Looking for a night of dancing and burning all those calories before eating all day? Booty Vortex is at Johnny D's Wednesday night. Back in the day, this was the night everyone went out and about to hang out with old buddies from high school. Now that I am old and gray, I go to sleep. But I am not trying to stop you youngin's!
Booty Vortex
Johnny D's
Davis Square
Wednesday 11/21
8:00pm
$10.00
>>Booty Vortex
It should be your soul responsibility to attend this event! Respond: New England's first domestic violence agency is hosting a night of dancing, funk and prizes.
Their organization strives to help women and their children create options for a safer life, free from domestic violence, and to further the efforts of the larger community to end domestic violence.Soul Responsibility
Koop will be starting off the evening with some funky grooves and DJ Raliegh Fingers, Selector70 and Tara Hubbard of Soul-Le-Lu-Jah , Stoodio53 and Soul Touch will be keeping the dance floor happening until they kick us out. And if that wasn't cool enough, LUPEC (Ladies United for Protection of Endangered Cocktails) will be creating custom bevies for the event.
Halloween is right around the corner. Some festivities have already happened. I am not sure what I am doing for Halloween yet, not really a fan of this holiday. It requires being creative, or willing to spend $60 on a pre-made costume. I am into neither of those things. So, it is a struggle every year. But for those of you that heart the scary freaky day, here are a few ideas for Cambridge/Somerville.
Halloween Stroll
10/28 2:00p
If they are anything like my nieces they will be wearing their costumes the second they wake up. This gives them a chance to show it off. For all ages, so your 25 year old sister that also sleeps in her costume is welcome as well!
A costume Parade leaves Davis Square's Statue Park and follows the minuteman trail to Lexington Avenue Park. There will be food and games at the end.
Monster Mash
10/29 8:00p
This event is a little more adult. A benefit for the Somerville Arts Council. A Tribute to Bobby Pickett. There will be music, inimitable indie hip-hop trio Z.W.A. (Zombies with Attitude) as well as tunes spun by DJ BC. A costume contest will be judged by Halloween author Lesley Bannatyne, Vintage/Union Boot-rix Elizabeth Lafavour, and SCUL-rider/artist Skunk. Horror movies will be projected throughout the night, food donated by Kickass cupcakes, and of course candy!
P.A's Lounge
345 Somerville Ave.
SAC Monster Mash
Remember SCUL?
Tomes of Terror II-Live Halloween Radio Plays
10/29-10/31 7:30p
Local actors making live sound effects with everyday objects. This even is hosted by a creepy character called "the Librarian." This year's Halloween 'Staged-Radio Thrillogy' will feature:
"Carmilla" -- the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula
"Halloween Party" -- From the classic comedy series Our Miss Brooks
"The Stone Ship" - based on William Hope Hodgson's eerie 1914 sea-bound thriller
Theatre@First
First Congregational Church
89 College Ave.
Davis Square.
Halloween Costume Ball
10/26 9:00p
Dykenight productions is hosting it's 9th annual Costume Ball at Toast. Includes dancing, costume contest (4 categories) free Tarot readings, and Jack-O-Lantern contest.
Toast
74 Union Square
Somerville
29th annual Oktoberfest in Harvard Square is this weekend. Several things are planned out for this 6 hour event. Mom bands, Honkfest, Concerts in several different locations, pumpkin patch, and a performance of Our Town to name a few.ROCK, HONK, DANCE, PARADE, PEACE OUT, PICK A PUMPKIN and BRING YOUR MAMA to Oktoberfest for dancing in the streets and in the crosswalks throughout HARVARD SQUARE!
More? Of course! Grendal's Den toast and keg tapping, Uno's will serve pizza outside the restaurant, Z-square will have a special Oktoberfest menu! Sample music
Oktoberfest
Harvard Square(It's taking over!)
Sunday, October 7th
12p-6p
FREE!
>>Oktoberfest Schedule
>>Mamapalooza
>>Photo's of Oktoberfest '06
There was nothing super great about the 80's minus the music. Several places hold 80's night, and here is a new addition!
Holiday Inn's Night Games. They host an 80's dance party every Thursday night 8p-2am. Free appetizers, prizes, and games!
80's dance party
Night Games Night Club
30 Washington St.
Somerville
Behind the Holiday Inn
Dancing under the stars, literally. It is so romantic.
Join us to dance the Argentine Tango outdoors in a romantic and atmospheric setting,or just to watch and listen to the music.
OK, again, I am going to try something new. As some of you may have noticed Rachel rarely posts, so this is my thing. SO-I can do whatever I like! Down to business, this is going to require responses from you readers.
Who knows of a good dancing place on Saturday nights?
*It is my birthday and I need help. Few requirements:
~I like this side of the river
~Bands are OK. (Burren for example is perfect, BUT, all of Cambridge and Somerville attempt to fit in the backroom.)
~I like top 40, classic, 80's.
~I like bars, not clubs.
Thoughts? Help!!
Back up dancers are needed for a gig at the Middle East on Thursday. I am unsure at this time what kind of music it is, but I am sure you can find that out. This is not a paid gig, but will get lots of exposure in the "local scene." Rumor has it, it will be a sold out show. Rehearsal will take place Wednesday evening at 234 Huntington Ave. Call Jay @ 978-604-9256 if you are interested.
>>Middle East
Project MUM (Meet under McGrath) is Somerville's unique way of fund raising.
Project MUM, a unique and unforgettable open-air dance party, could only take place in Somerville, a city known for its innovative use of art space. A fundraiser for the arts in Somerville, MUM is free and open to the public (with a $10 suggested donation fee.) Proceeds will benefit ARTSomerville, the Somerville Arts Council, Mudflat Pottery Studio and Somerville Community Access Television.To get into it even more, take some shots of you and your friends in your 70's outfits and send them in. They will be put on display during the show! Email digital images at least 4”x6” 300 dpi to: info@artsomerville.org
This year's event pays tribute to the glorious 1970s and features four hours of music spun by DJs Flack, Axel Foley and Pace, with lighting (and mirror ball) by Todd Sargent/VDA Productions that provide the perfect backdrop for your fabulous dance moves. Eye-popping video and light sculptures will include a psychedelic slideshow flashback featuring your own* authentic 70s photos. Special guest video artist jackbackrack.
Close! The Cambridge Carnival International is hosting the Taste of Cambridge Carnival on Sunday August 12.
A kick-off fundraising event to support the 15th year of Cambridge Carnival International a Caribbean and Mardis Gras style festival in Cambridge. This event will feature a cultural presentation from a historical and social perspective of Cambridge Carnival.Steel pan presentation, drumming, folkloric, dancing, and educational exhibits.
Once a year mid-summer Davis Square is transformed, thanks to the Somerville Arts Council. This year's theme, ArtBeast. Beginning with a Beastly Parade Workshop Friday night, this event will go through Saturday evening. Performers, vendors, and talents of all kinds.
Check out the schedule.
Stage area's include: Seven Hills Park, Elm St. Statue Park, and many more.
ArtBeat includes music, performance art, craft vendors, dance, theater, food,
and a whole more. Each year we develop a theme that serves as a launching point
for artists and the community to express themselves. Take a look at our previous festivals.
And we're dancin' and it feels all right! City of Cambridge is hosting its annual Dance Party. I think of Sarah Jessica Parker circa 1985 Dancin' in the street playing in the background. C'mon who's with me! Girls just want to have fun! Also starring Helen Hunt. Good movie, but then again I was 5, what did i know :) Put on your dancing shoes and join us as we move to the groove at the City of Cambridge's Annual Dance Party Friday, July 6, from 7-11 p.m., on Massachusetts Avenue, between Inman and Bigelow Streets (in front of City Hall – at the heart of Central Square)!!
It doesn't matter what you wear! Just as long as you are there, so c'mon every guy grab a girl everywhere around the world! They'll be dancin, they're dancin in the streets!
Music by DJ Joey Demers. After dark a spectacular lights show will assist the magic of the night.
Friday July 6th.
7p-11p
All ages welcome to this free event!
Rain Date: July 13.
**Mass Ave. will be closed, therefore the #1 bus will end at Central Square.
>>City of Cambridge
I would like o start by apologizing. I am so sorry this wasn't posted sooner. I don't know how Rachel and I did not know about this. We know about EVERYTHING to do with Cambridge/Somerville. Well ok so we don't. But this seems like a big deal, so everyone should enjoy it for what is left of May! Apparently May is DanceMonth in Cambridge.
DanceMonth is a citywide celebration of the movement arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Neither a festival nor a showcase, it is a way to focus on the richness of dance that is already an intrinsic part of our lives. Still a collaboration between the Mayor's office and the Dance Complex, DanceMonth is now a Cambridge tradition and most eagerly-awaited herald that Spring is finally here, and here must be Cambridge.DanceMonth is celebrating its 14th year! They are hosting things such as Dance Distractions Tuesdays@Noon, and Workshops.
Spring Spring spring-I love spring! Why? Mostly just because spring equals summer which equals my birthday! But until I start that celebration, I have to find others. ENTER-MAY FAIR! 24th Annual May Fair in Harvard Square.
Harvard Sqaure is shut down for the day to traffic, and opened to millions of people. Ok not millions, but sometimes feels like it when you try to walk across the street.
There will be:
*Musical performances on the crosswalk
*Performances at Eliot triangle
*Bandfest at Forbes Plaza
*Club Passim stage will be open
*Dance Stage on Church Street
*A Readers Ramble
*Chalk on the Walk(Church St)
*Largest Outdoor Human Genome Project
*Golden Shoe Hunt
Harvard Square
May 6th
12:00-6:00p
Raindate May13th
>>24th Annual May Fair
>>Chalk on Walk
What comes to mind? A clump of movies circa 1990. Usually feel good comedies with clap-o-meters. But this one is different. Battle of all female bands.
* Zili Misik
* Smoke Animals
* Cliché
* Burn Chesca Burn
* Aurora
These bands have all progressed from the first round.
April 7 at the Middle East you can watch them fight to the death well not really but fight for a spot on ROCKGIRL.
The winner receives an opening spot at the ROCKRGRL Women of Valor Award evening honoring pioneering all-female band FANNY, at the Berklee Performance Center on April 20. The Battle winner’s set at the award evening will also serve as a showcase for the Verge College Music Conference. Other prizes include a Luna electric guitar, six hours of Berklee studio time, a First Act acoustic guitar, one-year Sonicbids memberships, and a consultation with publicist Public Emily.Middle East Upstairs
You would think I would write something to do on St. Patrick's Day. Nope-sorry, I don' treally have that much interest. Yeah, I like to drink beer as much as the next gal, but it has never been one of my fav's. Anywho on to what I do enjoy :)
Prom season is coming! Can you believe it! No, I am not inviting you to my prom that was 9 years ago, although in secret I wish I could go back and do it again. I heart dancing. I digress- Prom-someone else's. Did you know the average girl spends appx. $650 on prom? That is ridiculous! Jordan's Furniture and Anton's Cleaners are pairing up to make it possible for as many girls to make it to their prom. Have an extra dress or two lying around the house? You can drop it off at any Anton's or Jordan's Furniture store.
The dresses can be any size, but must be free of damage, only “gently worn” and cannot be more than 3 to 4 years old. The prom dresses are collected and dry-cleaned free of charge by Anton’s, and on April 28, a “boutique” will be held at Simmons College in Boston where girls can “shop” for free dresses.Somerville Residents can drop their dresses off at:
I heart the Burren. I truly heart the Back Room. Dancing to mostly 80's rock is freakin' awesome!! Here is the downside to the Burren. You have a few beers, you are having the time of your life dancing and singing along to Jesse's Girl when the lights go on. You look at your watch and it is 12:45. You feel like you just got started! But the big guys in black T-Shirts are yelling for you to get out . I have been with a few different groups of friends and that never goes over well.
Well-they have finally come through for their loyal fans.
Last year when owner Tommy McCarthy appeared before the licensing commission for approval to stay open until 2am he was told he needed to get community support. Oh and he did! He showed up this year with a petition signed by 1.877 community members. 1,228 being from the 02114 zip code.
The commission approved McCarthy’s request to extend The Burren’s closing time until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights – the bar’s current closing time is 1 a.m. on the weekends – with a few provisions. John McKenna and Andrew Upton, the licensing commissioners, asked that a limited menu be served until midnight and that McCarthy submit a plan for dealing with post-closing crowds and meet with the Davis Square Task Force every eight weeks. The later closing time will be up for review in six months.A few meetings here and there, I am OK with that-as long as I can bust out the lyrics of "Don't Stop Believin" without being cut off and kicked out.
If you happened to catch Girl Talk fever at Boston's Middle East show, you might have been tempted to hop on a Fung Wah bus and head straight to Brooklyn for Gregg Gillis' next gig at Studio B. And if you happened to compare the two shows, you might realize that Brooklyn can quickly turn into a savage concrete jungle where joyful dancing quickly becomes aggressive pushing, shoving and crowd surfing. 
But Gillis was, without exception, the main attraction. Right before he stepped on stage, I found myself standing on the stage steps with my best friend. We watched Gillis sound check through headphones before he got on the mic and announced he had to use the bathroom. After he ran through the crowd to relieve himself, he appeared back on stage wearing a sweat suit and white sweatband around his head like a fucked-up, endearing version of Jane Fonda. He warmed up the audience with "Once Again" and the words "Ass Jigg-jigg-jiggilin" reverberated through the crowd while he danced, jumped and threw confetti in the air on stage solo. )
As more and more bodies packed onto the stage, it became a barbarian battle to dance; chicks began elbowing me to jockey for a better position next to the laptop while seven or eight photographers snapped photos of the chaos. At one point, I turned to the girl next to me who kept elbowing me in the ribs and demanded to know if she really wanted to fight me during Girl Talk. She declined and then left.
Eventually, the chaos on the stage almost pushed Gillis' laptop and table into the crowd, causing security to clear the area. As a big man escorted me to the stage steps, I saw that the crowd on the floor was no better; bodies were packed up against bodies, people were sweating like they were at an Aerobics class, and there was basically no room to even breathe. Every surface in Studio B was covered in steam; the Ladies' bathroom was so full of steam that you couldn't see anything in the mirrors. Girls slumped against the walls and panted, or dunked their faces in the sink to cool down. Gillis tried to mellow things out by asking the crowd to "Move as one" and cool things off.
But the atmosphere was relentless; Studio B might as well have been a steam room. It seemed as if the audience would have gladly ripped Gillis apart out of joy, if only to take home a souvenir finger or piece of clothing to prove they had been there. And that might have been the only real problem with this show; compared to the jovial dancing of Boston, Brooklyn was like a savage posturing contest; there wasn't enough room for everyone to fit into the frame of every picture, and basically chaos ensued.
This doesn't say anything about Gillis, however. How he managed to keep playing while a demented crowd of dancers pushed and pulled at him is beyond me. I have to wonder how much longer audience-stage-dancing will live, because based on the insanity of Brooklyn, it might endanger the man's life.
But by the end of the night, we were happily danced-out as we tumbled out onto the sidewalk and saw the crowd in front of Studio B with steam rising up off of their skin. With exhaustion, we sat down on the curb to rest. And although the chaos was tiring, Brooklyn hipsters aside, it proved once again that Girl Talk is completely relentless and mostly pretty famous.
Trying to explain the scene at the Middle East for a sold-out Girl Talk concert is pretty much impossible. One of my friends said it was like being in a rap video, and that comes pretty close to describing the kind of chaos, debauchery and dancing that went down.
Before Girl Talk hit the stage, you could catch glimpses of DJ Greg Gillis watching opening act Dan Deacon and even stop by to say hello, which many people did. Gillis, who is very tiny in person, has the demeanor of a normal guy. And that's part of what makes Girl Talk so extraordinary.
The minute Gillis/Girl Talk hit the stage, standing in front of the blue-glow of his laptop, everything started to change. The kind of dance party that burst out at the Middle East is unrivaled by anything I've ever seen in Boston before. The minute the first song began, the crowd rushed the stage and a throng of dance-crazed lunatics surrounded Gillis while he laughed, danced and tried to keep his fingers on the laptop keyboard.
Sweat poured out of everyone and clothing began coming off instantly. T-shirts were tossed into the crowd, girls danced on platforms and arms were thrown up into the air with reckless abandon every time Gillis transitioned into a new song. "Once Again", "Pure Magic", "Bounce That" and "Hold Up" were highlights of the set, but wonders like "Smash Your Head", "Overtime", "Let's Call It Off" and "Scentless Apprentice" were enough to keep you dancing against your will. When the sweet sounds of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" meet the fine lyrics of "Juicy" by rapper Biggie Smalls, you know it is time to get down. 
There aren't many times when you would imagine a crowd of 600 people surrounding a man with a laptop. But Gillis makes it work. In recent interviews, the Pittsburgh-native who works as a biomedical engineer by day, claims that he just likes to take the best parts of songs and combine them. Meanwhile, music critics say his latest effort, Night Ripper, is "recontextulizing pop music". But I think Gillis is doing more than that. He's recontextulizing genres and scenes; nobody is too hip, emo, or indie to shake their ass at a balls-out dance party. And that's what Gillis delivers.
After three plus hours of booty-shaking to constant beats, the audience left the Middle East in a blissful, worn-out haze, almost happy that Girl Talk was done, if only so they could finally take a rest. You got the feeling that if Gillis would have kept playing, everyone would have danced themselves to death.
Show: A+
Grab those neon parachute pants you have been hiding in your closet and hit the Redline this Thursday for the Early 90's Revival Party.
Join HeyLetsGo and NGParty.com as we begin a new monthly tradition at Harvard Square's Redline. Each month we will be hosting an Early 90's Dance Party with only our favorite hits to get you JUMPing.Thursday, Jan 18
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