Jazz Calendar

Arrow Street Arts presents ARROWFEST, an eleven-day extravaganza of over 40 performances and events in its renovated theater and new studio in Harvard Square from September 5-15. Presented by Arrow Street Arts and produced with Cambridge-based Liars and Believers (LaB), the festival will offer a wide variety of performances, events, and community gatherings celebrating the vibrancy of the Greater Boston performing arts community.

ARROWFEST celebrates the grand opening of Arrow Street Arts, the Harvard Square venue that has been renovated and expanded, offering accessible, multi-arts spaces and production opportunities to artists and organizations who gather, engage, and connect their communities through the transformative powers of live, in-person performances.

ARROWFEST offers an extensive array of artists and performances, showcasing the diversity of the local arts scene. From the captivating movements of dance companies ranging from classical Indian dance to cutting-edge contemporary performances, to puppetry, global music, hip hop, drag art and cabaret, the festival promises something for everyone.

One of the festival's most anticipated events is Don't Open This by Liars and Believers, an original, site-specific, immersive experience that challenges attendees to step inside “Box,” explore, and emerge transformed.

Hip-hop aficionados won't want to miss the dynamic lineup of performances and workshops, including the electrifying Women of Boston Hip Hop, who are set to bring their unique styles and powerful stories to the stage. Headliner performances by acclaimed artists like Ira Klein and Yoni Avi Battat, the iconic moves of the Wondertwins, and an evening of music curated by singer-songwriter Will Dailey offer unforgettable moments that embody the essence of ARROWFEST.

Another highlight on the schedule is a series of free lunchtime concerts that provide a delightful midday escape, with music curated by Celebrity Series’ Neighborhood Arts program, and pop-up food offerings from area restaurants.

And families are invited to enjoy performances and events featuring engaging entertainment such as films and other activities tailored for kids – and even an event for babies! - ensuring a day of fun and laughter for all ages.

Ticket and Venue Information

Tickets for ARROWFEST performances are now on sale through Arrow Street Arts’ online box office at arrowstarts.org.  Several free performances will be offered throughout the Festival, and tickets for other shows begin at $5 and vary by performance.  For ARROWFEST events with admission charge, Arrow Street Arts will offer $5 tickets to every performance for EBT, WIC, and/or ConnectorCare health insurance cardholders through the Card to Culture program.

Arrow Street Arts is committed to creating and maintaining inclusive spaces that are accessible to anyone.  ASA’s performance spaces are located at street-level, with no stairs required to access the venue. In addition to accessible seating and restrooms, ASA offers assistive listening devices, sensory regulation tools, sight guide assistance, and service animal bed and bowl.

ARROWFEST LAUNCH FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING

DON’T OPEN THIS
Created and Performed by Liars and Believers, taking place throughout Arrow Street Arts’ venue
Thursday, September 5, 7:30pm
Friday, September 6, 7:30pm
Saturday, September 7, 7:30pm

Soundbath & Meditation
Maïté, The Institute for Integrative Mindfulness & Movement
Sunday, September 8, 4:00pm, in the Studio

Spencer Parli Tew and the Sleepless Birds
Sunday, September 8, 5:00pm, in the Lobby

ARROWFEST Dance Showcase
Featuring Anubhava Dance Company, Human Movement Project, Jean Appolon Expressions, Public Displays of Motion, Yuling Spanish Dance, and Unyted Stylz.
Sunday, September 8, 6:00pm, in the Theater

Mike Block, cello
Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
Presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Monday, September 9, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Studio

Cassie Wang, dance
presented in association with Midday Movement Series
Monday, September 9, 6:00pm, in the Studio

Yoni Avi Battat, “Fragments"
with Ira Klein, “Catalan Mahzor Suite”
Monday, September 9, 7:00pm, in the Theater

Gregory Groover, Jr., saxophone, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Tuesday, September 10, 12:30pm, in the Studio

THIS IS IT
MetaGirl Productions
Co-Written and Performed by Tamara Hickey
Co-Written and Directed by Kate Kohler Amory
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00pm, in the Studio

Will Dailey’s Boston Songwriters Showcase
with Cliff Notez and special guests
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00pm in the Theater

Francesca McNeeley, cello, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
Presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Wednesday, September 11, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Studio

Jazzmyn Red presents A Hip Hop Experience
Workshop, Panel + Performances
with DJ Bella Be, artist Brian Tillett, saxophonist Tim Hall, and A Trike Called Funk
Wednesday, September 11, 4:30-9pm in the Studio and Theater

Boston History Company
New Work commissioned by Arrow Street Arts
Wednesday, September 11, 7:00pm, in the Studio

PUPPET SLAM
Puppet Showcase Theater
Wednesday, September 11, 8:30pm, in the Studio

Maria Finkelmeier, percussion, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Thursday, September 12, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Theater

Manifest Destiny's Child
written and performed by Dennis Trainor Jr
Developed and Directed for Edinburgh Fringe Festival by David Esbjornson
Thursday, September 12, 7:30pm, in the Studio

Violet Nox: In the Heart of the Sun
Thursday, September 12, 8:30pm, in the Theater

Toddler Film Screening, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up
Curated by The Brattle
Friday, September 13, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Theater

Zafarán
Friday, September 13, 7:00pm, in the Studio

An Evening with The Wondertwins
Friday, September 13, 8:30pm, in the Theater

Harry LaCoste & The Loose Caboose!
Saturday, September 14, 11am, in the Studio

Tyler Twombly: THE MAGIC BASKET
Saturday, September 14, 12:30pm, in the Studio

UNPLAYED/UNHEARD
New England Jazz Collaborative Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, September 14, 2:00pm, in the Theater

Clave & Blues - Las Dos Alas
presented in association with Ágora Cultural Architects
Saturday, September 14, 5:00pm, in the Theater

The Mr. Fox Circus Cabaret
What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?
Saturday, September 14, 7:00pm, in the Theater

Candace Persuasian and Arabella LaDessé present: FABULA: Gods and Goddesses Among Us
with Candace Persuasian, Arabella LaDessé, Lilly Rose Valore, Finn Gerring, Chanel thee Angel, Ky, Ezra Quinlan, and DJ Coleslaw
Saturday, September 14, 9:00pm, in the Theater

WHIPPED UP!
Written and Conceived by Jill Rogati
Soap & Rope Theater Company
Sunday, September 15, 10:00am, in the Studio

The Gottabees’ DON’T MAKE ME GET DRESSED
Sunday, September 15, 11:00am, in the Theater

YELLOW BIRD CHASE
created and performed by Liars and Believers
Sunday, September 15, 1:30pm, in the Theater

Women of Boston Hip Hop Showcase
Co-curated with BAMS Fest
featuring Dutch Rebelle, Brandie Blaze, kei, Cakeswagg, Jazzmyn RED
Sunday, September 15, 6:00pm, in the Theater