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.

The Umbrella Arts Center

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/

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.

The Spitfire Grill

Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, The Umbrella Stage Company’s <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/sfg">The Spitfire Grill</a> follows the journey of Percy Talbott, a spirited young woman who perseveres through personal hardship, violence and incarceration to seek redemption in rural Wisconsin. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more – a second chance in a new community that she in turn transforms forever. The production is helmed by award-winning Director/Choreographer Ilyse Robbins, whose recent projects include last season’s Lizzie at The Umbrella, Noises Off (Lyric Stage), and the Elliot Norton Award-winning All is Calm (Greater Boston Stage Company) among others. The show’s rich score by James Valcq and Fred Alley is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistible charm. Percy Talbott is a spirited young woman seeking redemption. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more. Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, the musical’s rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistable charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community. Says Producing Artistic Director Brian Boruta, “The Spitfire Grill is one of those hidden gems that are rarely produced. Its focus on community, rediscovery, and transformation will uplift the spirit, and its soaring score will satisfy the soul. I can’t wait for audiences to discover, or rediscover The Spitfire Grill.” The show runs Apr. 25-May 18 (press opening Sunday Apr. 27, 3:00PM),&nbsp; and select performances will feature engagement opportunities: Dinner &amp; A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances Talk Backs scheduled following select performances Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for select performances “…soul-satisfying…freeing…penetrated by honesty and it glows.” – The New York Times “Soulful…the amiable country-flavored tunes and lyrics are rendered with the kind of conviction and expertise that make them transcendent…sheer nourishment.” – New York Magazine Presented by The Umbrella Stage Company, Concord, MA, Apr 25 – May 18, 2025. Directed by Ilyse Robbins.

Concord250 Event: Concord Triptych Film Screenings

May 17, 2025, 3PM The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater 144 Five Sisters Productions and the Tufts University Half the History Film Project return to The Umbrella Arts Center to present a program of three locally shot short films about impactful women in Concord history. The featured films will be: <ul><li>Margaret Lothrop and the Wayside (Premiere screening with new score)</li><li>Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life (Return engagement)</li><li>Women of the Old Manse (Sneak peek)</li></ul>Related family activities include FREE optional childcare (space pending) with teacher-led thematically related crafts during the screening, and a table display of Rise Up!, a new children’s book by Barefoot Books on revolutions and protest in U.S. history. Partners: The Umbrella Arts Center, Tufts University Half the History Film Project, The Robbins House, Barefoot Books, Concord 250, The Old Manse FREE

The Umbrella Open Studios 2025

Saturday, May 3 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday, May 4 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm For 2025, we’re delighted to welcome you to our studios and galleries! The Umbrella Arts Center is home to more than 60 working artists skilled in a variety of fine and applied arts including ceramics, glass, fiber arts, jewelry making, illustration, mixed-media, painting, photography, printmaking, illustration, sculpture, woodworking, writing and more. Our annual Open Studios is an incredible opportunity to meet our artists, learn about their process, and share in celebrating their work. PLUS, Ceramics Studio Sale, woodworking and crafts demos, refreshments, and free family-friendly activities! See <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/OS">https://theumbrellaarts.org/OS</a>

SPRING ADULTS: Intro to Acrylic Painting

Join us to create personalized and meaningful works of art. This course provides introductory fundamentals in working with acrylic based paints igniting creativity, fostering self-expression, and brings your imagination on canvas. This 8-week course is intended for new beginners and no experience is required. Course Materials List:&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/sites/default/files/Beginner%20Acrylic%20Painting%20Supply%20List.pdf">Intro to Acrylic Painting</a>

Waterworld: Techniques for Creative Expression and Wonder in Watercolor Painting

Watercolor Techniques class focused on learning and experimenting with many textures and methods that are useful for landscapes, still lives, figurative paintings and abstracts. A fun class where the spirit of experimentation and freedom are encouraged along with ways that these intriguing techniques can be incorporated into specific designs. Course materials list:&nbsp;<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/sites/default/files/Watercolor%20Class%20Supply%20List_UAC%20January%202025.pdf">Winter Waterworld</a>

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>

Dance Classes at The Umbrella Arts Center

<a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-burn">SPRING ADULTS: Burn</a> This all-levels strength and cardio class combines core-focused exercises, bodyweight resistance, heart-pumping cardio and flexibility work for a full-body burn. Build strength, increase endurance, and enhance mobility in a high-energy, sweat-inducing session that leaves you feeling powerful, accomplished, and ready for more! <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-burn">https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-burn</a> <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-forever-dancing-ages-70">SPRING ADULTS: Forever Dancing (ages 70+)</a> Rediscover the joy of movement in this fun and engaging dance fitness class designed specifically for older adults. Focused on improving mobility, stability, balance and coordination, this class incorporates gentle stretching and easy-to-follow dance sequences to encourage full-body wellness and vitality in an inclusive and supportive environment. Set to a dynamic playlist filled with hits from the 30’s through the 60’s, this class is designed to keep you forever fit, healthy and happy. No prior dance experience is required—just a positive spirit and a desire to move!&nbsp; <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-forever-dancing-ages-70">https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-forever-dancing-ages-70</a> <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-latin-rhythms">SPRING ADULTS: Latin Rhythms</a> Latin Rhythms is a dance fitness class that will keep you moving and smiling the entire time! Featuring rhythms from Puerto Rico to Africa, this introductory class focuses on Latin inspired movement and rhythms, such as salsa and merengue, and combines cardio, basic footwork and easy stretching to leave your body and soul feeling joyful. No dance experience is required. As such, all levels and ages are welcome to enjoy the collective energy of this fun-filled class. <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-latin-rhythms">https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-latin-rhythms</a> <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-salsa-rhythms">SPRING ADULTS: Salsa Rhythms</a> Salsa Rhythms is an all levels fusion dance class that introduces and builds upon the foundational movements of salsa to incorporate rhythms and movements from Cuba to Puerto Rico to Africa. This beginner friendly class is inspired by the varied rhythms and dances of salsa, from rumba to son, and combines mindfulness, footwork, choreography and stretching to leave your body and soul filled with joy. So, get out your dancing shoes and release your inner dancer as we dance the night away! <a href="https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-salsa-rhythms">https://theumbrellaarts.org/class/spring-adults-salsa-rhythms</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: Ellie Williams, Sofia Lafuente, and Farayi Malek! Ellie Williams Ellie Williams is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, known for her evocative blend of sounds inspired by Fleet Foxes, Maggie Rogers, and Norah Jones. With introspective lyrics, lush atmospheric production, and haunting melodies, Ellie’s music explores themes of self-reflection, queer identity, and personal growth. Her honest narratives not only shape inventive pop sounds but also create space for queer stories and voices to resonate and connect. With over 14 million streams across four singles and her debut EP Warning Signs, Ellie has cultivated a loyal fanbase and is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore EP in 2025. <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!&nbsp;

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.

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

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!

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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.

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S11: happening this weekend

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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

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S28: calendar experiences

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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.

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S2 (A): top experiences

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S3 (A): trending experiences

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S17: interest based

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100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

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Kid-friendly events in Boston

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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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