PONY and Star 99

<a href="https://linktr.ee/ponytheband?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&amp;ltsid=bb0ee34c-b200-4628-89d5-739891b4ac92">PONY</a>&nbsp;is a Canadian power-pop band fronted by singer-songwriter Sam Bielanski, who collaborates with multi-instrumentalist Matty Morand. &nbsp; <a href="https://linktr.ee/star_99?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&amp;ltsid=c3db7870-4eab-469c-81e9-0d59b7400c4c">Star 99</a> has come a long way since the days when four best friends—Saoirse Alesandro, Chris Gough, Jeremy Romero, and Thomas Calvo—shared a grimy house in downtown San Jose, California. Their debut EP,&nbsp;My Year in Lists&nbsp;(a nod to the Los Campesinos! song), was released in 2021 and marked the beginning of their journey. That first step led to countless shows across the San Francisco Bay Area and multiple West Coast tours, where they shared the stage with bands like Scowl, Mom Jeans, SPY, Bug Bath, Supercrush, and Slumped. Their upcoming album,&nbsp;Gaman, dives deeper into Star 99’s personality and musical evolution. With the addition of multi-instrumentalist Aidan Delaney, the band has once again elevated their sound and musicianship. Where&nbsp;Bitch Unlimited&nbsp;was fast, energetic, and punchy,&nbsp;Gaman&nbsp;reveals the band’s more introspective side while maintaining the bright, infectious pop sensibility their fans have come to love. At its core,&nbsp;Gaman&nbsp;is an exploration of endurance for the emotional landscapes of relationships with family, friends, and lovers, and the resilience required to keep going through life’s hardships. The album was recorded and engineered by Grace Coleman at Different Fur in San Francisco, California, and mastered by Andrew Oswald at Paradise Records. Star 99 makes music for their friends, their families, and anyone who finds joy in heartfelt, energetic pop music. The band includes Alesandro on guitar and vocals, Calvo on guitar and vocals, Delaney on guitar and keyboard, Gough on bass, and Romero on drums.

The Red Room at Cafe 939

Aydan Hill / MAR!!A 

The Red Room at Cafe 939 proudly presents Fresh Prospects, a free concert series spotlighting emerging artists. Curated by Berklee students with an ear for talent, this series offers an intimate glimpse into the music scene’s future, featuring local performers making waves and capturing attention. <a href="https://aydanhill.com/">Aydan Hill</a> is an independent artist raised between cultures and now developing his career in Boston, Massachusetts. Hill seamlessly blurs the lines between pop, R&amp;B, Latin, hip-hop, and alternative. A true third-culture kid, Hill has lived across Italy, France, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Russia, the United States, and more. Trilingual in English, Russian, and Spanish, Hill’s lyrics and stylistic choices uniquely reflect his life and rich cultural experiences. He aims to find common ground and connection with the world and the people around him, while paving a path that remains underrepresented in the mainstream. Starting his musical journey by studying classical violin, Hill quickly picked up the guitar and piano and began writing music at age 12. He maintains a multifaceted approach to art, with experience in writing, production, engineering, mixing, mastering, directing, photography, cinematography, and more. This allows him to focus on the most meaningful collaborations and to highlight the inspiring people around him, including Zwonaka, Hosanna Ramos, Pablo Arias, Sara Criado, José Andrés Alvarez, PARIJITA, and more. Hill is picking up the pace, debuting the music video for “Teenage Love,” performing at the Red Room in Boston, and beginning the rollout for his next album,&nbsp;Coming of Age. MAR!!A is a composer, pianist, and singer redefining her sound. With jazz roots and years of collaboration as a sideman, she now explores her own artistry—blending neo-soul, jazz, electronic, and everything in between.

Telula

Followed by hundreds of thousands of fans around the world—and with their music and videos streamed by millions—<a href="https://www.telulamusic.com/">Telula</a>’s shared love of funk is unmistakable.&nbsp; Drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Wonder and modern innovators such as Vulfpeck, they blend pop and jazz influences with contemporary flair. Their sound is soulful and dynamic, pairing intricate melodies with irresistibly funky rhythms.

Signature Series: Gretchen Parlato Berklee Ensemble

The Signature Series presents Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer&nbsp;<a href="https://gretchenparlato.com/">Gretchen Parlato</a> leading the Gretchen Parlato Berklee Ensemble. Matthew Stevens, associate professor in the Ensemble Department, selected the students performing with Parlato and rehearsed them in preparation for the concert. Parlato has collaborated with many artists, including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, esperanza spalding BM ’05, Terence Blanchard, Marcus Miller, and Lionel Loueke PD ’00. Known for her intimate sound and rhythmic elegance, she has released acclaimed albums including&nbsp;Flor,&nbsp;Live in NYC, and&nbsp;Lean In&nbsp;with Lionel Loueke. A winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition, Parlato has performed worldwide at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. Currently based in Los Angeles, California, she continues to inspire with new music set for release in 2026.

Steph Strings

Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist&nbsp;<a href="https://stephstrings.com/">Steph Strings</a> announces her 2026 North American tour, bringing her immersive live performances to audiences across the continent. Known for her ability to connect deeply with listeners, Strings has built a reputation for shows that are both intimate and electrifying, where her intricate guitar work and raw, heartfelt vocals transport audiences into her world. The tour comes on the heels of her debut album,&nbsp;Feel Alive, a record that blends folk storytelling, rock’s driving pulse, and Strings’s signature textures. While the album provides the foundation, the live show is the true real-time experience—dynamic, emotional, and immersive—allowing fans to feel the music in its fullest form. Already celebrated on festival stages for her ability to hold crowds spellbound, Strings continues to prove herself as a performer whose shows linger long after the final note. This run of dates promises to deliver the full spectrum of her artistry, from quiet, introspective moments to expansive, soaring passages, making every performance a journey. With this tour, Strings invites audiences to experience her music live, celebrating the power of connection, storytelling, and the pure joy of feeling alive.

Pulso Latino

Berklee's Latin Music Studies program proudly presents its newest flagship event: Pulso Latino. Join us for the culmination of months of intensive collaboration among our rising Latin music artists, community partners, and the Latin Management Club. This showcase is the direct result of these partners working together to develop the sound, performance, and artistry of our talented contestants. Each artist will compete to win both the favor of a professional jury and the votes of the audience, with prizes designed to reward their dedication. The jury will award the production and mixing of an original song alongside a distinguished Berklee faculty producer, while the audience’s top choice will receive a paid performance opportunity in the Summer in the City concert series. We are excited to launch an event that offers meaningful opportunities for our community. Please join us to vote, celebrate, and support the vibrant Latin music culture here at Berklee.

Izzy Pingrey

New York City native&nbsp;<a href="https://www.izzypingrey.com/">Izzy Pingrey</a> uses music as a diary to document her coming-of-age journey in real time. She began songwriting at 13 during the isolation of pandemic lockdowns, turning to it as an emotional outlet. Pingrey's confessional lyrics and energetic sound offer a vulnerable lens into the revelations and relationships of adolescence. Pingrey's debut EP,&nbsp;junior, was well received on Spotify and YouTube and led to a sold-out show in New York City in March 2024. AsEARMILK&nbsp;raved, “With its irresistible hooks and Izzy’s signature fervor… [it] invites listeners into a world where vulnerability is celebrated and authenticity reigns supreme.” Blending intimate lyricism with her indie-pop sound, Pingrey creates music you can dance to and relate to. Her discography spans a variety of genres and moods, offering something for everyone.

Get to the Gig Presents: Jamie Fine

Ottawa-born singer-songwriter&nbsp;<a href="https://jamiefinemusic.com/">Jamie Fine</a> uses her music to inspire audiences to explore emotions we all feel but often struggle to express, ranging from anger and isolation to joy and connection. Her unique ability to convey deep emotion is her superpower. For Fine, music is profoundly personal: “I write music for me—it’s cathartic. It helps me process my experiences," she says. Releasing music, she admits, can feel vulnerable: “The safest place in the world is in my head. Sharing my music is like opening that space to others, hoping to create a safe place for them to explore their own emotions.” Fine values unfiltered, honest conversations with family, friends, and her audience: “Real connections feed my soul just like writing and performing do.” Time spent with loved ones keeps her grounded. A four-time Juno nominee, Fine’s music has amassed over 100 million global streams. Her hit single, “If Anything’s Left,” achieved platinum status in Canada and double platinum in South Africa. With nearly 1.5 million followers worldwide, fans are drawn to her energetic personality, quirky humor, and openness. As her audience grows, Fine remains committed to creating inclusive, emotionally resonant spaces through her music.

Renee Christine

Renee Christine moves through the world as an observer. Across the six tracks of her poignant debut EP Appalachia, Renee surveys and documents the pain of communities she has lived in, passed through and studied. “I’m really interested in the stories of people, and how they’re a part of the landscape they live in,” Renee explains. “There’s a lot of unmetabolized pain.”    The Americana singer-songwriter and cellist spins tales of misfortune, resilience and Appalachian lore over impassioned string arrangements, finger-picked guitar and percussion. As a long-distance backpacker with a degree in Parks and Recreation, Renee never planned to pursue music – until a series of unfortunate events inspired something of a songwriting renaissance while living at home after college.    Sharing original songs and reimagined covers while accompanying herself on cello, Renee stumbled upon a diverse and dedicated online audience who were in awe of her guttural voice, and moved by the depth of her subject matter. In the lineage of outspoken artists like Hozier and Hayley Williams, Renee writes what can only be described as modern protest music. “I feel a massive sense of urgency to say what needs to be said,” she says. On her breakthrough singles “Lehigh Valley” and “Turtle Island,” she is candid about the hardships of small town America: Ever since the devils in the White House gutted this place / Well, the bullet and the bottle get around.    Raised outside of Philadelphia, PA and now based near Phoenix, AZ, Renee forged relationships with people across the political spectrum as a backpacker, both informing and enforcing her desire to write about what she believes in – from climate justice to calling out abuses of power. Growing up in a music-loving family, Renee spent her childhood playing cello and guitar, writing poetry, and listening to her mom’s Neil Young, John Gorka and Simon &amp; Garfunkel CDs.    On Appalachia, Renee fuses the singer-songwriter sensibility she grew up on with a folk-punk edge. Produced by newfound collaborator Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers, ASHE), the project captures the raw energy of her acoustic performance videos, and heightens the stakes of her sound. From hiking along the Mason-Dixon line to working in the white mountains of New Hampshire, Renee isn’t particularly attached to any one place – It’s the people that inspire her. “I’m just interested in these stories,” she says. “I just want to get to the bottom of their pain.” Her debut EP Appalachia is out October 24th, 2025.

Takuya Kuroda

Kobe-born, Brooklyn-based trumpeter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.takuyakuroda.com/">Takuya Kuroda</a>&nbsp;is dedicated, and his eighth studio record,&nbsp;Everyday&nbsp;(out Feb. 28, 2025), is proof of that. Since the release of his soulful seventh effort, 2022’s&nbsp;Midnight Crisp—a record praised by&nbsp;PopMatters&nbsp;as a “future classic”—Kuroda has not missed a beat. In his desire to achieve the “perfect blend of production and organic performance,” the 45-year-old musician has continued to throw himself into daily practice, nearly thirty years into his musical life.&nbsp;Everyday&nbsp;builds on and dives even deeper into the hip-hop and neo-soul elements of his previous work. It is a deliciously rhythmic enterprise and a triumph of genre-blending modern jazz. Kuroda’s playing is sure-footed and pure—whether on the horn, synth, or Rhodes—and he virtuosically dances among infectious rhythms of his own creation. Kuroda’s twenty-one years in the United States have been fruitful. After studying composition at the New School, he threw himself into work, playing with DJ Premier’s Badder Band and Akoya Afrobeat, and recording as both sideman and bandleader for releases on labels such as Blue Note and Concord. But as Kuroda himself says, “the only way to make the music that I want to make is to work hard, every day.” And so we have&nbsp;Everyday, a title that reflects, as Kuroda puts it, “that simple message.” There is a certain duality to the title that taps into something profound about this music. “Everyday,” of course, means both daily and commonplace. While Kuroda’s music is anything but average, there is something in the intrinsic, embedded nature of day-to-day life—the incidental rhythms of living—that is reflected and seductively expanded upon here. Kuroda describes the process of recording&nbsp;Everyday&nbsp;like this: “Make tracks at home, bring them to the studio, add or replace sounds, invite musicians, repeat the process to polish the track—as I hear it.” There is both a no-nonsense work ethic and a sense of embeddedness—an everydayness—that Kuroda achieves through this practice, something that perhaps cannot be accessed if one simply waits to enter the studio to begin work. Kuroda builds, tweaks, plays, and polishes until what comes through the speakers matches what has been playing in his head every day. This is what ensures his skillful synthesis of influences, which Dean Van Nguyen noted while reviewing 2020’s&nbsp;Fly Moon Die Soon&nbsp;for&nbsp;Pitchfork. One is left with the sense that Kuroda has been tapping it all out wherever he goes—drumming his fingers on a diner counter, shuffling his feet along a park pathway—manifesting the rhythms of his mind. “Groove,” Kuroda says, “is the foundation for all the tracks on&nbsp;Everyday.” And atop that strong foundation, brought to life by the energy of David Frazier’s drumming, Kuroda’s shimmering lyricism dances all over&nbsp;Everyday.

Roots Roadshow

The Roots Roadshow series, presented by the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music, explores and celebrates America’s rich musical heritage. Each month, the series features 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’s a faculty-led ensemble, a new student project, or a band making its name in the Boston scene, you never know what to expect at a Roots Roadshow.

The Red Room at Cafe 939 

Cece Coakley

Cece Coakley is a rising singer-songwriter living in Nashville, whose music blends indie pop, folk, and country influences into a heartfelt, melodic sound. With introspective songwriting and a laid-back vocal delivery, Coakley has quickly made a name for herself in the indie music scene and a revered artist and songwriter. Her 2022 debut EP, Tender, was written while she was living at home with her parents in Knoxville Tennessee, a time of deep personal reflection and creative growth. She has since gone on to release two projects Happy Adjacent &amp; Soft Again following her move to Nashville. Coakley has spent most of her budding career on the road supporting artists such as Medium Build, Stephen Sanchez, Field Guide, and most recently Hazlett and Nell Mescal. Touring allowed her to connect with audiences across the country, further developing her artistry and confidence as a performer. Coakley is set to release her next EP on March 6th titled, Pleasant Attack, which includes songs “Pleasant Attack,” “Marionette,” “Personified” and “Future Tense” among others. Coakley’s EP was produced by her frequent collaborator, Sam Westhoff. With her distinctive blend of indie pop and country-tinged storytelling, Cece Coakley is proving to be one of the most compelling new voices in the indie-folk scene, carving out a path that feels entirely her own.

Izzy Escobar

<a href="https://www.izzyescobarmusic.com/">Izzy Escobar</a> is a songwriter and artist from Massachusetts whose raw, emotive voice cuts straight to the heart. Known for her fearless creativity and commanding stage presence, Escobar blends a rich vocal tone with deeply personal lyricism, creating a sound that’s as powerful as it is intimate. With classical roots in violin and a passion for piano, her music is grounded in melody yet unbound by convention—an intoxicating fusion of grit, grace, and soul. Influenced by her Cuban and Italian heritage, Escobar channels passion and vulnerability into every note, delivering performances that feel timeless. Her gift for improvisation and in-the-moment songwriting has captivated millions online, where she transforms unfiltered emotion into melodies that resonate deeply with fans. Whether at the keys or behind the mic, Escobar’s music commands attention on and off the stage.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Irreversible Tour

The music of Brigitte Calls Me Baby is equal parts elegant time warp and up-close exploration of our modern-day neuroses. The Chicago-based five-piece emerged in early 2023 and soon scored a breakout hit with "Impressively Average" – a sublimely shimmering anthem that shot to the Top 10 at Triple A radio, setting the band on a swift rise that's recently included embarking on a headline tour with sold-out dates across the country. Now, with their debut LP The Future Is Our Way Out, Brigitte Calls Me Baby share a body of work that ingeniously spans genres and eras, merging the lavish romanticism of mid-century pop with the frenetic energy and spiky intensity of early-millennium indie-rock. Centered on Leavins' hypnotically crooning vocal work, the result is a rare convergence of sophistication and style and unabashed sincerity.

Anjimile

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/anjimile/?hl=en">Anjimile</a> (ann-JIM-uh-lee) Chithambo is a Boston-based singer-songwriter whose work is defined by unflinching introspection, spiritual inquiry, and emotional clarity. Emerging from Boston’s indie scene while studying at Northeastern University, he quickly gained attention for his earnest songwriting, delicate sonic textures, and performances that balance intimacy with transcendence. His 2020 debut,&nbsp;Giver Taker,was met with widespread acclaim and named one of the year’s best albums by&nbsp;Rolling Stone, establishing Anjimile as a vital voice exploring themes of identity, faith, and liberation. With&nbsp;The King&nbsp;(2023), Anjimile deepened his examination of Black and trans existence amid personal and societal upheaval, reaffirming his commitment to navigating discomfort as a path toward freedom. His latest album,&nbsp;You’re Free To Go, builds on this foundation with a more expansive and open-hearted perspective, centering questions of love, trust, and release. Crafted over several years of transformation, the record traces moments of loss, renewal, and rediscovery, reflecting a renewed willingness to embrace connection and possibility. Across&nbsp;You’re Free To Go, Anjimile balances lightness and gravity, pairing tender love songs with reflections on estrangement, resilience, and self-acceptance. Spirituality remains central to his practice; songwriting continues to function as a form of prayer, questioning, and communion. Produced by Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mavis Staples), the album unfolds with an intuitive, organic warmth that contrasts the intensity of&nbsp;The King, revealing an artist increasingly at ease with vulnerability, joy, and grace.

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

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Experiences