Category: Arts & Culture
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MURPHYS’ LAW: Dropkick Murphys’ Matt Kelly talks 2024 Olympics, hometown pride
It’s hard to think of Boston without thinking about the Dropkick Murphys. They’re synonymous with the city today, and rightly so. They’ve worked hard over the last 19 years to get to where they are in the music scene. They’re connected to the biggest punk bands to come out of the city, such as the…
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PHOTOS: Actress Natalie Portman speaks at Harvard
Spare Change News photographer Ryan Miner shot photos of actress Natalie Portman at Harvard. Portman, who scored an Academy Award for her work in Black Swan, will speak at her alma mater on Wednesday, May 27 as the 2015 Class Day speaker for Harvard College. –Photos by Ryan Miner
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MR. g AT THE CENTRAL SQUARE THEATER: A witty play about creating the universe
The creation of the universe was quite a job. Creating a play about it is no small feat, either. Mr. g was adapted from the book of the same name by novelist and astrophysicist Alan Lightman. The play’s director, Wesley Savick, wrote the theatrical adaptation, a doubleheader of duties he also implemented with Lightman’s previous…
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YANKOVIC'S GREATEST HITS: Top 10 parody song countdown
From his memorable nerd anthems to his onslaught of food parodies, here are our favorite “Weird” Al singles spanning three decades: 1. Eat It, 1984. Best Line: “Get yourself an egg and beat it.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcJjMnHoIBI 2. Like A Surgeon, 1985. Best Line: “It’s a fact … I’m a quack. The disgrace of the AMA.”…
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“WEIRD" AL OPENS UP: 32 years later, still surprised by success
What can be said about “Weird” Al Yankovic that hasn’t already been said during his illustrious and highly influential 32-year career in the pop culture spotlight? Not much. Some words that come to mind though are humble, down-to-earth and “super chill.” Four Grammy Awards. More than 12 million records sold worldwide. Over 1,000 shows played…
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CELEBRATING DUKE ELLINGTON: The late jazz legend continues inspiring musicians and listeners
Duke Ellington is having a pretty busy spring for a guy who’s been dead for 41 years. The New England Conservatory Jazz Orchestra devoted half of their April 16 Jordan Hall show to precise and spirited recreations of Ellingtonia. On April 19, trumpeter Greg Hopkins brought his hot 18-piece big band to the Beat Hotel…
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JIMMY TINGLE: Local comedian is no joke
Jimmy Tingle, much beloved comedian, is a like a favorite son in Cambridge. He has enjoyed a large local and national following for several decades. In fact, he grew up and continues to live in Cambridge. He has long been interested in issues of social justice and is known for his humorous political commentary. Remember 60…
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CONTORTIONIST'S NIGHTMARE: Author Joe Putignano recounts his heart-breaking journey
PHOTO BY SCOTT MARRS Joe Putignano, a 38-year-old native of Brockton, Raynham and Bridgewater, is a former competitive gymnast who began the sport at the age of nine. He trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and later competed in the Junior Olympic National Championships at age 16. He performed in a long-running…
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CENTER STAGE: Big Fish at Boston’s Speakeasy Stage Company
1998 was a very lucky year for David Wallace. After writing five unpublished novels, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions was released into the world and instantly sold to Hollywood. The perfect director was then found for this fable-laden gem of a novel: Tim Burton. Wallace’s heartfelt vision of a magical dad and a…
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OUT OF AFRICA: Local spearheads Pamoja Project film
Hopkinton native Audrey Emerson speaks with a confidence and determination that belies her young age. She also exudes an unbridled enthusiasm that’s both inspiring and reflective of her youth. Emerson attended the Walnut Hill School in Natick and is currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California, majoring in critical film studies. Yet she…