You know you want to meet up, baby!

February 2, 2009 9:11 AM

Boston area MST-up, Feb. 21.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 splinter faction Cinematic Titanic will be doing live shows at the Somerville Theater Feb. 20 and 21. (Seats are still available, albeit up in the less spacious balcony.)

I'm going to both shows (why yes, I am obsessed, thank you for noticing), but I'd like to propose a preshow meetup for Saturday the 21st in the Davis Square area. The show starts at 8:00, so I was thinking maybe meeting at 5:30 or 6:00, with those not attending the show free to hang out longer if they want.

Suggestions on venues welcome. I was going to suggest The Burren (private to Discourse Marker: guess whose idea that was), but it looks like they may already have a band going by then, and I'd like to be able to hear everybody.

posted by Horace Rumpole to MetaFilter gatherings at 9:11 AM (112 comments total)

Well, there's always Sligo's... [c'mon, I'm setting someone up for a punchline]

But y'know, Redbones is always great for consuming mass quantities. Haven't been there in ages; don't know about the noise level/seating available... I also like Mike's, and they serve beer there. Well lit, and we can steal the tables that aren't nailed down.

Seeing as those are my three Davis Square landmarks, and that I always get thrown when I see the CVS with a Gym parked on top of it, if anyone has any better/more recently established places in mind, excellent!
posted by not_on_display at 9:34 AM on February 2

Interested Atlanta refugee thinking about coming up for the weekend...
posted by arimathea at 10:13 AM on February 2

Redbones tends to fill up pretty early on the weekends, but they may cordon off some space for us if someone calls ahead. I have never tried this before.

Down the street, Orleans has couches! Or going in the other direction... Joshua Tree? Or in the other other direction, on Mass Ave, is Joe Sent Me. It's about a 5-10 minute walk from Davis down the bike path.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:27 AM on February 2

Is this a meetup I'd have to have seen MST3K to enjoy?

(not making a stand against MST3K, I just didn't have cable when it was on so I'm the only person on the internet who hasn't seen it)
posted by bondcliff at 10:27 AM on February 2

bondcliff, the meetup is open to all, the CT live show is just the inspiration, given how popular MST seems to be on Metafilter. Also, it's the day before my birthday, if that does anything for you.

Be advised, however, that your MST-less life is a meaningless hollow shell and you have never known true joy. Just FYI.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 10:38 AM on February 2

Ah... I'd love to go but I'm slated to be a groomsman at a wedding.
posted by Kattullus at 11:20 AM on February 2

I would KILL to come to this, being a huge MST3K fan and also a former Davis Square denizen, but I have to be at a play in Delaware. Crap.
posted by CunningLinguist at 11:33 AM on February 2

I'm going to go with a new tack this time: I will never ever even consider possibly attending this meetup. It disgusts and appalls me. If I never, ever have another delicious beverage with you people ever again, it will be too soon.
posted by Plutor at 11:47 AM on February 2

Woo woo.
posted by grobstein at 11:55 AM on February 2

Like we'd let you come anyway, Plutor. As if.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 11:58 AM on February 2

Weather forecasts predict a 90% chance of Ryvar at this meetup.
posted by Ryvar at 12:08 PM on February 2

It's two days after my 21st birthday, so I'd actually be allowed into the bar! But I don't think I can make it.
posted by lizzicide at 12:09 PM on February 2

I always say I might go, and yet, very rarely do I show up (2 meetups in PVD, none in Boston thus far). There's always a chance that I'll actually make it one of these times. Maybe.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 12:23 PM on February 2

I'm going to the Friday show, but I'll gladly show up to the Saturday night pre-show meetup since these is my stompin grounds and I'll stomp where I want to goshdarnit. And I won't even auction off my Show-Spoilin' Silence for a White Russian.

As far as Davis Square drinketerias go, Redbones is awesome but can get loud. You can often ask 'em to smoosh tables together for you at Underbones in the basement, but I can't remember if we've ever called ahead in advance or just shown up with 14 people and asked nicely. It will get busy quick on a Saturday.

The Burren has live music in both the front and back room on Saturdays. The traditional Irish musicians begin at 5:00 pm in the front room, but I think the back room stuff starts a little later. You may stand the best chance there, but give 'em a call.

But I'd totally and wholeheartedly recommend Joe Sent Me if people didn't mind the short hike down the bike path to Mass. Ave. As long as you give yourself stumblin' time back before the show you'll be all right, and they've got a nice cluster of tables to sit at and gab.

Do keep in mind that the Bruins are playing on the 21st so some bars may get themselves set up for that.
posted by Spatch at 12:38 PM on February 2

So do we have a date for this yet for sure? I'm all ready to book fares and hotels and crap, but i'd really like to get a sense of whether this is actually happening.
posted by arimathea at 2:19 PM on February 2

Hmmmm ... maybe I'll show up, too. Though I fear that without kattullus, I'll get hopelessly lost.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 2:54 PM on February 2

I can probably do this.
posted by danb at 3:12 PM on February 2

Arimathea, I think we're definitely on for the 21st. Obviously, if you're planning on going to the show, I'd make sure you can get a ticket before you do anything else. Your dedication is commendable, sir.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 3:35 PM on February 2

I probably can't make this, but no promises.
posted by Eideteker at 4:32 PM on February 2

See you there ;)
posted by arimathea at 5:31 PM on February 2

So i'm told that there is some other event that a bunch of people in that area that I know may be going to on the 21st. Is the 20th out of the question for people? Or what time are we thinking about getting together? Or whathowwhen?
posted by arimathea at 5:39 PM on February 2

I think I'd like to stick with a 5:30 or 6:00 time frame on the 21st, aramathea. I'm hoping a few of the Providenceites (Providencians? Providencials?) can make it up, which would be tougher on a weeknight.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 6:20 PM on February 2

Hey that's my birthday . . . and I live in southern New Hampshire . . . hmmmm . . .
posted by Toecutter at 6:30 PM on February 2

Yeah, we're cool for the 21st; I don't know if i'll make it to the MSTing, but grabbing some beer is on the map. Looking forward to meeting you all.
posted by arimathea at 8:09 PM on February 2

Awesome. I bought tickets for Saturday night before my wife had chance to object.

We'll definitely do drinks before (and during, thanks to Somerville Theatre) as we'll be in the midst of hopefully closing on a house around then and will likely be mad crazy frantic terrified.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:01 AM on February 3

Will there be food or is it mostly beverage?
posted by healthytext at 9:38 AM on February 3

Providenceites (Providencians? Providencials?)

Improvidents.
posted by grobstein at 10:18 AM on February 3

Mark me as interested
posted by Miko at 10:29 AM on February 3

I might make it for drinks but probably not the theater. I can sit around and talk about my hollow shell of a life. I'll mention the fact I missed out on Ren and Stimpy as well and then we can all have a good cry together.
posted by bondcliff at 10:55 AM on February 3

I think I'm in. I live about two blocks from there, so if anyone's not going to the show there are (a paltry selection of) boardgames.
posted by backseatpilot at 3:36 PM on February 3

Ooh! Boardgames!

I should be there. Not feeling mst-y though.
posted by nat at 4:31 PM on February 3

Not sure which place you're referring to, backseatpilot, but I've just talked to The Burren, and they say that while there'll be a band in the front room, we are more than welcome to reserve a couple of tables in the back, which will be free until 10:00. Given its proximity to the theater, I'm inclined to think that's our best bet.

What say you, Mefites, The Burren at 6:00?
posted by Horace Rumpole at 4:57 PM on February 3

The Burren is good, and the acoustics in back aren't horrible for conversing. I give a possibly yes.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:03 PM on February 3

Boardgames! I'm in!
posted by of strange foe at 8:09 PM on February 3

Speaking of games - should I attempt to bring Apples to Apples?
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:12 AM on February 4

(If anyone says "Yes," it'll improve my chances of being there greatly, since I'll actually feel like I have a purpose in life. I mean, it's easier for me to remember things/commit to them when I'm doing something "useful.")
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:13 AM on February 4

I was referring to Joe Sent Me, but Davis is also about a ten minute walk from my place.

should I attempt to bring Apples to Apples? Yes.

Must remember to buy more booze...
posted by backseatpilot at 4:56 AM on February 4

(Oh, and by "boardgames" I mean chess, Zombies!!!, Risk, and Scotland yard. None of those fancy-pants German games - or in fact anything that people might actually want to play. Just so no one's disappointed later.)
posted by backseatpilot at 4:59 AM on February 4

I will probably come. I thought I was busy that day, but my calendar is coming up blank, so we'll see.
posted by grobstein at 10:15 AM on February 4

Apples to Apples?

Zombies?

Alright, I'ma try to make it, then.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 9:09 AM on February 5

Apples to Apples and I will definitely be there. I even have a "Party Pack Expansion" that I got for Christmas!

(Yeah, I might just like this game a bit *too* much.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:33 AM on February 5

I think I'll show up for socialization (not theatre though), since backseatpilot owes me a drink.
posted by olinerd at 11:23 AM on February 5

I can't make the MST show, but would it be cool if I showed up for zombies and Apples to Apples?
posted by xbonesgt at 11:30 AM on February 5

xbonesgt: Oh hell yeah, that'd be fine. I'm not going to the show either, so I won't be taking my games and running home when the show starts.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 1:20 PM on February 5

Can we make it official then, so that this thread can show up in the sidebar?
posted by of strange foe at 9:13 AM on February 6

OK, I'm going to go ahead and post this on the sidebar for The Burren at 6:00 PM, February 21st.

Just so everybody's clear, that's not the place with the boardgames, but if grapefruitmoon is bringing hers, then I think we're all set.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 12:41 PM on February 6

Well, the boardgames are at my house, not the other bar. I'll bring Zombies and maybe we can steal enough tables to set it up.
posted by backseatpilot at 1:03 PM on February 6

Oh, I totally misunderstood you, backseatpilot. Well, now we can have boardgames wherever we are! Aint no party like a MeFi party cause a MeFi party has Zombies.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 1:20 PM on February 6

Apples to Apples requires no tables. It's one of its many joys.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 1:30 PM on February 6

I might bring a game or two also, but the non-tables aspect of Apples to Apples is pretty awesome.
posted by nat at 2:27 AM on February 7

CAUTION: ZOMBIES AHEAD!

I may not be able to make this one, but I'd like to. I got Apples to Apples over the holidays after those of you at the 12/17/08 meetup were raving about it.

I. love. that. game.

[ ] yes [ ] no [x] interested
posted by not_on_display at 1:34 PM on February 7

Well, crap, the Burren has just emailed me back saying that between my email on Tuesday and today they've rented out the back room for a private event. So we're back on the block for a venue. Organizing a meetup is hard.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 7:24 PM on February 7

Motherfuckers!
posted by grobstein at 10:46 AM on February 8

Well, there's still Joe Sent Me, yes? They have tables, and I think that if people show up around 6-ish it should still be quiet enough to grab a few.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:41 PM on February 8

Damn, I'm out of town that weekend. :( Oh well, next time!
posted by shaun uh at 5:48 PM on February 8

At least the Burren was kind enough to email you, Horace Rumpole. A small courtesy but one that earns a bit of respect.

JSM sounds like a good backup spot. There's enough tables to moosh together in the front area for everyone. And the larger (and more alcohol-fueled) group for Apples to Apples, the better.
posted by Spatch at 7:36 AM on February 9

My only concern with Joe Sent Me is people finding it, especially if they're not familiar with the area. If you go out the wrong subway entrance, it seems like you could wander around there for hours.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 8:03 AM on February 9

Hmmm. It's true that getting from Davis to Mass Ave is confusing (although super quick if you know which way to go). Maybe, if you decide on JSM, it'd be easier to direct folks to get off at Porter and turn RIGHT. It's a longer walk, but not a bad one.
posted by moxiedoll at 5:46 PM on February 9

So I went by Joe Sent Me tonight and unfortunately, they have a party booked for that evening. I'm now thinking that tomorrow I'll look at some Harvard Square options (say John Harvard and Fire & Ice), and those of us continuing on to the Somerville Theater can just take a quick Red Line trip from there.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 8:06 PM on February 9

If you're looking at Harvard area, what about Grendel's Den? It's seat-yourself, so we could just muscle a bunch of tables together. Plus, absinthe.
posted by backseatpilot at 9:30 AM on February 10

There's also Christopher's outside Porter Sq. Parking is easier around there, and it's closer to Davis Sq...
posted by of strange foe at 1:15 PM on February 12

OK, new plan! I have taken of strange foe's suggestion, and made a reservation for us at Christopher's, conveniently located across the street from the Porter Square T station, for 6PM on Saturday the 21st. I'll email the mods to get the meetup pointer moved down here. Those who are coming, please give a shoutout in the thread that you've seen the new venue. Given the switch, I'll probably MeMail those we don't hear from, so everybody's on the same page.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 1:58 PM on February 15

Awesome! I'll be there with bells on. Or at least, I'll bring games. Probably preferable. Those bells get kinda annoying.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 2:25 PM on February 15

Seen new venue, will be there at 6pm, flying in from ATL the night before.

Boston mefites, I look forward to meeting you all!
posted by arimathea at 5:43 PM on February 15

I'm going to try to make it. My first meetup!
posted by lunasol at 6:37 PM on February 15

I should be there!
posted by olinerd at 6:57 PM on February 15

I'll be at Christopher's at 6pm...
posted by Schmucko at 9:19 PM on February 15

Coolio!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:27 AM on February 16

I'll be there.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:06 AM on February 16

got it. new venue. I'll be there.
posted by nat at 6:52 AM on February 16

Still not coming. Still hate you all. Still planning your comeuppance.
posted by Plutor at 7:24 AM on February 16

Christopher's. Probably coming. May bring a member of the Grobstein Female Auxiliary.
posted by grobstein at 7:54 AM on February 16

I should be there, +1.
posted by Eideteker at 4:28 PM on February 16

I have seen the new venue, and that you will be playing D&D and that Coolio will be attending.
what
posted by not_on_display at 11:03 PM on February 16

Christopher's it is! I'll be there, and Miss Not-Appearing-On-This-Metafilter will probably be in attendance as well.
posted by Spatch at 6:31 AM on February 17

I think I'll be there.
posted by healthytext at 9:39 AM on February 17

Christopher's at 6pm - got it.
posted by xbonesgt at 1:15 PM on February 17

I'll be there with bells on.
posted by Ryvar at 4:50 PM on February 17

Yay!
posted by of strange foe at 8:54 PM on February 17

Christopher's at 6:00. Doubtful I'll be able to go, but I may get a chance at the last minute.

One of these days we need a meetup in the 'burbs. We can discuss propane and propane products.

Jim
posted by bondcliff at 6:17 AM on February 18

(Why the hell did I sign that? I think I thought I was writing an email.)
posted by bondcliff at 6:18 AM on February 18

bondcliff: (Why the hell did I sign that? I think I thought I was writing an email.)

Oh, I thought you were talking to me, and I was gonna say, "Yeah?"
posted by not_on_display at 6:40 PM on February 18

I can't remember if I should tell you to get off my lawn you little scamp or to quit cramping my style, old man.
posted by bondcliff at 6:33 AM on February 19 [2 favorites]

I'll be there with Robocop!
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 9:27 AM on February 19

We're going to give last year's ROFLCon meetup a run for its money.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:33 AM on February 19

Cool! I think I can still make it.
posted by danb at 3:35 PM on February 19

I am on the same page!

And I'll (hopefully) be there!
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 4:14 PM on February 19

(And I'll try to bring the SheMulp, if'n she's not working.)
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 4:15 PM on February 19

I have no work this weekend. Hopefully the Dunk will be ok with out me for one whole day. I have been looking forward to a meetup in Boston. Any excuse to take the train is cool with me!
posted by SheMulp AKA Plus 1 at 6:54 PM on February 19

I should be there, +1.
posted by Eideteker at 7:28 PM on February 16


I remember back when I was just a +1
posted by SheMulp AKA Plus 1 at 6:55 PM on February 19 [1 favorite]

Due to a miscommunication, I will *not* be able to make it tonight. But I did get to meet Ardiril last night, so NYAH! =P
posted by Eideteker at 7:54 AM on February 21

Wow, it's possible that there will be twenty-five people? Daaaaaaang
posted by danb at 12:31 PM on February 21

Wow, just saw this. I'm in, if there's room.
posted by Bezbozhnik at 1:23 PM on February 21

I get 14 definitelys and 9 probablys, so I have called Christopher's and upped our reservation. (Don't leave me hanging, MeFites.) They have the name Metafilter at the door. See you soon!
posted by Horace Rumpole at 1:34 PM on February 21

No hanging from me, I'm all dressed up and ready to go.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 1:44 PM on February 21

Hopefully I'll get over my crippling social anxiety and make the next one. Have fun MeFites!!
posted by Diskeater at 5:37 PM on February 21

Hooray! Fun times! Thanks to grapefruitmoon for bringing Apples to Apples!
posted by danb at 7:18 PM on February 21

Sorry i couldn't make it. Wife is away, no sitter was available, and I didn't want my six year old to whup everyone's ass at Apples to Apples. Perhaps next time.
posted by bondcliff at 8:01 PM on February 21

Sorry I had to leave early. Was nice hanging out with you guys.
posted by arimathea at 8:33 PM on February 21

Hey, fun fun fun meetup everyone! The video will be posted as soon as I can fudge one of my computers to handle editing m2ts files... And I did get a few stills. Unfortunately, I don't think I captured the parts where grapefruitmoon explained the origin of the "longboating" meme, or the Plutor mini-interview. But I did learn that eating frozen waffles isn't within the range of normal behavior. Who knew!

But... 20 people? Wow. Apples to Apples with that many people worked so much better than it could have. Much fun chatting haphazardly with those who were my table-neighbors, and hope to see y'all at the next one!
posted by not_on_display at 8:36 PM on February 21

That was an incredible amount of fun. My head still hurts from how hard I laughed after that one round in Apples to Apples where I replied to "Charming" with "Homeless Shelters". I am going to Hell.
posted by Ryvar at 8:59 PM on February 21

Great meetup everybody! Thanks for showing up, and thanks again to of strange foe for suggesting Christopher's.

Cinematic Titanic was awesome as well. Convoluted Man! Convoluted Man! ka-ka-ka-ka yakaka-ka ka. He has the power of Sator!
posted by Horace Rumpole at 9:17 PM on February 21

Unfortunately, I don't think I captured the parts where grapefruitmoon explained the origin of the "longboating" meme

Probably for the best. I don't think the internet needs see how... enthusiastic... I get when I talk.

(Why is it that I'll do just about anything in person, but then I get self-conscious on the internet? I think I'm doing it wrong.)

Added a bunch of y'all on FaceBook - 'cos that's just the kind of dork that I am. That is to say, it was wicked fun and we should do it again.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:22 AM on February 22

Added photos, I think. Photos.

Apologies for dark/graininess. Further apologies that flash had to be prohibited. 'Twas a dark and blurry night.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:54 AM on February 22

That was a fun meetup. My auto-reverse-psychology seems to have worked this time, to much enjoyment. I shall endeavor to use that technique more often.

I captured a single spectacular low light camera phone overview shot.
posted by Plutor at 7:50 AM on February 22

That was tons of fun!
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 8:23 AM on February 22

I'll come up for the next one. Probably.
posted by arimathea at 8:37 AM on February 22

Sounds like a good time. I am sad that Complications kept us from showing up on Saturday. Aw, well. Next time, Gadget. Next time...
posted by Spatch at 5:47 AM on February 23

I'm so glad I made it to this meetup, that was great fun. I want to apologize for not properly introducing my self when we showed up. I hadn't eaten all day and so for the first half an hour that The Mulp and I were there I was only interested in getting some food in my system so I stuffed my face with out really saying hello to anyone. I find it hard to be my human self when I'm hungry.

By the way I were The Mulp and I the only Mefites who traveled from another state? Just wondering.
posted by SheMulp AKA Plus 1 at 9:31 AM on February 23

Arimathea had flown in from the great state of Georgia. But he was way at the other end of the table when you were starving, and was forced to leave early, so you probably didn't really get introduced.
posted by Plutor at 10:38 AM on February 23

Plus I was talking about EVE which is the most boring conversational topic ever. And I think you would have been disappointed in my gender.
posted by arimathea at 11:28 AM on February 23

Make this meetup #3 in a row I've missed due to finding out about it the Monday after!

*shakes fist at nobody*
posted by bensherman at 1:17 PM on February 23