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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
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We Black Folk Showcase

March 20, 2026

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

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

April 27, 2026

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

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Grace Kelly
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Grace Kelly

May 9, 2026

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

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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Tourmaline
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Tourmaline

May 28, 2026

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

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Tito Puente, Jr. and dancers musicians from MetaMovements
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Tito Puente Jr. with MetMovements

December 11, 2026

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

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BLOWWLOWEEN 7
Sun. Oct. 27, 2024    
6:00 pm
Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers returns to The Center for the Arts at the Armory for BLOWWLOWEEN 7 Get tickets now! Greetings, human. The time [...]
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Arts at the Armory and Once Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Mon. Oct. 28, 2024    
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 [...]
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Bill Blumenreich presents: Luke Kidgell - Happy Hour
Tue. Oct. 29, 2024    
7:30 pm
Get tickets now! Luke Kidgell is an Australian comedian known for his clever observational humor and witty storytelling. He gained popularity through his YouTube channel [...]
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Get to the Gig Boston presents Harrison Storm
Mon. Nov. 04, 2024    
7:00 pm
Get to the Gig Boston / MassConcerts present Harrison Storm Get tickets now! Harrison Storm is a prolific indie-folk singer-songwriter, from the outskirts of Melbourne. [...]
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SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Nov. 05, 2024    
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
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Smut Slam
Tue. Nov. 05, 2024    
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 [...]
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Bill Blumenreich Presents: Sy Montgomery - What The Chicken Knows
Wed. Nov. 06, 2024    
7:00 pm
WHAT THE CHICKEN KNOWS by Sy Montgomery Moderated by Jim & Margery What The Chicken Knows is a charming and eye-opening exploration of the special relationship [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Nov. 06, 2024    
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, [...]
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Petty 'Round the Campfire
Thu. Nov. 07, 2024    
6:00 pm
"The guitar, the voice, the stage presence, I thought I was in the living room with Tom Petty” said one concert-goer. Get tickets now! Massachusetts-born [...]
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SOLD OUT: The Bowery Presents: Orla Gartland
Thu. Nov. 07, 2024    
6:00 pm
THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT! Standing room capacity. No tickets will be opened at the door. The Irish singer, songwriter and musician performs at the [...]
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WYRD: The Musical! ft. Silly Love Songs
Fri. Nov. 08, 2024    
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
WYRD: The Musical! ft. Silly Love Songs A cast of your favorite Boston comedians improvise a brand new show completely made up on the spot. [...]
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Bill Blumenreich Presents My Momma Told Me
Fri. Nov. 08, 2024    
7:30 pm
Comedians Langston Kerman and David Gborie take a deep dive into the most exciting, groundbreaking and sometimes problematic Black conspiracy theories amongst themselves and guests. [...]
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WYRD: Queer Comedy: New Faces in Hell
Fri. Nov. 08, 2024    
9:00 pm
WYRD presents The New Faces in Hell WYRD presents...The New Faces in Hell! Come see an assortment of characters face judgement at the gates of [...]
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Lumentation Exhibit Closing Reception
Sat. Nov. 09, 2024    
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join us for a Reception for the Lumentation Exhibition on display in the Armory Rooted Café "Shoot Your Shot” celebrates the power of creative risk-taking [...]
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Somerville Songwriter Sessions
Sat. Nov. 09, 2024    
7:00 pm
Somerville Songwriter Sessions at the Armory Cafe presents a concert with singer/songwriters Terry Kitchen, Mark Stepakoff, and Jack Byrne. Each performer will do a short [...]
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Who? Weekly Live
Sat. Nov. 09, 2024    
7:00 pm
The podcast that tells you everything you need to know about celebrities you don’t, hosted by Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber. Get tickets now! Each [...]
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Spring Hill Quartet
Sun. Nov. 10, 2024    
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The latest evolution of the Spring Hill Quartet, consisting of Stan Mah (violin), Sylvia Lustig (violin), Sam Duncan (viola), and Rae Stephenson (cello), is happy [...]
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POP Presents Charles Coe's Cricket Symphony
Tue. Nov. 12, 2024    
7:00 pm
Charles Coe's Cricket Symphony is a new collection of poetry & music based on the poetry of award-winning African American writer & musician Charles Coe, [...]
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Wed. Nov. 13, 2024    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Red Cross’s regular blood drive returns to the Armory. Make an Appointment Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting [...]
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Tunefoolery Coffee House
Wed. Nov. 13, 2024    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tunefoolery Music is a non-profit organization for musicians in mental health recovery.
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Paul Chowdhry: Live
Wed. Nov. 13, 2024    
7:30 pm
Paul Chowdhry is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, celebrated for his wit and versatility. Get tickets now! Renowned as the most successful British [...]
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Bill Blumenreich Presents: Cristela Alonzo
Thu. Nov. 14, 2024    
6:30 pm
Cristela Alonzo is an American actress, stand-up comedian, writer, and producer, who created and starred in the ABC sitcom Cristela. This made Alonzo the first [...]
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Pub Sing
Thu. Nov. 14, 2024    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join in with chorus songs that are easy to learn and fun to sing
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Exhibition Reception for Daniel Morel: Regards sur le Vodou
Fri. Nov. 15, 2024    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us for an Exhibition Reception for Daniel Morel: Regards sur le Vodou at ROOTED Armory Cafe located at 191 Highland Ave. in Somerville, MA.  [...]
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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series presents Lakou Mizik
Fri. Nov. 15, 2024    
7:00 pm
The Center Arts at the Armory is proud to welcome back Haitian Roots band Lakou Mizik as part of Arts at the Armory’s Spotlight Series. [...]
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Show Me Your Bits Standup & Sketch Show
Fri. Nov. 15, 2024    
7:30 pm
Jonathan Anderson brings his hottest and funniest friends in Boston comedy to do their best standup bits and he’s got follow up questions! Get tickets [...]
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Lilly Bedard Acoustic Release Show
Sat. Nov. 16, 2024    
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Join alternative pop singer-songwriter Lilly Bedard for an intimate acoustic performance celebrating the release of her debut album winter. Get tickets now! Originally from Jupiter, [...]
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Jay Kingfisher's Birdwatching Bash
Sat. Nov. 16, 2024    
7:30 pm
A bird-themed drag show hosted by Jay Kingfisher `
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An Evening with Jason Wade
Sun. Nov. 17, 2024    
7:00 pm
Join us for an evening with Jason Wade of Lifehouse, presented by Live Nation. Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00 PM Show begins at [...]
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GottaBal! Dance
Sun. Nov. 17, 2024    
7:00 pm
Monthly DJ’d dance event! We are a diverse and inclusive community of dancers united by our love of Swing dance. Balboa originated in Southern California [...]
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Acrobatic Conundrum: The Circus of Second Chances
Tue. Nov. 19, 2024    
7:00 pm
Back by popular demand, Acrobatic Conundrum is touring The Circus of Second Chances on the East Coast in November. Get tickets now! Featuring rope acrobatics, [...]
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Acrobatic Conundrum: The Circus of Second Chances
Wed. Nov. 20, 2024    
7:00 pm
Back by popular demand, Acrobatic Conundrum is touring The Circus of Second Chances on the East Coast in November. Get tickets now! Featuring rope acrobatics, [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Nov. 20, 2024    
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, [...]
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Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night
Thu. Nov. 21, 2024    
7:30 pm
An independently-produced, monthly improv show featuring new and veteran local talent. Come see what’s blowing up!
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Bawdy Storytelling [CANCELED]
Fri. Nov. 22, 2024    
6:30 pm
11/20/24 Update: Bawdy Storytelling is canceled, we apologize for the late notice. Bawdy is a beloved live grassroots Stage performance series, an award-winning Podcast and [...]
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Junebug: an Improvised Space Western
Fri. Nov. 22, 2024    
7:30 pm
Junebug: An improvised space western is back with a free show for all of you sci-fi nerds out there. Heavily inspired by the short-lived mid-2000's [...]
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Cafe Raqs
Sat. Nov. 23, 2024    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cafe Raqs is a place for New England's belly dancers of all styles and levels to perform in a fun, professional, and supportive environment! The [...]
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St. Andrew's Day Concert & Celidh
Sun. Nov. 24, 2024    
2:15 pm
Get tickets now! Doors open at 2:15 PM. Show begins at 3:00 PM.
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Kings Kaleidoscope
Mon. Nov. 25, 2024    
7:00 pm
Kings Kaleidoscope brings their pioneering alternative-gospel sound and ‘modern psalms’ lyricism to Arts at the Armory with a deconstructed ensemble performance. Get tickets now! Doors [...]
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The Moth: Boston StorySLAM - "Outgrown"
Tue. Nov. 26, 2024    
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 [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Nov. 27, 2024    
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.
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Holiday Small Biz Market
Fri. Nov. 29, 2024    
5:00 pm
Fertility Inspired and 1012 Candle Company have teamed up to bring you the Holiday Small Business Market! Get ready to jingle all the way with [...]
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The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
Fri. Nov. 29, 2024    
6:00 pm
Details TBA Nebula Night is a monthly community night featuring local talent from Boston’s comedy, music, arts scene, and beyond. Each show features a variety [...]
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Events on Sun. Oct. 27, 2024
BLOWWLOWEEN 7
27 Oct 24
Events on Mon. Oct. 28, 2024
Arts at the Armory and Once Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show
28 Oct 24
Events on Tue. Oct. 29, 2024
Bill Blumenreich presents: Luke Kidgell - Happy Hour
29 Oct 24
Events on Mon. Nov. 04, 2024
Get to the Gig Boston presents Harrison Storm
4 Nov 24
Events on Tue. Nov. 05, 2024
SCES Brown Bag Program
5 Nov 24
Smut Slam
5 Nov 24
Events on Wed. Nov. 06, 2024
Bill Blumenreich Presents: Sy Montgomery - What The Chicken Knows
6 Nov 24
Songwriters in the Round
6 Nov 24
Events on Thu. Nov. 07, 2024
Petty 'Round the Campfire
7 Nov 24
SOLD OUT: The Bowery Presents: Orla Gartland
7 Nov 24
Events on Fri. Nov. 08, 2024
WYRD: The Musical! ft. Silly Love Songs
8 Nov 24
Bill Blumenreich Presents My Momma Told Me
8 Nov 24
WYRD: Queer Comedy: New Faces in Hell
8 Nov 24
Events on Sat. Nov. 09, 2024
Lumentation Exhibit Closing Reception
9 Nov 24
Somerville Songwriter Sessions
9 Nov 24
Who? Weekly Live
9 Nov 24
Events on Sun. Nov. 10, 2024
Spring Hill Quartet
10 Nov 24
Events on Tue. Nov. 12, 2024
POP Presents Charles Coe's Cricket Symphony
12 Nov 24
Events on Wed. Nov. 13, 2024
Red Cross Blood Drive
13 Nov 24
Tunefoolery Coffee House
13 Nov 24
Paul Chowdhry: Live
13 Nov 24
Events on Thu. Nov. 14, 2024
Bill Blumenreich Presents: Cristela Alonzo
14 Nov 24
Pub Sing
14 Nov 24
Events on Fri. Nov. 15, 2024
Exhibition Reception for Daniel Morel: Regards sur le Vodou
15 Nov 24
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series presents Lakou Mizik
15 Nov 24
Show Me Your Bits Standup & Sketch Show
15 Nov 24
Events on Sat. Nov. 16, 2024
Lilly Bedard Acoustic Release Show
16 Nov 24
Jay Kingfisher's Birdwatching Bash
16 Nov 24
Events on Sun. Nov. 17, 2024
An Evening with Jason Wade
17 Nov 24
GottaBal! Dance
17 Nov 24
Events on Tue. Nov. 19, 2024
Acrobatic Conundrum: The Circus of Second Chances
19 Nov 24
Events on Wed. Nov. 20, 2024
Acrobatic Conundrum: The Circus of Second Chances
20 Nov 24
Songwriters in the Round
20 Nov 24
Events on Thu. Nov. 21, 2024
Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night
21 Nov 24
Events on Fri. Nov. 22, 2024
Bawdy Storytelling [CANCELED]
22 Nov 24
Junebug: an Improvised Space Western
22 Nov 24
Events on Sat. Nov. 23, 2024
Cafe Raqs
23 Nov 24
Events on Sun. Nov. 24, 2024
St. Andrew's Day Concert & Celidh
24 Nov 24
Events on Mon. Nov. 25, 2024
Kings Kaleidoscope
25 Nov 24
Events on Tue. Nov. 26, 2024
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM - "Outgrown"
26 Nov 24
Events on Wed. Nov. 27, 2024
Strummerville Ukulele Club
27 Nov 24
Events on Fri. Nov. 29, 2024
Holiday Small Biz Market
29 Nov 24
The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
29 Nov 24

Upcoming Events

The Center for the Arts at the Armory