Kassa Overall

Kassa Overall is a Grammy-nominated jazz artist, drummer, emcee, singer, and producer. He seamlessly blends jazz, hip-hop, and avant-garde experimentation into a sound uniquely his own. His music is both innovative and accessible, pushing the boundaries of genre while remaining deeply engaging. Overall has released three critically acclaimed albums, including Go Get Ice Cream and Listen to Jazz (2019) and I Think I’m Good (2020). His latest project, ANIMALS (2023), explores the complexities of his identity as an artist and a Black man in America, featuring collaborations with an eclectic mix of musicians—from Danny Brown and Lil B to Nick Hakim and Vijay Iyer. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Overall has been a driving force in the New York City jazz scene for over two decades. He has toured and recorded with renowned artists such as Geri Allen, Jon Batiste, Gary Bartz, Vijay Iyer, and Steve Coleman, and his production work can be heard on albums by Theo Croker, Arto Lindsay, and Danny Brown.

The Red Room @ Cafe 939

Runnner: A Welcome Kind of Weakness Tour with Special Guest Buffchick

Runner's sophomore full-length, A Welcome Kind of Weakness, emerged from a simultaneous tear in songwriter Noah Weinman’s body and life. Written during the months spent bedridden and healing from a torn Achilles and the drastic upheaval of a breakup, the 11 songs on this record are Weinman’s most bracing—inviting the perceived vulnerability of the album’s title willingly. But at the same time, these songs are Runnner’s most present, defiant, and self-assured—a reminder of the resolve that can come from gracefully accepting submission. Longtime fans of Weinman likely fell for his signature homespun indie rock, recorded almost exclusively in bedrooms and home studios, where his poignant and self-deprecating lyrics float over beds of banjos, guitars, and reverberant horns crescendoing to cathartic peaks. But on A Welcome Kind of Weakness, Weinman soars for the first time in high fidelity. Runnner’s first studio record recalls the larger-than-life highs of the early-aughts rock Weinman grew up on bands like Coldplay, Radiohead, and Snow Patrol, with their pristine vocal presence, scintillating guitar riffs, and astral synth sparkle. This is rock music in its most delicious form—music that gave Weinman something to look forward to when he could finally play live again. But as high as the sonic peaks may be on A Welcome Kind of Weakness, we also see Weinman struggling gracefully with the questions that emerge from moments of physical and emotional undoing. As he sings about spackling holes in the house he shared with his ex and reckoning with a long span of physical futility, we’re reminded of the full spectrum of experiences we endure. We are all perpetually pulled between poles—weakness/resolve, nostalgia/presence, powerlessness/control—but it takes a certain bravery to sit in the murky middle long enough to write about it. And in his willingness to bear witness to that transitory space, Weinman seems to reassure us: You may think you won’t run again, but, given time, you might. Under the name Buffchick, New Jersey-born singer-songwriter Erin Manion blends elements of indie rock, pop, folk, and a host of other influences into her own introspective musical style. Drawing inspiration from artists like Pinegrove, Modern Baseball, and Soccer Mommy, Buffchick has cultivated a strangely nostalgic sound that reflects her roots as an avid theater kid—origins that helped shape her passion for songwriting and music creation.

Red Room at Cafe 939

The Last Revel

The Last Revel is a four-piece folk group from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Utilizing their multi-instrumental abilities, members Lee Henke, Ryan Acker, Vincenzio Donatelle, and Lauren Anderson bring a full spectrum of modern Americana to life with lush arrangements of four-part vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, upright bass, fiddle, and five-string banjo, consistently supporting impassioned performances of their honest and heartfelt songwriting. Drawing influence from their salt-of-the-earth Midwest ethos, the band’s songs naturally blend the genres of folk, old-time string band, and indie rock to create a sound that echoes the current heartbeat of America.&nbsp; Their latest release,&nbsp;Dovetail, highlights each member's strengths as songwriters and collaborators and further solidifies their musical foundation after a hiatus beginning in 2019. Self-produced and released under the band's own label, Sheep Sheep Records,&nbsp;Dovetail&nbsp;is their fifth studio album.

The Red Room at Cafe 939

Rarely does modern music earn the badge of "timeless," but&nbsp;<a href="https://belwhelanmusic.com/">BEL</a>&nbsp;cuts through the noise. Hailing from the small town of Clovis, California, Isabel Whelan, a.k.a. BEL, crafts nostalgic songs with honesty and attention to detail. She occupies the intersection of indie rock, pop, and folk, drawing inspiration from the likes of Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, and Mazzy Star. In 2023, BEL played her first festivals, toured and collaborated with artists including Boyish, Gatlin, and girlhouse, and performed her first shows in the UK and Europe. Her latest EP,&nbsp;Read the Room, received coverage from&nbsp;Rolling Stone,&nbsp;Ones to Watch, and&nbsp;Raydar&nbsp;Magazine, along with support from SiriusXMU, AltNation, and KCRW. The lead single, “Are You Okay?,” reached no. 1 on SiriusXMU in April/May 2023 and landed on their list of the top 41 songs of the year. With new music underway, BEL is set to support Cold War Kids and BAILEN in 2024.

TimaLikesMusic: That '90s/Y2K Love R&B Party

There’s an audience. And there’s a stage. And in between, someone’s gotta bring the good time. Someone’s gotta lead that audience from stage to euphoria. Someone’s gotta bring the funk. Who’s that someone? Say it out loud:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timalikesmusic.com/">TimaLikesMusic</a>. Tima takes a date on the calendar and turns it into a destination. From Brooklyn to Atlanta to Washington, D.C., from Chicago to Philadelphia to Nashville and Memphis, Tima has used her superpowers to energize crowds with nights that blend DJ sets and a rotating cast of live musicians she lovingly calls the Sex Symbols. TimaLikesMusic Presents: That Y2K Love is her signature DJ party. The music of Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and more brings back memories for some and makes new ones for most. And when the Sex Symbols hop on stage throughout the night, the audience gets delivered the funk. Tima’s big break came during Covid, when she appeared on&nbsp;The Kelly Clarkson Show&nbsp;to talk about her viral series of humorous jingles posted on Instagram. Since then, she has composed music for companies and brands including two streaming specials for comedian Iliza Shlesinger, Ralph Lauren’s short film&nbsp;A Portrait of the American Dream, National Public Media podcast sponsorships, and more. Her work on a podcast created in collaboration with YouTube and National Public Media,&nbsp;The Upload: Rise of the Creator Economy, won Best Branded Podcast at the 2022 PR Daily Content Marketing Awards. Tima’s James Brown-style energy, musical comedy, DJ skills, and songwriting are one of a kind. And when you combine that with the power of the Sex Symbols—legendary nights follow. Bring your friends. It’s a party.

Let the Stories Be Told: A Conversation with Author Bill Janovitz and Members of The Cars

Let the Stories Be Told: A Conversation with Author Bill Janovitz and Members of The Cars Presented by Brookline Booksmith Hosted by Oedipus Join us for an intimate evening celebrating&nbsp;The Cars:&nbsp;Let the Stories Be Told, the definitive biography of one of the most beloved and influential bands to emerge from the New Wave era. Author Bill Janovitz—a New York Times bestselling biographer and founding member of Buffalo Tom—delves deep into the sound, vision, and legacy of The Cars in conversation with band members, with legendary Boston DJ Oedipus hosting the evening. Joining the conversation are two original members of The Cars: David Robinson – Drummer and founding member of The Cars, David Robinson helped define the band’s visual and musical identity. A former member of influential pre-punk bands The Modern Lovers and DMZ, Robinson brought a driving, minimalist style to The Cars’ rhythm section and played a key role in shaping their sleek, futuristic image. His art school background and eye for design made him instrumental in the band’s iconic album aesthetics, including&nbsp;Candy-O. Greg Hawkes – Keyboardist Greg Hawkes was the architect behind The Cars’ signature synth-driven sound. Known for his pioneering use of technology and layered textures, Hawkes infused the band’s hits with inventive riffs and melodic hooks that bridged the gap between rock and new wave. A multi-instrumentalist and Berklee alum, he also played saxophone, guitar, and backing vocals, contributing to The Cars’ distinctive sonic blend. Following the success of Cars, Hawkes has remained active as a session player, solo artist, and collaborator. Oedipus, the trailblazing radio voice who first brought punk and New Wave to Boston’s airwaves, lends his iconic presence to the conversation. As longtime WBCN program director and host of the cult-favorite&nbsp;Nocturnal Emissions, Oedipus helped launch countless artists and made Boston a hub for cutting-edge music. A member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, his Christmas Eve broadcast is a local tradition, and his ongoing work at The Oedipus Project continues to champion new and experimental music. This special event brings together two of The Cars’ original members, a celebrated biographer, and a legendary DJ for a night of storytelling, nostalgia, and deep insight into the legacy of one of rock’s most innovative bands.

Berklee Performance Center

The Cactus Blossoms

At its best, harmony duo singing can transform simple math into a magic trick. One plus one, instead of equaling two, suddenly yields an unexpected third thing—an uppercase ONE. A universal hum. A deep vibration that encompasses two different points of view. On their latest release,&nbsp;Every Time I Think About You, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum—a.k.a.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thecactusblossoms.com/">the Cactus Blossoms</a>—once again prove themselves to be among the most adept and distinctive modern practitioners of that magic. But like any great magician, the Cactus Blossoms can’t—or won’t—fully explain the illusion they create. “Harmonies are a big part of our sound, but in some ways they’re the part we focus on the least,” says Burkum. “We put most of our attention and energy into the songs themselves, and then the harmonies just happen.” There’s all kinds of magic happening on&nbsp;Every Time I Think About You—a record that sounds more like a band than any other in the Cactus Blossoms's discography, thanks to contributions from Jeremy Hanson (drums), Jacob Hanson (guitar), and Phillip Hicks (bass). “There She Goes” casts its romantic regret against a danceable bop beat, while the title track is a heart-wrencher about loss and letting go. “Even if you don’t set out to write songs with a theme in mind, it seems like one usually presents itself,” says Torrey. “This record keeps returning to the idea of moving on—from one place to another, from people and situations that bring you down, from loss and grief.”

Rio Romeo: Good Grief Tour

Rio Romeo is a genre-blurring artist whose radical honesty and magnetic presence have earned them cult status in the 2020s. Their breakout single, “Nothing’s New,” has racked up over 300 million streams, and with over 700,000 TikTok followers, they’ve built a deeply loyal fanbase. Their new album,&nbsp;Good Grief,&nbsp;reflects five turbulent years of transformation—cross-country moves, artistic breakthroughs, queerness, homelessness, a devastating injury, and healing, all backed by a fiercely supportive online community. Their sound fuses theatrical flair with punk edge and queer folk heart, making their storytelling both intimate and explosive. Raised in a conservative Christian home and homeschooled in Southern California, Romeo's journey from isolation to self-discovery has been anything but linear. After being kicked out for coming out, Romeo bounced between cars and couches before building an audience on TikTok by sharing their truth, first through raw storytelling, then through soul-baring songs. They write on a beat-up, out-of-tune piano they refused to “fix,” and now bring it on tour as a symbol of resilience. With songs like “Butch 4 Butch” and “God’s Got Something Out for Me,”&nbsp;Good Grief&nbsp;isn’t just an album—it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt broken, pissed off, or painfully hopeful.

DON WEST

Riding the wave of the global soul revival,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.don-west.com/">DON WEST</a>&nbsp;is carving out his own distinctive place in the genre. Drawing inspiration from legends like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, as well as contemporary artists such as Jalen Ngonda and Thee Sacred Souls, DON WEST brings a fresh yet timeless sound to modern soul. His debut EP, released in November 2024, introduced standout tracks like “Small Change” and “Friends”—both of which earned international acclaim. Building on that momentum, DON WEST kicked off 2025 with the release of&nbsp;Send It Back—a bold statement of what’s to come. With his debut album on the horizon and a global tour in the works, DON WEST is an artist fully hitting his stride—confidently defining his own chapter in soul music.

Flyte

Flyte is a London-based indie folk duo composed of Will Taylor and Nick Hill, celebrated for their intricate harmonies and emotionally resonant songwriting. Formed in 2013, the band has released three studio albums:&nbsp;The Loved Ones&nbsp;(2017),&nbsp;This Is Really Going to Hurt&nbsp;(2021), and their self-titled album,&nbsp;Flyte&nbsp;(2023). Their music often draws inspiration from literary sources, with the band’s name referencing Sebastian Flyte from Evelyn Waugh’s&nbsp;Brideshead Revisited. Known for their collaborative spirit, Flyte has worked with artists such as Laura Marling, Billie Marten, and Madison Cunningham.

Mei Semones/ John Roseboro

Mei Semones is a Brooklyn-based songwriter and guitarist whose fusion of indie rock, bossa nova, jazz, and chamber pop showcases both technical prowess and emotional depth. At 24, she has already carved out a distinct space in the music world, captivating audiences with her intricate guitar work, delicate yet confident vocals, and genre-blending compositions. 2024 was a transformative year for Semones, as she transitioned to making music full-time, toured extensively across the U.S., and shared stages with artists like Liana Flores, Elephant Gym, and Kara Jackson. Her highly anticipated debut album,&nbsp;Animaru, embodies a newfound self-assurance, balancing musical complexity with moments of striking simplicity. Recorded with her five-piece band at Ashlawn Recording Company, the album explores themes of love in its many forms—love of life, family, and music—while pushing her sound in adventurous new directions. Whether through intricate guitar harmonics, sweeping orchestral swells, or stripped-down jazz duets, Semones continues to evolve as an artist, embracing her instincts and inspiring listeners to do the same.&nbsp;Animaru&nbsp;is out May 2, 2025, on Bayonet Records. &nbsp; &nbsp; Known for his buttery voice and distinct strumming, singer-songwriter and visual artist John Roseboro has been making a name for himself in the indie scene, redefining and innovating the genre from Brooklyn, NY. Building off of the likes of João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim, Roseboro’s post-bossa style carries other similarities to the greats in that his music focuses on personal and social justice, undertaking major concepts such as human rights, love, and religion, being described as "probably the music that will heal the world... impossible to be indifferent, in voice and soul.” John cites his upbringing, particularly his living with the Amish and years as a mortician, as informing his playing and perspective. The new artist has received praise from indie giants Field Medic, Thee Sacred Souls, Men I Trust, and Frankie Cosmos drawing comparisons to King Krule, Steve Lacy, Elliott Smith and Seu Jorge. After independently garnering a loyal online and live show audience and self-releasing the culturally acclaimed ‘Johnny’, Roseboro has returned with “Four Cantos, moving the culture forward with no end in sight.

Cornelia Murr

Cornelia Murr’s newest album began with a question: What do I want? The answer is everything, and it’s never felt more urgent. On her first LP in six years, Run To The Center, out February 28, 2025 on 22Twenty, the London-born singer-songwriter delivers her most confident, expansive album yet. Across 10 hypnotic pop songs is a fully realized portrait of a woman and an artist in her thirties, standing triumphantly in uncertainties, asking the crucial questions one needs to sustain a life: How can you fit everything you want into a life? How can you do this if you want so much? Run To The Center, which Murr will tour internationally next year, is her first release since her self-produced, six-track EP Corridor in 2022 and her first LP since her 2018 debut Lake Tear of the Clouds, produced by Jim James of My Morning Jacket. For years, Murr tried to make another LP, but extraneous forces kept getting in the way, whether economic or global. But in the spring of 2023, Murr started working with prolific producer Luke Temple (Adrienne Lenker, Hand Habits), adding to her impressive list of collaborators, which includes Rodrigo Amarante, Alice Boman, Reverend Baron, and Oracle Sisters among many others. Temple was an old friend whom she had met in New York more than a decade prior. Finally, forces coalesced for them to work together. The result is a sweeping album of Murr’s most spectral and tender pop yet, born of a need to excavate her desires and experience of time, both in new songs born spontaneously out of an easy collaboration with Temple, as well as older songs that, for years, had been knocking around in her brain. Run To the Center is the most updated expression of who Murr is now, both sonically and emotionally, particularly as questions around artmaking have become more urgent for her over the better part of the last decade. &nbsp;

Crossroads Presents DLG. and Andrew Schur

At the intersection of relentlessly catchy melodies and bold, exploratory production sits David De La Garza aka DLG., an indie artist with genre-bending tendencies and a dedicated fanbase. Already having amassed 50M+ streams and industry acclaim, his upcoming debut album has him poised for a breakout year. The sonically adventurous project is a bittersweet reflection on his love and loss, coupling a soulful voice (reminiscent of Mac Miller), with powerful, anthemic production in the same lane as Tame Impala and other indie giants. Born in Austin but now living in LA, DLG. is a homegrown talent in every sense. Even the artwork surrounding his debut album was created with his mother, an award-winning painter and sculptor in her own right. With his roots taken hold and his career flourishing, DLG. is being steadily solidified as an artist you simply need to be paying attention to. &nbsp; Andrew Schur is an indie rock musician hailing from New York City, blending raw rock energy with the rhythmic influence of hip hop and a touch of reggae. Growing up, he was immersed in the sounds of Led Zeppelin before discovering hip hop at 15 - a pivotal moment that shaped his eclectic style. Andrew writes and records all of his music in his NYC apartment, crafting each track with a deeply personal touch. He performs alongside his older brother and a tight-knit group of friends, creating a dynamic, authentic sound that reflects their shared passion for music

Crossroads Presents May Erlewine

May Erlewine has dedicated her life to writing songs for the human heart’s existence.These songs have the relentless ability to find the tender places within us. Her body of work stands as a reminder that our greatest strengths come from allowing ourselves to be courageously vulnerable. It’s evident that her career in the music industry has been service-oriented. She uses her platform to fight for positive change. Stressing the important, necessary work of advocacy, justice and empowerment in our world. This community building message has touched people all across the globe. Her new album, What It Takes, culminates decades of hard work and perseverance. Produced by Theo Katzman and recorded in the north woods of Michigan, the record offers a fresh and electric sound supporting May’s soulfully familiar songs. Her calling is to share this music. Her words have held solace for weary hearts. They offer a light in the darkness and leave space for the pain and joy of being alive. When she starts to sing, everyone is invited, come as you are.

Roots Roadshow 

The&nbsp;Roots&nbsp;Roadshow&nbsp;series, presented by Berklee's American&nbsp;Roots&nbsp;Music Program, explores and celebrates America’s rich musical heritage.&nbsp; Each month, the series presents a variety of student bands and ensembles performing styles such as country blues, old-time, bluegrass, new acoustic, Celtic, classic country, and Western swing. Whether it is a faculty-led ensemble, a new student project, or a band making its name in the Boston scene, you never know what will happen at a Roots Roadshow

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

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

joyraft.host1140

Experiences