This weekend’s roundup of events is perfect for the whole family. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a great outing for kids, and the African Festival of Boston presents lots of fun for all ages on Boston Common. And if you’re looking to introduce youngsters to opera in an accessible way, “Pirates of Penzance” is a good place to start. Here are our ideas for what to do when Friday rolls around.
Opening Saturday, Aug. 16
Boston Center for the Arts hosts a vivid, bold and somewhat surreal exhibit created by musician Andrae Green. The painter is influenced by his upbringing in Kingston, Jamaica, and Marvel and DC comic books, which he described as the only creative materials that he had access to at the time. In this show, he pays homage to his hometown while also exploring the vibrancy of the Jamaican community in Boston. Green sees parallels between the two locations, which “share layered maritime legacies shaped by colonialism, migration and resilience,” according to the show description. Green navigates displacement in his work, expressed through the fragmented images he uses and creating a dreamy mash-up that communicates his sense of disorientation.
Saturday, Aug. 16
An 18-year tradition returns to Salem Willows Park, bringing a day of free track. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival highlights the North Shore’s rich cultural fabric, presenting a lineup of stellar musicians from across the state. Boston-based funk and jazz band Heavy Metal Horns will perform, as will Latin jazz ensemble Los Sugar Kings. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and gather outdoors for the celebration. The festival also organizes year-round educational initiatives, including a monthly track series for kids at the Salem Public Library, track programs for the homeless held at a local hotel, an internship program and workshops for children with autism. Find more on those projects on the organization’s website.
Saturday, Aug. 16
The Gilbert and Sullivan operetta comes to life this weekend thanks to Boston Summer Opera and Horizon Ensemble. Helmed by Boston Summer Opera’s Executive Director Hannah Shanefield, the lively and comedic production follows a lad named Frederic who has been an apprentice to a kind band of pirates. Released into the world, he meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two fall in love. The campy story will be staged at Arlington Street Church with some modern twists, such as a mock-Bostonian police force woven into the performance. Audience members can expect to laugh and walk away humming some memorable tunes. General admission tickets are $23.18, including a service fee.
Saturday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 17
An exhilarating cultural festival, immediately in its 15th year, delivers an honoring of African history, traditions and artistry. The African Festival of Boston will hold a formal, red carpet event on Friday with speeches from notable figures, such as former Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo, and live performances. On Saturday and Sunday, a free, outdoor experience will light up Boston Common, bringing authentic African cuisine, workshops and panels, track, dance, fashion shows and more. Jean Appolon Expressions and Fotocopy, a rising musician from Ghana, will be among the performers. For family-friendly entertainment, attendees can also visit the Children’s Cultural Book Heritage Village, where they can pick up books and participate in storytelling.
Ends Sunday, Aug. 17
The Harvard Art Museums’ exhibit “The Solomon Collection” will be on display for arts enthusiasts to take in through the end of this weekend. The over 135 works on view were gifted by collectors Arthur K. and Mariot F. Solomon, and the creations presented include sculptures, prints, paintings and more, fashioned by artists from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Spectators will see the masterpieces of Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Eugène Delacroix and Albrecht Dürer, as well as Bostonian artists Marjorie Minkin and Peter Lipsitt. Before this showcase closes, you may wish to catch a glimpse of art that spans centuries. [Check out our summer visual arts guide for more exhibition recommendations.]
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