Dancing on the Greenway

The Folk Arts Center of New England (FAC) is excited to sponsor this FREE participatory folk dance series on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston. Come one – come all! Starting our 2nd year on Dewey Square Plaza, this summer series celebrates traditional cultures from around the globe through participatory dancing, accompanied by live music (most sessions), or recordings of dance tunes, as needed. Each week’s session will showcase the folk traditions from a different region or genre, so come often and tour the world through dance (view the 2024 schedule <a href="https://facone.org/programs/dancing-on-the-greenway.html">here</a>.) No previous dance experience is needed, nor do you need to bring a partner. Basic dance instruction will be provided each week by experienced dance leaders, and we will all learn the dances together in an open and welcoming atmosphere. To learn more about folk dancing, click<a href="https://facone.org/about-what-is-folkdancing.html"> here</a>. So join the fun on Tuesday evenings in July and August (weather permitting), on Dewey Square Plaza, located near the new Night Shift on the Greenway Beer Garden at the corner of Summer Street and Surface Road, across from South Station. And please visit our <a href="https://facone.org/programs/dancing-on-the-greenway.html">website</a> for more detailed information.

Dewey Square Park, Rose Kennedy Greenway

Balkan Music Night 2024

Balkan Music Night is the premier local event presenting the music and dance of southeastern Europe, with its distinctive vocal harmonies and compelling rhythmic music and dance.&nbsp;Sponsored by the Folk Arts Center of New England, Balkan Music Night returns in a new location for a fun-filled night of participatory dancing, music appreciation, and community, from 6:00PM until closing! View the full schedule <a href="https://facone.org/balkan-music-night/balkan-music-night-schedule.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Balkan Music Night presents bands whose members include master musicians who emigrated from the Balkan countries, as well as American-born musicians who have embraced these traditions.&nbsp;These ensembles perform songs and dance tunes on a mix of modern and traditional instruments, drawing from the rich cultural heritage from across the region, including Bosnia, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and more! &nbsp; In all, more than a dozen different ensembles will play for dancing and listening, including: <a href="https://youtu.be/u0jL92Dzxrg?t=4" target="_blank">Zlatne Uste</a>, New York’s premier Balkan Brass band, playing music from Romany (Gypsy), Serbian, Macedonian, and Bulgarian traditions; <a href="https://youtu.be/I3M0kjJisfQ" target="_blank">Kavala Brass Band</a>, specializing in the rich brass musical repertoire of northern Greece and Macedonia; <a href="https://youtu.be/k96cDU5nyv4?si=a0MiuCGngBiF4_AC" target="_blank">Niva</a>, a four-woman band playing and singing Macedonian roots music; <a href="https://youtu.be/sO7Em6dWa7A" target="_blank">Balkan Fields</a>, playing the wonderful music of Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Bosnia; and local favorite <a href="https://youtu.be/76qRMI_4jjU" target="_blank">REVMA</a>, featuring Sandy Theodorou, playing music for traditional Greek dances. &nbsp; The Armory’s Rooted Café will be transformed into a Balkan Kafana, where you can enjoy a more mellow listening experience in a café setting and food available for purchase.&nbsp;Among the musicians playing for us in this venue are: virtuoso <a href="https://youtu.be/iSrakOwd9zc?si=61J-8SSLSoQeMDuL" target="_blank">Beth Bahia Cohen</a> playing traditional Turkish music; <a href="https://youtu.be/_hUlp13jpF4?si=M_Ip6-yblS8ROzdE&amp;t=354" target="_blank">Sophia Bilides</a>, singing soulful classics from Asia Minor;&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/znbiCo3s-vQ?si=bH5YugaSGvlQMty6" target="_blank">Gogofski</a>, featuring vocalist Kasia Sokalla, playing favorites from across the Balkans; and more!&nbsp; &nbsp; Arrive early to participate in simple dances in the main hall, with walkthroughs led by experienced dancers, and lively brass band music by <a href="https://youtu.be/NbTSh5FFT54?si=otb34TaeBwHn_smb&amp;t=50" target="_blank">Conical Cacophony</a>! Stay late to enjoy the entire program, including our traditional participatory events such as the Hora na pesen (dancing to group singing), Ličko kolo; plus dance performances from area dance troupes <a href="https://youtu.be/X17yO9ZRGF8" target="_blank">Grachanitsa</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/KA9kF4fYsVs?si=OGwHScZuI7duq1dz" target="_blank">Mladost</a>, and a cash bar for refreshments!&nbsp; Tickets in advance are $35 ($40 at the door) with generous discounts for children, young adults, families, and Folk Arts Center members.&nbsp;Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended for the best prices, and ease of entry at the door.&nbsp;For more information and to purchase tickets, visit <a href="https://facone.org/balkan-music-night/" target="_blank">BalkanMusicNight.com</a>&nbsp;

Arts at the Armory

Folk Dancing by the Fountain

Free outdoor summer folk dance series at Copley Square in Boston, sponsored by the Folk Arts Center of New England! This Tuesday evening dance series offers dance instruction and folk dancing for all, sometimes accompanied by live music. No previous dance experience is required, come by yourself or bring friends! For more information, see <a href="http://www.facone.org/about-what-is-folkdancing.html">about folk dancing</a>. Admission is FREE • but your voluntary donations will help support these events, dance leaders, musicians, and the Folk Arts Center.

Copley Square Park

S22: conversations

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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

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WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

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

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Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

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S2 (A): top experiences

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100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

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S18: interest based

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FAC Program Office