Anna Graves / Bar Bad

<a href="https://annagravesmusic.com/">Anna Graves</a> is an alt-folk artist whose music casts spells through storytelling. Raised on a farm in southern Minnesota, she left home in pursuit of big dreams and bright lights, only to return years later and rediscover the mystical magic that first sparked her songwriting. Her sound weaves cinematic pop melodies with folk intimacy, creating a space where vulnerability transforms into power and heartbreak alchemizes into healing. With over 25 million global streams and sync placements in the Golden Globe–nominated series Nobody Wants This, as well as Brilliant Minds and The Chicken Sisters, Graves has built a devoted following through authentic connection rather than traditional industry machinery. Her most recent single, “Hollow Bones,” has surpassed 1.6 million streams, driven entirely by fan passion, with more than 15,000 TikTok creations (generating over 18 million views) sparking organic trends across WitchTok and home-aesthetic communities. The track resonated so deeply that Shaboozey selected it as one of his five favorite songs for Harper’s BAZAAR. She has opened for legends such as Stevie Nicks, the Head and the Heart, and Maren Morris, bringing her intimate acoustic storytelling to stages across North America. Now signed to Rounder Records, Graves returns with "Burn On," a song she first wrote in high school, rediscovered on an old computer, and reimagined with producer Davis Naish (Forest Blakk, Thomas Day, Bethany Cosentino, Maggie Rose). The result is a haunting anthem of rediscovery that feels both ancient and urgent—grounded in Minnesota soil while reaching toward something universal. Where folk music meets mystical storytelling, and where farm life intersects with literary fantasy—that’s where you’ll find Anna Graves, singing songs for the haunted and the hopeful. Bar Bad is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, whistler, and Berklee alumnus creating music that feels like memory, movement, and a little bit of chaos. Based between Boston and New York, he draws from alternative rock, experimental music, and the sounds of the Middle East to craft songs that are honest, cinematic, and difficult to categorize. Born and raised in Iran, his work carries a quiet sense of distance and longing while never losing its pulse. On stage, Bar Bad uses his voice, whistle, and even silence as instruments. His songs move between longing and release, exile and tenderness, and the body that remembers and the heart that keeps pretending it has forgotten. He is currently working on his debut album.

The Red Room at Cafe 939

Soda Blonde

Soda Blonde is a four-piece alt-pop band from Dublin, Ireland, formed in 2019 by Faye O’Rourke (vocals), Adam O’Regan (guitar/keys), Donagh Seaver-O’Leary (bass), and Dylan Lynch (drums). The group emerged from the ashes of critically acclaimed indie rock outfit Little Green Cars, moving toward a bolder, more cinematic and emotionally charged sound that blends evocative lyrics with adventurous production.&nbsp; Their music traverses the tension between introspection and ambition, pairing O’Rourke’s distinctive, expressive vocals with genre-defying arrangements that draw comparisons to synth-infused art-pop and emotionally honest songwriting. Soda Blonde’s debut single, “Swimming Through the Night,” immediately marked a stylistic shift for the members, establishing the band’s commitment to cinematic hooks and atmospheric grooves.

Crossroads Presents "Saint Harison: The Ghosted Tour"

<a href="https://saintharison.com/">Saint Harison</a> is an artist with an undeniable voice from Southampton, UK, currently living in Los Angeles, California. Called one of the “great voices not just from the UK, but of all time” by Elton John, Harison has quickly become a fan favorite with nods from Justin Bieber, Jazmine Sullivan, SZA, and more. &nbsp; He was recently named on&nbsp;Rolling Stone’s Future of Music list. Citing Amy Winehouse and Frank Ocean as key musical influences, Harison has been covered by&nbsp;British Vogue,&nbsp;Rolling Stone, NPR,&nbsp;GQ,&nbsp;CLASH,&nbsp;Variety, and Pigeons &amp; Planes, and was named Apple Music's global Up Next artist. &nbsp; He made his late night TV debut on&nbsp;Jimmy Kimmel Live!&nbsp;after his viral COLORS performance of “ego talkin,” which sparked the viral #egotalkinchallenge on TikTok. After being sampled by UK superstar Dave in fall 2025, Harison released his long-awaited sophomore EP,&nbsp;ghosted, with a span of singles including “bad,” which recently hit No. 1 on U.S. R&amp;B radio.

Vwillz / Adam Yokum: The Long Story Short Tour

<a href="https://www.iamvwillz.com/">Vwillz</a> is an independent artist and songwriter blending hip-hop, pop, alternative rock, folk, and country into a sound that feels both nostalgic and modern. Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and now based in Nashville, Tennessee, he built his audience independently through emotionally honest songwriting and genre-bending records.    Known for songs like “Falling Slowly,” “Sundown,” and “Darkside,” Vwillz has amassed hundreds of millions of streams while cultivating a loyal fanbase that connects deeply to his raw storytelling and late-night-drive atmosphere. His music moves between introspective ballads, anthemic hooks, and high-energy records without losing its identity—creating a world that feels cinematic, personal, and instantly recognizable.   Beyond streaming success, Vwillz has written and collaborated across multiple genres, continuing to push the boundaries of what an independent artist can build without following a traditional industry blueprint.   Opening the night, <a href="https://adamyokum.com/">Adam Yokum</a> was raised in the mountains of Whitmer, West Virginia—a town with a population of just 82 people, most of whom are his family members. He largely credits his home in the mountains with shaping his musical tastes and overall style.

Crossroads Presents: Stephen Dawes- The Skin to Skin Tour

<a href="https://stephendawesmusic.com/">Stephen Dawes</a> is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose music tells a coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of handcrafted alternative pop and rooted in loose beat-craft and breezy Stratocaster-spun riffs. Born in New York, Dawes spent his early childhood in a small town on Cape Cod before moving to San Francisco. He began piano lessons at 4 years old, started writing original songs by the fourth grade, and joined his high school jazz band, where he learned how to produce music. Dawes was first discovered as a college freshman when he recorded an acoustic rendition of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," which went on to amass more than 200 million streams on Spotify and over 50 million views on YouTube. Since then, he has released two EPs,&nbsp;Up at Night&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Day We Met, along with a handful of singles, including "Reputation," "Irregular," and "Symptoms." In early 2025, Dawes opened for Matt Hansen on his European tour after previously opening for Griff on the&nbsp;Vertigo Tour&nbsp;in 2024.

Emma Harner 

Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, and now based in Boston,&nbsp;<a href="https://emmaharner.com/">Emma Harner</a> first gained attention through a series of viral videos on Instagram and TikTok. She quickly earned a devoted following and established herself as a standout new voice. Since emerging in 2024, she has received early praise from tastemakers like Zane Lowe and Rick Beato and has been featured in outlets such as Guitar.com,&nbsp;Fretboard Journal, and&nbsp;EARMILK. Harner’s debut EP,&nbsp;<a href="https://sndo.ffm.to/3r63pwd">Taking My Side</a>, was released this past July and explores the highs, lows, and quiet revelations of young adulthood with clarity, courage, and a sound that feels entirely her own. Known for her ability to fuse intricate guitar work with emotionally direct songwriting, Harner brings a rare mix of technical precision and raw vulnerability to everything she creates. This fall, Harner embarked on her debut headlining tour forTaking My Side, following previous support runs with Orla Gartland across her US and EU tours, as well as opening slots for Leith Ross, mxmtoon, Tiny Habits, Flawed Mangoes, the Bygones, and more

Paloma Morphy

Paloma Morphy is a Mexican singer-songwriter whose work is rooted in intuition and emotional honesty, shaping a minimalist pop sound that connects with a new generation of listeners.&nbsp; Since the release of her debut album&nbsp;Au, Paloma has shown steady growth across digital platforms and live stages, establishing herself as one of the most promising young voices in Mexican pop. Backed by a Latin GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist, key editorial support, international media presence, and high-profile brand collaborations, Paloma is now entering a phase of international expansion. She represents a new wave of artists redefining Latin pop through authenticity, creative independence, and a clear sonic and visual identity—building a career that moves across music, culture, and generational storytelling with global ambition. 2025 Latin Grammy winner — Best New Artist. 2025 Latin Grammy nominee — Best Alternative Song, with her song “(sola)”. Rolling Stone — Future of Music 25. Apple Music — Up Next Artist 2025. Amazon Music — Rompe Artist 2025. Spotify — EQUAL Artist 2025. Representing to LATAM as Women of Latin. Premios Juventud — Artist to Watch 2025. Billboard Latin — Latin Artist On The Rise. 2026 Premios Lo Nuestro nominee — Female Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Official Pepsi Black Ambassador for all of Latin America (2025–2027). +50M streams on her debut album “Au”. Mexico tour with multiple sold-out dates including Lunario del Auditorio Nacional.

Crossroads Presents: William Beckmann

Making modern country music with a refined edge,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.williambeckmann.com/">William Beckmann</a> embodies timeless, sophisticated swagger, with songs built for the mainstream—but also built to last. With his first major-label album,&nbsp;Whiskey Lies &amp; Alibis, the young Texas native joins a retro revival at the core of the modern format and pushes it further down the road. A student of the classics—from classic country to classic pop, rock, and even mariachi—Beckmann grew up in the border town of Del Rio, Texas, enamored with the effortless cool of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Frank Sinatra, along with the Eagles, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Strait, and the traditional Mexican music of his bilingual roots. Developing a deep, dark-honey baritone with natural vibrato, he first found a foothold on the Texas touring circuit, dressed to kill and backed by a timeless sound to match. C-writing eight of the album’s 12 songs with elite hitmakers such as Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, and Rhett Akins, Beckmann’s neo-classic signature is unmistakable on&nbsp;Whiskey Lies &amp; Alibis. With an organic sound defined by dusky baritone guitars and pedal steel—paired with a rumbling, resonant vocal—the album captures both the vast loneliness of a windblown desert landscape and the throbbing pulse of a honky-tonk. At the center of each track lies the bitter sting of lost love. After playing more than 100 shows a year since 2022, Beckmann now returns to the road with a bold mission in mind: not just to echo classic country style, but to restore its values—with his head held high.

FORAGER

<a href="https://forager.band/tour-1">FORAGER</a> is a Brooklyn-based trio whose music blends contemporary indie rock with intricate guitar work, melismatic vocals, and curious, shapeshifting grooves. NPR’s&nbsp;Bobby Carter&nbsp;called their music “buttery” and “complex,” remarking, “Where have you been all my life?!?” FORAGER has built a following on the strength of their live show, selling out venues in New York and across the US. Their sophomore album,&nbsp;Even a Child Can Cover the Sun With a Finger, ventures into rawer territory: whispered vocals over blaring sirens and distorted drums, and singable psych-pop choruses that disintegrate into mayhem. The album captures the peeled-back intimacy of folk singer-songwriters alongside the pulsating synchronicity that only a band can achieve.

Brennan Wedl

This is a full-circle moment for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/brennanwedl/?hl=en">Brennan Wedl</a>. The Minnesota-raised, Nashville-based songwriter has always felt like she was searching for herself, trying on various versions but never quite experiencing the euphoric ease that comes with feeling comfortable in one’s own skin. Through experimentation with spirituality and empowerment, dedicating time and energy to her craft, and learning to embrace a playful, carefree outlook, Wedl is experiencing life’s sweetest moments with renewed clarity. On her self-titled album, she shakes off the prying eyes of expectation, leaving behind the anxiety of shaping herself for others and welcoming the delight of finally being exactly who she is. Brennan Wedl&nbsp;is a testament to collaboration—with past selves, future selves, and the friends who help you along the way. It is an anthology of spiritual awakening that examines the road ahead, encapsulating both the messes and triumphs of leaving a traditional path for one that is less certain. The album feels nostalgic because its themes are so universal: like a stranger with a familiar laugh or a paint-stroked memory you can’t quite place. Growing up is embarrassing and reckless, uncertain and strange, so it makes sense to search for an anchor amid the chaos. “The archetype of Daddy is something I’ve been searching for all my life, but it turns out the daddy I’ve been looking for has been me all along,” Wedl says. “Be your own daddy.”

Margo Cilker & Lilly Hiatt

In the wake of the critically acclaimed&nbsp;Valley of Hearts Delight&nbsp;and her stunning debut,&nbsp;Pohoryll,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.margocilkermusic.com/">Margo Cilker&nbsp;</a>has made a name for herself as a clear-eyed troubadour, spinning songs from everyday truths. &nbsp; Her live performances are at once intimate and electric, inviting glimpses into the characters and moments that are the fabric of life. She makes her home near the Columbia River in Goldendale, Washington with her husband, songwriter and working cowboy Forrest VanTuyl, as well their dog and some horses. &nbsp; The last few years have been a little hazy for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lillyhiatt.com/">Lilly Hiatt</a>, who finds herself searching for answers on her striking new album,&nbsp;Forever. Recorded at home with her husband, Coley Hinson, who produced and played most of the instruments, Forever&nbsp;grapples with growth and change, escape and anxiety, self-loathing, and self-love. &nbsp; The songs are intensely vulnerable, full of diaristic snapshots and deeply personal ruminations, but they’re also broad invitations to find yourself in their unflinching emotional excavations. The result is a raw, unvarnished work of love and trust that walks the line between alt-rock muscle and singer-songwriter sensitivity—a bold, guitar-driven exploration of maturity and adulthood from an artist who wants you to know you’re not alone, no matter how lost you may feel. &nbsp; Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Tennessee, Hiatt first earned buzz with a pair of early solo records before breaking out with 2017’s&nbsp;Trinity Lane, which helped earn dates with the likes of John Prine, Margo Price, Drive-By Truckers, and Hiss Golden Messenger, in addition to festival slots from Pilgrimage Music &amp; Cultural Festival to the Luck Reunion. NPR called the album “courageous and affecting, ” while&nbsp;Rolling Stone&nbsp;hailed it as “the most cohesive and declarative statement of the young songwriter’s career.” Hiatt returned in 2020 with the similarly well-received&nbsp;Walking Proof,&nbsp;and in 2021 with&nbsp;Lately, which the&nbsp;Boston Herald&nbsp;said showcased her “knack for plainspoken, poetic lyrics,” and&nbsp;Uncut&nbsp;proclaimed “captivating.”

Get to the Gig Presents: Baby Bugs and Elliot Lee

<a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TBTcHpZ3aV1g8rk8i1zb5">Baby Bugs</a> is an alternative music project founded by Bowie. Raised on bluegrass guitar and church hymns, Bowie spent years under the weight of religious trauma and emotional abuse before discovering that writing songs and poems was the only way to clearly express themselves. In 2021, at the age of 18, Bowie released their first song, “HeyBunny.” The track surpassed 2 million streams in its first 60 days and received an outpouring of support from fans encouraging Baby Bugs to continue. Inspired by this response, Bowie decided to keep writing and recording music with the goal of helping others who have experienced similar hardships feel less alone. Brooklyn-based artist <a href="https://www.elliotlee.com/">Elliot Lee</a> fuses dark pop melodies with edgy vocals and innovative electronic rock soundscapes to create an unpredictable sound, acting as a voice for the voiceless. Lee understands the power of music unhindered by norms and its impact on underrepresented communities. This bravado seeps through her homemade tracks, which are laced with late-night slumber party confessions and existential awareness. Inspired by feelings of loneliness, Lee’s music serves as a reminder that you are never alone.

Natanya: The Attitude Tour

London-based singer-songwriter and producer&nbsp;<a href="https://orcd.co/natanya-candyland?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnIHyKliUkUGQ20P5d7Ez_3YhrNRRvgD8has1wirboizguDvbF3N6Bt76lGkI_aem_Jk4jcH-MdsTEhg27JLo9fg">Natanya</a> is emerging as one of pop’s most compelling new voices, crafting music that blends emotional candor with sharp, self-assured production. Raised in North West London, she began playing classical piano at just four years old and quickly discovered her perfect pitch, later refining her musicianship at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. &nbsp; Early influences spanning Janet Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Paramore, and Stevie Wonder helped shape her genre-fluid sensibility. While studying English literature at University College London, Natanya wrote and produced her debut project,&nbsp;Sorrow at Sunrise&nbsp;(2023), a coming-of-age tape structured as a series of diaristic reflections. &nbsp; She expanded her sonic world with the dual EP releases&nbsp;Feline’s Return&nbsp;(with lead singles "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O7EKrtlNww]">Daydream</a>," "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQHf85YBhws">Dangerous</a>," and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8LBQF0B0js]">Guitar</a>"), and&nbsp;Feline’s Return Act II&nbsp;(with lead singles "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULKU0_OAAF0]">Jezebel</a>," "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIV61Rw2CHA">Meeting You Once (the End)</a>," "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nADiECRQWc">On Ur Time</a>,"&nbsp;and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjGa3fRrgf8">Sofa Joy</a>,"&nbsp;all of which gained significant momentum. These recordings marked a confident shift toward a more polished, pop-forward sound that retained her introspective edge. Natanya’s music has received early yet abundant critical acclaim. She won Guap Gala's Music Artist to Watch award in 2023, an honor previously given to the girl group FLO. &nbsp; Natanya also been featured in many magazines, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.papermag.com/natanya-dangerous">Paper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/natanya-felines-return/">Pitchfork</a>,<a href="https://www.clashmusic.com/next-wave/next-wave-1145-natanya/">&nbsp;Clash</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nme.com/features/music-interviews/natanya-felines-return-interview-radar-3925863">NME</a>,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/70139/1/natanya-sza-approved-singer-approaching-pop-like-wrestling-london">Dazed.</a>

BAILEN: SWIM!!! At Your Own Risk Tour

<a href="https://www.bailentheband.com/">BAILEN</a> is a songwriting-forward indie pop/folk-rock band that has captivated audiences with its musical dynamism and the three-part "blood harmony" of siblings Julia (guitar), Daniel (bass), and David (drums). The trio was raised in New York City by two freelance classical musicians who steeped them in rock 'n' roll and Brahms. Their close familial bond is evident in their tight-knit musical arrangements and rich, emotive harmonies.&nbsp; Currently, BAILEN is preparing to release its third full-length album, which the band engineered and produced with collaborators Jake Sinclair (Panic! At the Disco), Riccardo Damian (Sampha), and Chris Tabron (the Strokes). The band is excited to release the record fully independently.

Francis of Delirium 

<a href="https://www.francisofdelirium.com/">Francis of Delirium</a>, the project of Luxembourg-based musician Jana Bahrich, returns with a new single, “Requiem for a Dying Day,” the latest glimpse into her upcoming second album,&nbsp;Run, Run Pure Beauty, due May 29 via Dalliance Recordings. Watch the self-directed stop-motion video for “Requiem for a Dying Day”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOA7s8sI3p0]">here</a> .&nbsp; “Requiem for a Dying Day” emerges as a haunting centerpiece for&nbsp;Run, Run Pure Beauty—a slow, deliberate meditation on a world hurtling towards its own undoing. The track’s measured pace, alongside its tactile visual counterpart, stands in stark, compelling contrast to the urgency of its themes, while also showcasing some of the record’s most ambitious arrangements.

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

joyraft.host1140

Experiences