New sounds, timeless traditions at Celebrity Series Jazz Fest
Four powerful jazz talents perform at Celebrity Series Jazz Fest, March 13th through 16th in Cambridge. We spoke to each one about what makes their performances unique, and the fascinating traditions that inspire them.
Music & Culture Events
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In Person
April 2025 Outspoken Saturdays
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
Registration is encouraged for this free event. -
In PersonVirtual
GBH Music Presents JazzNOW with Farayi Malek
GBH Music and JazzBoston celebrate Boston artist Farayi Malek with songs from her brand new EP “Edge of the Earth,” alongside Gospel works and selections from the American Songbook. Farayi Malek is a dynamic jazz and contemporary vocalist, composer, and educator. A graduate of both the New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, she now serves as a faculty member at both institutions. A Grammy-nominated artist, Malek defies genre boundaries, whether she’s reinventing jazz standards, exploring contemporary folk, or bringing the Black roots of country music to center stage.
JazzNOW is made possible by the Goldstein Family Fund.
Event timeline:
7:15-7:50pm Pre-event reception (in-person only)
7:50-7:58pm Guest are seated in Fraser (in-person only)
8-9pm Live performance in Fraser Performance Studio (Hybrid audience)
Photo provided by the artist -
In PersonVirtual
GBH Music Presents JazzNOW Celebrating International Jazz Day with Walid Zairi & Talween
GBH Music and JazzBoston celebrate International Jazz Day with Walid Zairi & Talween, showcasing original world jazz music that blends the oud and accordion. Oud player and Talween frontman Walid Zairi’s compositions are influenced by his Tunisian African roots and classical Arabic music background, with jazz elements layered in to create a fresh and energetic sound. Named after the Arabic word for "coloring," Talween features world-class Boston musicians who weave a kaleidoscope of musical colors with intense melodies, jazz and African rhythms, intricate harmonies, and bold improvisation.
Event timeline:
7:15-7:50pm Pre-event reception (in-person only)
7:50-7:58pm Guest are seated in Fraser (in-person only)
8-9pm Live performance in Fraser Performance Studio (Hybrid audience)
Photo credit: A.J. Ghidardi
Concerts to Watch
GBH Music Holiday Spectacular 2024
Celebrate the season with the GBH Music Holiday Spectacular, a family-friendly concert and an opportunity for music lovers to be part of a live television production at GBH’s headquarters in Brighton.
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Culture in the News
Turntable: What’s on a jazz connoisseur’s playlist?
Happy Music Monday from GBH’s All Things Considered! Let's hear the jazz tunes that Al Davis has been listening to.
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Summer reading in the era of book bans
Will young people become discouraged from reading? -
Quilts honoring George Floyd’s final words on display in Boston for Juneteenth
The exhibit will allow visitors to contemplate George Floyd's death and words in the context of American history and activism -
Embrace Ideas Festival 2023 to highlight joy, education and the best potato salad
The second annual festival begins Wednesday.
GBH Music
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Cynthia Erivo Performs "Reach Out and Touch"
Cynthia Erivo performs "Reach Out and Touch" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. -
Gary LeVox Performs "I Won't Let Go"
Gary LeVox performs "I Won’t Let Go" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. -
Maestro Jack Everly & the National Symphony Orchestra Perform "The Armed Forces Medley"
Jack Everly and the NSO perform "The Armed Forces Medley" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert. -
Ruthie Ann Miles Performs "Aloha 'Oe"
Ruthie Ann Miles performs "Aloha 'Oe" on the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert.