Newton Community Pride's Fall Village Concert Series: Alexander Xhoja Trio

<a href="https://www.alexanderxhoja.com/biography" target="_blank">Alexander Xhoja</a>&nbsp;is a recent Newton South High School graduate and currently attends Berklee College of Music. Alexander is a talented Jazz pianist and received a “Most Valuable Player” award by the Massachusetts Association of Jazz Education in 2023. He has won many state and regional awards for his musicianship, and plans to continue developing his craft while studying at Berklee. Joining him for this concert is bassist Lucy&nbsp;Southan and drummer,&nbsp;<a href="https://harshuupd.wixsite.com/mysite" target="_blank">Harshit Upadhyaya</a>&nbsp;Registration is suggested, but not required.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ncps-fall-village-concert-series-the-alexander-xhoja-trio-tickets-957489104687?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Register here</a>

The Allen Center for the Arts

Newton Community Pride's Fall Village Concert Series: Crowes Pasture

Join Monique Byrne and Andy Rogovin for a night of moving and inspirational songs. The duo,&nbsp;<a href="https://crowespastureduo.com/about" target="_blank">Crowes Pasture,</a>&nbsp;intimately blends vocal harmonies with a unique instrumental style that is best described as “a banjo-guitar romance.” The soulful folk duo has released two EPs and three full-length albums in just six-years, and they are presently recording their third full length album. The origin of the group’s name, Crowes Pasture, comes from the salt marsh and tidal flats on the north side of Cape Cod. Registration is suggested, but not required.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/957487058567?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Register here</a>

Suzuki School of Newton

Newton Community Pride's Fall Village Concert Series: Women in World Jazz Trio

<a href="https://womeninworldjazz.net/about/">Women in World Jazz Trio</a> is an all-female ensemble, featuring international performers from across the globe. The group showcases diverse musical styles and songs, hoping to give the audience a taste of all different cultures through their single performance. All of the group’s members have an extensive background in music and education, and the group was awarded the City of Newton New England – Universal Legendary Awards in 2019. Registration is suggested, but not required. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ncps-fall-village-concert-series-women-in-world-jazz-trio-tickets-957482695517?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register here</a>

TRIO Courtyard

Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts

Newton treasure&nbsp;<a href="https://olgalisovskayasoprano.weebly.com/about.html" target="_blank">Olga Lisovskaya</a>,&nbsp;a soprano from Kiev,&nbsp;Ukraine, stands out in the classical music world for her remarkable vocal talent and impactful performances. In this year’s festival she will be performing with a string quartet. Critically acclaimed for her “wonderful coloratura soprano” abilities, Lisovskaya has excelled in roles across a broad operatic repertoire but she is also a celebrated concert singer, having performed alongside renowned soloists from the Bolshoi Theater, The Met, and La Scala.&nbsp;As the Executive Director of Commonwealth Lyric Theater and a Director of Talents of the World, Inc., Lisovskaya plays a crucial role in advancing the arts community. She is also passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge and love for music with students of all ages and levels.

Hyde Bandstand

<a href="https://www.mattjenson.com/">Matt Jenson</a>, a renowned keyboardist, composer, arranger, and performer, leads a captivating homage to Bob Marley with his ensemble, presenting the reggae legend’s iconic songs with authenticity and fervor. Jenson’s diverse career features collaborations with music luminaries like Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley, Chinna Smith, and many more, underscoring his deep connection to Marley’s music and philosophy. <a href="https://artofreggae.com/author/art-of-reggae/">“The Music and Life of Bob Marley” Ensemble</a> is more than a performance – it’s an invitation to explore reggae’s heart, celebrating its messages of love, unity, and resistance and a unique opportunity to experience Bob Marley’s enduring impact, reinterpreted through Jenson’s visionary lens.

<a href="https://college.berklee.edu/people/dennis-montgomery" target="_blank">Dennis Montgomery III</a>&nbsp;grew up singing and playing in Babtist churches around the upper Louisiana area under the tutelage of his father and mother.&nbsp;Shortly after he arrived at Berklee in 1983, he headed for the gospel choir which he&nbsp;believes is a fundamental ingredient of the American experience for international students. Montgomery states, “When I was young, I had to learn European musical styles. So when foreign students come to Berklee, I think it is important to educate them in a true form of American music.” The choir has launched some premiere voices in the music industry such as Paula Cole, Lalah Hathaway, Susan Tedeschi, Claude Kelly, Rob Lewis, and Mark Whitfield.

“… Take a healthy dose of Sly and The Family Stone, add a liberal pinch of Stevie Wonder, put on your dancing shoes and boogie to the music of Thaddeus Hogarth …“– –Bruce Gelerman, NPR. &nbsp; So popular with Newton audiences, Thaddeus Hogarth is making his third appearance at the Festival of the Arts and our closing performance. Bring your dancing shoes because he is a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene. Recognized for his multifaceted talent as a guitarist, vocalist, harmonica player, songwriter and educator he draws from influences rich in a tapestry of genres including funk, blues, R&amp;B, and rock. His unique sound is characterized by a blend of soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and a deep understanding of groove, making him a standout artist in the industry. Hogarth's professional career is marked by a series of successful albums and collaborations that showcase his versatility and creativity.&nbsp; He has shared the stage with such legends as Tower of Power, Ernie Isley, Average White Band, Fred Wesley (James Brown), Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic), Matt Schofield, Steve Kimock, The Neville Brothers, Eric Gales, Johnny Winter, Donald Harrison and James Montgomery.

Amanda Shea is a distinguished spoken word artist, multidisciplinary creator, educator, and advocate, celebrated for her dynamic contributions to the arts and community activism. Her notable roles include hosting BAMSFest and numerous poetry events, leading youth workshops in spoken word, visual arts, and public speaking, and working as a publicist for hip-hop artist Brandie Blaze. Recognized among WBUR The ARTery's 25 artists of color shaping the cultural scene in 2021, Shea has significantly impacted the Boston arts community. &nbsp; In 2022, Shea was honored as the first Spoken Word Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards. Her work has been showcased in venues such as the Museum of Fine Arts and on TEDX and Netflix. Shea is also the driving force behind GBH's “Outspoken Saturdays,” offering a stage for poets in New England.&nbsp; Grey Held is a recipient of a NEA Fellowship in Creative Writing, and the 2019 Future Cycle Poetry Book Prize Winner. Three books of his poetry have been published. His poems have been included in numerous anthologies. He works with Newton arts organizations to direct projects that connect contemporary poets (and their poetry) with a wider audience. He is also a visual artist who, together with his wife, Leslie Held, has been creating public art in Newton – on doors for Newton OutDoors, on Artful Pianos, and on Jersey barriers repurposed (during Covid) to create outdoor dining places in village center parking spots.

Allen Center for the Arts

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ProArteQuartet/" target="_blank">Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra</a>&nbsp;is a collection of multi-talented and accomplished chamber musicians. They return to the Festival with a supergroup of talents. Violinist&nbsp;Julia&nbsp;Cash&nbsp;serves as the concertmaster of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and has held principal positions with Opera Boston and collaborates with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Boston Ballet. Cash’s international work includes being guest concertmaster with the Orchestra of the European Uni0n. She teaches at the New England Conservatory, Boston Latin School, and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. Her festival appearances include Academia Musicale Chigiana and Tanglewood, where she won The National Music Clubs Award. Cellist&nbsp;Leo&nbsp;Eguchi,&nbsp;known for dynamic performances across continents, participates in numerous chamber and orchestral ensembles. He has received accolades for his solo work and collaborations with diverse artists. Eguchi teaches at Boston College and assists the MIT Symphony Orchestra, with degrees in Cello Performances and Physics. Violinist&nbsp;Jeff Pearson, with a Master’s from New England Conservatory and a dual degree in math and music from Williams College, performs with the Boston Philharmonic and coaches at NEC’s preparatory school. Pearson is the winner of the Berkshire Symphony Competition. Violinist&nbsp;Yeolim Nam, born in Seoul, is an accomplished chamber musician and veteran of chamber music festivals. She has performed with multiple orchestras, including the Boston Philharmonic and the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Maine. Russian-born&nbsp;Liana Zaretsky, educated across top music schools, holds the Principal second violin position with the Portland Symphony. She performs with leading orchestras and teaches at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School and the Rivers School.

Since 2013, Newton native&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hankus.netsky/" target="_blank">Hankus Netsky&nbsp;</a>(piano and accordion) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fiddlegarden.com/" target="_blank">Eden MacAdam-Somer</a>&nbsp;(violin, voice, and percussive dance) have been blending Yiddish, Hassidic, and Klezmer melodies with their rich backgrounds in Western classical music, jazz, and global folk traditions. They lead the Department of Contemporary Improvisation at the New England Conservatory in Boston and are releasing their first Jewish music album, “Give Me Back My Heart,” this spring. Hankus Netsky, a noted multi-instrumentalist, composer, and scholar of Jewish music, founded the Klezmer Conservatory Band, a globally recognized Yiddish ensemble. He has contributed significantly to Jewish music education and composition, collaborating with notable figures like Itzhak Perlman and Robin Williams. Eden MacAdam-Somer, equally accomplished, has showcased her talents internationally, including performances in Afghanistan and China, and collaborates with various ensembles while maintaining a vibrant solo career. A Houston native, she refined her craft at prestigious music schools before joining Netsky in both performance and educational endeavors.

These two talents are incredible on their own but brought together for the Festival, they form the ultimate dynamic duo of jazz. They will perform a special program dedicated to&nbsp;Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday. Newtonite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dominiqueeade.com/" target="_blank">Dominique Eade</a>, a vocalist, composer, and improviser, merges musical finesse with emotional clarity, earning critical praise and influencing generations of singers. Celebrated for her ‘exceptional” talents by&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;and recognized by the&nbsp;Atlantic Monthly&nbsp;for her “rich voice,” Eade’s innovative blend of jazz and songwriting has made her a standout figure. She has performed at major festivals and venues across the Americas and Europe, including the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival and New York’s The Blue Note. Signed to RCA Victor in 1998, Eade has collaborated with jazz greats like Dave Holland and recorded seven CDs, earning spots on top ten lists from Billboard to NPR. Her work not only showcases her virtuosity but also her profound impact on the jazz and contemporary classical scenes. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgewrusselljr/" target="_blank">George Russell Jr.</a>&nbsp;has become a familiar figure in Newton, captivating audiences at the Newton Piano Summit, the Festival of the Arts, and numerous local concerts. His performances are a vibrant tapestry of passion, fire, soul, and an indomitable spirit that breathes life into every note. Russell teaches at Berklee College of Music where he is Chair of the Harmony Department. He describes himself as “a drummer who happens to play the piano,” a characterization that resonates in the rhythmic vitality and drive of his performances.

The Newton Family Singers, an intergenerational family chorus based in Newton, unites families and friends across a wide age range through the joy of singing American folk and popular music. Renowned within the community for their vibrant performances and captivating energy, their core mission is to foster a sense of community through music. After more than a decade of enthralling audiences, it comes as no surprise that they have amassed a significant following. We are delighted to announce that they will be the official opening act for the 2024 Festival, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

Second Church in Newton

Since the tender age of two,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/maitreyee.chakraborty/" target="_blank">Maitreyee Chakraborty</a>&nbsp;has been immersed in the world of music, embarking on a journey of vocal excellence and musical study. Chakraborty is a devoted practitioner of Rabindrasangeet, the musical tradition inspired by the revered poet and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore.&nbsp;“Bengali,” she asserts, “is one of the most melodically beautiful languages, a language brimming with depth and subtlety.” Her performances have captivated diverse audiences, sparking a curiosity in many to explore further the works of Tagore.&nbsp;Chakraborty has called Newton her home since 2016.

NCP Celebrate Black History: Storytime and Discussion

Storytime and discussion with&nbsp;<a href="https://kaijalangley.com/" target="_blank">Kaija Langley,</a>&nbsp;the author of the award-winning Picture Book&nbsp;When Langston Dances,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.janetcostabates.com/" target="_blank">Janet Costa Bates</a>, the children’s book author of titles such as&nbsp;Time for Bed, Old House,&nbsp;Rica Babtista Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend, and&nbsp;Seaside Dreams. Event in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.story-starters.org/" target="_blank">Story Starters</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwiR98CwuoqEAxXNDa0GHThECYkYABAAGgJwdg&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAn-2tBhDVARIsAGmStVmgPhGzzbXuNREfdVetn5lDTkNmY2-Gg_F6nAUI2IqwSp5otFfk0pgaAn1JEALw_wcB&amp;ei=ori7ZbKdFLCp5NoPmJ6muA0&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESV-D2b5NzME-my8qIClVmO-VmgLAjYf6rwhEAiXFmyEVxa5NJjNQ-T1L3NWZkDgcpvnX71oqxaxKcZZH84IKt_e2OLK95xsW5gw1FYfiYxqWBp9odzT4ZMQ&amp;sig=AOD64_006sv1Jt2hf2slk2lBdlP7tgmZVA&amp;q&amp;sqi=2&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy9quwuoqEAxWwFFkFHRiPCdcQ0Qx6BAgOEAM" target="_blank">The Street Chestnut Hill</a>

Hummingbird Books

NCP Celebrate Black History: Virtual Artist Talk

Join curator Reggie Woolery and artists from INTERCESSION for a virtual panel discussion on the exhibition. The showcase highlights Black photographers who employ light to bridge, call attention, and to disrupt. The works actively engage new ways of seeing, believing and moving in the world.

Online

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.