Music

Remembering the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus, the tiny suburban venue that could

Nearly 30 years after it closed, the Old Vienna’s legacy is being celebrated with a reunion on Saturday, Aug. 17, that will bring regulars Lori McKenna, Don White, Christine Lavin,...

Arts & Culture

Aug 13, 2024

From left: Tom Hamilton, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, John Douglas and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith perform on Sept. 8, 2022, at Fenway Park in Boston. (Winslow Townson/Invision/AP)

After 54 years, Aerosmith announces retirement from touring

In a statement posted Aug. 2, the band wrote, "We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the...

Arts & Culture

Aug 5, 2024

John Williams leads the Boston Pops at the 2023 Tanglewood Film Night. (Courtesy Hilary Scott)

From 'Jaws' to 'Star Wars,' John Williams' memorable and masterful film scores

Audiences at Tanglewood in Lenox will have the chance to commune with lost aliens, dinosaurs and Darth Vader as the Boston Pops Orchestra performs conductor laureate John Williams’ iconic music...

Arts & Culture

05:17Aug 2, 2024

Jazz and poetry reunite when aja monet plays Newport Jazz Festival

Poet Langston Hughes regularly performed at the festival, but in the decades since, poetry has been largely absent. That changes this year when aja monet takes the stage with her...

Arts & Culture

Jul 31, 2024

The audience watches Billy Bragg perform at Newport Folk Festival on July 27, 2024. (Courtesy Steve Benoit)

Musicians, comedians and more took the stage at Newport Folk Festival

This year marked the 65th anniversary of the Rhode Island festival, which brought performances from old faces and new, including Conan O'Brien. WBUR's Maddie Browning reviewed the three-day event.

Arts & Culture

Jul 30, 2024

Great Scott at 1222 Commonwealth Ave. in Allston. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Legendary Allston music club Great Scott to be resurrected

Boston's music community has mourned the loss of Great Scott since it shuttered in 2020. Now, the beloved venue is being revived and reimagined in just a few blocks away...

Arts & Culture

Jul 30, 2024

Jobi Riccio performs at Newport Film Festival in 2023. (Courtesy Emily Hagen)

5 acts to look out for at Newport Folk Festival

Tickets sold out before the lineup was even announced, but those lucky enough to secure them are in for a talent-packed weekend.

Arts & Culture

Jul 25, 2024

Attendees at a previous Lowell Folk Festival sit on the lawn of Boarding House Park. (Courtesy Henry Marte)

6 acts to see at Lowell Folk Festival

From Pungmul to Traditional Kitchen music, the heart of this event is opening your ears to new folk across cultures.

Arts & Culture

Jul 24, 2024

Listen: Rijah examines the power of memories on new single

The Boston singer-songwriter's "House in Tattoos” is a showcase for both her signature vocal power and her ability to write songs that have both universal and personal meanings.

Arts & Culture

Jul 24, 2024

MUNA's Katie Gavin announces new solo project ahead of Newport Folk Festival performance

The lead singer of the indie-pop trio dropped a new single ahead of her debut solo album "What a Relief," releasing Oct. 25. She spoke with WBUR about the inspiration...

Arts & Culture

Jul 23, 2024

Saxophonist Seventh Sun rehearsing at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Dorchester. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Jazz saxophonist Seventh Sun releases a bright and blistering collaborative debut

25-year-old saxophonist Seventh Sun has long dreamed of making an album. His just-released debut honors jazz's traditions and collaborative spirit while exploring its infinite possibilities.

Arts & Culture

05:06Jul 19, 2024

A mixing board sits on top of a piano in a former studio at the Brighton Sound Museum, which closed in 2023. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

City adds affordable housing to Allston rehearsal space project

At a public meeting, local musicians wrestled with the implications of folding affordable housing into a plan to build music rehearsal space in Allston.

Arts & Culture

Jul 19, 2024

After months of anticipation, Jensen McRae released the full version of “Massachusetts,” titled after her ex’s home state. (Courtesy Caity Krone)

In ‘Massachusetts,’ singer Jensen McRae cherishes the remnants of love

Singer-songwriter Jensen McRae explains the meaning behind her new wistful, love-filled single “Massachusetts.”

Arts & Culture

Jul 15, 2024

Kimaya Diggs manifests patience on new single 'Everything is Not Lost'

The singer-songwriter turned her imposter syndrome into her latest song. “I wrote these lyrics to remind myself and anyone who listens to it that...patience is so key and you really...

Arts & Culture

Jul 5, 2024

DJ 411 onstage at the 2024 BAMS Fest. (Olivia Moon Photography for WBUR)

At BAMS Fest, local music and community thrive

The sixth annual Boston Art & Music Soul Festival felt like a homecoming — a gathering of old friends and family members coming together to celebrate their community, WBUR's Maddie...

Arts & Culture

Jul 1, 2024

Launched in 2018, BAMS Fest has grown steadily since then. (Courtesy Katy Beth Barber)

This weekend, BAMS Fest debuts its hottest lineup yet

BAMS Fest has grown steadily, and this year it boasts its most impressive lineup yet. Read on to learn more about our top picks for can’t-miss acts at BAMS Fest.

Arts & Culture

06:18Jun 27, 2024

Donna Summer performs on stage, circa 1975. (GAB Archive/Redferns)

What to expect at the 2024 Donna Summer Disco Party

Roller skating, dancing and other hot stuff to come at the celebration for the “Queen of Disco” at Boston’s City Hall.

Arts & Culture

Jun 27, 2024

Lisa Bello infuses smooth, East Coast-grown R&B with true soul

"My sound is like a surprise in a bag," the Hyde Park native said. She graces the BAMS Fest stage on Sunday, June 30.

Arts & Culture

Jun 26, 2024

Boston Landmarks Orchestra with Boston Lyric Opera at the DCR Hatch Shell. (Courtesy Michael Dwyer)

10 ways to hear live music for free this summer

While you’re not likely to see a superstar, revered Latin, gospel, hip-hop, jazz and roots music artists are all slated to play gratis in the coming months, and you may...

Arts & Culture

Jun 24, 2024

The Rathskeller — better known as the Rat — delivered a steady parade of raw and raucous live rock to fans in Boston's Kenmore Square from 1974 until 1997. (Photo By Michael Robinson-Chavez/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Bellforge Arts Center plans a rockin' tribute to the Rat’s legacy

The Rathskeller — affectionately known as the Rat — delivered a steady parade of raw and raucous live rock to fans in Boston from 1974 until 1997. On September 21,...

Arts & Culture

Jun 14, 2024