Thai Tapas & Tunes: A Somerville Arts Council Fundraiser November 30, 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 6-8pm OR 8:15-10:15pm (each tapas tasting lasts 2 hours), Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar, 255 Washington Street. Cost: $25; cash only. Tickets on sale at Magpie, 416 Highland Ave., Davis Sq, Somerville.

Nothing complements papaya salad like Southeast Asian Go-Go music. If you’d like proof of this, please join us on Wednesday, November 30 at Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar for an evening of Thai food and song. For a ...mere $25, you will be able to sample Thai specialties like Pad Thai and Papaya Salad, and Chef Ronnarong Saksua’s signature tapas, including Paradise Beef, an aptly named sweet and spicy cured beef number (okay, essentially it’s beef jerky, but trust us, it’s amazing). Guests will also enjoy a complimentary Singha Thai beer and mid-20th-century Thai pop courtesy of DJ Brother Cleve. This event is a fundraiser for the Somerville Arts Council. So you can eat, drink and feel philanthropic!

Thai tapas may be a new concept in the Boston area, yet they are common in Thailand, where these savory bites are known as gup gla-em or “drinking food.” We think gup gla-em are a fabulous idea because they allow you to sample flavors galore. While nibbling, Ronnarong staff will talk about the tapas served; DJ Brother Cleve also will share tidbits about the music he spins.

Pop, straight outta Bangkok
When a friend brought Brother Cleve a series of CD’s from Bangkok, focusing on the gentle and smooth Thai pop music of the mid 20th century, he discovered a soft and lilting style of music not unlike the sounds from neighboring countries like China, Vietnam, Burma, Singapore and Indonesia. Juxtaposed against the wild “Go-Go” music from Southeast Asia that exploded in the area in the late 1960′s, as the influence of western Rock ‘n Roll took root in the Orient, the styles were profoundly different yet similar at the same time. Cleve will play both of these styles back to back for your musical education and entertainment.

Nosh on Thai tapas and support the Somerville Arts Council
As you can imagine, arts funding is tighter than ever these days. Approximately 60% of our budget comes from individuals, businesses and foundations. Individual contributions — which you will be making if you attend our Thai Tapas Fundraiser — are crucial to our operations. Please remind yourself of the Somerville Arts Council programs you’ve enjoyed and the services we provide; then sign up for this event! Over 50% of all ticket sales will support the public arts programming of the Somerville Arts Council.

The deets
Wednesday, November 30, 6-8pm OR 8:15-10:15pm (each tapas tasting lasts 2 hours), Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar, 255 Washington Street. Cost: $25; cash only. Tickets on sale at Magpie, 416 Highland Ave., Davis Sq, Somerville. We expect tickets to go quickly so get yours soon. While buying tix, we suggest you pick up early holiday gifts at the fabulous Magpie!

Official Website: http://www.facebook.com/marilyn.machado1#!/event.php?eid=171114609649741