As a break from the usual run-down of options for nightly drunken debauchery, this week we’re highlighting some lectures and classes where you can actually learn something. You know what really helps wash down that knowledge? A big delicious beer. We can make that happen, too.
[Photo: Boston Public Library]
| 1. | Monday, Feb. 10 – Science by the Pint |
The monthly series that brings Harvard research scientists to bars to discuss their work welcomes psychology researcher Dr. Mahzarin Banaji, talking about her book, “The Hidden Cognitive Biases of Good People.” Sorry, there isn’t a special potion you can drink by the pint and get smarter. “I pounded eight sciences last night, now I’m a scientist.” No. You have to listen to the science (while drinking). (7 p.m., FREE, 21+)
| 2. | Monday, Feb. 10 – The Encyclopedia Show: Somerville |
The educational and genre-busting variety show invites poets, musicians, comics and other artists to perform works based on this month’s theme of Obsolete Diseases. (7 p.m., $10, all ages)
| 3. | Tuesday, Feb. 11 – Molé Cooking Class |
Somerville Arts Council’s Nibble Cooking Class Series features Estela Calzada’s secret molé recipe, made with more than 40 ingredients including local Taza Chocolate. Don’t be that guy who tastes it and says “Holy molé!” because I already called dibs on being that guy. (6:30 p.m., $40, all ages)
| 4. | Tuesday, Feb. 11 – The Lost Breweries of Roxbury and Jamaica Plain |
In 1900, Boston had the most breweries per person of any city in the country, including 24 in the Stony Brook area of Roxbury and JP. Brewery historian Michael Reiskind’s talk will be followed by free samples from Percival Beer Company. (6:30 p.m., FREE, all ages)
| 5. | Tuesday, Feb. 11 – “Alone Forever” |
Webcomic artist Liz Prince stops by Brookline Booksmith to talk about her new book, “Alone Forever: The Singles Collection.” It’s probably the best time ever to be alone, just because of all the good TV. Have you seen “The Wire” yet? Probably not, because you spent too much time forming healthy, lasting relationships. (7 p.m., FREE, all ages)
| 6. | Wednesday, Feb. 12 – “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” |
The MFA gallery talk examines the history of hairstyles and beards in the ancient world through objects in the museum’s collections. I didn’t know this, but apparently ancient man shaved with a razor that had only one blade? The savages. (6 p.m., FREE, all ages)
| 7. | Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Heavy Rotation Records |
The Berklee student-run record label presents its annual epic album release concert showcasing artists from “Dorm Sessions Volume 9.” (7:30 p.m., $12, all ages)
| 8. | Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Beethoven: “Ninth Symphony” |
There’s more to it than the part you played on recorder in third grade. The New England Conservatory philharmonic tackle Beethoven’s last and mightiest symphony in a free concert. Look at that, Monday you were trying to drink science and now you’re going out to the symphony. (Don’t get drunk at the symphony.) (8 p.m., FREE, all ages)
This article was provided by our content partner The Boston Calendar.