Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend
Jen and Pete Salinetti / Photo by Alexander Boll
FILM
A Small Good Thing at the MFA
In her new film, Winchester filmmaker Pamela Tanner Boll explores the ins and outs of the American Dream and our shared quest to reach it. A Small Good Thing sheds light on an important piece of the discussion: As upward surges in technology and standards of living no longer equate to happiness, maybe the “more is better” idea—our current understanding of the American Dream—has become obsolete. To explore this, Boll follows the lives of six people in the Berkshires–following their stories through to Alaska and Rwanda–who are pursuing happiness in a different way. Boll reconsiders that maybe the American Dream is no longer about attaining the most wealth or success, but that happiness is instead derived from simplicity. “We began the film with the question, ‘How do we live in this new century in a better way?’ said Paula Kirk, the film’s producer. “We wanted to tell the stories of individuals who were living a joyful life that was less centered on money and consumerism and more connected to their health, to nature and the health of our planet, and to community and the greater good.”
$9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, Thursday, November 5, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Friday, November 6, 3-4:20 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, mfa.org.
OLD FAVORITES
Frankie Valli at the Wilbur
In 1962, he rose to fame as the lead singer of the Four Seasons. Flash forward to 2015, and the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is seeing stardom all over again. People who weren’t even alive during Valli’s heyday are singing along to “Sherry,” and the success of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys is to thank for that. As the show chronicling the group’s life packs theaters coast to coast, their music’s resultant renaissance has thrown Valli back into the limelight and another cross-country tour. Whether you’re an old fan or new, get your tickets and listen to him belt it out live at the Wilbur this weekend.
$59+, Friday, November 6, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, 7 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston, thewilbur.com.
Girls Day at the MIT Museum / Photo by Samara Vise
SCIENCE
Girls Day at the MIT Museum
Faith Marie Dukes, the education coordinator at the MIT Museum, wants “everyone to be able to celebrate women in science,” and this bi-annual event does just that. Held every March and November, this season’s Girls Day at the MIT Museum is focused around the theme “It’s Not Magic, It’s Science.” With support from MIT’s students and professors, Girls Day allows chemists and material scientists to give demonstrations about their life and work. Check out the Polaroid photo booth, with film donated by the Impossible Project, which allows visitors to snap a pic while explaining the science behind the ever-iconic instant photos and their developing process. Or maybe you’re more interested in the chemistry magic show? Either way, there are plenty of hands-on activities geared to expose visitors to the wonders and mysteries of science. Dukes hopes that the day shows everyone–girls, boys, and adults alike–that chemistry encompasses a variety of work, what being a scientist really means, and that anyone can become a scientist. “Having that representation is very important for everyone who walks through our doors,” she said. “There are many people who are scientists and engineers, and they don’t just come in one size, shape, or color.”
Free with admission, Saturday, November 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, web.mit.edu.
Roslindale Open Studios art displays at the Roslindale Congregational Church / Photo by Mark Eclipse.
ART
Roslindale Open Studios
Explore the studios of artists who’ve made Roslindale a home for their work. Check out a variety of paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography, and much more–all made by people from the neighborhood and beyond. There will be live music, a bike tour, and plenty of activities for kids and families to enjoy while wandering throughout home studios, group sites, and businesses. This year, visitors can also view a collection of encaustic art called “Layer by Layer: Encaustic Art by Boston Women” at Parkside on Adams. “Roslindale Open Studios is an excellent opportunity to connect with the community, see art where it’s made, and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping,” said Amy West, a member of the planning committee.
Free, Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., various locations throughout Roslindale, roslindaleopenstudios.org.
Inman Square Harvest Hoedown / Photo by Lynne Viera
FOODIES
Third Annual Inman Square Harvest Hoedown
The time has come again for you to wander around Inman Square in search of the best seasonally inspired fare. This year, the chef’s challenge ingredient is cranberry, meaning that all 15 participating restaurants–from City Girl Cafe to Bukowski’s Tavern to Ole Mexican Grill–will be making dishes featuring the state’s most bountiful fruit. And you get to vote for the best. “Our local chefs are fantastic and award-winning. I’m excited for the community to try their creations,” said Debbie Musnikow, president of the Inman Square Business Association. Springfield Street will be shut down for the event, which will host live music and a large beer and cider garden, where your event ticket will get you a free eight-ounce pour. There are even kids’ activities for younger ones to enjoy. Prizes will be awarded for best adult and child outfit, so dust off those cowboy boots and don your favorite flannel. Although you’ll be stuffing your face with cranberry-themed cuisine, it’s not all gluttonous enjoyment: A portion of the proceeds benefits the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program, a nonprofit that provides meals to food-insecure families.
$20 in advance, $25 at the door, Sunday, November 8, 12-4 p.m., Inman Square, Cambridge, eventbrite.com.
