EVENT OF THE WEEK
Saturday, March 21
History is full of overlooked events and events that should be overlooked. An example of the latter? Vanilla Ice’s rise to stardom. But the former can be a real shame. Local documentary company Northern Light Productions is screening ‘Scarred Justice:’ The Orangeburg Massacre’ about the virtually unknown namesake event at the Harvard Film Archive Saturday, March 21. The documentary combines eye-witness accounts of civil rights protesters with commentary from journalists who covered the event. 24 Quincy St. in Cambridge; 3 p.m.; free; 617-789-4344.
‘
Thursday, March 19
Sponsored by NU Libraries and the NU Bookstore, meet author Paul Tracey and hear him discuss his book, ‘Stalking Irish Madness,’ about traveling to Ireland to discover his ancestry and the roots of his family’s schizophrenia. The book chronicles Tracey’s quest to understand his family’s history with the disease and discover a brighter future for people, like his two sisters, who have the disease. 421 Snell Library; 6 p.m.; free; [email protected].
Friday, March 20
Learning about vaudeville shows in history class is fun, but nothing beats experiencing the unusual acts firsthand. Didn’t think that was possible anymore? Wrong. The Odditorium, presented by Zehara Nechash, will feature sideshow acts, a burlesque show by Boston Babydolls, belly dancing and circus arts. It’s for ages 18 and older ‘- now that’s an incentive to go. Just remember to wash your eyeballs afterward. Cambridge YMCA Theatre at 820 Massachusetts Ave.; 8 p.m.; $15; 617-661-9622.
Saturday, March 21
Ah, the 1980s. What’s not to love? The outrageous hairstyles, the neon colors, the laughable technology:’ All of it combines to make one of the best modern day party themes ever. One more cool attribute of the ’80s ‘- the action heroes. Coolidge Corner Theatre is doing right by the distinctive decade and screening ’80s Action Hero’s Tribute. It honors the best heroes, like Stallone, with classic clips. 29 Harvard St. in Brookline; 11:45 p.m.; $10; 617-734-2500.
Sunday, March 22
Sometimes the simplest things are the best. A pair of basic blue jeans, a plain white tee ‘- both classic. Music can be better that way too. A cappella singing group Nor’easters is performing its annual spring concert with three guest groups from the Boston area. Its debut CD will be on sale after the show for $10. It will be all the fun of a concert without those pesky instruments. Cabral Center in the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute; 3 p.m.; free; [email protected].
Monday, March 23
Aren’t husband-and-wife duos the best? Like Pat and Gina Neely, the Food Network’s Southern cuisine darlings with compatible cooking methods. And then there’s always James Buswell and Carol Ou. Oh, haven’t heard of them? They play the violin and cello, respectively, and are performing in New England Conservatory of Music’s Jordan Hall along with pianist Meng-Chieh Liu. Don’t miss it. 33 Gainsborough St.; 8 p.m.; free; 617-536-2412.
Tuesday, March 24
Brookline Booksmith’s Writers & Readers series consistently hosts some of the coolest authors around for readings and discussions of their books. Dave Zeltserman’s appearance won’t be the exception. His book, ‘Small Crimes,’ follows a dirty cop and the choices he has to make when he’s on parole:’ Should he stick it to a mob boss or a corrupt district attorney? The book was one of NPR’s top five mystery novels for 2008. 279 Harvard St.; 7 p.m.; free; 617-566-6660.
Wednesday, March 25
Movie stars get all the attention. How is that fair, when the director does so much of the work? True, there are famous directors out there, but there are only a handful of household names. Discover more when Liza Bear talks about her book ‘Beyond the Frame:’ Dialogues with World Filmmakers.’ She interviewed directors all around the world in a 20-year time span and will discuss her interviews with female directors at the event. 90 Snell; noon; free; [email protected].
‘
