Chuwi

The Platform Summer Series – FREE Concert Puerto Rican band Chuwi blends the bold sounds of plena, indie, and Caribbean rhythms into a fresh new voice for the island. The dynamic quartet has drawn more than 10 million monthly listeners with their infectious energy, heartfelt lyrics, magnetic live shows, and a headline-grabbing collaboration with Bad Bunny on “WELTiTA.” They’re not just part of the movement—they’re pushing it forward.

 Henri A. Termeer Square

Kotoko Brass

The Platform Summer Series - FREE Concert Kotoko Brass has crafted a joyful style of West African dance music described by the Boston Globe as “propulsive, infectious party music.” Inspired by Ghanaian drum rhythms, their sound is driven by syncopated percussion and layered polyrhythms, anchored by hard‑hitting grooves. Horns influenced by New Orleans and West Africa weave with guitar, keys, and bass to evoke the classic textures of highlife, Afrobeat, and reggae.&nbsp;

Henri A. Termeer Square

Rebirth Brass Band

The Platform Summer Series – FREE Concert The GRAMMY®‑winning and globally renowned torchbearers of the New Orleans brass band tradition, Rebirth Brass Band ignites audiences with a signature fusion of second‑line, jazz, funk, soul, and hip‑hop. Their explosive sound has earned praise from across the musical world — including Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who raved: “Just saw the Rebirth Brass Band, unbelievable. Hard as hell, free as a ray of light, there is not a band on earth that is better. Stunning.”&nbsp;

Sasha Velour: Travesty

Internationally beloved drag icon Sasha Velour presents a time‑bending, sweeping journey through the hidden queer histories of a single place. A witch burns in a field; a clown builds a theater; an underground gay bar rises up against the police. Through a series of jaw‑dropping lip‑syncs, Velour embodies each character and invites audiences into the ongoing cycle of existence, resistance, and camp that defines drag. Part performance art, part history, part call to action, Travesty delivers a night of catharsis, joy, and collective energy.&nbsp;

Somerville Theatre

El Laberinto del Coco

El Laberinto del Coco is a 14-piece ensemble of percussion, horns, and call-and-response vocals that reimagines the Afro-Puerto Rican tradition of bomba through a contemporary lens—blending jazz, funk, and global influences. Led by composer and cultural educator Héctor “Coco” Bárez, the group is known for electrifying performances that turn every concert into a collective, immersive experience.

Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre

Alune Wade

Senegalese bass guitarist and composer Alune Wade traces the deep connection between West African rhythms and the bold brass traditions of New Orleans in his latest project New African Orleans. Backed by a blazing band that blends Afrobeat and juju grooves from Lagos with New Orleans jazz, Wade creates a vibrant transatlantic dialogue—merging history, rhythm, and groove into an unforgettable experience.&nbsp; “I explore a world from my Senegalese roots to the lost branches across the Atlantic... I wanted to head west and start a musical conversation with the finest artists in Nigeria and the U.S.” —Alune Wade&nbsp;

Howley

Galway‑born brothers David and Martin Howley have spent more than a decade elevating traditional Irish music as founding members of We Banjo 3. Now they return with Howley—a new band with Kiana June and Caitlin Leahy that deepens their Celtic‑Americana sound with greater emotion and artistry. Expect the harmonies, fiery playing, and joyful storytelling audiences love, all with a fresh, modern edge.

Le Vent du Nord

Rooted in the francophone Celtic diaspora, award-winning band Le Vent du Nord (The North Wind) delivers hard-driving, soulful music powered by vocals, fiddle, hurdy-gurdy, guitar, accordion, and foot percussion. Leaders of Québec's progressive folk revival, the quintet creates a joyous sound that swings, reels, jigs, and sings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Niladri Kumaar: The Space Between the Notes

Sitar maestro Niladri Kumaar honors his profound artistic bond with the late Zakir Hussain in The Space Between the Notes, an extraordinary live recording of the pair performing in Mumbai, India, to be released later this year. Rooted in the musical tradition that shaped their partnership, Kumaar continues to expand the reach of Indian music with a specially curated journey that blends centuries‑old heritage with bold creative innovation. Performing selections from the recording and more, he is joined by an exceptional ensemble featuring Agnelo Fernandes on keys, Sambit Chatterjee on drums, and Satyajit Talwalkar on tabla.&nbsp;

Sanders Theatre

John Scofield's Electrospective

Across&nbsp;his 54-year career, 3-time Grammy winner John Scofield has&nbsp;never stopped pushing jazz forward,&nbsp;often&nbsp;venturing into the funk-driven fusion&nbsp;that&nbsp;shaped&nbsp;some of his most iconic work. With&nbsp;Electrospective, Scofield&nbsp;revisits&nbsp;his&nbsp;classic groove-based&nbsp;fan favorites&nbsp;with the seasoned perspective of several decades—drawing&nbsp;from his&nbsp;Blue Matter,&nbsp;Überjam, and&nbsp;A&nbsp;Go&nbsp;Go&nbsp;bands,&nbsp;along with&nbsp;new material.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;joined by a&nbsp;stellar band of&nbsp;musicians&nbsp;including&nbsp;super funk drummer/producer Adam Deitch (Lettuce),&nbsp;keyboardist&nbsp;Larry Goldings (Scary Goldings, James Taylor), and legendary bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead &amp; CO., Tedeschi Trucks, Allman Brothers). Together, they promise&nbsp;a night of electrifying improvisation.&nbsp;

Pink Martini All-Stars present A Season of Stars

Thomas Lauderdale’s globe-trotting “little orchestra,” Pink Martini, brings an all-new holiday show that brings triple the joy featuring the radiant voices of NPR’s dashing Ari Shapiro, the soulful Edna Vazquez, and sensational America’s Got Talent finalist Jimmie Herrod. A Season of Stars mixes beloved holiday classics and sweet new treats, glittering with the band’s unique brand of catchy classic pop, big-band flair, and Hollywood glamor, bringing audiences on a spirited globe-spanning holiday journey.

Berklee Performance Center

Tanya Donelly and Chris Brokaw

Two of&nbsp;New England's most influential and enduring voices—Tanya&nbsp;Donelly (Belly, Throwing Muses, The Breeders) and Chris Brokaw (Come; collaborator with Codeine, Thurston Moore, and The Lemonheads)—come together to reimagine centuries-old medieval music for the modern era. Donelly’s luminous vocals and Brokaw’s intricate, atmospheric guitar work blend Renaissance tradition with contemporary songcraft, creating something haunting, beautiful, and boldly new.&nbsp;

First Church in Cambridge Congregational

The Hot Sardines

Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again. The New York-based ensemble effortlessly channel New York speakeasies, Parisian cabarets, and New Orleans jazz halls with brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies, and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice.

José González

Swedish-Argentinian&nbsp;indie folk artist José González&nbsp;has captivated audiences worldwide with&nbsp;his&nbsp;powerful, ethereal, and intimate&nbsp;songs. A deeply sincere and artful performer, González is renowned for his singular musical voice and classically inspired guitar work.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is touring&nbsp;in support of his new album,&nbsp;Against the Dying of the Light.&nbsp;Abby Sage will open.&nbsp;

Royale

Yagódy

Yagódy&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;visceral, immersive&nbsp;ensemble dedicated to reviving&nbsp;folk songs&nbsp;from their&nbsp;native&nbsp;Ukraine.&nbsp;The&nbsp;group blends haunting vocals, driving rhythms, and dramatic storytelling.&nbsp;

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 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

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.

Where

globalartslive

Experiences