‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ showcases the joys and struggles of immigrants in America
The SpeakEasy Stage's production of the Tony Award-winning play centers hair braiders and their lives over one day in the salon in which they work.
Music & Culture Events
-
VirtualExplorers: A New History with Matthew Lockwood
Prize-winning historian Matthew Lockwood looks at the impulse to explore, the travels of Pocahontas, Columbus, Sacagawea, and Captain Cook alongside others who rightfully deserve the title of “explorers” including immigrants and fugitive slaves.
According to Lockwood, people of every background imagine new worlds. The impulse to seek new places is universal to humanity. In his new book, “Explorers,” he unfurls a tapestry of surprising and historically overlooked travelers spanning forty centuries and six continents. His illustrated talk will share the stories of such seekers as David Dorr, born into slavery in New Orleans who embarked on a Grand Tour or Europe and Egypt, and the Viking female voyager Gudrid Far-Traveler, who sailed to North America in 1000 AD; among other pioneers.Partner:American Ancestors -
In Person
The Ulysses Quartet at The Boston Public Library (May 2025)
Join GBH Music's quartet in residence, the Ulysses Quartet, for a performance at the Boston Public Library! -
In PersonVirtual
GBH Music Presents JazzNOW: Gabrielle Goodman in tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
GBH Music and JazzBoston close the 2025 JazzNOW series with a tribute to jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, featuring acclaimed Boston-based vocalist Gabrielle Goodman. Ella Fitzgerald, celebrated for her groundbreaking scat improvisation, impeccable vocal technique, and definitive interpretations of the Great American Songbook, redefined jazz over her 60-year career, earning 13 Grammys and breaking barriers for women and Black artists. Gabrielle Goodman and her band honor Fitzgerald’s legacy with fresh interpretations of the works that made her "The First Lady of Song." A professor at Berklee College of Music, Goodman is a versatile artist whose career spans jazz, R&B, classical, and gospel. She has performed with legends like Chaka Khan, Nancy Wilson, and Roberta Flack, who calls her "one of the finest singers today." Goodman has released six acclaimed albums, including Travelin' Light and Until We Love on the Verve label, and was paired with Ella Fitzgerald recordings on a compilation album from Verve. She has also performed internationally at major jazz festivals.
Sign up for GBH newsletters
GBH offers several newsletters focused on the topics that matter to you.
Culture in the News
New book spotlights Madam C.J. Walker’s daughter A’Lelia, who forged her own path
The daughter of America's first Black millionaire became the “joy goddess” of Harlem in the 1920s.
-
In new museum exhibits, artists wrestle with ancestry, tradition and identity
Rose B. Simpson and Jordan Nassar's work is on view at Boston's ICA. -
New MGM Music Hall at Fenway brings more life to Boston’s live music scene
Those embedded in Boston’s arts scene said the “rising tide floats all boats.” -
Found in translation: How ASL brings deeper meaning to Shakespeare
HandShakes is creating Shakespeare performances that are accessible for everyone.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
-
Episode 7, Season 3<br> Jazz Drummer Learns Japanese Taiko Drumming
Learn taiko from TaikoArts Midwest and meet Tiffany Tamaribuchi, an O-Daiko player.| 9:28 -
Episode 30, Season 2<br> Why Magical Realism is a Global Phenomenon
We explore the roots, tenets of the genre, and its rise in Latin American Literature.| 10:03 -
Marin Alsop on Female Conductors
Marin Alsop teaches the next generation of female conductors.| 2:07 -
Marin Alsop & Scott Yoo on Conducting & Classical Music
Marin Alsop and Scott Yoo discuss their careers, the pandemic and what they love about con| 32:46
