Compiled by Rebecca Sirull, News Staff
Entry of the Week: Saturday, Jan. 25
Can’t wait until Valentine’s Day to binge on chocolate? Come get your fix at the Harvard Square Chocolate Festival. Running from Jan. 24-26, the festival includes discounts and promotions on chocolate-themed items in stores throughout Boston and Cambridge. Stop by Shake Shack for a free cup of dark hot chocolate, check out The Red House restaurant’s chocolate menu, or pick up a 20 percent off coupon to Hidden Sweets. On Saturday, Harvard Square will also host a chocolate tasting event, offering free samples of delicious treats from Ben & Jerry’s, Finale, J.P. Licks and many more. Stop by for a choco-lot of fun. 27 Brattle St., Cambridge; 1 – 2 p.m.; free; harvardsquare.com.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Join the Fort Point Arts Community for the Atlantic Wharf Gallery opening reception of its newest exhibit, Drawn to Water. The exhibition features paintings, drawings, photography, prints, video and sculpture either inspired by or centered around water. The show highlights the talents of curator Elizabeth Devlin, an independent arts consultant and prominent figure in the Boston arts community, and the work of 20 other local artists. Fort Point is regarded as one of New England’s largest artists’ communities, so come soak in the creativity and enjoy the products of this inspiring neighborhood. 290 Congress St.; 5 – 7:30 p.m.; free; fortpointarts.org.
Friday, Jan. 24
Calling all fans of local, undiscovered rock music. The 10th Annual Berfest is the place to be to hear great up-and-coming artists in a relaxed, friendly environment. The festival originated in 2005 when two musicians decided to host a birthday party and invite their friends from across the country to bring their guitars and play the night away. From there, the festival evolved into a multi-day, inter-state celebration of rock and roll. Coming to Cambridge on the 24th, the show will feature Flat Swamp, Kal Marks, Bad History Month, Fax Holiday, Pile and Average Cock. Join in the tradition and listen to some original rockin’ tunes. 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.; $9-10; berfest.com.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Forget “once upon a time” and “happily ever after.” Club Passim’s “1st Person, Plural” brings storytelling to a whole new level. Join Judith Black, Brendyn Schneider and Jo Radner for an evening of imagination, creativity and performance. They have traveled across the country teaching, performing and participating in competitions and events such as the National Storytelling Festival and the MassMouth Big Mouth Off. Each performer brings a distinct style and perspective to his or her story, ranging in subject from eccentric fantasy to humorous everyday situations, so no matter who’s in the audience they will always be entertained. 47 Palmer St., Cambridge; 4:30 p.m.; $12; passim.org.
Monday, Jan. 27
Ever wonder if King Kong really exists? Join the Coolidge Corner Theatre for its Science on Screen series with this week’s screening of “King Kong” (1933). This classic cult film tells the story of a film crew who discover a giant prehistoric gorilla and bring him back to New York City, where they hold him captive until he breaks free and wreaks havoc on the city. After the movie, guest speaker Chris Whittier, DVM, PhD will lead a discussion on fictional versus real gorillas, the state of the world’s gorilla population and his experiences treating wild gorillas in central Africa. Whittier has done extensive research on the gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as opened a facility for orphaned gorillas and performed clinical services as a wildlife veterinarian. 290 Harvard St., Brookline; 7 p.m.; $8.25; Coolidge.org.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
If you’re looking for a night of original music, but rock and roll is just a little too mainstream for your taste, don’t fret. Open Loop and Boston Hassle have come together to bring you SCANNERS, a monthly show of local techno, house and underground electronica artists. The night features resident DJ, DJ Won’t, as well as special guests Samantha Vacation and Via App with live sets and Coralcola with a DJ set. Check out each artist’s music on SoundCloud to get a preview of what you’ll be hearing, but be sure to expect some surprises. 315 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.; $5; openloopmusic.tumblr.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
College is the time for learning new things, and if those new things just happen to be making delicious sushi, then all the better. Experienced sushi chefs teach basic sushi rolling techniques as well as offering tempura tasting, and all skill levels are welcome. Organized by the Boston Young Professionals Association and the United Nations Association of Greater Boston, the event will be hosted by Hostelling International. This means plenty of opportunities to meet people both living in Boston and traveling here from around the world. Now is your chance to socialize, learn a new skill and get that sushi fix all at once. 7 – 10 p.m.; 19 Stuart St.; $12; unagb.org.
