The Gospel of the Negro League

Experience an intimate exhibition dedicated to the remarkable surviving players of the Negro League. Rube Foster established The Negro Leagues in 1920 as African Americans were not permitted to play Major League Baseball for 70 years. This league allowed athletes of color to participate in organized games against each other and offered a form of entertainment for fans. The events showcased notable athletic skills. After Major League Baseball integrated in 1947, allowing Jackie Robinson to join, The Negro Leagues began to decline. The best players of color were selected to join Major League Baseball, resulting in diminished interest in The Negro Leagues. Despite these challenges, The Negro Leagues persisted until 1961.s. For the past two decades, artist Bill Chapman has dedicated considerable time to Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, where he honors and photographs surviving players.

Multicultural Arts Center

Echoes: Love and Freedom

Let’s launch summer together with love and pride!  Join us at Centanni Park for an unforgettable night of music, movement, and liberation featuring the powerhouse vocals of Eva Davenport, the revolutionary dance artistry of The Haus of Glitter, the fierce presence of Kweeng Doll, and the soulful energy of EduArdo Omondi. This is more than a show, it’s a celebration of identity, joy, and unapologetic expression.  Centanni Park is located outside the Multicultural Arts Center at 41 Second St. Cambridge, MA.

Centanni Park

The Divine Feminine: A Journey of Transformation

The Divine Feminine is more than an idea—it is a force, a lineage, and a calling. In The Divine Feminine: A Journey of Transformation, Lisa Marie Williams invites us into a deeply personal and spiritual exploration of self-discovery, guided by the wisdom of goddesses and ancestors who have illuminated her path. Through a rich tapestry of hand-crafted prints, fabric, oil paint, acrylic paint, acrylic ink, recycled materials, and gold leaf, Williams brings to life the stages of transformation she has experienced. Each piece reflects both her personal evolution and the sacred presence of those who have guided her—goddesses and ancestors who whisper through the textures, layers, and luminous details of her work.

Moonflower: A Musical Journey of Healing and Transformation

Join us for an immersive evening of music and healing as we kick off the Arts and Action season with Moonflower, a soul-stirring performance by singer-songwriter, producer, and performer Maddie Lam. Known for her deeply autobiographical and spiritual artistry, Maddie’s music is both an intimate exploration of the human heart and a reflection of the healing journey. Her ethereal soundscapes invite listeners to experience music as a form of self-expression and renewal. Opening the evening is musician Pearl Scott, setting the stage for a night that promises to transcend and transform. Together, Maddie and Pearl will guide the audience through a powerful atmosphere of reflection and release, leaving them uplifted and inspired.

An Evening with Carl Allen: Jazz Rhythms and Legacy

The Multicultural Arts Center is honored to present an unforgettable evening with legendary jazz drummer Carl Allen! With over 200 recordings to his name, Allen’s career spans nearly three decades, embodying the rich legacy of jazz and offering profound, propulsive rhythms that have supported and shaped countless performances. Join us for an evening that celebrates Carl Allen’s musical mastery and influence on the world of jazz. This performance promises to captivate and inspire, as Allen brings his vast experience and passion to the stage for an intimate night of live music.

CROWN: Hair Show

Attend a spectacular Hair Show in tandem with the Multicultural Arts Center’s new exhibit CROWN: A Celebration of Black Hair! This is not just a show—it’s a party! Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in a vibrant evening of live exhibitions, art, and celebration. The night will feature stunning Black hair models styled by the talented Mannette Dione, showcasing the artistry and diversity of Black hair. Guests can enjoy live hair demonstrations, witness art through live painting, and dance the night away with beats provided by the incredible DJ Knszwrth. Vendors will also be on-site, offering unique products, including jewelry and haircare essentials.

The GloBall Gala

Are you interested in supporting local performers, the visual arts, and global cultures, all under one roof? Look no further than the Multicultural Arts Center’s inaugural gala, The GloBall. Held at the historic Multicultural Arts Center in East Cambridge, this vibrant event will unite the community for a night of global inspiration and cultural exchange.  An evening emceed by the incredible Danielle Johnson, of SparkFM Radio, with delicious foods and desserts from local sponsors including Bakers Best Catering and Roundtable, and the upbeat brass and percussion from Eguie Castrillo &amp; his Salsa Orchestra. The GloBall is one event you sure won’t want to miss.

Hear Her Sing for Freedom

Hear Her Sing for Freedom returns to the stage to honor the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King and her remarkable contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. In Hear Her Sing for Freedom, audiences will be transported to a time when Mrs. King used her voice as a tool for change, presenting Freedom Concerts that carried the soul of the Civil Rights Movement. This performance invites viewers to imagine what it might have been like to witness Coretta Scott King on stage, singing gospel hymns and stirring the spirit of freedom. Showtimes: Friday, Jan 17 at 8:00pm Saturday Jan 18 at 8:00pm Sunday, Jan 19 at 2:00pm

Resa Blatman: Little Green Opening Reception

Join us to celebrate the opening of Little Green, a body of work by artist Resa Blatman. In Little Green, Blatman uses paintings, drawings, and mixed-media installations to explore humanity's role in the rapidly changing environment. Her surrealist artworks portray turbulent skies in an unsettling world entrenched by mounds of tiny moss. Themes of death, rebirth, unknowing, mournfulness, and joy reside here alongside gratitude, compassion, and earthly love.

Robin M. Chandler: Medicine JOY!

Join us to hear from artist Robin M. Chandler to discuss the works from her current exhibition Medicine JOY! Re-Writing Mixed Identities. Medicine JOY! is an exhibition of Robin Chandler’s current and previous work as it reflects her lived histories among diverse global communities (especially Brazil and South Africa) and as a person of color raised in Cambridge in the 1950’s. In addition to the artist talk, there will be a film screening on mixed identities by award-winning filmmaker Oldren Romero.

From Away

“From Away” is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of manhood in current America, as seen through the eyes of Robert Sapiro, a white man raising a white son in an increasingly complex world. With a blend of humor and heart, Sapiro dives into critical topics such as race, misogyny, and identity, offering a candid perspective that is as enlightening as it is entertaining.

Artist in Residence Performance

This inaugural&nbsp;Artist&nbsp;in Residency Project at the&nbsp;Multicultural&nbsp;Arts&nbsp;Center features the work of choreographer and dance leader, Dalin Celamy. Centered on queer black male love and drawing from Celamy’s personal journey as a queer, black&nbsp;artist&nbsp;of Haitian descent, this performance delves into the complexities of love in its various forms—friendships, partnerships, family, and self-love—drawing from his own experiences navigating masculinity and expressions of love. Join us on Saturday, October 4th, at 7:30 pm to experience this dynamic and immersive show that intertwines themes of love and masculinity within the Haitian identity.

The Blues Runs Through It

A unique contemporary interpretation of jazz and blues music from its beginnings in 1923, with songs by Alberta Hunter and Bessie Smith, to later music by Billie Holiday, Holland-Dozier-Holland and Abbey Lincoln. The music is presented by Vocalist Shelley Neill, Pianist Laszlo Gardony, Ron Mahdi on Bass and Yoron Israel on Drums. -Cash Only Wine Bar and Complimentary Hors D'Oeuvres at 7:00pm -Theatre Doors Open at 7:30pm with Concert at 8:00pm

Closing Party Dance Battle

Celebrate the end of Summer with a lively dance battle! Prepare to witness the ultimate clash of talent as we bring you an extraordinary all-styles battle emceed by the legendary Boston Hip-Hop dance icon, Megatron, with sounds by the incredible DJ Take Flyte. Whether you're a seasoned dancer ready to take the stage or a music lover looking for a night of good music, this closing party has something for everyone.

Seeing Red: A Fusion of Color, Fashion, and Art

We are excited to announce the upcoming group show Seeing Red: A Fusion of Color, Fashion, and Art. The exhibition features ten artists influenced by fashion history, aesthetics, and design. The artwork encompasses various mediums, including photography, textiles, painting, and sculpture. Throw on your favorite outfit and join us for an unforgettable evening at the opening reception on August 29, from 6pm to 8pm!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

joyraft.host54006

Experiences