Boston Events Insider - Overview: February 2009 Archives

February 2009 Archives

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events: 2/22/09

Darwin is still not gone, Lincoln's going strong, and Longfellow enters the scene this week. Enjoy your week in weird! Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Lincoln Symposium, Lecture by Benjamin Todd Jealous, President of NAACP, Brown University Campus, Providence, RI	Feb 27 - Feb 28	Rhode Island
Let's start with Lincoln! He will continue to be a theme all year, since he's turning 200. This time the symposium is at Brown University and features the president of the NAACP. Brown University, Providence, RI. more
Longfellow Birthday Celebration @ Mt. Auburn Cemetery	Feb 28	Boston Metro
And it's been a year since Longfellow's 200th birthday. A historian will talk about Longfellow, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony and birthday cake. 580 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA.617 547-7105. more
IHOP National Pancake Day	Feb 24	Boston Metro
Birthday cake is good!! But so are pancakes!! Yummy yummy, pancakes. And they're free. 7am to 10pm, any IHOP. Various IHOPs, such as 16 Eliot Street #18, Cambridge, MA. more
Rail-A-Rama XL Train Show	Mar 1	Southern Mass
Also, there will be a model train show! Sometimes I go to these things just to interact with hobbyists who have so much passion and energy. 10am-4pm. Free parking. $5. Christina's Function Facility, Rt 1, Foxboro, MA.617-361-4445. more
Chinese New Year Banquet	Feb 27	Boston Metro
We're not letting go of winter this week, or the Chinese New Year, which apparently continues, this time at the Boston Chinese Neighborhood Center, complete with a lion dance and food. Call immediately because they will sell out. 5:30pm reception and 7pm dinner. Empire Garden Restaurant, 690 Washington Street, Boston, MA.617-635-5129 x1054. more
Winter Play on the Allée	Mar 1	North Shore
Also wintry is a winter festival on Castle Hill. They'll have stories, winter games, and sledding if there's snow, which is not in the 10-day forecast right now. 1-4pm. Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA. more
Snowshoe Tours at the DeCordova Museum	Feb 28	Metro West
You'll also look pretty silly walking around in snowshoes on the bare dirt. Or snow if we get lucky, for this guided tour. 10am and 1pm, reserve in advance. 51 Sandy Pond Rd, Lincoln, MA.781-259-8355. more
Winter Campfires at Mass State Parks	Feb 28	Boston Metro
Even cooler are campfires on the beach. I really want to see this!! Hear campfire stories, roast marshmallows, and go for a beach walk. 5:30-7:30pm. Constitution Beach, Boston, MA. more
Special Olympics - Winter Games	Feb 28 - Mar 1	Worcester
The Special Olympics winter sports include a dance, skiing, ice skating, and those perennial winter pastimes: bowling and floor hockey. It's not to late to volunteer, or just show up and cheer 'em on. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, MA. more
Comedy Beanpot (competition)	Feb 25 - Feb 28	Boston Metro
Local college troupes square off for Boston's premier comedy title. Improv Boston, Cambridge, MA. more
Battles at the Buzzer (Breakdancing)	Feb 28	Boston Metro
Personally, however, I'd rather see a breakdancing competition. 7pm-12am. $10. Breakdancing! You can't top that!! 81 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA. more
Darwin at Down	Feb 23	Boston Metro
Check this out! They have, for one day only, a play about Darwin at this theatre in Watertown. New Repertory Theatre, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. more
MIT Chorallaries Bad Taste Concert (a capella)	Feb 28	Boston Metro
Here's an MIT event that you're welcome to attend but will probably not get into unless you come early and wait in line. It's the annual concert where the songs are in-your-face humor, and the audience gets to throw toilet paper. Who knows, if you're lucky there could be a riot. 11:59pm. MIT room 26-100, Cambridge, MA. more
Also Fun
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?	Mar 2	Boston Metro
There will be a talk by a Harvard scientists about unconscious bias and racism. Clearly a joyful topic. But they'll be showing the film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, which I've seen and is a treat. It's amazing how complicated the interactions of just 4 people can become! Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. more
Central Massachusetts Flower Show	Feb 27 - Mar 1	Worcester
This flower show might be worth checking out. I went to one once and it was surprisingly fun. It's essentially a trade show for gardeners but they'll have forced bloom flower displays, too! Park at Worcester Municipal Garage at 30 Worcester Center Blvd. DCU Center, Worcester, MA.508-792-0314. more
BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour	Feb 23 - Feb 25	Boston Metro
They'll have a bunch of mountain climbing films in Arlington, which may be fun. Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA. more
Salem Film Festival	Feb 26 - Mar 5	North Shore
But the smart money is on this film festival in Salem. Their schedule shows sevearl of the filmmakers attended, and they'll have an awards ceremony and social events. 1 Church Street, Salem, MA.978-744-1400. more
Lincoln Film Festival	Feb 25	Boston Metro
A film on Lincoln will be shown 6-9pm. Church on the Hill, 140 Bowdoin Street, Boston, MA. more
BAGLY Winter Ball	Feb 28	Boston Metro
Also the BAGLY winter ball is coming up. I wouldn't list this except it's a slow week and where else can teenagers go for gay pride? Back Bay Events Center, 200 Berkeley St., Boston, MA. more
Recurring
Darwin Day 200 at Harvard: Darwin and Me Symposium	Feb 23 - Mar 5	Boston Metro
The Darwin symposium at Harvard continues with two lectures Feb 23, 6-8pm and Feb 26, 6pm. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. more
Academy Award-Winning Short Films	Feb 12 - Mar 6	Boston Metro
The ICA continues to show all the short films that were nominated. ICA, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
Dirty Dancing, the Musical	Feb 7 - Mar 15	Boston Metro
Dirty Dancing is now a musical. Ho hum. Opera House, Boston, MA. more

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events & Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement & ideas to johnny\@weirdbostonevents.org.

By Johnny Monsarrat on February 22, 2009 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events: 2/15/09

Happy Presidents Day. Now I'm off to see Charles Darwin re-enacted at Harvard (see last week's blog). Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
A Presidents' Day Visit with Abraham Lincoln	Feb 16	Metro West
The weird event of the week is: President Lincoln! He's back from the dead and performing at the Concord Museum. Call ahead to reserve a spot. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.(978) 369-9763. more
Total Confusion	Feb 19 - Feb 22	South Shore
Not part of the elite? Perhaps you'd like to visit the largest gaming convention in the Northeast. It's all about roleplaying, miniatures, and board games at Totalcon. Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA. more
Cinematic Titanic w/ Mystery Science Theatre 3000	Feb 20 - Feb 21	Boston Metro
Or perhaps you'd rather meet the cast of MST3K, the TV show that's all about watching bad movies because you're just that much of a loner. Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA. more
Model Engineering Show	Feb 21	Metro West
Personally I'd rather see the steam engines, aircraft engines, machinists tools, and trains at this engineer's festival! 10am-4pm. Charles River Museum of Industry, Waltham, MA. more
Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball & Zulu Parade	Feb 20	Boston Metro
This week is also Mardi Gras! And I couldn't really find anything going on beyond the usual bars that want you to drink. But I guess Mardi Gras unlike most holidays really is about drinking! Go figure. Anyway, this is my pick. At JohnnyD's in Somerville they claim they'll pack a parade and a masquerade ball into their venue. JohnnyD's, Somerville, MA. more
Darwin Days at Dinosaur State Park	Feb 19 - Feb 20	Connecticut
They discovered, when digging a foundation for a building in Connecticut, some buried dinosaur tracks. And built a museum right over them! I've been and it's pretty awesome. And this week they have a few special programs, including a live Hawk & Owl program on 2/19 at 1 pm, and a live reptile program on 2/20 at 1 pm. Dinosaur State Park & Museum, 400 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT. more
Adult Spelling Bee - Brookline	Feb 20 - Mar 8	Boston Metro
Did you miss your chance to show off how well you've memorized words that nobody uses, in a language where phonetics and spelling are disparate? Sign up by Feb 20 for this spelling bee for adults. And there will also "bee" a children's spelling contest. Brookline High School Auditorium, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA. more
Frozen Fun Fest @ Stony Brook Reservation	Feb 22	Boston Metro
And truth in advertising, any festival at this time of year means getting frozen. Ice skating is free and they'll have unspecified "winter fun". Bajko Skating Rink @ Stony Brook Reservation, 75 Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park, MA.617-333-7404 x101. more
Newport Winter Festival	Feb 13 - Feb 22	Rhode Island
And the Newport Winter Festival continues, with a murder mystery dinner theatre, a magic show, a pizza competition, comedy show, and a whole lot of regular stuff they do 365 days a year, like seal tours. Various venues, Newport, RI.401-847-7666. more
Sugaring Off Tours	Feb 21	North Shore
Or go maple sugar tapping! I really want to go! Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield, MA.978-887-9264. more
Oscar Night America @ Hard Rock Café	Feb 22	Boston Metro
And there will be plenty of celebrities at the Academy Awards, which you couldn't get a seat to even if you did live in California. However! Here's a fundraiser that will set you back $150. But part of the Oscars is arriving in a tux and "being seen", so it should cost a lot, right? The Langham Hotel, 250 Franklin Street, Boston, MA. more
Oscar Gala @ Brattle Theatre	Feb 22	Boston Metro
They'll be broadcast live to the Brattle Theatre. RSVP by 2/16. Unfortunately it will cost you $100. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA.617-876-6837. more
Also Fun
Academy Award-Winning Short Films	Feb 12 - Mar 6	Boston Metro
My pick though would be visiting the ICA, The Institute for Contemporary Art, which is always fantastic. They continue to show all the short films that were nominated. ICA, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
Presidential Cartoonists	Feb 16	Boston Metro
As I mentioned last week, some political cartoonists will give a talk on Monday, which is Presidents Day. JFK Library & Museum, Boston, MA. more
Forbes House Museum Annual Lincoln Celebration	Feb 19	South Shore
There will be yet another lecture at the Forbes. Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams Street, Milton, MA. more
Lincoln Film Festival	Feb 18 - Feb 25	Boston Metro
And they'll be showing some Lincoln films 2/18 and 2/25 from 6-9pm. Church on the Hill, 140 Bowdoin Street, Boston, MA. more
Burlington Mall Lego Exhibit	Feb 20 - Feb 22	Metro West
How do I come up with this stuff? Get this. The Burlington Mall will be building an 8-foot tall lego sculpture, and you can join in and help. It's part of a promotion at their LEGO store. There's no website but I confirmed it by seeing it on the mall TV when I was there. Burlington Mall outside the LEGO store, Burlington, MA.(781) 272-8667.
Cranmore Fireworks	Feb 21	New Hampshire
If you're going skiing, this family-oriented place will have fireworks. They have a Fun Zone indoor amusement park, too. And snow tubing. Cranmore Mountain, North Conway, NH. more
Killington Snow Sculpture Competition	Feb 16 - Feb 19	Vermont
Or drive all the way to Vermont for this more serious skiier's mountain, where they'll have a snow sculpture competition. It's sponsored by a brewery, because nothing braces you for the natural outdoorsy views of skiing like drinking beer (and smoking). Killington Mountain, Killington, VT. more
Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show	Feb 19 - Feb 22	Rhode Island
Gardens start in the Spring, so this trade show has to happen before Spring arrives. I haven't been to this one, but the local flower show close to Boston was amazing, with so many huge floral dioramas. This may actually be worth checking out. Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI. more
Boston Globe Travel Show	Feb 20 - Feb 22	Boston Metro
If you'd like to travel but aren't sure where to start, start here. I haven't been but I bet it's a real eye-opener about how to stretch your money, if you dont' need total luxury. And they'll include celebrity chefs and live animal shows for God knows what reason. Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA. more
Recurring
Midnight Seduction	Feb 21	Boston Metro
Are you interested in sexuality? This free party, which the Boston Phoenix: Adult calls "Best of Boston", continues. Mystery location, Cambridge, MA. more
Rent snowshoes at Gore Place	Feb 7 - Mar 28	Boston Metro
You can also still rent snowshoes at nearby Gore Place, the historic mansion. And they have llamas. And goats. 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(781) 894-2798. more
Regattabar Jazz Festival	Feb 8 - May 5	Boston Metro
Finally, every year the Regattabar holds a number of jazz performances spanning 4 months, and insist on calling it a 'festival'.Here it is. Charles Hotel, One Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Performance
International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella - Quarterfinals	Feb 21	Metro West
I went to this last year, well the finals, but I bet the semifinals are fun, too. If you love a capella music like I do, check it out. And there's a separate concert at Brown University in Providence RI on the same night. Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. more
Dirty Dancing, the Musical	Feb 7 - Mar 15	Boston Metro
Dirty Dancing is now a musical. Ho hum. Opera House, Boston, MA. more

Want this weekly? subscribe. My blogs: Weird Boston Events and Wheel Questions, Wheel Answers. Send encouragement and ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org.

By Johnny Monsarrat on February 15, 2009 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events: 2/09/09

It's Valentine's Day on Saturday. Whether you embrace it, or you just want all the happy people to shut up (which is me this year), here are some ideas for fun things to do.

I believe I have comments working now at my primary blog page. Please give it a shot at http://weirdbostonevents.org and see if it works for you too. Sorry for anyone who's tried to comment but it crashed.

-Johnny
p.s. Want this weekly? Please subscribe.

The Week in Weird
Outdoor Explorations: Valentine's Day Moonlight Snowshoe	Feb 14	Worcester
So you want to do something for Valentine's Day? You open up the newspaper and all you see is a lot of bars. Here is a hint. It is not romantic to take your sweetie to a bar. A restaurant is a little better, but hardly creative. Why not do one of the regular events on Johnny's list as a romantic outing? Here is one: nighttime snowshoeing!!! (Maybe this is why I am single now?) 2009: 5-10pm. Hale Reservation, 80 Carby St., Westwood, MA. more
Love Letters of the Phillips Family	Feb 13	North Shore
And here's something indoorsy. Readings from the love letters of five generations of the Phillips family, at a historic home in Salem. Philips House, Salem, MA. more
Ippi's Valentine Ice Derby	Feb 15	North Shore
Or ice fishing! Because nothing says Valentine's Day like ice fishing. Lynn, MA. more
Newport Winter Festival	Feb 13 - Feb 22	Rhode Island
Or check out the ice sculpturing demonstration at the Newport Winter Festival, which they're calling "New England's Largest Extravaganza". They'll have helicopter rides, a chili cook-off, and plenty of historic mansions to tour. Newport, RI.401-847-7666. more
Merrimack River Eagle Festival	Feb 14	Northern Mass
Perhaps you and your honey would like to see live eagles and take a tour of a national park looking for wild ones. (I actually took a date to train to fly a falcon once. It was scary.). Main Street, Amesbury, MA.978-388-3178. more
World Championship Sled Dog Racing	Feb 13 - Feb 15	New Hampshire
Or go see sled dogs! The bad Valentine's ideas just keep coming! Laconia, NH. more
Special Olympics Passion Plunge	Feb 14	Boston Metro
I am told that the Passion Plunge does NOT involve mentally challenged kids being encouraged by Greenpeace liberals to dive into freezing water. It's a charity for the rest of us to help support them. That makes more sense. Also at Lake Quinnsigamond in Shrewsbury. Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA. more
Lincoln Impersonator, First Unitarian Church, Providence, RI	Feb 12	Rhode Island
Because it's Abe Lincoln's 200th birthday, there will be a lot of re-enactments this year. Here is one, in Providence. First Unitarian Church, Providence, RI. more
Presidential Cartoonists	Feb 16	Boston Metro
The presidents will be at the JFK Museum in spirit along with some famous political cartoonists, for a talk on Monday, which is Presidents Day. JFK Library & Museum, Boston, MA. more
Boskone	Feb 13 - Feb 15	Boston Metro
But you don't care, because you'll be too busy geeking out at Boskone, which is the "other" major science fiction convention in Boston. Westin Waterfront, Boston, MA. more
Annual Sci-Fi Film Festival @ Somerville Theatre	Feb 15 - Feb 16	Boston Metro
Also geeky is an SF film festival in Somerville. I can't tell from the website if there will be anything interactive, or just the films. 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA.617-625-5700. more more
Harvard Model United Nations	Feb 12 - Feb 15	Boston Metro
Equally geeky, but a lot more interesting, is the model UN. These students really take it seriously. And I'm not really sure if you can just stroll in as a member of the public and check it out. I would think so. I get away with a lot just by smiling and looking like I belong. Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA. more
Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam Celebration	Feb 15	Boston Metro
You may get some actual love poetry at the Lizard Lounge's annual anniversary party. Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-547-0759. more more
Darwin Day
Darwin Day 200 at Harvard: Darwin and Me Symposium	Feb 12 - Mar 5	Boston Metro
OK! Now the week really starts heating up, with an array of events to celebration the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birthday. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. more
Salem State College Darwin Festival	Feb 9 - Feb 13	Boston Metro
Also Salem State College will host a series of lectures and films. Salem State College, Salem, MA. more
An Afternoon with Charles Darwin	Feb 15	Boston Metro
The highlight of Darwin Day will undoubtedly be meeting Darwin himself! Well, played by a re-enactor. 2009: 2pm. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Birthday Party for Darwin	Feb 12	Boston Metro
There are two birthday parties. This is the one at Harvard. Cambridge Queen's Head Pub, Memorial Hall, Harvard College, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Darwin Birthday Bash for Kids, Adults, Families and Friends!	Feb 15	Rhode Island
And another one which looks more kid-oriented. Charlie's Playhouse Studio, 999 Main Street, Unit 708, Pawtucket, RI. more more
Origin of Species Readathon	Feb 12	Boston Metro
They are doing a reading of the Origin of Species, at spots all over campus, so I guess you have to trail along after them if you want to catch the whole thing. All around Harvard, Cambridge, MA. more
Darwin at 200: Rethinking the Revolution	Feb 12	Boston Metro
Someone very important will give a lecture at Harvard. Harvard's Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Darwin Bicentennial lecture by Daniel Dennett	Feb 12	Boston Metro
But even importanter is Daniel Dennett, the famous author of pro-evolution anti-religion books. Framingham State College, Framingham, MA. more
Darwin Day Celebration	Feb 14	Worcester
Possibly even better is a lecture plus lunch plus a garden. But it's way out near Worcester. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA. more
Also Fun
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, "A Venetian Valentine	Feb 14	Boston Metro
I always put the less interesting things at the bottom. If you really need to do a cocktail event for Valentine's Day, this is the one, at the Gardner Museum. 280 The Fenway, Boston, MA.(617) 566-1401. more
Valentine Day FlirtFest	Feb 14	Boston Metro
And if you really have to hit a bar, this is my recommendation. It's really meant for singles, though. Vinalia, 34 Summer Street, Boston, MA. more
Academy Award-Winning Short Films	Feb 12 - Mar 6	Boston Metro
Although the Academy Awards won't be handed out until Feb 22, The Institute for Contemporary Art is showing all the short films that were nominated. ICA, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards Presentation	Feb 8	Boston Metro
Also the Brattle is doing an awards night (and showing Man On Wire with its producer present!). Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke will stop in via video. Brattle Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston African Film Festival	Feb 6 - Feb 15	Boston Metro
It's Black History Month and I finally found an appropriate event: a film series at the MFA. Featuring: lots of films. From Africa. Museum of Fine Ahhhhts, Boston, MA. more
Joe Val Bluegrass Festival	Feb 13 - Feb 15	Boston Metro
And this is a great time of the year for a music festival, as long as it's indoors. I went to a bluegrass festival once and the repetitive chord structure made all the songs sound the same to me. Go figure. Sheraton Hotel Framingham, Framingham, MA. more
Fetish Fair Fleamarket	Feb 13 - Feb 15	Boston Metro
Also at a Sheraton near you is the largest conference of people who like sex. A lot. Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel, Danvers, MA. more
Bugs Bunny Film Festival	Feb 13 - Feb 28	Boston Metro
This is the last time I'm going to list the Brattle's annual Bugs Bunny film festival. Does anyone really find this stuff funny any more? So much violence and -- I assume they don't show these cartoons -- racist stereotypes. Brattle Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more
Forbes House Museum Annual Lincoln Celebration	Feb 12 - Feb 19	South Shore
And some lectures at the place I mentioned last week. Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams Street, Milton, MA. more
Improv Boston's "Thorns	Feb 14	Boston Metro
Finally, if you have your heart broken, ImprovBoston will cheer you up and commiserate at the same time, improv style. Improv Boston, 40 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA. more
Recurring Events
Hasty Pudding Man/Woman of the Year Awards	Feb 5 - Feb 13	Boston Metro
Last year it was the woman. Now it's the man of the year getting roasted. It's James Franco. Buy tickets immediately. They always sell out. Zero Arrow Street Theater, Cambridge, MA.617-495-5205. more
Darwin Day "Assassins" Game @ Harvard	Feb 6 - Feb 12	Boston Metro
The weird event of the week is another Darwin Day activity. Darwin Day isn't actually until February 12. But what better way to demonstrate survival of the fittest than a "circle kill game", or "assassins" game? These games usually involve a bunch of players armed with spoons who track each other down. Harvard, Cambridge, MA. more
Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival	Feb 6 - Feb 14	North Shore
Salem's also in the competition. What is it about this particular weekend in February? Anyway, they'll have ice sculptures dotted all over town. This is basically an excuse to visit Salem and shop. Salem, MA. more
Performance
Dirty Dancing, the Musical	Feb 7 - Mar 15	Boston Metro
Dirty Dancing is now a musical. If you liked the movie, give it a shot. Opera House, Boston, MA. more
Frank Caliendo	Feb 14	Boston Metro
Frank Caliendo is a comedian and amazing impressionist I've wanted to catch for some time. Wilbur Theatre, Boston, MA. more

Like this blog? Subscribe by email, and get inspired at Wheel Questions, my other blog, and see the 4-minute podcast. Send encouragement and ideas to johnny@weirdbostonevents.org

By Johnny Monsarrat on February 8, 2009 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: This just in! More Weird Boston Events

This just in! I track 1600 events a year but sometimes I miss one, or they don't post any information until too late in the week. This week I missed a bunch! Here they are, just for you.

This is a shout out to anyone from today's NEFA / Boston Art Commission outreach I handed my card to.

-Johnny

This Just In
Asian Lunar New Year	Feb 8	South Shore
This just in. It's still Chinese New Year! Um, Asian New Year. They'll have a lion dance and two stages of music and dance. Seems to be indoors. 2009: 10:30am-4pm. North Quincy High School, 316 Hancock St, Quincy, MA. more more
Chinese New Year @ Mary Chung	Feb 8	Boston Metro
And MIT's favorite chinese restaurant, Mary Chung, will have a smaller event, with food and they'll have a lion dance. Not sure how they'll make room for that in their crowded restaurant! Mary Chung Restaurant, 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston African Film Festival	Feb 6 - Feb 15	Boston Metro
It's Black History Month and I finally found an appropriate event: a film series at the MFA. Featuring: lots of films you've never heard of. Museum of Fine Ahhhhts, Boston, MA. more
Franklin Park Winter Snow Festival	Feb 7	Boston Metro
Also I missed two festivals. This one's in Franklin Park and looks smaller. 2009: 1pm. Clubhouse at Franklin Park, 1 Circuit Dr, Dorchester, MA.617-442-4141. more
Acton, Winter Carnival at NARA Park	Feb 7	Metro West
This one's in Acton, with a cardboard sled race, dog sledding and a human sled race, fire spinners, curling demonstrations, snowball toss competition, and a lot more. 2009: 4-7:30pm. NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA. more
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare	Feb 7	Metro West
Here's your chance to see the famous comedic play that digests all of William Shakespeare works into one short play. Amazing! 8pm. The Amazing Things Arts Center 160 Hollis St, Framingham, MA.508-405-2787. more
Flea Market and Pancake Breakfast	Feb 7	Boston Metro
Lots of used stuff. And pancakes! I'm only listing this because I don't think I've ever listed a flea market before. And it's winter. And I like pancakes! And I really wanna go! Pierce School 85 Park Ave. Ext., Arlington, MA. more
USS Constitution 30th Annual Ship Model Show	Feb 4 - Mar 7	Boston Metro
It's a show by local model ship builders! It's a month long which probably indicates no actual "festival" or social gathering. But may be worth a look. USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, MA.617-242-5670. more

Like this blog? Subscribe by email, and get inspired at Wheel Questions, my other blog, and see the 4-minute podcast. Send encouragement and ideas to johnny@johnnyslist.org

By Johnny Monsarrat on February 5, 2009 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) Content by Jon Monsarrat.

Boston Events Insider: Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events: 2/02/09

I changed the main website to http://weirdbostonevents.org but everything should still be working without your needing to do anything. Apparently it caused a one-time hiccup in sending out blog posts. Sorry about that. Now on to the week in weird!

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Darwin Day "Assassins" Game @ Harvard	Feb 6 - Feb 12	Boston Metro
The weird event of the week is another Darwin Day activity. Darwin Day isn't actually until February 12. But what better way to demonstrate survival of the fittest than a "circle kill game", or "assassins" game? These games usually involve a bunch of players armed with spoons who track each other down. Harvard, Cambridge, MA. more
Chinese New Year Celebration in Harvard Square	Feb 8	Boston Metro
Also a number of winter celebrations happen this week! First off, there's a Chinese New Year celebration in Harvard Square, complete with lanterns and a lion dance. Also, heads up, Mary Chung in Central Square, Cambridge will be having a lion dance too, probably Feb 6-8 but currently unscheduled, so call. Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. more
Lowell's WinterFest Celebration	Feb 5 - Feb 7	North Shore
Another Chinese Lantern Festival is part of this Lowell winter event, where they'll have fireworks, a snowman competition, and a "human dog sled championship". All this, and Quincy doesn't even have their 2009 arts calendar up yet. Woo hoo! Lowell, MA. more
Chelmsford Winterfest	Feb 6 - Feb 8	Northern Mass
The winter festivals don't just stop, though. Chelmsford, sort of the dumber younger brother of Lowell, is having a weekend of celebrations as well. No fireworks, but a chowder fest, pancake breakfast, snoeshowing, and free public ice skating sound worth a trip. Chelmsford, MA. more
Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival	Feb 5 - Feb 8	New Hampshire
If you dare to go up north to the White Mountains, where you can climb a waterfall of ice, and other adventures that all sound insane. International Mountain Climbing School, North Conway, NH. more
Town of Greenfield Winter Carnival	Feb 7	New Hampshire
This one is far more sedate, and also in New Hampshire. They'll have a pancake breakfast, a log sawing competition -- need to see that!! -- cardboard sled races, including for adults, dancing, an ice fishing derby, including a mock "ice rescue" demo by firefighters! Greenfield, NH. more
Annual Greenfield Winter Carnival	Feb 6 - Feb 8	Western Mass
Neck and neck for the "We on Greenfield" competition is the other Greenfield, MASSACHUSETTS. 2009: Friday night, board game night, a photo contest, and hockey. Saturday, an art exhibit, a road race, snowshoeing, ice skating, a circus, and zydeco music. Sunday, breakfast, a cookie bake-off, a "Siberian huskies demonstration", free ice skating lessons, and they'll have sledding with a big outdoor fire. Ooh, and they're building an entire "snowman village". Greenfield, MA. more
Winter Festival at DCR's Dunn Pond	Feb 7	Northern Mass
State parks are getting into the carnival game, too, with a lot of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and letterboxing, which is a kind of orienteering. Because what you really want to do is get lost in the forest in the snow with just a compass. Gardner, MA. more
Owl Festival	Feb 7	Metro West
Also there's a guided tour at another state park where you can spot owls in the wild and see them up close, too. Broadmoor, 280 Eliot Street, Natick, MA.508-655-2296. more
Rent snowshoes at Gore Place	Feb 7 - Mar 28	Boston Metro
You can also rent snowshoes at nearby Gore Place, the historic mansion. And they have llamas. And goats. 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(781) 894-2798. more
N.E. Network Polar Plunge	Feb 8	Boston Metro
But wait! We aren't done with crazy winter events yet! How'd you like to dive into the ocean for charity? 2009: 1pm. Curley Recreation Center, 1663 Columbia Road, South Boston, MA.617-876-4444. more
Freezin' For A Reason	Feb 7	Maine
It can only get crazier by doing the same damn thing, but in MAINE. Woo hoo! Portland, ME. more
Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival	Feb 6 - Feb 14	North Shore
Salem's also in the competition. What is it about this particular weekend in February? Anyway, they'll have ice sculptures dotted all over town. This is basically an excuse to visit Salem and shop. Salem, MA. more
Gadgets & Gizmos @ Phillips House	Feb 8	North Shore
While you're in Salem, they're show off 18th century kitchen appliances again at the Phillips House. 2009: Also Mar 8, 10:30am-12pm. 34 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA.978-744-0440. more
Shepard Fairey	Feb 5 - Feb 6	Boston Metro
OK. Enough with the outdoor festivals. The ICA is opening a new exhibit of Shepard Fairey. And they have two sold out parties but if you call right now and you're very lucky, they may have openings. 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.617-478-3100. more
Hasty Pudding Man/Woman of the Year Awards	Feb 5 - Feb 13	Boston Metro
Also due to be sold out -- so buy now -- is the parade for the Hasty Pudding Man/Woman of the Year. Oddly they always give the prize to a celebrity who will show up, as opposed to the 'best' celebrity. This year it's Renee Zellweger, and they haven't found a male actor willing to visit yet. Feb 15 Woman of the Year Roast, Feb 23 Man of the Year Roast. Zero Arrow Street Theater, Cambridge, MA.617-495-5205. more
Forbes House Museum Annual Lincoln Celebration	Feb 8 - Feb 19	South Shore
Here are three events that are substantially classier. There's a museum on the South Shore that I've never heard of, except that they are doing a celebration in honor of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. 2009: The main celebration is on Sunday, 12-4pm. And then two lectures, Feb 12 & 19. Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams Street, Milton, MA. more
This Wasn't Love Letters: The Election of 1860 as Seen Through the Eyes of Two Cape Cod Newspaper Editors	Feb 8	South Shore
And a play based on the election that Lincoln won. Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, MA. more
Frederick Douglass Read-a-thon	Feb 8	Southern Mass
Or, perhaps you'd like to hear the autobiography of Frederick Douglas read cover to cover. It only takes 4 hours. 2009: 2-6pm. First Unitarian Church, Union & Eighth Streets, New Bedford, MA.508-979-8828. more
Rock Fetish Night	Feb 6	Boston Metro
Also, there is a new nighclub event that combines rock music with fetish / goth themes. I visited and the decor and atmosphere is out of this world. Highly recommended. Unfortunately, it is in Everett, so you'll have to drive or taxi. Castillo's, Everett, MA. more
This is Your Brain on Love: Why Him? Why Her?	Feb 4	Boston Metro
Finally, it's a little too soon for Valentine's Day, but here is the first themed event of the season. It's a lecture on the brain science of falling in love. How sweet. Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA. more
Also Fun
Groundhog Day at the Coolidge Corner Theatre	Feb 2	Boston Metro
There's not much going on for Groundhog Day (I checked), but they're showing the classic movie at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. more
Regattabar Jazz Festival	Feb 8 - May 5	Boston Metro
Finally, every year the Regattabar holds a number of jazz performances spanning 4 months, and insist on calling it a 'festival'.Here it is. Charles Hotel, One Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Speed Date with an Editor	Feb 28	North Shore
I'm listing this early because you should sign up immediately. It costs $30 but you get to submit 5 pages and talk with a real editor. How real is unknown. Cornerstone Books, Salem, MA. more
Recurring Events
Sleigh rides & smores at Point of View Farm	Jan 2 - Feb 28	New Hampshire
Weekends through February, you can get a real sleigh ride in New Hampshire. 160 South Road, Deerfield, NH.603-463-7974. more
Kimball Farm Horse-Draw Sleigh Rides	Jan 2 - Feb 28	Northern Mass
Or closer to Boston in Haverhill, MA, if there's snow. Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more
Performance
Cabaret	Jan 11 - Feb 8	Boston Metro
I've seen this show and it's genuinely fantastic. It's a glimpse into the culture that prepared Germany for World War II and the persecution of Jews, set to a musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. more
Dirty Dancing, the Musical	Feb 7 - Mar 15	Boston Metro
Dirty Dancing is now a musical. If you liked the movie, give it a shot. Opera House, Boston, MA. more

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By Johnny Monsarrat on February 2, 2009 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Content by Jon Monsarrat.