Thursday, Dec. 11
Holiday Maker Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 10-250, Lobby 10, also known as the Maclaurin Buildings, at 222 Memorial Drive, Cambridge (continues on Thursday). Free entry. Jewelers, fiber artists, soap makers, woodworkers and more offer their crafts at a holiday event that has raised more than $20,000 to benefit women undergrads at MIT.
“Illuminate: Contextualizing Asian American Women’s Stories through the Archives” curator-led tour from noon to 12:45 p.m. at Poorvu Gallery in the Schlesinger Library in Radcliffe Yard, 3 James St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. A tour led by curator Victor Betts, this exhibit spotlights the stories of Asian American women whose collections are held in the Schlesinger Library. It examines how race, ethnicity, gender, citizenship and migration affect the collective memory of history.
Maud’s Handmade Holiday Market from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maud Morgan Arts, second floor, 20A Sacramento St., in the Baldwin neighborhood near Porter Square, Cambridge (continuing Friday). Free. An annual sale of art and other handcrafted goods made by staff from the Maria L. Baldwin Community Center and Maud Morgan Arts in support of the artists.
AI and Us Town Hall: Your Voice Belongs in the Future of AI from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. A group of local nonprofits and the library bring together a discussion of what is at stake and what is possible for a more humane and equitable future in the age of AI.
Collage from the Collection from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, in the Spring Hill neighborhood. $5. Dig through images of old Somerville, art magazines, books and programs from our collection and reinvent them in a collage! Then, take home a piece of the museum when you create a collage.
Ugly Sweater Crawl at 6 p.m. at Assembly Row, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville. $30 and 21-plus. Break out your most outrageous holiday attire – the uglier the better – for a night of food, drinks and cheer. Ugly sweaters are highly encouraged as you eat, sip, and stroll through Assembly Row’s best spots, plus enjoy festive caroling around The Row from Mystic Players Revival.
After Dark Series: Time Travel from 6 to 9 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $10 to $25 and 18-plus. Physicist Alan Guth and philosopher Agustín Rayo have a mind-bending conversation on the science (and paradoxes) of time travel. Dumplings from Mei Mei and drinks from Momma’s Grocery + Wine available for purchase.
The Big Easy Holiday Bash at 7 p.m. at Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Dec. 13). $59 to $111. An evening of holiday classics highlights New Orleans music and musicians, featuring jazz master Delfeayo Marsalis, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra and Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis.
William Rankin reads from “Radical Cartography: How Changing Our Maps Can Change Our World” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The cartographer and historian of science at Yale University says maps are political in defining how the world is divided, what becomes visible and what stays hidden, and whose voices are heard. The book features more than 150 full-color maps.
Angela Rossi performs at 7 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free, but $25 food-and-drink minimum. Rossi presents a selection of French and Italian classics as well as other favorites reimagined with a jazz twist. Featuring Maxim Lubarsky on piano, Plamen Karadonev on accordion, Tino D’Agostino on bass and Giuseppe Paradiso on drums.
“Howl”: An Evening of Music by Boston Based Composers at 7:30 p.m. at Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. Free, but donations accepted. The Semiosis Quartet is joined by Brian Church for a concert of the beat-era poem “Howl” by the late Lee Hyla and Allen Ginsberg and selections by Cambridge composers Stefanie Lubkowski and Curtis Hughes, students of Hyla at New England Conservatory.
An Intimate Evening with the Ghost Hounds at 7:30 p.m. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Thomas Tull Concert Hall, 201 Amherst St., Cambridge. Free, but register. Blues-infused country rock with a band that has shared the stage with The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Garth Brooks, Guns N’ Roses and Bob Seger.
The Gold Ounce from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. An instrumental funk-jazz group of drummer Chris Hughes, guitarist Phil Friedrich and bassist Ely Delman who enjoy reimagining, expanding and improvising over original tunes and standards.
Friday, Dec. 12
Illuminations Somerville any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout the holiday season). Free. Launching today, this annual, self-directed tour memorably showcases the artistry and creativity of residents and businesses who transform their spaces and yards with lights and ornaments.
Hồng-Ân Trương: “With love from your Vietnamese sisters” curator-led tour at noon at Byerly Hall, 8 Garden St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. Curators Meg Rotzel and Caitlin Julia Rubin discuss each element of the exhibition and the artist’s engagement with archival and personal materials.
Black Business Holiday Marketplace from noon to 7 p.m. at 1 Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Sunday). Free. Hosted by the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts and Cambridge Local First, this pop-up is part of Cambridge’s “Shop Local, I’m Local” small business campaign during the winter holidays.
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs from noon to 7 p.m. at 57 John F. Kennedy St., corner of John F. Kennedy and Winthrop streets, Cambridge (and continuing through Sunday, and Dec. 19-21). Free. This juried fair is one of the oldest and most popular in the area, with a mix of craftspeople from the region and world-traveling importers.
Maud’s Handmade Holiday Market (continued) from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maud Morgan Arts, second floor, 20A Sacramento St., in the Baldwin neighborhood near Porter Square, Cambridge. Free.
First Street Market Holiday Market from 5 to 10 p.m. at First Street Market, 59 First St., Cambridge (also Dec. 19). Free entry. Each evening transforms the market into a twinkling wonderland filled with local makers, farm-fresh foods, cocktails from the bar and handcrafted gifts.
Let’s Rock Cancer! at 6:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $25 to $250. The third annual rock music festival brings back Vapors of Morphine, The Chelsea Curve, Muck & the Mires, The Ray Liriano Experience and others with GBH’s Henry Santoro as host. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Care Equity Program at Dana-Farber, which aims to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes among local communities.
Trent Preszler reads from “Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Cornell University’s Preszler explores the evergreen tree’s roots through history, culture and science, from the annual hunt for the perfect Rockefeller Center spruce to the earliest days when Ancestral Puebloan builders crafted remarkable dwellings from pine beams. “This Old House” host Kevin O’Connor joins.
The Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas at 7 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square (and continuing through Dec. 28). $20 to $105. Revels’ blend of music, storytelling, song and dance brings to life the story of “Matchless,” by Gregory Maguire, author of “Wicked.” This expansion of Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic short short story, “The Little Match Girl,” is expanded again with Scandinavian songs and dance performed by musicians, actors and an intergenerational chorus.
“My Sister Eileen” film showing at 7 p.m. at the Harvard Film Archive at The Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10. Rosalind Russell and Janet Blair play sisters, with the latter in the title role. Russell plays the older sister, determined to pursue a career in journalism while both chaperoning and competing with her younger sister Eileen, whose dream of becoming an actor draws all the wrong people to their cramped basement apartment.
“Yellow Bird Chase” play at 7:30 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Dec. 21). $22 to $42. Using masks and puppets, a bumbling yet lovable maintenance crew finds a magical bird, leading to a mad chase over land, across the sea and through the air battling pirates and monsters.
Comedian Caitlin Peluffo at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continues on Saturday). $29 to $34. The crowd work pro has been featured on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” “After Midnight,” 2022’s Just For Laughs Festival, and hosts a weekly podcast, “Good Time Gal with Caitlin Peluffo” for over three years.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Canal District Kendall Winter Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 350 Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge (also Sunday). Free. Boutique market featuring more than 30 local brands, artists and artisanal food makers as well as music, food, a beer garden, ice sculptures and holiday shopping.
Black Business Holiday Marketplace (continued) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1 Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Sunday). Free.
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs (continued) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1426 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Sunday and Dec. 19 to 21). Free.
Cambridge Arts Holiday Art Market from noon to 4 p.m. at 650 E. Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge (continuing through Sunday). Free. Shop for gifts by local creators at this event presented in partnership with BioMed Realty.
Somerville Holiday Art Fair from noon to 4 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free, but register. A series finale brings together nine artists for one night of art, community and local giving.
Hollygay Market from noon to 6 p.m. at Warehouse XI, 11 Sanborn Court, Union Square, Somerville. $5. At this fifth annual event, expect talented LGBTQ+ makers, festive finds, great vibes and drag performances throughout the day.
“Yellow Bird Chase” play (continued) at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Dec. 21). $22 to $42.
Crafts, Cocoa & Cheer from 1 to 3 p.m. at Great Lawn at Assembly Row, 399 Revolution Drive, Somerville (continues Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21). Free entry. Gather the family for a merry mix of live holiday music, free kids’ crafts and warm cocoa. Today: Somerville High School Music & Theatre Department.
The Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas (continued) at 2 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square (and continuing through Dec. 28). $20 to $105.
Marzae wine holiday party from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville (continues Sunday). Free. A holiday pop-up with mulled wine by the glass and gifts.
Gingerbread house building contest from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lamplighter CX, 110 N. First St., North Point, Cambridge. Free to $25. Masters at crafting gingerbread chateaus, cabins and mansions can test your skills, or come for free as a spectator to cheer on the builders and enjoy drink specials.
Ancient and modern choral music at 5 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave., Riverside near Central Square, Cambridge. Free. Readings from scripture and religious choral music. Email parish@saintpeterscambridge.org for more information.
Meat the Need: A Holiday Meat Raffle from 5 to 7 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square in Ward 2, Somerville. Free, but register. Raffling off five specially curated holiday baskets from Savenor’s Butcher Shop to benefit Elizabeth Peabody House.
Illuminations Bike Tour from 5:45 to 8 p.m. starting from Reavis Field at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave., Central Hill (rain date: Dec. 14). Free. Don a bike helmet and follow the Somerville Bike Advisory Committee on a tour of Somerville homes and businesses transformed with holiday lights and ornaments.
“Lágrimas e Mel” at 7 to 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge (also Sunday). $15 to $20. A contemporary dance performance choreographed collaboratively and split into three parts: the first referring to tears, the second explores honey and the third embodies the mix between both of them.
Sultana performs from 7 to 10 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville. Free. The duo of Jon and Li Waterman present “History and Legends through Song,” including original songs of real and legendary characters and happenings throughout history.
Comedian Caitlin Peluffo (continued) at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $29 to $34.
“Funny Uncle Cabaret” at 8 p.m. at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (also Sunday). $25 to $40. Dance, choirs of kids and cabaret celebrating families we choose, rather than only the ones we are born to.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Vegan Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free. An opportunity to buy vegan food and other items from more than 30 small local and regional makers.
Canal District Kendall Winter Market (continued) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 350 Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free.
Cambridge Arts Holiday Art Market (continued) from noon to 4 p.m. at 650 E. Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free.
Geek Faire from noon to 5 p.m. at Pandemonium Books & Games, 4 Pleasant St., Central Square, Cambridge. Free. A holiday artisan market with illustrations, handmade stuffed animals, jewelry and more.
Black Business Holiday Marketplace (continued) from noon to 6 p.m. at 1 Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free.
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs (continued) from noon to 6 p.m. at 1426 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing Dec. 19 to 21). Free.
Marzae wine holiday party (continued) from 12:30 to 3:45 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville. Free.
“Yellow Bird Chase” play (continued) at 1 p.m. at the Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Dec. 21). $22 to $42.
The Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas (continued) at 1 and 5:30 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square (and continuing through Dec. 28). $20 to $105.
Crafts, Cocoa & Cheer (continued) from 1 to 3 p.m. at Great Lawn at Assembly Row, 399 Revolution Drive, Somerville (continues Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21). Free entry.
Diana Sierra Becerra reads from “The Making of Revolutionary Feminism in El Salvador” from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free. A former undocumented immigrant with a history of how women in El Salvador shaped the practice of the revolutionary left. City Life/Vida Urbana community youth organizer Kim Landaverde and co-director of the Center for Human Rights and International Justice Brinton Lykes joins. Email cambridgeelsalvador@gmail.com for more information.
Sweets & Santa Holiday Soiree from 1 to 6 p.m. Upstairs at Bow, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free entry. A bake sale, crafts and photos with Santa benefiting Tufts medical research and a toy drive.
Gingerbread house decorating at 2 to 8 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. $20. There are four sessions available that come with a kit for building your own gingerbread house.
“Amor, Amor, Amor” musical performance from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mystic Learning Center, 530 Mystic Ave., Somerville. Free and all ages. Tunes from four centuries, including Florence Price’s String Quartet No. 1 in G Major (unfinished, 1929); J.S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A-flat major, BWV 886 (1741); Luiz Paixão & Renata Rosa’s “Amor, Amor, Amor” (2020); and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 (1940).
“Lágrimas e Mel” (continued) at 3 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $15 to $20.
Cambridge Community Chorus presents “War and Peace” at 4 p.m. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. $20 to $30. Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass” and two takes on “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Bach and Vasks.
Christmas tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. at St. James’s Episcopal Church, 1991 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Caroling and refreshments accompany the lighting ceremony.
The Chuck Draghi comedy special taping at 6 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $24. The chef known for Alcove and Erbaluce in Belmont records his first comedy special.
“Funny Uncle Cabaret” (continued) at 8 p.m. at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $25 to $40.
Monday, Dec. 15
Menorah lighting ceremony (rain date: Dec. 16) at 6 p.m. at the Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Central Hill. Free. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne oversees the annual event.
Open mic night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free, and 21-plus. Singers, poets, comedians and storytellers are welcome to showcase their talents.
Trivia at the Brewery at 7 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free entry. Flex your knowledge of pop culture, geography and science.
Sci Fi/Fantasy Book Club at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Porter Square, Cambridge (and held monthly). Free, but RSVP. This time, the selection is “Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb.
The Tall Trio from 7 to 8 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. Every Monday night, the Lilypad’s Tall Trio warms up the stage for a night full of jazz legends. Usually led by Elan Mehler with Max Ridley and Dor Herskovits.
Sustaining Community: A Climate Change Book Group from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library’s Richard C. Rossi Room, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. This month’s title: “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate” by Naomi Klein.
Food For Thoughts: A Boston Food Bank comedy fundraiser at 8 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $14 to $24, or $10 when you bring three food donation items. Tony V, Tooky Kavanagh, Caroline Moore, Liam McGurk, Corey Rodrigues and Brieana Woodward entertain for a cause.
Passim Monday Discovery Series: Dearest Dear and Maren Doughty at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free to $20. Singer-songwriters perform, including Dearest Dear, who presents traditional tunes from Ireland, New England, Quebec and France; and Boston-based solo folk singer-songwriter Doughty, who also performs as part of the vocal trio Stereo Three.
Karaoke Noir from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at ManRay, 40 Prospect St., Central Square, Cambridge. Free to enter and 19-plus. More than 5,000 songs from new wave, goth, punk, metal and postpunk genres.
Jazz Jam at 9 p.m. at Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free and 21-plus. Smooth rhythms and soulful melodies every Monday.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Gallery Talk: “Encounters with Conservation” from noon to 1 p.m. at Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Join a member of the Straus Center for an informal conversation about their work treating objects in art collections. Taking place in the Lightbox Gallery, this presentation will give you the chance to get up close and hands-on with a selection of tools and materials used by conservation staff.
Solstice: “Reflections on Winter Light” experience from 5 to 9 p.m. during timed entries every half-hour at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge (and most days through Dec. 21). $5 to $85. Boston’s Masary Studios’ installation at the cemetery features an outdoor journey through large-scale light and sound artworks; a lantern walk; and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. It’s selling out quickly.
Holiday Themed Music Bingo from 6 to 8 p.m. at CambridgeSide, 100 CambridgeSide Place, East Cambridge (also Dec. 23). Free, but RSVP. Test knowledge of classic carols, modern holiday hits and everything in between by marking off songs on your bingo card.
Makers and Mocktails at 6:30 p.m. at Cocolee, 661 Assembly Row, Somerville. $50. Create an evergreen centerpiece surrounding a taper candle under the guidance of Haley Irene of Bluebird Bouquets.
“Mythomorphosis” game launch at 6:30 p.m. at Side Quest Books & Games, Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. $5 to $15. Game designer Gordie Murphy talks about his inspiration for Mythomorphosis, intergenerational narratives and game design more broadly. After the chat, a session for those who would like to play.
Comedian Sammy Obeid at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville. $75 to $95. Known for his cultural observations and math-inspired humor, the host of “100 Humans” on Netflix has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and “America’s Got Talent,” as well as TBS’ “Conan.”
Holiday Sing-Along from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at New School of Music, Concert Room, 25 Lowell St., West Cambridge. Free and all ages. Pianist and NSM instructor Joe Reid leads a group singing festive tunes to celebrate the upcoming season. Cider and snacks served.
Contemporary book group from 7 to 8 p.m. at Cambridge Main Library, Richard C. Rossi Room, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. The group concentrates on fiction and narrative nonfiction. This month’s title: “The Lilac People” by Milo Todd.
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony at 7:30 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (also Wednesday and Thursday). $35 to $40. A loose collaboration of Boston musicians organized by veteran singer-songwriter Jennifer Kimball, who celebrate the season with “an annual program of sacred, secular and wintery pop music rearranged, reharmonized and often just plain turned on its head.”
“Vigil Vol. 1” album release from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. Margaret Herlehy, Lilit Hartunian and John McDonald perform Ryan Vigil’s 90-minute untitled 2018 work for oboe, violin and piano.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Gallery Talk: Animal Power from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Curatorial fellow Janet O’Brien explores how animals are represented in a recent installation in the Islamic and South Asian art galleries, including their symbolic meanings and cultural significance.
“Metropolitan” 35th anniversary film showing at 6:30 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $15 to $18. A comic view of Manhattan’s endangered debutante scene, examining the rise and decline of a group of young Park Avenue socialites who gather nightly to discuss love, honor and the impending demise of their class.
Edmar Colón and Bob Toabe perform at 7 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free entry. This improv concert features Colón on saxophone and Toabe on piano, kalimbas, voice and assorted hand rhythm instruments.
Jesse Gallagher performs from 7 to 8 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. The club booker had a whole career with psychedelic rock band Apollo Sunshine, which performed with the Wu-Tang Clan, Toots & The Maytals and The Flaming Lips, and has had solo works in the soundtracks of “Breaking Bad” and on ads for Nike and The Gap – and now his YouTube instrumentals infiltrate the world through the videos of NBC, Emma Chamberlain and, uh, Tesla. Hmm. Well, the last one is kind of a buzzkill.
The Somerville Chanukah Party from 7 to 10 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $10 to $54. A complete live concert performance of “Tanz! Live in NYC” with Michael Winograd and his band. Plus, classic Chanukah songs, a performance by the Rachel Linsky dancers and Levyosn, a Boston-based ensemble specializing in Yiddish song and klezmer. Presented by the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music.
Boston Lindy Hop presents “Somerville Stomp” from 7 to 11 p.m. at Samba Bar & Grill, 608 Somerville Ave., near Union Square, Somerville. $5 (cash or Venmo). A community hour followed by three hours of DJ music with lots of space for dancing and good company. Food and drinks for sale all night.
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (also Thursday). $35 to $40.
Holiday Drag show at 8 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. $15. Dykelangelo hosts local returning Queens Coleslaw and Severity Stone.
The Either/Orchestra at 9:30 p.m. at Regattabar, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $30 to $42. This jazz group formed in Cambridge in 1985 by Russ Gershon – he and trumpeter Tom Halter remain – is configured as a “small big band” with three saxes, two trumpets and one or two trombones.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Gallery Talk: Drawing Light in “Sketch, Shade, Smudge: Drawing from Gray to Black” from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Curatorial assistant and practicing artist Meghan Grady discusses the different techniques used by artists to depict light when working with a variety of dark media.
Climate Action Book Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library Collins Branch, 64 Aberdeen Ave., West Cambridge. Free. In collaboration with the Cambridge Climate Leaders Initiative, this month a discussion on the documentary “2040.”
Robbie Pate Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free entry. Jazz vocalist Pate brings with him an all-star band with fresh takes on Christmas classics, including Jiri Nedoma on piano; Caio Afiune, guitar; Mike Gary, bass; Lee Fish, drums; and Seba Molnar, saxophone.
Tea and Tales for a Winter’s Night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, in the Spring Hill neighborhood. Free. A look at Somerville’s winter folklore, including some local ghost stories, sitting by the fireside for a comforting cup of tea.
Blues Union dances from 7 to 11 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville. $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.
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $35 to $40.
Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the café at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free, but register. An independently produced monthly improv show featuring new and veteran talent.
Scottish country dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville. $5 to $20. Learn and practice in gender-neutral language. A warm-up and lesson in the first hour are followed by an hour of social dancing. Kat Dutton emcees and teaches.
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 presents improvised music with Neil Leonard (saxophone), along with longtime bandmates John Turner (bass) and Chris Bowman (drums).
The Chicken Slacks perform at 9 p.m. at Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $10, and 21-plus. The seven-piece funk and soul band is kind of a local legend at providing a good time for a diverse and multigenerational crowd.
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