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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 June
Sun. Jun. 30, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
ROOTED Armory Café is the place to be for SUNDAY BRUNCH!
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SCES Brown Bag Program
Tue. Jul. 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
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Smut Slam
Tue. Jul. 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 [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Jul. 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, [...]
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Vintage Clothing Pop-up Market
Sat. Jul. 06, 2024    
12:00 pm - 6:00 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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D&D Camp - Morning Session
Mon. Jul. 08, 2024    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
Mon. Jul. 08, 2024    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Wed. Jul. 10, 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. Jul. 10, 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. Jul. 11, 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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ESH Circus Arts Advanced Studies Show
Fri. Jul. 12, 2024    
6:45 pm
Join us for an evening of performance by the pre-professional students and professional residents of Esh Circus Arts! Get tickets now! Doors open at 6:45pm. [...]
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The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
Fri. Jul. 12, 2024    
8:00 pm
Nebula Night is a monthly community night featuring local talent from Boston's comedy, music, arts scene and beyond. Each show features a variety of artists [...]
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D&D Camp - Morning Session
Mon. Jul. 15, 2024    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
Mon. Jul. 15, 2024    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Jul. 17, 2024    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
People sometimes ask us, “do you keep Songwriters in the Round going throughout the summer?” The answer is an unequivocal YES. Why don’t we take a break? [...]
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Songwriters in the Round
Wed. Jul. 17, 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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Get to the Gig presents Snõõper
Thu. Jul. 18, 2024    
7:00 pm
MassConcerts and Get to the Gig present Snõõper with Landowner Get tickets now! 7:00 pm Doors 8:00 pm Show All ages are welcome.
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WYRD: Queer Comedy Inspired by the Occult
Fri. Jul. 19, 2024    
7:30 pm
Get tickets now! Title: The New Faces in Hell WYRD presents...The New Faces in Hell! Come see an assortment of characters face judgement at the [...]
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D&D Camp - Morning Session
Mon. Jul. 22, 2024    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
Mon. Jul. 22, 2024    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
Tue. Jul. 23, 2024    
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Tonight's theme… ACHILLES HEEL: Prepare a five-minute story about weaknesses and soft spots. Vulnerable situations. That look your dog gives you, your secret love of harlequin [...]
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Strummerville Ukulele Club
Wed. Jul. 24, 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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Sexy Unique Podcast Live
Wed. Jul. 24, 2024    
7:30 pm
A podcast for geniuses, hosted by Lara Marie Schoenhals and Carey O'Donnell. Get tickets now! 7:00 pm Regular Doors 7:30 pm Show
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Blissful Immersion Showcase
Fri. Jul. 26, 2024    
7:00 pm
A showcase of creative individuals coming together to share their various talents through various art forms ie music, art, dance, poetry, or acting. Hosted by [...]
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Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Musical Improv Workshop
Sat. Jul. 27, 2024    
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Nova Comedy Collective hosts classes and workshops in improv, comedy, and other live arts at all levels of experience. Our instructors are encouraging, knowledgeable, [...]
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Shakespeare's Richard III Fundraiser
Sat. Jul. 27, 2024    
6:30 pm
Join Richard of Gloucester and friends in a night of bloodless fundraising! Meet some of the cast and crew of Dream Role Players’ summer production [...]
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Cafe Raqs
Sat. Jul. 27, 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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Bare Truths: A DEI Burlesque and Drag Showcase
Sat. Jul. 27, 2024    
7:00 pm
Get ready for a night of unapologetic self-expression and celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion from our incredible community. Get tickets now! Doors open at [...]
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GottaBal! Dance
Sun. Jul. 28, 2024    
4:00 pm - 8:00 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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D&D Camp - Morning Session
Mon. Jul. 29, 2024    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
Mon. Jul. 29, 2024    
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Get to the Gig presents: Newgrounds Death Rugby
Mon. Jul. 29, 2024    
6:30 pm
Get To The Gig Boston / MassConcerts Present Newgrounds Death Rugby with Oolong, Postcard Nowhere Here, and Park National Get tickets now! Doors open at [...]
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Feet Keep the Beat: Traditional Irish Session
Mon. Jul. 29, 2024    
7:00 pm
Feet Keep the Beat Festival 2024: Traditional Irish Session at ROOTED Armory Café (donations accepted) Monday, July 29th 7-9pm Join us for live music and [...]
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Feet Keep the Beat: Flamenco Tablao
Wed. Jul. 31, 2024    
7:00 pm
Feet Keep the Beat Festival Flamenco Tablao at ROOTED Armory Café Join us for an intimate Flamenco "Tablao" Jam led by Yosi Karahashi and Antonio [...]
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Bill Blumenreich Presents: Drew Afualo
Wed. Jul. 31, 2024    
7:00 pm
Drew Afualo LOUD Book Tour Featuring Two Idiot Girls Get tickets now! Doors open at 7:00 PM Show begins at 7:30 PM
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Feet Keep the Beat World Premiere
Fri. Aug. 02, 2024    
7:00 pm
Now in its second year, Arts at the Armory’s Feet Keep the Beat Festival has commissioned eight local percussive dance artists and one Musical Director [...]
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Events on Sun. Jun. 30, 2024
ROOTED Café Sunday Brunch June
30 Jun 24
Events on Tue. Jul. 02, 2024
SCES Brown Bag Program
2 Jul 24
Smut Slam
2 Jul 24
Events on Wed. Jul. 03, 2024
Songwriters in the Round
3 Jul 24
Events on Sat. Jul. 06, 2024
Vintage Clothing Pop-up Market
6 Jul 24
Events on Mon. Jul. 08, 2024
D&D Camp - Morning Session
8 Jul 24
D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
8 Jul 24
Events on Wed. Jul. 10, 2024
Red Cross Blood Drive
10 Jul 24
Tunefoolery Coffee House
10 Jul 24
Events on Thu. Jul. 11, 2024
Pub Sing
11 Jul 24
Events on Fri. Jul. 12, 2024
ESH Circus Arts Advanced Studies Show
12 Jul 24
The Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Nebula Night
12 Jul 24
Events on Mon. Jul. 15, 2024
D&D Camp - Morning Session
15 Jul 24
D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
15 Jul 24
Events on Wed. Jul. 17, 2024
Songwriters in the Round
17 Jul 24
Songwriters in the Round
17 Jul 24
Events on Thu. Jul. 18, 2024
Get to the Gig presents Snõõper
18 Jul 24
Events on Fri. Jul. 19, 2024
WYRD: Queer Comedy Inspired by the Occult
19 Jul 24
Events on Mon. Jul. 22, 2024
D&D Camp - Morning Session
22 Jul 24
D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
22 Jul 24
Events on Tue. Jul. 23, 2024
The Moth: Boston StorySLAM
23 Jul 24
Events on Wed. Jul. 24, 2024
Strummerville Ukulele Club
24 Jul 24
Sexy Unique Podcast Live
24 Jul 24
Events on Fri. Jul. 26, 2024
Blissful Immersion Showcase
26 Jul 24
Events on Sat. Jul. 27, 2024
Nova Comedy Collective Presents: Musical Improv Workshop
27 Jul 24
Shakespeare's Richard III Fundraiser
27 Jul 24
Cafe Raqs
27 Jul 24
Bare Truths: A DEI Burlesque and Drag Showcase
27 Jul 24
Events on Sun. Jul. 28, 2024
GottaBal! Dance
28 Jul 24
Events on Mon. Jul. 29, 2024
D&D Camp - Morning Session
29 Jul 24
D&D Camp - Afternoon Session
29 Jul 24
Get to the Gig presents: Newgrounds Death Rugby
29 Jul 24
Feet Keep the Beat: Traditional Irish Session
29 Jul 24
Events on Wed. Jul. 31, 2024
Feet Keep the Beat: Flamenco Tablao
31 Jul 24
Bill Blumenreich Presents: Drew Afualo
31 Jul 24
Events on Fri. Aug. 02, 2024
Feet Keep the Beat World Premiere
2 Aug 24

Upcoming Events

The Center for the Arts at the Armory