*As Covid cases surge we strongly encourage all to take careful precaution when going out to public events! Follow the indoor mask mandate and keep distance from others! Always double check the event online just in case they need to cancel!*
MUSIC + AUDIO
2/1 Bars Over Bars Hip Hop Showcase featuring local artists! Every first Tuesday of the month @Midway Cafe 7:30PM 21+ $10
2/2 Open Armory is an open mic for all performance practices. Sign up at 7PM. Happens first Wednesday of every month @Arts at the Armory 7PM-10PM All Ages Free
2/5 Rosewater Records Presents: Trophy Wife, Topanga Breakfast, Sub*T (NY), Statehouse @Tourist Trap (ask) 8pm All Ages $7-10
2/6 Mobius Presents: Spiderweb Series with Bonnie Jones (online event) 12pm-1pm Free
Go to mobius.org for more info
2/8 Kina Zoré live every second Tuesday bringing two sets of Mozambican Funk! @Midway Cafe 8PM 21+ $10
2/8 Point01Percent: Kelly Gray, Forbes Graham, Pandelis Karayorgis, Eric Rosenthal + Cutout featuring Pandelis Karayourgis, Jorrit Dijkstra, Jeb Bishop, Nathan McBride, and Luther Gray @Lilypad 7:30pm All Ages $ome Cost
2/9 Fully Celebrated Orchestra with Sarah Bernadette and Gregory Eichler @Midway Cafe 8pm 21+ $5
2/9 Sickness, +DOG+, The Incontinence Project, L’eclipse Nue @O’Briens 9pm 21+ $10
2/10 Linnea’s Garden, Baabes, Adi Sun, Pidge @The Jungle (Somerville) 7:30pm 21+ $6-10
2/12 Creative Music Series Presents: Greg Kelley, Bonnie Jones, Sean Meehan, and Vic Rawlings quartet @1353 Cambridge St (Cambridge) 8pm All Ages $ome Cost
2/13 Mega Mass Presents: Artist Showcase! Every second Sunday of the month! Sign up to perform! @The Jungle 9PM-12AM All Ages FREE
2/16 Perspective, A Lovely Hand to Hold, CHEEM, Garden Party @The Rockwell 8pm All Ages $15-18
2/16 Non-Event Presents: Franck Vigroux/Ulrich Krieger (duo) and Rachel Devorah (solo) @Goethe-Institut 7:30pm All Ages $10-15
2/17 Oh the Humanity (10 year anniversary) w/Kitner Sky Tigers, Blame it on Whitman @O’Briens 9pm 21+ $10-12
2/19 Brewed Awakening & Arts Core Presents: Paint and Sip with Briyana Willis
61 Market St, Lowell - 6-8 PM
2/19 Rosewater Records Presents: Gloss (Philly), Christian Pace, Skylar Symone, Gollylagging @The Pelvic Floor 8pm All Ages $ome Cost
2/24 Soul Glo, Pummel, Pink Navel, Clock Out, Tossed Aside, Climb @Sons of Italy (Hingham) 6pm All Ages $15
2/26 Rosewater Records Presents: My Green Bananas, Paper Lady, Babehoven (NY), Divine Sweater @The Tourist Trap 8:30pm All Ages $7-10
Mega Mass Artist Showcase! Second Sunday of every month @The Jungle (Somerville) 9pm 21+ Sign up to perform
Live music every Thursday! @Notch Brewing Biergarten (Brighton, Charles River Speedway) 7pm 21+ Free
The Lilypad weekly open mic variety show! Every Wednesday hosted by Nighttime Gallagher @The Lilypad, Cambridge 10 pm All Ages $5
BAMS Fest is constantly showing up for the community by organizing live shows, talks, competitions for local artists...not to mention their amazing annual music festival. Learn more at www.bamsfest.org
insideTheMaze is a multimedia platform that is known for its diversity and continuous love and support for independent They cater to all genres such as Hip Hop, R&B, Latin, and so much more. On the radio at 88.5FM. Online at @_insidethemaze and www.insidethemaze.net
ItsLitBoston Podcast has a dope new Spotify playlist called “ItsLitBoston Presents: VIBES FROM THE STATE” updated weekly with local new music you need to check out!! I hear they take submissions too! @itslitboston Also on Youtube and SoundCloud
New England Mic Check Radio is our region’s top dawg for uplifting urban music! Episode #58 out now on all streaming platforms with a special feature on local artist Tamera King! www.nemiccheck.com for podcasts, swag and further updates! @newenglandmiccheck
Check out WECB FM Boston! WECB is a student-run, creatively independent internet radio station at Emerson College in Boston. They host dozens of radio shows by hundreds of DJs and highlight new and exciting music both locally and beyond! Also, check out their music review platform Milk Crate! To listen and for more info, visit: www.wecb.fm
Spark FM at Night with DJ Stix: Every Tuesday/Thursday from 11-1AM plus many more programs! Check out www.sparkfmonline.com
VIDEO + FILM
GRRL HAUS CINEMA is an ongoing program of short films and video art made by women, non-binary, trans and genderqueer artists. A mix of local, national, and international artists present work from a variety of disciplines: narrative, documentary, experimental, and conceptual. With an emphasis on low budget and DIY, GRRL HAUS is a space for underrepresented voices in media arts. SUBMIT your films at www.filmfreeway.com/GRRLHAUSCINEMA to be featured in one of their many showings throughout 2022.
OKAY2 rollerblading vid drops 2/12 7pm at Hustle Killer HQ in Malden. It features local shredders and music by JuiseMoney. Roll up in person or scope www.okboston.blogspot.com and follow @okboston_ & @hkhqmalden
Weird Local Film Fest is taking SUBMISSIONS for their next short film fest happening on March 24th. Submissions due March 10th. It may be in person…it may be virtual…all we know is that you gotta go! More info @weirdlocalfilmfestival
Tiny DAP Concert Series Our spin on the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series! All episodes are available now, including the newest drops featuring musical performances by Kasia Lavon and Tashawn Taylor! Visit dorchesterartproject.com/tiny-dap for more info and subscribe to the Boston Compass Newspaper Youtube channel for video drops!
TheMUSEUM TV "Bringing The Creative Community Together In Our Own Fashion!". That’s for sure! Check out their website for local art and hiphop news and so many dope exclusive artist interviews. Subscribe on Youtube for endless video content!
Farenheight TV has a monthly variety show that celebrates people's greatness through exclusive interviews, performances & more. Check out their latest collab with BAMS Fest interviewing artists from their current performance series Amplify the Soul. www.farenheighttv.com @farenheighttv
Cinema Salem is taking a break to make improvements and renovations…exciting! Check www.cinemasalem.com to see when they open back up!
VISUAL ART
Washington Street Art Center Fundraiser for Somerville Homeless Coalition. Local small works submitted over the course of January will be on display and up for sale at WSAC with at least 30% of proceeds going to the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Gallery open to the public on 2/5 and 2/12
Jazz Scene in Boston: Through photographs, handbills and posters set in a club-like setting, this colorful exhibit provides a broad view of the Boston jazz scene from the 1940s to the 1980s. @Museum of African History, Boston $10
Art Battle Boston is holding another live art competition 2/7 @Mighty Squirrel Brewing! Artists include Maggie MacMullin, Jordan Gagner, Ananda Toulon, Fallon Rae and more!
FREQUENCIES is a crowdsourced audio/visual mural that features the sounds and sights of Allston-Brighton, straight from the people who live, work, and play in this vibrant Boston neighborhood! By Allison Tanenhaus and Maria Finkelmeier, the work will be beamed into our street-facing gallery on Western Avenue—and reverberate off the sidewalk—from November 2021 – February 2022, creating a nightly pulsating performance for all.
Praise Shadows Art Gallery is pleased to present A New Devotional by Crystalle Lacouture and Kevin Umana. Lacouture’s paintings will include her MAMA series, works on paper created as a daily ritual, while Umaña will present new ceramic tablets. On exhibit from 1/7 through 2/6
SPOKE Presents: ‘Touched’ – 30th Installation of Days Without Art 2022. Contribute a live offering performance during one of their 24-hour vigils on February 7th, National Black HIV Awareness Day at a site TBD. Or make a prerecorded offering to mark the hours of 3:00 am and 6:00 pm for the 67 days between Dec 1 and Feb. 7. www.mwponline.org
SPOKE Presents: "The Scene/Seen: New Work by L'Merchie Frazier." Display of quilts by L’Merchie Frazier from her Barricades series. Open to the public 1/31-3/18 at 840 Summer St., S. Boston. The virtual opening is Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 pm. Read more and register for the opening here.
Support the Nubian Square Public Art Initiative, a newly launched initiative spearheaded by Black Market Nubian to develop a series of public murals and installations as a catalyst for neighborhood economic empowerment by the community, for the community. Support the cause and donate to their gofundme! www.blackmarketnubian.com/nspai
PERFORMANCE ART
2/12 Somerville Night Live! by Mess + Finesse is a one hour+ of absurd, high energy, and hilarious original sketch comedy. The show is written the week-of and performed by some of Boston’s best comedic talent. @The Rockwell 9pm 21+ $25
2/11–3/5 People, Places & Things is a celebrated new play about a young woman in rehab who thought they were just having a great time. Tix at SpeakEasyStage.com $60 general/$25 if under 25 y-o
2/17–2/20 Afro-futurist author Octavia E Butler’s classic novel Parable of the Sower takes the stage as a profound and inspiring opera celebrating the history of black music. Unmissable. Tix at ArtsEmerson.org $25 & up
2/23–2/27 ArtsEmerson presents Dreaming Zenzile is an incredible new musical based on Zenzile Miriam Makeba, a singer/songwriter, actress, United Nations goodwill ambassador, and civil rights activist. Written and performed by Somi Kakoma. Tix at ArtsEmerson.org $25 & up
thru 3/13 Toni Morrison’s literary masterpiece, The Bluest Eye, is translated to the stage by the Huntington Theatre Company at the BCA. Tix at HuntingtonTheatre.org $25 & up
Check out Artists’ Theater of Boston! They produce “thoughtful, evocative work that challenges systemic injustices facing our communities through the collaborative process of making theater.” Online opportunities and performances can be found at artiststheater.org
Midway or the Highway Ever wondered what hilarious comedians from big fancy TV shows do the rest of the week? Sometimes they appear at your neighborhood bar! The funniest in New England and beyond can now be found in the wilds of JP on every single Sunday night at 9PM FOR FREE. Open mic at 10PM @Midway Cafe 21+
ZINES
Penny Magazine was created as a means to discuss how different areas of the music industry have been affected and changed in lieu of the coronavirus pandemic. Read this beautifully colorful zine at www.penny-mag.com and follow @pennythemag
Zinesters Club All ages and experience levels are welcome every second Thursday of the month to come down to the Teen Room at Watertown Free Public Library and make zines! Supplies provided!
Vicky Marcelino is a Dominicanx illustrator making beautiful works including fantastical and realist comics! She even publishes comics in Spanish! Follow at @magicalgrlbicky browse more at www.victoriamarcelino.com
Superfroot Magazine Dedicated to uplifting underrepresented artists and writers, this zine focuses on a new theme each issue. Issue #2 NOSTALGIA pre-orders now open or read digitally now at www.superfroot.com
The Negro Flowers Series An online zine of writings, poetry, art and photography by various local BIPOC authors compiled by BCN contributor Qadir Shabazz. ‘People & Places’ Issue #3 is now available! It includes “A concept where Photographers of color share their work which focuses on their own unique perspective of what community looks like to them”. Read online at www.linktr.ee/qadir__shabazz
Pleasure Pie is a grassroots sex-positive organization in Boston, MA. They make zines, illustrations, publications, events, and conversations on sexual empowerment and consent. They also put out a monthly email newsletter called Boston's Sex Positive Newsletter, which lists local sexuality-related events and job openings. They now distribute sex-positive zines by others outside their org! Check this link to SUBMIT YOUR ZINES!
Reflective Zines makes mental health, poetry and music zines! They cover trauma therapy, dissociation, DBT, identity, healing from abuse, queer love and much more. You can find them at the Paper Asylum in Beverly, MA and more info at @reflectivezines. Browse online at www.etsy.com/shop/reflectivezines
Juniper Mag is holding a launch party + opening at Pop Up Worcester on February 5th. Artists from their first three volumes will be exhibiting work from February 5th to the 18th. Find out more @juniperrag and www.juniperrag.com
Wack Mag Their mission is to bring people together through art + creation. They want to be a space where people feel comfortable to submit any work they are excited about, get published, gain experience, and create their own community of creatives. Sound familiar?? Found out how to SUBMIT your work or even join the team at @wack.mag and www.wackmag.com
Lucy Parsons Center is an independent, non-profit, radical bookstore and community space. They also do a Free Store for the People every 2nd Sunday of the month 12-2PM across the street. www.lucyparsonscenter.org
COMMUNITY
2/12 KISS KISS BANG BANG a Valentine’s Day Sip & Shop Market for all! Sellers include local vendors and artists! @Machines With Magnets, RI 12-5pm
Mental Health While Black Summit this annual summit will bring together residents, community partners, grassroots organizations, clinical professionals, and elected officials to connect and learn from one another to best combat the mental health and suicide prevention service, delivery, and outreach challenges that face communities of color. February 18th @Encore Boston Harbor Convention Center. More info at www.deedeescry.com
Black Market Nubian is a Black-Owned, cooperative-style retail business that operates within a Pan-African pop-up paradigm. The Market has been widely accepted as one of Boston’s premiere spaces to gather, meet and shop, understanding the need for micro-business Founders to develop the business acumen and literacy needed to move towards sustainability. Located at 2136 Washington St, Roxbury. More info at @blackmarketnubian
Building Audacity is a non-profit organization that seeks to support youth-led change-making and to provide resources for adults looking to create inclusive, youth-focused learning environments. They are running several programs right now that prioritize community needs during the pandemic, including a GOTVac campaign, hydroponic produce farm, and grocery delivery services. Learn more at www.buildingaudacity.org and @buildingaudacity
Apparel Brand, Music Label and Entertainment Company Scope Apparel has opened a storefront and HQ AT 484 B Center St, Jamaica Plain. They throw shows, events and fundraisers there! Check it out! @scopeapparel and www.scopeapparel.com
ArtAssembled in Assembly Row! There is a new pop-up art space in Assembly Row that you can rent for $5/hour. Art Assembled is a project of the Somerville Arts Council with support from Federal Reality/Assembly Row.
Unbound Visual Arts is a unique Allston-Brighton based non-profit art organization. They serve the Greater Boston community with impactful educational programs and exhibits to encourage learning, engagement, and change with a special focus on racial justice. Exhibition and class info at www.unboundvisualarts.com and @unboundvisualarts
Boston LGBTQIA+ Artists Association is revamping with a new director and a new website! They just released a survey asking what LGBTQIA+ artists in Boston would like to see happen with this new organization. Find it at www.blaa.us
Boston GLASS operates Drop-In Community Centers for LGBTQ+ youth of color between the ages of 13–25! GLASS provides a continuum of services to LGBTQ+ youth of color and their allies in the Greater Boston and Greater Framingham areas and also provides education and consultation to other providers and community organizations.
Women Explore Lecture and Discussion Forum: Women Explore provides lecture series within a feminist learning community for women, to connect with the sacred dimensions of their experience and to support and encourage each other in the world community. womenexplore.org
Community Fridges! There’s a bunch of these popping up all around the city! They provide food for all and are totally volunteer-run! Check Out @bostoncommunityfridge @dotcommunityfridge @allstoncommunityfridge @matcommunityfridge @cambridgecommunityfridge @roslindalecommunityfridge
Some are relocating and need your help finding businesses and people to host them!
ADVOCACY
Creatives of Color Boston is a collective dedicated to the creation of intersectional safe spaces for BIPOC artists to connect and create together, while also celebrating and uplifting the voices and work of BIPOC artists from around the Boston area. They plan three main events each year including concerts, workshops, and exhibitions. More at www.creativesofcolorboston.com
Dunamis ignites agency and transformative growth for emerging artists and arts-managers of color by serving as a nexus for professional development, community-building, consultation, production, advocacy and developing equitable pipelines for access and leadership in creative spaces. Check out their website for info on their programs like fellowships for artists, workshops, concerts and more.
Greater Boston Artist Collective strengthens our artist community with their many programs. From filming music videos to artist interviews…from monthly artist features to their yearly art event they strive to keep artists thriving! Check out their very active IG at @greaterbostonartistcollective and website.
Rebel Cause, Inc. was founded in 2016 and has evolved to promote various forms of activism and advocacy. They focus on storytelling, mutual aid, and capacity and coalition building to promote equity and representation for marginalized communities throughout Boston and beyond. www.rebelcauseinc.org @rebelcauseinc
The Fang Collective organizes with our community to build a decolonized world free of prisons and police, where systems of oppression are uprooted and healed, while taking action to avert the worst impacts of climate change. To find out about actions and events follow @fangcollective and visit www.thefangcollective.org
ACT UP Boston is an Aids Coalition to Unleash Power Boston is a multinational, multi-generational coalition committed to direct action to end the world AIDS crisis. Check out their recently uploaded Youtube video on overdose reversal training! @actupboston
Violence In Boston is committed to creating safer, healthier, and empowered Black and brown communities. Their Social Impact Center seeks to prevent and reduce the impact of violence by providing immediate and basic needs for the community. Food pantry open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm in Hyde Park. More info at @violenceinboston and www.violenceinboston.org
World Worker’s Party Boston Join the fight against capitalism, bigotry and human injustice with WWPB. They organize many many actions covering a slew of extremely important human rights issues. They also publish lots of articles to inform the public on these issues. Learn much more at www.bostonwwp.org
Boston Liberation Center, Boston PSL's new community space, is an educational and organizing hub for people to connect and talk with organizers, study in the reading room, and purchase BLC merch. They will be holding a Liberation forum on 12/18 7-9PM (masks required, childcare provided). Located at 194 Blue Hill Avenue, Roxbury. Learn more at @bostonpsl
West Of Washington Coalition A neighborhood group of Dorchester seeking to make our community a safer, friendlier, and more vibrant place to live. @wowcoalition and on Facebook to stay up to date with their community events and actions
VietAID aims to build a strong Vietnamese community and a vibrant Fields Corner through community building; developing affordable space; providing small business assistance and micro-enterprise development; and child care services. Visit their headquarters at the Vietnamese American Community Center at 42 Charles St, Dorchester. www.vietaid.org
Sunrise Movement Boston works every day to stop climate change and create jobs in the process. Find them at @sunrisemvmtboston to cue into all the rad actions and workshops they have going on.
Asian American Resource Workshop is a political home for pan-Asian communities in Greater Boston. They are a member-led organization committed to building grassroots power through political education, creative expression, and issue-based and neighborhood organizing. Join today! @aarw.boston and www.aarw.org
*Originally published in-print in Boston Compass Newspaper #143 February 2022
Comments