A week of events in Cambridge and Somerville, from Bim Skala Bim to Passim Celtic music fest

Friday, Jan. 5

Cuban Dance with Boston Rueda from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge (and continuing every Friday). $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.

Yoko Miwa Trio performs from 7 to 8:15 and 8:45 to 10 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free, but $25 food-and-drink minimum. The Japan-born jazz pianist performs with Brad Barrett (acoustic bass) and Scott Goulding (drums). Information is here.

Raaaatscraps Improv from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville (and also Saturday). $20 and 21-plus. This fully improvised show from New York City features a guest monologist who tells true stories from their life; a rotating cast of improvisers (most from top TV shows) use the stories as inspiration to make up scenes on the spot. For Boston shows, the “guest” will be an audience member. Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” at 7:30 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Jan. 21). $50 to $150. An award-winning team of Latine artists created this American Repertory Theater stage production of the 2002 film about the immigrant experience, friendship and big dreams. Information is here.

The Sarah Blacker Band performs at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $23 to $25. The award-winning multi-instrumentalist performs her new “Beautiful Murderer” and other originals with Aaron Z. Katz (percussion), Phil Selsnick (keys/bass) and Mark Lipman (vocals). Information is here.

DJ Black Mamba plays dance tunes at 9 p.m. at Thirsty Scholar Pub, 70 Beacon St., Somerville, on the Cambridge border of Ward 2 (and continuing every Friday in January). Free. The pub is now open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Information is here.

Saturday, Jan. 6

Hive Safety Training from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Fab Lab of The Hive at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. This workshop familiarizes you with The Hive makerspace and shows how to use its resources and keep safe. Completion of safety training is the entry point to using the space. Information is here.

Wildlife Tracking from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mass Audubon Nature Center at Magazine Beach, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridgeport. Free and ages 6-plus. Mass Audubon field teachers help decipher animal tracks in the snow to learn who has been nearby and what they were up to. Information is here.

Bim Skala Bim 40-Year Reunion at 1 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $15 to $20. One of the premier bands kick-starting the third wave of ska in the 1980s revisits its “Boston Blue Beat” sound – a mix of upbeat two-tone ska, rock ’n’ roll and calypso with a substantial reggae undertone. Also playing: NB Rude Boys and Riki Rocksteady. Information is here.

Discover Mount Auburn walking tour from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $10, but register. Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark and the final resting place of nearly 100,000 people – including famous ones such as poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter and cookbook author Fannie Farmer – along with being home to 700 wildlife species and varieties of trees, beautiful sculpture and landscaping and gloriously gloomy tombs and mausoleums. This 1.5-mile walking tour focuses on history, monuments and the lives of the buried. Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (continued) at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $70 to $155. Information is here.

Double Star, The Jacklights and Fox Canadian perform from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Jungle, 6 Sanborn Court, Union Square, Somerville. $10 and 21-plus. Three Boston bands ranging from ska-influenced pop rock to punk. The Jacklights sum up how we all feel right now when Nilagia McCoy sings “The Winter.” Information is here.

Duck Duck Goofs comedy showcase from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and every Thursday and Saturday). $15 to $20 and 21-plus. Live local music followed by four sets from often nationally recognized comics plus cheap beer and $15 scorpion bowls. The hard-working host behind this speakeasy laugh fest is Ryan Howe, who also runs the Detention stand-up show on Fridays and Saturdays at the Cambridge Community Center. Information is here.

Raaaatscraps Improv (continued) from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $20 and 21-plus. Information is here.

Monthly Bachata Social from 7 to 11 p.m. at Rumba and Timbal Studio, 7 Temple St., Central Square, Cambridge (and every first Saturday of the month). $15. Malden’s J&L Dance Studio brings an underground social to the YWCA each month featuring mostly bachata and a bit of salsa/kizomba/merengue. Includes a lesson in the first hour and music from DJ Lui-G. Information is here.

The Good Liars Fix America at 7:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $29. Political comedy pranksters Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler settle some of the country’s most burning debates: What should we do about guns in America? How should we handle the rise of conspiracy thinking? Why is Ted Cruz so weird? They also screen never-before-seen videos from their filmmaking archives. Information is here.

Sunday, Jan. 7

“Visions of a Dream: Autistic Artists Interpret Martin Luther King Jr.” exhibit from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge (and continuing through the month). Free. First day of a showcase of work from Korean and American artists on the autism spectrum who produce their renditions of the civil rights movement leader according to their personal style and approach. On Jan. 13 director Hayon Choi gives a lecture and workshop on exploring neurodiversity through artistic expression. Information is here.

“Hair Spray” Drag Brunch at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Summer Shack, 149 Alewife Brook Parkway, Alewife, Cambridge. $20. Have a meal and enjoy this themed dance party that pays tribute to the original movie and its musical version. Hosted by Neon Calypso. Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (continued) at 2 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $65 to $150. Information is here.

Matt Heaton and The Electric Heaters play retro-sonic surf noir from 3 to 6 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville (also Jan. 14 and 21). Free. Moody, groovy instrumental music inspired by the reverb-drenched sounds of yesteryear. Information is here.

First Sunday Blues dancing at 7 p.m. in the back room of The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville (and continuing the first Sunday of each month). $18 to $23, all ages. Start with a lesson (no partner required). This month the Tiger Moan Blues Band welcomes guest Danielle Miraglia, who comes “with a strong steady thumb on an old Gibson and an infectious stomp-box rhythm.” Information is here.

“Burnt Offerings” from DJ Faz at 9 p.m. at ZuZu, 474 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free and 21-plus. Come all ye children of the night to hear death rock, dark punk and other unearthly timbres spun by Faz. Information is here.

Monday, Jan. 8

Beginner belly dance from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge (and every Monday through Feb. 12). $20 or $70 for a four-class pass. All skill levels are welcome to learn the technique and beginner choreography from professional belly dancer and instructor Sabrina Mijares. Information is here.

How to make your own emergency preparedness kit from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Somerville Public Library West Branch, 40 College Ave., near Davis Square. Free, bur register. Learn the basics of what you will need to be prepared for all kinds of extreme weather and how to make sure it’s accessible. Information is here.

Adult book group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library O’Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge. Free. This group discusses a mixture of fiction and nonfiction. January’s title: “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin. Information is here.

Cambridge City Growers winter assembly potluck at 7 p.m. at the Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St., Riverside. Free, and bring a dish of food to share (with ingredients labeled). The citizens group that grows organic produce in spaces around town and donates it to The Coast community fridge and those in need will recap the past year and share ideas and priorities for 2024. All are welcome. Information is here.

6seventeen Records’ New Year’s Showcase from 9 p.m to midnight at The Jungle, 6 Sanborn Court, Union Square, Somerville. Free ($5 suggested donation) and 21-plus. The Cambridge-based record label and promotion group with host 44Noise and Drunk DJ bring together more than 10 area performers for this new music showcase. Information is here.

The Illusion Night from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at The Cantab Underground, 738 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free. Dance to the vibes of bass and dubstep with Illusion Night founder Millusion (9:30 p.m.) and resident DJs Xan Beats (10:30 p.m.) and Abyssion Music (11:30 p.m). Information is here.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

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. 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.

Knitting group from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Observatory Hill in Neighborhood 9. Free. Bring your fiber project and enjoy the company of other crafters at this informal group. Information is here.

Rachel Slade reads from “Making It in America: The Almost Impossible Quest to Manufacture in the U.S.A. (And How It Got That Way)” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The author profiles Ben and Whitney Waxman’s difficulties in producing a 100 percent American-made hoodie, crossing from the cotton fields of Mississippi to New York’s garment district to a family-owned zipper company in Los Angeles and to the enormous knit-and-dye factories in North Carolina. Farah Stockman, journalist and author of “American Made,” joins the conversation. Information is here.

Stephen McCauley reads from “You Only Call When You’re in Trouble” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 25 White St., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. The author of seven previous novels discusses his latest about an architect of tiny houses with a needy sister and the family secrets (and lies) that bind them together. Information is here.

Music from the Sole community dance workshop from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free, but register. All ages and levels are welcome to this music and movement workshop for body percussion and tap-inspired moves from Music From the Sole leaders Leonardo Sandoval and Gregory Richardson. No tap shoes; sneakers fine. Information is here.

Supper Club: “Milk Street: Cook What You Have” by Christopher Kimball from 7 to 9 p.m. at Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (and on the second Tuesday of every month). Free, but register. This time the potluck centers around a cookbook that helps you make delicious meals from the simplest pantry staples. Information is here.

Romance book group from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free. A book discussion group for teens and adults. This month: “Chef’s Choice” by T.J. Alexander. Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $50 to $150. Information is here.

Point01 Percent at 7:30 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $15. A cross-pollination of area musical improvisers. At 7:30 p.m.: works by McDonald, Claman and Werntz with John McDonald (piano) and Carlos Maura Galvez (quena, guitar) joined for a bit by Pandelis Karayorgis (microtonally tuned keyboard) and Eric Rosenthal (percussion). At 8:40 p.m.: Eric Barber (sax), Karayorgis (piano), Brittany Karlson (bass) and Rosenthal (drums). Information is here.

Bluesy Tuesy Social Dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at The Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St., Harvard Square (and every Tuesday). $5 to $20. This weekly partner blues dance event includes a lesson for beginners in the first hour. No partner required. Information is here.

Laugh Giraffe Comedy Show at 8 p.m. at Union Tavern, 345 Somerville Ave., Union Square, Somerville (and every Tuesday). $10. Stand-up comedy showcase. Information is here.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Fiber crafts drop-in at the library from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cambridge library’s O’Connell Branch, 48 Sixth St., East Cambridge. Free. Bring a project and knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch and more with other crafters. Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (continued) at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $50 to $150. Information is here.

“Rooted” yoga experience from 6 to 7:30 at MIT Welcome Center at 292 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free and beginner friendly, but register. Yoga instructors Marlene Boyette and Malaika Bonafide lead a gentle yoga flow, followed by guided relaxation while Skooby Laposky plays the plants – reading biodata and turning those measurements into a composition of dreamy, ambient music. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Information is here.

Books and Brews from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free, but 21-plus. A collaboration with the Somerville Public Library that this month explores “Writers and Lovers” by Lily King. Information is here.

Thursday, Jan. 11

Thursday Morning Talks(updated): Michael Kirk from 10:15 a.m. to noon at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., West Cambridge. $125 (suggested donation for a series subscription), and registration is required. The documentary filmmaker and original senior producer of “Frontline, PBS” from 1983-1987 discusses chasing the truth on the frontlines with his talk “Lies, Politics and Democracy.” (This a speaker change from the originally scheduled Charles Sennott.) The Thursday Morning Talks lecture series, a fundraiser for Mount Auburn Hospital that’s in its 87th year, is held every January and February. Information is here.

“Museo Inmigrante: Stories of Resilience from Somerville’s Padres Latinos” opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, in the Spring Hill neighborhood. $5 (free for members). The exhibit, running through March 23, puts its lens on members of a mutual aid group launched during the pandemic to advocate for Latino students in Somerville Public Schools. It explores stories about immigration, home, family, memory, community and finding purpose. The work of award-winning photographers Mario Quiroz and Iaritza Menjivar is featured. Information is here.

“Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang” screening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bartos Theater, 20 Ames St., Building E-15, atrium level, Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free. In the Sundance-nominated film directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald, the Chinese fireworks artist chronicles the making of an immense 500-meter, firework-lined representation of a ladder to heaven, a work carried out in secret in a small Chinese fishing village in 2015. The same artist’s “Ring Stone” sculpture (2010) is on display on MIT’s campus. Sponsored by the MIT List Visual Arts Center. Information is here.

After Dark Series: Beyond the Fold from 6 to 9 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $10 to $20 and 21-plus. Collaborate on large-scale origami models, create Japanese kusudama out of wooden tiles and check out a machine that creases all on its own. Plus learn how to fold dumplings from the experts at Mei Mei (with Mei Mei dumplings and local brews from Remnant for purchase). Information is here.

Dance/works at 7 p.m at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Fitzgerald Auditorium, 459 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge (also Friday). $10. Performances feature a range of styles and music, danced and choreographed by CRLS students, plus guest-choreographed works from alumni or dancers in the Boston area. Information is here.

Boston Celtic Music Festival at 7 p.m. (and continuing through Sunday). $25 to $35. This twice-annual homegrown celebration marks its 21st anniversary of showcasing Greater Boston’s deep tradition of music, song and dance from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebeços and other Celtic communities. This time it includes 60-plus 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; The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville; and The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. Information is here.

Rick Maguire (from Pile) performs at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15 and 18-plus. Solo concert experience from a musician known for his haunting vocals and unique guitar tones. Information is here.

Blues Union January dances from 7 to 11 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (also Jan. 18 and 25). $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.

“Hear Her Sing for Freedom” at 7:30 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge (and continuing through Sunday). $35. Natasha Ellis reprises her acclaimed performance from last year in the role of Coretta Scott King, a vocalist and political activist before she met Martin Luther King Jr. An annual MLK holiday tradition including a freedom concert with Ellis narrating biographical details between the musical numbers. Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $55 to $150. Information is here.

Duck Duck Goofs comedy showcase (continued) from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15 and 21-plus. 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. Two robotic space DJs who have collected song fragments from Earth that have drifted through the cosmos try to piece them back together based on what they theorize are current trends. Expect interesting distortions of electro-swing from DJ Dekichan followed by pop remixes from DJ Catalyst. Information is here.

Friday, Jan. 12

Cuban Dance with Boston Rueda (continued) from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $15. Information is here.

Dance/works (continued) at 7 p.m at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Fitzgerald Auditorium, 459 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. $10. Information is here.

Boston Celtic Music Festival (continued) at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $25 to $30. Information is here.

Gogofski and Revma perform at 7 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $20 to $25 and all ages. Two international bands with vocalists: Gogofski captures the complex dance rhythms of Macedonia and the heart-wrenching Sevdah song tradition of Bosnia; Revma plays a blend of Greek village, island and urban roots music. Information is here.

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer concert at 7 and 9 p.m. at First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St., Harvard Square. $33 to $59 and 8-plus. The Rasa String Quartet, illuminated by glowing candles, plays selections of Zimmer’s music from 12 films, including four directed by Christopher Nolan. Information is here.

Boston Urban Ceilidh at 7:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $25. As part of the 21st Annual Boston Celtic Music Festival, learn participatory and social dances from the Cape Breton and Scottish traditions to live music, no experience necessary. Includes a short performance from Highland Dance Boston and wraps up with a free-form dance to the Celtic EDM project Ramblxr (bagpipes, banjo and more!). Information is here.

“Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $55 to $150. Information is here.

“Hear Her Sing for Freedom” (continued) at 8 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. $35. Information is here.

A stronger

Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.

We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.

Please consider a recurring contribution.

Donate now