The Counter

The Umbrella Arts Center proudly presents the Boston-area premiere of<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/production/counter"> The Counter</a>, a riveting new play by acclaimed playwright Meghan Kennedy, directed by Alex Lonati. This production will run Sep 26-Nov 9, 2025, transforming the intimate Black Box space into a prism for a surprising, funny and moving reflection on the everyday connections that can change our lives. This heartwarming play follows the unlikely connection between Paul, a retired firefighter who goes every morning to the same small town diner, and Katie, who’s always there to pour the coffee. After many months of small talk across the counter, the sharing of one secret grows into a deeply meaningful, life-affirming friendship—shocking both Paul and Katie into embracing the hopes and joys born of basic human connection. This award-winning play is a surprising and moving meditation on the everyday connections that can change our lives. Shows run Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. A special <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/kidcare-performances">KidCare</a> Show on Oct 5 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella's classrooms with an experienced teacher. ﻿ Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances. A Talk Back is scheduled following the Oct 19 performance.&nbsp; The play will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/production/tick-tickboom">Tick, Tick…BOOM!</a> on its mainstage Theater144 from Oct. 10 through Nov. 23.

The Umbrella Arts Center

Tick, Tick... BOOM!

The Umbrella Stage Company is proud to announce the presentation of <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/production/tick-tickboom">Tick, Tick… BOOM!,</a> the autobiographical rock musical by Jonathan Larson and directed by Ilyse Robbins. From Friday, October 10 through Sunday, November 23, 2025, audiences will be invited into the creative crucible of a composer on the brink of his 30th birthday, facing the crossroads of love, ambition, and artistic purpose. Before Rent, there was Tick, Tick... BOOM!. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theater. Tick, Tick... BOOM! takes you on the playwright/composer's journey through his quarter-life crisis that led to a Broadway blockbuster. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue, and yet Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is presented as a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theater styles. Shows run Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. A special <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/kidcare-performances">KidCare</a> Show on Nov 2 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella's classrooms with an experienced teacher. ﻿ Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances. Talk Backs are scheduled following the Oct 18 and Nov 6 performances.&nbsp; The performance will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of the heartfelt play <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/production/counter">The Counter</a>, a Boston-area premiere, in the Black Box Theater from Sep 26 through Nov 9.

The Umbrella Film Series presents Holy Cow

Enjoy the best of classic, independent, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project at The Umbrella Arts Center, with pre-show dinner options.&nbsp; This November, join us for HOLY COW (2024, dir. Louise Courvoisier), a "luminous and joyful" coming-of-age film set against the picturesque backdrop of French dairy cow farming and cheese competitions. Not rated, but recommended for ages 16+ due to language and sexuality.&nbsp; In French with English subtitles. Optional add-on special dinner from <a href="https://www.woodshilltable.com/">Woods Hill Table</a>. Film tickets are $12.50, meals are an additional $35. Concessions are available for purchase at the event.

The Umbrella Concert Series in partnership with Salt Lick Incubator presents Salt Lick Sessions

The Umbrella's expanded Concert Series in partnership with <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.prospect2.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDKJ3aZ6sJ5zd5LVRKd3a3ViNAfvxYxYnQ5UqKc68KqzUy7wuVz3O3m-NFfx1K2XXkWJ3mf95OKztLNVL">Salt Lick Incubator</a> showcases some of your future-favorite musical acts that have emerged through the Salt Lick program. Each concert spotlights the incredible talents of tomorrow's groundbreaking artists, creates support and lets you say you knew them back when! Featuring: Olivia Barton, Carter Benjamin, and Kieran Rhodes. ABOUT THE ARTISTS: <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.prospect2.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDKJ3aZ6sJ5zd5LVRKd3a3ViNAfvxYxYnQ5UqKc68KqzUy7wuVz3O3m-NFfx1K2XXkWJ3mf95OKztPFV9">Olivia Barton</a> writes songs that walk the line between unfiltered and refined. With reverence for the craft of songwriting, Barton writes and sings like she speaks: unapologetic, yet approachable, turning crowds into confidants. Having shared stages with Lizzy McAlpine, Madi Diaz, Field Medic, Searows, Annika Bennett, and others, her songs carry what folk music has always carried: emotion, memory, simple truth. An indie/alternative artist blending folk, gospel, and soul-infused rock, <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.prospect2.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDKJ3aZ6sJ5zd5LVRKd3a3ViNAfvxYxYnQ5UqKc68KqzUy7wuVz3O3m-NFfx1K2XXkWJ3mf95OKztPFVL">Carter Benjamin's</a> music is rooted in storytelling, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and belonging. From his upbringing in Grand Cayman and DC to his bold, genre-defying album Black Boys on the Radio Part II, Benjamin reclaims space for voices too often left out of the conversation. <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.prospect2.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDKJ3aZ6sJ5zd5LVRKd3a3ViNAfvxYxYnQ5UqKc68KqzUy7wuVz3O3m-NFfx1K2XXkWJ3mf95OKztPFVb">Kieran Rhodes</a> is a piano-driven pop artist and songwriter whose music blends timeless melodies with sharp lyrical storytelling. A Berklee College of Music alum and America’s Got Talent standout, Rhodes gained viral attention with his original song “Disengage" and further recognition when his song “What Got Into You” was featured in Netflix's Virgin River. He has opened for artists including JP Saxe, Ben Abraham, and Five for Fighting, and performed at major festivals like Boston Calling.

The Umbrella Winter Market

<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/visual-arts/winter-market">The Umbrella's 2025 Winter Market</a> Friday, December 5: 12 PM - 5 PM Saturday December 6: 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday, December 7: 11 AM - 4 PM At our annual three-day celebration of hand-crafted fine art, come in from the cold to stroll The Umbrella’s three sunlit floors of artists' studios and galleries, featuring the exhibitions “Off the Wall” (small works by Umbrella Studio Artists for sale) and “<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/theumbrellaarts.org/joy-peace">Joy &amp; Peace</a>” (contemporary abstract paintings by Christiane Corcelle and Jill Goldman-Callahan). Select a treat from our Cafe, then savor the creativity on display at the Holiday Ceramics Sale, in Artists' Studios, and at Guest Artisans' tables brimming with pieces ready to become unique, unforgettable gifts for you and your loved ones. Attending the Market with little ones? Pre-register for or drop in to a family activity led by an Umbrella instructor.

Holiday Pops Concert with the Firebird Pops Orchestra

‘Tis the season to warm your soul with the festive sounds of the Firebird Pops Orchestra in The Umbrella’s state-of-the-art Theater 144. Cozy up to two acts of beloved holiday classics–plus some new favorites!–performed by talented musicians from across New England. Let these rich, vibrant orchestrations provide the soundtrack to your December as you enjoy solos by <a href="https://firebirdpops.org/guest-artist/mara-bonde/">Mara Bonde</a>, <a href="https://www.sandrapiqueseddy.com/">Sandra Piques Eddy</a>, and <a href="https://firebirdpops.org/guest-artist/stephen-markarian/">Stephen Markarian</a> with your loved ones. Bringing the family? Pops the perfect introduction to the magic of the symphony for listeners of all ages. During intermission, let little ones explore Educational activities with an Umbrella instructor while you visit Concessions and take in the beautiful abstract works in the Allie Kussin Gallery, <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/joy-peace">Joy &amp; Peace</a>. There's nothing quite like experiencing the joy of a full orchestra together—especially when everyone gets to sing along. Let your voice join in a rousing sing-along finale that fosters the warmth of community against the December chill. Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM &amp; 4:00 PM Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM &nbsp;About The Firebird Pops Orchestra The online musical sensation <a href="https://firebirdpops.org/">Firebird Pops</a> was born "out of the ashes" of the COVID-19 shutdown, its inaugural virtual performances taking grateful audiences by storm. Under the baton of founder and music director, Brendan Kenney, almost 60 musicians performed Harry Potter Symphonic Suite, a medley of the score from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, garnering praise from MuggleNet.com, Nerdist, and New England’s Channel 7 News. Since then, the orchestra has continued to grow in size and notoriety with its innovative digital performances from Phantom of the Opera, the launch of the Firebird Vox choir, and fresh seasonal concerts for the Halloween and Winter Holidays. Formally granted nonprofit status, the Firebird Pops organization looks forward to expanding its in-person repertoire, and The Umbrella is proud to introduce them to live audiences in our state-of-the-art Main Stage Theater 144! Tickets: Adult: $65 Senior: $60 Student (ages 6+): $20 Child (under 6): $10

Free Family Day at The Umbrella Arts Center

Come to The Umbrella for FREE family fun! Drop by any time during the two-hour time block Saturday, August 9: 2:00pm - 4:00pm to partake in a seasonal and creative craft led by one of our talented instructors! Open to all ages and abilities. Registration appreciated (but not required). For more information, visit our website: <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/free-family-days-0">https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/free-family-days-0</a>

Weaving An Address - Curator Tour and Author Talk

The public is invited to a free program exploring The Umbrella Arts Center’s outdoors public art ramble, <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/weaving">Weaving an Address,</a> a site-specific exhibition of work by prominent Black artists commemorating colonial-era Black residents of Concord’s famed Walden Woods. On Saturday, July 19 at 3PM, curator and artist Marla McLeod will lead a guided tour of the artwork installed at Brister’s Hill in Walden Woods, named for Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved before Thoreau. The tour will be followed at 4:30PM by refreshments and a panel discussion back at The Umbrella Arts Center (40 Stow Street, Concord, MA) with McLeod in dialogue with historian Elise Lemire, author of Black Walden: Slavery and Its Aftermath in Concord, Massachusetts, who was recently a subject of the new international documentary, <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/concords-secret-history/">Concord’s Secret History</a>, just released on over 500 PBS stations. Saturday’s discussion will examine the “journey from archive to art,” and Lemire’s scholarly research that fueled Weaving’s creative installations. Part of the town’s Revolution250 celebrations, this program is co-presented by The Umbrella Arts Center, The Walden Woods Project and The Robbins House: Concord’s African American History Museum. It featured work by artists Sharon Chandler Correnty, Ifé Franklin, Stephen Hamilton, Whitney Harris, Ekua Holmes, Perla Mabel, Marla McLeod, Kimberly Love Radcliffe, and Anthony Peyton Young. Learn more at <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/weaving">https://theumbrellaarts.org/weaving</a>

The Umbrella Arts Center & Walden Woods

Come to The Umbrella this weekend for FREE family fun! Drop by any time during the two-hour time block this Saturday, July 12, 2:00 - 4:00 PM to partake in a seasonal and creative craft led by one of our talented instructors! This week’s creative adventure: DIY Summer Passports Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own summer passport—filled with dream destinations, must-do adventures, and sunny day wishes. We’ll provide all the materials needed. It’s a great way for families to plan, imagine, and create together! Open to all ages and abilities. Registration appreciated (but not required). For more information, visit our website: <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/free-family-days-0">https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/free-family-days-0</a> Save the Date Mark your calendar for our next FREE Family Day: Saturday, August 9: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Weaving an Address

Exhibition: April 14 - June 14, 2025 Opening Reception&nbsp; April 14, 6PM The Umbrella Arts Center in historic Concord Center will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution and “the shot heard round the world” with an ambitious outdoor/indoor public and gallery art exhibition, <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Weaving">Weaving an Address</a>, curated by artist Marla McLeod. For the first time, Weaving an Address combines The Umbrella’s popular Art Ramble public art installation, on view April 15 through October 7 at Brister’s Hill in nearby Walden Woods, with an indoor exhibition on view April 14 through June 14 in The Umbrella’s Allie Kussin Gallery. The exhibition features site-specific work by eight prominent Black artists combining sculpture, fiber art, installation and live performance inspired by little-known experiences of historical Black inhabitants of Concord and its Walden Woods. Featured artists in the exhibition are Ifé Franklin, Stephen Hamilton, Whitney Harris, Ekua Holmes, Perla Mabel, Marla McLeod, Kimberly Love Radcliffe, and Anthony Peyton Young. Outdoors, large-scale work will be installed on Brister’s Hill, named for Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved.Indoors at The Umbrella, inter-related fiber artworks will weave narratives from fragmented pasts to offer a vision of how history shapes the present and influences the future. Supporting community activities include an opening reception on April 14, monthly curator talks, a processional with artist Ifé Franklin, and participation in the town-wide Revolutionary Concordians Trading Card program. This exhibition is presented as part of the <a href="https://concord250.org/">Concord250</a> commemoration, in partnership with <a href="https://www.walden.org/">The Walden Woods Project</a> and <a href="https://robbinshouse.org/">The Robbins House</a>, in association with <a href="https://www.gatherfibersymposium.com/">Gather 2025</a>, a month-long exploration and celebration of fiber and textile art in Greater Boston, and with permission of Concord Natural Resources Division. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Weaving">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Weaving</a> for more information about special engagements, wayfinding, artist bios, and background to the exhibition. ACCESS: The Umbrella is wheelchair accessible, with ADA parking and marked all-gender bathrooms available. There is assessed parking for visitors to the Brister's Hill site on Walden Street, just north of the intersection with Route 2. More details on our website.

PRIDE

Realizing that they share common foes in Margaret Thatcher, the police, and the conservative press, London-based gay and lesbian activists lend their support to striking miners in 1984 Wales. Dramedy • 2 hrs 14&nbsp;mins • Rated R Optional pre-ordered dinner at 6:30; Film tickets and additional concessions available at the door Delicious meal options are available as an add-on from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adelitaconcord.com/">Saltbox Kitchen</a>

Learning How to Read by Moonlight

While his mother struggles to earn money in New York City and his father waits alone in Manila for their daily phone calls, six-year-old Eddie learns English from his imaginary friend. Between the War on Drugs in the Philippines and the anti-immigrant movement in the United States threatening their humanity, will this undocumented family be able to pursue their dreams and address unspoken truths? A musical and multilingual journey of childlike wonder, Gaven D. Trinidad’s “Learning How to Read by Moonlight” is equal parts playful, poignant, and hella Pinoy. To spotlight Boston’s own community leaders and activism, a new narrator (a fellow artist, community organizer, or elected official) joins the storytelling every night. “Learning How to Read by Moonlight” is spoken in English and Tagalog with subtitles. All tickets are Pay-What-You-Want! May 16 – 24, 2025 at Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre (Boston, MA) May 29 – June 1, 2025 at Pao Arts Center (Boston, MA) June 5-June 8, 2025 at The Umbrella Arts Center (Concord, MA) Find information and tickets at: https://companyone.org/learning-how-to-read-by-moonlight/

SPRING ADULTS: Introduction to Drawing

This beginner-friendly course is designed for adults who want to develop their drawing skills, explore creative expression, and build confidence in their artistic abilities. Through hands-on exercises and guided instruction, students will learn fundamental techniques such as line drawing, shading, perspective, and composition. Using a variety of drawing tools, including pencil, charcoal, and ink, participants will practice observational drawing, still life, and life sketching. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process of learning to see and draw the world around you. Course Materials:&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/sites/default/files/Brian%20Corey%20Introduction%20to%20Drawing.pdf">Intro to Drawing</a>

An Evening with Tituss Burgess

Emmy and SAG-nominated TITUSS BURGESS has quickly emerged as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and dynamic performers, with his work in television, film, and theater generating both critical and commercial acclaim. Tituss most recently starred as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. He was seen on TV in Season 2 of the hit Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon!. Tituss starred in the hit Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (nominations for four consecutive Emmy Awards, a SAG Award, and two Critics’ Choice TV Awards). He reprised his role in the Netflix interactive special Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Tituss starred alongside Jane Krakowski in Center Of The YOUniverse for Audible, a musical comedy he co-created and which had a sold out run at The Minetta Lane Theatre and is now available to hear on Audible. In film, Tituss starred in the MGM Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, and in the Netflix films Set It Up and Dolemite Is My Name. He also co-starred in the animated musical comedy series Central Park for Apple TV+, for which he was nominated for his sixth Emmy Award. Next up: Spellbound (Netflix). A veteran of the stage, Burgess made his Broadway debut as ‘Eddie’ in Good Vibrations and has played ‘Hal Miller’ in Jersey Boys, ’Nicely-Nicely Johnson’ in the 2009 revival of Guys and Dolls, and ’Sebastian’ in The Little Mermaid. Concessions will be available for purchase. Please note: Seating for these performances will be assigned by The Umbrella. For ADA/ADA companion needs, or if you would like to request your parties be seated together, please contact <a href="mailto:boxoffice@theumbrellaarts.org">boxoffice@theumbrellaarts.org</a>.

American Fiction - The Umbrella Film Series

Enjoy the best of classic, independent, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project, with pre-show dinner options. WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025 at 7:30pm In this acclaimed satire, Monk is a frustrated novelist who's fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own -- a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. Dramedy/Satire Directed by Cord Jefferson (2023) 1 hr 57 mins Rated R Film Tickets: $10 Optional pre-ordered dinner at 6:30; Film tickets and additional concessions available at the door. Delicious meal options are available as an add-on from Adelita! Pre-show dinner options from Adelita are an additional $31; the deadline to order meals is Tuesday, May 20 at 12:00pm; dinner quantities are limited.

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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

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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.

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Experiences

The Counter

Tick, Tick... BOOM!

The Umbrella Concert Series in partnership with Salt Lick Incubator presents Salt Lick Sessions

The Umbrella Winter Market

Holiday Pops Concert with the Firebird Pops Orchestra

Free Family Day at The Umbrella Arts Center

Weaving An Address - Curator Tour and Author Talk

Free Family Day at The Umbrella Arts Center

Weaving an Address

PRIDE

Learning How to Read by Moonlight

SPRING ADULTS: Introduction to Drawing

An Evening with Tituss Burgess

American Fiction - The Umbrella Film Series

The Spitfire Grill