DESIGNERS:
ART BY:
Phoebe Delmonte: p.1,4,5 Hannah Blauner: p.2,3,7 Adrian Alvarez: p.6,8
POLICY PIPELINE: THE CREATIVE SPACE PRESERVATION
(if one exists in the township or municipality); this board is responsible for managing and apportioning the fund’s moneys towards creating new arts spaces, as well as towards funding and maintaining existing spaces--much of the bill’s text describes these specific powers and abilities, outlining how this trust, which would also be considered a municipal agency, is able to function. Such a trust fund has We condemn the actions of the Israeli government against immense power to support cultural workers, fund public Palestinian people—the 75-year-old settler-colonial art, and hold/develop property; a similar concept, percentoccupation of Palestine established with the Nakba in for-art (which allocates a percentage of city capital projects 1948, israel’s apartheid against Palestinians, and the active funding toward public arts) exists in Boston and is partially genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people by the responsible for the boom in murals we see across the city. israeli state. Palestinians have the right to exist, to resist, Philadelphia was the first city to pass percent-for-theto live, and to prosper. arts, and is now known as the Mural Capital of the World. These new tools give cities new opportunities to step up Israel’s siege and bombardment of Gaza has killed over Sites for creation, our intimations at communication and and provide for their cultural backbones--if used correctly. 7,000 (Gaza Health Ministry) and displaced over 1 million imagination, have faced challenges in the metro Boston area Palestinians (United Nations) in the past two weeks (as for decades. Grassroots efforts to support the arts remain At a press conference held on September 19th to present the of October 26, 2023). There is no fuel left in the region, encumbered by red tape and rising rents, making it feel nearly new legislation, hope and healing held the air; The Muse at leading to the collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza. impossible to ‘make it’ as an artist, a designer, a writer, an 336 Blue Hill Avenue, an arts and performance space founded There is little electricity, water, food, medical supplies, or advocate, or any of the ways of being and earning that fulfill by Travis Brooks, hosted a policy discussion about the arts, shelter. It is critical that we come together to take action us and uplift communities. Children’s programming suffers their role in this state, and how this new bill will help artists against this violence and call for an immediate end to the too, as do all of us who count creatives among our friends hold their ground. Speakers and attendees ranged widely, genocide in Gaza. and family; the hustle is killing us softly with his word, as it from Miranda and Cahill themselves alongside their staffers; were. There’s a tepid light at the end of the tunnel, one that to folks like Eddosa, a member of the Diaspora Mass team From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. bears much promise but also carries many questions: the who welcomed me in and directed me to the plethora of Creative Space Preservation Act (coded as H.3241/S.530)--a For local updates on rallies/actions/etc, cookies and coffee available for consumption; and Andrew bill put forth to Massachusetts’ State Senate and House of consider following @answercoalition, @jvpboston, Kucenski, accomplished horn player and program manager Representatives by Senator Liz Miranda and Representative @bostonpsl, @ifnotnowboston, and local Students at the Boston Music Project, who shared his excitement Dan Cahill--aims to hem the hemorrhaging. We should for Justice in Palestine groups. at the possibility of stability that the new bill offers. offer critical support for this vital piece of legislation; Please consider donating to: but we can also push it to work for us, on our terms. Leaders at MASSCreative, a nonprofit arts and culture •Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), an organization that works with Palestinian communities The basics of the forthcoming legislation are as follows: the advocacy organization, and the executive director of the to provide medical services and strengthen healthcare Creative Space Preservation Act will introduce new codes Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Marc Draisen, mingled amongst the crowd and spoke at the conferenceinfrastructure across Palestine. to Massachusetts state zoning laws, allowing for buildings -both groups had a hand in drafting the Creative Space https://www.map.org.uk/donate/donation-details/484 and parcels of land to be designated specifically and Preservation Act. According to Kelsey Rode, Director solely for creative activity, production, performance, and of External Relations at MASSCreative, the bill came out •Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), exhibition (as well as for live/work studio arrangements). of “regional listening sessions to hear from artists and a team of international doctors, nurses, and volunteers In addition, the Act will create a structure for cities and creatives, in their respective communities, about issues that that provides free medical care to Arab children. towns to establish trust funds dedicated to supporting are important to them. A recurring concern across the state https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/gaza-relief arts and arts spaces (called a “Municipal Creative Space is the need to preserve creative maker spaces.” Trust Fund”). The fund will be governed by a board of trustees, including city/town chief executive officers (e.g. —Alula Hunsen a mayor, as in Boston, or a city manager, as in Cambridge) Read more about this article at and a member of their local/regional Cultural Council bostoncompassnewspaper.com/blog The Boston Compass Newspaper stands in full solidarity with Palestine. The mission of Brain Arts Org is to uplift grassroots organizations and undervalued communities within the arts and culture sector. It is critical that artists stand united with all marginalized people always. Solidarity is essential to mutual aid, to art, and to community.
ACT DEBUTS IN GROVE HILL
THIS PAPER IS AN ONGOING PROJECT OF BRAIN ARTS ORGANIZATION, INC., A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO, VOLUNTEERING OR OTHERWISE SUPPORTING US: BRAIN-ARTS.ORG
THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL, A LOCAL AGENCY WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL, AS ADMINSTRATED BY THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF ARTS + CULTURE
SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR Spirit Of A Warrior is a compelling rap album full of mature bars telling the obstacles of a Black creative from Boston while being very understanding of life’s ups & downs… Presentation is everything to Seefour— which is why he’s so comfortable when it comes to engaging the crowd. As an artist himself he spent a lot of time studying his inspirations and their stage presence. Kendrick Lamar, James Brown, Tupac and Prince were some of those beloved guides for him especially when it comes down to meaning and tonality in lyricism. When the creation of Spirit Of A Warrior started, there was a lot of pressure for Seefour just because he was working with new people like Gib DJ & Rob. As an artist & producer collaboration they were just getting to know each other and savoring the moments but—Najee and Sean wire proven results of quality records so it was easy for Seefour to trust. This product was entirely produced by GIB DJ with beats made from scratch alongside Rob for executive production. Aside from an amazing summer of east coast tour dates and a pop up performance for Celtic game goers outside of TD garden—Seefour didn’t expect to see himself gracing rooms like Nubian Square and Harvard School Of Law for more intimate stagings. It happened so quickly, even without him having put out a project for almost 2 years. The constant release of singles like ‘Body Type’, ‘Like That’ and ‘Show Stealer’ kept the momentum going. The story behind Seefour doing “Show Stealer” In May outside of TD garden is very telling within the title. It was the Celtics VS. Miami game, Seefour and his team booked a U-haul truck and hired Zakiya Janae to decorate the TARP with execution from Enjoy The Thrill. A rather large crowd poured in from the garden, whether they
were mad or not about the Boston Celtics losing everyone was amazed when they walked out seeing Seefour perform. The Sun Up Tour was a PutInWork collaboration done with So Far Boston—a global music community that connects artists with moments for live music opportunities. For the whole month of July they did six shows in eight days—and of course he’s been on tours before as an opener—but this journey was a beautiful one for him because it was his first on his own—going from venue to venue. For the sun up tour he was in Philly, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Baltimore and DC and loved every moment in DC for its rich culture and ease for networking. Right now in the works he’s planning to do a west coast show while also pushing Spirit Of A Warrior and releasing visuals from now into the next year and quarters to follow. At this point for Seefour collaboration can lead to over saturation depending on the relationship between the artist and the producer so for Seefour the exchange in song features must be very mutual. “GET YOUR HANDS OUT MY POCKET.” is a phrase we often hear Seefour yelling out before he begins a song, it was also heard during the assassination of Malcom X. These were the last words he heard when he was shot, being used as a distraction to take everyone’s attention in the room—just like the spirit of Seefour when he performs. In note of what’s to come for the artist— Seefour and his team believe that this is some of his most profound work. Alot of believers on his team are invested and constantly giving quality feedback to him which has been essential to his growth. He wants to keep getting better with more opportunities for him to share his story and Spirit Of A Warrior with listeners.
-------------------------------------------- POETIC PATTIE
CHEAP GRILLS BRINGS MIDWEST PUNK TO MEDFORD In the era of algorithm-devised music curation, it’s rare to find something so entirely out of your sonic comfort zone. I discovered Sincere Engineer by chance, combing through multiple layers of friends’ of friends’ playlist (contemporary crate digging, I imagine), and found tracks so nostalgically familiar I couldn’t be sure if they weren’t a greatest hits compilation. The soothing rhyme of the group’s name draws a shocking contrast to the breakneck pace and searing vocals of frontwoman Deanna Belos, and pretty soon I was hooked. Described by Norm MacDonald as “raw, lonely punk” with a penchant for corn dog motifs, the Chicago band’s arrival in Medford, MA on their Cheap Grills tour felt a little like coming home in the ambiance of Deep Cuts, where the smell of the venue’s iconic sandwiches always hangs slightly in the air. The Cheap Grills trifecta also includes Cliffdiver out of Tusla, OK, and fellow Chicago punk group Canadian Rifle. The latter started out the show with a tight set of straight up punk rock and roll. The theme of the night was gratitude, as Canadian Rifle and the other groups all shouted out the dedication of sweaty, flailing fans who never stopped singing along to every word. Tracks like “Peaceful Death” set the tone for the show with uncompromising lyrics that are evenly matched by the roar of the steadily growing crowd. Next up was Cliffdiver, somehow bringing the energy even higher with a collective of seven members, each giving their all to guitar, drums, sax, and vocals—sometimes more than one. Co-lead vocalist Briana Wright is a standout, but each member puts their own flair on the performance, at any moment jumping off the stage, circling up for a mosh pit, or directing the room in two halves for a wall of death. Songs erupt into screamo interludes or reggae dance breaks with ease, coming back to the band’s unflinchingly optimistic punk ethos. “Who Let the Hawgz Out” and “Super Saiyan Al Pacino” are highlights, with these and other tracks dealing with the various struggles of addiction and overcoming low self-esteem. Co-vocalist Joey Duffy shouts out the crowd
MASSACHUSETTS MINUTE Maye Star Finds His Balance on ‘IZUN’
As many of our readers are aware, Boston is in excess of exceptional talent. Whether it be in Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, or any of other neighborhoods that melt together to create the city, there’s no shortage of impactful art in the 617. One artist who hails from the area, or “Boss City” as he likes to refer to it, is Maye Star. As a native of Roxbury, Maye Star has become a staple within the local music community throughout the last decade – routinely gifting listeners with eclectic, polished bodies of work that last the test of time. The last twelve months have been considerably notable for Maye Star, both within his career as an artist and his personal life. Not only has he unearthed new music, an array of visuals, and his very own art exhibit; he also welcomed the birth of his son, who just recently celebrated his first birthday. With so much happening in the last calendar year, it was only right that he encapsulated it all with a musical release. ‘IZUN’ is the end result of these recent experiences, and exists as a metaphor for balancing all of life’s variabilities. The name of the album itself is a Hebrew word, Izun, which directly translates to “having a just balance”. Whether it be fatherhood, pursuing a career in the arts, his emotions, or relationships, Maye Star is focused on becoming the best person he can possibly be, and balance exists at the core of it all. While this theme is certainly a prevailing factor within his life outside of music, it’s also a guiding light for his career as an artist as well. ‘IZUN’ balances the experiences that have molded Maye Star into the human being he is, and is one of the most profound collections of songs that exists within his discography. Heavily rooted
in Hip-Hop and Rap music, each of the eleven songs that formulate this project’s track list are brilliant. They are truly sonic representations of who Maye Star is, and further his position as one of Boston’s most exciting talents. Whether you’re in search of bars that strike like lightning, a laid-back song that’ll set your mind at ease, or a single that inspires thought, ‘IZUN’ has something for everyone and every mood. Not only does the album place Maye Star’s talents on a pedestal, but it also gives listeners a glimpse of fellow Massachusetts artists, kei and FELIX!, who are featured on “Numbers Is Off” and “Check In” respectively. Aside from the music itself, Maye Star released visuals for “God Body” and “Balance”, and also created his very own art exhibit experience to accompany the release of ‘IZUN’ – helping to instill that this project is truly a full-bodied experience. It’s a direct extension of his current mindset, and paves the way for all of the greatness that is just over the horizon. Despite this album being well-received, many fans have been anticipating his forthcoming project, ‘KROSS TAPES’, which has been teased for nearly a year now. Named after his son, Kross, Maye Star has been working diligently towards the completion of this project for quite some time, as it’s likely to shape up to be one of his most vulnerable pieces of work yet. With an album as incredible as ‘IZUN’ was, it will be difficult to follow up with something that’s of equal caliber, but as many know, Maye Star is always up for a challenge. Stay tuned for ‘KROSS TAPES’, and for anyone who’s looking for their next listen, ‘IZUN’ certainly deserves a top slot on the list.
------------------------------------------------ SHAMUS HILL
for supporting the group as a band of working 30-something touring musicians, met with thunderous applause. Cliffdiver is not just a band that makes the audience feel good, but feel good about themselves, sharing their message of self-acceptance and the ability to build meaning out of life and art. Headliner Sincere Engineer closes the show, settling right in with banter so natural you’d think it was a group of hometown heroes returning after a sprawling quest. By the time they took the stage any remaining floor space had been filled out, which lead vocalist and guitarist Belos made a note of, sharing that Deep Cuts was the first soldout show for the band outside of Chicago. “Any questions?” She asked earnestly between songs. Sometimes there were, though typically the yelling-back-andforth conversation style of performer and audience devolved into some old timers sharing facts about the band’s radio play or debates on the designation of Medford as “Boston” using their Midwestern equivalents. But Sincere Engineer doesn’t just succeed in putting the room at ease, they also deliver a hell of a show. Starting off strong with the “Corn Dog Sonnet #7,” once the music starts the crowd never stops moving, carried by the inertia of good, clean punkemo. “Anemia,” “California King,” and “Shattering” are all personal favorites, and fans respond in turn to the full-bodied scream of Belos’ vocals. Ripping riffs sound off of the brick in Deep Cuts, making the still-new venue feel as warm and worn-in as the classical evocations of the band’s spin on the genre. Though “emo” doesn’t exactly bring to mind a hopeful outlook, it’s undeniable from the energy of the room that Sincere Engineer is feel-good music. There’s never a moment where there isn’t a smile on the faces of the band, or their companions, or the surrounding mass of diehard fans throwing elbows with abandon. Cheap Grills is a tour I’m glad I caught on to when I did, but Sincere Engineer, Cliffdiver, and Canadian Rifle will be coming back around in no time.
------------------------------- GEORGIA MOORE
video & film
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music & audio The People's Jam - Blues on Sundays When Johnny D's Uptown closed, there was a big hole that needed to be filled. For decades, blues musicians jammed on that stage on Sundays. Some big names grew up on that stage and everyone supported everyone else. That is the spirit that the Porch fosters with this jam. Just come on in, add your name to the signup sheet. Each group of jammers plays 3 songs and no one repeats until all the players have had a turn. @ The Porch 1pm El Bad Guy Show Dj Epps & D'shon El Villano, the Spanglish rapper hailing from Miami, has boldly stepped into the scene to shatter the mold with his bilingual mixtape masterpiece: NUEVO DOOM. This Spanglish show about hip hop culture, lifestyle, and events hosted by @villanomuzik and @diRagga_ musicfresh airs on WKMT-DB DAGR8FM Sundays 7-9pm 11/1 Portrayal of Guilt, Lathe of Heaven @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm All Ages $18 11/1 Non-Event for Kids @ A special kid-friendly noise program ft. Jesse Kenas Collins @ Codman Square Branch of the Boston Public Library 11am-12pm All Ages FREE @noneventseries 11/2 Amanda Shea with Zakiyyah, Axestrumentals, Yac Marvelous @ Rockwood Music Hall 7pm $20 @amandasheaallday @baxelani 11/3 Gumskab, Hard Target, Cold Case, Search Warrant, Iron Gate, Sophisticated Adult, Heavyweight @ Waltham American Legion 6:30pm All Ages $14 11/3 Nothing But Enemies, Neighborhood Shit, Grasp, Klaxon, Throw @ Hardcore Stadium (Cambridge) 6-11pm All Ages $13 11/4 Torn in Half, Gumskab, Offside, Psych-War @ Hardcore Stadium (Cambridge) 6pm All Ages $13 11/4 Day JaVu Saturdays Join Boston Lesbigay Urban Events every 1st Saturday of the month at Crave Allston for a night of dancing, drinking, and eating !!! 10pm-2am. Celebrating a Birthday that month get in for FREE before 11:30pm @ Crave Allston 10pm-2am 11/5 Laveda, Paper Lady, Kass Richards, Robo Pumpkin @ O'Briens Pub 9pm 21+ $15 @paprlady 11/8 IBOOKTHINGS presents: A Day Without Love, Justin Arena, Sweet Petunia @ The Silhouette Lounge 8pm 21+ $12 @sweetpetuniaband 11/8 Fully Celebrated Orchestra, Stevie Subrizi, Michael Boezi @ Midway Cafe 8pm 21+ $5
11/9 Jeffrey Lewis, The Burning Hell, Only Child NYC antifolk cult songwriter and comic artist Jeffrey Lewis is teaming up with longtime friends and frequent tourmates The Burning Hell for a tour of the Northeast USA this fall. @ FACES Brewing 8pm All Ages $15 11/11 Magik Markers (Drag City), Wet Tuna, Daughter of the Vine @ Lilypad 7:30pm-10pm $12 11/11 Languid, Kontaminate, Lifeless Dark, Innocent, Cartridge @ Glue Factory (Somerville) 7pm All Ages $10 11/11 Rama Lama Ding Dong 2023 featuring Johnnie and the Foodmasters, Balaclava (NY), Gossip Collar, Nurse Joy, Orange Whip (first show! mbrs of Funeral Cone and Ancient Filth) @ O’Briens Pub 8pm 21+ $12-$15 11/12 Brian Friedland 'The Schoolyard Sessions' album release and fundraiser Eliot Schoolyard Concert Series founder Brian Friedland celebrates the release of his new album “the Schoolyard Sessions” with 15 musicians @ Avenue at Instrumental Yoga 3pm-6pm All Ages 11/14 Boston Typewriter Orchestra performance @ Medford Public Library 7pm All Ages FREE 11/14 Keep, Bedroom Eyes, Slow Quit @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm 11pm ALl Ages $10-$15 11/16 Cake Factory Presents: Crutch, A. Campbell Payne, Dynamo, Hardy & Hughes @ O'Briens Pub 9pm 21+ $10 adv/$15 doors @cakefactorybos 11/17 Honey Cassette, Acrylic Killers, Alfred Be Loud @ Jeanie Johnston 9:30pm 21+ FREE 11/18 Good Harbor Album Release With elements of indie rock, folk, soul, and jazz, Good Harbor's second record is about slowness, perseverance, and small moments of wonder. @ Lilypad 7:30-10pm All Ages $10 11/19 Authenticity: An R&B Lovers Dream Every Third Sunday The Good Music Showcase Series presents a new R&B showcase curated by DJ Alcide and Devon Austrie, hosted by Karim. Free before 7pm with RSVP @ La Fabrica 5pm 21+ $10 @goodmusicshowcaseseries 11/24 Yamba Market and Spark FM Online Presents: The Crunkfest Tour ft. the King of Crunk Duke Deuce, Kei, Shaybandz, Brandie Blaze, Why Try, Yuce. Hosted by DJ Whysham Live for 1 Night Only! @ The Middle East 8pm 21+ $40 @brandieblaze,@whysham617 @sparkfmonline 12/3 Winter Concert Series ft. Naomi Westwater Join Naomi Westwater and their folk band for a winter celebration of Yule. Naomi will play traditional songs, modern holiday songs, and original songs to celebrate the season. @ Watertown Free Public Library 2pm-3pm All Ages FREE @naomiwestwater
11/1 Films from l'Etna AgX is pleased to present a program of films from the Paris-based experimental cinema workshop, l'Etna. This program features eight works spanning most of the organization's more than quarter century of existence, and is presented by current l'Etna member, Malo Sutra Fish, who will be on hand for a postscreening Q&A. @ 144 Moody St 7:30pm-9pm All Ages $5-$15 @agxfilm 11/3-11/18 David Fincher films featured @Coolidge After Midnight this month with a wide range including Alien 3 (11/3), Se7en (11/4), Fight Club (11/10), and Panic Room (11/17) @Coolidge Corner Theater 11:59pm $15.50 11/5-11/12 Check out the Boston Jewish Film Festival and some art at the MFA. Our picks: Shorts: Moral Courage (11/5, 2:30pm) and the My Architect (11/12, 11am) @MFA Boston $18 (museum admission included) 11/7 One of the '80s most underrated comedies, The 'Burbs, with Bruce Dern steals the show @Kendall Square Cinema $5 11/7-11/29 Noirvember returns to the Coolidge with debut feature films by all-time great filmmakers, including Michael Mann's Thief (11/7), John Huston's Maltese Falcon (11/15), Charles Laughton's striking masterpiece Night of the Hunter (11/27), the Coen Brothers' Blood Simple (11/29) @Coolidge $15.50 11/10 - 11/20 Wicked Queer: Documentary Festival Back for a second year, WQ: Docs celebrates the rich and vibrant true stories of the LGBTQ+ community and the ever-evolving art of the documentary. Taking place at the Brattle and the MFA. All Ages 11/12 Catch this campy, classic thriller (and one of John Waters' favorite films), The Bad Seed screens @Brattle 4:45pm $14.50 11/19 Kurosawa's engrossing thriller, High and Low, is profound and full of twists. Part of Noirvember @Coolidge 2pm $15.50 11/19 A unique and fascinating classic French horror film, Eyes Without a Face, deserves formal viewing @MFA Boston, 2:30 $15 (museum admission included) 11/20 Experience the greatest female performance on film: Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence @ Coolidge 7pm $15.50 11/22 Tupac and Janet Jackson flex their acting chops in John Singleton's deep and challenging Poetic Justice @The Brattle 8:30pm $14.50 11/23-11/30 The Brattle takes Noirvember and crosses it with technology. Their series includes amazing double features like Blade Runner: The Final Cut paired with Godard's Alphaville (11/23 + 11/24), and then The Anderson Tapes with The Conversation (11/26). Check out the whole schedule @Brattle Theater $18 Double Features
11/26 Get lost in the weird and wonderful world of PeeWee's Big Adventure @Somerville Theater 5pm
theater 11/8-11/12 ArtsEmerson hosts DNAWORKS' The Real James Bond… was Dominican which tells the origin story of the dapper icon's whitewashing @Paramount Theater. Tix at ArtsEmerson.com $25+ Thru 11/26 Let's do the time warp again in Cambridge at the Rocky Horror Picture Show @Central Square Theater. Tix at centralsquaretheater.org $25+
visual art Thru 12/10 Vexoa: We Know (Nos sabemos) This show will give audiences an opportunity to witness the work of Indigenous educator and curator Naine Terena. @ Tufts University Art Galleries 11am-5pm Thru 12/16 Water Stories: River Goddesses, Ancestral Rites, and Climate Crisis Highlighting works by Indigenous communities in the Global South—which has historically been shaped by Western imperial powers and, in recent years, devastated by natural disasters—“Water Stories” aims to humanize the effects of climate change through visual storytelling. @ Harvard Radcliffe Institute 12pm-4:30pm 11/4 Talk on Oaxacan Woodcarving & Carving Demonstration This November help us celebrate 15 years of presentations on the art & craft of Oaxacan wood carving. Join Norberto Fabian, son of the late master carver Ventura Fabian, as he creates his hand-carved, handpainted "alebrijes". @ Brookline Village Public Library 2-3pm
11/21 Visibility Studies: A Virtual Artist Talk by Joanna Tam Show runs thru 12/2 @ Regis College Fine Arts Center 5-6pm All Ages FREE @joanna_tam 12/1 Opening Reception of The Store of Sturtevant's The Store of Claes Oldenburg Solo exhibition by Reniel Del Rosario. Show runs 12/1 - 1/7 @ Praise Shadows Gallery 6-8pm All Ages FREE 12/2 Comics in Color proudly presents: Drink and Draw Get ready for an evening filled with artistic expression, delicious hors d'oeuvres and a glass of wine to enhance your creative spirits. @ Frugal Bookstore 6-8pm 21+ $40
performance art 11/2 - 11/30 ImprovBoston Jam A weekly night of comedy hosted by leaders of ImprovBoston. All students, performers, and friends are welcome. Each week will focus on a different Improv skill or form. Come play every Thursday! @ ImprovBoston 6-7pm FREE 11/3 - 11/4 Abilities Dance Boston Presents: The Banned Ballet This hybrid event is family friendly and inspired by the sweeping book bans across the country eliminating diverse identities from schools, public libraries, and more. Original story, choreography, and music by Ellice Patterson and Andrew Choe. No one turned away for lack of funds! @ Strand Theatre 8pm All Ages $35 @_andrewchoe_ @abilitiesdanceboston
11/9 - 12/14 Marlon Forrester: Let There Be Flight Opening Reception 11/9 from 5:30-7:30pm @ Nesto Gallery at Milton Academy
11/14 First Light Flash Back A highly engaging and powerfully informative immersive experience in which Annawon Weeden takes on characters of different time periods throughout colonization to help audiences see the impacts that resulted in the evolution of the Native American community as people today. @LabCentral 4:30pm-7pm All Ages FREE
11/18 - 11/19 Brickbottom and Joy Street Open Studios Come meet the amazing artists and affiliates of these two studio spaces in Somerville. @ Brickbottom Studios 12pm-5pm
11/30 Urban Waggle A live storytelling event in support of the mission and programs at the Urban Bee Lab, a nonprofit with a mission to improve bee health. @ Arts at the Armory 6:30pm10pm 18+ $40
community What's Happening Boston Follow for fun things to do in Boston! Use this resource to plan your week. Check their IG stories every day for unique events #bostonhapps #blackowned @whatshappening_boston DS4SI Design Gym Fall Courses Scope the Design Studio for Social Innovation's fall courses in their Design Gym, the first ever drop-in gym for design that engages people in world building that begins at the scale of their neighborhood. Drop in every Tuesday from 3-8pm, or for Maker Thursdays from 4-6pm. www.ds4si.org All Ages 11/4 Communicating with Plants Workshop with Lauren Almquist Join the stewards at the Old West Church Food Forest for a workshop on connecting with plants in our environment. We’ll discuss our connection to the plants around us and explore techniques to expand our ability to learn from plants. We’ll learn tips for practicing and embodying these simple techniques at home and in your food forest. @ Old West Church Food Forest 10am-12pm All Ages FREE 11/5 Food and Harm Reduction Distro Mutual Aid at Mass & Cass, organized by the Chrysalis Collective 4-8pm @chrysaliscollective_ 11/8 Disrupt the Narrative Workshop Series A conversation with Circle Squared, facilitated by Catherine Nakato @ Black Market Nubian 7pm-8:30pm 11/10 The Black Alliance for Peace presents: Malcolm X Symposium Join organizers within the Black Liberation Movements for an enlightening and transformative Malcolm X Symposium: Honoring 60 Years of the Message to the Grassroots speech that delves deep into Malcolm X's political philosophy and enduring legacy. @ Walker Memorial 1-3pm All Ages FREE 11/15 RNRC Panel Discussion: University of Orange and Restoration Urbanism Join us for a transformative 3-part conversation series that aims to stimulate our imaginations and creativity around what our neighborhoods and cities could be, as well as how we can collectively contribute to the shaping of our shared places. Join Mindy and Molly to discuss how their transformative approach at the University of Orange harnesses existing neighborhood resources and
collective learning to craft a just and equitable urban landscape. @ Design Studio for Social Innovation (DS4SI) 6-8pm FREE 11/16 Intergenerational Organizers Meet Up and Potluck Dinner Organized by Michael Jacoby Brown. RSVP to mjbrown246@gmail.com 5:30pm8pm 11/16 Decolonizing Wellness: A Celebration of QTBIPOC Bodies & Wellness The Museum of Science welcomes musician, writer, community collaborator, and wellness and mindset mentor Genie Santiago and Dalia Kinsey, registered dietitian, inclusive wellness specialist, and author for an evening of conversation, performance, and community. @ Museum of Science Sex Salon! Join us for a night of very short, very fun presentations about sex, bodies, consent, and much more! Our goal is to bring together all different kinds of sex-positive people in one room—kinky folks, vanilla folks, monogamous folks, nonmonogamous folks, LGTBQIA+ folks, straight folks, cisgender folks, sexual health care professionals, sex educators, sex workers, sexual rights advocates, sexuality scholars, sex toy slingers, sex-positive artists, sexual justice activists, etc. etc.! 7pm-9:30pm $15 @pleasurepie 11/18 Carcass Art Sale provided by MASSArt Students for the general public @ Evans Way Park 12pm-8pm All Ages FREE 11/24 Herbstalk presents: Wintergreen Market This lively marketplace features handmade herbal products and botanical goods created by New England crafters. The event will also host an array of free educational talks related to herbalism and holistic well-being, as well as BIPOC led classes and art exhibitions. Join our gathering of plant-loving people who celebrate the joy of community! @ Arts at the Armory 10am-4pm All Ages
advocacy Sign the Letter: Artists Against Apartheid All artists and cultural workers are welcomed to sign this letter to stand in solidarity with those resisting occupation and fighting for their right to selfdetermination. peoplesforum. org/events/sign-the-letter-artistsagainst-apartheid 11/4 Liberation Soup Launch Party Trying to connect to radical organizations in your community? Looking to join the struggle for liberation but don't know where to start? We invite you to attend a community lunch and kicks launch party of a new radical organizing guide - Liberation Soup! Curated by Lucy Parsons Center in collaboration with other amazing groups. @ Cambridge Community Center 12pm-3pm All Ages FREE @lucyparsonscenter
11/4 Free Palestine National March on Washington Boston Party for Socialism and Liberation is organizing a bus from Boston to Washington D.C. for the march, leaving late on 11/3. Check link for details bit.ly/nov4bos2dc $70 11/8 Boston Foundation presents: Exclusionary by Design A Webinar Investigation of Zoning’s Use as a Tool of Race, Class, and Family Exclusion in Boston’s Suburbs, 1920 to Today 10am-11am All Ages FREE 11/23 2023 National Day of Mourning An annual tradition since 1970, this is a solemn, spiritual and highly political day where Native Americans from all over the country come together to mourn the genocide of their peoples and the theft of their lands, and speak about their history and the struggles that are taking place throughout the Americas. Non-Native supporters are welcomed to join and march in solidarity. This year's NDOM will be livestreamed from Plymouth. @ Cole's Hill 12pm3:30pm All Ages @mahtowin1
literary art The Downtime Review The mission of the Downtime Review is to publish works of impressive creative expression from folks who don’t have the time to make creative work their day-to-day. Their first issue is now live on their site! Downtimereview.carrd.co 11/7 Cadwell Turnbull: We Are the Crisis The long-awaited sequel to No Gods, No Monsters from award-winning author Cadwell Turnbull, We Are the Crisis sees humans and monsters clash as civil rights collide with preternatural forces. @ Brookline Booksmith 7pm All Ages 11/11 & 11/12 Browse the underground art book/zine scene and take a DIY workshop at the annual Boston Anarchist Book Fair @Cambridge Community Center 10am-5pm 11/11 - 11/12 Boston Art Book Fair BCA and Bodega team up to present the fifth Boston Art Book Fair, a free, all-ages weekend celebrating art, text, print and the myriad ways artists find expression through—and push the definition of!—these forms. This much anticipated annual event invites active engagement, engages all the senses, and has the goal of connecting art with community as broadly as possible. Preview Event 11/10! @ Boston Center for the Arts 11am All Ages FREE @boscenterforarts 11/11 Boston Anarchist Bookfair A dynamic gathering that embraces the principles of anarchism @ Democracy Center All Ages FREE
opportunity Public Shop & gallery Seeking Teachers and Facilitators Submit a proposal to teach a course or facilitate a workshop series! No teaching experience necessary. @publicnotprivate Make and Mend Secondhand art & craft supplies based in Somerville. Shop online or in person at their shop in Union Square! www.makeandmendshop.com 11/5 Oaxacan Wood Carving Workshop & Sale Learn how to make hand-carved, hand-painted "alebrijes" with Norberto Fabian, son of the late master carver Ventura Fabian from Oaxaca, Mexico. Workshop 9-5pm, sale 5-6pm. @ Eliot School for the Arts 9am-6pm 13+ $285 Live Arts Boston Info Session LAB will support a diverse cohort of 30 artists and creators at different points in their professional life cycles— emerging, midcareer, or seasoned—with individual grants of $30,000 to nurture their creative practice and artistry, or to present new and/or existing work. 11/14 @ The Record Co 5:30-7:30pm All Ages FREE 11/30 @ The Sound Lab 6pm-8pm All Ages FREE Noir Call for Submissions Spark*, Northeastern University’s student-led contemporary art collective, is looking for submissions for our latest exhibition, Noir! Check out the post on their instagram @sparkneu for more information. Deadline to apply is 11/6
Apply for the CETO Award with Orbis Editions Now accepting proposals from artists and writers based in the greater Boston and Providence area for publications. This award will provide one writer or artist with the resources to publish and distribute their work through Orbis and Snake Hair. The recipient will be awarded with resources valued at $4K to create their publication. Deadline to apply is 11/26 Boston Media Arts Empowerment Award The Loop Lab has partnered with the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture to deliver media services to local artists living and working in the city of Boston. This award will uplift emerging artists from underestimated backgrounds by providing $1K in free film and/or audio services needed for greater exposure within the Boston arts community. Deadline to apply is 12/8 Cultural Facilities Fund Grants to support the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities. Nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and colleges or universities that own or lease cultural facilities are eligible to apply. Grants range from $7K to $200K. Deadline to apply is 12/14 @masscultural George B. Henderson Foundation Mini-Grants This program will provide grants of up to $7,500 for immediate implementation of community and neighborhood-based public outdoor space and public art projects. Deadline to apply is 12/30
SEASON 5
The Adventures of Aaron & Beatrice by Gabriel Joy Reid
@gabrieljoyyy
The Market by Cagen Luse
@cagenmiles
The Extremely Boring Adventures of Jamal B. Franklin by Nile Hennick
@nilecreatescomix
NOTES FROM THE CREW POETIC PATTIE & AKBOTA
Poetic Pattie, Music Journalist and 2023 Boston Music Awards Nominee for “Best Music Journalist” What inspired you to pursue a career in music journalism, and how did you get started in the field? My drive for pursuing a career in music journalism came from my love for literature & my admiration for music of all genres. I’ve been singing since the 4th grade and have been a lover of rock, alternative and blues ever since. When I went to business school, all of my professors also pushed me to go for a career in art and music because of my admiration so I naturally found a way to tie them together through journalism. Back in January, Sam—the founder of Brain Arts Org—asked me to do a recap on The Chamber. I had always remembered hearing the Boston Compass mentioned at my internship, so of course I accepted the offer and I’ve been contributing to the blog ever since.
FOR THE LOVE Ep.1: For The Love Of The Art
are reading today. As an artist who makes art for the love of it and not just some cheap heat, or a paycheck, an open dialogue with other artists helped to put the whole of what I do into perspective. As a multimedia artist who experiments in many mediums, I as well use through-lines within my work to tie together my personal perspective in order to exemplify my aesthetic. My dream as an artist has always been to create worlds that we can all live in, if only for moments. Starting as a musician and filmmaker, the best way that I had always known how to do so was to show and tell. Taking my own inspirations from very different aesthetics and artists such as the revolutionary outcries of punk rock and hip hop, or the gentle yet hilarious slapstick levity of Charlie Chaplin, who also directed and composed his films as well as starring in them, along to the experimental and dream inducing storytelling of Jean Cocteau, Maya Deren, or David Lynch.
We spoke about two things, art and life. Both very much one in the same. Different perspectives, different interpretations of what we’ve seen. As a poet, photographer, and multimedia artist, Rafael Shabazz, a 24 year old Afro-Latino Dorchester native sees his world through a lens coated in static and grit. Vinyl scratch envelopes the words scratched through records, and etched on the walls of art galleries. The words couldn’t be held to paper alone. When I asked Q, as I call him, how he sees the through-line of his use of texture within his various pieces, he exclaimed simply, “it all comes back to jazz.” The inspiration that "The Love Supreme" by John Coltrane had on a young Shabazz shaped his entire artistic path. These elements can be seen all over his photography, as well as his physical writing. This past summer before closing, CNCPT6 in Lowell, MA held an art showcase presented by Shabazz, hosting all sorts of different pieces, as well as allowing him to sprawl his words on the walls for guests to enjoy.
They say that art imitates life, but to us art is life. Plato thought that art and imitation should be banned because it wasn’t the real thing. To him a chair was a chair, but a painting of a chair was just an imperfect version of what the gods created. Rene Magritte famously painted “Ceci n’est pas une pipe,” or in english, “This is not a pipe,” in “The Treachery of Images.” For artists like Rafael Shabazz and myself, Mikey DZZZ, what we paint and write is real, and we believe that to be true in our search for truth through artistic expression. After all, in this world, truth may be all we have.
During the run of his art show, Shabazz hosted a panel discussion featuring some of the the most interesting artists with different mediums to speak about the lives of a local artist and mental health. I was asked to be one of those panelists. This discussion very much inspired what you
Where To Find Us Stony Brook Orange Line
Roxbury Dudley Cafe
Dorchester
Fields Corner, inside DAP
Boston
Old State House
Allston Twin Donuts
Can you describe a recent music-related event or story that impacted you, and how it influenced your reporting/writing style? Recently being at the No Label Academy event at Harvard definitely made me switch up my reporting style. As opposed to waiting until I got back to my laptop I was whipping out my phone in public and starting my articles right in the moment. Even for Bams Fest, there’s some specific moments that I know I won’t forget but I’m immersed in so many different topics and rooms writing them down helps me remember.
What is one of your all-time favorite songs or albums? Why is it so special to you? The Strokes, Foster the people, Phoenix. Kendrick Lamar’s Duckworth song, Come Together by The Beatles. These bands & songs are special to me because they gave me a deep appreciation for music with the way the lyrics go so well with the drums and the emotions the artist convey in their storytelling. If you listen to any of those songs/bands you’ll get some hints of reality & nostalgia for sure….
What do you love about being part of the Boston Compass? How welcoming everyone is! From owners, editors to contributors and even the supporters we have…it’s felt like family since day one in every sense of the word.
What inspired you to become a copy editor in the first place? I think I first encountered the Boston Compass on Instagram, when Artist Julia Baroni was one of the newspaper’s designers (and expansion coordinator!). We never really talked at school, but I followed and admired her art. It compelled me that people were finding off-campus opportunities to foster their artistic passions. I’m a writer, so I wanted to learn more about other people and about what was going on. Copyediting articles felt strangely exclusive, like a sneak-peek into future discourse or happenings. Print production is something I’ve always been passionate about, especially in a world where digital media is choking out local print publications. I've been involved in newspaper production since high school and later served as the editor-in-chief of my university’s newsmagazine. Having the opportunity to craft something physical with a team of local artists, writers, designers, and activists is always worth the grunt work. In fact, I love the grunt work—which is why taking on more responsibility was a massive privilege to me as I continued on the rag. What is one of your all-time favorite songs or albums? Why is it so special to you? My favorite song of all time is “Your Woman” by White Town. It’s one of those timeless songs that makes you want to tap your foot on the T, to click your tongue during the in-between beats, to dance down an empty street after one too many drinks. I’m always in love. I’d like to say that I keep it in my pocket for a rainy day, but I find myself playing it incessantly when I’m alone, walking thirty-five minutes to whatever location. I love that the lyrics can be so ambiguous, yet always resounding against the old-time Bing Crosby swing: “I could never be your woman.” This has been true for all of my life, in all the greatest and most emotional ways. How does it feel to be managing the production for Boston Compass Newspaper? When you’re editor-in-chief of a newspaper, it’s almost always on your mind. There’s not a lot of down time on the production calendar for the Compass—even though it’s a monthly paper, there’s always a question of what will happen next. Who’s writing the next articles, what will they be about, who’s designing the front cover. I’m a bit of an introvert—one of the many reasons that I asked for the position after Kevin left was to get myself out into the Greater Boston Area and actually connect to all the amazing people that live and make art here. I know how to produce a paper, yes, but if I am not social, the paper flails. Sam and Emma have been amazing new friends and mentors (Brain Arts and this paper is essentially their “child”), so I’ve been doing my best to remain chill so far. What do you love about being part of the Boston Compass? I have always loved receiving the physical print of the Boston Compass. The finished paper is such a testament to all the earnest work that was put in by the writers, artists, and designers; in extension, it’s a love letter to and from the vibrant arts community in the Greater Boston Area. New music, new art exhibits, new food, new chillustration to cut out and hang on your wall… It’s simple. It’s elaborate. It rocks.
MIKEY DZZZ ALSO! City Feed & Boomerang's (Jamaica Plain)
1369 Coffee House (Central Sq)
Midway Cafe (Stony Brook)
High Energy Vintage (Somerville)
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I cried for like 30 minutes straight in a Dunkin donuts parking lot then texted all my best friends like “WTF is life even real right now?” I know I’m always at events and in the public eye 24/7 but I didn't really think people noticed me—I like to think I’m lowkey. This award means absolutely everything to me, even if I don’t win knowing that my sleepless nights, drives chasing artists around tour and hunting down new talent has paid off. It's only going to push me to go ten times harder.
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The article is the first episode of an artist-on-artist interview series where artists who work in the same medium interview each other while they also create art around the interview. For instance, photographers would take photos, painters paint paintings, etc. This first interview hosts Author Mikey DZZZ and Rafael Shabazz—both photographers, poets, and musicians.
How did it feel to be nominated by the Boston Music Awards as the “Best Music Journalist of 2023?” What does this award mean to you?
Akbota Saudabayeva, Editor in Chief
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