KATRINA ROJAS ON CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR WOMEN TO CONNECT Katrina Rojas is an Afro-Latina community builder whose mission lives in the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and wellness. After navigating a season of burnout, financial stress and uncertainties and discovering the women in her life were experiencing similar silent battles, she wanted to make a difference. She saw a need that had to be met and became more intentional with her self-care journey, ultimately founding Soft Girl, Soft Life.
An advocate for collective care, Rojas says, “There is strength in resilience, but there is power and freedom in our rest and joy, too. We deserve lives where we do more than survive.” According to Rojas, we must give ourselves permission to truly nurture the person we’re becoming without shame or guilt. Latina Bohemian: As an Afro-Latina creative, how does your culture influence your creativity?
Katrina Rojas: My culture influences my creativity in ways that I think are both conscious and unconscious. As an AfroLatina woman, so much of how I understand creativity, community, and care comes from the women who raised me and the environments I grew up in. I'm proud of where I come from while I also
give myself permission to imagine different ways of living, creating, and caring for my community.
LB: What’s been a touching moment throughout the Soft Girl Soft Life process? KR: There have been many, but I think some of the most touching moments have happened during our self-care retreats. You never really know what someone is carrying when they walk into one of our events. Someone could be grieving a recent loss, navigating a major life transition or simply having a difficult season. Sometimes women just want to be around other women and find a little joy in the midst of whatever they're going through. We don't always have to have the answers or fix what someone is experiencing. Sometimes being together is enough. LB: When you first started, were there any challenges? KR: As we started creating more experiences, funding became one of our biggest challenges. I quickly learned how much goes into producing intentional programming and how inaccessible wellness spaces can be historically. Wellness shouldn't feel like a luxury reserved for people who can afford a certain price. I want us to create highquality experiences, make them accessible, and still fairly compensate the people who help bring them to life. Finding a sustainable way to do all three is
something we're prioritizing even more as we grow.
LB: Describe your wellness and self-care right now. How does it look for you?
LB: Why is unity in diverse spaces important?
KR: I'm moving away from the idea that self-care has to look a certain way or follow a perfect routine. I've also learned that self-care is just as much about what I choose not to do. It's setting boundaries, saying no, protecting my time, and recognizing when I need to slow down before my body forces me to.
KR: For Black and Brown communities especially, we're so often celebrated for our resilience: how much we can endure, overcome, and continue carrying. But I also believe this is where rest and joy must come to the forefront even more. Rest can be an act of resistance in a world that constantly asks us to produce, perform, and push through.
— LATINA BOHEMIAN
Sometimes care looks like someone checking in on you, sharing a resource, making space for your story, or reminding you that you don't have to carry everything by yourself. Unity allows us to move beyond individual survival and towards collectively creating lives and communities where we can actually thrive. LB: What do you hope others can take from your unique journey? KR: I hope they can look at my journey and give themselves permission to define success for themselves. My path has been anything but linear. I've changed directions, pursued multiple passions, had dreams that didn't work out the way I imagined, and had seasons where I questioned whether I was behind or doing enough. I'm still figuring things out.
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BOSTONCOMPASSNEWSPAPER.COM
MASSACHUSETTS MINUTE CHOW IS COOKING GREATNESS
One of Massachusetts' biggest hidden Hitting platforms last March, the 12gems? Chinese food. While the state song beat tape comes fully equipped boasts some of the richest Cantonese, with diligently-selected sample chops Sichuan, and Jiangnan restaurants the and hard-hitting, Street-Fighter-2US has to offer, I’m specifically talking adjacent sonics that immediately make about the deep-fried, sticky menu, your face grimace upon the first listen. pairs-nicely-with-a-scorpion-bowl unearths otherworldly tracks subset of Chinese food that most of throughout the entirety of the project, you reading this have almost certainly and each offering is paired with a had at one point or another. different nod to the local Chinese restaurant experience that only true I could ramble on and on about foodies can appreciate. “Orange regional delicacies like the Chow Mein Chicken Combo,” “Faded Menu’s,” Sandwich and Peking Ravioli, why “Grand Wok,” and “NYE Preorder” Quincy’s Cathay Pacific far are just a few examples of the homage outperforms Saugus’s Kowloon, and Chow pays to the regional cuisine – how it’s perhaps the cuisine I miss the each of which highlights a different most when I’m away from home, but component of his musical lexicon. this is a music column after all, and I have to stick to the status quo.
After digging through the digital Though several months past its crates for some new sounds recently, I release, this project is a diamond in stumbled across someone else who the haystack for rap fans looking for shares the same flair for pu pu platters their next album to devour. and “Homemade Duck Sauce” as I do. For those interested in something with Chow is a rapper and producer who lyrical companionship, his newly hails from all the way down in New released album with JUNE! titled “In Bedford. Specializing in an Good Hands,” is an equally excellent experimental, smoky, and heavily portrayal of his capabilities. From start textured blend of hip-hop music. to finish, Chow constructs a beautiful Chow quietly produced some of the foundation upon which JUNE! most numinous, enchanting sounds exchanges intricate stanzas revolving produced by the Bay State in recent around race, desire, and the quest for memory, especially on his something great. It’s a solid project appropriately named beat tape that keeps listeners locked in across “Massachusetts Chinese Food.” every track. Regardless of which project you choose to start your dive into Chow’s discography, you’ll want to get familiar with this New Bedford talent. Show him some love, and don’t forget to thank him for inspiring your next Chinese takeout order.
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––––––––SHAMUS HILL
HERITAGE, COLLABORATION, AND DARKNESS THE MAKING OF MADA SILVA'S FIRST EP
Local singer-songwriter Mada Silva’s Though this is Silva’s first EP, she’s new EP “Wherever You Go” comes out been making music since childhood. October 23rd. Silva’s music routinely She recalls her interest in guitar from a evokes a deep sense of nostalgia; this young age, even approaching EP is no exception. Although she’s strangers to ask for lessons until she lived in Boston for years, Silva was given her own guitar. She also maintains deep ties to her Cape talks of learning English through Verdean roots and her home country of listening to foreign songs. Portugal. While an English speaker might call her music nostalgic, Silva would call it saudade, a Portuguese word with no direct translation. Silva defines saudade as “incredibly bittersweet.” “This idea that you miss something so bad that you’re sad, but you’re also happy cause you had that once,” Silva said. “So I think even though there’s no one-to-one translation [...] I hold on to that sentiment, and it just comes out.” That bittersweetness permeates these tracks. “Wherever You Go” spans a When discussing the evolution of her breadth of emotions, from playful to music, Silva describes a shift from confessional to melancholic in its short “vivid blue” as a representation of runtime. “new waters, new discoveries, something that didn’t feel as abrasive” “I’m always reaching for something I’ve to “bright red” as her songs became noticed,” Silva says, “and that is part of “more heartfelt, more vulnerable,” the reason why the EP is called describing this new era as warm and “Wherever You Go,” because in the passionate. Silva’s writing process collection of songs I put together, I flows smoothest in the dark. She realized that there’s an element of me emphasizes, “I think there’s safety following something, whether it’s there and it’s safety needed for someone or something more abstract. I emotions to come out through my feel like I’m always looking for answers music.” and almost wanting my songs to be resolved at the end, but I challenge “Wherever You Go” features lyrics in myself in this EP. Things don’t have to both Portuguese and English, though be resolved, and it’s okay that I’m Silva’s other music also incorporates following something.” Cape Verdean Creole. “It’s not unique,” she says, “There’s so many Silva credits her collaborators for other people out there who share the bringing these songs to life. Dominik exact same environment, languages, R.H., Joshua Theodore, Raphael Lehen, and layers that I do, who I think would Savien Jean, and Glenn Wembo all lent appreciate something that they can their talents. Their melodic synth and deeply understand and feel. But also I lively percussion beautifully think there’s a lot of benefits from complement Mada’s acoustic, honest listening to something from another sound. On the EP’s single, releasing culture and learning something about October 9th, Theodore layers a guitar the culture and about yourself. I think I solo over Mada’s rhythm guitar that want to promote a bit more of that she remembers leaving the room upon self-discovery, but also discovery of hearing. others.” I didn’t know what to do; I just stood Keep up with Mada Silva at her up and was like, ‘I can’t believe this just website and Instagram. happened.’ I hope people have the same reaction. Hearing their Want Grace to write about your music? expressions in the EP makes me so Visit tinyurl.com/twomeywrites. happy; things felt aligned. It felt like we were having a conversation and I felt –––––GRACE TWOMEY understood.”
TRASH IS TRAGIC
ANTI-HALLMARK HALLOWEEN
OBVIOUSLY MOULTON LOST
PROGRESSIVE REBRAND LABELED “INSINCERE” Senator Ed Markey has worked in Content creator and political strategist government for more than 50 years. Maria Comstock was one of several After a landslide 65-point primary influencers to lend their platform to victory over Representative Seth Markey’s reelection. She said both Moulton, the 80-year-old is likely to campaigns reached out, but she was keep his seat for another six years. turned off by Moulton “rolling over for billionaires” and falling short on social Moulton, 49, sought to leverage their issues. age difference amidst a wave of incumbents losing to younger “[Moulton] said before that he wants candidates nationwide. The House to roll back environmental regulations. member tried to position himself as He said that he wants to add more one of “Massachusetts’ rising mandates and requirements for progressive stars” despite his deeply federal assistance and SNAP. There's conservative voting record. just record after record of him doing these things that hurt the working Moulton has supported resolutions people,” she said. “Trust for blaming Black Lives Matter for violence politicians is already so low. Why against police, expressing gratitude to would we believe you with literally no Immigration and Customs Enforcement evidence to back it up?” (ICE) and Border Patrol, and continuing weapons sales to Israel. He opposed Comstock and Fisher said the primary Medicare For All, debt-free public came down to policy, not age. education, and expanding tenants' rights – all positions Markey has “If another progressive was running supported for decades. against Markey, that would have changed my rationale completely. Boston Democratic Socialists of However, it wasn't a progressive. It America (BDSA) Co-Chair Andie Fisher was a centrist who was lying. We have said Moulton’s attempted rebrand enough of those,” Comstock said. speaks to the strength of progressive politics in Massachusetts. Fisher said age is just one identity marker voters care about. She added “I think politicians that understand the Markey has consistently supported voter base of Massachusetts know what policies that mirror the Massachusetts they need to align with from a narrative voter base, and there has not been a perspective, so it makes sense to me strong enough reason to challenge that he would make that choice, even if him. it's not accurate,” she said. As 2028 approaches, Fisher warned Markey was BDSA’s recommended Democrats from maintaining the status candidate for supporting the LGBTQ+ quo and that collaboration with capital community, abolishing ICE, and will continue to alienate regular voters. opposing America's "deranged" foreign policy. They called Moulton’s Comstock said Democratic Party attempt to distance himself from his leadership has less centralized power conservative record and previous than voters believe, urging the comments disparaging trans people electorate to reclaim their power. She insincere and opportunistic. added that candidates need to engage with their constituency online. Fisher added that Moulton’s message failed to resonate with voters because “They need to pick up their damn it doesn't reflect people’s actual phone and be like, ‘Hey guys, today I politics. passed bill ABC. It does ABC. It affects you because of ABC,’” Comstock said. “I think people in general are not dumb and in particular, the Markey will face off against Republican Massachusetts electorate is quite John Deaton on Election Day, enfranchised and politically engaged,” November 3. Voter registration is due Fisher said. “I think people are by October 24. galvanized by real working-class issues. They care about ICE being in their To register online, check, or update community; they care about the voter information, visit continued division between the 1% and www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/. working class. They want policies and –––––JACOB DOWNEY politicians that speak directly to that.”
This summer my closest goth friend On that note, how many of your noticed Halloween candy at CVS in family's medications are advertised in early July. The Creep has been commercials, and how easily can you happening for a long time, and I don't afford them? When health and mean a seasonal doo-wop dance. My pleasure are commodified, we are dad keeps track of when the black and used, not served. orange decorations and "fun size" candy bars arrive at their local grocery I don't want to guilt anyone about store every year. There was a time their joy. Flamboyant snarls of when seeing them in early September overwrought cobwebs and fake felt ridiculous. Now all of August is gravestones are part of what makes awash. Halloween special. Each decorated entryway is a little theatre set. I just There is something deeply enraging to think that the real spirit within it all me about forced celebration, burns in opposition to the especially when it comes from the expectations, manipulations, and direction of money. If I'm being stresses of consumerism. hounded to buy products that will "help me" "commemorate" a holiday Here are some alternate ideas "better," the occasion itself begins to From my housemate: Make ghost sag. I feel like its joy is being slowly costumes out of white sheets and siphoned out of my body. Corporate wander about. You will entertain marketing is cultural parasitism. the masses for cheap and it will be a good time. People just love to see a little ghost. What I love about Halloween: From my friend Matt: Find some Mystery large pieces of cardboard, cut out Spookiness the shapes of giant eyes, and tape Closeness to death, recognition of the sheets over your windows at it as part of life night. From the street your Closeness to the earth apartment will look like a haunted The turning of the season house, with the glowing eyes of Harvest large monsters peering out. Mischief From my friend L: Sneak into a Rebellion cemetery at night and tell ghost The chance to meet neighbors stories over a warm drink. The chance to explore different parts of oneself with costumes And if you're going to prank a The chance to be a little freak out building, maybe don't choose a loud without drawing quite so private residence ;) much attention (I'm kidding, of course. Stay safe out Creativity there everyone!) Thrift ––––––AMELIA YOUNG Play
There's no mystery in the Stop&Shop candy aisle. There's no mischief or rebellion, either. It's fluorescent and pre-packaged. You can buy oversized skeletons at Home Depot, but they're all the same species of polypropylene, and where do you put them the rest of the year? How many pounds of plastic have you hung on your porch over time, where did it all end up, and how much money did you pay for it?
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10/19-12/17 The Lost Paintings: A Prelude to Return 53 artists from Palestine and its diaspora reimagine the missing works of Maroun Tomb, a Palestinian-Lebanese artist, whose 1947 exhibition in Haifa was lost during the Nakba @ Unbound Visual Arts, The Brookline Arts Center All Ages
literary art 10/4 Talking About Banned Books Kick off Banned Books Week with YA author Sara Farizan & Teen Librarian Tori Gellman @ Brookline Booksmith 6pm-7pm All Ages FREE
music 10/2-10/3 Boston Fuzzstival A 2 day celebration of local and regional music @ Arts at the Armory 6:30pm-11pm All Ages $20-$40 10/3 No AI Was Used Release Party Celebrate Terry Borderline and Gasoline Monk's newest album with performances and art displays @ Cantab Lounge 4:30pm-8pm 21+ $20 10/4 The Big Gig Indie music festival & market with 6 bands and 100+ vendors @ Charles River Speedway 11am-6pm All Ages FREE 10/4 Reproductive Justice Benefit Show with Savoir Faire, The Darlin', ToriTori, and Liz Bills. All proceeds benefit the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project @ Warehouse XI 5pm-9pm All Ages $20-$150 10/5 Horse Lords, Rong, Forbes Graham @ Deep Cuts 7pm 18+ $20 adv, $25 dos 10/7 Unseemlier, See You At Rogers, Botch Job, The Roland High Life featuring EP release from See You At Rogers @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm 18+ $10 adv, $15 dos 10/9 Music For Safe Homes: A Benefit For RESPOND The Ames Curve, ...Go!, Alexayndria, and The Rockery show benefiting Somerville based domestic violence agency @ Crystal Ballroom 7:30pm All Ages $30 10/10 Lyssa Grace, Western Faults, Flat Earth Rounders, Buck Lonesome @ The Jungle 8pm 21+ $10 adv, $15 dos 10/12-10/13 Junkfest A music and dance festival with live rock, rap, hip hop, jazz, folk, and bluegrass performances @ Dorchester Brewing Company 5pm-11:30pm All Ages $15-$23 10/13 Cape Crush, Bicycle Inn, Broken Record, Shy Husky @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm 18+ $15
10/20 Nondualism Trio Presents Nosferatu Funk Progressive jazz trio performs original works from their upcoming album @ Lilypad 7pm9:30pm All Ages $15 10/20 Dessert First ft. DJ Rayvino, LAVAGXRL, gw3nd0lyn, AYDOK, coraldefense @ Zuzu 9pm 21+ FREE 10/22 Nicoteens, Manor Gates, I Hate It Too, Good June @ O'Briens Pub 7pm 21+ $15
10/24 Climate Change and the Future of Boston Author Courtney Humphries discusses Boston's efforts to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate @ Boston Public Library (BPL) 2pm-3pm All Ages FREE
film
10/8 BAAFF Preview Party Get the inside scoop on this year’s Boston 10/28 Small Pond, Otis Shanty, Bus Asian American Film Festival with Crush @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm 18+ $15 trailers, food, and a chance to win screening tickets @ PAO Arts Center 6:30pm-8pm All Ages FREE 10/30 Skalloween V A night of 90s ska with The New Limits, Skaleton Crew, Bad Idea USA, and Battlemode 10/9 TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School Of Organizing Screening and @ The Rockwell 8pm 21+ $20 talkback about Toni Cade Bambara's legacy in cultural organizing with filmmaker Louis Massiah @ Institute of Contemporary Art 7pm-8:45pm All Ages $15 public, $10 student
10/7 Yarumi González: Artist In Residence Showcase Poetic and ritual-inspired storytelling exploring identity and migration @ Multicultural Arts Center 7:30pm All Ages $35 10/8 It's Tarot Time: A Tarot Comedy Show with Antonio Morales Receive a comedic tarot reading in front of a live audience. Part insight, part sass, and all fun @ Boston Public Library (BPL) 6pm-7:30pm All Ages FREE 10/16, 10/17 Rocky Horror Picture Show with live shadow cast. Bring a pillow for floor seating @ Tourist Trap 7pm $10 cash, $15 Venmo 10/17 Purrranormal Comedy Show Benefit show with comedians Liz Miller, Sophie Bergé, Shawn Stylz, & xtina supporting Black Cat Rescue @ Arts at the Armory 7pm-9pm All Ages $20 10/18 BLOWWLOWEEN IX: Bloww's Clues Queer existential wrestling show with murder, madness, mystery, and mayhem @ Arts at the Armory 6pm10pm $20
10/15 Vahco Before Horses With Tall City and Mobdividual. A night of piano, beats, and tape expressions @ Lilypad 10/22-10/25 Urinetown, The 10pm All Ages $10 Musical Satirical comedy musical highlights and criticizes political 10/16 A Pleasure To Have In Class, structures that lead us to revolution @ Big Limo, Lonely Leesa, Mel G Boston Center For the Arts Plaza Lederman @ The Jungle 8pm 21+ Theatre 7pm 14+ $15-$25 $10 adv, $15 dos
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of traditional brush painting with Xiaoyong Liu @ PAO Arts Center 2pm3:30pm $30
10/8, 10/22 Ujima Cafe Part social hour, part open office. Sip, snack, and catch up with Ujima’s work @ Dorchester Food Coop 5pm All Ages FREE 10/8 Dudley Neighbors Inc. Annual Meeting A people's assembly to celebrate and shape the future of the land trust @ The Kroc Center 6pm-8pm All Ages FREE 10/8 Pub Sing Open singing session with chorus songs and sea shanties @ Arts at the Armory 7pm-10pm All Ages FREE 10/10 Free Food Pop-Up Schoolfriendly snacks, produce, and more supported by the Roslindale Community Fridge @ The Substation 1pm-2pm All Ages FREE 10/10 Vend-O-Rama After dark market with 40+ art, food, and beverage vendors @ First Street Market 5pm-10pm All Ages FREE
10/26 Table Top Game Night Start off the week with your favorite table top games @ The Square Root Cafe 8pm-11pm 21+ FREE 10/28 Sew Gay Club Brief tutorial on sewing machines followed with open time to practice, work on projects, and mingle @ Medford Public Library 6pm8:30pm All Ages FREE 10/28 Art Matters: What Does The Science Say? Explore how art influences the brain, emotions, and wellbeing with Dr. Krina Patel @ After5Society 6:30pm-8:30pm 21+ $30 11/1 Día de los Muertos Celebration Artisan vendors, live traditional music and dance, a commemorative ofrenda, and a procession of catrinas @ Multicultural Arts Center 12pm All Ages FREE
activism 10/7 Desegregation & Bussing Lydia Peters, Leola Hampton, and Judith Baker discuss the desegregation and bussing crisis of 1970s Boston @ Just Book-ish 6pm-7:30pm All Ages FREE
10/10 Dementia 13 (1963) Screening part of Somerville CinéClub's CORMANIA II, a celebration producer & director Roger Corman @ Somerville Community Growing Center 7pm All Ages FREE
10/12 Opening Our Doors Art exhibits, performances, nature and historical walks, art activities, open houses and more @ Fenway Alliance 10am All Ages FREE
10/12 Wicked VHS Queer Double Feature Screening of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma & Sleepaway Camp @ Model Cafe 7pm 21+ FREE
10/14 BAGLY Open House Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month and explore BAGLY programs and space @ BAGLY Community Center 5:30pm-7:30pm All Ages FREE
10/7 "Makibaka! Huwag Matakot!” (Dare to Struggle! Do Not Be Afraid!) How can we put our artistic practice in service of communities facing climate disaster, land dispossession, poverty, and repression? This workshop features reading & discussion, theatrical tableaus, placard-painting, and silk screen printing @ The Coop Social Club 7:15pm All Ages FREE
10/16-10/25 Boston Palestine Film Festival Diverse and creative work exploring both historic and contemporary themes related to Palestinian culture, experience, and narrative @ The Museum of Fine Arts, MassArt Tower Auditorium, Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brattle Theatre, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground All Ages
10/16 Fortunately Magazine Issue 01: Un/Making Launch Celebrate the launch of a lifestyle magazine centering cooperation, economics, and alternative ways of living. Ticket includes two drink tickets and a copy of the magazine @ Foxglove Terrace 9pm 21+ $30
10/26 The Premature Burial (1962) Screening part of Somerville CinéClub's CORMANIA II, a celebration producer & director Roger Corman @ Somerville Central Library 6:30pm All Ages FREE
community 10/4 Artisan's Asylum Open House: Fall Into Making Tours of the space, demos, and open opportunity to meet makers @ Artisans Asylum 12pm-5pm All Ages FREE
10/4 One Night in Alosha Latin American and Caribbean music, 10/23 DIY (back) In The 10/17 The Talking Hearts Album dance, contemporary performances, Underground Live music and drag Release Show Celebrate the release show with Makeout Palace, How Things and a live taping of the award-winning of "Memory Lane" with a honky tonk fiction podcast, "My Blood The Ink" @ Were, and more @ Jacques' Cabaret performance @ Lilypad 7:30pmCity Hall Plaza 1:30pm-8:30pm All 8pm 21+ $10-$25 9:30pm All Ages $20 adv / $25 dos Ages FREE 10/30, 10/31 Death Becomes 10/17 Elysium Presents Ayria joined 10/5, 10/19, 10/26 Word On The She/Her: The Drag Musical Life's a by DJ Ared, DJ Hello, and Asphodel drag and then you die. Or not. All drag Street: Poetry As Record Weekly Ivory for a night of industrial, poetry workshop with Otto Vock to parody musical by Plastic Theatrics @ aggrotech, hard dance & techno @ study contemporary poets, learn new Club Cafe 7pm-9:30pm $35 Sonia 9pm 18+ $20 writing tools, and sharpen our observation skills @ Somerville Public 10/30 GASH: Halloween Fright! 10/18 Fielded, Lavagxrl, Monaveli Library: West Branch Atrium 6pm-8pm Drag & burlesque spooky spectacle @ O'Briens Pub 7pm 18+ $12 adv, $15 All Ages FREE devoted to all things glamorous, dos grotesque, and gloriously depraved. 10/6 Astronomy On Tap: The Extra Monster drag, themed cocktails, 10/18 Sunday Jazz with Cindy Scott On Extra-Solar Planets Learn all costume contest, and raffle @ Crystal & Brian Seeger and Jeff Gardner @ The about exoplanets and stories behind Ballroom 8pm 18+ $25 Square Root Cafe 7pm-10pm 21+ the field with Adam Distler and Juliana FREE García-Mejía @ Lamplighter Brewing Company - First St 6pm-8pm 21+ FREE 10/18 FREAKSHOW: A Trans-Punk Halloween Showcase with Medusa 10/6 Horror Trivia with Burnzy @ The Luna, MR. MAN, and SVTINE @ The 10/17 Chinese Brush Painting For Jungle 6pm-9pm 21+ FREE Jungle 9pm 21+ FREE Adults: Horses Learn the techniques
visual art
10/7 Wax & Stacks Bring your own vinyl to spin and pick up the latest BCN hot off the press @ Midway Cafe 9pm11pm 21+ FREE
10/11 Community Crossword Work on puzzles independently while building community with one another @ Just Book-ish 11am-12:30pm All Ages FREE
performance
10/2 Yes & Everything: Emo Night Warehouse cabaret with Simple Plan, My Chemical Romance, and Hot Topic vibes @ The Loov 8pm $20
10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28 Everybody Dance Now! Weekly outdoor line dancing classes, open to all skill levels @ the corner of N. Harvard St & Western Ave 6pm7:30pm All Ages $10
10/17 Watertown Zine Fest Browse, barter, buy, or create a zine @ Watertown Free Public Library 11am4pm All Ages FREE 10/17 Taste of Allston Afternoon of delicious food, local vendors, live entertainment, and community fun @ Jackson Mann Plaza 12pm-4pm All Ages FREE 10/19 Queer Board Game Night Jackbox, Wingspan, Social Board Games and more hosted by Boston Gaymers @ Club Cafe 7pm-10pm $5 10/20 Crystal Ballroom Movie Trivia Assemble your team and test your movie knowledge for prizes @ Crystal Ballroom 7pm All Ages FREE 10/21 MTPC Name Change Clinic Drop in for guidance and support with the legal name change process cohosted by Out at Home @ 72 E Dedham St, Boston, MA 4pm-6pm All Ages FREE 10/21 Talkback: Hard Currencies with Dr. Ericka Brown & Dr. Jared Ball Conversation on what hard currencies are and how we live, interact and navigate the world today @ The Coop Social Club 6pm-7:15pm All Ages FREE
10/28 Protect Our Planet: How To Create A Successful, Grassroots Campaign For Your Local Environment Learn principles organizing, how to change laws and institutions, and about opportunities to protect nature in Massachusetts @ Cambridge Center for Adult Education 7:45pm-9:15pm All Ages $35
opportunity Castle of our Skins BSU Intercollegiate Fellowship Collaborative music engagement, professional development, and mentorship for Black or Afrodescendant students studying music or performing arts at a Boston-area college The deadline to apply is 10/9 Brian O’Donovan Legacy Fund Six grants of $2,500 each will be given annually to Celtic acts planning upcoming tours in New England The deadline to apply is 10/10 Passim Iguana Music Fund Grants of $500 to $3,000 to aid in artists' career growth from recording projects to community programs to specialized equipment or instruments The deadline to apply is 10/10 Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grant Grant up to $10,000 for organizations that connect Boston communities, preserve cultural traditions, and make art accessible The deadline to apply is 10/16
Grants for Creative Individuals Apply to receive an unrestricted grant of $5,000 for Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative 10/24 Cambridge Record Fair 55 tables of vinyl records & CDs from local practitioners @ Mass Cultural Council 11am The deadline to apply is 10/27 and regional record dealers. Music from vinyl DJs all day @ Dante Alighieri Latino Equity Fund FY27 Grant Society of Massachusetts 10am-5pm Apply for $50,000 to supporting All Ages $5-$10 Latinx-serving nonprofits in the Boston Foundation’s catchment area The 10/25 Drop In Art Build Monthly deadline to apply is 10/30 climate justice art build. All skill levels welcome, materials provided @ Mystic Open Studios, Arlington 10am-12pm All Ages FREE
Call for Artists: Art Battle Boston Can you finish a 20 minute painting in front of a live audience? Winning artist earns a $100 cash prize @ Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co All Ages
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COMPASS CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Adventures 6 Rapper ___ B 11 Historic period 14 Hall's partner 15 Like some elephants--including those in Boston last month 16 Response to a meme, maybe 17 *1988 rom-com that marked Matt Damon's film debut 19 "Little Red Book" author 20 South, Back, and Massachusetts, for three 21 How-___ 22 Distribution curve calculation 24 Haul (around) 26 Zeno's home 27 *Writer who performed "A Christmas Carol" at Tremont Temple in 1867 33 Stand out 34 Chick's mother 35 Those, in Tijuana 36 Chow down
ANSWER KEY! –––– ERIN LEGACKI
37 Peculiar 41 Part of a texter's request 42 Acer competitor 44 Velvet finish? 45 Mila of "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" 47 *Road that takes you from Quincy to Adams Street 51 Plenty 52 Tilt-A-Whirl, e.g. 53 Redford whose 1992 film is a clue to this puzzle's theme 56 Historic period 57 Prefix with dextrous 61 Lawyers' org. 62 *Singer who performed "Down The Road I Go" in Boston in 1972 65 Plenty 66 Bubbling over 67 Permitted 68 Spot 69 Transformed self 70 Battery part
SCAN OR VISIT WWW. BOSTONCOMPASS NEWSPAPER.COM/ CROSSWORD-ANSWER
DOWN
1 Burial site 31 "It's true!" 2 Disney's "___ and the Last Dragon" 32 Unwanted boarding pass abbreviation 3 ___-bitsy 33 Penn of "Milk" 4 MRI alternative 38 Piece of lab equipment 5 Govt. stipend 39 Roger of "Cheers" 6 "Breakfast at Tiffany's" author Truman 40 Barely managed, with "out" 7 Sale stipulation 43 Shoe part 8 "The Long Goodbye" Oscar winner Ahmed 46 Like leftovers 9 Brilliant 48 Maclean whose 1976 novella is a clue to 10 "Be right there!" this puzzle's theme 11 Sesame Street resident 49 Sweater pattern 12 Stadium sound 50 Outlook 13 ___ vera 53 Common Allston sight 18 SZA's debut album 54 Double-reeded instrument 23 Frosted dessert 55 Scourge 25 Greek god of war 56 Take ___ view of (regard skeptically) 26 Biblical garden 58 "Let ___!" 27 Pursue 59 Pitt whose 1992 film is a clue to this puzzle's 28 Ask, as for a favor theme 29 Refuse to, quaintly 60 Bit of land in the ocean 30 Broadcaster of some NCAA games 63 Market indicator 64 Carte start
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MEET THE ARTIST I came to Boston 15 years ago to study animation and instead learned about the wild machinations of gender, orientation and the transformative power of art.
TEMPLE RECORDS A BAR FOR CHILLERS
My first time in Temple Records was purely comforting. A more lively Thursday or Friday by chance. Walking in required a bit of brav- night, however, offers classic Japanese pop, ery; any bar with a vestibule entrance and “Dire Straits" by the same-named artist, and darkly tinted windows feels secret, it is some an easy, jazzy feel. place you only get to uncover once inside. I sat and settled at the bar, my spirit fueled Their vinyl collection is nothing short of extensive and impressive, a listening party evfortitude was seriously rewarded. ery night to go along with classy cocktails. Temple Records is undoubtedly the bar for Be sure to take a peek at their walled display chillers, for those who want a conversation of what I'm sure is some of their more ecleccalled on listening ears, and don’t want the tic album finds. More than one MF DOOM interruption of a tin shaker’s classic shtick album up on the wall gained my full trust shtick shtick. Their cocktails are stirred, that anyone who steps into this sleek spot strictly, so as to preserve the dim and requi- will be hearing exactly what they need. site room. Food at this spot is nothing to scoff at. StayI did ask whether a shaken bev would be ing strictly at the bar, the Karaage Fried considered, so please don't feel offended if Chicken is a perfect sharable, and be sure your poison is a rocked to death martini. The not to skimp on the kewpie mayo and little staff are of course accommodating with ease. squeeze of lemon to finish off your bite. Crispy outside, juicy and tender in the cenI am a big Negroni girl, so the obvious an- ter, it's exactly what it should be. swer for my first order was the Akai Barchetta. Temple’s bar program takes fla- Temple’s “favorite bar snack,” the house vors and inspiration from Japanese and Ko- Chex Mix, is a sweet and salty mix. While rean cuisines and spirits. For this Negroni, from-the-bag Chex Mix is not my cup of tea, imagine the bitter Campari and darkly sweet this one certainly is, and you can tell just as vermouth, with an added bonus of this su- much time and thought is put into its execuper soft umami coating coming at you from tion as everything else. the shōchū. If you know how to look, this really light sweet and sour backing comes “Intention” is written in big bold letters and through from the sake, making this easily with every record spun at Temple Records. This is the place to sip your drink slowly, take one of my favorite Negronis to date. your time, feel taken care of both by the muThis is one of those places where the menu sic and cocktail crew. Take a night, maybe talks you into another drink after your first, even two, listen to good spins and be sure and maybe even another after that. The Off to get a drink to match. Minor is an easy pick if you love smooth citrus paired with clean melon. It’s almost like if a Midori sour met up with the wild and adventurous yuzu and they danced around each other until this beauty was born. Definitely consider the Take Five if you too think sherry is an underrepresented classy, complex cocktail. This Manhattan riff’s nutty and dry character makes it an obvious choice. They spin some banger records throughout service, as the establishment name would imply, a lot of the selections coming either from the chef Jamie Bissonnette’s or the staff’s personal collections. On a sleepy Tuesday night, “OK Computer” by Radiohead (OUCH) and “Souvlaki” by Slowdive Cheers! Go to Temple Records! brought the atmosphere just where it needed to be: slow, soft, emotional and
KAY BAILEY
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pejorative against Puerto Ricans born and raised in New York, it was later appropriated by Miguel Algarín and Miguel Pinero for their first Nuyorican Poets Cafe in 1973. This was the first club of its kind to My journey started back in New York, allow space to perform poetry without fear studying concepts and style under mi Tío A of persecution. (A1), a Puerto Rican, Bronx based graffiti artist who spent most of his youth Since then, the use of the term Nuyorican “touching up” private has been debated because not property. Later, I supevery artist that performed in The Nuyorican Poets Cafe plemented teachers was ethnically Puerto Rican. and museum trips with my favorite Why does this matter in anime series my bio? Maybe I’m trying Inuyasha, Yu-Gito add some extra history Oh!, and Bleach to for a word count or maybe name a few – as a I’d like to share a part of continuation of my my cultural history I was art journey. not aware of until I was 31 It wasn’t until I got with an audience who to college where I might be in the same met other talented boat. Either way, in a time queer artists who where anything can be turned my life on looked up through a its head and search browser, I worry helped me find my about all the artifacts lost spark. I kept going, in time because we didn’t doing more and know where to look. more art, and the I strive for my body of next thing I know, work to hold these lost I’m spending pieces of my heritage weekends tabling while highlighting my with the The Queer inherent queerness. I hope I Neighborhood can continue working to build Council which made me lasting connections with other understand how much my work Boston artists and create space for resonated with others. collaboration and community. Recently I’ve been reading a wonderful If my work makes you smile, then I non-fiction story “The Queer Nuyorican” did what I set out to do. that my partner Joey picked up for me during our last trip to New York. Within the first twenty pages, Karen Jaime discusses the different uses for the term. Originally a LEXX CEPEDA RIVERA
FRESHMAN FRESH START A farewell
After 15 years of helping students begin college with a little less financial stress the Freshmen Fresh Start program is shutting down. The Wellesley-based nonprofit, has announced that 2026 will be its last year operating, bringing an end to a program that helped more than 1,600 low-income, high-achieving, college-committed students prepare to live on campus. Freshmen Fresh Start says the decision to close was not an easy task. In recent years, changes had been made outside the organization's control which made it difficult to operate. Sourcing, packaging, and delivering essential items were complicated by campus delivery policies, making it hard to ensure students received their supplies when they arrived at college. The organization continued adapting, but eventually policy changes made it impossible to continue while maintaining their standards. This marks the end of a program that has been part of many students' college journeys. They offered
immense financial support that definitely made the cost of living on campus doable. While most financial aid covers major expenses like tuition, room and board, and even books, students can still arrive on campus without basic supplies needed to live comfortably at college. Freshmen Fresh Start stepped up to help fill this gap by providing students with dorm and school essentials. For students and families already dealing with financial struggles, that little bit of support made a meaningful difference which positively affected many students. The organization worked with schools and community organizations in the Greater Boston area to identify students who demonstrated financial need and were preparing to attend college. In previous years, Freshmen Fresh Start helped students purchase the supplies they needed for their new life on campus.
CIMMARON HOLMAN JR.