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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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ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch February
Sun. Feb. 25, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH in February! French toast, pancakes, frittata, pulled pork tacos, mimosas, espresso drinks and much [...]
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i Sebastiani presents “Constant Love”
Sun. Feb. 25, 2024    
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Come celebrate International Commedia dell'Arte Day with i Sebastiani! Ten years ago, tragedy struck two families whose lives became intertwined. All this time later, can [...]
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The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
Tue. Feb. 27, 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. Feb. 28, 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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Kev G Mor & Glimmer CANCELLED
Sat. Mar. 02, 2024    
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Kev G Mor THIS EVENT HS BEEN CANCELLED
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Get to the Gig & MassConcerts Present: This is the Kit
Sat. Mar. 02, 2024    
6:00 pm
This is the Kit w/opener Sam Amidon Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00 PM Show begins at 8:00 PM In today's fast-paced mid-apocalyptic world [...]
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ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
Sun. Mar. 03, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH in March! French toast, pancakes, frittata, pulled pork tacos, mimosas, espresso drinks and much [...]
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Lee Zangari Album Release Show
Sun. Mar. 03, 2024    
6:00 pm
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BLOWW Presents: Krystal's Brawl
Sun. Mar. 03, 2024    
6:00 pm
As Above so BeLOWW, it's a NEW AGE RAMPAGE! Get tickets now! BLOWW is having an occult of personality, and are on the search for [...]
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City of Somerville Presidential Primary Voting
Tue. Mar. 05, 2024    
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Voting in Somerville is this Tuesday, March 5th! The Armory is the voting location for Ward 5 Precinct 1 and 2. The 2024 Presidential Primary [...]
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SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Mar. 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. Mar. 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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Red Cross Blood Drive
Wed. Mar. 06, 2024    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Red Cross’s regular blood drive returns to the Armory. Please consider donating! Make an Appointment
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Get to the Gig Presents Anthony Green
Wed. Mar. 06, 2024    
7:00 pm
Anthony Green with Queen of Jeans Get tickets now! Regular doors open at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00 PM. Anthony Green is currently the [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Mar. 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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The Bowery Presents: An Evening with Sofiane Pamart
Fri. Mar. 08, 2024    
7:00 pm
Sofiane Pamart is one of the top 10 most streamed Classical Music artists in the world in 2023. SOLD OUT A regular on prestigious stages [...]
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Mark Lipman
Fri. Mar. 08, 2024    
7:00 pm
Mark Lipman is a powerful singer-songwriter who has been performing the local circuit for decades. He is returning to the ROOTED Café with his band [...]
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ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
Sun. Mar. 10, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH in March! French toast, pancakes, frittata, pulled pork tacos, mimosas, espresso drinks and much [...]
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[SOLD OUT] Bill Blumenreich Presents Catherine Cohen: Come For Me
Sun. Mar. 10, 2024    
6:00 pm
Doors open at 6:00pm; show starts at 7:00pm. This event is sold out. Catherine Cohen is best known for her hit Netflix comedy special THE [...]
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Tunefoolery Coffee House
Wed. Mar. 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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Pub Sing
Thu. Mar. 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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Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents The Blind Boys of Alabama
Thu. Mar. 14, 2024    
7:00 pm
Arts at the Armory is thrilled to present the Blind Boys of Alabama on March 14, 2024 as part of our Spotlight Series! Get tickets [...]
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[SOLD OUT] Bill Blumenreich Presents: Therapy Gecko Live
Fri. Mar. 15, 2024    
6:00 pm
Doors open at 6:00 PM; show starts at 7:00 PM. Therapy Gecko Live is sold out for 3/15/24. The Lizard Agenda Tour Get tickets now! [...]
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Show Me Your Bits Standup & Sketch Show
Fri. Mar. 15, 2024    
8:00 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! Comedian Jonathan [...]
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35th Annual Balkan Music Night
Sat. Mar. 16, 2024    
6:00 pm
Balkan Music Night is the premier local event presenting the music and dance of southeastern Europe, with its distinctive vocal harmonies and compelling rhythmic music [...]
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ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
Sun. Mar. 17, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH in March! French toast, pancakes, frittata, pulled pork tacos, mimosas, espresso drinks and much [...]
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GottaBal! Dance
Sun. Mar. 17, 2024    
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Welcome to our new monthly DJ’d dance event! We are a diverse and inclusive community of dancers united by our love of Swing dance. Balboa [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Mar. 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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20s & 30s Board Game Night
Thu. Mar. 21, 2024    
6:00 pm
Join AMC Boston 20s and 30s for a board game night! We'll be at the Somerville Armory cafe; leaders will bring games, but please bring [...]
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The Bowery Presents: Lætitia Sadier
Thu. Mar. 21, 2024    
7:00 pm
Lætitia Sadier is a French musician and founder of The Lætitia Sadier Source Ensemble. She has frequently performed guest vocals and collaborations with other artists. [...]
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SOLD OUT Get to the Gig Boston & MassConcerts Present: Loving
Fri. Mar. 22, 2024    
7:00 pm
Get to the Gig & Mass Concerts present Loving with Fog Lake at the Center for the Arts at the Armory The concert is SOLD [...]
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Oddball Foundation Music and Poetry Open Mic
Sat. Mar. 23, 2024    
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Come on out with your music, words, and Yah-Yahs to this open mic hosted by North Shore Favorite singer/songwriter Lisa Haley, and author/musician Timothy Gager. [...]
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Get To the Gig Presents: Mayuan Poet
Sat. Mar. 23, 2024    
7:00 pm
Mayuan Poet LIVE in Somerville, MA! Mayuan Poet is one of the most popular and expressive phenomenal rock bands in China today. Get tickets now! [...]
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Cafe Raqs
Sat. Mar. 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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ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
Sun. Mar. 24, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH in March! French toast, pancakes, frittata, pulled pork tacos, mimosas, espresso drinks and much [...]
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Revels Spring Sing
Sun. Mar. 24, 2024    
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Revels’ annual celebration of the Vernal Equinox is a joyous singalong event, featuring the voices of amazing guest artists, Revels ensembles, and YOU, our audience [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Mar. 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.
More Info
[Sold Out] Death Café
Wed. Mar. 27, 2024    
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Death Cafe will be held in the Lavender Room (B-5), located in the basement of the Armory building. The event is SOLD OUT, please fill [...]
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Bagong Kulturang Pinoy Battle of the Bands
Sat. Mar. 30, 2024    
6:30 pm
Local Filipino bands and musicians battle it out and showcase their talents. BKP would like to promote talented Filipino musicians by giving away cash prizes [...]
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WYRD: Queer Comedy Inspired by the Occult
Sat. Mar. 30, 2024    
7:00 pm
Join us for a night of queer comedy with a spooky twist, where the occult meets hilarity in a Wyrd and wonderful way! Get tickets [...]
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ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
Sun. Mar. 31, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH in March! French toast, pancakes, frittata, pulled pork tacos, mimosas, espresso drinks and much [...]
More Info
Vintage Clothing Pop-up Market
Sun. Mar. 31, 2024    
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Our biggest event of the year is here!! We stepped it up with 40+ vendors, tooth gems, tats, live DJs, free yerba, and more! Free [...]
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SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Apr. 02, 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
More Info
Smut Slam
Tue. Apr. 02, 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 [...]
More Info
Get To the Gig Boston presents: The Sadies
Wed. Apr. 03, 2024    
7:00 pm
Get tickets now! Without doubt or qualification, The Sadies are one of this continent’s greatest extant rock ’n’ roll bands — just as they have [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Apr. 03, 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, [...]
More Info
Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Apr. 03, 2024    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Come and hear some serious heavyweight champs at Songwriters in the Round at the Center for Arts at the Armory. Susan Cattaneo is a Boston area folk/rock/blues legend. Jonathan Feist is [...]
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Bowery Presents: Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter
Thu. Apr. 04, 2024    
7:00 pm
Get tickets now! $25 in advance $30 day-of-show All ages are welcome! Doors open at 7:00PM Event begins at 8:00PM
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Events on Sun. Feb. 25, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch February
25 Feb 24
i Sebastiani presents “Constant Love”
25 Feb 24
Events on Tue. Feb. 27, 2024
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
27 Feb 24
Events on Wed. Feb. 28, 2024
Strummerville Ukulele Club
28 Feb 24
Events on Sat. Mar. 02, 2024
Kev G Mor & Glimmer CANCELLED
2 Mar 24
Get to the Gig & MassConcerts Present: This is the Kit
2 Mar 24
Events on Sun. Mar. 03, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
3 Mar 24
Lee Zangari Album Release Show
3 Mar 24
BLOWW Presents: Krystal's Brawl
3 Mar 24
Events on Tue. Mar. 05, 2024
City of Somerville Presidential Primary Voting
5 Mar 24
SCES Brown Bag Program
5 Mar 24
Smut Slam
5 Mar 24
Events on Wed. Mar. 06, 2024
Red Cross Blood Drive
6 Mar 24
Get to the Gig Presents Anthony Green
6 Mar 24
Songwriters in the Round
6 Mar 24
Events on Fri. Mar. 08, 2024
The Bowery Presents: An Evening with Sofiane Pamart
8 Mar 24
Mark Lipman
8 Mar 24
Events on Sun. Mar. 10, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
10 Mar 24
[SOLD OUT] Bill Blumenreich Presents Catherine Cohen: Come For Me
10 Mar 24
Events on Wed. Mar. 13, 2024
Tunefoolery Coffee House
13 Mar 24
Events on Thu. Mar. 14, 2024
Pub Sing
14 Mar 24
Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents The Blind Boys of Alabama
14 Mar 24
Events on Fri. Mar. 15, 2024
[SOLD OUT] Bill Blumenreich Presents: Therapy Gecko Live
15 Mar 24
Show Me Your Bits Standup & Sketch Show
15 Mar 24
Events on Sat. Mar. 16, 2024
35th Annual Balkan Music Night
16 Mar 24
Events on Sun. Mar. 17, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
17 Mar 24
GottaBal! Dance
17 Mar 24
Events on Wed. Mar. 20, 2024
Songwriters in the Round
20 Mar 24
Events on Thu. Mar. 21, 2024
20s & 30s Board Game Night
21 Mar 24
The Bowery Presents: Lætitia Sadier
21 Mar 24
Events on Fri. Mar. 22, 2024
SOLD OUT Get to the Gig Boston & MassConcerts Present: Loving
22 Mar 24
Events on Sat. Mar. 23, 2024
Oddball Foundation Music and Poetry Open Mic
23 Mar 24
Get To the Gig Presents: Mayuan Poet
23 Mar 24
Cafe Raqs
23 Mar 24
Events on Sun. Mar. 24, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
24 Mar 24
Revels Spring Sing
24 Mar 24
Events on Wed. Mar. 27, 2024
Strummerville Ukulele Club
27 Mar 24
[Sold Out] Death Café
27 Mar 24
Events on Sat. Mar. 30, 2024
Bagong Kulturang Pinoy Battle of the Bands
30 Mar 24
WYRD: Queer Comedy Inspired by the Occult
30 Mar 24
Events on Sun. Mar. 31, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch March
31 Mar 24
Vintage Clothing Pop-up Market
31 Mar 24
Events on Tue. Apr. 02, 2024
SCES Brown Bag Program
2 Apr 24
Smut Slam
2 Apr 24
Events on Wed. Apr. 03, 2024
Get To the Gig Boston presents: The Sadies
3 Apr 24
Songwriters in the Round
3 Apr 24
Songwriters in the Round
3 Apr 24
Events on Thu. Apr. 04, 2024
Bowery Presents: Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter
4 Apr 24

Upcoming Events

The Center for the Arts at the Armory