WED 6.24
Nina Simone Tribute
It’s a new dawn and it’s a new day, but it’s literally always a perfect time to pay tribute to one of the most influential vocalists ever: Nina Simone. Trust us, this isn’t a lame cover band scenario—local musicians and Berklee alums, featuring Raquel Quinones on vocals, are responsible for channelling the mysterious spirit of the soulful and crooning Simone herself. All you have to do is listen … and try the toasted couscous.
Beat Brasserie. 13 Brattle St., Cambridge. 8pm/all ages/FREE. For more information, visit beatbrasserie.com
FRI 6.26
Revenge of the Robot Battle Nuns
Craving Halloween in the summertime? Love burlesque, but wish there was a little more … violence? Well, the title of this show speaks volumes. The Oberon and brilliant apocalyptic burlesque troupe Slaughterhouse Sweethearts have teamed up to make all your spooky, freaky, sexy dreams come true before your horror-stricken eyes. Some things to remember: there will be a lesbian spider cult, lots of fake blood, and probably a nipple tassel or two … or 10.
Oberon. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. 7:30pm/18+/$13-20. For more information, visit americanrepertorytheater.org
FRI 6.26
All at Once
Described as “grotesque, hilarious, and lovely,” Arlene Shechet’s newest and first major sculpture exhibition at the ICA is proving itself to be anything but ordinary. This beautiful plethora of sculptures spans 20 years of Shechet’s art endeavors, including all her experimental approaches to clay, paper pulp, and glass. If you’ve ever been drawn to art that makes you stop and ask yourself, “How the hell … ?” you are going to eat this up.
The Institute of Contemporary Art. 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Runs until 9.7 during normal museum hours. For more information, visit icaboston.org
SAT 6.27
Great Boston Beer Marathon
Picture this: a relatively normal pub crawl, except everyone is wearing viking helmets and drunkenly running around Fenway and Allston. Perhaps you find this strange, or maybe it’s right up your alley. Either way, this “marathon” of sorts only happens once a year and is something you shouldn’t sleep through. Endless food and drink specials at 26 different local bars; free ping-pong, bowling, and billiards; access to DJs, contests, and raffles; and much more.
Various Venues all throughout Fenway and Allston. 10am-8pm/21+/$30-75. For more information, visit greatbostonbeermarathon.com
SAT 6.27
Short Path Distillery Grand Opening
This brand spankin’ new gem will be the first draft distillery to open in Everett since, well, Prohibition. This weekend’s opening shebang will be complete with showroom tours and free locally distilled gin and rum tastings. Don’t forget the Roving Lunchbox food truck, either: Tasty local eats to go alongside tasty local spirits. Why on Earth would you pass that up? If you can’t answer that question, we’ll see you on the 27th.
Short Path Distillery. 71 Kelvin St., Everett. 12-9pm/all ages, 21+ to drink/FREE. For more information, visit shortpathdistillery.com
SUN 6.28
HackCycle
Recycling is great, but recycling things and making art out of them is certainly better. Somerville’s own Nave Gallery has a new exhibit consisting of 100 percent recycled art of techy origin. If you’ve ever pondered building a sculpture with parts from broken electronic gadgets, check out the gallery’s schedule for HackCycle workshops hosted by Melissa Glick, curator, artist, and recycler extraordinaire. One man’s trash, another man’s art.
Nave Gallery. 155 Powderhouse Blvd., Somerville. Saturdays + Sundays 1-5pm/all ages/FREE. For more information, visit navegallery.org
Dig Staff means this article was a collaborative effort. Teamwork, as we like to call it.