Harmonies of the Aegean and the Levant

Harmonies of the Aegean and the Levant&nbsp;celebrates the diverse and vibrant musical traditions of the Levantine region. To pay homage to the West End’s rich cultural heritage,&nbsp;Harmonies&nbsp;showcases the Levant's unique soundscape through a selection of traditional and contemporary compositions from Turkey, Greece, Iran, Kurdistan, Armenia, and the Arab world. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of classical Arabic music to the lively rhythms of folk dances, this performance will immerse the audience in the region’s profound musical heritage. The program stars Boston-based multi-instrumentalist Tev Stevig, who specializes in a variety of plucked string instruments from the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, and Afghanistan and Beth Bahia Cohen,&nbsp;a master of many bowed string instruments from the Middle East and the Balkans. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harmonies-of-the-aegean-and-the-levant-tickets-1272787594959?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harmonies-of-the-aegean-and-the-levant-tickets-1272787594959?aff=ebdssbdestsearch</a>

The West End Museum

Let the Children Sing: A Tribute to William Cooper Nell

Join the&nbsp;Beacon Hill Civic Association&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Museum of African American History&nbsp;for a transformative afternoon that intertwines the power of music and the spoken word as we celebrate the life and legacy of&nbsp;William Cooper Nell, a pioneering abolitionist, author, and advocate for education for African Americans who believed that knowledge was key to empowerment. Acclaimed educator and storyteller&nbsp;Regie Gibson&nbsp;will capture Cooper Nell’s fervent spirit and dedication to the fight against slavery and the ongoing struggle for freedom as the&nbsp;Eastern Mass. Youth Ensemble&nbsp;under the direction of Linda Brown-San Martin and&nbsp;City Strings United&nbsp;under the direction of Bithyah Israel perform a selection of powerful vocal and musical compositions that reflect the historical context of Nell's work. From spirituals that echo the voices of those who fought for liberation to contemporary pieces that resonate with today's social movements, the music will serve as a bridge connecting past and present commemorating a true champion of freedom and justice. This uplifting program for an audience of all ages not only celebrates the legacy of abolitionism but also encourages continued reflection and action toward a more just society.

Museum of African American History

"A Christmas Carol" at the Omni Parker House

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Charles Dickens’s beloved tale, "A Christmas Carol," as it returns to the historic Omni Parker House for two performances, Sunday December 8th and Thursday December 19th, 2024. Performed in the Press Room, with its rich history and classic charm, this timeless production promises to kindle the festive spirit and touch your heart with its powerful message of redemption and goodwill. Johnny Kinsman is back with his elaborative reading of Dickens's cherished story featuring the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, his spirited encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, and the heartwarming transformation that follows. The story will come alive with the musical talents of violinist Justin Ouellet and soprano Ann Moss, and an introduction by Parker House historian Susan Wilson to enhance the magical experience. And that’s not all! In the “spirit” of holiday giving, your ticket includes a $10 voucher to the Parker House’s famed whiskey bar “The Last Hurrah,” decked out in holiday splendor. This production is perfect for audiences of all ages. Bring your loved ones to share in the joy and wonder of Scrooge’s transformation, and enjoy a heartwarming evening that will become a cherished holiday tradition. Tickets are available now, and we encourage early booking to ensure your place at this unforgettable holiday event. ("A Christmas Carol" is also being performed December 8 at 5:00 pm.)

Omni Parker House

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Charles Dickens’s beloved tale, "A Christmas Carol," as it returns to the historic&nbsp;Omni Parker House&nbsp;for two performances,&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;December 8th&nbsp;and&nbsp;Thursday December 19th, 2024. Performed in the Press Room, with its rich history and classic charm, this timeless production promises to kindle the festive spirit and touch your heart with its powerful message of redemption and goodwill. Johnny Kinsman&nbsp;is back with his elaborative reading of Dickens's cherished story featuring the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, his spirited encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, and the heartwarming transformation that follows. The story will come alive with the musical talents of violinist&nbsp;Justin Ouellet&nbsp;and soprano&nbsp;Ann Moss,&nbsp;and an introduction by Parker House historian&nbsp;Susan Wilson&nbsp;to enhance the magical experience. And that’s not all! In the “spirit” of holiday giving, your ticket includes a&nbsp;$10 voucher&nbsp;to the Parker House’s famed whiskey bar “The Last Hurrah,” decked out in holiday splendor. This production is perfect for audiences of all ages. Bring your loved ones to share in the joy and wonder of Scrooge’s transformation, and enjoy a heartwarming evening that will become a cherished holiday tradition. Tickets are available now, and we encourage early booking to ensure your place at this unforgettable holiday event. "A Christmas Carol" is also being performed on December 19th at 6:30 pm.

Whispers from the Veil: A Victorian Séance Experience

The&nbsp;Gibson House Museum,&nbsp;a 19th century rowhouse and time-capsule of Victorian Boston, provides the authentic ambiance of the Victorian era to embark on a mesmerizing journey into the realm of the supernatural and&nbsp;discover the compelling story of Mina Crandon, renowned as&nbsp;"Margery the Medium,"&nbsp;whose séances in early 20th century Boston captivated audiences and sparked controversial and heated debates about the existence of paranormal abilities. Your hour-long journey will take you into the world of&nbsp;Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist and illusionist who dedicated his life to exposing fraudulent mediums, and the dual persona of&nbsp;Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, acclaimed author of Sherlock Holmes and a staunch advocate for spiritualism. As you tour the Gibson House*, you’ll&nbsp;experience the rituals and practices that intrigued and confounded Crandon, Houdini, and Conan Doyle and unravel the intertwined lives and beliefs of three extraordinary individuals. Reserve your place now for an unforgettable journey into the Victorian unknown! *The tour involves periods of standing and climbing and descending stairs.

The Gibson House Museum

Echoes of Liberté: Music from the French Revolution

During the&nbsp;American Revolution,&nbsp;French support played a pivotal role in securing American independence from British rule. Motivated by a desire to weaken their longtime rival, Britain, and inspired by the ideals of liberty espoused by the American cause, France provided critical military assistance, financial aid, and naval support to the Continental Army under General George Washington. The success of the American Revolution inspired the&nbsp;French Revolution&nbsp;by demonstrating the possibility of overthrowing monarchy and establishing democratic governance based on principles of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. This captivating musical program takes you on a historical journey, exploring the revolutionary spirit, the struggles of the people, and the transformation of an entire nation. Through a carefully curated selection of music&nbsp;by composers who adapted their lives and music to align with revolutionary ideals and sentiments, witness the emotional intensity and the ideological fervor that defined this pivotal period in history. Sonata in G Major for violoncello &amp; continuo&nbsp;Jean-Baptiste Bréval Sonata in G minor for violin &amp; piano, op. 1b no 3&nbsp;Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. Georges Piano Trio no. 27 in F.&nbsp;Ignaz Pleyel Piano Trio in B-flat major, K. 502 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Renee Hemsing, Violin Guy Fishman, Cello Ian Watson, Keyboard Reception to follow. Limited Seating This event is generously supported by the&nbsp;Society of the Cincinnati,&nbsp;America's oldest patriotic organization.

Shirley Eustis House

Speakeasies, Bootleggers, and Jazz! Prohibition and Boston's West End

Join us at The West End Museum for a captivating blend of historical storytelling and live jazz music as we delve into the clandestine world of bootleggers, bathtub gin, peepholes, and secret passwords that defined the fascinating period of prohibition-era Boston.  Experience the electrifying sounds and rebellious spirit of jazz that echoed through the underground clubs and speakeasies of Boston’s West End during the 1920s and 1930s as cool cat jazz musicians Justin Ouellet (violin) and Justin Piper (guitar) take the stage. Boston Globe Reporter and author Emily Sweeney will be on hand to shed light on the rise of speakeasies, the influence of organized crime, and the societal impacts of Herbert Hoover’s "noble experiment.”  Your admission includes a “Bees Knees,” one of the most popular cocktails of the era, courtesy of our friends at The Tip Tap Room. You won’t want to miss this unique and multi-faceted experience which is sure to be the cat’s pajamas! 21+ Only

West End Museum

Musique Francaise: Ravel, Boulanger, and Chaminade at the French Library

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies and lyrical beauty of legendary French composers at this program celebrating the timeless beauty and refined elegance of three musical masterpieces. This performance promises to evoke a full spectrum of emotions and transport you to a world reminiscent of the ambiance of a Parisian salon. Reserve your tickets now and join us for a soirée of unparalleled elegance and enchantment! Trio in a minor, Maurice Ravel Three pieces for cello and piano, Nadia Boulanger Etude, op. 35, no .2, Cécile Chaminade Renee Hemsing (violin), Guy Fishman (cello), Renana Gutman (piano) THIS IS A FREE CONCERT, BUT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED DUE TO LIMITED CAPACITY. This program is supported by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The French Library: Alliance Francaise of Boston & Cambridge

Destruction and Rebirth: Barber and Beethoven at the West End Museum

The West End Museum, in collaboration with Crescendo Productions, presents an unforgettable musical experience. Violinists Heidi Braun-Hill and Renée Hemsing, violist Andra Voldins Dix, and cellist Guy Fishman will respond to the West End Museum’s poignant photographic collection through live musical performance. In 1950, Boston chose the West End for demolition under Title I of the Housing Act of 1949, despite the neighborhood exceeding the standards for demolition. In 1958, fifty-four acres of the neighborhood were seized and destroyed; fifty streets and over eight hundred residential buildings were razed, forcing 12,500 people to leave their homes. Join us for an artistically sublime experience as we project photographic images from the West End Museum’s Edgell and Frani Collections (which chronicle life before, during, and after urban renewal) alongside a live performance of two of classical music’s most emotive string quartets, both possessing tonal qualities that convey the ideas of transformation and explore the complex social dynamics that underpin both the destruction and rebirth of the West End neighborhood. Samuel Barber, String Quartet in B minor, op. 11 Ludwig van Beethoven, String Quartet in C minor, opus 18, no. 4

The Hub on Causeway Street

The Stones Cry Out: The Copp's Hill Burial Ground Epitaphs

Many people visit Boston's historic burying grounds to see the monuments of historical figures like Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Crispus Attucks, Samuel Sewall, Prince Hall, and Cotton Mather. But few pause to read the inscriptions on the stones of other early “every day” Bostonians, whose names and lives are now long forgotten. For those who take the time to look and “listen” closely, these gravestones convey highly personal messages that not only reveal a glimpse into their personal lives, but also the literature that they read, the hymns they sang, and the poetry that moved them. These stones also can tell us a great deal about colonial Bostonians' attitudes toward life, death, and eternity. Join burial ground expert John Hanson for “The Stones Cry Out” and explore the history and poignancy of the Copp’s Hill Burial Ground epitaphs, followed by a reception and multimedia presentation at the Old North Church, as we illuminate history through the artistic disciplines of poetry, verse, and music. T﻿icket Options 1.) Cemetery Tour, Reception, and Lecture (4:00 - 6:30pm): Donate $20 or More Guests will meet at the Old North Church at 4:00pm and then take a very short walk to Copp's Hill Burial Ground for a guided tour with John Hanson. Around 4:45pm, everyone will return to the Old North Church to enjoy a reception with light refreshments. At 5:15pm, John will lead a multimedia presentation in the church's sanctuary. 2.) Lecture Only (5:15 - 6:30pm): Donate What You Can E﻿njoy a fascinating presentation from burial ground expert John Hanson at 5:15pm at the Old North Church. Guests can attend in person or livestream the lecture. About the Speaker John Hanson has been collecting and studying early New England epitaphs for years, examining where the verses originated, how their source texts were accessed, and the spiritual and commercial context in which they were chosen and carved on gravestones. He is the author of Reading the Gravestones of Old New England (McFarland, 2021), and has published and spoken extensively on his research. Hanson is a Massachusetts native and lives in Boston and the Berkshires.

Old North Church

Let the Children Sing! A Tribute to Susan Paul

The Museum of African American History and the Beacon Hill Civic Association proudly present “Let the Children Sing! A Tribute to Susan Paul” in the African Meeting House at the Museum of African American History on Beacon Hill. The program honors 19th century educator and abolitionist Susan Paul who, in 1832, formed a juvenile choir that performed at anti-slavery meetings and held concerts to raise money for the cause. This jubilant concert celebrates Paul’s profound work and the legacy of this meaningful historic site where African American families worshipped, educated their children, debated issues of the day, organized politically, and changed the course of American history by advancing the cause of freedom. The concert features joyous music by Boston’s next generation of innovative artists through the celebration of music by youth enrichment groups City Strings, Hamilton-Garrett Youth Choir, and The Eastern Mass Children’s Choir, as well as remarks from civic and community leaders, including literary performer and educator Regie Gibson. W﻿e gratefully thank our program sponsors: Suffolk University, F.H. Perry Builder, Blackstone's of Beacon Hill, The Whaley/Ring Team: Coldwell Banker Realty, Florina Pizzeria/Paninoteca

Lincoln and Booth: Live Music Played to Film

The West End Museum presents an unforgettable theatrical experience when members of the New England Film Orchestra combine the magic of film with the power of music as they perform live music in-sync to two films highlighting the lives of Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. John Wilke’s Booth was in Boston in April of 1865, eight days before the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. What the well-known actor was doing during those last fateful days is not altogether clear, but during that time was purportedly seen practicing his aim at a local shooting gallery. The first firm is an early silent short by Thomas Edison from 1915 entitled “The Life of Abraham Lincoln,” which spans the famous president’s life from his marriage to his assassination by Booth. The second, “The Man in the Barn,” is a speculative docu-drama from 1937 that asks if John Wilkes Booth didn’t die by gunshot while trapped in a burning barn just days after Lincoln’s assassination, but rather escaped to live another 38 years. And...Odie Henderson, Boston Globe Film Critic and author of 'Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema" (out in January 2024),&nbsp;will join us to&nbsp;provide context for the films. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind “surround-sound” movie event at Boston’s landmark Hub Hall, adjacent to TD Garden and North Station and boasting 18 diverse food and drink options for a before or after-movie snack. This event is would not have been possible without the support of Boston Properties (BXP).

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

S19: interest based

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

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

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.