I'm torn over Friday's open letter in The Allston-Brighton TAB. As a sociable off-campus resident, I like to think my fellow students and I are capable of and deserve to host responsible gatherings. But then I remember that while it may seem as though everywhere from Lake Street to Leamington has one-year rentals, we are living in a community with families and professionals. It's easy to brush off the concerns raised, but in the Jesuit spirit of men and women for others, let's give the neighbors a break and find out what could be more fun (potentially) than an off-campus party.
There are certain songs that just can't be played at a party before midnight, sing-along tunes that every person in the room knows by heart. They're the same ones everyone can agree are classics, from Van Morrison to Billy Joel. So naturally, a stellar piano bar in the same genre of song is the one place I can take my music snob friends without fear of being labeled melodiously inept. Jake Ivory's (9 Lansdowne St., www.jakeivorys.com) is a weekend-only venue that declares itself America's hottest dueling piano show. Grab a table (if you can find one), order a round (stick to beer), and put in your requests (plus a tip) to the night's talent, who can literally play anything. If ever there was a place that welcomed large groups of college students, this is it.
I'm kind of psyched to say I know someone who's been on Jeopardy. In fact, he won. And when he lost, they gave him a sweet cruise as consolation. To this day, I consider him the smartest person I know. This is probably why I fall into such depression when I lose trivia games; I'm convinced that random knowledge is a sign of brilliance.
Pub trivia makes the loss a little more bearable by injecting its own unique structure (for example, some DJs award points to the winner of a random debate topic) and thankfully Boston is filled to the brim with competitions. Most, including those at CitySide (Wednesdays) and Green Briar (Tuesdays), are run by Stump! Pub Trivia (www.trailsideentertainment.com/stump.asp for locations). It's equal parts competition and social hour, so stack your team and head out, even if you're sure you'll lose.
I don't like smoking (I will continue to turn down invitations to hookah bars, thank you), but I can't deny the fact that some people enjoy a good cigar every now and then. My uncle, a wine connoisseur, can even make it sound like an art form. So when I imagine Cigar Masters (745 Boylston St., (617) 266-4400), I picture a "Ron Burgundy" paradise, leather couches, brandy, and all. I've heard some refer to it as the most luxurious, late night (open until 1 a.m., seven days a week) hangout in the city.
Finally, there's something thrilling about karaoke. I remember the MTV Karaoke Machine I got for Christmas one year; Britney Spears may have the moves, but the backup track sounds just as good with my sister and me belting out "Baby One More Time." I recently discovered Karaoke Revolution on Playstation, which pits singers against each other and even judges your pitch. But there's nothing like the old-fashioned version, and depending on your talent (or lack thereof), I have a couple of suggestions for letting out your inner performer. Sissy K's (6 Commercial St., (617) 248-6511) has $1 drafts and $100 for the night's karaoke superstar. If you're super nervous, no worries: the audience chooses the winner, so bring your friends for a guaranteed win.
If standard karaoke contests sound like child's play, Limelight Stage and Studios (204 Tremont St., www.limelightboston.com) is on a whole different level. To start, it has a stage where you not only belt out tunes to an audience, but use Interactive Vocal Performance technology to process your voice and control lighting, turning your sing along into a legitimate show. For those with stage fright, Limelight offers private studios for individuals or small groups. Much like the karaoke boxes made famous in Lost in Translation, you can record CDs or DVDs of your most inspired songs.
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