Public Art Discussion: Materials Mania
Monday, November 14 6pm-9pm
Artisan’s Asylum, 10 Tyler St., Somerville, 02143
617-951-0010 x243
Free
Materials Mania, the second session of the Public Art Discussions series hosted by the New England Foundation for the Arts, will focus on materials, highlighting a few of those that are particularly useful for public artists. Experts from local fabrication shops will join the discussion to share their experiences and favorite materials. This event is free; sign up here.
TC SQUARED Presents Free Theatre Performance
Monday, November 14 7pm-9pm
Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Theater, 539 Tremont St., Boston 02116
617-426-5000
Free
The Thomas-Clark Theatre Company, aka TC SQUARED, presents The Next Stage, a free performance featuring new works written and performed by graduates of the Boston Arts Academy. The event is free to attend, though donations are welcome. Register here.
Free Concert w/ Sharon Katz & Abigail Kubeka
Monday, November 14 9:30am-11am
Wheelock Family Theatre, Wheelock College, 180 The Riverway, Boston 02215
617-879-2447
Free
Wheelock College’s Center for International Education, Leadership, and Innovation presents a free live concert with South African musicians, Sharon Katz and the Peace Train, featuring Special Guest, Abigail Kubeka, as part of the 2011 International Education Week.
Register for this free event.
Terrorists in Love w/ Ken Ballen
Tuesday, November 15 @ 7pm
Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 02138
617-661-1515
Free
Harvard Book Store presents author, Ken Ballen, who will read from and discuss his first book, Terrorists in Love: The Real Lives of Islamic Radicals. Ballen is the President and Founder of Terror Free Tomorrow, a well-recognized non-profit organization that investigates extremism and its causes.
Museum of Science Forum: Custom Babies?
Tuesday, November 15 @ 7pm
Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston 02114
617-723-7500
Free
The Museum of Science presents Custom Babies?, a forum discussion about genetic engineering with reproduction. Participation is free, but space is limited. Advanced registration is requested.
Free Documentary Film: We Still Live Here (Âs Nutayuneân)
Tuesday, November 15 @ 6pm
City Year Headquarters, 287 Columbus Ave., Boston 02116
617-422-0918 x213
All Ages
Free
Boston Cares presents a free screening of the documentary film, We Still Live Here (Âs Nutayuneân), a story about the Wampanoag Native American tribes of Southeastern Massachusetts and the amazing revival of their language. Watch Trailer. The event is open to the public and will take place at the City Year Headquarters in Boston.
Dancing to Mozart’s REQUIEM: Artist Talk
Wednesday, November 16 @ 7pm
Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Somerville, 02143
Free
Choreographer, Nicole Pierce, of EgoArt, Inc., dance-theater company, will discuss the choreography, scores, recordings and other research that went into the 2-year development process which resulted in REQUIEM, a full-length multimedia dance piece that EgoArt performed at the Cyclorama last year. Pierce is said to be both informative and fun as a speaker, offering a talk that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. Video excerpts from the performance will also be shown.
When Science Meets Art: Artistic Visions, Scientific Truths
Wednesday, November 16 @ 7pm
Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston 02114
617-723-2500
Free
The Museum of Science presents Artistic Visions, Scientific Truths, a lecture event featuring artist, Alexis Rockman, known for his apocalyptic, nature and humanity themed paintings, and evolutionary biologist, James J. McCarthy, PhD, global climate change expert and pioneer. The event was created to complement Prints and the Pursuit of Knowledge in Early Modern Europe, current exhibition at Harvard Art Museums and will be introduced by Susan Dackerman, Carl A. Weyerhaeuser Curator of Prints, Division of European and American Art, Harvard Art Museums. Artistic Visions, Scientific Truths is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged.
Free Film Screening: Miss Representation
Thursday, November 17 7pm-9pm
The Kuumba Library, YWCA, 140 Clarendon St., Boston 02116
Free
Boston GLOW (Girls’ Leadership, Organized Women) presents a free screening of Miss Representation, a new documentary film about the under-representation of women in positions of power and the ways in which the mainstream media contributes to the problem (Watch Trailer). The event is free and open to the public; reserve your spot here. *Also note that another free screening of this film will take place on November 29th at the Boston University Medical Campus.
Artmobile Celebration
Thursday, November 17 4pm-7pm
Massachusetts College of Art & Design, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston 02115
617-780-9765
All Ages
Free
SPARC, a community service organization at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, has developed the Artmobile, a multi-purpose van designed to bring together the people of the multi-ethnic neighborhoods surrounding the college through interactive art activities. A community wide celebration in honor of the Artmobile will take place on November 17th in the Tower Lobby of MassArt, and will include music, art, food and performances.
Public Rock Band Tournament
Thursday, November 17 6pm-10pm
Space with a Soul, 281 Summer St., Boston, 02108
617-744-9336
Free
Space with a Soul presents Rock the Channel, a public Rock Band tournament to take place on a large screen for all to see. There will be food and beverages as well as prizes for everyone involved. If you wish to participate in the tournament, you can bring your band of 2, 3, or 4 people, or if you need help forming a group, contact [email protected]. This event is free and open to the public; Register to watch or participate.
Lecture by Civil Rights Movement Activist
Thursday, November 17 10am-11:30am
Wheelock College, Ladd Multipurpose Room, 43 Hawes St., Brookline, 02446
Free
Wheelock College’s Center for International Education, Leadership and Innovation presents “Inspiring Students Locally to Act Globally”, a lecture by Educator, Minister, and Civil Rights Movement Activist, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr. Dr. Lafayette Jr. is internationally known as a scholar, lecturer and consultant on peace and nonviolence and played a leading role in the 1960 Nashville Movement, the 1961 Freedom Rides, and the 1965 Selma Movement. Register to attend this free event.
$5 Theatre Performance about Elderly Prostitutes
Thursday, November 17 @ 8pm
Unity Somerville, 6 William Street @ College Ave., Somerville, 02144
888-874-7554
$5
Bare Bones: Staged Readings at Theatre@First presents The Oldest Profession, a play about five elderly prostitutes, in NYC just post the 1980 Reagan election, who gather on a park bench to discuss various issue related to both the business of selling sex and old age. Written by Paula Vogel and Directed by Lisë Stern, The Oldest Profession will be presented on November 17th at Unity Somerville. A suggested donation of $5 is requested.
First Light Festival in Brookline
Thursday, November 17 5pm-8pm
Multiple Locations all over Brookline
617-277-4593
All Ages
Free
The Brookline 1st Light Festival is a huge celebration taking place all around Brookline to welcome the holiday season. More than 50 area businesses will participate in the event, with free food, live performances, tons of activities, shopping discounts, prize raffles, a scavenger hunt, and more. The following areas of Brookline will participate in the First Light Festival: Brookline Village, JFK/Coolidge Corner, Washington Square, Putterham Circle, and St. Mary’s. See the full schedule of events.
5th Annual Artists Under the Dome
Thursday, November 17 10am-3pm
Massachusetts State House, Great Hall, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, 02133
Free
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts wants to once again officially thank Massachusetts artists for their contributions to the state’s economy and quality of life, and is holding the 5th Annual Artists Under the Dome event in order to do so. Artists in all disciplines are invited to take part in this special occasion that is unique only to the state of Massachusetts; the event is free. More Info
“What is a Planet?”: Astronomy Lecture
Thursday, November 17 @ 7pm
Center for Astrophysics, Phillips Auditorium, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, 02138
617-495-7461
High School age and Adults
Free
As part of the Monthly Observatory Nights program, the Center for Astrophysics presents “What is a Planet?”, a lecture by David A. Aguilar of the CfA, that will address the confusion amidst new technologies around the latest official definition of a “planet”, inspired by the recent ‘demotion’ of Pluto. This discussion is free, open to the public, and nontechnical. It is suitable for anyone high school aged and above. The event may also include a telescopic observation of the night sky, depending on the weather. Also note that parking is free; park in the lots labeled “Observatory Staff” and refer to this page if anyone gives you any trouble.
Beer Summit Harvest Fest
Friday, November 18 5:30-9pm
Saturday, November 19 12:30pm-4pm & 5:30pm-9pm
Park Plaza Castle, 130 Columbus Ave., Boston 02116
888-945-2337
Ages 21 and Over
$42.50
The annual Beer Summit Harvest Fest is a beer drinking event, featuring 200+ beers to taste from over 50 breweries. See the event page for a list of participating breweries. And get your tickets early; this event sells out.
Movement at the Mills Dance Performance
Friday, November 18 @ 7:30pm
Boston Center for the Arts, Mills Gallery, 551 Tremont St., Boston 02116
617-426-5000
Free
This season’s Movement at the Mills free dance performance at the Boston Center for the Arts will feature The PGK Project, a highly respected contemporary repertory dance company out of NYC, presenting work from award-winning choreographers.
A Behind the Scenes Revels Salon
Friday, November 18 @ 7:30pm-9:30pm
The Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown
617-972-8300 x31
$20
The annual Christmas Revels performances are coming up and for this Revels Salon, artistic leaders, George Emlen and Patrick Swanson, will take you behind the scenes of the whole production. Get Tickets
Mass Humanities Fall Symposium: Cyberspace & Civic Space
Saturday, November 19 12:30pm-5pm
Boston College, Robsham Theater, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, 02467
413-584-8440
Free
The 8th Annual Mass Humanities Fall Symposium will focus on Cyberspace & Civic Space: The Impact of the Internet on Our Democracy. The event will feature three 75-minute sessions, in which a panel of scholars, journalists, activists and innovators will address the political, social and cultural impact of the internet. (See Schedule and List of panelists) Each session will be followed by a 25-minute Q&A. The Symposium is free and open to the public; free parking is available in the Commonwealth Garage, located diagonally across the road from the Robsham Theater. Register to Attend
Harvest Moon Fair
Saturday, November 19 @10am
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 630 Mass. Ave, Arlington 02474
781-648-3799
All Ages
Free
The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington presents their annual Harvest Moon Fair, a marketplace of attic treasures, toys, jewelry, baked goods, and other bargain-priced items. The fair will also offer an array of activities, such as chair massages, a quilt raffle, kid’s corner, live music and dining at the Harvest Moon Café.
Burlesque Marathon
Saturday, November 19 @ 11:59pm
Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline 02446
617-734-2500
$20/in advance, $30/day of show
The Coolidge Corner @fter Midnite program presents the Burlesque Marathon, a showcase of 100 burlesque acts from local and national performers that will run over night and through the morning ending with breakfast for all. There will also be an Audience Favorite Contest for non-professional or newbie burlesque performers (More Info). Get Tickets
Bird Walk @ Jamaica Pond
Saturday, November 19 @ 8am
Jamaica Pond Boathouse, 507 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain
617-522-2700
All Ages
Free
Friends of Jamaica Pond’s Gerry Wright will lead a bird watching walk around Jamaica Pond, suitable for families and all levels of birders. Adventure kits containing binoculars and bird guides will be available for participants to borrow. Participation is free but space is limited; please RSVP to [email protected].
Shaquille O’Neal @ Harvard Book Store
Saturday, November 19 @ 1pm
Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 02138
617-661-1515
Free
Four-time NBA Champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP, Shaquille O’Neal, who recently retired from the Boston Celtics, will be at the Harvard Book Store to sign copies of his book, Shaw Uncut: My Story. This event is free and does not require tickets or registration: Updates on signing guidelines will be posted on the Harvard Book Store events calendar.
Talk and Cooking Demo w/ Father Leo
Sunday, November 20 @ 2pm
Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St., Boston 02116
617-536-0944 x217
All Ages
$15/adults, $5/children
Father Leo Patalinghug, (who you might recognize from Throwdown!, where he defeated Bobby Flay),will be at the Trinity Church to give a cooking demonstration and talk about how to bring families together in food and faith, with scriptural references and simple, quality recipes, as described in his book, Grace Before Meals: Recipes and Inspiration for Family Meals and Family Life. He will also present his famous dish, “Fusion Fajitas”, which participants will be able to taste. The talk will be followed by a book signing.
Boston Designer Trunk Show
Sunday, November 20 11am-5pm
Felt Boston, 533 Washington St., Boston 02116
617-350-5555
Ages 21+
$10 ($30 VIP)
Boston After Six presents the Boston Designer Trunk Show, a shopping event featuring designers and boutiques from Boston and surrounding areas, presenting their best ready-to-wear and custom fitted fashion pieces, many of which will be offered at exclusive discount prices. Guests will also have access to free style samples and styling tips from wardrobe consultants, as well as complimentary chocolate from TRU Chocolate. General admission tickets are $10, or upgrade to VIP status for $30 and also receive a swag bag, M.A.C Lip Gloss, and fashion pieces by event partners. Get Tickets
Keynote Brunch w/ Diana Henriques
Sunday, November 20 11am
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, MacDowell Auditorium, 333 Nahanton St., Newton
866-811-4111
$12-$15
The Ryna Greenbaum JCC Boston Jewish Book Fair presents a festival day Keynote Brunch with New York Times senior financial writer, Diana Henriques, who will discuss her book, The Wizard of Lies-Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust. Emmy-Award-Winning investigative reporter, Hank Phillippi Ryan, will join her in conversation. Tickets are $15 for non JCC members and $12 for members; lunch is included. Pre-registration is required. You can purchase tickets online or by calling 1-866-811-4111 or 617-965-5226.
The Species Seekers: Science Author Talk
Sunday, November 20 @ 4pm
Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge, 02138
617-495-3045
Free w/ Museum admission
Science Writer and NPR commentator, Richard Conniff, will be at the Harvard Museum of Natural History to talk about various scientists and adventurers throughout history who were committed enough to risk death in their quest to discover new species, as presented in his book The Species Seekers: Heroes, Fools, and the Mad Pursuit of Life on Earth.
When Science Meets Art: Water is Rising
Sunday, November 20 @ 3:30pm
Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, 02114
617-723-2500
Free
The Water is Rising lecture at the Museum of Science will use song, dance and discussion to bring awareness to the immediate global warming crisis that is threating places like the pacific atolls of Kiribati, Tokelau, and Tuvalu. The presentation will feature conversations with environmental experts, government officials and science writers as well as a performance by inhabitants of Kiribati. A related Water is Rising concert will take place at the Sanders Theatre on November 19th (see description above). The Water is Rising lecture is free, but space is limited. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged.
Boston Food Swap
Sunday, November 20 2pm-4pm
Space with a Soul, 281 Summer St., Boston 02210
Free w/ Registration
The Boston Food Swap November event will take place on the 20th at Space for a Soul. Those interested in participating should bring food items that they have personally homemade, homegrown or foraged. Examples include baked goods, herbs, fruits and veggies, pickles, jams, pasta, etc. The food swap is free to attend, but advanced registration is required. Sign up here or check out this page for more details and guidelines.