Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend
(Loonpeak, Iceland. Photo by Ronald Wilson; image courtesy of Paradise City Arts Festival.)
Arts
Paradise City Arts Festival
If arts and crafts are up your alley, don’t miss this contemporary craft and fine art fair — 175 artists from 22 states will sell fine furniture, lighting, floor coverings, sculpture, jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, and more, and the themed “Wild Things” exhibit called “Wild Things” will feature all things related to the kingdom Animalia.
$8-$12, March 16 through 18, Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Route 20W, Marlborough, paradisecityarts.com.
Music
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Do the words mbube or isicathamiya mean anything to you? No? How about Paul Simon’s Graceland? This South African male choral group rose to fame after collaborating on Simon’s infamous 1986 release, and specialize in the aforementioned Zulu a capella musical styles. Founded in the early ’60s, the group is still led by original founder Joseph Shabalala, and there’s no doubt the group’s vocal skills will leave you awash in goose bumps. No guarantees they’ll sing the best alphabet song in history, but it’s a worthy clip that lets you know what you’re in for.
$28-$40, Saturday, March 17, 8 p.m., Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge, worldmusic.org.
Film
Belmont World Film’s 11th International Film Series
Fancy yourself a francophile? Belmont World Film’s 11th annual International Film Series, which will feature on French films, kicked off on Monday — but runs through April 16. This coming Monday, catch The Snows of Kilimanjaro, a morality play about factory workers that’s based on Victor Hugo’s poem, “How Good Are the Poor.”
$9-$11, Monday, March 19, 7:30 p.m., Studio Cinema, 376 Trapelo Rd., Belmont, 617-484-1706, belmontworldfilm.org.
Music
GWAR
Yeah yeah, I have two music categories this week. But that’s because GWAR is coming to town, which is hands down my favorite live show. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t go for the music — I’m just not a huge metal fan. But the Virginia–based band, who’s been thrashing since the ‘80s, presents a live spectacle that’s a special brand of bizarre not for the faint of heart. Think Army of Darkness meets macabre death-metal with a splash of satire. Band members wear oversized costumes (one has a bear trap for a face) and periodically slay representations of pop culture figures (Michael Jackson and Paris Hilton have been victimized in the past), which is when the fake blood goes flying. Everywhere. As in all over the audience. Yes, you. I suggest wearing a clean white t-shirt — you’ll come out looking a little something like this.
$28.50, Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston, 617-248-9700, wilburtheatre.com.
Green Thumb
Boston Flower & Garden Show
If you’re gearing up to get your spring gardens in gear or looking for a little landscape inspiration, then have yourself a mosey through this annual garden show. Demos and lectures will abound — from Ikebana to terrarium-making — alongside various competitions, merchandise, and, of course, beautifully landscaped gardens courtesy of local designers, nurseries, schools, and non-profits.
$10 – $20, through Sunday, March 18, 9 a.m. To 9 p.m. And 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday, Seaport World Trade Center, 781-237-5533, bostonflowershow.com.
