A week of events in Cambridge and Somerville, from DNA dancing to Family Opera and fungi

Thursday, March 14

Cambridge Art Association’s “Level Up” student showcase final day from noon to 4 p.m. at the CAA@Canal Gallery, 650 E. Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free. This juried exhibit, ending today, includes work in a range of media by student or recently graduated members. Curated by MassArt’s Chenoa Baker. Information is here.

MIT Composer Forum Series: Evan Williams from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lewis Music Library in the Hayden Library Building at 160 Memorial Drive at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. Free, but register. The composer and conductor, who draws from inspirations as diverse as Medieval chant to contemporary pop, shares insights about the broad range of his music. A Q&A and light reception follow. Information is here.

Somerville Battle of the Breweries from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cambria Hotel, 515 Somerville Ave., near Union Square, Somerville. $35 to $75. Enjoy samples from 12 local breweries and vote for your favorite. Snacks from Josephine and DJ music. Information is here.

“The Stories of the Washington Elm” lecture at 6 p.m. at the Longfellow House and the Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St., West Cambridge. Free, but register. J.L. Bell, author of “The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War” and a book-length historic resource study of this historic site digs into how the famous Washington Elm tree came to symbolize American patriotism and what its story says about the national memory of the Revolution. Information is here.

“The Blue Description Project” film screening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bartos Theater, 20 Ames St., Building E-15, atrium level, Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. An experimental iteration – with creative captions and audio description sourced from numerous contributors – of Derek Jarman’s film “Blue” on the 30th anniversary of its release and Jarman’s death. Information is here.

After Dark Series: Threads from 6 to 9 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $10 to $20 and 21-plus. Explore traditional textile techniques as well as emerging technologies. Artist talks by Chloe Bensahel and Ganit Goldstein, plus felt painting activities and smart textile demos. Enjoy dumplings from Mei Mei and brews from Aeronaut available for purchase. Information is here.

Christina Cooke reads from “Broughtupsy” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. The debut novel by this Jamaican-born writer now living in New York City is about a young woman grappling with grief, trying to reconnect with her estranged sister in Jamaica and confronting the difficult reality of being gay in a deeply religious family. Margot Livesey, author of the just released “The Road from Belhaven,” joins the conversation. Information is here.

Margot Douaihy reads from “Blessed Water: A Sister Holiday Mystery” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The Emerson College fiction writing professor and author of “Scorched Grace: A Sister Holiday Mystery” discusses her highly anticipated follow-up novel featuring the punk rock nun detective with a tooth of gold solving a case of a drowned priest in New Orleans. Katie Williams, author of “My Murder” and also an Emerson fiction writing professor, joins the conversation. Information is here.

The Kings of Connaught perform at 7 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $30 to $35. The multi-instrumentalists from Ireland have taken up the mantle to keep the heritage and culture of Irish ballads alive, most famously with their rendition of “The Rocky Road to Dublin.” Information is here.

Shit-Faced Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville (and continuing this weekend). $30 and all ages. A one-hour version of the bard’s witty and bawdy play that includes one actor randomly selected who drinks before and during the performance, leaving the remaining sober cast to incorporate, rectify, justify and generally improvise around the drunkenness. Information is here.

The Great Brewery Bake-off: Pie Day Edition from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lamplighter Brewing, 284 Broadway, The Port, Cambridge. $14. Ten bakers compete, with judging by experts from Lone Orchid Bakery and Silver Whisk Bakeshop. Audience members can taste samples and ticket proceeds are donated to Cambridge nonprofit Enroot. Information is here.

Thomas Walsh of Pugwash (and Duckworth Lewis Method) performs from 7 to 10 p.m. at Q Division Recording Studios, 171 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge. $20. The Irish-born pop rock musician gives a solo concert in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Information is here.

Pub Sing from 7 to 10 p.m. at the café at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville (and the second Thursday of each month). Free. A pub-style singalong where anyone is welcome to lead – drinking songs, sea chanteys and any song with a singable chorus will be appreciated! Information is here.

Blind Boys of Alabama perform from 7 to 11 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $50 to $80. Winners of five Grammys and inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame from seven decades of performances. The opener is musician and performance poet Tim Hall. Information is here.

Blues Union March Dances from 7 to 11 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (also March 21 and 28). $10 to $25. Includes a lesson in the first hour followed by an hour to socialize, rest or practice with a partner before two hours of social dancing. Wear shoes that allow you to pivot; no need to bring a partner. Information is here.

“Beyond Words” at 7:30 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and continuing through April 14). $24 to $93. Inspired by the life story of Harvard researcher Irene Pepperberg, who taught her African Grey parrot Alex to communicate meaningfully and solve problems at the level of a 5-year-old child, playwright Laura Maria Censabella tracks the 30-year research experiment turned love story in this offbeat new play. Information is here.

Lena Jonsson Trio performs at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $23 to $25. One of Scandinavia’s most influential and charismatic fiddlers, Jonsson has created a unique style inspired by traditional Swedish music as well as rock, pop and American old-time and bluegrass traditions. Erik Ronström joins her on guitar and Krydda Sundström on bass. Information is here.

Taylor’s Version Swiftie Dance Party at 9 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $15 to $20 and 18-plus. DJ dance party celebrating Miss Americana. Information is here.

Revive retro music experience from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at ZuZu, 474 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and the second Thursday of every month). Free and 21-plus. Expect interesting distortions of electro-swing from DJ Dekichan followed by pop remixes from DJ Catalyst. Information is here.

Friday, March 15

“My Apocalypse, Your Apocalypse: A Workshop” from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $10 to $20. Based on Company [Redacted]’s recent work “My Apocalypse,” the workshop invites professional dancers and nonprofessionals to explore their inner “shame monsters” with inspiration from archival texts, photographs and visual art. Information is here.

Cuban Dance with Boston Rueda from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $15. No partner or experience necessary to learn this group dance to Cuban and other salsa music involving the changing of partners. Information is here.

Small Works Project reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gallery 263, 263 Pearl St., Cambridgeport. Free, but RSVP. Meet the artists who have work on view in the gallery flat files, browse the works and learn more about the project. Information is here.

Women Take the Reel Film Festival: “Twice Colonized” screening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bartos Theater, 20 Ames St., Building E-15, atrium level, Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. Watch Lin Alluna’s 2023 film about renowned Inuit lawyer Aaju Peter, who’s led a lifelong fight for the rights of her people (colonized first by European settlers, then by modern-day Canadian policies). Peter joins a Q&A via Zoom. Information is here.

Rhaina Cohen reads from “The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The producer for NPR’s “Embedded” podcast profiles people who’ve defied convention by choosing a friend as a life partner and explores what we can learn about commitment, love and family from them. Rebecca Traister, author of “All the Single Ladies” and “Good and Mad,” joins the conversation. Information is here.

Shit-Faced Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” (continued) from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $30 and 21-plus. Information is here.

St. Patrick’s Day variety show from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville (and continuing with multiple seatings through the weekend). $30 to $35 and all ages. A traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage or Guinness beef stew with soda bread (a vegetarian option is available) followed by Burren shamrock cake accompanies kid-friendly traditional tunes, ballads, stories and dancing featuring Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello (traditional Irish musicians who happen to own the place), Robert Elliott, Rose McCarthy, Peader Giles, Seamus Noonan and Irish Step Dancers. Information is here.

LoVeSeXy Tribute to the music of Prince at 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Dx@Dunster, 33 Dunster St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $30 and 21-plus. Check out Harvard Square’s newest event space and the six-piece tribute band fronted by Boston musician and vocalist Giovanni Morant and acclaimed guitarist Jodee Frawlee, which performs a spot-on, sound-alike, high-energy show of Prince’s greatest hits. A raffle and auction support the MetroWest YMCA Boston via its Marathon charity team led by runner Brian Graska. Information is here.

Folk musicians Hazel Royer and Ira Klein perform at 7:30 p.m. at Warehouse XI, 11 Sanborn Court, Union Square, Somerville. $16 to $21 and 21-plus. Royer grew up playing bluegrass locally with dad Eric Royer; Klein moved to Boston from his native Jerusalem, where he grew up playing Middle-Eastern music, jazz and rock. They met at Berklee and collaborate on original music and innovative arrangements of American folk songs. Their debut album “Say Darling Say” is just out. Information is here.

“Villancicos que se han de cantar …” concert of early Spanish music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Somerville Music Spaces, 1060 Broadway, Suite C101B, Somerville. $10. A selection of Spanish music from the 15^th to 18^th centuries performed by Cameron Dobson (countertenor), Caitlin Laird (soprano), Joy Laird (baroque flute and recorders), Paul Laird (baroque cello) and Mary Jodice (harpsichord). Information is here.

Dips 101 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at José Mateo Ballet Theatre, 400 Harvard St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $5 to $40 suggested. Balter Dance Boston’s experts show how to perform dance dips with safety and strength during an event that’s “one part social, two parts workshop and one part hangout.” All levels welcome. Clean soft-soled shoes only (socks and bare feet are fine). Information is here

Tango fundamentals class and milonga dance from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville. $20 to $40. A 90-minute lesson includes “walking in an embrace” taught by international tango instructors Melina and Detlef in town during their North American tour followed by four hours of milonga dancing with DJ Melina. No partner needed; all genders are welcome to lead or follow. Information is here.

“Beyond Words” (continued) at 8 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $24 to $78. Information is here.

“The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons” performance at 8 p.m. at Theatre@First, Unity Somerville, 6 William St., Somerville (and continuing weekends through March 23). $20 to $25 and ages 8-plus. In Rachel Teagle’s play, adults are granted their childhood response to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up,” resulting in a world overrun with astronauts, ballerinas, cowboys, princesses … and Jess the mastodon. Themes of unfulfilled ambitions, purpose, belonging and restlessness are revealed. Information is here.

“Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age” cabaret at 8 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $20 to $175. The 59-year-old Scottish actor brings an evening of story and song. Information is here.

MIT Symphony Orchestra performs Bruckner Symphony No. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free to $10. Adam K. Boyles directs this expansive and monumental work, which follows a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 1, first movement, featuring this year’s Concerto Competition winner Richard Qi as soloist. Information is here.

Alice Howe and Freebo perform at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $23 to $25. Collaborators since 2017, former Bonnie Raitt bassist Freebo weaves his unique fretless bass stylings around Howe’s effortless, emotionally resonant voice, which seems tailor made for most every strand of Americana music. Kemp Harris opens. Information is here.

Show Me Your Bits stand-up and sketch show from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Café at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $10. Jonathan Anderson and friends from Union Comedy and Boston’s Improv Asylum do stand-up, characters, music and sketch comedy so “silly and thought-provoking” it prompts follow-up questions from the audience. Information is here.

Colescott and his Red Hots perform for Boston Swing Central from 8 to 11:45 p.m. at Q Ballroom, 26 New St., Fresh Pond, Cambridge. $13 to $20. This social partner dance with live music includes a lesson for beginners in the first hour. No partner required; bring a clean pair of shoes to dance in to prevent winter sand and salt damage on the floors. Information is here.

Red Baraat performs at 8:30 p.m. at The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $28 to $35. “The best party band in years” (says NPR) harmoniously merges hard-driving North Indian bhangra with elements of hip-hop, funk, jazz and raw punk energy, “rendering not only genre irrelevant, but the geographic placement of those sounds” (says Stereogum). Air Devi opens. Information is here.

Dwayne Haggins performs from 9 p.m. to midnight at The Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., in the Baldwin neighborhood between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge. $15 to $18 and 21-plus. This Massachusetts native’s range of singing styles evokes a list of comparisons, but whether you think he’s the “love child of Otis Redding and Doc Watson” or a “fusion of Elvis and Marvin Gaye,” his energetic “Call Me Boston” is definitely a blast-with-the-car-windows-rolled-down kind of tune. Information is here.

Saturday, March 16

Signs of Spring Bird Walk from 8 to 10 a.m. at Mass Audubon Nature Center at Magazine Beach, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridgeport. Free, but register and be 14-plus. The song of red-winged blackbirds and the arrival of killdeer are true signs of spring. The group will explore the area for budding trees, migrating ducks, nesting raptors as well as our year-round resident birds. Information is here.

Fourth Annual Winter Bike Ride meet by 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. ride from Vellucci Community Plaza at Cambridge and Hampshire streets., Inman Square, Cambridge. Free. This social ride on mostly level terrain will last approximately 1.5 hours and be escorted by the Cambridge Police Department Bike Patrol. Information is here.

Fifth Annual Bow Market Book Fair from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free. A full day and evening dedicated to the love of books hosted by Tiny Turns Paperie and All She Wrote Books. Includes a story hour, bookstore pop-ups, used books sale, a cookbook swap, craft stations, Ko-Kyoto workshops for making book covers and bunny ear bookmarks, interactions with local book artists, print makers and authors, a raffle and more. Information is here.

Museum of Modern Renaissance guided tour from 11 a.m. to noon at the Museum of Modern Renaissance, 115 College Ave., between Davis and Powder House squares, Somerville. Free. Learn about the museum’s history and the “legends and fairytales” within its walls. Photos allowed. We wrote about the museum here. Information is here.

The Choreography of Crispr dance at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. at The MIT Museum, Gambrill Center, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free with $10 to $18 museum admission. This dance embodying and illuminating Crispr DNA editing inspired by the dramatic vocabulary used to describe it – twisting, cutting, inserting, coping, repeating, palindromes and cluster – is performed by New York City-based Pigeonwing Dance with original music by James Budinich. A talk by choreographer Gabrielle Lamb follows with a hands-on demo of the science. Information is here.

St. Patrick’s Day variety show (continued) from 1 to 2:30, 3 to 4:30, 5 to 6:30 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $30 to $35 and all ages. Information is here.

Boston Choral Ensemble presents “My Journey Yours: Immigrant Stories” at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. Free to $25. Katherine Chan conducts a concert of works by immigrant composers that include a sung poem by an undocumented immigrant youth held in an American detention center, the text from the N-400 form to apply for U.S. citizenship set to music, song blending of English and Haitian Creole and from several Boston immigrant communities. Information is here.

Saturday Stitch-in from 2 to 4 p.m. at CultureHouse, 64 Union Square, Somerville. Free. Bring work on a hand-stitched project (knitting, crochet, weaving, quilting, etc.), enjoy snacks and hang out. Information is here.

Epistolary poem workshop from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Bigelow Chapel’s glass wing Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $10 to $15. Join poet Carolyn Oliver to write poems that take the form of letters to a person or entity (even if there’s no hope of reply). Bring writing implements and paper. Information is here.

Gwen Johnston & Friends perform from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Irish Tunes that have been played for centuries find a new home in this folksy, friendly and fiddly group. Information is here.

North Cambridge Family Opera presents “Rain Dance” at 3 and 7 p.m. at the auditorium of the Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge (and continuing Sunday and next weekend). $7 to $15. The company reprises its 2014 production, the North American premiere of the 2010 British opera about animals on the South African savanna facing a drought, their Machiavellian lion elected leader and a hare as their unlikely hero. Directed by David Bass and Kathy Lindsay and choreographed by Rachel Zimmerman. Information is here.

“Beyond Words” (continued) at 3 and 8 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $24 to $93. Information is here.

Citizen Science Naturalist Training Program: Insects from 3 to 5 p.m. at Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. Free. Coordinated by the cemetery’s director of urban ecology and sustainability Paul Kwiatkowski and taught by local experts, the trainings (some in person, some via Zoom) create a community of volunteers to help with data collection at the cemetery for research projects. Information is here.

Balkan music night from 6 to 11:30 p.m. in the café at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $35 to $40 (with generous discounts), and all ages. Music and dance of southeastern Europe presented by 13 ensembles; this 35th annual event has opportunities for audience participation. Information is here.

“How We’ll Live: Sustainable Lifestyles of the Future” discussion and performances at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Environment in the Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, on the Cambridge border. Free and 18-plus, but register. A panel with voices from the arts, culture and food industries discuss how they prioritize sustainability. A showcase of sustainable fashion, performances and more follows. Information is here.

Shit-Faced Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” (continued) from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $30 and 21-plus. Information is here.

Piano benefit for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 7 to 8 p.m. at Somerville Music Spaces, 1060 Broadway, Suite C101B, Somerville. $30. Juan Armando and Ana Hryb, a piano professor and neuroscientist, play a mix of classical and contemporary. Information is here.

Dodgeball from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the gymnasium of the Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge. $15 and middle school age-plus. This all-levels monthly dodgeball event (this is the 60th!) says it’s not the same game you may have played growing up (or seen in the movie) and has nine rules subject to amendments and additions. Settle any scores at Joe Sent Me afterward. Information is here.

Johnnie and the Foodmasters party with guests Devil Honey and Jarsch from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. The weird and wild oldies band with the nostalgic name invites rock ’n’ roll scene veterans and a soulful-singing multi-instrumentalist newcomer to a fun music party (sans food, alas). Information is here.

Thirtieth anniversary Carnival Spring Extravaganza from 7 p.m. to midnight at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $40 and 21-plus. Celebrate the African diaspora with cultural vendors, live music and performances, salsa lessons, food and drinks, a raffle and tunes from DJ Ohh and DJ Nomadik. Information is here.

Spectrum Singers presents “A Brilliant Spectrum of Repertoire” at 7:30 p.m. at First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St., Harvard Square. $25 to $60. A concert of music director John Ehrlich’s favorites from the chorus’s 44-year history including Brahms’s “Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes,” Bartòk’s “Four Slovak Songs,” Fauré’s “Cantique de Jean Racine” and more. Information is here.

Duke Robillard All-Star Band performs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Regattabar, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $25. The guitarist and multiple Grammy nominee and Blues Award winner plays music off his new album “Six Strings of Steel” with band members Chris Cote (guitar, vocals), Bruce Bears (piano, organ), Doug James (saxophone), Marty Ballou (bass) and Mark Teixeira (drums). Information is here.

“The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons” performance (continued) at 8 p.m. at Theatre@First, Unity Somerville, 6 William St., Somerville. $20 to $25 and ages 8-plus. Information is here.

Oriana Consort presents “Nature’s Voice: Choral Songs of our Planet” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 66 Winthrop St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free to $25. The 30-member Oriana performs choral works celebrating our planet, including pieces by Charles Villiers Stanford, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Adolphus Hailstork, Josiah Alwood and Ēriks Ešenvalds. Information is here.

“Welcome to Holland!?” dance from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and also tomorrow). $15 to $50. Choreographer and dancer Laura Sánchez reimagines Emily Kingsley’s poem by blending flamenco with theatrical dance, poetry, humor, spoken word, film and physical installation to illuminate the often overlooked role of caregivers. Information is here.

Elizabeth Glavin and friends perform for Boston Swing Central from 8 to 11:45 p.m. at Q Ballroom, 26 New St., Fresh Pond, Cambridge. $15 to $23. The eight-piece band debuts at this social partner dance with live music, which includes a lesson for beginners in the first hour. No partner required; bring a clean pair of shoes to dance in to prevent winter sand and salt damage on the floors. Information is here.

Milonga class and dance from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., second floor, Union Square, Somerville. $20 to $40. Get a 60-minute lesson followed by four hours of milonga dancing with DJ David Chester. No partner needed; all genders are welcome to lead or follow. Information is here.

Broadway Rave musical theater dance party at 9 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $15 to $20. Musical theater nerds and drama geeks can live out their Broadway fantasies by dressing up as a favorite character and singing along to Broadway show tunes. Information is here.

Fruitstand presents “Now That’s What I Call Gay” from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Turing Tavern, 1281 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15 and 21-plus. Toss on some low-rise jeans and “get ur freak on” at this queer dance party that brings sexy back with DJ Frazzo spinning fave hits from the 2000s (Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Destiny’s Child, NSYNC and more). Information is here.

Sunday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day variety show (continued) starting at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $30 to $35 and all ages. Information is here.

“Another Slice of Pi Day” with Young People’s Project from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The MIT Museum, Gambrill Center, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free with $10 to $18 museum admission. Explore how to find the area of a circle, build a Möbius strip – a mathematical object that has long fascinated mathematicians and artists alike – and test your memory at a Pi Recitation Contest. Information is here.

St. Patrick’s Day Drag Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Summer Shack, 149 Alewife Brook Parkway, Alewife, Cambridge. $20. Wearing green, host Neon Calypso and cast will bring you over the rainbow to find that special pot of gold. Green worn by guests in optional. Information is here.

St. Patrick’s Day at Bow from noon to 5 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free. Saus and Remnant Brewing host a family-friendly afternoon of live music, face painting, yard games and themed food and drinks specials. Sign up for the Remnant Brewing Fun Run 5K at 11:30 a.m. Information is here.

Game Day at the New England Science Fiction Association from noon to 10 p.m. at the group’s clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville. Free, but you must request a seat by email to attend. A variety of board, card and role-playing games for all tastes and abilities are available for nonmembers twice a month. Or bring your own game and teach others how to play. Masks required this time. Information is here.

“Open Space: Life at Cambridge’s Danehy Park” film screening at 1 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free and all ages, but register. One theme from Federico Muchnik’s documentary, which focuses on the varied mix of people and activities that take place in the 50-acre park, is that being in nature helps us become a better version of ourselves. (As screenings fill up, additional screenings are added. See here.) Information is here.

North Cambridge Family Opera presents “Rain Dance” (continued) at 1 and 5 p.m. at the auditorium of the Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge. $7 to $15. Information is here.

Getting Cozy at the Library from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Somerville Public Library auditorium, 79 Highland Ave., Central Hill. Free. Wear cozy clothes, enjoy hot cocoa and tea, and learn a craft. This session staff will show adults how to make up to four coasters out of CDs, with different design options. Information is here.

“Beyond Words” (continued) at 2 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $24 to $93. This performance is followed (at 4:15 p.m.) by a conversation with the playwright and director. Information is here.

St. Patrick’s Day with R.G. Gallagher and Friends from 2 to 5 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. Historical storytelling is part of an Irish-themed show by a musician who studied at Berklee in the early 1970s. Information is here.

Beethoven, Blackwell, Strauss from 3 to 5 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. $9 to $68. Six musicians from the Boston Chamber Music Society perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70, No. 1, “Ghost” (1808); Lavell Blackwell’s “On the Impulse to Move” Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola and Cello (2023); and Richard Strauss’s Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 13, TrV 137 (1884-1885). Information is here.

Forfocséic with Thom Dunn performs from 3 to 6 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Irish folk punk music with staff writer for the New York Times “Wirecutter” as singer/guitarist playing songs from his new album “Love and War.” Information is here.

“The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons” performance (continued) at 4 p.m. at Theatre@First, Unity Somerville, 6 William St., Somerville. $20 to $25 and ages 8-plus. Information is here.

Movie Night: “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” from 4 to 6 p.m. at the MIT Welcome Center, 292 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free. The Japanese animated fantasy film from Studio Ponoc features the voices of Kate Winslet and Jim Broadbent, served up with popcorn. Information is here.

Gotta Bal! Balboa dance event from 4 to 8 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free. This new monthly DJ’d event celebrates a dance that originated in southern California in the 1930s and is danced to faster tempos than Lindy Hop. Soft, flexible, thin-leather or suede soles only. Information is here.

ComedyXMusic Talent Show at 5 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $14 to $17 and all ages. For comedians and anyone else who wants to perform hidden talents with the chance at winning $100. Rockwell artistic director Deby Xiadani hosts (and it’s her birthday). Information is here.

Arc Iris performs at 6:30 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $20. Now based in Los Angeles, the art-pop trio of Jocie Adams, Zach Tenorio-Miller and Ray Belli fuses story-based songs with dense electronic and orchestral arrangements. In 2023 the band released its fifth record, “We Found Home.” This performance is acoustic and features Rose Polenzani and Zachariah Hickman. Information is here.

“Welcome to Holland!?” dance performance (continued) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $15 to $50. Information is here.

Sleepytime Museum Gorilla performs at 8 p.m. at The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $25. The multi-instrumentalists behind this oddball progressive avant-garde metal band just released their fourth studio album, “Of the Last Human Being.” YouTuber dudes Thralls of Metal give its “haunting weirdness” a thumbs up. Information is here.

Monday, March 18

David Leonhardt on “The Class Inversion of Politics” from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Malkin Penthouse of the Littauer Building, Harvard Kennedy School, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square. Free, but register. The New York Times senior writer discusses why professionals have moved left and workers have moved right in the United States and elsewhere. Five copies of Leonhardt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Ours Was the Shining Future” will be raffled off to in-person attendees. Information is here.

“The Dayton Legacy: Bosnia, A Fragile Peace” film and discussion from 4 to 6 p.m. at Adolphus Busch Hall, 27 Kirkland St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Harvard visiting scholar Damir Kapidžić and Georgetown University professor Lise Morjé Howard in a facilitated Q&A with the audience after the screening of this film about the Bosnia and Dayton Accords peace agreement. Information is here.

Tricia Rose reads from “Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Black Lives – And How We Break Free” at 6 p.m. The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $12, or $35 with book. The director of the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Brown University describes how policies and practices often portrayed as “color-blind” produce a “metaracism” that disproportionately contains, exploits and punishes Black people. Henry Louis Gates Jr. joins the discussion during this Harvard Book Store event. Information is here.

Kimberly Juanita Brown reads from “Mortevivum: Photography and the Politics of the Visual” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the List Visual Arts Center, 20 Ames St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. Dartmouth College’s Brown discusses the unsettling history of photography and its fraught relationship to global antiblackness. A Q&A follows with MIT’s Hector Membreo-Canales and Sandy Alexandre. Information is here.

Malia C. Lazu reads from “From Intention to Impact: A Practical Guide to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. The MIT Sloan School lecturer, DEI strategist and entrepreneur discusses the hurdles to systemic change and provides a map for creating inclusive environments. My Brother’s Keeper Cambridge founder Tony Clark joins the conversation. The first 100 guests will get a free copy of Lazu’s book courtesy of MBK and the Central Square Business Improvement District. Information is here.

Teresa Ghilarducci reads from “Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The New School for Social Research economics professor suggests that some low-cost changes to how we finance and manage retirement will allow people more choices about when to retire and will prevent a future where elders are locked into jobs that may endanger their health. Harvard’s Lisa Berkman joins the conversation. Information is here.

“Quartier Mozart” screening at 7 p.m. at Harvard Film Archive at The Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10. This 1992 satirical classic of African cinema by Jean-Pierre Bekolo, his first film, follows the misadventures of a girl called “Chef de Quartier” who’s turned into a man by the witch Mama Tecla to teach her a lesson for being too curious. One of nine films by the Cameroonian screening through April 21 to celebrate his selection as the 2024 McMillan-Stewart Fellow in Distinguished Filmmaking. French with English subtitles. Information is here.

YA (for Adult Readers) Book Club at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Porter Square, Cambridge (and continuing monthly). Free, but register. This month’s selection is “The Invocations” by Krystal Sutherland. Information is here.

Tuesday, March 19

“An UnCommon Inheritance: The Beauty & Wonder of Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Ecosystem” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Story Chapel in Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $10 to $15. Artist-in-Residence Billy Hickey presents and discusses his nature photography, which includes images of the cemetery’s little brown bats, yellow-spotted salamanders, busy pollinators and toads. Information is here.

Nicholas P. Money reads from “Molds, Mushrooms and Medicines: Our Lifelong Relationship with Fungi” at 6 p.m. in Hall A at the Harvard Science Center, 1 Oxford St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free, or $31.82 with book. The author of “The Rise of Yeast and Mushrooms: A Natural and Cultural History” discusses his new book, which incorporates the latest mycological research showing how our health and well-being depend on an immense ecosystem of yeasts and molds inside and all around us. Information is here.

Contemporary Book Group from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Rossi Room of the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. February’s title: “I Am My Country: Stories” by Kenan Orhan. Information is here.

Poets Layli Long Soldier and Nicole Sealey read from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Edison Newman Room of the Houghton Library, at Quincy and Harvard streets in Harvard Yard, Cambridge. Free. Poet and scholar Keith Jones provides the introduction at this Harvard Vocarium Reading Series event. Information is here.

Spring equinox collage from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free. If you’re contemplating a life transition this spring, learn how to use a collage to envision your future; materials will be provided. Information is here.

Outdoor Pub Sing from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. A pub-style singalong in which anyone is welcome to lead – drinking songs, sea chanteys and any song with a singable chorus is appreciated. There will be a propane fire pit and marshmallows to toast; other snacks are welcome. Information is here.

Knitting Group from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library’s Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave. Observatory Hill in Neighborhood 9. Free. Bring yarn and needles. Information is here.

O’Connell Branch Adult Book Group from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library O’Connell Branch, 48 Sixth St., East Cambridge. Free. March’s title: “Chain-Gang All-Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. Information is here.

Emily Franklin reads from “The Lioness of Boston” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. The author of more than 20 novels and a poetry collection discusses her evocative portrayal of the daring life of Isabella Stewart Gardner. Novelist Henriette Lazaridis joins the conversation. Information is here.

Sol y Canto presents Sofia Ribeiro and Juan Ospina plus the Backyard Collective at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $28 to $30. During this dynamic evening of music, the acclaimed duo of Sol y Canto will perform a short set of songs, including the title cut of their new album; the new improvisational vocal ensemble Backyard Collective will perform; and Sofia Ribeiro will sing to the music of pianist/composer Juan Ospina. Information is here.

Lama Rod Owens reads from “The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors” at 7 p.m. in the James Room at Swartz Hall, 45 Francis Ave., Harvard Divinity School, in the Baldwin neighborhood near the Somerville border, Cambridge. Free, but register. The co-author of “Radical Dharma” and author of “Love and Rage” urges compassion for the community and planet. Information is here. More info here.

Deadword Theatre presents “Trinkets” at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville (also tomorrow). $15 to $18 and all ages. The company comprised of many Suffolk University alumni striving to make theatre more accessible presents five original and adapted short plays spanning a variety of genres and subject matter written and directed by emerging playwrights. Information is here.

Sweet Petunia, Nan Macmillan and Evan Dibbs perform from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $12. Boston’s Sweet Petunia have been praised for haunting folk harmonies with guitar and banjo. Brooklyn’s Macmillan is an indie-folk-pop artist whose debut album is “From Both Eyes.” Also from Brooklyn, Dibbs is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who just released “World Before Us.” Information is here.

Las Cafeteras perform at 8 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $28 to $35. The Los Angeles band is known for its vibrant live performances of a “uniquely Angeleno mishmash of punk, hip-hop, beat music, cumbia and rock” (says the Los Angeles Times). Information is here.

Laugh Giraffe Comedy Show at 8 p.m. at Union Tavern, 345 Somerville Ave., Union Square, Somerville (and every Tuesday). Free, but reserve your space. Standup comedy showcase. Information is here.

Wednesday, March 20

Materials Lab Workshop: Try Your Hand at Painting a 17th Century Dutch Still Life from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with 1 to 2 p.m. break) at Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $15 materials fee and 14-plus. With the guidance of painter Nard Kwast, a finalist in the Dutch TV programs “Project Rembrandt” and “The New Vermeer,” analyze still-life paintings and paint a small still life to take home. Information is here.

Valente Branch Book Group from noon to 1 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Wellington-Harrington, Cambridge. Free. March’s title: “The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT and the Fight for Women in Science” by Kate Zernike. Information is here.

Streetwise speaker series from 6 to 7 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville (and every third Wednesday). Free. Co-sponsored by the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee and Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets. This month’s speaker Christian Milneil, editor in chief of StreetsBlogMass, whose topic is “Fool Me Once, Measure it Twice, Cut Highway Spending.” Information is here.

Board game night for adults from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Wellington-Harrington, Cambridge. Free, but register. Play Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams and more, or bring a board game to play with others. Pizza and beverages provided. Information is here.

Lenore Hart and Naia Poyer read from “Night Bazaar: London” at 6:30 p.m. at Pandemonium Books & Games, 4 Pleasant St., Central Square, Cambridge. $5. The editor and cover artist of the third installment of the Night Bazaar series (this one includes 10 linked stories of dark fantasy by different authors) come by for an immersive evening of reading and discussions (and signings). Information is here.

Musician Nathalie Joachim presents “Ki moun ou ye” at 7 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $34. The Brooklyn-born vocalist and flutist who attended Juilliard and teaches music composition at Princeton comes straight here after two nights at Carnegie Hall. “Ki moun ou ye” (same title as her new album) is an intimately staged song cycle pondering the question: “Who are you?” Performed in English and Haitian Kreyòl with live voice and an intricate electronically sampled vocal textures underscored by an acoustic instrumental ensemble. Information is here.

Ramie Targoff reads from “Shakespeare’s Sisters: How Women Wrote the Renaissance” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The Brandeis professor’ new book profiles women such as Aemilia Lanyer, the first woman in the 17th century to publish a book of original poetry (which offered a feminist take on the crucifixion), Elizabeth Cary, who published the first original play by a woman (about the plight of a Jewish princess) and Anne Clifford, a lifelong diarist who fought for decades against the patriarchy. Adam Gopnik, author and staff writer at The New Yorker, joins the conversation. Information is here.

Deadword Theatre Company presents “Trinkets” (continued) at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15 to $18 and all ages. Information is here.

Poets Danielle Legros Georges, A.M. Juster and Cheryl Clark Vermeulen read from 7 to 8 p.m. at Grolier Poetry Book Shop on 6 Plympton St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10, but register. A special evening of readings delayed from December, introduced by Kevin Gallagher, for the launch of the 10th issue of spoKe, collected poetry and poetics from Boston and beyond published by MadHat Press. Information is here.

“Beyond Words” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $24 to $78. Information is here.

JigJam performs at 7:30 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $25 to $35. JigJam is described as “Ireland’s answer to the New Grass Revival,” or as “iGrass” or what happens “when virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana.” The four-piece band debuted at the Grand Ole Opry in March 2023. Information is here.

Thursday, March 21

GastroTech Night with Basque Culinary Center from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Venture Café, CIC Cambridge, One Broadway, fifth floor, Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. A culinary showcase from Spain and Boston-area chefs bookends sessions on the global food tech ecosystem, The “Gastronomy Open Ecosystem being built in San Sebastián, Spain,” and creativity in the era of gastronomic innovation. Information is here.

Tutoring Plus 60th Anniversary Gala from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 65 Franklin St., Central Square, Cambridge. $25. One of Cambridge’s oldest nonprofits, which has matched thousands of Cambridge kids with one-to-one tutors over the years for free, throws a party – with food from Bar Enza and an open bar – to raise $60,000 for its 60 years of existence (the website shows $18,000 is still needed, with a button to donate). This year honors Khari Milner, co-director of Agenda for Children. Information is here.

Anissa Touati on “Imagining Communities through Architecture: The Mediterranean Sea as a Constellation” at 6 p.m. in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Long Lounge (Building 7-429), 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free. Three projects that bring together art and architecture united by the Mediterranean Sea. Information is here.

“Breaking Boundaries: The Global Impact of Hip-hop’s Original Dance” from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Hiphop Archive and Research Institute, Hutchins Center, 104 Mount Auburn St., Floor 2R, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Lecture and presentation by Paul “Paulskeee” Ruma and Lino “Lean Rock” Delgado, pioneers in the breaking world, followed by a reception. Information is here.

Dance Film Shorts at 6:30 p.m. at the MIT Welcome Center, 292 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. Boston dancer Rachel Linsky screens two dance films she choreographed that were inspired by the work and story of Jewish-Polish composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg. Afterward, she’ll lead the audience in a Yiddish dance workshop. Information is here.

“The Toxic Problem of Poverty + Housing Costs: Lessons from New Landmark Research About Homelessness” panel discussion from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Gund Hall, 42 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. University of California at San Francisco’s Margot Kushel discusses with a moderated panel insights on California’s homelessness crisis and policies, programs and practices that would help. Information is here.

“Medea, The Musical” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Agassiz Theater, 5 James St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (through March 23). Free, but register. The Harvard Classical Club’s subtitle for its new production is “Supporting Women’s Wrongs Since 50 CE.” The club promises to “scandalize, entertain and enlighten” while giving voice to one of the most notorious women in our pop culture lexicon. Translated by Harvard College undergraduate Elena Lu with original music by Chris Ruiz and Paul Palmer. Information is here.

Maggie Thrash reads from “Rainbow Black” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The author of “Honor Girl” discusses her new novel set in New Hampshire about a young law clerk whose family history is suddenly revealed in headlines. Joining the conversation is Adam Colman, producer of Lit Hub’s “Cosmic Library” podcast. Information is here.

Jessi Jezewska Stevens reads from “Ghost Pains” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. The author of the novel “The Exhibition of Persephone Q” and “The Visitors” has gathered some of her acclaimed short fiction. Lynn Steger Strong, author of the novels “Hold Still,” “Want” and “Flight,” joins the conversation. Information is here.

Guitarist JiJi presents “Classical Goes Electric” at 7 p.m. Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $34. The first guitarist to win the prestigious Concert Artists Guild Award in 30 years presents a program that begins in the Italian Renaissance and ends in the present day, bringing together composers such as Paganini, Tania León, Steve Reich and JiJi herself. Information is here.

“American Womxn” rock ’n’ roll burlesque at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $27 to $40 and 21-plus. Onyxx Burlesque presents a journey of seduction through decades of rock music. Information is here.

Bookers with special guests from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. Improv and free jazz with Bookers’ Luke Rovinsky (electric guitar), Caleb Duval (double bass) and Michael Larocca (drum set, percussion) playing with out-of-towners Tom Weeks (alto sax) from Connecticut in the first set and Sandy Ewen (electric guitar) from Brooklyn in the second. Information is here.

Blues Union March Dances from 7 to 11 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (also March 28). $10 to $25. Includes a lesson in the first hour followed by an hour to socialize, rest or practice with a partner before two hours of social dancing. Wear shoes that allow you to pivot; no need to bring a partner. Information is here.

Cliff Notez performs live at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles Hayden Planetarium in the Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, on the Cambridge border. $20. The heralded Boston artist and musician says of this show, “One of my life dreams is coming true.” Information is here.

“Beyond Words” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $24 to $93. This performance is followed (at 9:45 p.m.) by a conversation between Dr. Irene Pepperberg and Dr. Scott V. Edwards about the intersection of linguistics and evolutionary biology. Information is here.

Popcorn Comedy with Mo Mussa from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square. $20. “New England’s funniest comedian of 2021” (from the competition of the same name) and a finalist in 2023’s Boston Comedy Festival headlines a night of freshly popped stand-up in the historic theater’s intimate microcinema. Information is here.

“The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons” performance (continued) at 8 p.m. at Theatre@First, Unity Somerville, 6 William St., Somerville. $20 to $25 and ages 8-plus. Information is here.

Lætitia Sadier and The Source Ensemble perform at 8 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $17. The London-based French musician and longtime collaborator with many (including avant-pop group Stereolab) performs songs from her new album “Rooting for Love.” Information is here.

Third Thursdays jazz with Dave Bryant and Friends at 8 p.m. at Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, 1555 Massachusetts Ave., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10. This month, keyboardist and composer Bryant will be joined by Calvin Weston (drums) of Ornette Coleman’s Prime Time Band along with J. Johnson (guitar) and Rick McLaughlin (bass). Information is here.

Palaver Strings presents “Visions and Miracles” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Longy School of Music, 27 Garden St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $20. The Portland, Maine, string ensemble presents Christopher Theofanidis, Arvo Part, Max Richter and Carolyn Shaw with excerpts of Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 1. Information is here.

Friday, March 22

East Branch Book Club from 11 a.m. to noon at Somerville Public Library East Branch, 115 Broadway. Free. The group discusses “Inheritance: a Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love” by Dani Shapiro. Pick up a copy in person or download the audio or e-book copy on Libby and Overdrive. Information is here.

Drop-in Studio at The Hive from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free. Learn about The Hive’s workshop offerings and special programs; equipment and studios will be available for limited time slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for Hive Safety Training if you want to come back as a “maker.” Information is here.

James Marcus reads from “Glad to the Brink of Fear: A Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. A reassessment of Emerson and his relevance to contemporary readers. Rick Moody, author of “The Ice Storm,” joins the conversation. Information is here.

Chromic Duo performs at 7 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $34. Lucy Yao and Dorothy Chan perform new commissions and nature-inspired works by Chopin, Ravel, Olafur Arnalds and Brian Eno using toy pianos, “real” pianos, electronics and multimedia. Information is here.

“Aristotle’s Plot” screening with director Jean-Pierre Bekolo at 7 p.m. at Harvard Film Archive at The Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $15. Jean-Pierre Bekolo’s 1996 film, with an African filmmaker as a main character (the director’s alter ego?), is one of nine films by the Cameroonian screening through April 21 to celebrate his selection as the 2024 McMillan-Stewart Fellow in Distinguished Filmmaking. In English. Information is here.

“Beyond Words” (continued) at 8 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $24 to $78. Information is here.

“The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons” performance (continued) at 8 p.m. at Theatre@First, Unity Somerville, 6 William St., Somerville. $20 to $25 and ages 8-plus. Information is here.

Loving performs at 8 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $22 to $27. Loving, a psychedelic folk band from Victoria, British Columbia, plays a double bill with Fog Lake, the musical alias of Canadian singer-songwriter Aaron Powell. Oh, Canada. Information is here.

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