Mercer Henderson

Mercer Henderson is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from San Francisco, California. Her music seamlessly bridges heartfelt narratives with infectious melodies, drawing influences from Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams, and Tate McRae. She writes what she calls "heartbreak anthems," and her lyrical storytelling delves deep into this relatable experience, unraveling the bittersweet emotions that accompany it.&nbsp; She currently is a student at the Clive Davis Institute in New York City, but has also recently concluded her first-ever North American tour supporting UK rising star Dylan. This was soon followed by a handful of US shows supporting Morgan St. Jean, support for Will Linley across the US portion of The Magic Tour, and a UK tour supporting G Flip.&nbsp; After recently releasing her debut EP,&nbsp;Not Really Strangers, which landed on sixteen new music playlists on Spotify, Henderson now looks forward to her highly-anticipated single release, "Dangerous," as well as a headline show in London early next year.

The Red Room at Cafe 939

BTAC Presents  Staged Reading Ensemble: Animal Spirits

The Staged Reading Ensemble and Berklee Theater Arts Collaborative (BTAC) present a staged reading of Animal Spirits, a new musical by David Thorne Scott. Animal Spirits tells the story of economist John Maynard Keynes, whose groundbreaking theories transformed the 20th century. Young Keynes and his brilliant bohemian friends, including Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, Lytton Strachey, and Duncan Grant, lived lives of wild parties, polyamorous intrigue, and passionate debates about art, love, and—after their friends started dying in World War I—politics.  Keynes wrote a devastating critique of the leaders of the Allies which established him as a public intellectual. Then he employed his skills as an economist to advise governments and amass wealth, which he used to support struggling artists. He was bisexual, and spent much of his life in romantic relationships with men until he fell in love with and married the dazzling ballerina Lydia Lopokova. He predicted the rise of fascism in Germany and was scarred by personal tragedy caused by World War II. For his final act, he negotiated a new system of international rules that prevented the rise of a third world war and spread prosperity.  In the end, did he hold fast to his deepest principles, or did he betray them?

Roots Roadshow 2024

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.

Fresh Prospects: Skye and Niké

The Red Room at Cafe 939 proudly presents Fresh Prospects, a free concert series spotlighting Boston’s 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. Skye is a folk-alternative artist and passionate storyteller from Vancouver, Canada. Skye grew up immersed in a diverse musical landscape— she trained for 14 years as a classical vocalist and pianist, danced to ‘70s rock over the family stereo, belted out Aretha Franklin's discography, and sang folk songs around the campfire with her family. This is reflected in her debut EP,&nbsp;Passenger Seat, with six songs spanning genres and exploring themes of love, grief, and life’s impermanence. Inspired by Yebba, Eva Cassidy, and Cynthia Erivo, Skye combines transfixing melodies, soul, and “poetic sincerity” in her music (Ear to the Ground blog). As a powerful and raw performer, Skye is a radiant and commanding presence. Niké is a singer-songwriter from the Czech Republic. Combining her love for jazz-influenced, existential soul-pop with a passion for deep, meaningful conversations, she writes music that offers listeners a sense of home. Besides performing with her own band, she also writes music for other artists.

Fresh Prospects: Anna Vtipil and Tom Huangpu

The Red Room at Cafe 939 proudly presents Fresh Prospects, a free concert series spotlighting Boston’s 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. Anna Vtipil is an indie-folk singer-songwriter, composer, and arranger from Raleigh, North Carolina, now based in Boston. Her musical theater roots, songwriting, and folk influences, along with her vocal arranging and compositional experience, create a unique and expressive sound. Focusing on an acoustic and intimate style featuring piano, violin, cello, and vocals, she draws inspiration from artists like Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, and Joni Mitchell. Her debut album,&nbsp;anyone to you, features ten original tracks that explore the trials and tribulations of friendships and relationships while capturing the highs and lows of trying to find where you belong.&nbsp;anyone to you&nbsp;is available now on all streaming platforms. Tom Huangpu is an indie-folk singer-songwriter who values authenticity and vulnerability in his music. He believes that connection and understanding are the most important things in the world. Through his songwriting, he aims to convey feelings and experiences that words alone cannot express. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Leith Ross, Mori, and Ryan Beatty, Huangpu crafts his sound with depth and sincerity. Originally from Philadelphia and now based in Boston, Huangpu grew up in a community where music was always present but often lacked meaning. It wasn't until he began writing and engaging with honest lyricism that he discovered true significance in music. While he writes to better understand himself, he hopes to connect with listeners and offer something meaningful to them.

Red Room at Cafe 939

John-Robert

When John-Robert left his Edinburg, Virginia, hometown for Los Angeles in 2019, he did so with starry-eyed ambition – a teenage songsmith bypassing a Berklee scholarship to chase his musical manifest destiny. It quickly materialized: Grammy-nominated producer Ricky Reed (Leon Bridges, Lizzo) signed him at age 19 to Nice Life/Warner Records, helping integrate John-Robert’s lilting blend of traditional folk and Appalachian country into the modern pop landscape. His debut single, 2019’s “Adeline,” has become an 11-million streamer. Collaborations and co-signs from the likes of Alessia Cara and Camilla Cabello, respectively, have further cemented him as a deeply auspicious writer on releases like 2020’s&nbsp;Bailey Barely Knew Me&nbsp;and 2021’s&nbsp;Healthy Baby Boy, Pt. 1.&nbsp;Now, on his new EP,&nbsp;Garden Snake, the artist hailed as “a small-town teen poised to become the next big singer-songwriter” by Live Nation’s&nbsp;Ones To Watch&nbsp;explores the pull of his past in a captivating five-song collection, bursting with the grassroots musicality of his Shenandoah Valley birthplace and the homespun purity of his earliest songwriting endeavors.&nbsp;

Parker Millsap & Nat Myers

Parker Millsap quickly made a name for himself with his captivating live performances, soulful sound, and character-driven narratives. He’s had a string of successes including an appearance on CONAN, a performance with Elton John at the Apple Music Festival, an Austin City Limits taping &amp; an Americana Music Association nomination for Album of the Year. He's shared the stage with folks like Jason Isbell, Shovels &amp; Rope, Patty Griffin, Houndmouth, and many others. Parker’s early releases showcased a mastery of acoustic folk rock, with their flourish for revelation and fiery dynamics. Be Here Instead, Millsap’s 2021 release produced by John Agnello, hinted at the wildness to come while exploring newer, more personal songwriting styles. Parker's newest album, Wilderness Within You, is a natural step in Parker's evolution which interweaves threads of his musical past and newer influences to gorgeous effect. &nbsp; A poet with a staggering and true voice, Korean-American troubadour Nat Myers' folksy blues and remarkable pickin' are authentic, timeless, and enduring. The Kenton County, KY native's delivery harkens to traditional blues giants, but it's his unique blend of modern roots and Americana that continues to make crowds drop their jaws. Recorded live at the 100-year-old-plus home of producer Dan Auerbach, Yellow Peril is haunted with the ghosts of the rich history of the blues.

Genevieve Stokes/Lily Kershaw

One of alternative pop’s brightest stars, named among People's “Emerging Artists” to watch list, Genevieve first taught herself piano at the age of eight. Spending her teen years developing her own unique sound, she was inspired by iconic female musicians like&nbsp;Fiona Apple&nbsp;and&nbsp;Regina Spektor&nbsp;but infused her own repertoire with her deeply personal experience and perspective.&nbsp;Stokes initially drew attention and applause for her intimate yet lush approach to alternative pop, amassing over&nbsp;7M&nbsp;streams all before releasing her debut EP, ascending esteemed playlists, and garnering support from&nbsp;Complex,&nbsp;EARMILK,&nbsp;Ones to Watch,&nbsp;and more. &nbsp; Named by&nbsp;Alternative Press&nbsp;as a “New Artist You Need To Hear,” Stokes made a striking major label debut with her angsty yet nostalgic 2021 EP, Swimming Lessons, highlighted by the standout tracks, “Surface Tension,” “Parking Lot,” and “Running Away.” Recorded in a cabin just a stone’s throw from the 23-year-old artist’s childhood home, the critically acclaimed project went on to earn over&nbsp;38M&nbsp;streams worldwide while receiving praise from publications including&nbsp;Flaunt,&nbsp;NYLON,&nbsp;Billboard,&nbsp;Refinery29,&nbsp;FLOOD,&nbsp;and more.&nbsp; &nbsp; A dreamy exploration of what it means to heal and unlock your inner child, her latest EP, Catching Rabbits was heralded by the lead single “Habits,” which was produced by&nbsp;Tony Berg&nbsp;(Phoebe Bridgers, Paul McCartney), featured on&nbsp;PAPER&nbsp;and&nbsp;Teen Vogue, and has gone on to amass nearly&nbsp;105M&nbsp;global streams. Further EP highlights include the brooding “You &amp; Me,” self-soothing lullaby, “17,” and emotionally charged “Can I”&nbsp; &nbsp; The acclaimed Portland, ME-based singer-songwriter is gearing up for an exciting year ahead with her forthcoming single “Dreamer” arriving on Friday, July 26th. This fall, she'll take her mesmerizing live performance back on the road across the US for her largest headline tour yet which follows previous live dates supporting artists including&nbsp;Noah Kahan,&nbsp;Briston Maroney,&nbsp;Sarah Kinsley&nbsp;and&nbsp;Charlie Burg. &nbsp; Los Angeles singer &amp; songwriter Lily Kershaw makers her long-awaited return with her first new music since 2020. The wistful and witty "Depreshmode" sees Lily open up like never before as she dives into her personal experience with prolonged depression. Produced by Brandon Walters (Lord Huron), "Depreshmode" is the first taste of Lily's upcoming album, details forthcoming. Lily released her debut album Midnight In The Garden in 2013, featuring break-out single "As It Seems." The album scored millions of streams and critical acclaim as she landed syncs on Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy, Finding Carter, and more. She followed it up with her 2018 EP Lost Angeles and her 2021 sophomore album Arcadia, which received acclaim from Nylon, American Songwriter, Vulture, Earmilk, Refinery29, and more. Along the way, Lily cut her teeth on tours alongside Radical Face, Mason Jennings, The Weepies and more.

Bollywood Night 

Dance to your favorite Bollywood songs all night long at The Red Room! Party all night to your favorite hits from Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar, Baadshah, Guru Randhawa, Sidhu Moose Wala and more! Local Bollywood dance groups will also be taking the stage throughout the night.

Red Room Cafe 939

Landon Conrath

Minneapolis songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Landon Conrath found his voice almost by accident. A drummer by trade, Conrath spent his formative years keeping the beat in bands rather than fronting them. It wasn’t until he opened up to a friend at a pool party with a new composition, he was encouraged to hone in his sound. Conrath immersed himself in the recording process with reckless abandon. Since making his debut in 2020, his distinctive brand of hook-laden indie-pop has become a viral sensation on Spotify landing on influential playlists virtually overnight. Landon’s authentic, off-the-cuff style has resonated with listeners around the world, amassing millions of streams.

Julius Rodriguez Presents Evergreen

You can find Julius Rodriguez in many places. You could walk into a packed jazz haunt and witness him behind the piano with energy practically surging from his fingers through the room. You might scroll up on social media and catch him alternating from drums to bass to guitar at the speed of a jump cut. You may also step onto festival grounds and see him solo or accompany another like-minded visionary on stage, jamming like his life depends on it. No matter where, the New York-born and Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer electrifies any lane. By doing so, he also transcends perceived boundaries between genres and styles, redefining the music to mirror his fluid creative inclinations and delivering a sound that's solely his alone. Following widespread applause from The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The FADER, and more, collaborations with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to A$AP Rocky, and tens of millions of streams, he grows in as many directions as possible on his second full-length offering, EVERGREEN.   Rodriguez has established himself as a highly sought-after collaborator — whether on piano, drums, synths, or bass. You could hear him loud and clear on recordings from Carmen Lundy, Lackecia Benjamin, Brasstracks, Kassa Overall, Baby Rose, Joe Farnsworth, Cautious Clay, Ian Isiah, and Braxton Cook. Moreover, he has shined on stage with the late Roy Hargrove, Remi Wolf, Dev Hynes, Lauren Spencer-Smith, Macy Gray, Kurt Elling, Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Morgan James, and Cautious Clay, to name a few.  By breaking boundaries with EVERGREEN, Rodriguez has lived up to the true spirit of jazz by ushering it toward the future freely. "I hope you hear this and forget about the whole genre labeling thing," he leaves off. "This is just music you can dance to, feel to, and think to. It's not about categorizing; it's about enjoying something for what it is. EVERGREEN goes through a whole bunch of genres, but this is the world I'm seeing and hearing. This is the feeling I'm invoking. I made a statement and said, 'The genre is just me.'"

Abby Holliday/Brother Bird

Abby Holliday's vulnerable introspection and brutal lyricism, combined with her mind-bending sonic sensibilities and distinct production style, fuse a bond between her and her audience. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, and now residing in Nashville, Tennessee, Holliday masterfully guides listeners through moments in time both specific to her own life and an articulation of the collective human condition. With an impressive touring history supporting acts like James Bay, Michigander, Phillip Phillips, the Wldlfe, and more, Holliday isn’t after a viral moment or to be a flash in the pan. Rather, she understands the importance of the grassroots—a foundation of authenticity that naturally pours over into her music and live show. The effect is already placing her front and center of the new wave of indie and alternative-pop singer-songwriter music. Brother&nbsp;Bird&nbsp;is music that lives in tight, intimate spaces, based on real experience, and full of the embarrassments and small indignities that come with being human. These truths are filtered through the eyes and pen of Caroline Glaser, professionally known as Brother&nbsp;Bird. The 2024 album&nbsp;another year&nbsp;follows her 2018 self-titled EP and her 2021 full-length debut,&nbsp;gardens. Glaser has toured with Manchester Orchestra on their coheadlining tour with the Front Bottoms and has opened up for artists such as Pete Yorn, Kevin Devine, Matt Pryor, Pinegrove, and Bad Books, a band led by Devine and members of Manchester Orchestra. In addition, Glaser sang backing vocals on the Bad Books&nbsp;II: Revisited&nbsp;anniversary record that was released in October.

When Chai Met Toast

When Chai Met Toast is a pop band from India. The quartet came into being with their debut EP 'Joy of Little Things' in 2017. Over the next year, they crafted their sophomore offering 'Believe', establishing them as genre pioneers in the country. The band's first full length album 'When We Feel Young' (2021) propelled their worldwide listener base. WCMT's sound can be best described as a mix of indie folk and alternative rock. Their live performances have attracted audiences globally, with performances headlining numerous Indian festivals, sets at the Singapore Grand Prix 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai, and sold out tours across the UK and US. The band's latest is their third EP 'LYTS', recorded in London with producer Richard Wilkinson. "We are exploring new territories with our music now, and in the seven years we've been a band together, we've sort of come to learn a lot about each other. At the heart of it, we're four brown boys trying to spread our little personal stories to the world with our music. The LYTS EP talks about love and heartbreak." When Chai Met Toast consists of Ashwin Gopakumar, Achyuth Jaigopal, Palee Francis and Pai Sailesh, who met in the music circles of Kerala.

Mike Mains and Young Mister

&nbsp;As vocalist, songwriter, producer, and namesake of Mike Mains &amp; The Branches, Mike Mains thinks aloud in his songs. He ponders events and experiences and their ensuing effects on his identity, telling intimate stories through artful pop rock. After generating millions of streams and consistently captivating audiences on tour, the band recognizes, accepts, and absorbs these formative mementos on their 2023 fourth full-length offering,&nbsp;Memory Unfixed&nbsp;[Tooth &amp; Nail Records]. Mike Mains &amp; The Branches have always bottled complex emotions and relatable stories within hummable homegrown anthems. They have organically progressed throughout&nbsp;Home&nbsp;[2012],&nbsp;Calm Down, Everything Is Fine&nbsp;[2014], and When&nbsp;We Were In Love&nbsp;[2019].&nbsp;Billboard&nbsp;hailed the “buoyant pop” of the latter, while&nbsp;Atwood Magazine&nbsp;praised its “upbeat, energetic, feelgood pop-rock.” Among many standouts, “Briggs” generated north of 5 million Spotify streams as “Breathing Underwater” and “Live Forever” each surpassed the 1 million mark. After trading his native Michigan for Nashville, Mains underwent another transformation era. Stuck at home mid-pandemic, he retreated inward and began to understand his past and, ultimately, himself a bit more. “I’m just a husband, a wounded healer, and a grateful storyteller. If these songs make you feel less alone, I did my job.” &nbsp; Steven Fiore’s career reads like a legendary round of two truths and a lie: co-writing with Art Garfunkel, singing with Jeff Goldblum’s jazz band, and having&nbsp;more than 17 million Spotify streams. But it’s all true – every word of it. Fiore got his break as a songwriter for Universal Music Group Publishing in Los Angeles, securing cuts for artists like Howie Day and Ryan Cabrera. Still, Young Mister’s sacred sense of introspection has afforded him an artistic output that hits far closer to home. Since launching the project in 2016, Young Mister’s trio of albums, 2016’s self-titled debut, 2019’s&nbsp;Sudden Swoon,&nbsp;and 2020’s&nbsp;This Is Where We Are Now&nbsp;have received acclaim from fans and outlets like&nbsp;American Songwriter&nbsp;alike for an adroit, dreamlike balance of folk, Americana, and pop – all unwritten with wistful sentimentality and swirling, meditative lyricism.

Paul Beaubrun

Paul Beaubrun is a Haitian singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, son of the Grammy nominated band Boukman Eksperyans and the grandson of legendary Haitian comedian Languichatte. Paul has gained recognition locally and internationally for his unique art; at the heart of his music is a captivating sound, a masterful blend of his exceptional guitar playing skill, soulful vocals, and innovative arrangements. Drawing on his rich cultural heritage, he seamlessly weaves together elements of Haitian Creole, French, and English, creating a musical tapestry that reflects the diverse influences that have shaped his artistic vision. Paul's talents and versatility as a musician have led him to collaborate and perform with a diverse array of renowned artists. Through these collaborations and performances, Paul has achieved worldwide success and established himself as one of Haiti's most accomplished and celebrated musical exports. Paul has been a touring member of the world-renowned band Arcade Fire since 2022, joining them for their "WE" tour. As part of Arcade Fire, Paul has made several high- profile appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as at major music festivals around the globe. His role in the band has allowed him to showcase his musical talents to a wider audience and further cement his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

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

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

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.