Wednesday Happenings

Bands That That Guy From Shrimp Boat is in

-- There is nothing like learning that soft rock band The Sea and Cake has come to be considered classic, a cornerstone of contemporary independent rock, to make Bostonist feel really old. With Death Vessel and Helms. Middle East Downstairs, 472 Mass. Ave., 9 p.m. $15.

Charleens

-- Charleen Swansea is the friend and former poetry teacher of documentary filmmaker Ross McElwee who plays a big role in his well-known feature Sherman's March (1986). McElwee afficionados also know her as the title character of his earlier film Charleen (1980), which formed part of his master's thesis at MIT and which screens tonight as part of the Brattle's tribute to critic Gerald Peary. Preceded by the short 33 Yo-Yo Tricks (1976). Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 7 p.m. $9.50.

Wine Tastings

-- Our old friends at The Second Glass, a local, homegrown wine magazine, host a "Crash Course Wine Seminar" that will teach you to taste the difference between French and Californian wines. Downtown Wine and Spirits, 225 Elm St., Somerville, 7 p.m. $15. (More information.)

-- If you don't like crossing the river, but don't mind the Green Line (is that possible?), Allston Village Main Streets sponsors a wine tasting tonight at the Boston Wine School. Admission includes appetizers and the opportunity to network. The Boston Wine School, 1354 Comm. Ave., 6 p.m. $15. (Buy tickets.)

Still from Charleen courtesy Ross McElwee's website.