August 25 Schoolyard Summer Concert: Fabiola Méndez

Native to Caguas, Puerto Rico&nbsp;Fabiola Méndez is a cuatrista, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer who has taken part in a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as Folk, Afro-Latin, and&nbsp;Jazz. Her musicality and original compositions take the listener on a journey through her identities and culture while celebrating and exploring the versatility of the cuatro puertorriqueño.&nbsp;Recognized for being the first student to graduate from Berklee College of Music with the cuatro as her principal instrument (2018), Fabiola performs nationally and internationally and is the co-composer of PBS Kids show Alma's Way. She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille&nbsp;and Jack Yellen Award 2022, a Children's and Family Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media in 2023, and being selected as the Latin Artist of the Year 2023 by the Boston Music Awards.&nbsp; This outdoor performance from cuatrista, Fabiola Méndez is the final show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts Schoolyard

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Giuseppe Paradiso & Meridian 71 

Meridian 71 is a cross-cultural music project created and led by Italian drummer and composer Giuseppe Paradiso. The project name comes from Boston's longitude: the 71st meridian that passes precisely through the eastern part of the city. Active since 2011, Meridian 71 has released three albums; their latest, Parallel Dimensions was released in 2022 on the London-based record label Ubuntu Music, and distributed worldwide by The Orchard (SONY). All three albums feature original compositions by Giuseppe Paradiso, and a unique sound that transcends boundaries, blending genres that range from Jazz and improvised music to Mediterranean and West African styles. This performance features an eclectic ensemble of well-established Boston-based musicians, including&nbsp;Giuseppe Paradiso on drums, Mark Zaleski on sax and clarinet, Phil Sargent on guitar, Brian Friedland on keys, James Heazlewood-Dale on electric&nbsp;and upright bass, and Malick Ngom on sabar and West-African drums. This outdoor performance from eclectic World Jazz project, Meridian 71 is the seventh, and second to last :( show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Trinity Mei 

Trinity Mei is an Indie Folk/Pop Singer/Songwriter from the mountains of Arizona who has been captivating audiences with her soulful tone and vulnerable lyricism. Her artistry encapsulates storytelling prowess, a highly emotional and refined vocal delivery, and innovative musical instincts. While the deserts of Arizona nurtured her love for the genre, Trinity’s quest for artistic growth led her to Berklee College of Music in Boston where she further honed her craft. As an artist, Trinity aims to write music that empowers and connects people through shared life experiences. Prepare to be captivated as she fearlessly opens a window into her soul, revealing her vulnerabilities and triumphs, while finding strength in authenticity. This outdoor performance from fearless Indie Folk artist, Trinity Mei is the sixth show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Debo Ray

Debo Ray is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning artist who has performed on some of the world's biggest stages. Possessing an incredible vocal range and versatility, she seamlessly blends the soulful richness of R&amp;B with the exuberance of rock and hip hop creating a unique and captivating sound. A charismatic performer and storyteller, Debo connects deeply with her audience, leaving them nourished with the depth of her artistic expression.&nbsp; This outdoor performance from one-of-a-kind R&amp;B performer, Debo Ray is the fifth show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Pat Loomis & Friends

Pat Loomis &amp; Friends is an exciting and electrifying blend of Jazz, Blues, and Funk that has been a favorite of the Boston/New England jazz scene for over 30 years. The group has played some of the top venues in the Boston/New England area and played such festivals as the Beantown Jazz Festival and the Dudley Jazz Festival, among others. After a brief stay in Los Angeles, Pat has returned to Boston, where he has resumed his in-demand career as a leader and sideman throughout the New England Region.&nbsp; This outdoor performance from Pat Loomis &amp; Friends is the fourth show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Man On Land

Man On Land is a collectively led Jazz trio between pianist Brian Friedland, bassist Greg Loughman, and drummer Austin McMahon. The band name is formed from the end of each band member’s name, driving home the point that this group is a true collaboration. Each member brings their full creativity to the music, and all contribute compositions and arrangements to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts.&nbsp; This outdoor performance from Man On Land will start off the third show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. This is the series’ only double-bill concert, so stay after their set to see Neo-Reggae group, Dis N Dat perform too. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Dis N Dat Band

Dis N Dat Band is a five-piece band led by husband and wife team Sista Dee and Rangotan. Sista Dee is an international entertainer and steel pan virtuoso who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and Rangotan is a four-time Grammy-nominated drummer hailing from Kingston, Jamaica.&nbsp; This outdoor performance from Dis N Dat Band is the second band that will be playing at the third show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. This is the series’ only double bill concert, so get there early to see Jazz trio Man On Land perform too. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series.&nbsp; Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Schoolyard Summer Concert: Pheonixoutthe 

Pheonix&nbsp;was raised in Los Angeles and engaged in the growing Hip Hop scene in Atlanta in the early 2000's. Based in Boston, Pheonix's mission and work reflects the spirit of anti-colonial movements seeking truth, justice, and unity for the human family.&nbsp;Pheonix currently is a performing and regionally touring artist.&nbsp; This outdoor performance from Hip Hop artist and rapper, Phoenixoutthe is the second show of the Eliot School of Fine &amp; Applied Arts' 2024 Schoolyard Summer Concert Series. Visit our website to check out the other performance dates in the series. Admission to all concerts is free! A $20 <a href="https://givebutter.com/schoolyardconcerts2024" target="_blank">donation</a> is suggested &amp; all other donations are gratefully accepted to ensure we can pay our musicians, curators, and audio engineer. Please bring your own seat, and leave your pets at home.&nbsp;

Kids' Woodworking Ages 10-14

For kids that want to learn or build upon the basics of woodworking. Students will build projects in wood with tools and techniques in an environment that emphasizes creativity and safety. As they gain experience and skill, students will undertake larger and more complex projects, gaining appreciation for wood as a creative medium. Students of all levels are invited to share their skills. Returning students are welcome, with new projects each session!&nbsp;

Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts Schoolhouse

Kids' Comics Ages 9-12

For young storytellers that want to make their own comics! With their instructor, students will develop unique styles and dynamic characters by looking at references from anime, manga,&nbsp;DC, and Marvel. They will love creating and sharing visual stories of their own. Returning students are welcome, with new projects each session!

Kids' Beginning Woodworking Ages 6-8

For kids that want to learn or build upon the basics of woodworking. Children will build projects in wood with basic&nbsp;tools and techniques in an environment that emphasizes creativity and safety. As they gain experience and skill, more complex projects follow. Students will experience&nbsp;the pleasure of building things and completing them to take home. Returning students are welcome, with new projects each session!

Kids' Woodworking Ages 9-12

For kids that want to learn or build upon the basics of woodworking. Students will build projects in wood with hand tools and techniques in an environment that emphasizes creativity and safety. As they gain experience and skill, students will undertake larger and more complex projects, gaining appreciation for wood as a creative medium. Students of all levels are invited to share their skills. Returning students are welcome, with new projects each session!&nbsp;

Watercolor Painting for Beginners

A basic watercolor class for beginners. We'll learn how to use brush strokes, light and shadow, color, etc.&nbsp;to effectively convey realistic scenery and objects. Immerse yourself in a new medium with this basic watercolor class for beginners. You'll learn how to use brush strokes, light and shadow, color etc. to effectively convey realistic scenery and objects. The class begins with basic sketching skill building and then moves on to media specific techniques. Some basic drawing experience is helpful, but not necessary.⁠

Weave Your Own Pillow 

This single session workshop will teach you how to weave on a rigid heddle loom, and complete your own custom designed hand woven pillow. We will have a number of options for possible designs, and a wide variety of luxury yarns to choose from. No previous experience is needed. This class is open to ages 12 and up. Great opportunity to work along with a younger family member/friend. Each registration is for one person.&nbsp;

Kids' Drawing Studio Ages 9-12

For young artists who want to deepen their skills&nbsp;in drawing and other 2D media. The first half of the session will focus on fundamentals of observational drawing and elements of art such as line, value, tone, color, proportion, depth, composition and more. To finish the session, students will apply these tools to explore alternative and experimental materials and processes.&nbsp; Returning students are welcome, with new projects each session!

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.