‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ showcases the joys and struggles of immigrants in America
The SpeakEasy Stage's production of the Tony Award-winning play centers hair braiders and their lives over one day in the salon in which they work.
Music & Culture Events
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In PersonVirtual
GBH Music Presents JazzNOW: Gabrielle Goodman in tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
GBH Music and JazzBoston close the 2025 JazzNOW series with a tribute to jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, featuring acclaimed Boston-based vocalist Gabrielle Goodman. Ella Fitzgerald, celebrated for her groundbreaking scat improvisation, impeccable vocal technique, and definitive interpretations of the Great American Songbook, redefined jazz over her 60-year career, earning 13 Grammys and breaking barriers for women and Black artists. Gabrielle Goodman and her band honor Fitzgerald’s legacy with fresh interpretations of the works that made her "The First Lady of Song." A professor at Berklee College of Music, Goodman is a versatile artist whose career spans jazz, R&B, classical, and gospel. She has performed with legends like Chaka Khan, Nancy Wilson, and Roberta Flack, who calls her "one of the finest singers today." Goodman has released six acclaimed albums, including Travelin' Light and Until We Love on the Verve label, and was paired with Ella Fitzgerald recordings on a compilation album from Verve. She has also performed internationally at major jazz festivals.
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In Person
June 2025 Outspoken Saturdays
The GBH BPL studio will host Outspoken Saturdays, a spoken word poetry event for emerging artists. Every first Saturday of the month, the series will be created in collaboration with spoken word artist Amanda Shea. Join us!
Registration is encouraged for this free event. -
In Person
GBH Music Presents: Christina Day Martinson and Friends
Join Grammy-nominated baroque violinist Christina Day Martinson and her acclaimed collaborators for an intimate recital celebrating her extraordinary career and the forthcoming documentary A Second Movement, which captures her life story and artistry. The evening showcases the full breadth of Christina’s musical expression, featuring selections from her Grammy-nominated album Biber: The Mystery Sonatas alongside new compositions. Hosted by WCRB’s Brian McCreath, this special performance also includes conversations with Christina and features guest performers: theorbo player Michael Leopold, composer and pianist Olivia Pérez-Collellmir, and composer/musician Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol.
Photo credit: Courtesy of A Second Movement.
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Culture in the News
New book spotlights Madam C.J. Walker’s daughter A’Lelia, who forged her own path
The daughter of America's first Black millionaire became the “joy goddess” of Harlem in the 1920s.
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State Auditor Diana DiZoglio talks her newly mastered song, the power of music
Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio joins The Culture Show host Jared Bowen to talk about the influence of music in her life. Also, arts and culture journalist Joyce Kulhawik discusses the full list of Oscar nominees, and the British consul general to New England joins for a Robert Burns explainer. -
Remembering MLK in art beyond The Embrace
Julia Swanson of Art Walk Boston joins The Culture Show to map out where to find public art in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Also, Jha D Amazi talks about the importance of public memorials -
Good songs about sobriety for Dry January
For Dry January, a former pop critic for The New Yorker suggests great songs about not drinking. Many are by musicians who have been sober for decades.
GBH Music
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Episode 7, Season 52<br> Andrea Bocelli 30th – The Celebration
Experience the world-renowned Italian tenor’s 30th anniversary concert.| 1:23:11 -
Episode 18, Season 2025<br> PBS Books Readers Club | Ep. 202: Good Dirt & Black Cake | Charmaine Wilkerson
PBS Books Readers Club is delighted to welcome critically acclaimed author Charmaine Wilkerson| 55:29