AFINDSMOVEMENT ITS STRIDE
After four months of watching Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people, Ahmed Morad felt helpless—so, a frequent marathon runner, he turned once more to movement for solace and solidarity. He made a public Facebook event and took to the streets one Sunday morning. “When I showed up [to the meeting point], no one was there,” shared Morad about the group’s first run. “Then, I got a phone call from a runner friend: someone they knew was trying to find me!”
Morad and his companion wore keffiyehs and Palestinian flags as they jogged down the Paul Dudley White Bike Path, sharing frustrations, hopes, and fears. One and a half years later, a group of runners, walkers, bikers, and musicians take to the same path every Sunday, chanting, drumming, and dreaming of a free Palestine.
Runners for Justice in Palestine (RJP) is a global movement, literally and figuratively, in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The Boston chapter has met every Sunday for more than 66 weeks as of the publication of this article. “We want to highlight the basic human right to freedom of movement, which Palestinians do not have, and we hope to start many more conversations about Israeli apartheid and control over Palestinian people,” shared one runner who preferred to remain anonymous. The group takes inspiration from the organization Right to Movement, which began as an effort to raise awareness of physical barriers imposed by the Israeli occupation in the West Bank.
Every week, the run begins with an opportunity to ground and reflect together, which usually involves education on current or historical events in Palestine and connections to other places and times. After the run is a “community debrief,” during which members can share feelings, feedback, and upcoming events. This ritual has been cathartic for many who are dedicated to Palestinian liberation in the greater Boston area.
“Knowing that there are people around who are compassionate, brilliant, and actively trying to change what tomorrow looks like—not just for one group, but for all people—it’s healing,” said one Cambridge resident and graduate student who has run with the group since the summer of 2024. This runner’s name has been omitted for privacy.
The run club has blossomed into a rare interfaith, multigenerational, and multicultural meeting place where people can bring their overlapping identities to share with others. Conversations during or after the run might span topics from the Palestinian struggle to prison abolition efforts in Massachusetts to Cuban history and anti-imperialism.
“We come to protest from different circles and backgrounds. Spaces that bring diverse people together, across age, lifestyle, faith, job sectors, ethnicity, etc., are rare,” said Nate Harlan, a Boston-based musician.
“As a bringer of music, I run while playing a doumbek (Arabic drum), and as a Jew, I try to mobilize people around issues that involve the Jewish community, particularly at the intersection of Jewish identity and the movement for a free Palestine.”
After RJP made regular visits to the student-led encampments at Harvard University and MIT in the spring of 2024, the group became more visible, attracting organizers from across the city and state to connect and amplify efforts. Members regularly drive to Boston from Maine and the Cape. Somerville mayoral candidate Willie Burnley Jr. joined the group on May 20 to share about his campaign, and a future weekend in June will feature a dabke
“This cause draws in people who are fighting for a more just world. We don’t just run, we skill-share, we celebrate milestones together, we dance, we learn,” said Mina, whose name has been changed for privacy. Run clubs are notoriously intimidating, though the members of the RJP community encourage anyone to join regardless of their ability. “We are people who come together to show up and move together for a free Palestine, and we show up in all kinds of ways. We are a place to talk and laugh, we are a place to meet new people,” said Harlan.
Mina is excited to attract more RJP members in time for the Cambridge Half Marathon in November. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world, just come see us,” she said. “The warmth you will feel [when you join us] is palpable. You don’t have to be a runner or an ‘activist,’ you just have to be someone who cares.”
Boston Runners for Justice in Palestine holds weekly meetups for healing, community care, transformative action, and radical joy. Lace up your shoes and join us every Sunday at 10am! The group meets at 575 Memorial Drive in Cambridge by the Charles River. All paces and walkers are welcome!
(Levantine folk dance) lesson led by two runners for the community to join.
CO-ORGANIZER OF RUNNERS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE
MASSACHUSETTS MINUTE
It doesn’t happen often. Every now and again, an album emerges that does so much more than simply serve as an individual artist’s avenue for expression. Whether uniting a community, pushing the boundaries of a genre, or breaking emotional norms, these albums wield power that doesn’t always go noticed at first. As the years continue to unfold, only then is their impact slowly heard and felt.
Being only a handful of weeks since the official release of BLEU MAGIC , it’s difficult to predict what impact the project will have over the years to come. What can be said about DeevoDaGenius, Kil The Artist, and BLUEHILLBILL’s joint release is this— it emphasizes the multi-faceted talents of three Massachusetts talents in a way that certainly won’t be forgotten at any point in the near future. Chock full of well-purposed raps and cinematic production, BLEU MAGIC is a standout within this year’s landscape of Boston hip-hop music.
Though the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” it’s difficult not to be immediately drawn in by the cover art for BLEU MAGIC . Based on the movie poster for the 1975 film Let’s Do It Again , Jackson Hall and @chopthehead replicated the iconic cover with an illustration of Deevo, Kil, and BLUEHILLBILL together in unison—a
BLEU MAGIC demands listeners’ attention from the jump. “LEFTY’S PRELUDE” slowly sets the stage for the what’s to come and is quickly met with a divine electric guitar riff on “THE MAN.” The feeling that spills across each of the project’s instrumentals can only be equated with what it must’ve felt like to cruise around Boston in a Gran Torino in the 1970s. Following 2024, in which DeevoDaGenius was crowned “Producer of the Year” at the Boston Music Awards, BLEU MAGIC is a wonderful example of what the Lowell native is capable of once he enters a digital workstation.
The album really soars to new heights the moment Kil The Artist and BLUEHILLBILL start flowing. Each of their stanzas is immaculate, with tracks like “BLEU MAGIC (MEMORIES),” “20 PERCENT,” and “TWO REVOLVERS” being certain standouts. From start to finish, BLEU MAGIC evolves into a well-furnished collection of songs that places each of these Massachusetts natives on a pedestal. If you’re in need of some new raps, or are eager to stay at the pulse of what’s happening in the Bay State sonically, then BLEU MAGIC needs to be your next listen.
SHAMUS HILL
BETTER BE GRATEFUL
Storm clouds gathered over the start of Latrell James’ set at Boston Calling on May 23. The rapper bucked the foul mood of the weather, flashing a big smile before launching into his song “Grateful.” Backed by a tight four-piece laying down a funk fusion, James advised the crowd: “Better be grateful.”
James has a lot to be grateful for. The Dorchester-born artist has made a name for himself in his hometown, which means he gets to enjoy the professional accolades of his peers while still having his Mom in the audience at local gigs. In 2024 he won “Album of the Year” at the Boston Music Awards for his LP Running In Place. He headlined Friday on the Orange Stage at this year’s Boston Calling. And he’s only just hitting his stride, with a new untitled EP on the way at a moment when his productive powers and name recognition might be the strongest they’ve ever been.
Getting to this point didn’t happen overnight. James’ musical journey started like so many others do: in a loving home surrounded by music. His parents boasted a deep collection of vinyl records, modeling what a lifelong passion for music looked like. Whether it was Dad listening to jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis or Mom queuing up Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, James and his siblings (including his twin sister, aka Boston Calling alum ToriTori) gained access to a world of sound beyond their years.
It wasn’t long before the urge to start making music took hold. James recalls his first foray into music production: experimenting with Fruity Loops, a popular digital audio workstation, in seventh grade. The program provided a point of entry for a generation of young musicians, and garnered even more respect as a platform after Souljah Boy used it to produce the hit “Crank That” in 2007.
A few milestones stick out for James, coming up as a musician in Boston: the first time he ever performed with a full band, sharing a bill with ToriTori; an early booking at Church, one of many Boston clubs where local scenemakers like DJ Real P, Dutch Rebelle, and Mark Merren helped him break into the business; and one gig that shines above all others—opening for Kendrick Lamar and Say Blanco at UMass Boston in 2013. The rollicking, jam-packed, 3,000-capacity concert hall was the definition of fan energy: “I’ve been chasing that high from that crowd since that day,” said James.
Boston Calling is the kind of place where artists can find that high. The event draws tens of thousands of fans through its gates each day. But not all genres are created equal. Recent booking trends indicate that, once inside, fans will find less hip-hop on offer than in previous years, compared to other genres like pop and rock.
It’s a puzzling trend given that streaming statistics show rap is, ironically, more “pop-
ular” than pop music. Last month’s Youtube streaming numbers in Massachusetts, for example, list the following top five artists, high to low: Bad Bunny, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Morgan Wallen. Four of those artists can rap, and the fifth is headed to “God’s country.”
Boston Calling continues to platform hiphop at the locals Orange Stage, with recent appearances from Kei, Cakeswagg, and Billy Dean Thomas. There are quality gems sprinkled throughout the other stages, like Megan Thee Stallion last year and T-Pain this year. Fest-wide headliner spots, however, have been a hard get for the hiphop crowd lately. It feels like a lifetime ago that big names like Chance the Rapper (2017), Eminem (2018), Travis Scott (2019), and Twenty One Pilots (2019) served as anchors for the festival.
What happened? Live music came back after the pandemic, but hip-hop headliners at Boston Calling haven’t. Since the festival resumed in 2022, there hasn’t been a single representative of hip-hop with their moniker pasted at the very top of the festival billboard. I reached out to the organizers to understand why and did not hear back as of press time.
It’s important to have some sort of response here, because who and what you platform at the top of your festival sends a message to the rest of the bill. Right now hip-hop is tossing and turning on the foldout couch while genres with arguably less draw are getting a good night’s sleep in the master bedroom. Giving hip-hop a seat at artistic equity—presumably, it’s good business too.
Don’t let it be said that the artists who take the stage aren’t grateful. Especially at the Orange Stage. The local artists at Boston Calling on Friday—from Battlemode, Future Teens, Megan From Work, to Latrell James—trotted out litanies of heartfelt thanks. Not just to the festival organizers for giving them a platform to express their art, but also to the family, friends, and fans who have supported them along their journey of self-expression.
Fittingly enough, James’ sister, ToriTori, joined him on stage in support. It was a favor for a favor, since the rapper dropped in on his sibling’s set at last year’s Boston Calling. With Mom (and a little sister) up front, a performance at the biggest festival on the Boston calendar suddenly felt like a home-cooked family affair. Latrell James was showing the love. And in his person and performance, Boston’s local hip-hop scene was showing the same.
Will Boston Calling return the love to hiphop with some top of the bill headliners in 2026? It can’t hurt to ask.
----------------- MICHAEL GUTIERREZ
perfect visual representation of what’s to come the moment one presses play.
BLEU MAGIC Embodies Boston Hip-hop
Latrell James at Boston Calling
CLOWNING AROUND
The Lowdown on Clowntown
Since January, Union Square’s iconic music venue The Jungle has become home to a new, sillier night out. Clowntown, a bimonthly event described by organizers as a “queer circus variety show party,” completed its third event on May 15. Clowntown was packed full of people seeking out the gathering’s eclectic and joyful energy, cheering for jugglers, drag queens, and pies to the face.
Organized by Tyler Whitaker and Aloe Stranger, Clowntown was filled with performances from clowns, circus performers, and local drag artists such as Stranger themself. Before the clowning begins, the events also feature live music and DJ tunes from Whitaker, who performs under the name DJ Mx. Demeanor. Offstage, Clowntown’s latest event featured face painting, arts and crafts, and even balloon animal makers.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but the event was awesome and had a clear communal vibe,” said first-time attendee Andrew Wei. “I appreciated that people weren’t taking themselves too seriously.”
Clowntown was born out of Stranger’s effort to set up a gig for their band, Silly Band. “I thought it would be fun to do a show with Silly Band and clowns, and it spiraled into this idea for a whole show and a recurring event that we are creating together,” said Stranger.
“We noticed there was a niche in the queer
nightlife scene that needed to be filled,” Whitaker added. “We were excited to start something that was truly silly.”
For both organizers, clowning is at the center of creating a space filled with radical queer joy and letting go. “It’s another way to express how weird and silly life is, especially as a queer person… There’s something freeing and joyful about becoming a clown,” said Stranger.
Whitaker also described clowning as a way to break boundaries. “There’s a lot of license to rewrite the rules of reality in a clown act. In a clown’s world, anything can happen,” they said.
Looking towards the future, Clowntown will soon be embracing themed events; their July event will be welcoming participants to “Planet Clowntown.” However, Whitaker promises the event will remain true to its lineup of “fun musical talent and performances highlighting the city’s drag scene.”
Beyond that, the founding duo plans to continue to create a space for all to express themselves in whatever silly way they choose. As Stranger said, “We are all experiencing this transformation together.”
Clowntown will return to The Jungle on July 17. For more updates, follow @clowntown.honk on Instagram.
--------------------------------------- JOSIE WAGNER
LIKE CARRIE BRADSHAW
Whether you’re grabbing drinks, looking to bang, or anything in between—the inevitable act of talking is (almost) always guaranteed on first dates, even if connection isn’t. Most of my first dates delve far past casual conversation and into a Cheesecake Factory level menu of lore and anecdote. I am all for connecting on a deeper level outside of small talk and niceties before heading home with someone, but being able to gauge the level of interest and intent of a stranger may be useful in avoiding a one-sided therapy session with a first date.
The First Date Trauma Dump is lovebombing’s emo cousin—and is different from a First Date Overshare or a First Date Preface (in my opinion, but I’m certainly not a professional). There is definitely a spectrum of interpersonal sharing that ranges from emotional unloading on an unsuspecting individual—to gabbing about a crazy event or letting someone know you have certain boundaries that need to be maintained. To engage romantically and sexually with new people is to be vulnerable, but where is the line between expected vulnerability, open communication, and one-sided emotional unpacking?
“I once went out with someone who, fifteen minutes into our date, started unpacking every ex they had in the last five years: every ex-roommate, ex-situationship, ex-partner. We hadn’t even opened our menus yet, and I knew the details of the most recent five years of their life and let me tell you some of it WAS VERY UPSETTING.” Silence filled the air as my friend Ric dropped this bombshell. She aggressively stabbed the caesar salad we were taking turns forking from the bowl and chewed as we stared at her.
“Like, how?” asked Emma’s housemate.
SOMERVILLE PORCHFEST
Somerville hosted its yearly PorchFest event on May 10. Organized by Somerville Arts Council, the titular city’s PorchFest is a community-led effort to showcase local musicians and one of the best yearly events in the Greater Boston area.
Every year, Somerville’s streets close off to cars and local bands crowd onto porches to play hour-long sets. Visitors from far and wide come to listen, dance, and sing-along. Beer cans are passed around increasingly freely as the day goes on, and the smell of weed drifts through the air.
The skill of each band varies widely. On the same street you might walk past a lackluster dad-band belting out 90s deep cuts, a college band staffed by a mix of amateurs and skilled players, and a professional touring group who are probably playing at your local music venue next week (shoutout to the Lizard Lounge). Worrying too much about the quality of the music is missing the point—PorchFest is about giving local bands a platform, community building, and just having fun. If another off-tune rendition of “Wonderwall” is getting you down, it’s time to crack open another beer and sing along.
what’s possible when people collaborate with care,” said Menjivar.
Menjivar says Somerville’s PorchFest is “unique in its scale and grassroots spirit.” While other PorchFest events might have a central stage or curated lineups, Somerville keeps it more lowkey. Bands are spread across neighborhoods using a timeblock system. Somerville is uniquely well suited for an event like this, due to its unique density of triple-decker apartment buildings, many of which have multiple porches.
Isa Montes Diaz, the lead singer of local band brattle (@brattlemusic), was a professional musician for more than ten years before taking a hiatus. brattle played PorchFest this year through the rain under a friend’s roof, playing covers ranging from Taylor Swift to Santana to Paramore.
Alongside bandmates Max Corkran (guitar/vox), Andrew Farkus (bass), Adam Ives (lead guitar), and Christian Wenger (drums), Diaz says their goal is just to play songs they love and challenge their technical abilities. “I’m especially proud of my friends, both on and off stage, that made me comfortable enough to let loose and have a blast,” said Diaz.
“Um…there was a lot to unpack there, which is fine! Everybody has their own shit and I think part of dating is getting to empathize with and comfort other people. I just wish I had known like… any other basic-level facts, such as where they grew up or what their hobbies were, before I learned some of the details of their life. It was hard to change the subject, and to be honest, it really bummed me out,” Ric responded. “I don’t think I actually even said anything about myself and then we didn’t go on a second date so now, many years later, I just am sitting with two hours of their lore with a chip on my shoulder that they had no interest in even hearing mine.”
I decided for myself that the difference between trauma dumping and being vulnerable is the level of awareness that you have of the person in front of you and how you consider how they take in your feelings. Are you there to connect and build intimacy? Or are you there to throw proverbial emotional darts at the wall? I doubt that people who “trauma dump” on first dates even realize they are doing it, but that wasn’t a satisfying excuse. When engaging with a stranger, where do we draw the line between craving connection and setting limits for self-preservation?
And so it goes for all aspects of human interaction, consent is once again key. Every situation and relationship is different. In my opinion, it’s never too early to connect on a deeper level—but at least wait until the server takes your orders. Take the time to confirm that your date is interested and emotionally prepared to connect over potentially upsetting material first, especially if it’s the first time you’re meeting them.
Iaritza Menjivar, the event manager for the Somerville Arts Council, said that the event started in 2011 after a Somerville resident went to a similar event in Ithaca, New York, and brought the idea to the Arts Council.
“Over the years, the event has grown significantly, but the core values of community and creativity remain,” said Menjivar.
According to Menjivar, 443 porches signed up this year, with one to three bands per porch and thousands of visitors crowding the streets. Indeed, local businesses say PorchFest is their most lucrative day of the year.
Menjivar attributes the event’s success to local organizing. “[PorchFest] continues to thrive because of the generosity of spirit among our residents, and it’s a reminder of
Playing into the event’s spirit of community organizing, brattle used their Somerville Porchfest set to raise funds for Rümeysa Özturk, the Tufts student who was arrested near her home in Somerville by ICE after her visa was revoked without her knowledge. Özturk has since been released on bail.
“I saw an opportunity to help a fellow Somerville resident in a tough time and jumped at it,” said Diaz.
Menjivar hopes that the event can continue to grow without the need for excess restrictions. Personally, I’m just hoping next year’s Somerville Porchfest arrives with a little less rain.
6/10 Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber: The People’s Republic Edition Students pay what you can @ Lilypad 10pm All Ages $10
6/12 Fully Celebrated Orchestra, Charlie Kohlhase's Explorers Club, Saxophone Support Group @ Midway Cafe 8pm 21+ $10
6/1 State Park Western World presents Both Kinds: Country AND Western w/ DJ Groan Man Free entry, come hungry! Every 1st Sunday @ State Park Bar 3pm-6pm
6/4 Rozzie Old Time Session @ The Square Root Cafe 8pm-10pm 21+ FREE
6/5 Rent Strike, Dirty Harry, The Michael Character, Justin Arena @ Deep Cuts Deli 8pm 18+ $15
6/7 Somerville Organization for Multimedia Experiences (SOME) presents: Someday Fest Somerville bands, artists & vendors @ Boston Figurative Art Center 2pm-10pm All Ages FREE
6/7 Diva Down: An Electronic Dance Party w/ DJs Brian Halligan, Matheca, and Mx. Demeanor. Think campy vibes, hawt looks, no-phones-onthe-dance-floor, and the finest electronic dance music in town. Come get sweaty with us divassss, come get down. @ The Sinclair 9:30pm $10-15 door
6/8 Somerville Music Mixer Be a part of building Somerville's music ecosystem. Hosted by Somerville Arts Council, Music Ambassador Ajda Snyder & #ARTSTAYSHERE @ Portico Brewing 5pm-7pm 21+ FREE
6/8 Boston Public Market presents: Live Music & Local Flavors A free music festival celebrating 10 years of community and local food @ Boston Public Market 10am-5pm All Ages FREE
6/8 Sado-Domestics (acoustic) @ The Square Root Cafe 4pm-6pm 21+ FREE
6/8 Evil Felipe, HeadFirst,
6/11 Clamb, Coulibaly Trio @ The Lizard Lounge 8pm 21+ $15
6/12 Singer Songwriter Night Hosted by Glenn Williams with Jake Goldstein, Dylan Patrick Ward and Dave Fredette @ The Square Root Cafe 7:30pm-10:30pm 21+ FREE
6/14 A Party Called Birthday feat. DJ Manny Underground All proceeds split between Chelsea Collaborative & Trans Resistance MA @ Lilypad 9pm All Ages $10
6/17 Raspberry Pie, Battlemode, Koji Kompote Band Florida's favorite VGM funk band are swinging back up to Boston! Pop up arcade by: Super Party Bros @ Warehouse XI 7pm 18+ $20
6/21 Halleujah The Hills (Release Show), Bongwish, Choo Choo La Rouge @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm 18+ $20
6/21 Coe St. Co-op, The Plus Ones, Good Karma, Castle Goblin @ The Jungle 8pm 21+ $10
6/26 Bottom Bracket, Clipboards, Oldsoul, Trash Rabbit @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm 18+ $15
6/11 Cries and Whispers (1972) See Ingmar Bergman's visually striking, existential masterpiece on the big screen @ Coolidge Corner Theater 7pm $17
A late and rare screening of photographer Larry Clark's too real portrait of '90s teens in NYC @ Coolidge Corner Theater 9:45pm $17
6/16 The Watermelon Woman Cheryl Dunye's debut film examines Black Women in cinema through their lens as a Black
6/8 KidsArts Presents: KIDS VS THE MACHINES Annual Spring Play Fundraiser! Come see an original play written by, performed by, and brought to life through the imagination of our amazing KidsArts students. This annual spring fundraiser is a celebration of youth expression and artistic collaboration. @ JP KidsArts 3:30pm-6pm All Ages $20
6/10 The Inkwell Open Mic
Two songs or eight minutes, whatever comes first. Originals only. @ Midway Cafe 8:30pm 21+ FREE
6/13 The Poetry Brothel Boston presents: Astro Poetica Immersive Literary Cabaret @ Sonia 7pm-11pm 21+ $40-$80
lesbian in the '90s @ Coolidge Corner Theater 7:15pm $17
6/19 Female Trouble (1974) Divine's Dawn Davenport sets the screen on fire in all her grotesque and glamorous glory. Director John Waters' favorite collab with his muse. @ Somerville Theatre 7:30pm $16
6/20 Cronenberg Summer Series Don't miss a killer range of heady, body horror films and more by the king. Highlights include cool double features like Scanners with Videodrome on 6/21, The Brood and Naked Lunch on 6/22 or eXistenZ with Crimes of the Future on 6/24 @ Brattle Theater $15 - $19
6/20 Pecker (1998) John Waters' most underrated film and a truly charming '90s comedy gem with an incredible ensemble @ Somerville Theatre 9:15pm $16
6/25 Coolidge at the Greenway presents Bladerunner: The Final Cut A FREE outdoor screening of Ridley Scott's sci fi classic @ Rose Kennedy Greenway 8pm FREE @thecoolidge
6/27 Japan's Pop Art Renegade: Nobuhiko Obayashi x5 series Catch any or all 5 films from the Japanese visionary, including his most famous Hausu on 6/27 and two double features of dreamy rarities @ Brattle Theater $15 - $19
6/3 Dark Side of the B00B
A burlesque tribute to Pink Floyd, hosted by Mia Culpa & Dolores Sweet! @ Midway Cafe 8pm 21+ $10
6/5 The Moth Mainstage Explore the art of live storytelling with this beloved podcast and event series @ Somerville Theatre 7:30pm $50+
6/8 Jock Couture: Uprising is a fashion performance, fundraiser, and a call for solidarity and action. All are welcome to join us, get organized, revel and rebel at this participatory experience and fundraiser for liberation. Rise up together! Dress code: creative, bold, extravagant, joyful. Jockstraps encouraged. All proceeds benefit Mass Trans Political Coalition @ ManRay 6pm-10pm 21+
6/7 Herbstalk 2025 A community event that connects people + plants via 40+ inspiring classes, and an herbal market with local crafters. @ Arts at the Armory FREE
6/8 Caribbean American Heritage Festival Join the celebration in Boston and enjoy a festival presentation of music, food, arts and craft vendors and more. @ Reggie Lewis Center 12pm-8pm FREE
6/12 Retro Prom & Night Market w/ 20% off any item from Raspberry Beret. @ O'Briens Pub 6pm-11pm 21+
6/17 T-Valley (Trans & POC Drag Show) w/ DJ Nervous @ Midway Cafe 8pm 21+ $10
6/19 Roslindale Comedy Showcase @ The Square Root Cafe 8pm-11pm 21+ $10
6/29 Queer Artists & Players presents: 48-Hour One-Act Festival Short plays written, rehearsed and performed within one singular weekend! @ The Rockwell 6pm-8:30pm All Ages $12
community
6/1 Dorchester Day Parade
Every year, we come together on the 1st Sunday of June as a Dorchester community to celebrate our wonderful city with the Dorchester Day Parade. The parade starts in Lower Mills at the corner of Washington Street & Dorchester Ave and travels along Dorchester Ave to Savin Hill at the corner of Columbia Road and Dorchester Ave (3.2 miles). @ 1pm All Ages
6/2 Picture + Panel: Insects with Peter Kuper and Allison Conway Join Boston Comic Arts Foundation for an antenna-raising conversation that explores tiny creatures with enormous impact! @ Boston Figurative Art Center 7pm All Ages FREE
6/3 Artisan’s Asylum Speaker Series: Georgie Friedman Friedman is an internationally exhibiting video and video installation artist who creates single and multi-channel videos, sculptural video installations, site-specific and public art projects @ Artisans Asylum 7pm-8:30pm FREE
6/7 Dorchester Open Studios
Talented artists of Dorchester will open their workshops for viewing to the public! @ Humphreys Street Studios (HSS) All Ages FREE
6/7 Forest Bathing Slow down and awaken your senses on a guided sensory experience, led by Tam Willey (they/them) a certified forest therapy guide. This program begins at South Street Gate. @ Arnold Arboretum 10am-12pm FREE
6/12 The Brighton Bazaar presents: Night Bazaar Over 100 small local businesses popping up to sell art, vinyl, vintage, & more @ Charles River Speedway 5pm-10pm All Ages FREE @thebrightonbazaar
6/13 The Chair: The House of Calypso Multi-talented Black and Brown drag artists joins Dreme, the host of THE CHAIR Podcast, in a roundtable discussion for an in person thought provoking conversation about identity, education, hair, and self love. @ Just Book-ish 6:30pm-8pm FREE
6/14 Boston Pride for the People is a volunteer-led organization that plans activities and events that celebrate the rich diversity, culture, and intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Month celebration will include a parade, a festival, and more! @ City Hall Plaza 2pm-8pm All Ages FREE
6/15 Lesbian Night Life presents: JP Block Party A Celebration of LGBTQ Pride in Boston. @ Perkins St JP (Between Center St and S. Huntington) Entry on Center St. 18 and under / kids free entry! Portion of all proceeds go to History UnErased and La Network Red @ 12pm-7pm All Ages $20
6/18 Midday Music: Celebrate Juneteenth with live music, delicious food truck options, lawn games, and more. @ Kendall/MIT Open Space 12pm-2pm FREE
6/19 Ujima Presents: We Create the World Juneteenth Celebration ft. Zine Fair and Vendor Market @ Institute of Contemporary Art FREE @ujimaboston
6/19 Freedom - Juneteenth Day Party Expect nonstop Afro-Caribbean energy, live DJs, dancing, drinks, food vendors, and good vibes all day on the patio. Whether you’re pulling up solo or deep with your crew, this is the place to be for Juneteenth weekend. @ Studio Allston Hotel 4pm-10pm 21+ $20
6/19 Paragon presents: Juneteenth - A Legacy to Share Start the day with live music and community singing at the corner of Massachusetts Ave and Pleasant St in Central Square for the parade promptly at 10am. All are welcome! Parade concludes at Riverside Press Park, where there will be music, food and fun for all ages! @ 10am-4pm FREE
6/21 Cambridge River Festival
Six Stages of Music, Theater, Dance and Poetry along Memorial Drive, between JFK Street and Western Avenue, curated by Global Arts Live, Liars & Believers, Passim, Cambridge Jazz Foundation, José Mateo Ballet Theatre, The Dance Complex and the City Night Reading Series. Plus a Mermaid Promenade, Interactive Art-Making; Buskers; International Foods and an Arts and Crafts Market! @ 11am-5pm All Ages FREE
6/29 Boston Black Pride
A series of events produced by Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation. More details at lesbigayurbanfoundation.org/ boston-events @boston_urban_pride
advocacy
6/6 MASSCreative presents: Creative Sector Summit
An annual convening of cultural thought leaders, artists, creatives, policy advocates, educators, culture bearers, arts administrators, teaching artists, and public officials. Choose from 16 participatory workshops to strengthen the impact and broaden the reach of the arts and cultural sector across the Commonwealth @ Northampton Center for the Arts 10am-5pm $45-$85
6/7 Gun Violence Awareness
Day Join #WearOrange in the park to be part of the movement tackling gun violence in our communities. Wear orange!! @ Boston Common 11am-2pm
6/10 The History Project presents: Pride Was a Riot
A virtual talk about the story of the Stonewall Uprisings and Organizing in Boston Since 1968 @ 7pm-8pm FREE
6/11 State Lobby Day for Climate Justice Join other advocates to meet with your legislators about critical pieces of climate and environmental justice legislation. No prior knowledge about the legislative process or the legislation is needed! These meetings will be virtual or locally near your home (in your district), NOT at the state house. Visit mapowerforward.com/events for more details @ 10am-3pm
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition MTPC works to ensure the wellbeing, safety, and lived equity of all trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive community members in Massachusetts. Visit masstpc.org for more information.
Boston Liberation Center Open Hours The Boston Liberation Center is a socialist, working class community center located right in the heart of Roxbury. Stop by to learn more about the work of the center and talk with the organizers, browse the community library, get some work done or just hang out!
Tues & Thurs 4-8pm, Fri 1-6pm, Saturdays 10-4pm.
Somerville Anti-Displacement Task Force The purpose of this task force is to develop programming and policy recommendations that aim to equitably reduce the displacement rate of people who live in, have businesses in, or create in the City of Somerville. Learn more at voice.somervillema. gov/adtf.
Reclaim Roxbury A community organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and economic wealth for Roxbury residents by preventing displacement and supporting economic development. Learn more at reclaimroxbury.org
Know Your Rights: What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration This resource provides general information on what to do if you or someone you know is stopped, arrested, or detained by immigration or other law enforcement. Visit www.nilc.org/resources for more information
If you think you see ICE in your area, call the Massachusetts LUCE hotline: 617-370-5023. Available 5am-9pm daily in English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more.
opportunities
6/3 A Musicians Guide to Gigs with Cliff Notez Arts Action Consortium presents a two-part online workshop about booking, promotion and production, from vision through execution. Visit assetsforartists.org/ workshops/#cliff to register @ FREE @cliffnotezz
6/4 Ujima Presents: All Power to the People Block Printing Workshop This workshop is inspired by the legacy of Emory Douglas, Elizabeth Catlett and other Black political printmakers. Participants are invited to make their own newspaper headlines using block printing and collaging. Visit ujimaboston.com/ events to register @ Shirley Eustis House 7:15pm-8:30pm
6/13 Patchwork of Freedom A Juneteenth Community Canvas Quilt, FREE mural workshop with artist Zahirah Nur Truth for students in grades 7-12 @ New Art Center 4:30pm-6:30pm @daartistznt
Literary Residency for Children’s & YA Writers at Boston Public Library This year-long residency provides an emerging writer with the financial support, editorial assistance, and a private office in the Boston Public Library to complete one literary work for children or young adults. Eligible projects include fiction, nonfiction, scripts, poetry, or graphic novels. Stipend: $70,000. Deadline to apply is 6/6
6/12 Portfolio Power with Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez In this workshop participants will learn best practices for creating and presenting a portfolio that has a lasting impression while being accessible. Visit https://www.assetsforartists.org/ workshops/#anabel to register @ 12pm-2pm FREE
culture, and community. Check their Instagram @sparkfmonline for details on how to apply Deadline to apply is 6/14
Open Call for DJs and Media Personalities SparkFM is looking for passionate DJ and Host to join Boston’s first Black woman-owned digital radio station. They focus on urban and Caribbean music,
Write for the Boston Compass! The BCN is seeking timely articles related to local arts, culture, and activism in the Greater Boston area. See bostoncompassnewspaper.com/ support for pitch info.
Halcyon by E.B. Hutchins
The Snork Opaque by Adam Green
The Boomerang Gang by Joe Bortner
@joeb draws
Bird Crimes: Mary! by PomPoison
The Smallest Comic in the World by MAXFOSTER
CRAFTING COMMUNITY
People of all ages poured into the streets of Inman Square in Cambridge on May 18 for the annual Inman Eats & Crafts event. They roamed a car-free Cambridge Street, partaking in delicious food from Inman Square’s restaurants and browsing local artist-made crafts—all while live music bathed the afternoon wvith a festive atmosphere. Organized by the East Cambridge Business Association, this street fair is a celebration of community, and the community certainly showed up.
In the Handmade Marketplace, sponsored by Inman’s own gather here stitch lounge, over 45 artists sold eclectic goods, ranging from handmade pottery to art prints to stuffed animal “taxidermy.” Sarah Dudek was one such artist selling their work. Their business, Indestructible Food, brings together history and community through their series of drawings depicting nonperishable food.
“When the wider world is full of division, and every news cycle brings more bad news, it’s a gift to be able to wrap yourself in community,” Dudek shared. “Inman Eats & Crafts lets neighbors shop for a handmade gift, sample dishes from incredible restaurants, and listen to great live music all in the same afternoon. We get to appreciate the skill of the makers that surround us, and catch up with friends!”
Artist Courtney Drake, who vended her Lunch City Studio prints at the event, echoed a similar sentiment on the power of community. “You feel the energy,” she said. “It's amazing to watch folks discover your work for the first time or have existing customers trek across the city to see you.”
afternoon. The performances were curated by The Lilypad, an intimate music venue and community gathering place in Inman Square. Adults, children, and dogs alike gathered in the street to listen to the live music.
The event also shined a spotlight on Inman Square’s businesses and restaurants. Neighborhood staples such as 1369 Coffee House, Christina's Ice Cream, and many more lined the street selling a selection of their food and drink for “Inman Bucks” that customers were able to purchase ahead of time ($20 for 5 “bucks”), encouraging attendees to visit multiple different stands.
The energy of the event was not limited to the street, though, as it spilled over into the neighborhoods’ brick-and-mortar businesses. People crowded into Inman Square’s other shops and restaurants— another way the event encouraged neighbors to economically invest in their local communities.
The economic component of the day was especially salient for the artists vending their handmade goods.
“People are becoming more mindful of where they spend their money,” Drake said. “Spending money locally has an immediate, positive impact on your own community. It's even better when you can see the face of the person who brought the product to life. It brings a little comfort to the current economic climate.”
THE PALESTINIAN BEAR
Mo Amer at The Chevalier
“I’m really glad you motherfuckers have your cellphones locked up,” quips Palestinian-Texan comedian Mohammed “Mo” Mustafa Amer, as he is impersonating Elon Musk with a limp Nazi salute and wide, twitchy eyes. “No pics, please… I can read the headlines now—anti-Semitic Semitic comedian joins anti-Semitic rally, does Nazi salute rampage live on stage.”
Mo is hyper-aware, absurd, loving, and sharp. He uses stand-up—still one of the last raw spaces for free speech—to unpack American propaganda, the ultimate struggles of his fellow Palestinian people, and the joys of fatherhood, all without preaching. His Texas swagger and hip-hop edge give his message style and bite. As The Daily Show ’s Jon Stewart put it, Mo Amer is now “one of America’s most important voices.”
The El Oso Palestino (The Palestinian Bear) Tour’s stop at Medford’s Chevalier Theatre was part rally, part roast, and part soul-baring therapy. The opener, Indian-American comic Azhar Usman, sent the crowd into full cachinnation. Also a writer on Mo’s titular Netflix show, Usman joked about white women converting to Islam on TikTok while name-dropping historian Howard Zinn: “I mention books because Americans don’t read!”
Mo himself arrived from a red-eye flight and dove straight into a Boston accent. Risky move, yet the opener had already buttered the crowd up with a Dunkin’ Donuts bit: “Only in America can you be in a pandemic lockdown and still get a Dunkin’ latte every day.”
Mo’s story is one of transformation—from a heartbroken refugee kid grieving his father, to a political comic pushing against the boundaries of free speech. He recounts how after 9/11, Jewish friends urged him to change his name for safety. “I was Italian for two months,” he deadpanned, shifting into a De Niro impression. “It’s all about the squint.”
His TSA material hit common ground: “They’ve never saved anyone, yet they
make us waterboard ourselves.” Mo’s empathy cuts through the absurdity, reminding us that behind every stereotype is a shared human experience.
Then, the show shifts. Mo tells a bittersweet story about becoming a father. He mocks the “Tom-Brady-like” football-jersey-wearing birthing doulas coaching his wife. Then: “My Palestinian baby was at a 48-hour checkpoint—with an Israeli doctor.” Followed by, “I gave my son a Muslim name—it’ll make life harder, but he’ll never forget where he came from.” The laughter explodes, undulates, and then halts, yet the audience stays with him. And then comes the mic drop: “Israel is like the baby you love that grows up to be the school shooter.” It’s an unsettling joke—provocative, humanistic, and deeply American.
“You have to say something,” Mo insisted, even when it costs you. He told the audience a story about Margaret, a white Texan fan who thoroughly researched Palestinian history pre-October 7. Mo wanted her as his press secretary when journalists trap him with: “We love your work, Mo… But do you condemn Hamas?” Cue his desperate call: “Margaret!!”
At the end of his bit, he shouted out Jewish Voice for Peace and gave major props to his mentor and other comedians, for having his back during horrific times. Mo’s community is wide and unexpected. El Oso Palestino is tight, brave, and urgent. As Mo’s tour comes to an end in Washington, DC, it is clear that his humor and passion is more important than ever to safeguard. If you haven’t yet, stream Mo on Netflix—the first-ever and only Palestinian family television show to grace U.S. living rooms.
“Everything is yuck,” Mo said. “We’re all just mad and don’t know what to do. Pay attention to the people who show up when it really matters.”
OLIVIA A. CAFFREY
MEET THE ARTIST
Tyler Whitaker is a Somerville-based Queer artist, freelance designer, event producer, and DJ. Their artistic practice uses multimedia approaches to create Queer depictions of the body—robotic, fluid, and geometric—that challenge traditional binary understandings of gender. Tyler strongly believes in the immense power of grassroots community. As an event producer, Tyler hosts events such as: Clown Town, a bi-monthly Queer circus variety show at The Jungle; Sheer Bliss, an underground electronic rave at Jacques Underground; Diva Down, an upcoming Queer dance party at The Sinclair; and Queer Figure Drawing, a free monthly figure drawing class for artists of all persuasions. You can see all of their art & design work at tylerwhitaker.art or @tyler.hualong on Instagram. To find out more about their events (and listen to their really epic DJ mixes), find them at @mx.demean0r on Instagram.
TYLER WHITAKER
Local musicians were another highlight of the
Inman Square Eats & Crafts
MELANIE LITWIN