West End Story: Celebrating Community and the Music of Leonard Bernstein

Experience the musical stylings of Leonard Bernstein in this special live performance celebrating community and harmony. Join the West End Museum for an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, the brilliant composer, conductor, and Broadway legend whose music continues to inspire generations. From the dazzling streets of West Side Story to the heartfelt melodies of Candide, this lively musical program will feature the talented combo ensemble Josiah Reibstein and the Hubtones alongside dynamic vocalists Dan Gabel and Rhiannon Hurst performing some of Bernstein’s most beloved songs and showstoppers. Expect romance, rhythm, laughter, and soaring harmonies as we bring the spirit of Broadway and Boston together for one extraordinary night. This event will take place at the Hub Community Room, 52 Causeway Street. Presented in partnership with Queer History Boston and Crescendo Productions, with support from Boston Properties. This event has been generously supported by the exclusive sponsors of our queer history series MA 250 and Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Featured songs : On the Waterfront-Theme Cool Somewhere Glitter and Be Gay Maria Simple Song Some other Time Tonight New York New York Make our Garden Grow

The Hub on Causeway Community Room

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Reading

Experience a hauntingly beautiful autumn night at the Old North Church on October 9 with a musical reading of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Step into the shadows of history at Boston's oldest church as the brilliant Johnny Kinsman brings Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman to life. The gripping live recitation is perfectly paired with a breathtaking atmospheric score of original music performed by multi-instrumentalists Josiah Reibstein, Joe Kessler, and Tev Stevig. Set inside the historic, candlelit sanctuary of the Old North Church, this immersive hour-long performance blends 18th-century charm with spine-chilling storytelling. It is the ultimate way to celebrate the October season in New England. Come alone, if you dare, or bring a band of friends to fill your own private pew. Elevate your experience by adding an Old North Church Crypt Tour to your itinerary. Descend beneath the church floorboards on a 20-minute guided tour to explore the stories of 37 brick tombs holding the remains of 1,100 early Bostonians. Doors open at 5:00pm for the 5:30pm performance and 6:30pm for the 7:00pm performance. Seating and crypt tours are strictly limited inside this historic landmark, so hold onto your heads and secure your tickets today before they vanish into the night! Ticket Options All guests will sit in the church's signature box pews. If you purchase 1-2 tickets, you may share a pew with other guests. Single Ticket: $36 3-Seat Private Pew: $100 4-Seat Private Pew: $130 5-Seat Private Pew: $160 For an additional $12 per person, enjoy a guided tour of Old North Church's historic crypt after the show! Tours run at 6:30pm and 8:00pm.

Old North Church

Whispers from the Veil: A Victorian Séance Experience

Step into the shadowy intersection of Jazz Age spiritualism and 19th-century gentility at the William Hickling Prescott House on Beacon Hill. In the 1920s, Boston society was gripped by a flurry of table-tipping and bell ringing, led by the charismatic Mina Crandon, famously known as "The Witch of Lime Street." This special evening program sets the stage in a historic Federal-style mansion to examine how grief, mystery, and scientific inquiry collided in historic New England drawing rooms. The highlight of the evening features a historical recreation of a 1920s séance led by Mina Crandon (portrayed by the inimitable Laura Rocklyn). Guests will experience the dim lights, mysterious rappings, and otherworldly manifestations that once baffled top scientists and enraged master illusionist Harry Houdini. Following the performance, step back across the veil for an interactive Q&amp;A session with Crandon herself. This is your chance to ask about her spirit guide Walter, her fierce rivalry with Houdini, and the thin line between psychic wonder and theatrical illusion. Complementing the performance is a pop-up micro-exhibit of 19th-century mourning clothes and accessories drawn from the museum's extensive costume collection. These fragile garments offer a haunting look into how historic Boston families visually processed sorrow and commemorated the dead during an era of frequent brushes with mortality. Together, the exhibition and performance offer an immersive, unforgettable journey into how Bostonians sought comfort in the unknown. Performances at 5:30 pm, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM

William Hickling Prescott House

The Body Revealed, The Spirit Unbound

Experience the art of Hyman Bloom in conversation with the music of Alan Hovhaness and Jean Sibelius in this stirring performance! Join the West End Museum and the Peridot String Quartet for a clasical program that brings into dialogue the unflinching anatomical paintings of West End native Hyman Bloom with the searching, elemental music of his contemporary colleagues Alan Hovhaness and Jean Sibelius. Bloom’s cadaver studies—at once visceral and reverent—confront the physical reality of the human body while suggesting a mysterious passage beyond it. In parallel, the music traverses stark ritual, austere landscapes, and moments of luminous stillness, evoking forces that feel at once ancient and transcendent. Together, these works invite reflection on the body as both material and vessel: a site of decay, transformation, and, perhaps, spiritual continuity. Moving between image and sound, the program creates a space where mortality and the possibility of transcendence are held in delicate, resonant tension. The musical performance will be proceeded by a short lecture by staff at the Mass Eye and Ear Institute's museum and archives on Bloom's cadaver works in the context of the history of anatomical art. Thank you to our sponsors, Boston Properties Inc. and the Beacon Hill Civic Association! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Hub on Causeway

"A Christmas Carol" at the Omni Parker House

A Timeless Tale for the Season: A Christmas Carol Brought to Life in a Magical Holiday Reading! Step back in time and experience the magic of the season with an unforgettable evening in the historic Press Room at the Omni Parker House, where Charles Dickens himself once stayed and rehearsed A Christmas Carol. Join us for an elaborate reading of this timeless classic, performed by veteran actor Johnny Kinsman, whose captivating storytelling brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to life. The performance will be enriched by the luminous vocals of Ann Moss and the stirring violin of Justin Ouellet. The evening includes a $10 voucher towards a festive beer or wine at the "Bah Humbug Bar" (set up just outside the Press Room), and opening remarks by Parker House historian Susan Wilson, who will share the fascinating connection between Dickens and the hotel. Don’t miss this unique blend of history, music, and theatrical tradition in the very place where Dickens first gave voice to his beloved tale. A truly magical holiday experience awaits! Appropriate for Ages 6+ Friday December 19th 2025 @ 7:00 PM Saturday December 20th 2025 @ 5:00 PM Sunday December 21st 2025 @ 5:00 PM

Omni Parker House

A Timeless Tale for the Season: A Christmas Carol Brought to Life in a Magical Holiday Reading! Step back in time and experience the magic of the season with an unforgettable evening in the historic Press Room at the&nbsp;Omni Parker House, where&nbsp;Charles Dickens&nbsp;himself once stayed and rehearsed&nbsp;A Christmas Carol. Join us for an elaborate reading of this timeless classic, performed by veteran actor&nbsp;Johnny Kinsman, whose captivating storytelling brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to life. The performance will be enriched by the luminous vocals of&nbsp;Ann Moss&nbsp;and the stirring violin of&nbsp;Justin Ouellet. The evening includes a&nbsp;$10 voucher&nbsp;towards a festive beer or wine at the&nbsp;"Bah Humbug Bar"&nbsp;(set up just outside the Press Room), and opening remarks by Parker House historian&nbsp;Susan Wilson, who will share the fascinating connection between Dickens and the hotel. Don’t miss this unique blend of history, music, and theatrical tradition in the very place where Dickens first gave voice to his beloved tale. A truly magical holiday experience awaits! Appropriate for Ages 6+ Friday December 19th 2025 @ 7:00 PM Saturday December 20th 2025 @ 5:00 PM Sunday December 21st 2025 @ 5:00 PM

A Timeless Tale for the Season: A Christmas Carol Brought to Life in a Magical Holiday Reading! Step back in time and experience the magic of the season with an unforgettable evening in the historic Press Room at the&nbsp;Omni Parker House, where&nbsp;Charles Dickens&nbsp;himself once stayed and rehearsed&nbsp;A Christmas Carol. Join us for an elaborate reading of this timeless classic, performed by veteran actor&nbsp;Johnny Kinsman, whose captivating storytelling brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to life. The performance will be enriched by the luminous vocals of&nbsp;Ann Moss&nbsp;and the stirring violin of&nbsp;Justin Ouellet. The evening includes a&nbsp;$10 voucher&nbsp;towards a festive beer or wine at the&nbsp;"Bah Humbug Bar"&nbsp;(set up just outside the Press Room), and opening remarks by Parker House historian&nbsp;Susan Wilson, who will share the fascinating connection between Dickens and the hotel. Don’t miss this unique blend of history, music, and theatrical tradition in the very place where Dickens first gave voice to his beloved tale. A truly magical holiday experience awaits! Appropriate for Ages 6+ Friday December 19th 2025 @ 7:00 PM Saturday December 20th 2025 @ 5:00 PM Sunday December 21st 2025 @ 5:00 PM

A Revolutionary Concert: Paul Revere, the Man, the Myth, the Music

Join the Paul Revere Memorial Association, Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, and Paul Revere for an engaging and immersive, free program to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Midnight Ride. From the loyalist anthems of the Tories, to the fiery songs of the Revolutionaries, and original 19th century compositions written to further Revere’s legacy this program brings 18th and 19th century America to life through the music of the times. The evening will include performances by some of Boston’s finest musicians. Blending rich narration, historical images, and live music, this program offers a fresh, moving, and insightful take on one of the Revolution’s most misunderstood heroes. Far more than just a messenger on horseback, Paul Revere was a devoted family man, a savvy businessman, and a respected civil servant. This special evening promises to be a powerful journey through sound and story, separating fact from folklore while painting a vivid portrait of one of America’s most iconic patriots. Major support for this program has been provided by the Freedom Trail Foundation and an anonymous donor.

Converse Hall

The Old Howard Theater: From Virtuoso to Vaudeville and Vice

The Old Howard Theatre witnessed more than a century of history, and now it’s your turn to experience its storied past like never before. Join us for a special live performance featuring Dan Gabel with Josiah Reibstein and the Hubtones that takes you through the vibrant history of this iconic venue, blending music, storytelling, and a bit of vaudeville “schtick” to bring the theater’s rich legacy to life. Not long after it was built for a church congregation anticipating the end of days, the Howard Athenaeum became a theater for opera, ballet, and drama. Over time, it shifted to vaudeville and eventually became Boston’s most famous burlesque house. The Howard featured famous comedians and boxing demonstrations from legendary fighters. Raided by the vice squad in 1953, the Old Howard was shuttered and destroyed by a mysterious fire in 1961. This one-of-a-kind performance will pay homage to the unforgettable acts that once graced its stage, and give you an intimate look at the always fascinating, sometimes surprising, and occasionally sordid stories behind the theater's history—you won’t want to miss it! Limited seating. Age 21+ This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The West End Museum

Redcoats & Rebels: A Musical Duel Across the Atlantic

As America’s 250th approaches, prepare to close your eyes and listen to the soundtrack of the Revolutionary War. Step back into the 18th century for an evening where violins face off with fiddles in a thrilling soundscape of revolution and refinement! In “Redcoats &amp; Rebels,” we pit the earthy, spirited tunes of colonial America—full of rustic reels and fiery anthems—against the polished minuets and majestic airs reigning over Georgian Britain. From the lively dance tunes that echoed through taverns in Boston to the regal melodies performed in London’s grandest halls, this concert featuring a quartet of some of Boston’s highest-acclaimed musicians paints a vivid picture of two worlds on the brink of historic change. Which side will win your ear: the bold, rebellious rhythms of the colonies or the elegant, aristocratic strains of the British crown? Bring your tricorn hat or powdered wig (or both!) and prepare for an unforgettable night of music, mischief, and a playful clash of cultures. Long live the music of liberty—and loyalty! This event would not have been possible without the support of Boston Properties (BXP). This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"Now is the Hour" A Tribute to Buddy Clark

On October 1, 1949, Buddy Clark hopped onto a chartered plane headed to Los Angeles after a Stanford/Michigan football game. Approaching its destination, the plane ran out of gas and crash-landed on Beverly Boulevard. Clark alone perished. He was just 37 years old and set to make his CBS TV network debut the following night. He remains one of the West End’s most famous residents, an eternally memorable crooning star alongside Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Perry Como. Join The West End Museum for a heartfelt musical tribute celebrating the life and legacy of Buddy Clark, one of the golden voices of the 1930s and '40s. This program features classic hits like “Linda,” “Now is the Hour,” and “I’ll Dance at Your Wedding,” performed live by talented vocalist Dan Gabel, accompanied by Josiah Reibstein and The Hubtones. Through music and storytelling, we honor the warmth, charm, and unforgettable voice that made Buddy Clark a beloved star of the big band era. <img src="https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F1026824693%2F1674063172323%2F1%2Foriginal.20250508-234103?h=740&amp;w=1200&amp;auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;q=75&amp;sharp=10&amp;rect=0%2C222%2C1200%2C184&amp;s=a5da3e5e66049965fb08fdefd2242685"> This event would not have been possible without the support of Boston Properties (BXP).

Harmonies of Majesty: Music from the Court of King George III

As radical and enlightened eighteenth-century politics and ideologies swept across the American Colonies, songs and ballads such as “Yankee Doodle”— originally sung by British military officers as a way to mock the sad state of the colonists and their army—gained familiarity in the revolutionary era musical consciousness. Conversely, in the private homes of colonial Loyalists and on the other side of the Atlantic at the court of King George III and Queen Charlotte, musical taste was still clinging to more formal classical traditions. Through a curated selection of works, this program of chamber music illuminates the rich tapestry of British music during a period of imperial challenge and transformation. Each composition offers a glimpse into the diverse musical expressions of the time amidst the challenges posed by the American colonies' fight for independence. With the talents of period instrument specialists Adriane Post (violin), Renée Hemsing (viola), and Guy Fishman (cello), journey back to a time when music echoed the hopes, dreams, and conflicts of those loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution. This "Tory Story" invites you to experience history through the emotive musical power of Handel, Haydn, and Mozart, the way that King George may have heard it, and celebrate the richness of cultural expression and the transformative impact of music during one of history's most defining moments.

Lexington Historical Society

From Cedars to Sands: Music of the Aegean and the Levant

Welcome to&nbsp;From Cedars to Sands: Music from the Aegean and the Levant! Join us for an unforgettable evening of mesmerizing music that showcases the diverse musical traditions of Turkey, Greece, Iran, Kurdistan, Armenia, and the Arab world. The performance features Tev Stevig, a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Balkan, Greek, Turkish, and Afghan instruments, and Beth Bahia Cohen, a master of Middle Eastern and Balkan bowed instruments. This in-person event will be held at&nbsp;Stonehurst, the Robert Treat Paine Estate, a stunning venue that perfectly complements the enchanting music. Reservations required. This performance is free, but 100% of your generous donation in any amount will go to the musicians. Suggested donation $15.

Robert Treat Paine Estate "Stonehurst"

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>

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

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Experiences

West End Story: Celebrating Community and the Music of Leonard Bernstein

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Reading

Whispers from the Veil: A Victorian Séance Experience

The Body Revealed, The Spirit Unbound

"A Christmas Carol" at the Omni Parker House

"A Christmas Carol" at the Omni Parker House

"A Christmas Carol" at the Omni Parker House

A Revolutionary Concert: Paul Revere, the Man, the Myth, the Music

The Old Howard Theater: From Virtuoso to Vaudeville and Vice

Redcoats & Rebels: A Musical Duel Across the Atlantic

"Now is the Hour" A Tribute to Buddy Clark

Harmonies of Majesty: Music from the Court of King George III

From Cedars to Sands: Music of the Aegean and the Levant

Harmonies of the Aegean and the Levant

Let the Children Sing: A Tribute to William Cooper Nell