Bill Laurance

Sought after collaborator and Grammy award-winning pianist Bill Laurance has built a career blending genres of music seemingly at stylistic polar opposites. As an original member of Snarky Puppy, whose contemporary jazz fusion earnt him five Grammy’s, Bill has showcased his talent in improvisation, a cornerstone of jazz at odds with his formal education studying classical music, composition, and performance. His work has featured across advertisements for a variety of clients including Apple, and Sky, and films such as Un Traductor (2018). Bill also composed several themes for Initials S.G. (2019). He was lauded by the likes of David Crosby, with whom he collaborated with on a number of occasions, including the score for David’s 2019 documentary Remember My Name. His compositions have been re-arranged for award-winning collaborations with the WDR Big Band of Cologne, and commissioned by the Cello Biennale for the Metropole. Bill has composed for countless dancers and choreographers, including Alvin Ailey’s Hope Boykin, ReDefine US, From The Inside OUT (2021), Here WE are (2020), An\ Evening of Hope at 92nd Street Y. (2021). He has worked with numerous dance companies in the UK including Matthew Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures, Phoenix Dance, Northern Ballet Theatre, and English National Ballet. His solo career, has featured compositions that explore electronic music and conceptual narrative themes. Bill’s playing was tempered at a young age; at 9 he was playing with school bands and sneaking off on a trip to London’s Union Chapel to play the organ. At 14 he had a residency playing ragtime and swing at a Soho bar. His later tenure at Leeds University led to meeting Michael League, whose likeminded approach to rejecting genre constraints resulted in working together in Snarky Puppy. His versatility is demonstrated by his work with his trio, his duo project with Michael League, collaborations with Orchestras all around the world and artists across a number of genres. Bill’s 11 th album, Bloom, a collaboration with the Untold Orchestra was released in April 2024. The second Bill Laurance and Michael League album, Keeping Company was released on 31st October 2024.

The Red Room at Cafe 939

Olivia Barton: For Me, Myself, and You Tour

Olivia Barton is a singer/songwriter from Orlando, Florida whose indie folk rock songs recall the honesty of Phoebe Bridgers and the layered harmonies of The Staves. With a clear, unaffected voice set against brooding guitars, Barton writes about the things she never planned to share out loud—queer love, family, heartbreak, anxiety, and the messy beauty of growing up. Her third album, For Myself and For You, co-produced by Pinegrove’s Sam Skinner, strips away any pretense to reveal songwriting at its most direct. Barton has toured North America with artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Madi Diaz, co-writing songs for both, and continues to captivate audiences with performances that balance delicacy and raw power.

Greg Freeman/Golomb

<a href="https://greg-freeman.net/">Greg Freeman</a> <a href="https://greg-freeman.net/">(Opens in a new window)</a> &nbsp;finds catharsis and modern meaning in the eccentric ugliness of the past. His songs, rooted in vivid sense of place and urgent storytelling, dig through history for tales of violence, loss, and revelation. On&nbsp;Burnover,&nbsp;the Maryland-born, Vermont-based artist uses the complex backdrop of the Northeast to explore grief, alienation, and love’s strange clarity. The record fuses indie rock intensity with a rambling twang, marking Freeman’s most personal and adventurous work yet. Freeman’s debut,&nbsp;I Looked Out&nbsp;(2022), released independently, earned praise from&nbsp;Stereogum&nbsp;and&nbsp;Uproxx&nbsp;and launched a long stretch of touring that inspired him to reflect on home and identity. The new album, recorded with Benny Yurco and Zack James at Little Jamaica Recordings, channels that live-wire energy.&nbsp;Burnover&nbsp;references the 19th-century “Burned-Over District” of New York—an era of spiritual revival and utopian experimentation mirrored in Freeman’s own restless search for meaning. Born out of Columbus, Ohio’s fertile rock scene,&nbsp;<a href="https://linktr.ee/golomb?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadUB6logqZOEm4XkrDtn7a3MVoHNJZ7j5aosZ65rru5c2FIkQYwZaJamBxdww_aem_O9BuUP8HXxQJTEkzOOJTIA">Golomb</a> <a href="https://linktr.ee/golomb?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadUB6logqZOEm4XkrDtn7a3MVoHNJZ7j5aosZ65rru5c2FIkQYwZaJamBxdww_aem_O9BuUP8HXxQJTEkzOOJTIA">(Opens in a new window)</a> &nbsp;channels Midwest tension into music that feels raw, real, and deeply connected. The trio’s chemistry runs deep: siblings Xenia (bass) and Hawken (drums) lock in with guitarist and songwriter Mickey Shuman—who also happens to be Xenia’s husband. That foundation of trust fuels&nbsp;The Beat Goes On, a bold, sincere record that captures the band’s live spark. Recorded with longtime collaborator Keith Hanlon at Musicol and Secret Sound, the album expands Golomb’s sonic palette with sax, violin, and layered guitars. The result is a fuzzed-out fusion of psych, pop, and country, with nods to the Rolling Stones’ versatility and the restless energy of ‘90s indie icons. From the blistering drive of “Real Power” to the slow-burn ache of “Dog,”&nbsp;The Beat Goes On&nbsp;finds Golomb pushing rock’s boundaries while holding tight to its beating heart. The record is, at its core, about connection—proof that even in a fractured world, a hit, a hi-hat, and a killer riff can still bring people together.

Eleri Ward

<a href="https://www.eleriward.com/">Eleri Ward</a>’s Internal Rituals offers a one-of-a-kind musical journey, blending ethereal synths with organic tones to craft a sound that is both modern and deeply rooted in emotion. Known for her soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence, Ward brings her theatricality and heartfelt storytelling to every performance, creating an experience that feels both intimate and expansive.   Her songs weave personal stories with universal themes, drawing listeners in with lush, layered sounds that are as dynamic as they are deeply moving. Internal Rituals promises an evening of connection, artistry, and unforgettable music.

Alex Sampson

From humble small-town beginnings, Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Sampson knew he was born to perform at just nine years old, when he entered a school talent show for the first time, singing "Gold" by Owl City. “Not a day went by when music wasn’t playing throughout my house,” he says, reflecting on his childhood. The multitalented 20-year-old spent most—if not all—of his days growing up singing his heart out. Everything changed once he posted his first cover on TikTok in early 2019. Later that year, he released his debut single, "Stay Here," and since then, thousands have fallen in love with his heartfelt lyrics, captivating voice, and genuine personality. “I like to write music about things that are happening in my life at the moment, so that when people are listening, it feels like they’re living a little bit of my life with me. I truly wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the fans, so to them I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all so much. Keep streaming," said Sampson.

Crossroads Presents: Somebody's Child

Somebody’s Child is a rising force in modern rock known for their dynamic sound and raw, heartfelt songwriting. Led by frontman Cian Godfrey, the Dublin-based band has built a reputation for electrifying live performances, selling out venues across the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe, and sharing stages with the War on Drugs, Bloc Party, and Kings of Leon. Their self-titled debut album in 2023 cemented them as a standout act, with anthemic tracks like “Broken Record,” “I Need Ya,” and “We Could Start a War” resonating with fans. In 2024, they took even bigger strides, including a milestone headline show at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre and a main-stage performance at Electric Picnic. Determined to evolve beyond indie-rock conventions, Somebody’s Child constantly pushes their creative boundaries. Their second album, When Youth Fades Away, recorded in Connecticut with Grammy-winning producer Peter Katis (the National, Interpol), explores new sonic territory, influenced in part by electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk. Released in March 2025, the record embraces change both sonically and thematically, reflecting on the realities of growing older—not with nostalgia, but with a hunger for reinvention. As Godfrey puts it, “There is no Somebody’s Child—it’s just a figment of our imaginations allowing us to process our lives.” Somebody’s Child will bring When Youth Fades Away to North America in February 2026 as part of an extensive touring schedule.

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.

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.

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.

Fresh Prospects: Maggie Welch / Vanessa Torre

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://maggiewelchmusic.com/">Maggie Welch</a> <a href="https://maggiewelchmusic.com/">(Opens in a new window)</a>  is a music therapy and songwriting student at Berklee College of Music who holds a deep passion for using music as a therapeutic tool in both her life and her work. Through songwriting, she thoughtfully processes and expresses emotion, and through performance, she forges meaningful connections with others and spreads joy. A natural storyteller, Welch explores creativity through photography, songwriting, dance, acting, performance, visual art, and more. Her goal is to help others experience the healing power of music through her emerging work as a music therapist and reflective songwriter. She invites others to join her on her journey of healing and connection. <a href="https://vanessatorre.univer.se/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn6IsUenbM0-uaO1iY5JexRQgnVdOG8nkSHrenX8Y167Vk5HhYPwWL-vCLL7g_aem_LpcSj9t2-KhbvqE2z4dD1Q">Vanessa Torre</a> <a href="https://vanessatorre.univer.se/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn6IsUenbM0-uaO1iY5JexRQgnVdOG8nkSHrenX8Y167Vk5HhYPwWL-vCLL7g_aem_LpcSj9t2-KhbvqE2z4dD1Q">(Opens in a new window)</a>  is an indie folk/pop artist whose music feels like a deep breath in the midst of chaos. Her songs weave dark, finger-picked guitar lines with aching harmonies, creating a quiet refuge for listeners. Often compared to artists like Gracie Abrams, Alix Page, and Lizzy McAlpine, her music is a place people turn to in moments of doubt or anxiety, offering comfort, beauty, and the reassurance that they’re not alone. Each live performance unfolds like an intimate conversation, where every lyric seems to listen back. Torre is currently finishing her debut EP, With the Ages. To hear what she’s creating and stay updated on releases and upcoming shows, follow her on Instagram.

Hunter Root

Few artists embody the spirit of creative exploration as seamlessly as Pennsylvania-based multi-instrumentalist Hunter Root. His journey is a tale of passion and resilience, and his success is a testament to his intuition and his unique musical vision. Raised in an environment steeped in classic rock, Hunter's musical foundation was built alongside his older brother who introduced him to guitar, and opened his eyes to the power of songwriting. As a founding member of the psychedelic rock outfit Medusa's Disco, Hunter honed his skills on stage, and gained invaluable insight into the labyrinthine workings of the music industry. Embracing a genre-fluid approach, Hunter's music weaves together elements of acoustic rock, folk, grunge, and more. His approach to songwriting has evolved over the years, shifting from a lyric-centric process to a music-first methodology. This shift has allowed Hunter to match emotive soundscapes with the narrative potency of his songs, yielding compositions rich in both meaning and emotion. He employs a similarly immersive approach to music production. He writes, records, mixes, and produces all his albums, an uncompromising process that is both demanding and gratifying. Hunter's personal experiences heavily influence his music. His acclaimed 2023 album, 'Arkansas', was created as a tribute following the passing of his older brother in 2020, beautifully encapsulating his introspection. Despite calling Central Pennsylvania home, the four years he spent in Arkansas during his youth had a profound impact on his artistry. Consequently, each song is a deeply personal narrative, an homage to the sights, sounds, aches, and scars found there. Hunter's music achieved viral success through TikTok and Instagram, where his songs 'Town Rat Heathen' and 'Quicksand Sinking' struck a chord with users worldwide. He swiftly accumulated hundreds of thousands of followers across both platforms, inevitably driving traffic to Spotify, where his singles have garnered millions of plays. 2024 will see Hunter continue to build on his momentum, as he plans an extensive series of tour dates accompanied by his live band. For more information, please visit www.hunterroot.com.

Argonaut & Wasp Live at the Red Room

Argonaut &amp; Wasp is the Brooklyn-based band known for their infectious grooves, catchy vocals, and explosive live performances. Formed by chance in a college dorm room, they've grown into a New York City mainstay, selling out residencies and venues like Elsewhere, Rough Trade, Music Hall of Williamsburg, and the Bowery Ballroom.  As Billboard put it: "All across the country, dancers are boogieing to the clang of guitars and singing along to original vocal hooks like it's Manchester circa 1983, but in NYC, it's Argonaut &amp; Wasp supplying the infectious hooks." Their debut album STARLIGHT 99 dropped in 2021 after much of 2020 was spent writing and producing in quarantine. Featuring standout tracks like “Monacillo,” “Composure” (featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday), and “Dog Days” (produced by Jarrah McCleary), the LP marked a defining moment in their sound—described by LADYGUNN as having “an ‘80s flair that will undeniably bring you to your feet” and “will have you searching for your bell bottoms and someone to hit the nearest disco with.” Since their inception, the band has toured extensively, playing shows across their Northeast roots and beyond. A&amp;W has hit stages at festivals like SXSW, Summerfest, and Wonderstruck, and has supported artists including Benny Sings, Miami Horror, Bag Raiders, the Palms, Giant Rooks, and Autoheart. With multiple national headline tours under their belt—most recently in fall 2022 with support from Hembree—they’ve earned a reputation for high-energy, dynamic live shows. With recent singles “GRIMM” and “Always Forever” and a new full-length album on the way, stay tuned—2025 is set to be a big year for Argonaut &amp; Wasp.

Red Room at Cafe 939

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