For a good deal of us, the holiday season is firmly in the rearview by the time January throws around. And sure, while we may miss the fellowship and the warmth of the oven (and bodies that have gathered for parties), our wallets breathe a sigh of relief. But sanity requires doing, and the brain and body don’t take off just because a new year has rolled around. That, combined with COVID-19 positivity rates rocketing to the moon, makes for a slate of events taking place largely outside, alone, or under the auspices of videochat facilitators.
The marathon has returned to its virtual environs for its 26th edition. Over the course of three days, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will present a reading of the classic literary Leviathan. The reading itself is free to anyone with access to Zoom, but for $25, Melville enthusiasts will be have access to a lecture examining the culture presence of New Bedford in the novel. The museum has also partnered with Cousin Hosea’s Chowder Hall and the Decanter Taproom for victual variations on a theme by Moby Dick.
Jan. 7-9. Free reading. Opening night lecture is $20 for members and $25 for general admission
The New York City-based dance company A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham describes its 2021 work An Untitled Love as “creative exaltation [paying] homage to the complexities of self love and Black love, while serving as a thumping mixtape celebrating our culture, family and community.” The title is also a nod to musician D’Angelo whose music serves as a source of creative inspiration for this choreographed project.
Jan. 21-23. $25 for students and members, $35 general admission
Volunteers & Goats Vs. Invasive Plants at Habitat Sanctuary
For those who have decided to embrace their role as stewards of the environment, the Appalachian Mountain Club is extending this conservation activity geared toward 20- and 30-somethings. Volunteers gather at the Habitat Sanctuary in Belmont, where they’ll remove invasive flora by means of their own production of labor — and the help of hungry Nigerian dwarf goats.
Jan. 8
Winter Hike in the Blue Hills Beginner
Winter weather does not mean fulfilling hikes cannot be had, but if you’re looking to get used to the idea of hibernal hikes, ACM is offering an easy, beginner trail at Blue Hills Reservation. The route tops off at around 4 hours. Easy enough.
Jan. 9
Canadian Composer Ana Sokolović 2011 opera "Svadba" — which centers its action on the social activity and ritual among a bride and her friends before the wedding day — comes to the Boston Lyric Opera in a new production. Daniela Candillari conducts.
Viewing will be virtual via operabox.tv, a streaming service that grants access to other productions past and present, such as Philip Glass’ "Fall of the House of Usher" and Strauss’ "Ariadne Auf Naxos."
Premieres Jan. 28. Operabox subscriptions are $99 and last a full year. Students can get a steep discount of $39.99 by emailing a copy of their student ID to boxoffice@blo.org with “operabox.tv Student Subscription” in the subject line.
By the time January comes around, the days are technically getting longer. But, some of us aren’t so lucky to escape the grip of seasonal affective disorder. In that case, a trip to Plymouth may be in order, where Brooklyn’s Louis Appollon will be posted up, delivering the insouciant warmth both his voice and guitar have to offer.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 13. Tickets are $15 to attend in-person and $10 to stream live. Spire Center for the Performing Arts in Plymouth.
Yes, you could go to a rink. Ponds, though, deliver a kind of natural embrace — after all, you’re skating on the Earth’s terms. The town of Needham checks the ice depth of the several town ponds, quite literally for your benefit. If it’s thick enough, lace up and go for it.
Sometime in January? We can't predict when there will be enough ice.
