Events INSIDER: Feb 5-12, 2013

02/05/13 by
Giveaways & Features
My Speech: Master Strategies to Build a World Class Team
Do you like my blog? You’ll love my lecture on how to build your business by finding the A++ team members you need. It’s TONIGHT in Waltham! 7pm. My Speech: Master Strategies to Build a World Class TeamFoley Hoag Emerging Enterprise Center (North Entrance), 1000 Winter Street, Suite 4000 Waltham, MA, .
My Speech: How to Find and Capture Your Target Demographic
Did you know that I’m an award-winning public speaker? Come hear me speak about the marketing approaches and customer targeting your competitors are doing and you need to start. It’s free! My Speech: How to Find and Capture Your Target DemographicEnterprise Center at Salem State University Salem, MA, .
GIVEAWAY- The Elvis Experience
Elvis impersonators aren’t just for Vegas. Who knew? And I’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away to this show! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. GIVEAWAY- The Elvis ExperienceThe Regent Theatre Arlington, MA, .
GIVEAWAY- Rogue Burlesque
The Oscars are coming up, and the clothes are coming off! I have two pairs of tix to give away to this burlesque show. To win, see the trivia questions on the link! GIVEAWAY- Rogue BurlesqueOberon Cambridge, MA, –.
Marc Maron at the Wilbur
Comedian Marc Maron makes a crash landing in Boston tonigh! Two shows at 7:30pm and 10pm. I’m going! Marc Maron at the WilburWilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
Find 17 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). Find 17 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , –.
Get the 2013 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 700 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! Get the 2013 New England Guide All Over, , –.
Boston’s Largest High-Tech / Business Calendar
Do you network? Find Boston’s largest calendar of high-tech and business networking events in my free mobile app! Boston's Largest High-Tech / Business Calendar Boston, MA, –.
Johnny’s Picks
Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Parade and Awards
Kiefer Sutherland, the star of TV’s 24 and Touch, is the man of the year, and will parade through Harvard Square and take part in a cheeky awards ceremony! Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Parade and AwardsZero Arrow Street Theater Cambridge, MA, .
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
Did you know that Boston has a prestigious movie group of nationwide prominence that gives movie awards? Their list of Bests is full of obvious choices, but I’m happy to report that this event focuses on How to Survive a Plague, a documentary about the AIDS crisis and activism. The director David France will be holding court. Boston Society of Film Critics AwardsBrattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, .
Darwin Day
Every year on or around February 12th, people celebrate the birth of Charles Darwin and his great contributions to science. This week you can celebrate with the Harvard Humanist Chaplaincy. Darwin DayScience Center Hall E, Harvard University Cambridge, MA, .
Lowell WinterFest
This one looks even better! Fireworks, hot soup competition, snowman competition, and a ‘human dog sled championship’. Yay, fireworks in February! Lowell WinterFest Lowell, MA, –.
Lincoln Winter Carnival
Horseback riding, snowshoe tours, snow sculpture contests, and indoor events dot this town-wide festival just one town west of the Rt 128 beltway. Lincoln Winter Carnival Lincoln, MA, –.
Annual Lincoln Birthday Brunch
Here’s a breakfast and book talk on Lincoln to celebrate his birthday. Annual Lincoln Birthday BrunchConcord’s Colonial Inn Concord, MA, .
Lincoln’s Birthday at he Forbes House
This museum is also celebrating Lincoln today with lots of educational lectures and events. Lincoln's Birthday at he Forbes HouseForbes House Museum Milton, MA, .
Ice Harvesting and Winter Carnival
This one is small but creative and it’s associated with a museum, which means they’ll have both an indoors to warm up and educational bits too. 201: 11am-3pm. Sleigh & sled dog rides, snowball throwing contest, snowshoe obstacle course, ice cutting, etc. Ice Harvesting and Winter CarnivalRemick Museum Tamworth, NH, .
Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby
I’ve got no interest in fish but would be curious just to see ice fishing. Can’t go? They have webcams! Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby Meredith, NH, –.
Lunar New Year
With its renowned collection of Asian arts and antiquities, the Peabody-Essex is a very sensible place for a Chinese New Year celebration. This is mostly kids-oriented, though. Lunar New YearMorse Auditorium Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square Salem, MA, .
SCA’s Baronial Birthday
The Society for Creative Anachronism hosts medeival re-enactments that are usually period-accurate. This seems to be basically a dinner, but they promise ‘historical displays, games and entertainments’ without describing them. Huh. SCA's Baronial BirthdayBetheseda Lutheran Church Springfield, MA, .
McIntire and Mardi Gras: A Winter Festival to Support Preservation of the Washington Arch
People who love history also love to party? Get me there! 7pm. McIntire and Mardi Gras: A Winter Festival to Support Preservation of the Washington ArchKnights of Columbus Salem, MA, .
Also Fun
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, & the Prison of Belief
Author Lawrence right gives the low-down on Scientology. Let’s hope he also lays the smack down. Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, & the Prison of BeliefThe Brattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
USS Constitution Museum Model Show
This model show is free, but they haven’t listed what times to go to actually meet some of the model builders and do a workshop. So, call. Otherwise, it’s basically an exhibit open all day every day. USS Constitution Museum Model ShowUSS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard Building 22 Boston, MA, –.
IHOP National Pancake Day
Also free are pancakes! Yummy yummy, pancakes. 7am to 10pm, any IHOP. IHOP National Pancake DayIHOP Cambridge, MA, .
MIT Annual Latke-Hamentashen Debate
Putting their cultural emphasis on learning and debate on the line will be the ‘finest scholars’ at MIT debating over the merits of two Jewish foods that the rest of us have never heard of. But they’ll serve samples! It seems to be free! Free food, people! I don’t care if they serve gefilte fish, if it’s free, I’m there. 8pm. MIT Annual Latke-Hamentashen DebateMIT Room 10-250 Cambridge, MA, .
Boston Globe Travel Show
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 don’t need total luxury. And they’ll include celebrity chefs and live animal shows for god knows what reason. Boston Globe Travel ShowSeaport World Trade Center Boston, MA, –.
Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival
Featuring both classics and new films, this festival is a liberal mix of decent stuff and total schlock, which I guess is kind of the point. It all culminates in a 24-hour movie marathon on the 18th! Keep checking their website for a list of films The festival is definitely happening, but for some reason they are STILL finalizing their schedule! Boston Sci-Fi Film FestivalSomerville Theatre Somerville, MA, –.
Wolfs Mardi Gras Ball
This Mardi Gras party is celebrating its 20th year this week. Lots of performances and costumed mayhem spread over two nights at TT the Bear’s in Central Square. Wolfs Mardi Gras BallTT the Bear’s Cambridge, MA, –.
Miss Boston 2012 Pageant
Really? This is a thing that happens? Even though it’s the 21st century? To be honest, I find these things vapid and demeaning, but hell, it’s a slow month. Miss Boston 2012 PageantOmni Hotel Boston, MA, .
Newport NH Winter Carnival
Wait, what is a pickleball tournament? Ooh, and there’s a parade and karaoke on the common! Newport NH Winter Carnival Newport, NH, –.
Dartmouth Winter Carnival
This particular winter carnival is a weekend-long, athletic romp. Dartmouth Winter Carnival Hanover, NH, –.
Keene Ice and Snow Festival
On your way to go skiing? This free festival includes ice carving and snow sculpting. 10am-4pm. Keene Ice and Snow Festival Keene, NH, .
Colebrook Winter Carnival
Meanwhile, Colebrook’s winter carnival has a bit of an old-fashioned feel, with cribbage and bocce tournaments and boxcar racing for kids. Colebrook Winter Carnival Colebrook, NH, .
Durham Winter Carnival
This winter carnival’s claim to fame is its mac & cheese cook off. Durham Winter Carnival Durham, NH, .
Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival
Chocolate and ice sculptures— I’ll bite! Salem's So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival Salem, MA, –.
Pride and Prejudice Ball
Remember that really amazing, 6-part Pride and Prejudice miniseries from the ’90s? Here’s your chance to attend one of those fancy balls. Wearing modern evening dress or a Regency costume, you will learn period set dances. It’s unlikely that Mr. Darcy will show up in a wet shirt. Pride and Prejudice BallSalem Old Town Hall Salem, MA, .
North Shore Antiques and Collectibles Bazaar
Do you miss hunting for treasures at fleamarkets during the winter months? Here’s a new one in Newburyport, where many of the dealers are from the Todd Farm fleamarket in Topsfield. This is a laid-back and friendly show where it’s fun to hunt for bargains. It’s all antiques and vintage— no junk with ‘Made in China’ stamped on the back! 8:30pm-2pm. Free. North Shore Antiques and Collectibles BazaarNewburyport Elks Hall Newburyport, MA, .
Mass MoCA FREE Day 2013
Mass MOCA is a museum people either love or hate. If you’ve never been, today’s a good day to make up your mind: Admission is free. Mass MoCA FREE Day 2013 North Adams, MA, .
Winterfest Amherst
Another low-key winter fest, but in a great location: Lots to do in Amherst, MA if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, even just a day trip. Winterfest Amherst Amherst, MA, .
Valentine’s Day
Love Letters by the Fire
This cozy local restaurant features frequent wine and culinary tastings, but this month’s events are accompanied by readings of the love letters of President John Adams and his wife. A nice way to celebrate Valentine’s early, and hey- this might earn you some brownie points. Love Letters by the FireThe Fireplace Brookline, MA, –.
The Love Letters of John and Abigail Adams
Oh John! You’re the president, and that’s hot! Come hear these love letters read out loud and enjoy chocolate treats. The Love Letters of John and Abigail AdamsChurch Essex, MA, .
Project Cupid Date Auction: Boston’s Best Bachelors and Bachelorettes
You’ll find bachelors and bachelorettes up for ‘auction’ at this charity fundraiser for cancer. People still do this? I’m happy to let you know about a good cause, but it IS being held at one of the more unsavory bars in the area, so beware. Project Cupid Date Auction: Boston's Best Bachelors and BachelorettesThe Estate Boston, MA, .
Watson Adventures Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt
Watson Adventures runs scavenger hunts where you go from place to place doing something cultural and touristy. This one’s at the Museum of Fine Arts, which is cool, but the whole day focuses on nudity ‘for Valentine’s Day,’ which is less cool. I’m imagining a lot of pointing and giggling. Eyeroll. Watson Adventures Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger HuntMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
Jane Austen Tours
Here’s another Jane Austen-related event. The other one looks much more interesting, though: This one is basically just a Gore Place open house with tea. Jane Austen Tours Waltham, MA, .
Performance
Review: Frank McCourt’s The Irish And How They Got That Way
An irreverent but affectionate history of the Irish in America in song and story. Click for our review! Review: Frank McCourt's The Irish And How They Got That WayDavis Square Theatre Somerville, MA, –.
Review: Fire on Earth
Both preaching and writing can get you killed, but with preaching, you won’t have anything to show for it. Click for our review of this story set in 1524! Review: Fire and IceThe Factory Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Oliver!
The best family-oriented theatre in New England is putting on Oliver! If you’ve got kids, this is a must. The WFT’s big musicals are always winners. Oliver!The Wheelock Family Theatre Boston, MA, –.
The Servant of Two Masters
Here’s a musical for people who hate musicals. With its commedia dell’arte roots and place on ArtsEmerson’s impeccable program, you know this is a comedy with a pedigree. The Servant of Two MastersParamount Center Mainstage Boston, MA, –.
Dr. Faustus
Here’s the best known play by Christopher Marlowe, one of Shakespeare’s contemporaries. It’s the classic story of a man who sells his soul to the Devil, only this company is staging it in the 1960s during the women’s lib movement with a nearly all-female cast. This will either be really good or really bad. Check in next week to see what our reviewer and resident dramaturge has to say! Dr. FaustusThe Cathedral of St. Paul Boston, MA, –.
The Glass Menagerie
There hasn’t been a decent Tennessee Williams production in Boston for a while. Bonus? This one stars Cherry Jones, the powerhouse actor who you might remember from her Tony-winning performance in ‘Doubt’ several years ago. This is a winner, kids. The Glass MenagerieThe American Repertory Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw
Never heard of Benjamin Britten? You may have heard his music in ‘Moonrise Kingdom.’ Apparently he wrote an opera of The Turn of the Screw, one of the most unsettling ghost stories ever written. Is the supernatural really at work, or is the governess going mad? Both prospects are terrible, and the ambiguity is what scares. I can’t wait to see what the music is like! Benjamin Britten's The Turn of the ScrewThe Cutler Majestic Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Shen Yun Performing Arts
This over-the-top revue presents traditional Chinese music and dance. Seems like an excellent bet for a good show, whether you have a soft spot for Asian arts and culture or you are a new spectator. Shen Yun Performing ArtsBoston Opera House Boston, MA, .
Jaleel Shaw
The award-winning saxophonist performs at his alma mater Berklee’s Caf 939 at 8p/. This is an NPR sponsored concert, so you know it’s going to be good. Jaleel ShawCaf 939 Boston, MA, .
Travel
Salon des Independants
It only sounds stuffy because they gave it a French name, but this is a free-for-all: A gallery show with no judge, no jury, no fees, and no censorship! Salon des IndependantsHygienic Art Galleries & Art Park New London, CT, –.
Charles Darwin Birthday Celebration and Lecture
There are lots of events between now and next week in celebration of Darwin Day. This is the one for those of you who like to wine and dine. There will also be trivia! Charles Darwin Birthday Celebration and Lecture Norwalk, CT, .
Greater Tuna
This parody of small-town life down South is played by two actors in a myriad of roles. Looks hilarious! Greater TunaPortland Stage Portland, ME, –.
Mardi Gras in Ogunquit
Who knew Ogunquit was such a party town? Mardi Gras in Ogunquit Ogunquit, ME, –.
Bethel WinterFest
Winterfests are a dime a dozen in New England, but this is the only one that’s got an honest-to-goodness SNOW VOLCANO. Bethel wins. The volcano itself will be set up on the 16th, but there’s lots of other stuff happening too in this month-long festival. The usual. Bethel WinterFest Bethel, ME, –.
Naples Winter Carnival
What sets this winter festival apart? Helicopter rides! Naples Winter Carnival Naples, ME, .
Freezin’ For A Reason – Portland, ME
The ‘polar plunge’ is a popular fixture on the winter charity scene. This seems a little less kooky and fun than the Drowned Hog Weekend, but Portland is always a great place to spend a weekend. Freezin' For A Reason - Portland, ME Portland, ME, .
Lovin’ Ludlow Winter Carnival
Snow sculpting, scavenger hunts, kids’ race, sledding, film fest… And this year’s theme is ‘Zombie Apocalypse.’ Win! Lovin' Ludlow Winter Carnival Ludlow, VT, –.
Milton Community Winter Festival
This winter carnival falls into the low-key, community spirit category. Probably a good bet for families! Milton Community Winter Festival Milton, VT, –.
Mardi Gras at Jay Peak Resort
Ring in Mardi Gras a few days early at the Jay Peak ski resort. Mardi Gras at Jay Peak Resort Keene, NH, –.