By Sahan Weerakoon, deputy inside editor
Event of the Week: Saturday, Feb. 6
Lunar New Year is next Monday, but you can get a head start this Saturday at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions will be on display with several demonstrations such as the Gongfu tea ceremony and Sae-Bae bowing ceremony. Several performances, highlighted by the lion dance, will occur throughout. There will also be art classes where you can learn how to make a coin holder called Bok Jumoni and Chinese hand drums. While you’re at the MFA, don’t forget to check out its extensive collection of art from the Song Dynasty or try one of the free Art of Asia gallery tours. 465 Huntington Ave.; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; free.
Thursday, Feb. 4
The culture of aboriginal Australia is a rich but often forgotten one. However, this can change as one gets a chance to experience this culture firsthand at the opening of the exhibition Everywhen: The Eternal Present in Indigenous Art. The exhibition specifically examines the theme of time within aboriginal culture and discusses its past as part of a circular order known as the everywhen. Following the opening, there will be a lecture by visiting curator Stephen Gilchrist and featured artist Vernon Ah Kee. Harvard Art Museums; 32 Quincy St., Cambridge; 5 – 10 p.m.; free/limited free tickets available for the lecture.
Friday, Feb. 5
If you’ve ever wanted to party with Ben Franklin and Samuel Adams, then try Huzzah! Tavern Night at Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. As part of the 18th century experience, you will be served an authentic tavern experience with fare even the Founding Fathers would be proud of. Some options include rosemary roasted chicken legs and sweet pork. Your ticket also covers one glass of rum cider, wine or beer and unlimited tea. Actors will set the tone for dinner with authentic revolutionary songs and afterward try some colonial games or dance in a tavern atmosphere. 306 Congress St.; 6:30 – 9 p.m.; $45; 21+.
Sunday, Feb. 7
There are bad plays, and then there are plays about bad plays. Ken Ludwig’s “Moon over Buffalo” at The Footlight Club is the latter. “Moon over Buffalo” centers around a dysfunctional theater troupe led by George and Charlotte Hay, who star in the plays within the play: “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Private Lives.” Both George and Charlotte get a chance at a big break when director Frank Capra announces that he’s coming to watch their matinee and is considering them for a role in his new play. With their future within reach, the Hays put on a show for the ages, despite some backstage mishaps. 7A Elliot St., Jamaica Plain; 8 –10 p.m.; $18.
Monday, Feb. 8
Berklee College of Music graduate Yakir Arbib has as close to a superpower as you can get. His synesthesia sensory condition blends his senses, allowing him to see musical tones as a landscape of colors in his head. On Monday, you will have a chance to see this Montreux award-winning pianist and composer perform live at the Armory Café. Arbib’s unique talent also allows him to compose the colors in his head into a song on the spot. He calls this “Face to Face: Composition in the Moment” because his audience gives him a melody which he then turns into an entire composition. 191 Highland Ave, Somerville; 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.; $10.
Tuesday, Feb. 9
We’ve all heard the word “startup,” but many people don’t know what exactly it means or how it works. That’s why General Assembly is holding a startup panel that includes managers from some of the fastest-growing startups in Boston. Representatives will be present from Planted, Testive, Wistia, Datadog and Bevi. One can learn tips on how to secure a job at a startup as a post-graduate student even without any coding experience. After the panel, participants will be allowed to network with some of the hiring managers and meet other students interested in the burgeoning startup industry. 51 Melcher St.; 6:30– 8:30 p.m.; free.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
With New England’s winter being unusually mild, why not check out public open night at the Boston University Coit Observatory? Advanced telescopes and binoculars, usually only accessible to research students and staff, will be available to satisfy even the most diehard astronomer. If you are a complete novice, don’t fret. Guides at the observatory will be able to teach visitors how to use telescopes and binoculars as well as educate everyone on some basic astronomy. Visitors should also keep in mind that the observatory will close if there are clouds, haze or rain. The status of the observatory can be found using the Twitter handle @buobservatory. 725 Commonwealth Ave.; 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.; free.
Photo courtesy Ivan Bandura, Creative Commons
