'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 Person
GBH Jazz Night with Sam Spear (Boston Public Library)
For our second to last GBH Jazz Night of the season, woodwind player and composer Sam Spear performs a collection of songs inspired by her formative years emerging in Boston’s music scene.
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
GBH Jazz Night with Tiger Okoshi: A Tribute to Miles Davis (Boston Public Library)
For our final GBH Jazz Night of the season, jazz fusion trumpeter Tiger Okoshi performs a Miles Davis tribute concert in honor of Davis’s 100th birthday on May 26th
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 (June 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.
GBH Music on YouTube
Culture in the News
Deborah Moggach on the legacy of her ‘muddy-hem’ adaptation of ‘Pride & Prejudice’
The screenwriter said updating the life and times of the Bennett family was like “cooking with very, very good ingredients.”
More Culture Programs
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Episode 5, Season 4<br> What Do They Mean When They Call Hip Hop “Alternative”?
Dive into the world of alternative Hip Hop and explore how it relates to rap and R&B. -
Episode 16, Season 50<br> Now Hear This “Albéniz: Portraits of Spain”
Discover the inspirations Spain provided composer Isaac Albéniz with host Scott Yoo. -
Andy Akiho and the Steelpan Drum
Andy Akiho and Scott Yoo play his piece for steelpan drum and violin. -
Andy Akiho's "Aka" Steel Drum Performance
Andy Akiho performs his trio "Aka" for bass, drums and steelpan drums.