The Umbrella Concert Series in partnership with Salt Lick Sessions

The Umbrella Arts Center is excited to expand <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/concerts">The Umbrella Concert Series</a> to include casual and intimate shows spotlighting some of your future-favorite musical acts who are up-and-coming through the Salt Lick Incubator program. Up next: Grace Gardner, Sofia Lafuente, and Farayi Malek! <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yRBlQnEPNnucMU0lAaxCt">Grace Gardner</a> Raised on the outskirts of a Texas city and now living in New England, Grace Gardner is pushing the boundaries of the singer-songwriter genre. While their music adopts many of the genre’s characteristics, Grace has found inspiration in their parents’ taste in ’70s and ’80s rock, the folk roots of their Southern upbringing, the heart of the sounds of New Orleans—where they studied neuroscience in college—and the lyric-forward storytelling they always return to. Taking it one step further, producing all of their own music allows Grace to maintain a personal, authentic touch in each of their songs. Their lyricism is evocative and emotional, poignantly capturing the joys and tribulations of relationships, recovery, and identity—typically backdropped by thoughtful guitar and intricate production. Grace’s inspirations include eclectic powerhouse writers from the 1970s—Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Labi Siffre, and Joan Baez. As they honed their own musical style, finding the intersection between soft rock, indie, and folk, they’ve drawn further inspiration from artists like Madison Cunningham, Adrianne Lenker, Andy Shauf, and Madi Diaz. Grace plays ten instruments and incorporates orchestral, brass, percussive, and software-based elements into their work. Along with being a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Grace is also a producer and arranger. Grace’s debut EP, *Peach*, was released in March 2023, featuring the lead single “Deny Me.” They have joined artists such as Adam Melchor, Frances Forever, and Tiny Habits on their headline tours and will embark on their first headline tour in early 2025. Their sophomore EP, *Recovery Mile*, was released in February 2024, and their third project, *After Knowing*, is due at the very end of 2024, preceded by a co-release with Buffchick entitled “Big Picture.” Check her out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @gracegardnermusic. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5SXczWBfDpzmhTiMvNyMo9">Sofia Lafuente</a> Sofia Lafuente is a Spanish-American artist and songwriter whose bicultural, bilingual upbringing shapes her introspective, emotionally charged music. Split between Miami and Madrid, she has quickly made a name for herself in the Latin alternative scene. Her ethereal vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her a dedicated following. Inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, early Shakira, and Lizzy McAlpine, Sofia’s music resonates with listeners drawn to vulnerability and emotional depth. Beyond her solo work, she is a sought-after songwriter, known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. With a growing industry presence, she continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as an artist to watch. <a href="https://www.farayimalek.com/">Farayi Malek</a> Farayi Malek has traveled the world through music as a Grammy-nominated vocalist with Danilo Perez’ Global Messengers; and now musically, she’s going back to her own roots. From the American folk music and hymns of her childhood, to the blues and jazz she studied, Farayi brings all of the diverse sounds and experiences of her life into resonant songs that allow her effortless vocals to shine. The Salt Lick Incubator award-winner will be releasing her debut EP March 27th, 2025. When she is not performing and recording, Farayi shares her vast musical knowledge as a professor at various esteemed institutions including Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory. Check her out on Instagram @Farayi.Malek. Catch a sneak peek at the artists on <a href="https://wers.org/salt-lick-sessions/">WERS Salt Lick Sessions</a> before catching them live at The Umbrella!

The Umbrella Arts Center

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

The Umbrella Concert Series in partnership with Salt Lick Sessions

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