Hot town! It’s summer in the city so go see a ton of free stuff in our July arts preview. And also pay for a few things, ’cuz we all gotta support the arts.
Berklee Summer in the City: All month (and summer) long, throughout Boston and Cambridge
Catch tomorrow’s stars today! Pop sensation Betty Who and jazz legend Esperanza Spalding played Berklee College of Music’s free summer program before going global. Dozens of outdoor spaces host scores of students, alumni and faculty from the college and Boston Conservatory. Take in performances at the Boston Public Library, on the Boston Harbor Islands and across the city. (berklee.edu/events/summer)
“The Sympathy Card”: Available now, video on demand
Boston writer and director (and occasional rock ’n’ roller) Brendan Boogie presents an unconventional comic love triangle in which three women deal with life, death and lousy first dates. “The Sympathy Card” follows the story of a deathbed wish from Emma to her new wife, Josie: Find a fresh love before Emma dies so she gives the new woman her thumb’s up. (thesympathycard.com)
Fenway Porchfest: July 9, across the Fenway neighborhood
The Fenway neighborhood jumped into the porchfest craze in 2019 with nearly a hundred performers. After a couple of years off, the free fest returns. Not surprisingly, the area defines “porch” loosely — the diverse range of outdoor stages include spaces at the Verb Hotel, Massachusetts Historical Society and Museum of Fine Arts. A sampling of the talent playing sets: hip-hop champ Red Shaydez, Jamaica Plain Honk Band, Spanish-language balladeer Pauli Camou and Boston busking legends Tokyo Tramps. (fenwayporchfest.org)
Boston hip hop star Red Shaydez. Photo Jenny Desrosiers , courtesy artist
Rumfest: July 9, ONCE at Boynton Yards, Somerville
Rumbar Records presents this outdoor festival showcasing local garage rock/punk/power pop acts both new and old — The Gypsy Moths, the Dogmatics, Muck and the Mires, the Shang Hi Los and others. The live music will be paired with art vendors, lawn games, and more. Children 13 and under are free with an accompanying guardian! (oncesomerville.com)
“Much Ado About Nothing”: July 20 – Aug. 7, Boston Common
“I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” Snap! Get a whole load of the Bard’s best barbs with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s take on “Much Ado About Nothing” when free Shakespeare on the Common returns. (commshakes.org)
Boston Landmarks Orchestra: July 20 – Aug. 24, DCR Memorial Hatch Shell
Can’t make it to Tanglewood? Get your symphony-under-the-sky fix for the cost of a ride on the T with the Landmark Orchestra’s concert series featuring performances of Beethoven’s 9th, Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” overture, Paul Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and many more. (landmarksorchestra.org)
Woods Hole Film Festival: July 30 – Aug 6, Woods Hole, Falmouth, Cotuit and online
Go to the Cape for more than the beach and sharks. This summer the Woods Hole Film Festival enters its third decade with 45 features and 72 shorts — nearly half of which are directed by women. Focused on science, music and social justice, the films include the buzzed-out volcano love story “Fire of Love” and “Butterfly in the Sky,” a nostalgic look at “Reading Rainbow.” They will screen alongside Q&As, workshops, master classes and more. (woodsholefilmfestival.org)
Katia Krafft wearing an aluminized suit stands near lava burst at Krafla Volcano in Iceland, in a scene from “Fire of Love”, playing at the Woods Hole Film Festival. (Photo Image’Est, courtesy National Geographic Films)
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