Twice the Speed of Bliss

Twice the Speed of Bliss Paintings and Drawings by Kat O'Connor January 13 - March 23, 2025 Opening Reception February 13, 6PM On view in The Umbrella Arts Center Allie Kussin Gallery are recent paintings and drawings by Kat O’Connor, a full-time artist and art instructor living outside of Boston, Massachusetts.&nbsp; Her work has been included in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States. She is a Copley Master with the Copley Society of Artists and was honored with a Co/So Fellowship and Residency at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown Massachusetts in 2023, and was a 2021 Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts Resident. She was awarded a Mass Cultural Council Fellowship for her drawings and two ArtsWorcester Material Needs Grants. She has lead painting classes in Texas, New Mexico, Italy, Greece, and throughout New England. O’Connor works in watercolor, acrylic, oil, and drawing media.&nbsp; Her work can be viewed at <a href="http://katopaints.com/">katopaints.com</a> and @katopaints.

The Umbrella Arts Center

Where We Belong

February 28 - March 23 The Umbrella Stage Company presents the New England premiere of Mohegan theatre-maker Madeline Sayet’s ground-breaking one-woman show, Where We Belong.   With great humor, insight and imaginative storytelling, the autobiographical play weaves together indigenous history, Shakespeare, colonialism, cultural legacy, the power of language and legend. It recounts Sayet’s 2015 journey to England to pursue a PhD in Shakespeare, in the shadow of the Brexit vote. Moving between nations that have failed to reckon with their ongoing roles in colonialism, she grapples with what it means to remain or leave her own home at Mohegan, but finds comfort following in the footsteps of her ancestors who traveled to England in the 1700s to help her people. Performed for the first time by an artist other than Sayet herself, the show has been completely restaged by fellow director and playwright Tara Moses. Its staging in Concord during the semiquincentennial of the “shot heard round the world” raises timely questions of whose stories about history are told, how, by whom, and in what language. The show runs Feb. 28-Mar. 23, including a special Student Group Matinee Wed. Mar. 12 at 4PM, and select performances will feature engagement opportunities including optional pre-show catered dinners on Thursdays, childcare through The Umbrella’s Kid-Care program for parents interested in attending the March 9 matinee, and others. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See <a href="https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/WWB">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/WWB</a> for more information. Student: $20 Senior: $45 Adult: $48

Ways of My Ancestors – Imagery: Lighting the Path to Awareness

<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/ways-my-ancestors">“Ways of My Ancestors – Imagery: Lighting the Path to Awareness”</a> features photographic work by Scott Strong Hawk Foster that celebrates the rich, diverse, and resilient cultures of the Native Peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands of North America. Foster is a Native American photographer and an enrolled member of Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band with proud Mohegan and Cherokee lineage. His work has been exhibited at the Danforth Museum, Worcester Art Museum, Boston City Hall, and other venues. On view through March 23 in The Umbrella’s Wedge Gallery, this exhibition reflects Foster’s travels within his home state of Massachusetts and throughout the ancestral homelands of the Native American Peoples of New England.&nbsp; While attending powwows, cultural events, workshops, and Indigenous practices that span millennia, his passion has become highlighting cultures and history of the Indigenous peoples that are still here and living amongst us. Both the opening reception March 5, 6PM and Artist Talk, March 9, 1-2PM are free and open to the public. The exhibition runs concurrently with The Umbrella Stage Company’s<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/wwb"> Where We Belong</a> by Mohegan playwright Madeline Sayet in The Umbrella’s Black Box theater. Both are presented as part of The Umbrella’s programs recognizing the American semiquincentennial. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Foster"> https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Foster</a>

The Umbrella Concert Series in partnership with Salt Lick Sessions

The Umbrella Arts Center is excited to expand <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/concerts">The Umbrella Concert Series</a> to include casual and intimate shows spotlighting some of your future-favorite musical acts who are up-and-coming through the Salt Lick Incubator program. Up next: Grace Gardner, Sofia Lafuente, and Farayi Malek! <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yRBlQnEPNnucMU0lAaxCt">Grace Gardner</a> Raised on the outskirts of a Texas city and now living in New England, Grace Gardner is pushing the boundaries of the singer-songwriter genre. While their music adopts many of the genre’s characteristics, Grace has found inspiration in their parents’ taste in ’70s and ’80s rock, the folk roots of their Southern upbringing, the heart of the sounds of New Orleans—where they studied neuroscience in college—and the lyric-forward storytelling they always return to. Taking it one step further, producing all of their own music allows Grace to maintain a personal, authentic touch in each of their songs. Their lyricism is evocative and emotional, poignantly capturing the joys and tribulations of relationships, recovery, and identity—typically backdropped by thoughtful guitar and intricate production. Grace’s inspirations include eclectic powerhouse writers from the 1970s—Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Labi Siffre, and Joan Baez. As they honed their own musical style, finding the intersection between soft rock, indie, and folk, they’ve drawn further inspiration from artists like Madison Cunningham, Adrianne Lenker, Andy Shauf, and Madi Diaz. Grace plays ten instruments and incorporates orchestral, brass, percussive, and software-based elements into their work. Along with being a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Grace is also a producer and arranger. Grace’s debut EP, *Peach*, was released in March 2023, featuring the lead single “Deny Me.” They have joined artists such as Adam Melchor, Frances Forever, and Tiny Habits on their headline tours and will embark on their first headline tour in early 2025. Their sophomore EP, *Recovery Mile*, was released in February 2024, and their third project, *After Knowing*, is due at the very end of 2024, preceded by a co-release with Buffchick entitled “Big Picture.” Check her out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @gracegardnermusic. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5SXczWBfDpzmhTiMvNyMo9">Sofia Lafuente</a> Sofia Lafuente is a Spanish-American artist and songwriter whose bicultural, bilingual upbringing shapes her introspective, emotionally charged music. Split between Miami and Madrid, she has quickly made a name for herself in the Latin alternative scene. Her ethereal vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her a dedicated following. Inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, early Shakira, and Lizzy McAlpine, Sofia’s music resonates with listeners drawn to vulnerability and emotional depth. Beyond her solo work, she is a sought-after songwriter, known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. With a growing industry presence, she continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as an artist to watch. <a href="https://www.farayimalek.com/">Farayi Malek</a> Farayi Malek has traveled the world through music as a Grammy-nominated vocalist with Danilo Perez’ Global Messengers; and now musically, she’s going back to her own roots. From the American folk music and hymns of her childhood, to the blues and jazz she studied, Farayi brings all of the diverse sounds and experiences of her life into resonant songs that allow her effortless vocals to shine. The Salt Lick Incubator award-winner will be releasing her debut EP March 27th, 2025. When she is not performing and recording, Farayi shares her vast musical knowledge as a professor at various esteemed institutions including Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory. Check her out on Instagram @Farayi.Malek. Catch a sneak peek at the artists on <a href="https://wers.org/salt-lick-sessions/">WERS Salt Lick Sessions</a> before catching them live at The Umbrella!

The Alchemy of A Life: Selected Works by Thorpe Feidt

Selected Works by the late prolific Ipswich-based painter Thorpe Feidt on view October 1 – December 16, 2024 Thorpe Feidt&nbsp;(1940-2024) was a prolific painter based out of Ipswich, MA,&nbsp;and was a beloved professor of art and art history at Montserrat College, where he began teaching in 1973. One of his most significant projects was a series called&nbsp;The Ambiguities, which started in 1975 and was inspired by Herman Melville’s book,&nbsp;Pierre, or The Ambiguities. Although Melville’s book didn’t receive much praise from the public, Feidt found a deep connection to it and created his series as a response. His early paintings in&nbsp;The Ambiguities&nbsp;featured darker colors and themes, but as the series evolved, he became known for vibrant bursts of color. Towards the end of his life, after being diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2018, his works shifted back to that initial darkness, symbolizing a return to his beginnings. Now on view at The Umbrella Arts Center, a selection of Feidt’s work spans some 30 years of his career over two floors of The Umbrella Arts Center, much of available for bidding in a new online auction. Learn more at <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/feidt">https://theumbrellaarts.org/feidt</a>

Holiday Pops Concert

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30pm Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00pm Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 7:30pm Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00pm The Umbrella Stage Company in partnership with The Firebird Pops Orchestra is thrilled to announce the return of our holiday pops concert! The orchestra will sweep you away with magical scores from seasonal favorites like Sleigh Ride and The Eighth Candle, classics including The Christmas Song, the beloved sing-along--plus a new holiday favorite, Rocket Sleigh (by Boston-based composer Delvyn Case)! Fun for the whole family--enjoy seasonal favorites at concessions, fun activities for the kids during intermission, and the chance to sing along together in celebration. It's sure to be a magical event! And because last season's concerts were completely sold out, we're glad to say that we've added extra performances this year to meet demand, but don't delay! Ticket prices: Adult: $55 Senior: $50 Student (ages 6+): $20 Child (under 6): $10 * exclusive of administrative ticketing fees <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftheumbrellaarts.org%2Fpops%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3IZk4A7kPHvkwZghjMIkRnJU0NO9ai_6bFLIsyRMreFMSfsFGbF33lygY_aem_QZWpH4fPk8M8eKNQbdyEjQ&amp;h=AT2xqXq9DYZGmNkDpcUVgFGWLy6cOBONXhdrl1Qm_7ewcZNoZFVfmwkNvpFwbrS3-5h7wS7Dm8vQ9MzScbjLMlUKAoQwg1qAcBlmjLUre8o0wL9addSlgnTHF3zU66UNcQ&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT0gRccksM6xfzBFbaDwBXmycMJkpKrLMkwj2nEsvkKsJtnpUvhP5RFv8tLI3gt0msfcNHuHVp-cb2xusd2hMCJ8y0LJ5q4Ets4c4Ai8kW9PVDWyczPwv6T87HGrABiYK308ZgrjFSi2AgeI_ePZ84EEVERwYhzFj-dy3w">https://theumbrellaarts.org/pops</a>

The Umbrella Winter Market 

Friday, December 6, 2024 1:00pm - 6:00pm Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday, December 8, 2024 10:00am - 4:00pm The Umbrella’s <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/wm">Winter Market</a> is an annual three-day show and sale of artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of our beautifully renovated space in Concord, MA. It features dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists, regional Guest Artists, an annual “Off-the-Wall” show with small works under $350, Ceramics Program holiday sale, Arts Education Free Drop-In Family Day activities, a Ceramic Keepsake-making workshop on Saturday, and more. Plus, view the “<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Feidt">The Alchemy of a Life: Selected Works by Thorpe Feidt</a>” Gallery Exhibition, and enjoy refreshments provided by <a href="https://mainstreetsmarketandcafe.com/">Main Streets Market &amp; Cafe</a>.

Salt Lick Incubator - Tonina, Chance Emerson and Micah Edwards @ The Umbrella

Friday, November 22, 2024 – 7:30pm The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA welcomes 3 future-favorite emerging music acts up-and-coming through the Salt Lick Incubator program: Tonina, Chance Emerson, and Micah Edwards. Tonina is a St. Louis-raised, Brooklyn-based vocalist, bassist and writer who brings a rich blend of Jazz, Folk , and Latin boleros into her music, deeply influenced by their Sicilian and Black heritage and passion for storytelling. Her artistry spans singing, bass playing and songwriting creating an innovative sound that blends tradition with contemporary edge. As a songwriter, Chance Emerson doesn’t observe and report. He lives and responds, mining his unique experiences growing up between Hong Kong and Maine to forge his compelling brand of melodic folk-rock. A descendant of the essayist and transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, Chance is the son of a Taiwanese mother and American father. When he decided to move across the world to Providence, Rhode Island to pursue his studies, it didn’t take long before a growing passion for singing and writing his own songs overtook his original trajectory. He began performing up and down the Northeast corridor, headlining clubs to fervent followers and supporting established acts such as Johnnyswim, Brett Dennen, Eli Young Band, Lawrence, Ripe, Blues Traveler, and Nancy Wilson’s Heart. Micah Edwards emerges as a luminary in the contemporary music scene, blending soulful melodies with profound lyricism garnished with a buttery twang. On his much anticipated new project, he drives a stake in the ground solidifying himself squarely as: Mr. Texas Soul. On October 26, the three artists were featured on WERS Radio’s Salt Lick Sessions (<a href="https://wers.org/listenagain/">https://wers.org/listenagain/</a>) and they will appear together for the first time at The Umbrella on Fridfay November 22, expanding the new concert partnership that began in October 2023 with the inaugural Salt Lick performance featuring Julia Pratt, Alisa Amador, and Tiny Habits, headlined by Brandi Carlile. ABOUT SALT LICK INCUBATOR Founded in 2022 by this year’s Elizabeth Cochary Gross Stewardship of the Arts recipient, Roger Brown, the nonprofit <a href="https://www.saltlickincubator.org/">Salt Lick Incubator</a> is reshaping the landscape for artists by providing support, grants, essential career guidance, and exposure to new audiences through such vehicles as WERS Radio’s <a href="https://wers.org/salt-lick-sessions/">Salt Lick Sessions</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Et5czMwRoISrmKfzMt4nw">Salt Lick YouTube channel</a>. Led by an illustrious artist advisory board including T Bone Burnett, Jon Batiste, Patrice Rushen and more, its unwavering commitment to fostering diverse, emerging musicians is a testament to its belief in the transformative power of music. ABOUT THE UMBRELLA The Umbrella is a multidiscplinary regional arts center comprising robust arts education, performing arts, and visual and public art programs in the heart of the historic Concord Center Cultural District. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org</a>.

Now. Here. This.

The Umbrella Stage Company is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “Now. Here. This.” – a musical jaunt that explores humor, heart, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of cosmic adventures, four friends share stories about identity, laughter, living, and middle school, all while attempting to step directly into the elusive “present moment.” Hailed by The New York Times as “a blend of good humor and good feeling with an audience-embracing brio that never flags” this new show comes from the creative minds behind "[title of show]".&nbsp; More than just a musical, it's a celebration of life, love, connection, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Running Oct. 4-Nov. 10 (press opening Thursday Oct. 10, 7:30PM), the show will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of Network, the hard-hitting satire based on the classic film. Select performances will feature additional engagement opportunities for audience members:<ul><li>Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances</li><li>Talk Back scheduled following performance on Nov. 7</li><li>Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for parents interested in attending the Oct. 27 matinee&nbsp;</li></ul>The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/NHT" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/NHT</a> for more information.&nbsp;

Network

Nearly a half-century after Paddy Chayefsky’s chillingly prescient, Oscar-winning black comedy Network became a cinematic classic, Lee Hall’s potent and provocative new stage adaptation remains as relevant as ever as we grapple with truth, authenticity, and the search for meaning in a digital age. Veteran news anchor Howard Beale isn't pulling in the viewers. But when his on-air meltdown sparks a revolution, Howard suddenly becomes the biggest thing on TV – a ”mad prophet of the airwaves” determined to speak truth to power, but buffeted by industrial, political and economic forces with ultimately dire consequences. Hall’s adaptation "takes on fresh fury in a sizzling stage production...that feels less satiric but more urgent" (Variety) in today’s polarized and media-saturated landscape. Fittingly, this production is helmed by Ashley Kelly Tata, a noted multimedia director whose immersive works have been called “fervently inventive,” by the New York Times. Like the award-winning West End and Broadway productions, The Umbrella’s production will employ thoroughly integrated multimedia storytelling elements evocative of the film’s masterful use of television ads and industrial sets, courtesy of innovative NYC-based designer Afsoon Pajoufar. “Network remains one of the most remarkable, if not eerily prescient films of all time,” says Producing Artistic Director Brian Boruta. “That something written almost 50 years ago could speak so singularly to our present moment is astonishing. It’s a thrill to bring this landmark play to The Umbrella’s stage.” The cast features some of Boston’s biggest names like Barlow Adamson, Amy Barker, Steve Barkhimer, Will McGarrahan, and Bill Mootos as Howard Beale. Running Sept. 20-Nov. 3 (press opening Friday Sept. 27, 7:30PM), the play will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of Now. Here. This, a new musical from the team that brought you [title of show], that tackles life's big questions with inimitable humor and humanity. Select performances will feature additional engagement opportunities for audience members: ● Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances  ● Talk Backs are scheduled following performances on Oct. 13 and Oct. 24  ● Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for parents interested in attending the Oct. 13 matinee The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Network">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Network</a> for more information.

"Reflections: Selfhood/Motherhood" Opening Reception

The Umbrella Arts Center invites the public to an opening reception for the new visual arts exhibition, "Reflections: Selfhood/Motherhood," featuring work by 2023/2024 Umbrella Artists-in-Residence, Jasmine Chen and Catherine LeComte Lecce, in the Allie Kussin Main Gallery. Also on view is "random assembly" in the Main Hall Display, with artwork by Umbrella Ceramic Studio Artist-in-Residence Kyle Johns. These exhibitions are on view from June 28 through September 2, 2024. For more information see <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Exhibitions" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Exhibitions</a>

Earthworks: Tradition, Influence, Innovation

Juried by Ayumi Horie,&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/earthworks" target="_blank">Earthworks: Tradition, Influence, Innovation</a>&nbsp;is a regional show celebrating the depth of history, tradition, and cultural expression in contemporary ceramics, and the ways in which artists continue to expand the field through innovation and reinterpretation.&nbsp;As part of The Umbrella Arts Center’s continued commitment to the ceramic medium, we intend for this show to highlight emerging and established artists working in clay.&nbsp;This show will invite artists currently residing in New England, honoring the skill, knowledge, and diversity of our regional ceramics community. Work both functional and sculptural is included. Prizes will be awarded: Best in show: $1,000 Juror’s choice: 5 awards at $100 each. Saturday, May 18, 2024 11:30-1pm – Lecture Demonstration by Ellen Schön “Open to New Technology: 3D Printing in Clay!”&nbsp;Learn more and register&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/ellen-sch%C3%B6n-open-new-technology-3d-printing-clay" target="_blank">here</a> 2-4pm&nbsp;–&nbsp;Opening Reception LinesWhite22 by Lauren Nauman

TAPPED IN: Moving Hearts and Minds Through Arts and Science

April 11 - June 8,&nbsp; 2024 Curators: Linda Booth Sweeney and Stephanie Marlin-Curiel&nbsp; Opening Reception, Mixer and Panel Discussion: April 11, 5-7PM Youth Forward Climate Action Day, April 20, 1-5PM On view at The Umbrella Arts Center April 11 - June 8, <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/tapped-in" target="_blank">“TAPPED IN: Moving Hearts and Minds Through Arts and Science”</a> is an innovative art installation at the intersection of climate communications, art, and science that combines outdoor public art with an indoor educational gallery display.&nbsp; Inspired by the concept of 'edges' in ecosystems, the exhibition brings together ten pairs of well-regarded artists and climate scientists/activists to collaboratively&nbsp; visualize fresh perspectives on climate change, CO2 mitigation and action.&nbsp; Artists and Scientists: Adria Arch and&nbsp; Sara Seager, Deputy Science Director of the MIT-led NASA mission, TESS; Freedom Baird and Daniella Malin, Senior Program Director, Agriculture &amp; Climate, Sustainable Food Lab; Lisa Barthelson and Juliana Birnbaum, Senior Editor and Program Director, Project Regeneration; Casey Figueroa and Terrius Harris, Obama Scholar, Artist, Advocate, Educator and Strategist on Indigenous, Climate and Economic Issues; Raquel Fornasaro and Professor John Sterman, Director MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative; Mags Harries and Nadia Szeinbaum, Senior Scientist, Beyond Meat; Michelle Lougee and William Moomaw, Emeritus Professor of International Environmental Policy, Tufts University; Ilana Manolson and Janine Benyus, Co-Founder, Biomimicry Institute; Victor Pacheco and Paul Krishen, Professor, School for the Environment Research Director, Stone Living Lab, University of Massachusetts, Boston; and Nancy Selvage and Josh Goldman, Project Leader, Greener Grazing. Central to the inspiration for this exhibit is the Climate Bathtub analogy, which makes complex concepts of greenhouse gas pollutants (faucet outflow), atmospheric CO2 concentration (tub), and climate change mitigation (drain) accessible to individuals of all ages. Outdoors interpretative sculptures reflecting the bathtub metaphor’s systems dynamics will express an art/science collaborative vision for our climate future. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. RELATED ACTIVITIES Thursday, April 11, 5-7:30PM Opening reception and environmental mixer, artist-scientist panel discussion, and remarks by public officials and the curators. Saturday, April 20, 1-5PM Youth Forward Climate Action Day, featuring Mend-a-thon, Youth-led guided tours, Free Family Fun Activity, “Heartbeat Space” projection installation by Casey Figueroa, Eco Slow Fashion Show, and other activities. This event is offered in association with the Cooler Concord Festival. April 2 - May 5 Global Warming Series 2018-2023 On view in the second floor gallery, the complimentary exhibition,, features watercolor monotypes by self-described apocoloptimist, artist Jane Goldman. Opening reception Saturday, April 27, 3-5PM. For additional detail, event schedules, artist statements and bios, images, directions and more visit <a href="http://theumbrellaarts.org/Tapped-In" target="_blank">TheUmbrellaArts.org/Tapped-In</a>

Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life

&nbsp;In 1835, 12-year-old Ellen Garrison marched in the Concord bicentennial parade, the only person of color to participate, launching her into a life of civil rights activism. Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life, the latest Half the History film from Five Sisters Productions and Tufts University, highlights key moments in Garrison’s career, from the parade to her teaching in the South after the Civil War, to her challenging segregation in a Baltimore trail station waiting room in 1866, a century before Rosa Parks. The film emerges as the town’s Concord 250 committee has sought to plan an expansive and inclusive commemoration of its history and role at the start of the American Revolution, and the semiquincentennial of “the shot heard round the world” coming up on April 19, 2025. Garrison was born and raised in The Robbins House in 1823, granddaughter and daughter of formerly enslaved men including grandfather, Caesar Robbins, a farmer and Revolutionary War veteran, and father, Jack Garrison, who escaped slavery in New Jersey. A Town proclamation marking her 200th birthday on April 14, 2023, became the first formal Concord 250 event, followed in 2024 with a celebratory event with film preview at the historic Concord Armory.&nbsp; This June 8, 2024, The Umbrella Arts Center will host the world premiere screening of&nbsp; Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life, directed by Jennifer Burton and Ursula Burton and produced by Five Sisters Productions and Julie Dobrow, with the Tufts Production Team. The short film will be followed by a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary and an interactive discussion with members of the filmmaking team, Concord 250, and The Robbins House. This event is free and open to the public, but with limited capacity, so RSVP in advance is requested at <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Ellen" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Ellen</a>. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries.

The Full Monty

The Umbrella Stage Company presents the beloved, raucous, pop-rock-musical send-up of gender expectations and stereotypes... that takes it all off! April 26-May 19 Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty is a ten-time Tony-nominated Americanized adaptation that’s filled with honest affection, engaging melodies, a ton of humor…and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show! While spying on their wives at a "Girls' Night Out," a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo sees how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed; not merely physically but emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they're stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to "let it go." Right to the end, audiences will be wondering if these lovable misfits will really pull it off.&nbsp; Conceived by the powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) with a raucous mix of razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, this heartwarming, upbeat comedy features an ensemble cast of some of Boston’s favorite actors directed for The Umbrella Stage Company by multi-Elliot Norton Award winner Leigh Barrett. Select performances will feature additional audience engagement opportunities including: Optional Thursday-night Dinner &amp; A Show Packages, post-show Talk Backs, and childcare for parents interested in attending the May 5 matinee through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program. The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. This show is Rated R and contains strong language, adult themes, attempted self-harm, and brief nudity. Audience members should use their judgment about attendance. See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/Monty" target="_blank">https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Monty</a> for more information.&nbsp;

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.