Events INSIDER: Mar 24 – Apr 1, 2014

03/23/14 by
Giveaways & Features
Win: Jake Shimabukuro at the Wilbur
Declared a musical “hero” by Rolling Stone, Hawaiin Jake Shimabukuro’s “Peace, Love, Ukulele” debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Charts. I’ve got a pair of tickets to giveaway for each 3 winners. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com for a chance to win! 7:30pm. Win: Jake Shimabukuro at the WilburThe Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
Win & Interview: Susie Essman
Susie Essman has played the sassy Susie Greene for all eight seasons of the critically-acclaimed HBO comedy series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’ve got a pair of tickets to give away! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Win: Susie EssmanThe Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
Win: Kathleen Madigan
Over Kathleen Madigan’s 25 year career she has performed on nearly every standup television show ever made. Leno, Letterman, Conan, Ferguson and so on. I’ve got a pair of tickets to give away! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Win: Kathleen MadiganThe Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
Win: ‘Reel To Reel’ double bill performed by Barkhimer, Nutt, Smith, and Trachtenberg
On his 69th birthday, Krapp consumes bananas, listens to “the stupid bastard I took myself for thirty years ago,” and reflects on happiness, a woman, and writing. I’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to give away for Thursday, March 27, 8 pm, and 2 pairs for Thursday, April 3, 8 pm. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. click for our review on 4/1. Win: 'Reel To Reel' double bill performed by Barkhimer, Nutt, Smith, and TrachtenbergThe Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont St., Boston, MA, –.
Win: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra Performs The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’
For the first time, The Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra performs The Who’s masterpiece, QUADROPHENIA, in its entirety! I’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to give away. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Win: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra Performs The Who's 'Quadrophenia'Regent Theatre Arlington, MA, .
Johnny’s Picks
Get the 2014 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! Get the 2014 New England Guide All Over, , –.
Find 16 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 16 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , –.
Cupid Splash
You get into the water dressed like Cupid (although I think that’s optional…) and raise money to save our beloved beaches. Just make sure your wings are waterproof. 12 pm. Cupid SplashM Street Beach, BCYF Curley Community Center Boston, MA, .
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Manchester, NH
If case you missed St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or if you’re still in the mood for celebrating, join the people in Manchester NH in their days-late Parade. 12pm. St. Patrick's Day Parade - Manchester, NHFrom Elm Street, Downtown Manchester Manchester, NH, .
American Sign Language Festival
How to speak without talking: The George W. Veditz ASL Festival includes Poetry, Storytelling and Deaf Art Competition Finals. American Sign Language FestivalNortheastern University Boston, MA, –.
Henna Gathering
Henna is the tattoo you don’t regret the morning after, but there’s also a lot of other meaningful things behind this temporary skin stamp. Henna GatheringSheraton Hartford Hotel Windsor Locks, CT, –.
Third Conference On Middle-earth (C.O.M.E.)
In 1969, Boston’s Lord of the Rings fans organized a conference so epic that it passed into legend. Now it returns! The Conference on Middle Earth is the One Convention of the Hard Core to Rule Them All. Featuring a dance at Sauron’s Downfall Party, a LOTR Costume Party, panels with Tolkien scholars, a vendor room, ‘Great Hall’ feast, and hundreds of fantasy-reveling fans who want to be elves. Third Conference On Middle-earth (C.O.M.E.)Westford Regency Westford, MA, –.
Woolapalooza: From Sheep to Sweater and Everything in Between
Winter’s going a way and so wool has to go too! If you’re curious about the whole wooling process, this is your chance. Fun for all the family, too. 10am-4pm. Woolapalooza: From Sheep to Sweater and Everything in BetweenDrumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S. Great Rd.,Rte. 117, Lincoln, MA, .
ConBust
Here’s a sci-fi/fantasy/anime/gaming convention focused on the female members of the community, celebrating their work and participation amongst these genres. Don’t worry, guys, you can go too. ConBustSmith College Northampton, MA, –.
The Big Night
Someone dressed like a frog, a salamander or some other odd animal will walk with you through the dark forest to explain how these amphibians manage to survive and reproduce in vernal pools. Comfy shoes and being comfortable in the dark is ideal to enjoy this night walk. 5:30-9pm. The Big NightArcadia Wildlife Sanctuary Easthampton, MA, .
Massachusetts Tattoo and Art Festival
I hope before you get ‘I’m SOooo DRUNK’ tattooed on your bicep that you’ve given some thought to whether you’ll still want it at age 60. If you are going to BOTH the floral show AND an Easter Egg Hunt with kids, write me. You are one party animal. Massachusetts Tattoo and Art FestivalSturbridge Host Hotel 366 Main St Sturbridge, MA, –.
Up, Down & Around Challenge
What could be more fun than exploring the mountains up down and around? I can’t come up with anything. 9:30am. Up, Down & Around ChallengeWachusett Mountain Princeton, MA, .
Also Fun
Free Film Fridays
Enjoy the IMAX experience for free! Each Friday in March (7, 14, 21, and 28). Free Film FridaysMuseum of Science Boston, MA, –.
Taste Quincy Restaurant Week
Another week of food goodness! Yumm! Taste Quincy Restaurant WeekVarious Establishments in Quincy Quincy, MA, –.
Boston Turkish Film Festival
19 films, some of them screened for the first time, and Turkish music are just a part of the 12th anniversary of this now traditional Film Fest. Boston Turkish Film FestivalMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, –.
Take Back the Night
Let’s empower and create more awareness, sexual assault victims unite and speak out. Join your voice with theirs. Take Back the Night Boston, MA, .
Boston Underground Film Festival
If you know Dario Argento and have at least heard of Cannibal Holocaust, you’ll dig BUFF. This year they’ll play macabre and wonderfully grotesque films like ‘The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears’ and ‘Starry Eyes’. Boston Underground Film FestivalBrattle Theatre, Harvard Square Cambridge, MA, –.
Tajik musician Sirojiddin Juraev Free Concert
Hey, what’s not to like of a free concert from a Grammy-nominated musician? 7pm. Tajik musician Sirojiddin Juraev Free ConcertJohn Knowles Paine Hall Cambridge, MA, .
International Folk Music Festival
The thing about Folk music is that it’s so very hard to not love it. This event features Folk rhythms from Mexico, Colombia, The Balkans, Ireland and even Korean percussions. 8:15pm. International Folk Music FestivalBerklee Performance Center Boston, MA, .
‘Reel To Reel’
‘A play about human memory, digital memory, memorable regrets, and how we try to fit pieces of our hearts into things that will live after we die’. 'Reel To Reel'The Factory Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Stupid F**king Bird
Here’s an ‘adaptation’/funny version of ‘The Seagull’. Contains nudity and adult content, so you’ve been warned. Stupid F**king BirdChelsea Theatre Works Chelsea, MA, –.
World of Wheels
Ah, this Auto Festival isn’t just for crazy engine lovers. LOTS of sweet rides but also a Pin Up Girl & Tattoo Contest. World of WheelsBoston Expo Center Boston, MA, –.
‘Forget You’
Never seen a one woman cabaret show – it sounds both sensual and intense. 8pm. 'Forget You'Riverside Theatre Works Hyde Park, MA, .
Latin American Fiesta
Don’t be sad ’cause Spring isn’t quite here yet and get ya’ body amovin’ in this Latin American fiesta! There’s live music you can dance to and food from various corners of Latin America. Latin American FiestaNewton Cultural Center at City Hall Newton, MA, .
Many Shades by Jenn Allen
Here’s a free jazz recital at New England Conservatory’s Pierce Hall. Many Shades by Jenn AllenNew England Conservatory’s Pierce Hall Boston, MA, .
La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc
The Seraphim Singers improvise and improve a silent film masterpiece with organ accompaniment and intense music to match this equally intense film. 8pm. La Passion de Jeanne d'ArcFirst Lutheran Church Boston, MA, .
Shanachie at the Forbes House Museum
The month of the Irish ain’t over yet! Enjoy a night of music and story telling, all directly from Ireland. Shanachie at the Forbes House MuseumForbes House Museum Milton, MA, .
The Murder at the Science Museum Scavenger Hunt
Do we love Scavenger hunts? yes we do! Do we love the Museum of Science? Well, of course! So, really, it’s a win/win situation when a scavenger hunt’s set is Boston’s MOS 2-4:30pm. The Murder at the Science Museum Scavenger HuntMuseum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, MA, .
URO’s ‘The Who’s Quadrophenia’
Great band plays tribute to an even greater band. 8pm. URO's 'The Who's Quadrophenia'Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, MA, .
Historic Keyboard Concert
Keyboards as old as 300 years, all functional and restored, are waiting for you to hear them being played by professionals and even get a shot to play them youself! 1-4pm. Historic Keyboard ConcertGreen Room, Fringe Union Square Somerville, MA, .
‘1st Person Plural’ – Storytelling Event
Three storytellers will keep you on the edge of your seat with fantastic stories marriage, motherhood and… mannequins? Okay! '1st Person Plural' - Storytelling EventClub Passim, 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA, .
Mike Reiss, Religion, and The Simpsons
Religion is almost always a touchy subject but through almost 3 decades of existence The Simpsons have known how to handle having been dismissed and later praised by the church. Mike Reiss has worked in the show all along and will give you a scoop on how things work behind the curtains of America’s most beloved TV family. Mike Reiss, Religion, and The Simpsons Cambridge, MA, .
Guitar Night: Rock and Pop
The best students of Berkeley get chosen to perform on this almost mythical night for lovers of the greatest love and rock songs. Guitar Night: Rock and PopBerklee Performance Center Boston, MA, .
Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
I’m pretty sure you’ll never meet Batman or Superman but you can meet with your local heroes, thank them for their effort, and have breakfast with them! 7:30am. Red Cross Heroes BreakfastResort and Conference Center Hyannis, MA, .
STOMP
Isn’t it amazing how some people can make matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps and you-name-it sound like real music? An awesome performance that doesn’t get old. STOMPShubert Theater New Haven, CT, –.
Portland Facial Hair Fest
Thought there are some weird festivals out there? This is definitely in the Top 10. Don’t think you need a beard to attend but you can expect to see many around. There will also be a ‘stache film fest! Portland Facial Hair FestVarious locations Portland, ME, –.
Ski-A-Thon
Tons of skiing, like the name suggests, a fun race, an obstacle course music, dancing and a costume contest! Ski-A-ThonSunday River Ski Resort, 15 S Ridge Rd, Newry, ME, .
Taste of Metrowest
This is simple: Over 60 exhibitors will serve traditional or ethnic dishes and you get to vote for the best in different categories. I advice you to go on an empty stomach and wear extra comfy pants that day. 5-8 pm. Taste of MetrowestSheraton Framingham Hotel Framingham, MA, .
The Hardtacks in Acton – Civil War Folk Music
A year-by-year musical look at the politics, personalities, and perspectives that remade a nation in the Civil War era. 7pm. The Hardtacks in Acton - Civil War Folk MusicSouth Acton Congregational Church Acton, MA, .
Fort Adams’ Tour the Fortress
12-2pm. Fort Adams' Tour the Fortress Newport, RI, –.
Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival
Film Festivals are always a way to explore the World in somebody else’s eyes Tthis time, the Jewish community’s ones. 15 different films and plenty interesting speakers! Pioneer Valley Jewish Film FestivalAll Around? Springfield, MA, –.
Dinner with Friends
This is a dinner to benefit the local libraries. Please, support it or soon enough we’ll have too many people wr1tT1ng LyK Diz 0MG! Also, Archer Mayor is the special guest of their 11th edition. 6:30 pm. Dinner with FriendsLearning Commons in W.E.B. Du Bois Library, UMass Amherst Campus Amherst, MA, .
Knights!
A major arms and armor exhibition! March 29th’s the opening party. Knights!Worcester Art Museum Worcester, MA, .
Closing Party and Pond Skim at Wachusett Mtn
Snow is slowly melting away and while this makes a lot of us happy, some aren’t willing to let it go so easy. Guys in wacky costumes will try to make it across a pond with their skiis on. Sure, it’s great when they make it, but it’s so much better when they fail. 9am. Closing Party and Pond Skim at Wachusett MtnWachusett Mountain Ski Area – 499 Mountain Road Princeton, MA, .
Celtic Women Day
Hear the tales of brave Celtic women that defied society and culture and are now legends to look up to. There will also be a Celtic Warrior Workshop, a lesson on how to create your own shield or pendant (nice!) and much more. Most events are free with museum admission. 10-4pm. Celtic Women DayThe Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 554 Main Street, Worcester, MA, .
Earth Day
Science & Conservation Day
Zoos are helping animals all over the world through the research they do locally. Want to know more? Come visit Frankling Park Zoo for an entertaining day full of info. 10am. Science & Conservation DayFranklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road Dorchester, MA, .
Performance
Hello Again
Hello Again follows ten different characters as they weave through ten different intimate encounters, each one set in a different decade of the 20th century. Bridge Repertory Theater - Hello AgainBoston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., Boston, MA, –.
The Whale
With his health failing, Charlie makes one last desperate attempt to connect with his estranged teenage daughter in this big-hearted, humorous, and emotionally wrenching play. The WhaleCalderwood Pavilion at the BCA Boston, MA, –.
Boston Poetry Slam Team Finals
I’ve seen a poetry slam and it’s definitely not the stilted, inaccessible, boring commentary you are fearing. They ‘perform’ the poetry like one-person theatre shows. If you’re EVER going to give a poetry slam a chance, why not now, likely their best night of the year? 8pm. Boston Poetry Slam Team FinalsCantab Lounge Boston, MA, .
Review: Talley’s Folly
The Pulitzer Prize-Winning American Classic! Click for our review after 3/25. Review: MRT presents 'Talley's Folly'MRT Theatre, 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, –.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
It’s the story of America’s first political maverick. Bloody Bloody Andrew JacksonEmerson Umbrella Center for the Arts Concord, MA, –.
Travel
Hartford Jewish Film Festival
This festival features creations of Jewish New Englanders and portraits several aspects of the Jewish community, now and throughout history. Hartford Jewish Film FestivalVarious venues Hartford, CT, –.
Family Fun Day with Doktor Kaboom
Supercharged science experiments? Sort of like a Science Fair on esteroids! Doktor Kaboom mixes science and laughter for a super explosive fun time! 10-12pm. Family Fun Day with Doktor KaboomMaxwell and Ruth Belding Theater, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT, .
April in Paris Film Festival
A week of films la franaise, for the francophiles and those who hold a platonic romance with the city of love: Paris. April in Paris Film FestivalCinestudio Hartford, CT, –.
Maine Jewish Film Festival
‘You don’t have to be Jewish to love this films’ and they’re right! Check out their ‘Hitler and Hollywoood’ conference. Maine Jewish Film FestivalVarious locations Portland, ME, –.
Pond Skimming
Yeap. That time of the year is here. Pond skimming time! This is a competition they’ve been doing for 12 years now! Ride or ski on the man-made pond. Are you up for the challenge? 1-4pm. Pond Skimming Rangeley, ME, .
Rokakku Fly
The Rokkaku is a traditional six-sided Japanese fighter kite! It must be fun to build it and fly it; and as a plus, kite enthusiasts are almost always lots of fun too. 10-4pm. Rokakku FlyBug Light Park Portland, ME, .
Green Mountain Film Festival
The idea of this documentary and film festival is to fuel discussions afterwards. Social and historial issues are usually presented. So, if you’re opinionated — this is the place. Green Mountain Film Festival Montpelier, VT, –.
Jay Peak Resort Beach Party
Live music and more waterslides than you could hope for, both for kids and adults. Just cross your fingers for good weather that day. 3-7pm. Jay Peak Resort Beach PartyPump House Indoor Waterpark, Slopeside Rd Jay, VT, .
Pond Skimming @ Rite of Spring
Claims to be the oldest continually running pond skimming event and we believe them. Wear your craziest costume and hit that pond! Pond Skimming @ Rite of SpringSugarbush Resort Warren, VT, .