By Sahan Weerakoon, deputy inside editor
Event of the Week:
Monday, Feb. 1
As Huskies, we never give up at the Beanpot, and this could be the year we win it all. Northeastern has long been the underdog in this annual battle of the Boston universities, with its last men’s championship win in 1988. In the first round of the Beanpot Northeastern will face Boston University while Boston College will play Harvard University. The winners of each game will then duke it out for the Beanpot trophy, while the losers will battle for third place bragging rights. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your school spirit. TD Garden, 100 Legends Way; 5 – 10 p.m.; $30-40.
Thursday, Jan. 28
The play “Convert” opens at the Central Square today, telling the story of a young girl forced into an arranged marriage. Jekesai, a Zimbabwean girl from the Shona tribe, converts to Christianity. As anti-European sentiments rise among her nation’s people, she has to choose between a colonial or ancestral way of life. Jekesai then becomes the servant and protégé of an African minister. Written by award-winning playwright and “The Walking Dead” actress Danai Gurira, this play deals with the complex topic of European colonization and the permanent scar it left on Zimbabwe’s history. Central Square Theatre, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 7:30 p.m.; $20.
Friday, Jan. 29
If you’re looking for a live theater experience with a possible side of wild debauchery, “Bye Bye Liver” is for you. Sketch comedy, dramatic scenes and interactive social games combine to make a raucous and hilarious night out. The show will feature some of the best talent in the Boston comedy community, telling jokes on the second floor of Hennessy’s Pub in the Faneuil Hall area. “Bye Bye Liver” is perfect for romantic dates, birthday parties and casual nights out because it offers attendees the chance to watch comedians perform not only without scripts, but also while genuinely drunk. 25 Union St.; 8 – 10 p.m.; $20; 21+.
Saturday, Jan. 30
It’s not often that one can learn the art of whiskey production. Luckily, Whiskey Rebellion Boston is this Saturday. It features whiskey producers and suppliers, so participants will walk away with knowledge of the distillation process. Cocktail demonstrations will feature brands including Alltech Lexington: Pearse Lyons Reserve and Ascendant Spirits: Breaker Bourbon, perfect for an alcohol glutton. A ticket covers the demonstration, a sampling of up to 12 whiskeys and snacks. Last year’s Whiskey Rebellion sold out fast, so don’t miss your chance to experience some distilled goodness. Monroe Lounge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 2:30 – 5 p.m.; $42; 21+.
Sunday, Jan. 31
Nick Kroll, of the Kroll Show and other ventures, and John Mulaney, who has graced the world with several Comedy Central specials, will take the stage as their long-time characters Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland in “Oh, Hello.” The fictional Faizon works as a stand-in model for mashed potatoes and other creamed foods, while St. Geegland is a former author and professor at fictional SUNY Yonkers. After the grand success of their hit prank show “Too Much Tuna,” Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland will leave NYC for the first time in more than 40 years to bring their show to The Wilbur in Boston. 246 Tremont St.; 4 p.m.; $50
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Come see upcoming and established actors at the Emerson College Spring Bright Lights film series. With a different film every Tuesday and Thursday, the festival will give attendees a taste of a multitude of film genres. This year, the film series will feature a new rating system highlighting feminist films, films directed by women or minority, comedies and social justice films. Tuesday’s feature, “American Beatboxer,” is a documentary that follows the crowning of the first American beat-boxing champion. The film explores the evolution of beat-boxing, as well as its place as a forgotten part of hip-hop. 559 Washington St. 4th floor; 7 – 9 p.m.; free.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
Whether one needs a great date idea or just wants to get a new hobby, they should go to MIT for an introduction to swing dancing. The class will focus on Lindy Hop, the original form of swing and an echo of spinster life from the Roaring ‘20s. There will be a variety of music including blues and hip-hop in addition to classic swing music to teach dancers how versatile the dance style can be. The class is all-inclusive, so beginners are welcome as well as veteran swingers. A partner is not necessary – so come out, dance and make some friends with your new partners in swing. 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.; free.
Photo courtesy Britt Reints, Creative Commons
