‘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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Virtual
Explorers: A New History with Matthew Lockwood
Prize-winning historian Matthew Lockwood looks at the impulse to explore, the travels of Pocahontas, Columbus, Sacagawea, and Captain Cook alongside others who rightfully deserve the title of “explorers” including immigrants and fugitive slaves.
According to Lockwood, people of every background imagine new worlds. The impulse to seek new places is universal to humanity. In his new book, “Explorers,” he unfurls a tapestry of surprising and historically overlooked travelers spanning forty centuries and six continents. His illustrated talk will share the stories of such seekers as David Dorr, born into slavery in New Orleans who embarked on a Grand Tour or Europe and Egypt, and the Viking female voyager Gudrid Far-Traveler, who sailed to North America in 1000 AD; among other pioneers.Partner:American Ancestors -
In Person
The Ulysses Quartet at The Boston Public Library (May 2025)
Join GBH Music's quartet in residence, the Ulysses Quartet, for a performance at the Boston Public Library! -
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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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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Queer books are seeing a bump nationally. Local booksellers say it's not just about the books.
Independent bookstores have historically been a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. But as more LGBTQ+ titles get published, local queer booksellers say more people are reaching for their collections. -
The big list of summer 2024 book recommendations from your local librarians
For Under the Radar's annual summer reading special, three of our local librarians return with their curated lists for summer, including thrillers, histories, young adult stories, romance and mysteries. -
Hundreds of medical issues, thirst and mayhem at Boston Calling 2024
There were about 800 medical encounters with Boston EMS, and 23 people treated and sent to area hospitals, with the majority happening on Sunday.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
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Episode 4141, Season 41<br> Blue Winter
Travel deep into the middle of winter where shades of blue create the stark reality of the season. -
Episode 14, Season 2024<br> "Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez
Author Abby Jimenez her romatic novel "Just for the Summer".| 26:48 -
Nadine Sierra performs "Ah! Je veux vivre"
Juliette (Nadine Sierra) performs "Ah! Je veux vivre" in "Roméo et Juliette"| 2:10 -
Episode 13, Season 2024<br> "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride
James McBride discusses his latest book “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store”.| 30:45