Thursday, Jan. 9
The Pleasures of Poetry from 1 to 2 p.m. in the conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge (and continuing every weekday through Jan. 24 except for Jan. 20). Free. The Lit@MIT community has offered this Independent Activities Period for 30 years. Each session is devoted to a poet or two, often a close reading of a single poem. Everyone with an interest in a diverse range of poetry, regardless of experience level, is welcome to join. Information is here.
Fiber Arts Circle from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free. Bring your own project and drop in to crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend and more with other crafters. Information is here.
“Science and Democracy: What They Are and Why They Need Each Other” at 6 p.m. at the the Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, on the Cambridge border. Free with pre-registration. Danielle Allen of Harvard’s Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation and David Kaiser, MIT physics professor, discuss polarization and misinformation and how can we come together to create a new era of scientific and democratic participation. Museum of Science president Tim Ritchie moderates. Also via livestream. Information is here.
Figma on Tap meetup for designers from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free entry, but RSVP and 21-plus. Meet, collaborate and shape the future of Friends of Figma Boston, a group formed around the collaborative online design software. Information is here.
Vernon Street Studios 50th Anniversary Retrospective exhibit closing reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Nave Gallery, 155 Powderhouse Blvd., near Teele Square, Somerville. Free. Last day to see the exhibit featuring more than 50 artists and the Vernon Street documentary “A Matter of Light.” Information is here.
After Dark Series: DIY from 6 to 9 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $10 to $20 and 21-plus. Explore the art of making with tinkerers, creators and innovators. Design your own sew-able electronics, build with mechanical metamaterial and make collaborative modular origami sculptures. Plus, check out the work of ingenious local makers, including DIY pinball machines, a Fab-in-a-Box digital fabrication kit and more. Handmade lasagna from Mostly Pasta and crafts beers from Arlington Brewing are available to buy. Information is here.
Dungeons & Dragons from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mothership, 125 Cambridgepark Drive, in North Cambridge near Alewife. $25 and 18-plus. Fight The Exposition presents a monthly D&D night open to all levels of experience (includes a beginner’s table). Information is here.
Adam Ross reads from “Playworld” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The author of “Mr. Peanut” and editor of The Sewanee Review discusses his novel about a transformative year in the life of a child actor coming of age in 1980 Manhattan. Dan Chiasson, the poet, critic and author of the forthcoming “Bernie for Burlington: Sanders in a Changing Vermont,” joins. Information is here.
Bruce Schneier on “AI and Trust” at 7 p.m. in room 32-G449 (Kiva) on the fourth floor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 32, also known as the Ray and Maria Stata Center, at 32 Vassar St., Cambridge. Free. The internationally renowned security technologist discusses how the companies behind the current generative AI systems are poised to exploit the difference between personal and impersonal trust, and that democratic governance is how we create social trust in our society. Also via Zoom. Information is here.
Sebastian Smee reads from “Paris in Ruins: Love, War and the Birth of Impressionism” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. The Pulitzer–winning art critic at the Washington Post and the author of “The Art of Rivalry” discusses how artistic genius emerged from the darkness and catastrophe of the “Terrible Year” in Paris (the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871) and led to the rise of Impressionism. “The Bear” author Andrew Krivák joins. Information is he re.
Lady Lee and the New Awakening Band from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free, but register. As part of the Dr. MLK Jr. Day Lecture Series 50th anniversary, a celebration in the branch’s Lewis Room – the original location of the lecture series. Listen to a live reggae band, check out the branch’s Black Voices Collection, learn the history of the lecture series and enjoy refreshments. 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 is appreciated! Information is here.
Blues Union January Dances from 7 to 11 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (also Jan. 16, 23 and 30). $10 to $25. A lesson in the first hour, then 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.
“Tom Dustin: Portrait of a Comedian” documentary film screening at 7:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $25. Comedian Joe List shot this feature-length film about the veteran comedian and comedy club owner over one weekend in Key West, Florida. Information is here.
Dave Fox Trio performs at 7:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. This modern jazz trio plays original compositions and arrangements inspired by John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea, Steve Swallow, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter. Includes drummer Fox, bassist John Lockwood and rotating Boston-area musicians and composers. Information is here.
MexUp Comedy Showcase at 8 p.m. at Mex Taqueria & Bar, 500 Technology Square, The Port neighborhood near Kendall Square, Cambridge. $12 to $15 and 21-plus. A new biweekly show bringing comedians from New England and beyond into the three-level restaurant. Hosted by Jamie Aird and featuring Tooky Kavanagh, Maria Palombi, Ryan Ellington, Trent Wells and Geurby Laguerre. Information is here.
Office Hours comedy show from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. Jeremy Pearson – professor by day, comedian by night – hosts a show where up-and-coming comedians cross highbrow concepts with lowbrow silliness. Information is here.
Friday, Jan. 10
“The Phenomenon of Color” lecture series from noon to 1:15 p.m. in room 4300 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 46, also known as the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex, at 43 Vassar St. in The Port neighborhood of Cambridge near the Kendall/MIT station (and continuing Jan. 17, 24 and 31). Free. This four-part Independent Activities Period course explores the significance of color in biological and machine vision. Information is here.
The Pleasures of Poetry (continued) from 1 to 2 p.m. in conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Colin White and Eliezer Velez art exhibitions opening receptions at 5:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square in Ward 2, Somerville. Free. A double show of Massachusetts artists; their works will be on display for the month. Information is here.
Kevin Turner: “Obsessive Comedy Disorder” at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15 to $20. A military veteran in a divided country who happens to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, The New York City comic looks for laughs in the sometimes silly yet sometimes dark struggle inside his brain. Information is here.
Gogofski and Revma perform at 7 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $25 to $30. Two bands with music of the Balkans and from all across Greece, respectively, bring dance rhythms and song traditions. Information is here.
Rhythm Future Quartet at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $28 to $30. Named for a Django Reinhardt tune and influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary, the group includes violinist Jason Anickm, guitarist Max O’Rourke, guitarist Henry Acker and bassist Greg Loughman. Information is here.
Dance Friday: Ecstatic Dance from 8 to 10 p.m. at St. Mary Orthodox Church, 8 Inman St., Central Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15 and all ages. Dance barefoot to a range of music. Sponsored by the Movement Collective. Information is here.
Detention stand-up comedy with Chris Higgins at 8 and 10 p.m. at Goofs Comedy Club, 432 McGrath Highway, Prospect Hill, Somerville (and also Saturday). $16 to $25 and 21-plus. A weekend of performances from Higgins, whose album “Good Boy” debuted at No. 1 on iTunes last year. There’s a full bar (drinks start at $4) and a Wade BBQ menu. Information is here.
Job Creators with Lady Lupine and Elisabeth Hoffman at 9 p.m. at The Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., in the Baldwin neighborhood between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge. $15. A evening of Boston sounds with something for everyone, perhaps. We wrote about Job Creators here. Information is here.
Roast Battle Boston at 9:30 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15 to $20 and 21-plus. Ten comedians compete in roast battles hosted by Logan O’Brien (“South Shore Boys” podcast) and Garrett Finn (“‘The Boston Ski Party” podcast). We wrote about it here. Information is here.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Wildlife Tracking from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mass Audubon Nature Center at Magazine Beach, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridgeport. Free and 14-plus. Mass Audubon field teachers help decipher animal tracks in the mud and snow to learn who has been nearby and what they were up to. Information is here.
Speed puzzle competition at 11 a.m. at Pandemonium Books & Games, 4 Pleasant St., Central Square, Cambridge. $10. Teams of two have two hours to complete a 500-piece Cobble Hill puzzle. Prizes of store credit will scale depending on how many teams. Proof of Covid vaccination is required. Information is here.
Adults with Hobbies: “Cooking Local – Actually Use the Vegetables You Buy” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $35 to $45. Try a different hobby each week in a series with educator and activist Nicole Hicks and friends. Information is here.
Introduction to nature monitoring in the city from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., near Union Square, Somerville. Free, but register. Earthwise Aware co-founder Claire O’Neill teaches how to document and help the plant and insect communities of the center. No expertise required, but prepare for the event by installing a few free apps on your phone. (If you don’t have a smart device, you’ll be paired with someone who does.) Information is here.
Lilypad Art Jam from 2 to 6 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $5 to $20 suggested donation. A community space for making art and connections with others. Limited art supplies are provided, or you can bring your own project. A full backline will be available including microphones, drums, guitar, bass, piano, synth and hand percussion, or bring your own instrument. Information is here.
“Amazigh New Year” festival of the Amazigh culture from 5 to 10 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $30 (kids free). An evening of live music, folk dancing, food, presentations and activities surrounding the heritage, language and art of these peoples native to North Africa. Sponsored by the Boston-based Amazigh American Network Organization. Information is here.
Beginner West Coast Swing Dance Bootcamp from 5 p.m. to midnight at George Dilboy VFW Post 529, 351 Summer St., Davis Square, Somerville. $50. Elizabeth Lloyd and Tom Borgese teach a two-hour intro class to West Coast Swing followed by a pizza break and social hour; afterward, a guided practice-and-review session prepares everyone for a twirl on the dance floor to sounds by DJ Alli Reese. Sponsored by Dirty Water West Coast Swing. Information is here.
Comedian Sydney Castillo at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $20 to $25 and 21-plus. The television actor, writer and producer headlines. (This event was originally scheduled for Dec. 21.) Information is here.
The Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble presents “Color Burst” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 5 Longfellow Park, near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $30. A program for string quartet and quintet that includes warmth, beauty, humor and pathos from Haydn and Boccherini and rarely heard music by 18th century Moravian composer Pavel Vranický. Information is here.
Detention stand-up comedy with Chris Higgins (continued) at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. at Goofs Comedy Club, 432 McGrath Highway, Prospect Hill, Somerville. $16 to $25 and 21-plus. Information is here.
Kendall Square Orchestra presents “Joy & Renewal” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $50. The program includes Barber’s lush and emotional “Adagio for Strings”; the sparkling interplay of Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” featuring Yoonhee Lee (violin) and Njord Fossness (viola); and the celestial serenity of Mahler’s “Symphony No. 4,” featuring soprano Sonja Tengblad in the final movement. Kristo Kondakçi conducts. Information is here.
The Blues Runs Through It Part 2: Shelley Neill in Concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. $25. As a follow-up to her Sept. 13 performance, the Boston singer continues to look at the relationship of jazz and blues with songs by Buddy Johnson, Duke Ellington, Percy Mayfield, Stevie Wonder and others. Features Laszlo Gardony (piano), Ron Mahdi (bass) and Yoron Israel (drums). Information is here.
Leland Ko performs Dvorak from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St., Harvard Square. Free to $25. The prize-winning cellist performs Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B minor in a program that also includes Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in D minor. Information is here.
The Bags perform at 8 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $22 to $25. The Boston underground rockers draw from a catalog of six albums as they celebrate their 40th anniversary with guests The Croaks and Gymnasium. Information is here.
Rico Barr and The Jump ’n’ Jive Review perform for Swing City Boston at 8 p.m. to midnight at the West Cambridge Youth Center, 680 Huron Ave. $17 to $20. An hourlong lesson on East Coast/six-step swing followed by social dancing to live music by one of New England’s premier dance bands. An optional free lesson on beginner Lindy Hop and swing starts at 6:30 p.m. Information is here.
Comedian Andrew Durso at 10 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. The Boston comic and writer, now based in New York, was a staff writer for “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” on Netflix. Information is here.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Queer Romance Book Club from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at All She Wrote Books, 75 Washington St., Prospect Hill, Somerville. $7, or $27 with book. This month’s title: “A Shore Thing” by Joanna Lowell. Coffee and pastries provided. Information is here.
Heart Hive presents “Ecstatic Dance [Manifestation]” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 1950 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. $10 to $35 (free for children under 5). A chance to dance without shoes, alcohol or phones. DJ music from Bl0ckh34d and Djini. A community singing circle wraps up the event. Information is here.
“‘Greatest Show” drag brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Summer Shack, 149 Alewife Brook Parkway, Alewife, Cambridge. $20. Sing along with this tribute to the movie musical “Greatest Showman” because “everyone of us is special, and nobody is like anyone else.” Costumes encouraged. Information is here.
Back & Forth Flea Market from noon to 5 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free. Vintage clothing, art and small goods from local vendors, plus on-the-spot mending and alterations, music and more. Information is here.
Ron Savage jazz brunch from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Dx@Dunster, 33 Dunster St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $48. Berklee College of Music’s Ron Savage brings his trio, and Everybody Gotta Eat brings fare such as Southern bread baskets, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fried fish and banana pudding pound cake. Information is here.
Improv Gym from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. Free or $10 suggested donation. Nova Comedy Collective helps you hone improvisational comedy skills. No experience necessary. We wrote about it here. Information is here.
Prokofiev, Arensky and Glazunov from 3 to 5 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. $9 to $68. Nine musicians from the Boston Chamber Music Society perform Sergei Prokofiev’s Quintet in G minor for Winds and Strings, Op. 39 (1924); Anton Arensky’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 32 (1894); and Alexander Glazunov’s String Quintet in A major, Op. 39. Information is here.
CircleSinging Somerville from 3 to 5 p.m. at SomArt@The Armory, third Floor, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $10 to $20 suggested donation. This improvisation-based group-singing practice involves a wide range of melodies, rhythms and harmonies spanning a range of styles. Organized by Joshua Daniel. Information is here.
Cuban dance classes with El Bonche from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mango Studio, 112 Bishop Allen Drive, Central Square, Cambridge. $20. El Guille and Fernanda teach casino and Cuban body movement. Information is here.
Boston Open Contra from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Orthodox Church, 8 Inman St., Central Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15 suggested donation. A dance for new callers, choreographers and band musicians – and fun dancing. Masks required. Information is here.
Revels Fringe: Josée Vachon and Keith Murphy with Becky Tracy at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $23 to $25. Vachon performs traditional and contemporary folksongs from Québec and Acadia and her own compositions; guitarist Murphy and fiddler Tracy (his wife) update old ballads and songs in English and French. Information is here.
“Guateque Cubano” dance party from 7 to 11 p.m. at George Dilboy VFW Post 529, 351 Summer St., near Davis Square, Somerville. $15. Keep warm and welcome the new year dancing casino, son and rumba; an intermediate-to-advanced rueda class is offered in the first half-hour by Boston Rueda. Information is here.
Second Sun Rising Partner Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. at Q Ballroom, 26 New St., Fresh Pond, Cambridge (and the second Sunday of each month). $5 to $30 pay-what-you-can and cash only. Social partner fusion-type dancing to styles ranging from electronica to pop to blues. A lesson for beginners in the first hour. Bring dance shoes and a water bottle. Information is here.
Paragon Jam from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. Boston’s jazz-rock Paragon Project invites players to bring an instrument, sign up at the door for a placement and perform one or two tunes with the band and in the group jam at the end of the night. Information is here.
Monday, Jan. 13
The Pleasures of Poetry (continued) from 1 to 2 p.m. in conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Chess hour from 5 to 6 p.m. at Cambridge Library’s Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Observatory Hill in Neighborhood 9, Cambridge (and continuing every other Monday). Free. Players of all skill levels and ages welcome. Chess sets provided, or bring your own. Information is here.
Monday’s Pages at 6 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every second and last Monday of each month). Free. At this cold reading series, actors and writers get together to work on their crafts via 10-page submissions, with casting at 6:15 p.m. and reading at 7 p.m. The Variety Free Open Mic and The Theo Griffin Experience house band follow at 8:15 p.m. Information is here.
O’Neill Branch book group from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library O’Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge. Free. January’s title: “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Jane Goodall. Information is here.
Bachata Fundamentals from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the downstairs studio at the Cambridge Athletic Club, 215 First St., Kendall Square, Cambridge (and Mondays through Feb. 17). $25 or $149 for a six-class pass. Learn a dance that originated out of the Dominican Republic and has different types (traditional, sensual and modern). Information is here.
Queer Book Club from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in the auditorium of the Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Central Hill. Free, but register. This month’s title: “Scorched Grace” by Margot Douaihy. Information is here.
Millennial Crisis presents Boston Social Conversations from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free and 21-plus. You’ll be placed in small groups with other millennials and Gen Z-ers and be given prompts to spark thought-provoking conversations about topics that matter to you (because you’re the generation with the most connections but least community). Information is here.
Karissa Chen reads from “Homeseeking” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The editor-in-chief of Hyphen magazine discusses her new novel about family, sacrifice, loyalty and of the power of love as it follows separated lovers through six decades of tumultuous Chinese history. New York Times bestselling author and novelist Celeste Ng joins. Information is here.
Capoeira class from 7 to 8 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (and every Monday). First class free, $15 thereafter. Learn a workout based on the dynamic Afro-Brazilian art form that combines dance, music and martial arts. Information is here.
Porter Square Books Community Meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free, but RSVP. As it continues its Be the Change event series – which pairs presentations by authors and experts on topical subjects with fundraising for related local organizations – the bookstore asks what kinds of topics neighborhood residents would like to see and if there are a specific groups to support or amplify. Information is here.
Full Moon Yoga from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Museum of Modern Renaissance, 115 College Ave., between Davis and Powder House squares, Somerville. $35. Channel the spiritual energy of the wolf moon during this all-levels yoga in a serene, unique venue. Bring a yoga mat and water. Information is here.
Passim Monday Discovery Series: Talia Schlanger at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free to $15. The former host of the National Public Radio-distributed radio show World Cafe performs songs off her debut album “Grace for the Going.” Information is here.
Jerry Bergonzi Quartet from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge (and continuing most Mondays). $10 to $15. Bergonzi brings his tenor sax mastery to this seated show with bandmates Phil Grenadier on trumpet and Luther Gray on drums. Information is here.
The Fringe at 10:30 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge (and every Monday). $10 to $15. Remaining members of The Fringe (formed in 1971), tenor-saxophonist George Garzone and bassist John Lockwood perform contemporary jazz. Information is here.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
The Pleasures of Poetry (continued) from 1 to 2 p.m. in conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Silent Reading Party at 3 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. At this monthly event, bring your own book or buy a book on site and join others sitting and reading quietly for an hour. Afterward, discuss what was read – or not, if you don’t feel like talking! Information is here.
How to Play Dungeons & Dragons: A Beginner’s Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge (also Feb. 4 and March 4). $30. Learn the basics of D&D, create a character and explore anything and everything in between. 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, Catan, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams and more, or bring a board game to play with others. Pizza and beverages provided. Information is here.
Fiftieth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture with Reginald Dwayne Betts from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. The award-winning poet, lawyer and executive director of the nonprofit Freedom Reads gives a talk celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Information is here.
Winter Plant Care 101 and Plant Swap at 6:30 p.m. at Rococo Floral, 231 Somerville Ave., Somerville. $25. Learn what key steps help houseplants thrive during the cold winter months. Bring a healthy 3- to 6-inch potted plant to participate in a plant swap raffle (everyone will have the opportunity to win a plant and bring it home with them). 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 and find out what fellow knitters are up to. Information is here.
Kyle Paoletta reads from “American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The Albuquerque native and Cambridge-based journalist argues that to know how mass migration and the climate crisis will affect the United States we must understand how successive empires – from indigenous populations to Americans – affected the Southwest. The award-winning science journalist and educator Julia Sklar joins. Information is here.
Edwin Frank reads from “Stranger than Fiction” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. The longtime editor of the New York Review of Books publishing imprint offers a vision of the history and art of the novel by recounting its 20th century history with the urgency and intimacy of a novel. Maggie Doherty, Harvard creative writing professor and author of “The Equivalents: A Story of Art, Female Friendship and Liberation in the 1960s,” joins. Information is here.
Book club with author Melissa Caruso discussing “The Last Hour Between Worlds” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Side Quest Books & Games in Bow Market at 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. $5 (ticket price redeemable for store credit on day of event). A 30-minute group discussion of Caruso’s adventure fantasy novel is followed by a moderated talk (and Q&A) with the author and a signing line. Information is here.
Bluesy Tuesy Social Dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville (and every Tuesday). $5 to $25. Dr. Ron DJs at this weekly partner blues dance event that includes a lesson for beginners in the first hour. No partner required. Information is here.
Romance book group from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the teen room at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free. A book discussion group for teens and adults. This month: “Confounding Oaths” by Alexis Hall. Information is here.
Point01 Percent contemporary series from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $15. A cross-pollination of area musical improvisers. At 7:30 p.m., Quartet: Anna Webber (sax and flute), Anthony Coleman (piano) and Bruno Raberg (bass). At 8:30 p.m., Construction Party: Dave Rempis (sax), Forbes Graham (trumpet), Pandelis Karayorgis (piano), Nate McBride (bass) and Luther Gray (drums). Information is here.
Zouk social for seniors and others from 8 to 11 p.m. at George Dilboy VFW Post 529, 351 Summer St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15. A switch to a larger space for this all-levels Brazilian music and dance evening that gets you home in time for a decent night’s sleep, with the tagline: “No matter your age, we invited you to embrace your inner senior.” Information is here.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan: “Hustle” at 9:45 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $40 to $50. The earlier show of this British comedian, actor, presenter and bestselling author sold out quickly, so this later one was added. Information is here.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Midday Music and Soup with Joseph Borsellino & Friends from 12:15 to 1 p.m. at the MIT Welcome Center, 292 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free. Sip free, hot soup from Souper Roll Up Café (bring your own mug and get a sweet treat) while listening to saxophonist and composer Joseph Borsellino III and bassist Tony Irons performing effects-laden textures and intricate grooves drawn from African diasporic music. Information is here.
The Pleasures of Poetry (continued) from 1 to 2 p.m. in conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Winter Biking Basics from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Wellington-Harrington, Cambridge. Free, but register. A workshop offered by the Cambridge Community Development Department. Information is here.
Streetwise speaker series at 6 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Co-sponsored by the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee and Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets. This month features Dave Read, who gives an update on the Border to Boston Trail, a 70-mile trail from the New Hampshire border all the way to Boston. Information is here.
Valente branch book group from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Wellington-Harrington, Cambridge. Free. January’s title: “Begin Again” by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. Information is here.
Stitch ’n’ Bitch from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Boston Figurative Art Center, 285 Washington St., Ste. 102, near Union Square, Somerville. $10 and all ages. Bring an unfinished textile or sewing project and commiserate with others in a low-key setting about how many unfinished projects you have. Professional artist and fashion designer Mary Kahle of Kahle Studios troubleshoots and provides feedback. All experience levels are welcome; snacks provided. Information is here.
Central Square Book Club book talk from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free, but register. This month’s title is “Erotic Stories by Punjabi Widows” by Balli Kaur Jaswal. Copies are available for pickup at the branch. Information is here.
Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the community room at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group. Bring short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. Information is here.
Danielle Legros Georges reads from “Three Leaves, Three Roots: Poems on the Haiti-Congo Story” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The Haitian-born creative writing professor at Lesley University who served as poetry laureate of Boston from 2014 to 2019 layers interviews, correspondence and poetry to explore the personal and political stories of the Haitians who were part of Congo’s 1960s decolonization movement. Poet, literary critic and Harvard professor Patrick Sylvain joins. Information is here.
Rick Parker reads from “Drafted” at 7 p.m. at Hub Comics, 19 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville. $25 with book. Hub Comics owner Tim Finn interviews the author and artist about his graphic novel memoir about being a young artist drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. Includes a slideshow, reception with light refreshments and book signing. Information is here.
Alan Lightman reads from “The Miraculous from the Material” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. The physicist and novelist explains with personal essays and full-color photos evoking nature’s awe-inspiring phenomena how we can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of our scientific worldview. Dan Levitt, author of “What’s Gotten Into You: The Story of Your Body’s Atoms, from the Big Bang Through Last Night’s Dinner,” joins. Information is here.
Poets Indran Amirthanayagam, Joan Larkin and Mark Pawlak from 7 to 8 p.m. at Grolier Poetry Book Shop on 6 Plympton St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $5 to $10, but register. With an introduction by Dick Lourie. Information is here.
Pianist Yulianna Avdeeva at 7:30 p.m. at the Longy School of Music, 27 Garden St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $104. In her Celebrity Series debut, the Chopin Competition gold medalist offers a program of short works by Liszt and Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata. Information is here.
Isabel Oliart and Kieva McGonagle perform at 7:30 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $25 to $35 and all ages. As part of the Burren’s Brian O’Donovan Legacy Series, a 29-year-old Celtic fiddler from Boston and graduate of the New England Conservatory and Boston University, plus an Irish harp player and singer from County Donegal, Ireland, whose move to Boston in 2022 inspired her October 2024 EP “Across the Atlantic.” Information is here.
Pitch-a-Friend from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Prepare a three-to-five minute slide presentation to pitch your amazing single pal to a room full of other singles and onlookers. Or just be an onlooker. “Like Shark Tank, but for love and friendship.” Aeronaut Information is here.
Eva Westphal at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $18 to $20. Westphal’s pop recounts her coming out, sobriety and mental health recovery. Zola Simone opens. Information is here.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Thursday Morning Talks: “Dinosaurs” from 10:15 a.m. to noon at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., West Cambridge. $20 or $125 (suggested donations for individual talk or series subscription), and registration is required. Ophthalmologist Henry Kreigstein talks about his paleontology and organizing private digs in the Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana. The January and February lecture series is a fundraiser for Mount Auburn Hospital in its 88th year. Information is here.
The Pleasures of Poetry (continued) from 1 to 2 p.m. in conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
“The Art of the Festival Celebrating the Rain God of the Kathmandu Valley” exhibition opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, in the Spring Hill neighborhood. $8 (free to members and kids 12 and under). Photographs (by anthropologist Bruce McCoy Owens), cultural artifacts and works of fine art and popular culture that tell the story of the largest festival of the Kathmandu Valley, practiced for nearly 1,400 years. The exhibit includes stories of people in the Somerville area who share their memories in connection with Nepalese festivities. Information is here.
Neha Ruch reads from “The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids – and Come Back Stronger Than Ever” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The founder of the online community “Mother Untitled” rebrands the stay-at-home mother for a generation of women who don’t want to leave ambition behind just because they decide to pause or change careers postkids. Kara Baskin, writer of the “Parenting Unfiltered” column for The Boston Globe, joins. Information is here.
“New Year New You: A Speculative Fiction Anthology” launch at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. The bookstore hosts the launch for “New Year, New You: A Speculative Anthology of Reinvention,” edited by Chris Campbell and featuring a reading of work by story contributors Elizabeth Bear, Chris Campbell, Nick DePasquale, Allison Pottern and Brigitte Winter. Author Max Gladstone moderates. Information is here.
Houston Bernard at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15 to $20. The Oklahoma-born and Alaska-raised army veteran brings his country music to Boston. Information is here.
Boston Celtic Music Festival from 7 to 9 p.m. (and continuing through Sunday). $25 to $35. This twice-annual homegrown celebration marks its 22nd anniversary of showcasing Greater Boston’s tradition of music, song and dance from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois and other Celtic communities. The event includes musicians, workshops and participatory musical sessions and dances over the course of a weekend at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge; Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square; and The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. Information is here.
Gender Free Scottish Country Dance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville (and also Jan. 30 and Feb. 20). $5 to $20. Learn and practice in gender-neutral language. A warm-up and lesson in the first hour is followed by an hour of social dancing. Kat Dutton emcees and teaches. Information is here.
Comedian Rachel Scanlon at 7:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $29. The Los Angeles stand-up comic, host and writer co-hosts the podcast and nationally touring live show “Two Dykes and a Mic.” Information is here.
Open Mic Night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Narrative, 387 Highland Ave., Davis Square, Somerville. Free, but register. Sign up to perform (first come, first served on the night of the event) or just attend and cheer on others. All mediums are welcome. Tonight’s event also features Jess Rizkallah, author of “The Magic That My Body Becomes.” Hosted by Aparna Paul. 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, the keyboardist and composer celebrates the 25th anniversary of the debut recording of Trio Ex Nihilo with its members cellist Jeff Song, drummer Curt Newton and cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum. He also brings saxophonist Tom Hall, who was part of a jazz trio – The Blooming – formed with Song and Newton three years after that debut, to perform with the celebration. Information is here.
Sungazer at 8 p.m. at The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $25. Bassist Adam Neely and drummer Shawn Crowder bring their hard-hitting jazz fusion, 8-bit, prog rock and electronic dance music to town. Information is here.
City of Four and Bubble Wave from 8 to 11:30 p.m. at The Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., in the Baldwin neighborhood between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge. $15 and 21-plus. Two Boston bands performing, respectively, groove-based jazz fusion and reggae and roots (covers and originals). Information is here.
Clown Town: A Queer Circus Variety Show from 8 p.m. to midnight at The Jungle, 6 Sanborn Court, Union Square, Somerville. $10 and 21-plus. Live music by SillyBand followed by a drag clown show. DJ tunes all night from Mx.Demeanor. Information is here.
Route 1: The Last Exit with DJ Foley from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at ManRay, 40 Prospect St., Central Square, Cambridge. $10 and 19-plus. DJ Paul Foley brings the best freestyle, electro house, new jack swing, old school hip-hop and club classics. All vinyl all night. It’s the last Route 1 before Foley takes some time off, so don your favorite track suit and enjoy the music and times that were Route 1. Information is here.
A stronger
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