By Emma Shuck, News Staff
Entry of the Week:
The Miss Boston 2011 pageant will take place at the downtown Omni Parker House Hotel on Feb. 20. Although this competition is representative of many beautiful, talented young women in the Boston area, this year is especially noteworthy because one of the contenders is a Northeastern graduate student. Each contestant will compete for more than $2,500 in scholarships and prizes through interview, talent, swim suit and evening gown segments. The winner will move on to compete in the Miss Massachusetts pageant on Nov. 26. The pageant will serve as a local preliminary for the 90-year-old Miss America pageant. Come cheer on a fellow Husky and see what the pageant world fully entails. 60 School St.; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $20; 800-843-6664.
Thursday, Feb. 17
Most typical college parties consist of the game Beruit (aka Beerpong). Tonight, instead of attending something of the norm on a Thirsty Thursday, why not participate in an actual Beruit competition? Boston Ruit, an official satellite tournament of The World Series of Beer Pong, is holding a qualifier at The Greatest Bar for the championship Feb. 24 and 25. The top eight teams from each qualifying bracket will earn a spot in the final 32-team championship. The winners will receive free entry into next year’s tournament, which includes a four-night stay in the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas and a chance to win $50,000. The entire competition will air on NBC Universal Sports Boston in March. 262 Friend St.; 7 p.m.; $40; 617-367-0544.
Friday, Feb. 18
Czech Republic native and son of professional pianists, Lukas Vondracek, will perform at the Old South Meeting House. Vondracek participated in his first concert at the age of 4 and made his first international tour at the age of 10, performing at various festivals in the United Kingdom and the United States. He has since made frequent appearances with other major orchestras around the world. 310 Washington St.; 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.; Free; 617-482-6439.
Start the Friday night festivities even earlier this week. Join the Northeastern Jewish community for a Shabbat dinner, sponsored by the Northeastern University Hillel. There will be plenty of food and non-alchoholic drinking games following dinner. Attendees are encouraged to come with some game ideas to make for a fun night. Services start at 6 p.m. 70 St. Stephen St.; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Free; 617-373-3937.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Northeastern’s African Student Organization (NASO) has hosted “Africa Week” this week, which has included film nights, food tastings and other events. Tonight, the theme will end with the annual “Africa Night.” Come out for a lively evening of entertainment, dancing and fashion that reflects the richness and diversity of Africa. Curry Student Center, West Addition; 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Free; Naso.neu.edu.
Sunday, Feb. 20
Sundays are usually spent relaxing. Why not go see the play “Three Sisters” at the Boston Center for the Arts? The story-line follows sisters that are trapped in a provincial Russian town following the death of their army commandant father. After a tragic, yet funny, series of events, in the end the sisters hope to seek out the excitement of living in Moscow. 527 Tremont St.; 2 p.m.; $12; 617-933-8600.
Monday, Feb. 21
Ever seen the movie “Patch Adams,” starring Robin Williams? The man the story was written about is coming to speak at Northeastern. Hunter Campbell “Patch” Adams, M.D., is a doctor, clown and social activist who has been solely devoted to improving the American health care system for more than 30 years. Dr. Adams will speak about his belief that laughter, joy and creativity are essential parts of the healing process, and therefore imperative to effective health care. Tickets (NU +1) can be reserved and printed at any time through myNEU. Blackman Auditorium; 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Free; [email protected].
Attention all international karaoke fans: Here’s the chance to feel right at home. The International Student & Scholar Institute is hosting “International Idol” as part of Carnevale 2011. Whether an amateur, professional or as tone-deaf as they come, everyone is welcome to participate in the event. Contact Jennifer Schinabeck at [email protected] if interested in performing. AfterHOURS; 8 p.m.; Free; 617-373-2310.
Tuesday, Feb. 22
Add some humor to an otherwise uneventful Tuesday night with Jim Lauletta at Dick’s Beantown Comedy Vault. Lauletta mixes cynical, self-deprecating material with interesting and original impressions. As a regular performer in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, he has performed for different audiences around the country. 124 Boylston St.; 8:30 p.m.; $10 with student ID; 800-401-2221.
Wednesday, Feb. 23
One of the most frequently asked questions of any novelist is, “Where do book ideas come from?” Professor Gary Goshgarian of the Department of English will present on this topic, explaining how novelists come up with ideas and shape them into stories. Whether these ideas come overheard conversations or just plain inspiration, the audience will hear answers other than those similar to, “I make them up.” 716 Columbus Ave., 6th floor; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $40; 617-373-4689.
Have an event coming up? E-mail the details to [email protected].
Events may be canceled or rescheduled. Call ahead to confirm.
