Get : Events

Kirsten Amann@Night: Blonde, ambitious

Erin Byers Murray — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:48:00 GMT

DO BLONDES really have more fun? Ask Kirsten Amann. She's on a quest to find out as she does research for Undercover Blonde, a book she's working on. The publicist-slash-cocktail-aficionado also posts updates on her blog (undercover-blonde.blogspot.com). Between her day job at Dalyn Miller PR, her moonlighting gig as a server at Toro, and a role as the "PR broad" of LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), she's gotten countless pages of material. But since she can always use more, her nights out are spent searching for answers.

@ 6:15 p.m.: Lately I've been trying to do yoga, so I'll still be in class, maybe wrapping up my downward dog. That's what I do on nights when I know I'm going out - somehow I think it balances out what I'm about to do to my body for the rest of the night.

@ 7:30 p.m.: If I'm lucky, I'll be finishing a blog entry and posting. Then, one of my friends has a huge wine selection, so we might do a little tasting of cheese and wine at her place.

@ 9:45 p.m.: By now, I'm heading out to a bar, which is what we do in LUPEC. It's how we promote the endangered cocktail. I'll start by going to Green Street to drink Misty Kalkofen's cocktails. I may also stop by No. 9 Park for one of their classic cocktails.

@ midnight: My friend and I can talk forever, so we'll head over to the Franklin [Café] for one more.

@ 2 a.m.: If I haven't finished that blog entry, I'm doing it now - and hoping that it's coherent.

[Photo by Joel Veak]

Operation Underground at the Good Life

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:06:00 GMT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
People are constantly comparing Boston to London. Our beautiful architecture, narrow cobblestoned streets, and dreary weather sometimes make us a spitting image of jolly old England. One thing we don't always have, though, is the UK's ultra-hip and unconventional club scene. But every second Wednesday of the month at the Good Life (28 Kingston Street, Boston, 617.451.2622), check out Operation Underground for a blurry night of neon lights and techno music spun by resident DJ Jam-2. The event is hosted by Bosstown Massive, a group of folks committed to starting a musical revolution here in the Bay State. Operation Underground starts at 10 p.m., and unlike those clubs in Europe, there's no cover. @

Boston’s Next Top DJ at the Kells

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:04:00 GMT

TUESDAY, MAY 13
There'll be no Tyra Banks, but Boston's Next Top DJ kicks off tonight at the Kells (161 Brighton Avenue, Allston, 617.782.9082) and runs Tuesday evenings for three months. Four DJs will compete for the coveted title each week beginning at 10 p.m., and prizes - awarded based on the crowd's response - include gift cards, a special VIP area for the winner's entourage, and, for the overall champ, a permanent DJ gig at the Kells. Think you've got the musical prowess to take home the top prize? E-mail kellsboston@hotmail.com or call 617.782.9082 for more information; you'll be required to provide a demo CD and a brief description of your playlist, and you'll need to arrive with at least 15 friends in order to compete. If all you're looking for is a little mid-week revelry? Just show up; there's no cover.

Jimmy Buffett–Lovers Parrothead Party at Dick’s Last Resort

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:03:00 GMT

THURSDAY, MAY 8
Oh, Jimmy - if only you could squeeze in a little surprise appearance. Dick's Last Resort (Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, 617.267.8080) and the Parrothead Club of Eastern Massachusetts (yes, that's an actual organization) are throwing their annual Jimmy Buffett-Lovers Parrothead Party tonight beginning at 7 p.m. There'll be music provided by the most die-hard attendees - in the form of a Parrothead Karaoke Contest - as well as abundant Buffett-centric trivia. Snack on the night's dinner special, a Cheeseburger & A Pair of Dice ($6.99), and sip the adult beverage of the evening: the Ka 'Mana Wana Lei-a ($9.99), a blend of banana rum, peach schnapps, blue Curaçao, and tropical fruit juices. Patrons tend to arrive in quite colorful garb, so you may want to break out your best Hawaiian florals or risk being singled out as the lame one of the bunch.

Kanye West at the Tweeter Center

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:01:00 GMT

THURSDAY, MAY 15
Mansfield might feel a smidge suburban for an urban icon like Kanye West, but nevertheless, his Glow in the Dark Tour stops off at the Tweeter Center (885 South Main Street, Mansfield, 508.339.2331) tonight at 7 p.m. We can't imagine that the producer-turned-rapper, an outspoken, always over-the-top performer, will deliver anything less than a stellar show infused with a healthy dose of his trademark attitude. And seeing as he's usually decked out in something designer, we don't doubt for a second that West will give his enthusiastic audience something to emulate come Friday morning. Score tickets ($30 to $86) at www.ticketmaster.com or 617.931.2000.

Ozomatli at the Paradise Rock Club

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:00:00 GMT

SATURDAY, MAY 10
When the opportunity arises to listen to thought-provoking political and social commentary while shaking our hips a mile a minute, we seize the moment. That's why we refuse to miss Ozomatli at the Paradise Rock Club (967 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.562.8800) tonight at 9 p.m. When they aren't touring the world, performing in such unconventional venues as citadels in Cairo and ancient amphitheatres in Jordan, our favorite Latin/hip-hop and everything-in-between band gives us beats that make our hips move like Shakira's. At least that's what we think. Doors open at 8 p.m., and tickets ($25) are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

WFNX Best Music Poll Concert at the Bank of America Pavilion

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:54:00 GMT

SATURDAY, MAY 10
In case you hadn't noticed, we love putting in our two cents about, well, everything. So how could we not adore a concert that takes our opinions into consideration? Example: the WFNX Best Music Poll Concert at the Bank of America Pavilion (290 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617.728.1600) tonight. Taking the stage are Death Cab for Cutie, Presidents of the United States of America, Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls, Bob Mould, and two local bands voted onto the bill by music-loving Bostonians. Tickets ($40) are available at www.ticketmaster.com or 617.931.2000. Gates open at 4 p.m., and the show starts at 5.

"Ennio!" at the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:46:00 GMT

TUESDAY, MAY 13 - SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Sure, most impersonators are impressive, but what about one who can transition from Celine Dion to Eminem to the Mona Lisa within seconds? Ennio Marchetto, in his first Boston performance in more than 14 years, tackles more than 50 celebrity and pop-culture personalities in his one-man show, Ennio!, which comes to the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion (Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.426.5000). The hyper-animated Italian actor uses a complicated system of origami-folded paper props that help transform him into what's been referred to as a "one-man living cartoon." Marchetto has entertained audiences in more than 70 countries and has garnered honors including the Drama Desk Award and London's Laurence Oliver Award. For tickets ($15 to $50) and more information, visit www.huntingtontheatre.org or call 617.266.0800.

"AltCom! Alternative Comedy Festival" at the Somerville Theatre

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:43:00 GMT

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, MAY 9 & 10
The first-ever AltCom! Alternative Comedy Festival is taking over the Somerville Theatre (55 Davis Square, Somerville, 617.625.5700) for two nights, so be prepared to laugh. Like, really hard. We're talking the kind of laughter that bubbles over when you hear something that you know is wildly inappropriate and you shouldn't be laughing but you start and then you can't stop - and that just makes you laugh even harder. The festival, the first of its kind in the country, features eight distinct and talented comedic voices: on Friday, there's Eugene Mirman, Todd Barry, Emo Philips, and doktor cocacolamcdonalds, and on Saturday, it's Patton Oswalt, Morgan Murphy, Jim Jeffries, and the Walsh Brothers. Both shows start at 8 p.m.; for tickets ($32), visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 617.931.2000.

"The Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk" at the Mugar Omni Theater

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:41:00 GMT

THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
There comes a time in every city dweller's life when the asphalt, concrete, and lack of wildlife (dogs on the Boston Common do not count) become too much to bear and communing with the great outdoors is necessary. The Grand Canyon and the Alps are lovely options, but who wants to smell like dirt and donkeys or freeze in the snow? Instead, check out two IMAX films showing at the Mugar Omni Theater (Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, 617.723.2500). The Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk features beautiful shots of the raging Colorado River; the fact that the Dave Matthews Band provides the soundtrack and Robert Redford narrates, well, that's not so bad either. If you're missing winter, there's The Alps, a heartwrenching tale of John Harlin III's journey up the face of Eiger Mountain. Either way, you get adventure - no sleeping bag required.

Eat, drink, and be preppy

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:59:00 GMT

Trust us: it's not like we need convincing to jet (or ferry) off to Nantucket for an extended springtime weekend. But the 12th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, held May 14 through 18, is the perfect excuse to do so. The event features an extensive sampling of world-class wines paired with cuisine from many of the area's top chefs and enjoyed against a picturesque seaside backdrop. The grand tasting is always the festival's signature event, the gala is a can't-miss, and new this year is a Luncheon Symposia series that features hour-long discussions and four-course meals with wine. Seminars of note include "Entertaining with Sparkling Cocktails," "Bargain Hunting for Fine Wine Treasures," and cooking demonstrations hosted by local chefs including Jody Adams (Rialto) and Anthony Susi (Sage). Prices vary, and ticket packages are available. For a complete schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit www.nantucketwinefestival.com or call 508.228.1128.

Set Sale: Alo, Boutique Fabulous, Firefly Jewelry & Gifts, Runway Salon, and more

Katelyn Harding — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:07:00 GMT

Alo (58 JFK Street, Cambridge, 617.576.0948): ongoing, 25 percent and up off select Nicole Miller dresses; up to 75 percent off all shoes. Boutique Fabulous (1309 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.864.0656): through May 6, up to 75 percent off select jewelry. Firefly Jewelry & Gifts (270 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.375.5885): through April 30, 40 percent off select jewelry. Runway Salon (11 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.375.0002): ongoing, $25 haircut for first-time clients. Twilight (12 Fleet Street, Boston, 617.523.8008): through April 30, donate an old evening gown and receive 15 percent off one item. Velvet Fly (424 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.557.4359): through April 30, 25 percent off all spring jackets and outerwear. Wish (49 Charles Street, Boston, 617.227.4441): through May 6, buy one pair of jeans, get a second pair half off.
E-mail sale news to style@stuffatnight.com.

Tasting Tuesdays at Lobby Bar & Kitchen

Heather Bouzan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:05:00 GMT

TUESDAY, APRIL 29
We don't usually have a problem ordering blindly off a cocktail list, but sometimes we find ourselves questioning exactly what we're sipping. So we've begun a little post-work education at Tasting Tuesdays, held approximately every two weeks at Lobby Bar & Kitchen (131 Broad Street, Boston, 617.261.5353). Running from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a steal at just $25 per person, the events pair a thematic libation (tonight, rosé wines from around the world) with coordinating bites prepared by executive chef Donley Liburd. The evening is relaxed yet informative - only tipples with a story to tell make the cut - and we admit we get a cheap thrill out of drinking in "class." Call ahead for reservations (highly recommended due to space limitations) and visit www.lobbyboston.com for details on upcoming events; a tequila tasting, "Beer & Baseball," and a ladies' seminar on summery white wines are in the works.

Miss Coco Peru at Mantra

Heather Bouzan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:59:00 GMT

FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Mantra (52 Temple Place, Boston, 617.542.8111) has been many things: polished downtown eatery, well-heeled late-night lounge . . . and tonight, with an appearance by Miss Coco Peru, lively cabaret. The larger-than-life personality, who's appeared in the cult-classic film Girls Will Be Girls along with guest spots on Will & Grace and Arrested Development, puts on so much more than just a drag show. Her performance - part stand-up act, part song and dance, part everything else - is, in a word, absolutely fabulous. (Okay, two words.) Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7; admission is $20.

Soul Clap Thursdays at Whiskey Park

Heather Bouzan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:58:00 GMT

THURSDAY, APRIL 24 & MAY 1
Sometimes we find ourselves favoring the post-work-cocktails, home-by-nine routine. But for nights when we're looking to extend our evening into the wee hours, we've discovered a new weekly event that caters to city sophisticates: Soul Clap Thursdays at Whiskey Park (64 Arlington Street, Boston, 617.542.1482). DJs Eli Goldstein and Charles Levine, the two dynamic halves of Soul Clap, spin a mix of genres, the clientele skews toward urban professional, and the party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. There's no cover charge, RSVPs, or guest lists, either.