Events INSIDER: March 4-12, 2013

Giveaways & Features
Win Jewel: Greatest Hits Tour
With 27 million albums sold and 4 Grammy nominations, you know Jewel through songs including ,’Who Will Save Your Soul’, ‘You Were Meant for Me’, and ‘Foolish Games.’ I have two pairs of tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com. Win Jewel: Greatest Hits TourWilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
See Free Theatre, Write Reviews
Weird: do a google image search on theatre reviewer and my photo comes up first! I have 4 theatre reviewers and I’d like another. The deal is you get two free tickets to see a show, and you write me an A+ review. No cash, sorry. Email johnny@eventinsider.com and tell me you have a great sense for theatre and are a great writer. See Free Theatre, Write Reviews Boston, MA, .
Johnny’s Picks
Urban Planning Opening
This mostly LED lights installation highlights the original plot of the buildings that once stood on Dewey Square Park. More than just lights, what this collective is trying to achieve is a better understanding of how development can be great but only if it’s thought through. 6-7pm. Urban Planning OpeningRose Kennedy Greenway Boston, MA, .
Maple Syrup Boil Down Festival
This maple event promises you and your family will have fun while the sap boils over traditional fire. Kids activities, storytelling and all sorts of treats to try the syrup on are on the menu. 10am-2pm. Maple Syrup Boil Down FestivalThe Growing Center Somerville, MA, .
Israeli Folk Dance Fest and Ice Cream Social
The performancers at this festival have one major goal: To not let the Israeli dance tradition in the Boston Area die. So, out of pure love for what they do, they present an annual show to educate and also encourage new dancers to embrace this old, beautiful dance. Looks like you can’t really participate, but if you’re interested in learning you’ll definitely find the best instructors there. 3 pm. Israeli Folk Dance Fest and Ice Cream SocialKresge Auditorium @ MIT Cambridge, MA, .
From The Big Bang To Broadway: How Things Evolve
No, no ancient creatures have actually gotten to Broadway. And while that might be a shame, what isn’t is taking the time to listen Robert Hazen talk about how far we’ve come since everything started with that incredibly loud bang. 6-7pm. From The Big Bang To Broadway: How Things EvolveHarvard Museum of Natural History Cambridge, MA, .
Annual Kerouac Birthday Celebration
Jack Kerouac, best known for his 1950’s novel ‘On the Road’, was born in Lowell and they celebrate his birthday for a whole weekend. There will be movies / book readings with discussions, live music, and more to celebrate this literary icon. Annual Kerouac Birthday CelebrationAll around Lowell, MA, .
Black Rose Ball XXXVI
Renaissance up for this fantastic ball. There will be ballroom dancing (don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance, they’ll teach you there), damsels in distress, blokes in tights… and a lot of medieval fun. 9am-12pm. Black Rose Ball XXXVISt. David’s on the Hill Episcopal Church Cranston, RI, .
Winter Trees and Maple Syrup
Experience the sugaring process from tree to table and learn how the sugaring process has evolved since Native Americans began this tradition to our own very modern techniques. March 10, 16 and 17 11am-3pm. Winter Trees and Maple Syrup Sharon, MA, .
Hebron Maple Fest
Here’s a massive maple sugar event. They’ll have a scavenger hunt, demonstrations of woodworking and blacksmithing, a silent action, an ice cream eating contest and a revolutionary war encampment besides the sap collecting. And it’s only a 2 hour drive from Boston. Sat 9:30-3pm, Sun 7:30-4pm. Hebron Maple Fest Hebron, CT, .
Maple Sugaring
Ah, another maple sugaring that brings history into the picture! How has maple sugaring evolved since the days of Native Americans? 9am-12pm. You need to pre-register for this one. Maple SugaringAudubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road Coventry, RI, .
The Love Letters of John and Abigail Adams
Yet another timeless couple that enjoyed pouring their hearts out on old sheets of paper. 7:30 pm. The Love Letters of John and Abigail AdamsEssex Congregational Church Essex, MA, .
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Worcester
Worcester too starts early celebrations for Saint Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick's Day Parade - Worcester Worcester, MA, .
Cape Cod’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Probably the first St. Patrick’s Parade in New England. 11 am. Cape Cod's St. Patrick's Day ParadeSchool Street & Route 28 Dennis, MA, .
St. Pat’s race & Parade – Providence, RI
Another St. Patty’s race followed by the traditional parade. 11:15 am. St. Pat's race & Parade - Providence, RIRhode Island State House on Smith St. (route 44) Providence, RI, .
Milford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
There’s not a lot of info on this one, but hey another St. Patrick’s Parade! Better than doing laundry or watching TV, no? 12 pm. Milford's St. Patrick's Day ParadeDowntown Milford Milford, CT, .
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Hartford, CT
Hartford promises their parade will be held rain or shine. 11 am. St. Patrick's Day Parade - Hartford, CTCapitol Avenue Hartford, CT, .
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – New Haven, CT
The 6th oldest parade in the nation and one of the largest events in Connecticut. 1:30 pm. St. Patrick's Day Parade - New Haven, CT New Haven, CT, .
The Courthouse O’Putnam 5K
A road race for St. Patty’s Day where participants are encouraged to sport a cool costume too. Who knows, maybe going as a leprechaun will give you some extra luck. 12:30pm. The Courthouse O'Putnam 5K Putnam, CT, .
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Bennington, VT
And this one’s at 1pm. St. Patrick's Day Parade - Bennington, VTMain Street in Downtown Bennington Bennington, VT, .
Also Fun
Mobile Strategy and Getting Started with App Development
I’ve been to these meetings and highly recommend them. If you’re a techie, you don’t want to miss this! Mobile Strategy and Getting Started with App DevelopmentMicrosoft NERD Cambridge, MA, .
A Taste of Iceland
It shouldn’t take much to draw people’s attention to Iceland. I mean, they do have those spectacular northern lights, volcanoes and Bjrk. But in case you still have your doubts about this wonderful country, check A Taste of Iceland, a festival that includes free music, films and food. A Taste of IcelandVarious Boston, MA, .
Boston Jewish Music Festival
Well, if there’s a Jewish Film Festival, of course there had to be a Jewish Music Festival! I see a lot of violins and odd looking guitars played by smiling people. Definitely worth checking it out. Boston Jewish Music FestivalVarious Boston, MA, .
The Puppet Free Library
Okay, so libraries are fun, but books still scare some people for whatever reason. But, how about taking a PUPPET home instead? And you could use that puppet to reenact, perhaps, your favorite story or create one yourself. What a great idea! Oh, and have I mentioned it’s free? Every Tuesday from 2-7pm. The Puppet Free LibraryBehind 15 Newbury St, in the alley between Newbury and Commonwealth Boston, MA, .
Free Film Fridays at Museum of Science
All IMAX films in the Mugar Omni Theater each Friday in March (1, 8, 15, 22, and 29) are free! Free Film Fridays at Museum of ScienceMuseum of Science Boston, MA, .
Winning Closing Arguments: A cool seminar for lawyers
What happens when an all-Star panel of top litigators put Michael Jackson, Star Wars, and the Boston Red Sox on trial? Attendees learn how to win closing arguments, that’s what happens. Learn from the best to defeat very best. 4-7pm. Winning Closing Arguments: A cool seminar for lawyersMassachusetts Bar Association Boston, MA, .
Shadow Show: A tribute to Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury is best known for ‘Fahrenheit 451’, but his legacy goes beyond having written a best seller. He’s the muse and inspiration to many Science Fiction and Fantasy writers, some of which have created a collection of short stories in honor to Mr. Bradbury’s work. Don’t miss the reading, presentation and discussion of this tribute book. 7pm. Shadow Show: A tribute to Ray BradburyCoolidge Corner Brookline, MA, .
Bad Attitude and Bluegrass: Readings and Music
‘Not your grandmother’s literary event’ so expect no cheesy stories and no morals. Irreverent writers and poets will give you a dose of much needed bad attitude through readings and music. 6-8pm. Bad Attitude and Bluegrass: Readings and MusicRosebud Bar and Grill, Davis Square Somerville, MA, .
The Boston Palestine Film Festival
This movie festival features early works, video art pieces and films not only from Palestinian artists but from creators from all over the world and their view of one of the most mysterious and intriguing countries in the world. The Boston Palestine Film FestivalVarious Venues Boston, MA, .
Stories through time
3,000 years ago people had the same necessities we have today but none of the commodities. Learn all about how civilizations and humans have evolved through stories, games and more. 9am-4pm. Stories through timeHarvard Museum of Natural History Cambridge, MA, .
Belmont World Film Festival
International Film Festivals are a great way to see the world through other people’s eyes or lenses, for that matter. Enjoy a new different film, a different world, and a discussion afterwards every Monday from March 11th through April 29th. Belmont World Film FestivalStudio Cinema Belmont, MA, .
MassTLC 2013 Annual Meeting: Educate, Attract, Engage: Building the Massachusetts’ Tech Workforce of the Future
MassTLC is where tech executives, entrepreneurs and everyone interested in creating a bigger, better network for top-of-the-notch technology and communications meet. This time the governor of Massachussets will participate in an interactive conversation on workforce initiatives and policies. 7:30am-11am. MassTLC 2013 Annual Meeting: Educate, Attract, Engage: Building the Massachusetts' Tech Workforce of the FutureRenaissance Boston Waterfront Boston, MA, .
Free Day at the DeCordova Museum
The DeCordova Sculpture Museum is one of my favorites, not only for their indoor exhibits, but also for their amazing park dotted with some pretty cool sculptures that you can walk around. And every first Wednesday of the month you can go for free! 10am-5pm. Free Day at the DeCordova Museum Lincoln, MA, .
Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tours
A great way to seize the cold days is snowshoeing through the DeCordova’s Museum park, filled with awesome sculptures with some very interesting stories. This is for ages 8 and up, with little to no snowshoeing experience required. 10 am & 12:30 pm. Sculpture Park Snowshoe Tours Lincoln, MA, .
7th Annual Dummy Big Air Contest at Mt. Sunapee
Home-built dummies get pushed down a slope for your amusement and entertainment. This is fun since the dummy-making process, until the very moment you see them crash not so gracefully against the trees. Registration 9 am, Contest 2pm. 7th Annual Dummy Big Air Contest at Mt. SunapeeMt. Sunapee Newbury, NH, .
Salem Film Festival
This the sixth edition of an all-documentary film festival, where the featured films will hopefully change the way you see the world. A lot of filmmakers attend this week long show, so it’s not just a regular movie screening. Salem Film FestivalCinemaSalem Salem, MA, .
North Shore Antiques and Collectibles Bazaar
Hunting for treasures in fleamarkets is a hobby that’s slowly fading away since nowadays all you find is junk with ‘Made in China’ stamped on the back; but not here. This bazaar is still home to precious antiques and collectibles. 8:30am-2pm. Free. North Shore Antiques and Collectibles BazaarNewburyport Elks Hall Newburyport, MA, .
Ice Age Trail at Ravenswood Park
Still think the Earth is only 6000 years old? Well, the ice trails at Ravenswood Park will prove you wrong. This is a guided walk tour through the Park; where history is told by the marks it leaves behind. 1-3pm. Ice Age Trail at Ravenswood ParkRavenswood Park Gloucester, MA, .
Princess Party at the Fall River Carousel
Yupp. A Princess Party at the largest naval musem of the world, with a real World War II Battleship and unlimited carousel rides! Bring your kids for a royal make-over and real fun. Guess this one’s best for little girls. Make reservations in advance. Time not listed. Princess Party at the Fall River Carousel Fall River, MA, .
Leprechaun Plunge
Insane people will jump into the water and you get to watch and throw money at them so they have to dive to get it. It’s not actually cruel if you think it’s all for charity and fun. 10:30am. Leprechaun PlungeBrunell’s Marina South Hadley, MA, .
‘Get a Clue’ Tours: Solve a Mystery in Mark Twain’s House
Mark Twain’s house is dotted with secret passages and rooms. There’s probably no better place in the world (ok, around here to be more fair) to play live action Clue. Who murdered whom, with what, where? Come solve the mystery! 6-10pm. 'Get a Clue' Tours: Solve a Mystery in Mark Twain's House Hartford, CT, .
Performance
Review: The Lover
From Tony Award winning playwright Harold Pinter comes The Lover, a dark comedy in a single act. Click for our review! Review: The LoverBCA Boston, MA, .
Literary Death Match
Four literary erudites will read their work for 7 minutes or less. They’ll be judged without mercy. In the end, only two will battle with the most powerful of weapons: Words. Also: You KNOW you want to go to an event called Literary Death Match. 7:30pm. Literary Death MatchThe Middle East Cambridge, MA, .
PuppetSLAM
Here’s a puppet show meant for adults! Take over the stage and feela bit like Lemony Snicket controlling these wondeful and innocent puppets at your will. 8pm. It’s PG-13 or R-rated. PuppetSLAM Brookline, MA, .
Paradise Rock Club: Reykjavik Calling Concert
Part of the a taste of Iceland festival, featuring Icelandic Musicians and bands paired with ones from Boston Asgeir Trausti and The Adam Ezra Group. 8pm. Paradise Rock Club: Reykjavik Calling Concert Boston, MA, .
MassMouth Semi finals ‘ Doyle’s Caf
Story Slams season is about to finish and now the very best will share their awkward, funny and outraging stories again for a chance to win first place. This is only one of the semifinals and will include stories about betrayal, kin, politics, having a sixth sense and more. Check their site for other locations and the grand finale. 7-10 pm. MassMouth Semi finals ' Doyle's CafDoyle’s Caf Jamaica Plain, MA, .