hackman.

This local production, directed by George and Rosemary McDonough, will premiere tomorrow (Feb. 29) night at the Ironworkers Local 7 Hall on Old Colony Avenue in Southie. As I've noted before, it's a great space to watch a play.

There will be three more performances after that -- on Saturday (March 1) and the following weekend (March 7 and 8) -- and they all start at 8 p.m. Admission is $15, and parking is free. For more information, call 617-269-8084.

- Emily Sweeney

Update: Oops! The entire Chandler Travis Philharmonic will not be playing in Belmont on March 14 (as I stated below), just the Chandler Travis 4.

*******************
Last Thursday, we urged you to go see the Chandler Travis Philharmonic tonight at Toast Lounge in Union Square, where the band has been playing a regular Wednesday night gig. Well, wouldn't you just know it, the lounge has canceled tonight's show. Travis (above) tells us it's because they're staining the bar, among other renovations, which may take another few weeks. The kitchen is also closed. So we advise you to contact Toast before you head over.

In the meantime, if you want to see Travis's Philharmonic, "the missing link between Sun Ra and the Kinks," as he describes it, the nine-piece band is playing in a benefit March 14 at the Second Friday Coffeehouse in Belmont.

Hopefully the coffeehouse, which is at a church, doesn't have a bar it feels the need to stain anytime soon.

I am so excited. The Police are touring with Elvis Costello this summer. This dream show touches down at the Tweeter Center on July 31. So you see: Meshing songs from these two fabulous bands for this blog entry title had to be done.

[Insert witty line about "Watching the Detectives" and the Police here.]

I hope the bespectacled Costello joins Sting and the gang on stage for a few songs. A little "Roxanne" perhaps? Should be an interesting combination, and I wonder how the bands' respective fan bases will jive. Look for shoegazers who appreciate a little sing-a-long arena rock.

Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday at 10 a.m. Of course, if you are on Elvis Costello's mailing list (guilty) you already have a presale password to get the tickets today.

This from our intrepid comedy correspondent, Nick Zaino:

The Comedy Studio interrupts its regularly scheduled stand-up on Thursday to bring you a surprise show by Mike Birbiglia. The Shrewsbury native is a rising voice in comedy, and he’ll be working on his 90-minute show, “Sleepwalk With Me,” before an off-Broadway run. Get tickets for the 8 p.m. show at thecomedystudio.com.

According to a mass e-mail from club owner Rick Jenkins, Birbiglia will also put on a free "workshop/Q&A/autographing session" before the show from 6 to 7 p.m.

Birbiglia (above), kicks off his 24-city "What I Should Have Said Was Nothing Tour," which comes to the Comedy Connection April 2, next week. His Comedy Central special of the same name hits stores on April 8.

Einar and Jamex de la Torre are two talented glass artists who have made their mark in the art world: their work has been exhibited all over the place, from the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art to the Kanazu Museum in Japan. Their art has even found its way into Elton John’s private collection.

The de la Torre brothers are finishing up a three-week residency at MassArt, and later on today, they plan to show off their glassblowing skills at the Diablo Glass School (123 Terrace St., Boston). In exchange for a $20 donation, you can sip French wine, nibble hors d'oeuvres and witness world-famous artists in action. The event starts at 6 p.m.

- Emily Sweeney

Twisted Sister and Tesla are among the many, many acts performing at Phoenix Rising, a benefit concert for the victims of The Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island.

It’s happening Monday, Feb. 25 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence.

Talk about a diverse lineup. The bill includes country stars John Rich (of Big & Rich), Randy Owen (of Alabama), Gretchen Wilson (singer and author of the bestselling book, “Redneck Woman: Stories From My Life”), American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, Tom Scholz (founder of the band Boston),* and Stryper. Dee Snider and John Rich will co-host the show.

The concert marks the fifth anniversary of The Station nightclub tragedy, which left 100 people dead and 200 others seriously injured. According to event organizers, only a handful -- (15!) -- of the survivors qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still struggling to get by.

The concert is going to be big; it's already been mentioned in Rolling Stone and on Country Music Television. The proceeds will be donated to The Station Family Fund. You can order tickets here.

UPDATE
* Gail Parenteau, the the publicist for Tom Scholz and BOSTON, contacted me after I posted this and wanted me to clarify what I had written. She said: "Tom Scholz and Gary Pihl, the longtime (24 years) guitarist of the band BOSTON are performing on one song with the band STRYPER. They will be performing the Scholz penned hit "Peace of Mind" onstage with the band STRYPER who covered this song."

If you find yourself suffering from post-Valentine’s Day blues this Friday, and feel like stapling your hand to your forehead, you should head over to the South End for the Saint Valentines Day Gothic Ball.

This is going to be a cool party in one of my favorite venues: the Villa Victoria. Originally constructed in 1898 as a Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, the building is now called the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center (a.k.a. the Villa Victoria) and it's used as a function hall and performance space. It's a great space for parties.

If you've never attended an event there, I highly recommend checking it out. It's not every day you get to dance in a historic church building.

The Saint Valentines Day Gothic Ball features DJ addambombb, who'll be spinning a mix of 80's new wave, triphop, synth/futurepop, goth, industrial, and electro music.

There's also going to be tarot card readings, artwork, vendors, dark angels go-go dancing in cages, and an exotic black light contortionist (!).

It starts at 9 p.m., and valet parking will be available (which is very cool, considering the South End's parking scene). The event is 18+, and tickets can be purchased in advance here.

-- Emily Sweeney

I never thought of myself as a big oyster fan. I'd eat one here and there to keep my husband company while he sucked down a plateful, but I was never enamored of the slimy, slurpable little creatures.

[Face it, they are not cute.]

Then I attended a Legal Sea Food oyster tasting, and I've been dreaming of those briny babies ever since. I must have eaten 20 oysters that day -- scads of raw ones, including my favorites, seawater-filled delights from Prince Edward Island, as well as fried, pickled, and baked varieties. I just couldn't stop.

Legal Sea Foods is putting an emphasis on its oysters this month, with special menu items such as marscapone baked oysters, pickled oyster and cucumber salad, and oyster stew.

Even if you're squeamish, you should sample a few raw oysters, too. They're supposedly aphrodesiacs, right? And isn't it almost Valentine's Day?

If you've ever listened to WBCN (104.1-FM), chances are, you've heard the voice of Bradley Jay. He's been at the station for years. When he's not broadcasting over the airwaves, or producing podcasts for WBZ, he plays in a band called the Thunder Brothers. If you like techno, industrial, or rock, you should check them out -- they mix and mash all of those genres. Tomorrow night (Jan. 31) they're playing at the Middle East Upstairs with Benefit Friends and another "brother" group who call themselves the Awesome Brothers. The show is 18+, and cover is $8.

Attention, everyone daydreaming at work: You could catch your big break tomorrow. There's an open casting call for Martin Scorsese's latest film starring Leo DiCaprio, "Ashecliffe." Apparently, it's set in a 1950s mental institution where patients have flashbacks to WWII concentration camps. Sounds like a regular romantic comedy, right?

According to the Grant Wilfley Casting website:

We are casting people to play mental institution staff (doctors, nurses, orderlies, guards), mental patients (including interesting, quirky or unusual character faces), the malnourished and emaciated concentration camp prisoners (many of whom will have their heads shaved), and people to play WWII American and German soldiers (young athletic types, people with military or law enforcement experience and knowledge of firearms, police officers, fire fighters, ROTC, etc). Seeking men who are willing to have their hair cut short and women with natural-looking hair color, no highlights. Specifically seeking Caucasian and African American people.

Tryouts are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boston University's George Sherman Union. If you can't make it, feel free to send a recent photo and contact information to boston@gwcnyc.com.

Just think, come March you could be on set, chatting up Leo and Marty about dating supermodels, winning Academy Awards, and generally being cooler than everyone else.

[BFFs forever!]

I definitely want to check out SEAMLESS, a fashion show that showcases the latest in "computational couture." It's happening Jan. 30 at the Museum of Science. (I went to the first SEAMLESS show at MIT in 2005, and it rocked.)

-- Emily Sweeney

Good old Whole Foods. The store is phasing out disposable plastic grocery bags, and to encourage customers to use reusable bags, it is giving away 50,000 of them today (about 500 per store).

So strap on your leather-free shoes, get on your bike, and go buy some organic hummus. And don't forget to grab a free bag while you're there.

Boston Theatreworks is putting on Tony Kushner's epic two-part play "Angels in America" in the South End, and it's a beautiful, powerful production.

And I swear I'm not just saying this because one of my best friends is playing the unbalanced, valium-addicted Mormon housewife.

The theater company doesn't have the budget to make the angel look like this:

It doesn't have the money for much of a set at all. In fact, it looks like the Theatreworks angel's wings have been made from a bunch of baby gates nailed together. But it works. The whole play works because the story -- about love, lust, AIDS, greed, power, and identity -- is so poignant and funny and painful, and the cast is so talented.

And did I mention that the woman who plays Harper is brilliant? "Authentically nuts," according to a guy looking at her headshot in the hallway.

Oh, and there's male nudity too.

Part 2, "Perestroika," opens this weekend. Then the two halves will be done in repertory through Feb. 10. You really shouldn't miss it.

Last night I swung by Make It New, Basstown's rad dance night at the Middlesex Lounge. DJs Alan Manzi, Baldur, and David Day were droppin’ beats, and the dancefloor was packed.

Make It New will be happening again next Thursday, I highly recommend checking it out. There's no cover, and get there early if you want to avoid waiting in line.

Basstown's superstar promoter Vicki also told me about some other cool events coming up next week. Do take note:

Sunday, Jan. 20: Noise Makers w/ Etan + Michael Savant @ All Asia

Monday, Jan. 21: Dev/Null @ Enormous Room (Beat Research)
...there's also
Goth night @ Ceremony

Tuesday, Jan. 22: Hearthrob w/ live performance by Numero @ Middlesex Lounge

Wednesday, Jan. 23: David Day @ Enormous Room

Thursday, Jan. 24: Make It New @ Middlesex (no cover)

Friday, Jan. 25: Thunderdome X

Saturday, Jan. 26: Basstown East Coast Boast

-- Emily Sweeney

Chan Marshall and her luxuriously full fringe will grace the Orpheum on February 7. I can't wait. She is so fabulous. Admittedly, I was once turned off by her touring name, Cat Power, as I have a hate/hate relationship with felines. But her voice is incredibly aching and beautiful, her sense of style so self-assured. She won me over:

[I'd like to write a poem about those bangs. Seriously.]

I can't wait to hear songs from her new album &mdash "Jukebox," dropping Tuesday — at the show. Only two songs on the disc are Chan originals — the rest are covers, a format that worked really well for her on "The Covers Record" in 2000. Cat Power lovingly transforming Dylan's "I Believe in You"? Yes, please.

If you need further proof that Cat Power is undeniably cool, check out this New York Times video.

Forget about Ellen Page, the 20-year-old actress whose much-buzzed-about "Juno" has been winning critics and audiences alike. The film's real find is Kimya Dawson, formerly of the Moldy Peaches, who contributes five songs to the soundtrack. Alongside spots from Buddy Holly, Belle & Sebastian, and Sonic Youth, her ditties are a charming slice of indie pop heaven.

Dawson's chirpy voice, intimate delivery, and thoughtful lyrics give the movie's quietest moments some gravitas. Though she's already released five solo albums and credits Regina Spektor and the Mountain Goats as tour buddies, "Juno" will surely make her a household name - at least among the Lemmingtrail crowd.

Dawson is performing and signing autographs at Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury St., at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Washington Street Art Center will soon be hosting an interesting exhibit called “Inappropriate Touching,” a group show of dirty comics and provocative artwork. Expect plenty of edgy drawings and off-color humor from an assortment of ‘zinesters, artists, cartoonists, and illustrators from the indie comics world. Contributors include Liz Prince, Karl Stevens of the Phoenix, Ariel Schrag, Jeffrey Brown, VICE magazine’s Johnny Ryan, Jason Little and Bonnie Dewitt.

The opening reception will be happening Friday, Feb. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring, rather appropriately, “dirty disco and dance tracks” from DJ Area D, and live music performances by Angela, The Real Life Time Machines, and Plunge Into Death.

Curator Sarah Schoemann is creating a limited edition ‘zine for this exhibition. You can purchase copies at Washington Street Art Center and comic book stores around town, and proceeds will support music programming at the center. The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 24. Gallery hours are 12 - 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and also by appointment.

One of my favorite photographers, Kelly Davidson, has a great photography exhibit coming up at the Paradise. And one of my favorite DJs, Punketta Doilie, will be spinning at the opening reception next Thursday. I plan to be there. Admission is free, starts at 6:30 p.m. and it's 18+....

Sometimes I forget just how great U2 is. I've had a raging crush on Bono since 1997 or so -- but lately, he's been so busy traveling the world, speaking about poverty and AIDS, promoting his wife's denim line, and hobnobbing with the rich and famous, that it's hard to remember exactly what drew me to the band in the first place.

Oh right, the music. I've seen U2 in concert too many times to count and it's always religious. (As in, I often pray that Bono will call me up on stage and essentially sing "With or Without You" in my ear. Le sigh. That would be a beautiful day, indeed.)

[I can't quit you.]

It'll be a long, hard wait for the boys to come back to Boston. Thankfully, "U23D" starts at the New England Aquarium on January 23. The film was produced by National Geographic and includes footage from the Latin American leg of the "Vertigo" tour. Even better than the real thing? Not quite, but seeing the concerts on the Aquarium's IMAX screen comes pretty close.

And Bono, if you're reading this: I'm free this Saturday night. Call me.

Mars Volta makes gritty, experimental rock that's actually accessible. No, really. I've seen them live twice — once crammed against a pole at Avalon, which is always a good time — and an MV show is more of an experience than a concert.

When I reviewed the Avalon show for the Patriot Ledger a few years back, I had this to say about the band's volatile frontman:

"And with lead singer Cedric Bixler - lean, mangy, more animal than man - lashing the mike stand, jumping from amps, strutting, twitching as if electrocuted and howling, you'd feel safer if the venue had actually put the band in a cage."

Sounds like fun, right?

[Mars Volta: Just a coupla average Joes.]

Check them out Saturday at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence — just a hop, skip, and a 45-minute drive from Boston. College kids: The show is all ages. Plus, if you get there early, you can do some shopping at the lovely Providence Place mall. Nothing says a Saturday out like Nordstrom and some headbanging.

Scenesters: Looking to start 2008 on a quirky note? Head over to Club Passim Wednesday night for Viva La Revel-UKE-tion! Nix all notions of the ukulele as a wah-wahing, cheesy Hawaiian stereotype — this is punk, hard rock, even spoken word set to four strings. Rad. The East Boston Make-Out Club Band (amazing name, ladies), Ian Schwartz, Sweet Soubrette, and Ed White are all set to perform.

The show starts at 8 p.m. and the tickets are $10.

The Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute in Egleston Square has a vast collection of wild things, from unicorn tears and strange skulls to a big, furry paw that might once have belonged to the center's namesake creature.

Now, the kind and curious folks at 826 Boston - the writing and tutoring center for public school students that hides behind the research institute's freaky facade - are on the prowl for the good stuff: books.

Help 826 Boston inspire the imaginations of local kids by participating in their book drive, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 15. The goal is to raise at least 1,500 titles (including reference books) to keep on hand at their center in Roxbury. Drop-off points around the city will be posted soon to the center's website, or you can donate "new or gently used" books at the center itself, at 3035 Washington St. Take the opportunity to browse the faux-institute's selection of strange souvenirs, too - the shop's income helps the non-profit grow.

For more suggestions on how to help, e-mail Joseph, an 826 intern, at info@826boston.org.

826 Boston opened its doors in October as the newest chapter of 826 National, founded by author and publisher Dave Eggers. The writing and tutoring centers serve public schools in cities around the country, from San Francisco to Seattle, and are run by volunteers.

[San Francisco's flash mob pillow fight earlier this year]

As a throwback to the days when life was easy, Banditos Misteriosos, ("an organization composed of artists, musicians, improvers and just-plain-everyday-people-ready-for-fun," according to its website), is sponsoring a citywide pillow fight Saturday on the Boston Common at 1 p.m.

Here's Bandito's rules:

1. Bring a pillow. (A soft one is preferred.)
2. Only hit those who are holding pillows.
3. Arrive early and remain inconspicuous until 1 p.m., then rush in.
4. Spread the word and bring your friends, kids, etc.

All pillow-fighters are asked to meet at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul Episcopal, 138 Tremont St.

And Bandito's best tip? Costumes are encouraged.

Sick of sappy, saccharine holiday fare like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Rudolph"? (Although, you can't deny that claymation elves named Hermey who want to be dentists generally rule.) Ready to drive your car into the nearest snowbank the next time Bing's "White Christmas" warbles over the radio?

Lucky for you, there's a proven cure for holiday malaise. It's called the "Santaland Diaries." The show — based on David Sedaris' hilarious autobiographical account of working at Macy's during the holiday rush — starts at the New Repertory Theatre next Wednesday. Guy Olivieri stars as Crumpet, the disgruntled elf.

Put down the eggnog and stop popping your neighbor's tacky, inflatable lawn snow globes. Hurry to the New Rep instead. You can thank me later.

[We've all been in the holiday fetal position before, trust me.]

And if you can't wait a week, check out Sedaris' original commentary here.

Hayden Christensen in "Shattered Glass."

Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar for "Capote."

People may think journalism's future is all doom and gloom, but that doesn't mean its history isn't relevant today.

Fox Butterfield, a New York Times reporter who shared a Pulitzer Prize for breaking the infamous "Pentagon Papers" story, will lead a discussion following the screenings of "Shattered Glass" starring Hayden Christensen and "Capote" which won Philip Seymour Hoffman an Oscar.

Check it out in room 224 of BU's College of Arts & Sciences at 1 p.m. And best of it all, it's FREE.

[What, another Somerville-Paris comparison?]

Hanukkah came early this year, and Mother Nature's already set the stage for a white Christmas. Do you have your holiday decorations up yet?

So maybe climbing on an icy railing isn't quite your thing. No worries, plenty of folks in Somerville have picked up your slack. Tickets are now on sale for the Somerville Arts Council's annual Illuminations Tour. Hop on a trolley, sip some hot chocolate, and check out the nabe's best and brightest.

Tonight's a good night to see "Streamers" at the Huntington.

That's because after the 7:30 p.m. show, which focuses on four men waiting to be deployed to Vietnam and an act of violence that changes everything, there's a discussion about gays and lesbians in the military. Panelists include former Navy ROTC cadet Renee Farster, who experienced harassment, discrimination, and court martial-like proceedings at the University of Pennsylvania, and Boston lawyer Louis Tompros, the plaintiff attorney in the Cook v. Rumsfeld challenge of the military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy.

The talk is free for ticket holders of any "Streamers" performance. Get tickets here.

Hey! look at this....

I just got an an e-mail about a free wine tasting party that's happening tomorrow at Vinalia from 6pm to 8pm.

All you have to do is RSVP at the Boston Wine Tasters website.

-- Emily Sweeney

Hoping to prove that AIDS awareness can be fun as well as educational, the AIDS Action Committee is hosting "Dancing In Time: AIDS Action Dance-A-Thon," Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Featuring "themed music," from the '70s, '80s, '90s and today, dancers are encouraged to wear costumes from their favorite era, and prizes will be awarded at the end of the night to those dressed to the nines. All proceeds will benefit AAC.

It's at Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Ave. It's 21-plus and registration is $25. Visit www.aac.org/danceathon to learn more.

Looking to give to charity and have a good time doing it? Check out WXRV's Riverfeast tomorrow night at the Sheraton Colonial Ballroom in Wakefield. Dolores O'Riordan from the Cranberries headlines the show, with English R&B singer James Hunter, Latin pop rockers deSol, and popster Matt Nathanson. There's also a banquet and a silent auction of rock 'n' roll memorabilia. Tickets are available here; they ain't cheap, but proceeds benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

If you're looking to unleash your inner drag king, but not sure how..... you can learn the tricks of the trade from a real pro tomorrow night, at the @ The Video Underground in JP.

The workshop is taught by Heywood Wakefield, who will show aspiring gender-benders how to dress, walk, and talk like dudes. The class costs $15, and you have to register in advance.

If you want to showcase your new-found drag performing skills on stage, you can also sign up to compete in “Wreckage: The Contest Show” at the Milky Way on Dec. 9th. (btw, this talent competition is open to anyone, not just drag folks) You can show off your singing and dancing skills, spoken word, stand-up comedy, hula hoop, acrobatics, burlesque, whatever…and possibly win $200. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Nov. 30th.

It's been a few weeks since the World Series victory parade, so a lot of you must be jonesing for some Red Sox action. And here's some now: Pitcher Jon Lester -- the cute pie who beat cancer -- will be signing copies of the Official MLB 2007 World Series Highlight DVD (narrated by Matt Damon!) tomorrow night from 6 to 8 at iParty in Brighton. The DVD, which includes interviews, clubhouse celebrations, and the parade, sells for $19.99 -- a small price to pay for a piece of Red Sox glory, no? Especially when it comes with a little face time with this guy.

Pat Man tells me that this Sunday will be the last Dead Pool event at Flattop Johnny's.....so if you wanna listen to DJ Chris Ewen spinning goth/industrial/new wave/electro/synthpop while shooting pool with your buddies, this is your last chance. The event is 18+, and the cover is $3. Doors at 8pm.

-- Emily Sweeney

Basstown is throwing a party tonight. On the decks will be DJs Profecyr, Etan, Die Young, Mistaker , and Basstown master David Day. If you RSVP thru their Going webpage you can save $$ off the cover.

-- Emily Sweeney

If you're the kind of person who is hungry for turkey at 5:30 a.m. the day before Thanksgiving, does WZLX have a promo for you. It's the annual Karlson and McKenzie Turkey Meat and Greet, and it's happening tomorrow morning from 5:30 to 10 at the Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy. The club's chef is preparing a 15-turkey Thanksgiving feast for ZLX listeners to taste during a live broadcast, and there are giveaways galore: Patriots tickets, Celtics tickets (handed out by Celtics dancers). And a classic rock band, of course.

Free turkey, free tickets ... what's not to like? At least on the radio, no one can see you undo the top button of your pants.

Merry Christmas to me:

[Attention maneaters: Private eyes are watching you.]

The Hall & Oates "Christmas List" concert extravaganza lands at the Orpheum on December 8. The dynamic duo will sing selections from their re-released "Home for Christmas" album, including: "Jingle Bell Rock," "The Christmas Song," and one of my personal holiday favorites, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." A quick Ticketmaster search reveals that tickets are still available — how can it not be sold out yet?

["Dear everyone: Why don't you like us anymore?"]

At any rate, I'm personally holding out for a week or two more to buy tickets. I need confirmation that other hits will be played at this shindig. If they won't rock out to "Sara Smile" or "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)," then I'm not shelling out a cool $39.50. Plain and simple.

And now Merry Christmas to you: I'll stop posting gratuitous photos of Hall & Oates. Although if you feel like I do, you can send an ecard to all your friends to notify them about this amazing holiday event.

There's a cool skateboard art show happening tomorrow. DJ Frank White will be spinning, and there will be countless decks on display, including masterpieces by Dave Tree, Tak Toyoshima (a.k.a. Secret Asian Man), and Alone1. If you buy a ticket in advance, you can get free admission to the VIP reception that starts at 8pm.

In more reality TV news, Beauty and the Geek is down to three remaining teams -- and it's the teams of our three hometown heroes! That's right, Dave, Nicole and Jen have trampled all the non-Boston opposition, and are in a dead heat for the finish.

Well, maybe not a dead heat. Our guy Dave might have an edge, having won the last two challenges with style and flair. Last week he ripped open his shirt, flashing a smooth waxed chest, to take the Salsa Dance Challenge; this week he pulled a Tom Cruise in the Bartending Challenge.

If you really want to root for the home teams, enter here for free tickets to the live season finale on November 30. The plane ticket out to LA isn't free, but isn't it worth it to cheer on Boston's geek dominance in person?

Broken Social Scene is back in town tomorrow night for a show at the Paradise, once again playing tunes from Kevin Drew's solo album. Globe music critic Joan Anderman liked the orchestral pop collective's MySpace Secret Show at T.T.'s in August, so chances are the show will be worth checking out ...

The lineup is always different, but here's one version of the band.

Warner Bros. is looking for eligible ladies and gents to star in the upcoming season of The Bachelor. They're holding casting calls this weekend at Felt, on Saturday from 3 - 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 3 - 6 pm.

(via Bostonist)

(Note: The event is a few weeks away. Consider this your advance advance warning to get tickets.)

[The numbers all go to eleven. Thank you, Nigel.]

Clear your calendar on November 30: Writer, director, musician, Grammy Award-winning composer, and all-around-hilarious-guy Christoper Guest will perform songs from his films — "A Mighty Wind," "This is Spinal Tap," and "Waiting for Guffman" — with a little help from his Berklee student and faculty friends. He will also receive an honorary doctor of music degree from the college during the concert.

Of course, "Stonehenge" and "Big Bottom" are on the set list. Rock out!

Tickets are $30, $22.50, and are on sale through Ticketmaster.

Boston’s best – and only? – roller disco party returns to Chez Vous tonight. Lindsay Crudele says the goal is to raise $800 to repair some of the rink's rental skates, and hopefully buy some new ones.

DJ Joseph Colbourne will be spinning this party. It's an all-ages event, starts at 8pm and costs 7 bucks.

w00t!

-- Emily Sweeney

Nothing says Veterans Day like solving the riddles of an archeological dig in ancient Egypt, right? Maybe not, but 5 W!TS is offering free admission for veterans to its theme-park-like attraction TOMB Sunday and Monday. The interactive exhibit in the Fenway bills itself as a 45-minute adventure that incorporates the features of a haunted house, a video game, and a choose-your-own adventure book.

Normally the exhibit costs $16-$20 on weekends, so it's a nice savings.

Thanks, vets, for all you've done for our country -- hope you find some mummy treasure!

Update (incorporated above):The free entry is for veterans only.

The Kells can be a scary place: guys grabbing at you on the dance floor; college students as far as the eye can see, all drowning in cologne and hairspray and wedged into tight pants.

But tomorrow night, the Allston club is hosting a very different sort of event: "All Bright World Night," a musical event focusing on community and diversity. Salsa band La Internacional Positiva and punk-mambo outfit Babaloo (left) will perform, and hors d'oeuvres from around the world will be served. It's 20 bucks to get in (10 for members of the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation), and goes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Which means that after all the community and diversity building is over, the college kids will still have a chance to get their groove on.

Want half-price tickets to "The Nutcracker" or "White Christmas"?

Starting today, more than 5,200 half-price tickets to Boston holiday events are on sale at MayorsHolidaySpecial.com.

Thanks, Menino!

[The New Pornographers like singing in the rain, long walks on the beach...]

If you missed the New Pornographers show at the Roxy last week (like I did!), don't fret. The aptly described supergroup will be back in Boston on December 12 as part of the "Canada Comes to Berklee" concert. A.C. Newman, the lovely Neko Case, and the rest of the New Pornos gang will be joined by k-os, Bill King's Saturday Nite Fish Fry, and several Canadian Berklee students. Tickets are $30.

Unfortunately, cheese rocker Bryan Adams, another Canadian export, will not be performing that night. Maybe his invitation got lost in the mail? That just cuts like a knife!

Taking notes in public can yield unexpected treasures. I was minding my own business at the Comedians of Comedy show at the Roxy last night, trying to jot down jokes between gales of laughter, when a guy came up and handed me a flier for Anderson Comedy's "Halloween Spooktacular" at the Middle East Corner on Tuesday night. "Since you're taking notes, I thought I'd give you this," he said. Whoever he was, he's a natural PR man. It looks like it'll be a funny show: A raft of local comedians are performing tribute sets as Larry the Cable Guy, Carlos Mencia, Jerry Seinfeld, Yakov Smirnoff (!), and more. Best of all, it's free. And that's no joke.

Just don't drink too much or you'll wind up like this guy.

Casting directors will be scoping the scene at Estate on Saturday, Nov. 3rd, looking for people to star in the upcoming season of Beauty and the Geek.

If you want to get to the front of the line at the casting call, send your mugshot and resume along to Christie at Big Night Promotions. If you look the part, she'll hook you up with a VIP card for an audition.

- Emily Sweeney

How strange is this? The founder of PETA has written a cutesy book called "Let's Have a Dog Party." There are 20 ideas for "tailwagging" celebrations, including a "Bark Mitzvah," as well as cake recipes and nonalcoholic beer choices. (I don't know what your dog's beverage of choice is, but ours loves Michelob). Anyway, Ingrid Newkirk will be signing copies of her book at the Harvard Coop Sunday at 2 p.m. Dogs are welcome, particularly those who like to party.

Cambridge native e.e. cummings’ was the 20th century’s premier text messager. Using a simplistic style to share visions of love and loss, cummings’ was one of the most prolific poets of his generation - a voice that still resonates with audiences today. On Sunday, for $5, hear four local poets read some of his most famous works, at the Forsyth Chapel, 95 Forest Hills Ave. in Jamaica Plain. at 2 p.m.

Visit www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/156 to brush up on cummings' poetry.

Sometimes I get sick of being logical. Must everything always make sense? Happily, the answer is no. How else could there be such a thing as "Reefer Madness: The Musical"? Come on -- a musical about marijuana? Could there be anything more ridiculously fun? Loki Arts is putting on the show, based on the 1936 film about the dangers of dope, this weekend and next at the Arlington Center for the Arts. I doubt they'll mind if you sing along.

Go to lokiarts.com for details.

[Insert yourself here.]

Obviously we all have Big Papi and Mike Lowell on the brain this weekend. But why not add a little art to your beer-and-sports-bar-soaked agenda with a trip to the Fort Point Open Studios? The 28th annual open studios features more than 200 artists working in various media: photography, video, jewelry, printmaking, mosaics, etc.

Not only can you get a jump on your holiday shopping but you can satisfy your voyeuristic side &mdash I know you have one &mdash by getting a taste for how artists work. Open studios are marked with red balloons ("You and I in a little toy shop, bought a bag of balloons...") and the event is blissfully free.

Oh, and go Sox!

It's not often you see an astrophysicist celebrating his brand-new PhD by rocking out, which is why we recommend heading to the Burren tomorrow night to check out the Franklin Kite. Frontman Ryan Hickox, who studied black holes in faraway galaxies at Harvard, is leading his thoughtful indie-rock band in a free acoustic show tomorrow night at 9.

Next week Ryan will be starting as a postdoc at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge. But tomorrow, it's all about the party. Hickox (below left) promises it'll be a stellar night. And who are we not to believe him? He's the expert, after all.

Honah Lee just gave me the heads up on a group bike ride that's happening tomorrow. It's called the Lady K Ride, in honor of Kirsten Anne Malone, a really cool gal who was killed while riding her bicycle in Allston in June 2004.

Money raised from the event will benefit the Kirsten A. Malone Scholarship Fund. The ride starts from Harvard Square at 2 p.m. and ends at MassArt. Anyone can participate, and you can really help the cause by downloading a pledge sheet and collecting some money to support the Lady K scholarship.

-- Emily Sweeney

If week-old pizza sounds as unappealing to you as it did to me last night, fear not. Tomorrow, Somerville's ArtsUnion is sponsoring a food fest called "Project YUM: A Union Square festival celebrating local crops and global shops."

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Union Square Plaza, prepare to taste your way through exotic foods like kimche and chucchitos as well as locally-grown produce. "Project YUM" will also feature an Iron Chef Cook-off from three Somerville restaurant chefs.

Bon appetite.

Hey-yo Flipsiders! Sorry for the blogging hiatus. I'm happy that my colleagues were able to satisfy your crazy social appetities while I was on vacay in San Francisco -- and what a wine-and-thai-food-filled weekend it was.

Alrighty, let's get to it. On October 27 (or on October 28, in other parts of the world), a group called Thrill the World is attempting to organize the world's largest simultaneous dance to MJ's "Thriller." (Stuck in your head now, isn't it?) Why, for the love of God? To break the Guiness World Record, of course.

According to Thrill the World's website, there will be 60 dancing events in 15 countries. The Boston team will boogie down at 6 p.m. on October 27 at a to-be-determined location. Zombie dress is optional, but c'mon, anything less is weak sauce.

[Michael wants you to dance. Or else he will dangle you over a balcony.]

Get your ghoulish self to the first rehearal this Saturday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Harvard's Longwood Campus in the Vanderbuilt Gym. If you want more info, you can contact Thrill the World Boston's organizers Dave and Janice at ttwboston@gmail.com. And if you want to brush up on your skills, check out these tutorials on YouTube.

Is your kitty cat cursed? Does your dog dig like the devil? Maybe they could use a good blessing. Cavalry Episcopal Church is holding its fourth annual "Blessing of the Animals" Saturday afternoon at Endicott Park in Danvers, and it may be just what the veterinarian ordered.

The Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas will give your pet a hands-on blessing -- or bless photographs if Fido is too finicky to be taken out in public; she'll even offer prayers for pets who have passed.

Why is the church going to all this trouble? To raise awareness about animals that need homes.
Several animal organizations will be on hand, and there will also be police-dog demos, free nail clippings, and therapy-dog screenings.

The free blessing is from 1 to 3 p.m. All breeds and faiths welcome. Just don't forget to put the dogma on a leash.

[I love wine a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck...]

Apples + chardonnay + bus to drive you back and forth to the vineyard = best fall day ever! Boston's chapter of the On Your Feet Project is running a trip out to the Nashoba Valley Winery and Orchard in Bolton on Sunday. Register online, show up at the Boston Common for the 10 a.m. bus (or earlier if you want free food from Starbucks), and enjoy a drink a day in the country. The $30 ticket includes transportation, wine tasting and tour, and a glass, and benefits On Your Feet's programs. ("Dueling Banjos" and denim overalls not included.)

Get away from the city and gorge on apple-based foods -- caramel apples, apple crisp, apple cider, apple butter -- all for a good cause. A sweet fall day, indeed.

O.K., so not everyone who reads this blog has lived in Allston-Brighton. But chances are, if you went to Boston University or Boston College, or ever relocated to Boston looking for cheap rents, you once called the A-B's mean streets home. I currently have a love-hate relationship with the area (love: trivia at White Horse Tavern, LAB, Great Scott; hate: rats, catcalls, general seediness):

[Those were good times. Tipsy times, mostly, but good times.]

As part of Allston-Brighton's bicentennial celebration this year, there will be an Allston Village Street Fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Festivities will include: live music from local bands, artists, designers, jugglers, children's activities, and of course, hipsters. And I hear that Student Advantage is giving away a free month's rent to a lucky starving artist or student. If that's not enough to make you pull out your fixed gear bike and book it to Harvard Ave. this weekend, I don't know what is.

I kid, I kid. In all seriousness, Allston's community pride is another addition to the loves list.

Vegans: mark your gastronomical calendars! On Wednesday, chef Steven Brand at Upstairs on the Square is offering a "Harvest Vegan Dinner." Tantalizing menu items include: wax beans and artichoke with truffle vinaigrette and oatmeal crisp cookies. And for my fellow tipplers: the meal is paired with organic wines. Yum all around.

I'm not vegan, but I tend to order vegetarian options when I go out to eat because many area chefs are in tune with what's local and in season when shaping their menus. Though there are solid vegan options around the city -- standbys like Veggie Planet in Harvard Square and Grasshopper in Allston and relative newcomers like TJ Scallywaggle's in Allston -- it's nice to see an upper crust restaurant offer tasty gourmet options for our meat-free and dairy-free friends.

(FYI: The Boston Vegan Association has a great, frequently updated website with recent restaurant reviews, vegan happenings, and announcements. Check it out here.)

Do you like it fluffy?

Fluff was invented right here in my beloved Somerville, and the annual celebration of the sticky sweet treat is always a hoot. This year's What the Fluff Festival, on September 29 in Union Sqaure, marks the 90th anniversary of the invention, so the party should be over the top. Check out the "Eighth Wonder of the World Rice Krispie Tower," tell your favorite Fluff memories in the "Tales from the Fluff Jar" oral history booth, or get your photo taken with the Flufferettes!

Rain date September 30; no one wants soggy fluff.

Most yard sales are great sources of old books, chipped plates, toy cars -- and for me, boredom. I'm just not into paying people to take unwanted junk off their hands. But Saturday's Somerville Rock 'n' Roll Yard Sale sounds infinitely more interesting. All things music will be for sale -- vinyl records, posters, stereo equipment, tapes -- along with vintage clothing and vegan food. Bands will play, and a DJ will spin records found at thrift stores and yard sales. Best of all, there'll be an exhibit of bad thrift-store lamps -- the worst of which will be honored with a lightbulb-smashing ceremony. Not boring in the slightest.

Festivities take place from 3 to 7 p.m. in Union Square. Thanks to the Somerville Arts Council's ArtsUnion for hosting.

For more info on past Rock & Roll Yard sales in Providence, click here.

This Wednesday, September 12, "Wicked" opens at the Opera House for a two-month run.

Throughout the run, there will be a day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of $25 seats. These tickets are only available in person, so show up at the Opera House box office 2½ hours before show time and submit your name for a random drawing. There's a limit of two tickets per person, cash only.

Good luck!

Is your star on the rise? Prove it. There will be an open casting call for "Bachelor No. 2" (starring Kate Hudson and Dane Cook, who have been cavorting around Boston) at the Comedy Connection from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

According to the press release, the crew is looking for: "Hot, beautiful young college women and handsome college guys, hipster types, model types, and internet geeks of all races and ethnicities." Apparently, actual talent may not be required to secure a bit part in this film. Nonetheless extras will be paid -- sweet!

So if you want a chance to hobnob with Hudson**, head over to Fanueil Hall this weekend.

[**Okay, so Kate won't be at the casting call. You won't be able to talk to her or see her. In fact, you probably won't be in the same scenes. But her boots are hot, n'est-ce pas?]

What are you waiting for? You already missed the make-up and beauty tailgating party outside Nordstrom, for shame. All this weekend, the revamped Natick Collection is celebrating its unveiling -- with trunk shows, demonstrations, and more, oh my!

The Collection will no doubt be packed -- but if you're drooling for fall's new shoes and have a hankering for chic threads, don't hold back.

Night owls, you will soon realize that I have intense and irrational Somerville pride (specifically Union Square pride). I'm one happy camper if my weekend plans keep me north of the Charles. That's why the art/social scene in the 'Ville is so exciting.

And while I usually don't spend my Friday and Saturday nights chilling under McGrath highway, I'll certainly be stopping by the Project SUM opening party this Saturday.

You too can browse the sculpture installations while bobbing to Brazilian beats under the bridge (how's that for alliteration?). Ohmigod, a free and cultural event!

Check out more ArtsUnion events here.

Oh, the Boston hipster scene. From thrift-store clothes to a general disdain for anyone not privy to the most obscure music possible (so, have you heard the new Band of Horses album?), they weave in and out of traffic on vintage ten speeds with a scowl that says, "Hey, I'm different."

If you're anywhere between Newbury Street and the Washington Mall this weekend, you might spot more "cooler-than-thou" attitudes than usual. Cambridge Bicycles and the OtherSide Cafe, among others, are sponsoring a two-day bike race; the winner receives prizes (maybe like the one above) and a celebratory awards party at OtherSide Sunday evening.

Unfortunately this blogger didn't make the exclusive invite list. A Jacobs Bicycle spokesman (another sponsor) kindly shared with me that "we don't want to be affiliated with the Boston Globe."

OOPS SORRY DUDE.

[Who called with the pest problem?]

Paul Rudd originally played the lead, Adam Sorenson, in Neil LaBute's play (and later movie) "The Shape of Things." While the cheeky hunk was nowhere to be found in the South End last night, the Spontaneous Theater Project's rendition of the LaBute melodrama about art and love was hilarious, heart wrenching, and absolutely convincing.

The show was staged in the Bernard Toale gallery, and the small space increased the already visceral, awkward intensity of the four-actor play. Short synopsis: Dorky Adam meets art student Evelyn, who gradually transforms Adam, physically and emotionally. Adam's friends Phillip and Jenny are understandably freaked out. Heartbreak ensues.

I won't spoil it. You have two more opportunities to catch this excellent show: tonight and tomorrow night. And might I recommend a stop at the buzzing new bistro, The Gaslight, for negronis and croque monsieurs before? It's right down the street from the Bernard Toale, and the ambiance is worth the wait.

It looks like that casting call was fruitful -- in the upcoming season of "Beauty and the Geek", three of the cast members hail from Somerville. I guess it's not all artists and café culture in my fair city after all.

Ordinarily we're trying to get you off the couch and out the door. But set aside some time on September 18 to tune into the CW and root for the home team players. We want to see if this guy goes all the way!

Ugh. So I tried to purchase Van Halen tickets the old-fashioned way last weekend (well, through ticketmaster.com) to no avail.They were sold out when I attempted my purchase at 10:05 am. Apparently there are fellow David Lee Roth fans in this fine city. I also tried Ace Ticketing, where the cheapest Halen tickets were $199 each for nosebleeds. I wonder whether my half-ironic love of "Panama" and "Running with the Devil" is worth 200 clams.

[Diamond Dave at the height of U.S. spandex consumption]

Yes, totally worth it. Next stop: Craigslist.

If watching sweaty men lift weights and flip 800-pound tires around a parking lot is your idea of a fun Saturday afternoon, then here's an event for you.

Tomorrow the Uno Chicago Grill in Waltham is hosting the Strength Beyond Strength Strongman Challenge, which includes a 25,000-pound truck pull and a tire-flipping competition. Admission is free.

-- Emily Sweeney

If you haven't caught a free Friday movie at the Boston Harbor Hotel yet this summer, you've got a few more chances, and they've saved some of the best for last:

Tonight: "Citizen Kane"
August 31st: "The Thin Man"

Classic movies not your thing? Got kids to entertain? There's also Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell:

Tonight: "Happy Feet"
August 31st: "Charlotte's Web"

All shows start at sunset, weather permitting.

I just heard the Scorpions are playing the Orpheum Sept. 29. The very thought of Klaus Meine's nasaly heavy-metal wailing is giving me an instant headache. When I was a tweener, my older brother used to blast the Scorpions from his bedroom next door, and now anytime I hear the opening chords to "Rock You Like a Hurricane," my head starts throbbing. People have tried to convince me it's a great song, but I can't get past my childhood mental block. Go if you must -- I"ll be at home with my fingers in my ears.

A recommendation from new Flip Side blogger and sci-fi fan Danielle Capalbo, a Northeastern student working at the Globe this semester:

In 1982, William Gibson coined the term "cyberspace." Two years later, Ace Science Fiction published his celebrated debut novel, "Neuromancer," and Gibson became the father of cyberpunk. He's endured a quarter-century of reality from then to now, and his imagination has only grown darker and wilder. The best-selling author makes his rounds in Boston early next week to read at the Brattle (Sunday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.) and the Coolidge (Monday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.) from his ninth novel, "Spook Country." Grab tickets while you can - the sci-fi legend has a reputation as impressive as his visionary body of work. Plus, tickets are just $5.

(Provocateur photo by Movement Machine)

check out the rad lineup playing @ T.T. da Bears tonight:

Provocateur
Coulter
The Daily Pravda
with The Milling Gowns

$7, 18+, doors at 8:30

-- Emily Sweeney

Slick Rick and De La Soul will be headlining the free hip-hop concert at City Hall Plaza on August 4th.

The rest of the lineup includes...

Emily beat me to the punch with her Harry and the Potters note. I'll be checking out the Best Harry Potter Party EVER! tonight myself. I chatted with Paul DeGeorge, who portrays Harry Year 7 in the band, to get his feelings on tonight's party and the book's end.

He told us despite the band's immense popularity, they were holding out to play a local "Harry Potter" event for the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." "As soon as they released the date for the book, I put up a note on our website, 'Do not contact us unless you're from Boston,'" he said.

Of course, like all Harry fans, DeGeorge's got his own theories on how the series will end. On whether Snape is good or evil, he weighed in, "I don't think he's necessarily either. I think Snape will redeem himself in some way." When it comes to the title character's own fate though, he's got a unique perspective.

"I think Harry's going to pull through for sure -- he's got to form his own band at some point!"

Flip Side will report back this weekend with photos and sightings from the Harvard Square bash, in case any of you muggles miss it.

I wrote a story about Harry and the Potters a few years ago. They're cool guys.

As you can imagine, tonight will be a big night for Harry and the Potters -- they're playing a free show tonight in Harvard Yard with Draco and the Malfoys and the Hungarian Horntails. It's from 7 - 10 p.m.

-- Emily Sweeney

The third annual Rippin’est Town Rally is happening this weekend.

Be on the lookout for a motorcade of vintage scooters -- they'll be departing from from Howard Johnson's on Boylston Street on Saturday around noon. They plan to scoot over to Allston and hold a moment of silence in honor of Mr. Butch.

-- Emily Sweeney

No plans this weekend? As usual, Sidekick is here to help. On Friday and Saturday shopaholics can spend some dough toward a good cause at Retail Therapy. Head on down to Downtown Crossing to pick up a passport good for a bunch of discounts and giveaways. Proceeds benefit Boston Medical Center's healthcare programs for the homeless. The passport requires a $15 donation, but the chance to shop for a good cause is pretty priceless.

Also on Saturday, funk legend Maceo Parker blows his horn at Harpers Ferry for an intimate show. He's worked with James Brown, Parliament/Funkadelic, and Prince, in addition to his own numerous albums. It's a sweet, funky way to end such a busy day.

I noticed this cool event posted on the Warhol Is Dead website...

Aerosol art historian Jim Prigoff will be presenting a slideshow on street art at Northeastern's John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

After his presentation, there's gonna be a panel discussion featuring Boston graf writers.

Admission is free.

-- Emily Sweeney

If you dig industrial + electronic music, you should check out THUDFest 2007 on July 3rd. Nate Roman (aka DJ Mothra) has booked a solid lineup of DJs and bands for what promises to be a thumping electro-fest at Great Scott. The show is 18+ and you can buy tix in advance here.

-- Emily Sweeney

Kevin Dillon (a.k.a. Johnny Drama of Entourage) will be partying at WaterWorks on Sunday night. DJ SL from NYC will be spinning Top 40 dance hits and remixes. Click here to RSVP and get a discount off the cover charge.

-- Emily Sweeney

Dinosaur Jr. is playing a show in Harvard Square on Monday, June 11th.

Admission is free -- all ya gotta do is print out this invite and you're good to go.

The show starts at 8 p.m., inside the Urban Outfitters store on JFK Street. They say space is limited, so you may want to get there early.

For a sneak preview of what the show might be like, watch this video clip of Dinosaur Jr. performing on the Jenny Jones show back in '97 -- one of the great moments in alt-rock history, indeed.

-- Emily Sweeney

For those of you bummed out because the Cambridge Bike Tour on May 19 was canceled due to rain, fear not.

The ride, which focuses on the effects of geograpy on the development of Cambridge, is rescheduled for June 16. Get more info here.

Ride on.

Damon Wayans will be performing at the Comedy Connection this weekend.

Man, he was great on In Living Color. I loved that show, especially the Homey theme song:

-- Emily Sweeney

If you're lookin' for something to do tonight, you may want to stumble over to the South End...because the Floor Lords will be hosting a B-boy battle at the Villa Victoria.

Looking for something different to do Saturday night? Maybe something entertaining that supports a good cause at the same time? Loki Arts, a new theater/arts group that aims to give creative outlets to people with mental and physical challenges, is throwing itself a launch party Saturday night at the Arlington Center for the Arts (41 Foster St.). It's a cabaret-style show with music, dancing, and performance, as well as a silent auction and refreshments. The tickets are $25 and will be for sale at the door. Check the company's website for more details.

This from Robin Thomas, a member of Loki Arts' board of directors:
"Through workshops, seminars, and classes, we will bring some of the areas' best talents to diverse populations. Our hope is to give hands-on involvement to people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to discover this. We are also looking challenge the greater Boston theater scene by producing unique or rarely done shows."

The Wheel of Fortune's promotions team is rolling into town to search for contestants to appear on the show. They'll be holding auditions at Suffolk Downs in Eastie this weekend. Just look for their pimped-out Winnebago, you can't miss it.

-- Emily Sweeney

The Kirkland Café is closing for good on May 28.

Over the next few weeks, local musicians will be paying their last respects to the club, which has been around for almost 40 years.

The Allstonians lead vocalist King K says the Kirkland is "Somerville's answer to Juilliard" and that its imminent demise "is enough to make a grown man weep."

The Allstonians will bid farewell to the club by headlining a show this Friday. Keyboardist Nigel T. Knucklehead gives props to the Kirkland's own Mickey Bliss for having them play there so many times, and says that Friday's show will be a "bittersweet gig."

::sniff::

The Kirkland isn’t going out quietly... the bar will mark its last two days by hosting the Kirkland Kiss Off Memorial Meltdown, a 2-day bash that will start at noon and won't stop until last call.

-- Emily Sweeney

* The Boston Babydolls will bust out their burlesque moves this weekend at The International Lounge....
I also hear the B-Dolls just signed a book deal – they’ll be writing a series of instructional guides for aspiring tassel-twirlers. Sweet

******************************************

* ManRay's goth-industrial night returns from the dead – again! Following a long run at Toast in Somerville, Crypt has found a new home at the ol' Ramrod, on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of every month. It starts on May 16: DJ Chris Ewen will spin goth/industrial/electro, Terri the bartender will pour stiff drinks, and we’ll all staple our hands to our foreheads and reminisce about 21 Brookline St. ...R.I.P.

*********************************************

* George and Rosemary McDonough of The Actors Playhouse wrapped up the final performance of "And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little." Hillary MacArthur and Heidi Rhodes and the rest of the cast gave a fine performance. I went to the opening night at the Ironworkers Hall in South Boston, and it was a great show. Look out for more theatrical performances happening there in the coming months.

********************************************

* Calling all journalists and media mavens....Mediabistro is throwing a party tomorrow night to welcome Boston Phoenix editor Lance Gould. The event will be hosted by three local journos, Ethan Gilsdorf, Susan Chaityn Lebovits, and Gabrielle Gurley. If you wanna go, be sure to RSVP.

-- Emily Sweeney

The 2008 debates have already kicked off and maybe they've got you thinking about the pressing issues facing the world. Perhaps "An Inconvenient Truth" pushed your buttons. Or maybe you just can't stop refreshing Wonkette (questionable language warning) all day.

Whatever it is that moves you, there's a chance to connect with other like-minded progressives thanks to Socializing for Justice. The group aims to create meetups for people who want to organize cross-issue coalitions or just make a few new friends. There's no program or speaker, just a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, participants can have a little fun with the "Looking for ... " and "Ask me about ... " name tags.

Tomorrow (May 9) at 6 the group heads over to Peking Tom's in Downtown Crossing for some Cocktails for Justice. $2 admission.
RSVP appreciated at sojust.org.

Today's Sidekick has a mini-feature on the School of the Museum of Fine Arts’ Fifth Year Exhibition 2007. But, what's an art show without the art? So, as an added bonus to loyal Sidekick-enthusiasts, here's a sneak peak of what you can catch at the show.

Crislin Meshberg, Rupture, 2007. Oil on canvas

Timothy Andrew Kadish, Harold: It’s A Jungle Out There, 2007. Mixed media on lead.

Norah Solorzano, Blindspot (still), 2007. Drawn-on-paper animation.

...headin' over to the union hall later to check out this new play:

- Emily Sweeney

Lotsa stuff happening this weekend:

-- Emily Sweeney

Yup, it’s true: MIT offers a course on pro wrestling. I got to check out the class for myself, and I was very impressed.

This particular course on wrasslin’ has been generating a fair amount o' buzz in da blogosphere. One of my fellow reporters pointed out to me that there's a discussion about it on the Boston.com message boards, too.

If you're envious of these students, you might want to swing by the MIT campus later this afternoon. WWE champ Mick Foley is the guest lecturer this week, and he's giving a talk at 5 p.m. Cool thing is, you don’t have to be an MIT student to attend – this lecture is totally free and open to the public. Here’s da scoop:

The Real World’s Faker than Wrestling: MIT presents Former WWE Champion and Best-Selling Author Mick Foley
April 12, 2007 | 5:00 PM | @ MIT

"Mick Foley, one of the top wrestling performers of the past decade, will talk about his experiences as an entertainer and bestselling author who has written three memoirs (including Foley Is Good: And the Real World is Faker Than Wrestling) two novels, and a variety of children’s books. Foley has been a professional wrestler since the mid-1980s and was a headlining star for World Wrestling Entertainment (m) under the personas of Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love. Foley will discuss telling stories in a variety of written and performative genres and how he has managed to bridge the gap across multiple genres and entertainment forms."

-- Emily Sweeney

Tags: Cambridge, wrestling , Massachusetts, media , MIT, education , WWE

Local scribe Jeannie Greeley is going to share some of her most memorable (and hilarious) stories at the Boston Public Library next week.

She’s one of ten authors slated to appear at the library’s West End branch on Thursday, April 12th for True Stories, an event put together by Aforementioned Productions.

As the headline suggests, the program features "poets and writers reading work which has been inspired by or taken from real-life events."

I’m not exactly sure what the other folks will be reading, but Jeannie said she plans to “horrify dignified audiences” with selections from her Stuff@Night Sexploits column and her Pink Mafia series that appears regularly in Bay Windows.

-- Emily Sweeney

tags: Boston, Massachusetts, writers, reading

April 1980 - Ray Warner of Boston takes a tumble at Spinoff (the old roller rink on Lansdowne Street, where Jillians is now)

All Skate is hosting another rollerskating par-tay at Chez Vous next Thursday, April 5th.

This one is called "Spring Roll" and features DJs 7L, Knife (of Marinate fame) and All Skate's resident disco scholar, Joseph Colbourne.

It's all ages, and admission is $8.

-- Emily Sweeney

tags: Dorchester, Massachusetts, rollerskating, music

The Garment District is turning 21 years old. To celebrate, they're throwing a b-day bash at the store this Saturday, with free bagels, scones and coffee starting at 9 a.m., followed by birthday cake in the afternoon. And they'll be holding a gift card raffle, too.

-- Emily Sweeney

The ringside announcer from the WWE is giving a lecture at MIT!

How cool is that. It's open to the public, too.

I never thought I'd see something like this in a college course catalog:

This One’s Gonna Be a Slobberknocker: a Q&A with WWE’s "Good Ol’ J.R." Jim Ross
March 22, 2007 | 5 PM | MIT Room 4-370
Jim Ross, the longtime voice of World Wrestling Entertainment, joins CMS graduate student Sam Ford to discuss the unique blend of reality and fiction in the world of American professional wrestling world. Ross will talk about how WWE’s distribution across multiple media platforms creates an interesting storytelling atmosphere, and he will share experiences from his many years in the television industry as wrestling has moved from broadcast to cable and pay-per-view and now to DVD distribution, on-demand, and the Web. See Ross’s Web site at www.jrsbarbq.com.

I hear there's a cool event coming up this Friday at the Villa Victoria (a.k.a. Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center), which is, hands down, one of the best spaces in this city to have a party. (My pals and I threw a Halloween bash there back in 2004).

The organizers of IN+ERACT 2 say they want us to "experience art with all five senses" with the help of complimentary beer + cocktails. They're also gonna have henna tattoos, body-painting, a fashion show, art exhibits, and DJs spinning jazz, soul, funk, and house. The cover is pricey, but not bad, considering you'll get free booze and they've planned lotsa interesting stuff for the evening. You can buy tickets here.

(please pardon the black bar across this lady's chest! I placed it there because she looked kinda cold. - E.S.)

The Larkin Brigade is celebrating E-day with one of Boston's legendary ska bands.

....this will be a cool show.

I haven't seen The Allstonians in years....(I think the last time I saw them was at The Rat.)

...and remember this ska compilation?

The other day I dug through my cassette tape collection and dusted it off. It's official: "B-Train to Allston" is still one of my favorite songs of all time.

Attention scooter fans: dates for the third annual Rippin’est Town Rally have been announced. Scooterists from all over the world will descend upon HoJo’s during the weekend of July 20-21 to show off their rides...

Here’s da scoop:

RIPPIN'EST TOWN RALLY III
Mods v. Rockers Week-ender & Motor Competition

Friday, July 20
I-SCREAM SOCIAL
10 p.m. @ The Baseball Tavern
w/Tommy & The Terrors, Riki Rocksteady & The Bad Ideas, and The Larkin Brigade

Saturday, July 21
GROUP RIDE
12- 1 p.m. – All the scooters will depart from HoJo’s and form "Boston's biggest antique motorcade," touring the Emerald Necklace to Larz Anderson park to swing by the Museum of Transportation.

MOTOR COMPETITION & MONSTER BBQ
7 p.m. @ Great Scott
w/ The Raging Teens, World’s Greatest Sinners, The Curses, The Alrighters, and DJ Benny
There will be BBQ, a raffle, and dancing. Trophies will be awarded to the best Vespa, Lambretta, European motorcycle, American motorcycle, Asian motorcycle, and moped.

This should be a cool event. Here's a photo from the 2005 Rippin'est Town Rally...that's Jason Ciolfi, and his custom-built 1966 Vespa Gran Super Sport.

Compiling the events that fill the pages of Sidekick and the posts of Flip Side requires a lot of fact-checking. Inevitably there are phone calls and e-mails to publicists to confirm times, prices, phone numbers, etc. There's a lot of nitty-gritty to get locked down. Most of the time these PR flacks, as they're affectionately called, are no more than a voice on the other end of the phone or the cold, lifeless text in an e-mail reply.

That's why I was surprised when I realized that Emily Singer, one of those voices on the other end of the phone that provides the info on events at Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway Theater, was the same Emily Singer performing tomorrow night with Chance Langton.

I just never put two and two together that the woman whom I call to double-check Tingle's 14-plus age suggestion could actually have a life outside of repeatedly answering my simple queries. Turns out, not only is she a comedian, but she's pretty darn funny. (Check out an interview she did with WROR-FM here and here.)

She performs with Chance Langton tomorrow at 7:30. Tickets are $15, call 866-811-4111 or check it out online.

My love of cheesy '90s cover bands is well-documented. Now I think I've added another local group of remakers to my list of musical loves. Meet Infuse.

The Brockton-based foursome tackles tunes including "Move Along" by All American Rejects, "Far Behind" by Candlebox, and "Bulls on Parade" by Rage Against the Machine. For a sampling of the band's sound, its site has a few .mp3s to check out. (Some are good, some are not so good.)

You can judge for yourself when Infuse performs at Copperfield's in Boston on Saturday.

George and Rosemary McDonough founded the Actors Playhouse in 1990, and over the years they've produced dozens of plays in South Boston.

Their latest stage production is Proof, the award-winning play that was made into a movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Anthony Hopkins.

It stars South Boston Online editor Rick Winterson, Quincy native Jeff Tidwell, Hillary MacArthur, and Heidi Rhodes as the lead role of Catherine.

It's a gorgeous facility: the ceilings are high, the lighting is perfect, and the acoustics are good, so you can hear everything that's being said on stage.

My mother and I attended the opening night last Friday, and we had a good time. The cast did a great job -- I was very impressed. Heidi Rhodes made the lead role of Catherine memorable...and executed perfect comedic timing throughout the play. Some of her rants were hilarious - Ma and I were laughing so hard.

Here's what Ma had to say:

"I loved the play. The actors gave great performances. It's wonderful that Local 7 opened up their hall for this production. Local 7 is a superb place to see a play...it's local, inexpensive, and the sound and lighting effects were top notch. Kudos to the performers and to Local 7...and Maude Farrell did a fantastic job with the lighting, setting up the stage, serving refreshments, and working the door. It's a perfect night out to enjoy a play while contributing to a neighborhood cause."
-- Jean Sweeney-Rock

Proof will be presented two more times -- Friday, Feb. 9th and Saturday, Feb. 10th -- at the union hall. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Admission is $15, and proceeds benefit the South Boston Neighborhood House.

- Emily Sweeney

The Promise party mentioned below and in Thursday's Sidekick will now be 21-plus.

Sorry, youngsters.

More information on the PROMISE party mentioned in today's "Night Is Young" column can be found here. If you can't make it, there is also a way to support Second Gallery by making a donation.

Of course, then you'd be missing the "SRSLY open bar."

The residents of Pan9 are still recovering from the fire that burned through their Allston loft space last month. Thankfully, everyone got out alive...but the place got totally wrecked.

There's a Pan9 benefit show coming up next Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, featuring the The Steamy Bohemians with Fluttr Effect Trio (aka The Charlie's Angels of Art Rock) closing the night. The doors fly open at 9pm, 21+, cover is 8 bucks.

Pan9 neighbor Vessela Stoyanova, the marimba player for Fluttr Effect (and Trio), says the full Fluttr band will be back playing live shows next month.

Vessela's apartment (aka Fluttr Effect headquarters) was also damaged in the fire – her place was totally flooded but, luckily, her marimba and Troy Kidwell's guitars survived the ordeal.

Fluttr Effect will play at the Strictly For the Birds CD release party at the Middle East Downstairs on Friday, Feb. 9, and then they’ll hit the Lizard Lounge on Feb. 17th.

-- Emily Sweeney

tags: Boston , Allston , music, Massachusetts

Support your local rollerskating rink!

there's gonna be another roller disco party at Chez Vous next month...

...on Thursday night, February 8th --> DJs Baltimoroder, David Day, PTVN and Colbourne will spin house, electro disco from 8 pm til midnight.

For those of you who've never ventured out of your own neighborhood, now's the time. Chez Vous is located on the border of Dorchester and Mattapan....directions and further details are on the rink's new-n-improved website.

All ages are welcome, admission is 8 bucks, and it’s for a good cause...it’s going to benefit the rink. For the love of God, please go. I’ll cry if Boston’s only roller skating rink closes.

-- Emily Sweeney

TAGS: Boston, disco, rollerskating, Dorchester, Mattapan, roller rinks, retro

This Thursday, step outside the boxes of "male" and "female" at Spontaneous Celebrations. Gender Crash, the longest-running open mic for queer, transgender, and gender queer folks in Boston, is celebrating its seventh anniversary. The all-ages event is usually held the second Thursday of every month and features orginal performances including poetry, dance, and music. Admission is pay-what-you-can starting at $5 for adults.

Get informed with the trans/gender queer 101 at gendercrash.com.

So I've finally recovered from the holidays just in time to start fretting over Valentine's Day. Even more difficult than trying to squeeze a romantic evening into two very packed schedules is planning the perfect dinner. Lucky for us, there's no need to risk turning on the sketchy stove in my Allston apartment. Some of the city's tastiest restaurants will be putting out their best pre fixe menus. Whether out with that special someone or dining with another single friend, there will be no shortage of places to eat one's feelings. But, as January begins to fly to by, it's time to make those reservations before the best of the bunch get booked.

Conundrum has already announced its varied V-Day selections.

The Cambridge eatery is serving up a four-course meal for $80 ($110 with a bottle of wine). The menu includes such delicious offerings as marinated quail stuffed with dried fruit, mesclun greens with champagne vinaigrette, and pan seared skate wing with truffle risotto.

Call 617-868-0335 for reservations.

There will be a mention of "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" in Sidekick on Thursday, but -- in the spirit of giving -- here's another tip:

Tomorrow (Wed.), the show's director Larry Arrick will be present for a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Tingle following the performance. Arrick has worked with tons of stars including Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman, and Alan Arkin. Tickets for the show and discussion are $25 (students half-price). Go here for more info.

Tomorrow's Get Out column in Sidekick will feature a list of just some of the nightlife happenings scheduled for New Year's Eve. We'll give it to you early here on Flip Side.

At the Living Room, you can be a VIP for $100, eat for $75, or simply party in the lounge for $50. All packages include appetizers, dancing to pop tunes, and a champagne toast at midnight

Felt's Winter Wonderland party boasts three DJs, a champagne toast, party favors, and dessert stations (the club says call for ticket info).

At Rendezvous in Central Square, you can order from a holiday menu a la carte or come after dinner and dance to R&B and soul music for no cover. Guests will be treated to champagne at midnight.

Club Café hosts a New Year's Eve dance for only $10 per person with DJs who are also VJs, a live video feed from Times Square, and a complimentary dessert and coffee bar.

Dick's Last Resort throws a party for people who need a break from First Night activities downtown. You can spend your whole night (including dinner) at the restaurant for $50. For just $25, you can stop by the bar after 8 and enjoy live music and grab a "2006/2007 Survival Kit."

Young-man-about-town Dominic Amenta throws a party at Paddy O's with music by DJ Elliott Ness. It's $90 for a night of open bar.

There's live music and champagne for a $10 cover at Orleans in Davis Square.

$60 gets you into the Gypsy Bar for dancing, party favors, and champagne.

Vox is serving a prix fixe dinner for $65, but you can skip the meal and enjoy a DJ, party favors, hors d'oeuvres, and the champagne toast for $30 ($40 at the door).

Avalon boasts an appearance by internationally- known DJ Tiesto (cover is $125)

Tone Loc is at Rain in Malden for $40.

DJ Pretty Boy Jones hosts the party at Middlesex in Central Square for a $10 cover.

Mix 98.5 sends its DJs to the Rack for a party that includes a buffet and a champagne toast for $50.

Nightlife kings 6one7 Productions are hosting multiple parties around town including a shindig at Rumor for $75 run by the folks famous for the club's Evolution Tuesdays, a $75 party at Venu with DJ Louie DeVito, the "Just Poppin' Bottles" party at Pure with music by JAM'N 94.5's Gee-Spin for $75, and an event on the 50th floor of the Prudential Building called "Party in the Sky." The last one, 6one7's classiest shindig, includes a Joan Rivers impersonator, Frank Sinatra singer Rich DiMare, food, dancing, and, of course, a view for $175.

Vinalia offers a "Night With Sinatra" that includes a cocktail reception, a dinner, and Sinatra hits for $70.

Red Sky's party has food, live music, a DJ, party favors, and champagne for $50.

Kings offers a party with a live band, eats, and bowling for no cover.

DJ Matt Phipps spins Top 40 tunes at the party at Game On that features eats, drinks, and the ball dropping on about a million TVs. Cover is $40.

Pamela Anderson hosts a New Year's at Tao. Yes, that in Vegas, but we thought you should know.

DJ AM was in Boston this past October working the turntables at a corporate party, but you probably weren’t invited to that shindig.

Don’t feel bad. You have another chance to see the celebrity spinner. According to Gypsy Bar’s website, he’ll make an appearance at the club January 12.

For those of you who don’t know, DJ AM is a big deal because he used to be engaged to Nicole Richie.

Also, his real name is Adam Goldstein. No relation.

If Seth Cohen from "the O.C." dropped into Boston Thursday, you could be sure he'd be at JEWLTIDE at T.T. the Bear's. At 9 p.m., Klezmer-rockers Golem will party down with DJ SoCalled for an indie Hanukkah celebration. This is the first year the HEEB Magazine-sponsored event has made it up to Boston since its inception in 2003. You'd be a meshugana to miss it.

I'd love to be able to appreciate opera, but the truth is, I don't know a mezzo from a matzo. Large ladies decked-out in Flavor Flav helmets singing in some other language just doesn't draw me in. If only the opera could come to me ...

What luck! Opera Boston is starting an informal, opera cabaret and hosting performances in "non-traditional" venues. The first program by Opera Boston Underground, "Kurt Weill's World," will take place at Lizard Lounge Jan. 17. If that tickles your fancy, Opera Boston is presenting Weill's "The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny" at the Cutler Majestic Theatre Feb. 23-27.

For more information, check out OperaBoston.org

Aliza Shapiro, the brains behind Truth Serum Productions, has been producing stenciled vintage ties and patches. This weekend there are two chances to check them out as holiday shopping draws to a close. With sassy sayings like "Stud" and "Hustler" (and some too saucy to be referenced here), these UtiliTies and UtiliPatches are the perfect gift for both the naughty and nice.

Grab one for yourself at Toast on Friday or at the Bazaar Bizarre on Saturday.

Custom orders also available online.

My favorite Irishman-about-town Mick Murray was snapping photos when the Bon Savants held their CD release party at The Pill last Friday:



...this Friday (Dec. 8th) Pill-goers will be treated to a performance by The Glass Set, and DJ Ken will spin the best from his Britpop and mod indie bag o’tricks.

The Pill is 21+...$5 before 11pm...and be sure to look sharp.

-- Emily Sweeney

tags: photos , Boston , Bon Savants, Boston music, Boston bars, mod

For several weeks now, casting directors have been hunting for local personalities to host “Dirty Water,” a new show about nightlife in Boston. Tomorrow, you can watch finalists battle for the coveted correspondent positions. We haven’t been told what network will air “Dirty Water” (we assume local cable). All we know is that tomorrow night should be good entertainment, and that the bar should be packed with Ryan Seacrest wannabes. It starts at 8.

It's not too late to find someone to kiss under the mistletoe this holiday season. On Thursday (Nov. 30), singles can mix it up at Bellinis and Beer at the Foundation Lounge. From 7 to 9 there'll be complimentary drinks, give-aways, and Zensai (Japanese appetizers). But, in the spirit of giving, bring a friend of the opposite sex to insure maximum dating potential for everyone. Cover is $10 and Jenny Johnson, Associate Producer of NECN's "TV Diner," will host.

RSVP with your name and the names of anyone you're bringing to bellinisandbeer@yahoo.com

If you've recovered from Black Friday's middle-of-the-night shopping spree -- or didn't get a chance to join in the fun -- here's another chance to pick up a few late-night discounts. Davis Square is holding a Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping Night on Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Participating businesses include clothing stores Black & Blues, Cibeline (clothing sample pictured below), Chinook (for the outdoorsy types on your list), and Poor Little Rich Girl (a newly expanded upscale consignment store); Magpie, which has funky handmade gifts; McIntyre & Moore, home of fascinatingly obscure books; and Spark Craft Studios. Treats will be served, and proceeds go to the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
Come on everybody, there's shopping to be done!