Event of the week
As Northeastern’s student body settles back into the routine of class and co-op, thousands of students wistfully think back upon the past few weeks and the delectable home-cooking they have enjoyed. Don’t despair. Learn something new at ‘Cocinar con Gusto’ (or ‘To Cook With Pleasure’), an event put on by the Latino/a Student Cultural Center where students learn to make mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed green plantains. To RSVP, or for more information, contact the LSCC. 360 Huntington Avenue., Boston; 12 p.m.; Free; 617-373-5845.
Thursday, Jan. 14
Can’t get enough of the recently resurrected and Boston-bred boy-band New Kids on the Block? Member Joey McIntyre, who has grown up a bit since the pop group’s heyday, has a solo shindig of his own. He recently released a new EP ‘Here We Go Again,’ and those looking to hear some brand new material from this maturing New Kid might want to be at the Paradise to sample tunes new and old. 967 Commonwealth Ave.; 8 p.m.; $25; 617-562-8800.
Friday, Jan 15
Sure, those awesome IMAX films at the Museum of Science are cool, but shelling out the cash for a ticket can sometimes put a damper on the five-story tall experience. But don’t despair: ‘ this month, the museum will be screening films for free, while tickets last, on a slew of Fridays including the 15th. Catch the frozen landscapes of ‘Antarctica,’ get down with prehistory in ‘Dinosaurs Alive!,’ or get pumped with ‘Adrenaline Rush.’ Tickets are picked up at the museum box office day of ‘- first come, first served. 1 Science Park.; Various times; Free; 617-723-2500.
Saturday, Jan. 16
Noted author Tracy Chevalier (‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’) will visit the Brookline Booksmith for an event promoting her new book, ‘Remarkable Creatures.’ The novel follows the life of an intrepid paleontologist and focuses on themes of female friendship and class struggle against the detailed backdrop of its Victorian-era setting. 279 Harvard Ave., Brookline; 4 p.m.; Free; 617-566-6660.
Sunday, Jan. 17
The name of this 18+ dance night at the Middle East Upstairs, ‘Internationals Do It Better!,’ leaves little doubt as to what one might be hearing as they get their dance on to house, Latin, world hits and various top 40 jams, according to the venue’s website. Oh, and feel free to keep the party going well into the night, as there’s no class on Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). 472 Mass Ave., Cambridge; 9 p.m.; $12 advance, $16 day of; 617-864-3278.
Monday, Jan. 18
The Coolidge Corner Theatre’s continuing ‘Science on Screen’ series is set to go wild with French New Wave master Francois Truffaut’s classic ‘The Wild Child.’ The event, which pairs films with ‘ talks by area experts, scientists and other luminaries, will feature Dr. Judy Shepard-Kegl, a linguistics professor who will discuss the science of language acquisition. Why language? The film tells the true story of a feral child found in the forests of southern France, and the subsequent struggle to teach imbue him with language and a sense of societal norms. 290 Harvard St., Brookline; 7 p.m.; $9.75, $7.75 students; 617.734.2500.
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Music Industry major or aspiring event booker? Head downstairs at the Middle East nightclub Tuesday evening, not for a show, but for a presentation by three area promoters billed as ‘Less Rock, More Talk,’ part of the ‘Rock Shop’ series. The topic? How to get people excited about upcoming events, of course. For those interested in the subject, this one is easier to get excited about than most; it’s free, after all. 472 Mass. Ave., Cambridge; 7 p.m.; Free; 617-864-3278.
Wednesday, Jan. 20
Every Wednesday, ImprovBoston holds ‘The Comedy Lab,’ inviting all the hapless comedy-lovers of Boston to be their guinea pigs for the presentation of one of two new shows. Improv, sketches and stand-up ‘- it’s all fair game. On Wednesday, attendees will be treated to either ‘Unexpected Turbulence’ or ‘New Tricks: Don’t Trust Anyone Under 50.’ Who knows what might happen. Not even the performers, maybe. 40 Prospect St., Central Square, Cambridge; 8 p.m.; $10, $7 students; 617-576-1253.
