Boston is buzzing with a diverse array of cultural events this July, showcasing local and international artists in music, theater, and dance, alongside visual art exhibitions that expand the cultural landscape of the city.
Kicking off the musical highlights is Ken Carson, a prominent figure in the trap subgenre known as rage. His latest collection, ‘More Chaos,’ has just topped the Billboard 200 albums chart, and he will be launching his tour at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on July 29 at 8 p.m. This promises to be a high-intensity show following the album’s success.
For heavy music enthusiasts, the Grub, Sweat and Beers festival is another can’t-miss event. Happening on July 26 and 27 at O’Brien’s Pub, the festival will feature performances from local bands like Worshipper and Gozu, combined with free food for attendees. It’s an excellent way to beat the summer heat with great food and music from 3 p.m. on July 26 and 2 p.m. the next day.
Cymande, the iconic British psych-funk collective, will return to the United States after a standout performance at England’s Glastonbury Festival, bringing their new album ‘Renascence’ to the Paradise Rock Club on July 31 at 7 p.m. This event is a treat for fans eager for new music from the long-running group.
Steve Forbert, the veteran singer-songwriter, will also be performing on July 26 at The Burren in Somerville. Now supporting his 21st album ‘Daylight Savings Time,’ Forbert is known for his captivating songwriting. He’s expected to play his new single ‘Ebenezer’s Back in Town’ during the 7 p.m. show, adding a topical flavor to the performance.
On July 28 at Club Passim, music lovers can catch the New Mexican string band Lone Piñon. With a focus on preserving traditional northern New Mexico styles, their show at 8 p.m. for $25 celebrates a rich musical heritage.
On July 29, Diarmuid Ó Meachair, an award-winning accordion and melodeon player, will perform at The Lilypad in Cambridge, showcasing his Irish accordion music with the talented Colman Connolly on piano. This performance starts at 8:15 p.m. with tickets priced at $15.
The Cambridge Jazz Foundation is hosting its 10th annual free Jazz Festival at Danehy Park on July 27 and 28, from noon to 6 p.m. Featuring a variety of acts, including pianist Zahili Zamora’s Quartet and Grammy-winning Terri Lyne Carrington, this two-day event offers an excellent opportunity for music lovers to enjoy local jazz talent in an outdoor setting.
Another exciting performance on July 29 at The New School of Music is the Ellwood Epps Quartet, led by adventurous trumpeter Epps, who returns to the stage after two years. The show begins at 8 p.m. for $15-$20 as he unveils new compositions.
For a more intimate evening, join Erin Harpe and Jim Countryman as they present country blues at Boston Public Library’s Hyde Park Branch on July 31 at 6 p.m. This free concert promises to showcase their dynamic acoustic talents.
The Tanglewood Music Center is also bustling with activity this week. Under the direction of Grammy Award-winning composer Gabriela Ortiz, the Festival of Contemporary Music will include chamber performances and the premiere of John Williams’s new Piano Concerto by superstar Emanuel Ax on July 26. Don’t miss other headliners such as violinist Maria Dueñas and pianist Lang Lang throughout the weekend.
Experience the glamour of the French court with ‘SOHIP,’ a concert celebrating Baroque music featuring the Ad Libitum Ensemble on July 29. Performances continue through July 31, exploring the lush sounds of composers like Couperin and Rameau.
For families seeking entertainment, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra will present a free outdoor performance of Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf’ on July 30 at DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, providing a whimsical introduction to orchestral music for audiences of all ages.
The theatre scene is equally vibrant, with ‘The Meeting Tree,’ a play by B. Elle Borders, running through August 9 at the Strand Theatre. This powerful production examines family legacies and the impacts of history through the eyes of Sofia Langton, performed by Anjie Parker.
At the Williamstown Theatre Festival, ‘Not About Nightingales,’ a previously unperformed work by Tennessee Williams, will be staged through August 3. Directed by Robert O’Hara, this gripping play involves themes of justice and power dynamics within a prison setting.
Another notable production is ‘As You Like It,’ performed by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on Boston Common until August 10. This classic Shakespearean tale features Rosalind, a character characterized by her strength and intelligence as she navigates issues of identity and belonging.
Dance enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the Feet Keep the Beat Festival, running from July 28 through August 3 at the Center for the Arts at the Armory in Somerville. This festival celebrates the diversity of percussive dance through various styles, culminating in a finale performance on August 1.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival continues to offer a vibrant lineup, including performances by Norway’s Elle Sofe Company and the Stephen Petronio Company this weekend. Audiences can explore diverse dance forms through performances that blend contemporary themes with traditional cultural practices.
Fine art enthusiasts have invaluable exhibitions to visit this summer, including ‘Chiharu Shiota: Home Less Home’ at the ICA Watershed, which examines the themes of migration and the concept of home through striking installations.
Steve Locke’s ‘The Fire Next Time’ at Mass MoCA continues to provoke thought among viewers, addressing issues of injustice through poignant artwork.
And for fans of the Wyeth family, the Farnsworth Art Museum showcases ‘Finding Maine: The Wyeth Family of Artists,’ celebrating three generations of this distinguished family of artists.
This summer in Boston is not just a time to escape the heat, but also an exploratory journey through the realms of music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Whether attending a concert, play, or art exhibition, residents and visitors alike have a wealth of enriching experiences awaiting them.
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