email email email linkedin email email
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series

Spotlight Series

Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series

The Center for Arts at the Armory curates and produces the Spotlight Series to celebrate the diversity and culture of our community by bringing world-renowned performers, always paired with a local opening act, into our historic and intimate setting. We put the spotlight on local, national and international artists from diverse communities, and provide platforms that amplify these voices.

The series focuses on music but also includes theater and dance, as well as keynote speakers, to create immersive experiences sparking joy, inspiration, reflection, and intercultural learning. Past Spotlight Series artists have included Sweet Honey in the Rock, Rufus Wainwright, Meshell Ndegeocello, 10,000 Maniacs, Shawn Colvin, Blind Boys of Alabama, Ravi Coltrane, The Soul Rebels, John Scofield, iLe, Bill Frisell, Leyla McCalla, Lady Lamb, Lakou Mizik, Tracy Kidder & Jim O’Connell, Rodney Crowell, Bitch, Ryan Montbleau Band, BALA BILA w/Balla Kouyate and Matchume Zango, From Baghdad to Brooklyn by Michelle Azar, Wesli, Chris Pureka, David Wax Museum, Riders in the Sky, Fabiola Méndez, and Acoustic Nomads.

If you are interested in sponsoring a performance or the entire series, please click here for more information.

Upcoming Spotlight Series Events

Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents We Black Folk Showcase
GET TICKETS

We Black Folk Showcase

March 20, 2026

Celebrate the Boston-based movement to highlight and expand the Black folk genre!

GET TICKETS
Rufus Wainwright returns to Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA for his 2026 East Coast Solo Shows!
GET TICKETS

Rufus Wainwright

April 27, 2026

An intimate concert with one of the most distinctive voices of his generation.

GET TICKETS
Grace Kelly
GET TICKETS

Grace Kelly

May 9, 2026

Saxophonist-singer-songwriter Grace Kelly takes the stage in May 2026 at Arts at the Armory!

GET TICKETS
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Tourmaline
GET TICKETS

Tourmaline

May 28, 2026

Artist, filmmaker, and national bestselling author Tourmaline will discuss her new book!

GET TICKETS
Tito Puente, Jr. and dancers musicians from MetaMovements
GET TICKETS

Tito Puente Jr. with MetMovements

December 11, 2026

Tito Puente, Jr. and his ensemble brings exhilarating Latin rhythms that will get your feet moving.

GET TICKETS

Search Events

Today
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
25
26
27
28
29
30
12:00 AM - Linda Lindas
1
2
3
4
7:30 PM - Smut Slam
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
6:00 PM - Montell Fish
29
30
31
1
7:30 PM - Smut Slam
2
3
4
6:00 PM - The Flow Show
5
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
Mon. Sep. 26, 2022    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This class is for pre-teens and teens of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
Mon. Sep. 26, 2022    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This class is for children (ages 6 - 13yo) of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques [...]
More Info
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
Mon. Sep. 26, 2022    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A class designed for practitioners with "more life experience" (age 40/50+) that are interested in getting the fitness and agility benefits of parkour training without [...]
More Info
Queer Tango Boston
Mon. Sep. 26, 2022    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Join queer folk and their allies for Monday night tango classes with Boston Tango teachers! Learn the social dance connecting queers around the world! No [...]
More Info
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
Tue. Sep. 27, 2022    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Join us the fourth Tuesday of each month for the Boston Moth StorySLAM! This community-focused, open-mic storytelling competition is open to anyone can share a [...]
More Info
Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Sep. 28, 2022    
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Grab your uke and join us as we sing and strum the hits! All levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned hands.
More Info
Linda Lindas
Fri. Sep. 30, 2022    
12:00 am
Info TBA.
More Info
Mike Massé: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock - MOVED
Sat. Oct. 01, 2022    
6:00 pm
This event has been moved to January 28, 2023. Please visit the ticket link below for more information.  Join Mike Massé for this intimate evening [...]
More Info
Somerville Songwriter Sessions
Sat. Oct. 01, 2022    
7:30 pm
The Somerville Songwriter Sessions at the Armory Cafe present a live, in-person concert with singer/songwriters Phil Henry, Caroline Cotter and Beth DeSombre. The concert will [...]
More Info
Tongue in Cheek: Back in the Saddle Again
Sun. Oct. 02, 2022    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Please join Tongue in Cheek, a group of fun-loving cabaret women,  in their first show back: "Back in the Saddle Again." Enjoy a little pop, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
Mon. Oct. 03, 2022    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This class is for pre-teens and teens of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
Mon. Oct. 03, 2022    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This class is for children (ages 6 - 13yo) of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques [...]
More Info
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
Mon. Oct. 03, 2022    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A class designed for practitioners with "more life experience" (age 40/50+) that are interested in getting the fitness and agility benefits of parkour training without [...]
More Info
SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Oct. 04, 2022    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Free groceries for older people and younger people with disabilities living in senior housing, provided by Somerville-Cambridge Elder services and the Greater Boston Food Bank
More Info
Smut Slam
Tue. Oct. 04, 2022    
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
What's a SMUT SLAM? I'm so glad you asked! It's a fast-paced storytelling open mic based on REAL life, REAL lust, REAL sex. Consenting Slammers [...]
More Info
Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Oct. 05, 2022    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at ROOTED Cafe at 7 PM Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, [...]
More Info
Center for Arabic Culture Presents: Music and Comedy Live Show
Fri. Oct. 07, 2022    
6:30 pm
Join us at a unique show of traditional Arabic Music, Comedy and Hip-Hop with a group a talented and exceptional artists. 7-9PM, doors open at [...]
More Info
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
Mon. Oct. 10, 2022    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This class is for pre-teens and teens of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
Mon. Oct. 10, 2022    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This class is for children (ages 6 - 13yo) of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques [...]
More Info
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
Mon. Oct. 10, 2022    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A class designed for practitioners with "more life experience" (age 40/50+) that are interested in getting the fitness and agility benefits of parkour training without [...]
More Info
Evicted Tenants Panel Discussion
Tue. Oct. 11, 2022    
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
For updates regarding the Evicted Tenants Panel Discussion, please visit their website here. The Community Action Agency of Somerville in collaboration with The Welcome Project, [...]
More Info
(CANCELED) Geena Davis
Fri. Oct. 14, 2022    
7:00 pm
Oct 10, 2022 UPDATE: Due to a scheduling conflict, next Friday night’s event (Oct 14, 2022) at Arts at the Armory with Geena Davis is [...]
More Info
Circus Up Benefit 2022
Sat. Oct. 15, 2022    
6:30 pm
Circus Up is proud to announce that their annual benefit will be on Saturday, October 15th. The show will start at 7pm and doors will [...]
More Info
Brazilian Theater (Chapeuzinho Vermelho Em Cordel)
Sun. Oct. 16, 2022    
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Information TBA. Door 4PM. Event begins 5:30PM.
More Info
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
Mon. Oct. 17, 2022    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This class is for pre-teens and teens of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
Mon. Oct. 17, 2022    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This class is for children (ages 6 - 13yo) of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques [...]
More Info
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
Mon. Oct. 17, 2022    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A class designed for practitioners with "more life experience" (age 40/50+) that are interested in getting the fitness and agility benefits of parkour training without [...]
More Info
First and Last Word Poetry
Tue. Oct. 18, 2022    
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Doors 6:30 pm. Third Tuesday of every month, with different featured poets each time, and a chance to read your own work during the open-mic section [...]
More Info
Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Oct. 19, 2022    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at ROOTED Cafe at 7 PM Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, [...]
More Info
Boston Security Meetup
Thu. Oct. 20, 2022    
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Boston area has one of the most diverse information security ecosystems in the world. Over the past several years our local community has been [...]
More Info
Evicted Exhibit Workshop
Fri. Oct. 21, 2022    
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
For updates regarding the Evicted Exhibit Workshop, please visit their website here. The Community Action Agency of Somerville in collaboration with The Welcome Project, The [...]
More Info
(CANCELED) I-Opener Ecstatic Dance
Sun. Oct. 23, 2022    
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
Oct 7, 2022 UPDATE: I-Opener's event is canceled for Oct 23. We apologize for the inconvenience. I-Opener is a monthly community ecstatic dance. Our intention [...]
More Info
Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers Presents: BLOWWLOWEEN V: Heelraiser
Sun. Oct. 23, 2022    
6:00 pm
Come see your favorite wrestlers and myriad performers of all persuasions in amazing feats of violence, burlesque, drag, and circus spectacle! To purchase tickets, please [...]
More Info
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
Mon. Oct. 24, 2022    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This class is for pre-teens and teens of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
Mon. Oct. 24, 2022    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This class is for children (ages 6 - 13yo) of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques [...]
More Info
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
Mon. Oct. 24, 2022    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A class designed for practitioners with "more life experience" (age 40/50+) that are interested in getting the fitness and agility benefits of parkour training without [...]
More Info
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
Tue. Oct. 25, 2022    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Join us the fourth Tuesday of each month for the Boston Moth StorySLAM! This community-focused, open-mic storytelling competition is open to anyone can share a [...]
More Info
Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Oct. 26, 2022    
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Grab your uke and join us as we sing and strum the hits! All levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned hands.
More Info
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Wesli
Thu. Oct. 27, 2022    
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
The Center for Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Wesli from Haiti via Montreal - Roots and Rara with Afrobeat and Funk
More Info
Montell Fish
Fri. Oct. 28, 2022    
6:00 pm
Join us for Montell Fish's A Night With a Ghost Tour. DOORS: 6:00 PM SHOW: 7:00 PM Tickets $20 Adv / $25 Doors For more [...]
More Info
Out Loud - A Very Queer Open Mic
Fri. Oct. 28, 2022    
7:00 pm
It's finally Fall! Let's get cozy! Get dressed up and come show off. Dance, sing, read poetry, tell us a story, or share your stand [...]
More Info
A Sistas' Love x W.A.R.M Presents: A Mind, Body and Soul Self-Care Day
Sat. Oct. 29, 2022    
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here. Event has been moved from September 17th to October 29th.
More Info
Exhibition Reception for Eliezer Velez
Sat. Oct. 29, 2022    
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Eliezer Velez aka ELI THE ART GUY is an artist living and working in the Boston area. A full-time stay-at-home Dad, Eliezer is creating another title [...]
More Info
ONCE Presents Halloween Cover Extravaganza
Sat. Oct. 29, 2022    
7:00 pm
Get out that can of Aquanet and pull on your fishnet gloves because it is time for a night of 80s alternative rock. The music [...]
More Info
The Wicked Pickers
Sat. Oct. 29, 2022    
7:30 pm
Wicked Picking at the Roots Cafe. It's FREE, and there's parking in the back. And we "sound pretty damn good" these days, according to Dan, [...]
More Info
UPDATED "For All Souls" Workshop by Jean Appolon
Sun. Oct. 30, 2022    
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
10/25/2022 UPDATE: Known as the Festival of the Ancestors, Fet Gede is celebrated in Haiti on November 1-2. People dress up, take to the streets, [...]
More Info
SHOW CANCELED Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Zili Misik
Sun. Oct. 30, 2022    
6:00 pm
10/25/2022 UPDATE: Zili Misik needs to cancel their Oct. 30 show at Arts at the Armory. Tickets will be refunded. We hope that you will [...]
More Info
Evicted Exhibit: How To Be An Ethical Landlord Panel
Sun. Oct. 30, 2022    
7:00 pm
For updates regarding the Evicted Landlord Panel Discussion, please visit their website here. The Community Action Agency of Somerville in collaboration with The Welcome Project, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
Mon. Oct. 31, 2022    
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This class is for pre-teens and teens of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques of parkour, [...]
More Info
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
Mon. Oct. 31, 2022    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This class is for children (ages 6 - 13yo) of all ability and fitness levels, and will include instruction in the basic movements and techniques [...]
More Info
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
Mon. Oct. 31, 2022    
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
A class designed for practitioners with "more life experience" (age 40/50+) that are interested in getting the fitness and agility benefits of parkour training without [...]
More Info
Arts at the Armory and Once Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Mon. Oct. 31, 2022    
7:00 pm
Jump into the 1975 musical comedy horror cult classic in-person and live this Halloween! Costumes and call backs are highly encouraged; the Teseracte Players will [...]
More Info
SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Nov. 01, 2022    
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Free groceries for older people and younger people with disabilities living in senior housing, provided by Somerville-Cambridge Elder services and the Greater Boston Food Bank
More Info
Smut Slam
Tue. Nov. 01, 2022    
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
What's a SMUT SLAM? I'm so glad you asked! It's a fast-paced storytelling open mic based on REAL life, REAL lust, REAL sex. Consenting Slammers [...]
More Info
[CANCELED] Smut Slam
Tue. Nov. 01, 2022    
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Nov 1, 2022 UPDATE: this event has been canceled for November; join us next month at the Rooted Armory Cafe. What's a SMUT SLAM? I'm [...]
More Info
Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Nov. 02, 2022    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
We have a brand-new lineup this Wednesday at the Armory. Songwriters in the Round will feature three performers: Mark Simos, an acclaimed songwriter and pedagogue whose [...]
More Info
Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Nov. 02, 2022    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at ROOTED Cafe at 7 PM Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, [...]
More Info
Bowery Presents Hermanos Gutiérrez
Thu. Nov. 03, 2022    
7:00 pm
Thursday, November 3, 8PM Doors open 7PM Hermanos Gutiérrez tickets on sale here. Hermanos Gutiérrez is a two-piece band formed by the brothers Alejandro and [...]
More Info
The Flow Show
Fri. Nov. 04, 2022    
6:00 pm
Purchase tickets here. The Flow Show is a stage show packed to the gills with talent, imagination, and great hand-eye coordination. The artists specialize in [...]
More Info
Events on Mon. Sep. 26, 2022
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
26 Sep 22
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
26 Sep 22
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
26 Sep 22
Queer Tango Boston
26 Sep 22
Events on Tue. Sep. 27, 2022
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
27 Sep 22
Events on Wed. Sep. 28, 2022
Strummerville Ukulele Club
28 Sep 22
Events on Fri. Sep. 30, 2022
Linda Lindas
30 Sep 22
Events on Sat. Oct. 01, 2022
Mike Massé: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock - MOVED
1 Oct 22
Somerville Songwriter Sessions
1 Oct 22
Events on Sun. Oct. 02, 2022
Tongue in Cheek: Back in the Saddle Again
2 Oct 22
Events on Mon. Oct. 03, 2022
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
3 Oct 22
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
3 Oct 22
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
3 Oct 22
Events on Tue. Oct. 04, 2022
SCES Brown Bag Program
4 Oct 22
Smut Slam
4 Oct 22
Events on Wed. Oct. 05, 2022
Songwriters in the Round
5 Oct 22
Events on Fri. Oct. 07, 2022
Center for Arabic Culture Presents: Music and Comedy Live Show
7 Oct 22
Events on Mon. Oct. 10, 2022
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
10 Oct 22
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
10 Oct 22
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
10 Oct 22
Events on Tue. Oct. 11, 2022
Evicted Tenants Panel Discussion
11 Oct 22
Events on Fri. Oct. 14, 2022
(CANCELED) Geena Davis
14 Oct 22
Events on Sat. Oct. 15, 2022
Circus Up Benefit 2022
15 Oct 22
Events on Sun. Oct. 16, 2022
Brazilian Theater (Chapeuzinho Vermelho Em Cordel)
16 Oct 22
Events on Mon. Oct. 17, 2022
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
17 Oct 22
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
17 Oct 22
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
17 Oct 22
Events on Tue. Oct. 18, 2022
First and Last Word Poetry
18 Oct 22
Events on Wed. Oct. 19, 2022
Songwriters in the Round
19 Oct 22
Events on Thu. Oct. 20, 2022
Boston Security Meetup
20 Oct 22
Events on Fri. Oct. 21, 2022
Evicted Exhibit Workshop
21 Oct 22
Events on Sun. Oct. 23, 2022
(CANCELED) I-Opener Ecstatic Dance
23 Oct 22
Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers Presents: BLOWWLOWEEN V: Heelraiser
23 Oct 22
Events on Mon. Oct. 24, 2022
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
24 Oct 22
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
24 Oct 22
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
24 Oct 22
Events on Tue. Oct. 25, 2022
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
25 Oct 22
Events on Wed. Oct. 26, 2022
Strummerville Ukulele Club
26 Oct 22
Events on Thu. Oct. 27, 2022
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Wesli
27 Oct 22
Events on Fri. Oct. 28, 2022
Montell Fish
28 Oct 22
Out Loud - A Very Queer Open Mic
28 Oct 22
Events on Sat. Oct. 29, 2022
A Sistas' Love x W.A.R.M Presents: A Mind, Body and Soul Self-Care Day
29 Oct 22
Exhibition Reception for Eliezer Velez
29 Oct 22
ONCE Presents Halloween Cover Extravaganza
29 Oct 22
The Wicked Pickers
29 Oct 22
Events on Sun. Oct. 30, 2022
UPDATED "For All Souls" Workshop by Jean Appolon
30 Oct 22
SHOW CANCELED Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Zili Misik
30 Oct 22
Evicted Exhibit: How To Be An Ethical Landlord Panel
30 Oct 22
Events on Mon. Oct. 31, 2022
Parkour: Teen Indoor (11-16yo)
31 Oct 22
Parkour: Kids Indoor (6-13yo)
31 Oct 22
Parkour: Low Impact/50+ Indoor
31 Oct 22
Arts at the Armory and Once Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show
31 Oct 22
Events on Tue. Nov. 01, 2022
SCES Brown Bag Program
1 Nov 22
Smut Slam
1 Nov 22
[CANCELED] Smut Slam
1 Nov 22
Events on Wed. Nov. 02, 2022
Songwriters in the Round
2 Nov 22
Songwriters in the Round
2 Nov 22
Events on Thu. Nov. 03, 2022
Bowery Presents Hermanos Gutiérrez
3 Nov 22
Events on Fri. Nov. 04, 2022
The Flow Show
4 Nov 22

Upcoming Events

The Center for the Arts at the Armory