WED 1.14
Vinyl Social
swap + sell + spin

You’re familiar with Tigerman Woah’s whiskey-soaked Americana (and if you aren’t, well, you really should be), but you’ve yet to get to know their record collection. Tonight is the night you will, as they guest DJ at Good Life’s Vinyl Social, an evening of swapping, selling, and spinning with other collectors.

Good Life Boston, 28 Kingston St., Boston. 8:30pm/18+/FREE. goodlifebar.com

WED 1.14

BSO 101
get schooled

It’s not hard to appreciate the symphony: Go, sit, listen, delight in the sonic joy the strings incite. But if you want to up your game and become a virtuosic listener, head to Boston Symphony Orchestra’s “Are You Listening?” series—also known as “classical music for dummies”—designed to enhance your listening abilities and appreciation of music, no degree required.

Symphony Hall, 301 Mass Ave., Boston. 5:30pm/all ages/FREE, $15 reception. bso.org

THU 1.17

Gordon Parks
picture this

The work of celebrated African-American photographer Gordon Parks is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in an exhibit that focuses on the realities of life under segregation during the 1940s, while simultaneously detailing Parks’ own story. As a photojournalist for TIME Magazine, Parks was often assigned stories on social issues over his white colleagues—the national black narrative resting in his hands.

Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. On view through 9.13. For museum hours and admission prices, visit mfa.org

FRI 1.16

The Power of Negative Thinking
will it be any good?

The Power of Negative Thinking would likely make for a shitty self-help book, but it’s a good premise for an art show. The seven featured artists address life’s unpleasant aspects, with projects—paintings, sculpture, installation, photography—that represent a world where happiness is seen as the ultimate commodity.

New Art Center, 61 Washington Park., Newtonville. 6-8pm/all ages/FREE. newartcenter.org

FRI 1.16

#BlackPoetsSpeakOut
art as activism

Taking over the House Slam this week is Black Poets Speak Out, a poetry event that aims to continue building upon the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement. With respect, the evening’s open mic is reserved for poets of color. Whether your role is to listen up or speak up, make sure to show up.

Haley House Bakery Cafe, 14 Dade St., Roxbury. 6:30pm/18+/FREE. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

TUE 1.20

Opus Affair
drink up

Since you were already planning on spending your Tuesday imbibing spiked punch, might as well make it for charity—the hangover hurts less when it’s for a good cause. The raisons de boire at this month’s Opus Affair meetup are arts organizations Bridge Rep of Boston, Girls Rock Camp, and Opera on Tap. Cheers.

Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale, 28 Temple Place, Boston. 6-9pm/21+/FREE. opusaffair.org