'I like whatever music sounds good to me': Catherine Russell reflects on the music that shaped her
Catherine Russell is one of the hardest-working vocalists performing today, and she has two sets on New Year's Eve at the Regattabar in Cambridge. Ahead of the shows, she spoke with Al Davis and Va Lynda Robinson about her recent work with Sean Mason, her early days with Steely Dan, and a childhood encounter with Louis Armstrong that still shapes her performing today.
Music & Culture Events
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In PersonGBH Jazz Night with Andrew Stern and John Lockwood (Boston Public Library)
Boston-based guitarist, performer, and composer Andrew Stern teams up with bassist John Lockwood for a GBH Jazz Night at the Boston Public Library. Stern is a fixture on the New England Music scene, embracing a wide range of styles and idioms, as heard most recently on "Lonely Hunter," a solo guitar album featuring originals and interpretations of diverse musical voices, including Hank Williams, Neil Young, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington. Bassist John Lockwood, a longtime member of The Fringe, joins him. Lockwood has toured with prominent jazz artists and performed with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Performing together for over a decade, Andrew and John share a dynamic rapport that sparks spontaneous musical adventure.
GBH Jazz Nights showcase the incredible range of jazz talent in the Greater Boston area. The series is co-hosted by JazzBoston and GBH Music, taking place on the second Thursday of every month from September through May. Tickets are free, but registration is encouraged. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! By registering, you agree to receive email communications from GBH Music.
GBH Jazz Nights are made possible by the Goldstein Family Fund. -
In Person
Outspoken Saturdays (January 2026)
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. -
Virtual
Behind the Curtain: A.R.T.'s Wonder with Sarah Ruhl and A Great Big World
Step behind the curtain of A.R.T.’s world-premiere musical Wonder at this special virtual event featuring playwright and MacArthur Fellow Sarah Ruhl (book) and Ian Axel and Chad King, the GRAMMY Award-winning duo A Great Big World (music & lyrics).
Join an intimate conversation adapting the Pullman family’s story for the stage from the best-selling novel and beloved feature film, crafting its pop-inspired score, and collaborating to bring Wonder’s themes of empathy, belonging, and kindness to life.
This event includes:- Live virtual conversation with Sarah Ruhl and A Great Big World’s Ian Axel and Chad King
- Behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of Wonder
- Audience Q&A
About Wonder
We can change the way we see. Auggie Pullman has been homeschooled his entire life, often retreating to outer space in his imagination. But when his family decides it’s time for him to start going to school, Auggie must take off the space helmet he has used to hide his facial difference. As Auggie navigates a world filled with kindness and cruelty, his parents and sister go on their own journeys of transformation and discovery. The musical is based on the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio and the Lionsgate and Mandeville film Wonder.
GBH Music on YouTube
Culture in the News
Boston author shares ‘A Life of Recovery: Breaking the Chains of Addiction’
Woody Giessmann is an addiction specialist and interventionist.
More Culture Programs
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What Shall We Give?
Enjoy the gentle Catalonian lullaby “What Shall We Give?” by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. -
Behind the Scenes with Ruthie Ann Miles: Sharing the Language of the Soul
Behind the scenes with Ruthie Ann Miles—music, memories, and Christmas soul. -
Behind the Scenes with Dennis Haysbert: Finding Christmas Joy
Dennis Haysbert finds faith, joy, and purpose in this moving Christmas behind the scenes clip. -
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Charles Mulli: Changing the World Through Love
Dr. Mulli’s journey shows how love, faith, and service can transform lives and communities.
