They were DAM-ed A 1973 house party is where it all began for the Michigan artist collective and band, Destroy All Monsters (DAM). The group’s unorthodox music was inspired by Sun Ra, the Velvet Underground, Sci-Fi B movies, and more. The exhibit “Hungry for Death: Destroy All Monsters’’ features DAM’s posters, flyers, photos, banners, magazines, and records. Today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (through Dec. 22). Free. The Boston University Art Gallery, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 617-353-3329. www.bu.edu/art
Sneak preview You don’t have to wait until April to hear a snippet from Opera Boston’s production of Bellini’s “I Capuleti e I Montecchi,’’ thanks to tonight’s recital by Hae Ji Chang who will sing the part of Giulietta in the production. Tonight’s program by the 28-year-old New England Conservatory soprano also includes works by Handel, Mahler, and Korean composers. 8 p.m. Free. Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. 617-585-1122. www.necmusic.edu/hae-ji-chang
We hardly knew him President Kennedy was assassinated 48 years ago today, and one way to remember our 35th president is a visit to the museum that bears his name. At the permanent exhibit, “The Briefing Room,’’ you’ll see how Kennedy used the new medium of TV to speak to the American people. Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $12, $10 students and seniors, $9 ages 13-17, free under 13. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Dorchester. 617-514-1600. www.jfklibrary.org
On the town When this cabaret singer and comedienne shared a bill with Joan Rivers, the latter said that the former is “the best singer in her price range!’’ High or low praise, Carol O’Shaughnessy celebrates her 69th birthday (yes, there’s cake) at “Lucky to Be Me.’’ 8 p.m. $23. Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. 617-562-4111. www.scullersjazz.com
TOMORROW
Let there be lights We didn’t think any object in the entire world had more lights on it than our Christmas tree, but 3,500 “landing lights’’ will be turned on at the Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument. The event commemorates the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown Harbor. Nov. 23 from 5-7 p.m. (6 p.m. lighting). Free. Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, High Pole Hill Road, Provincetown. 508-487-1310. www.pilgrim-monument.org
