'Monuments to Us' at the MFA
In a diverse collection of artwork, the Museum of Fine Arts presents a new gallery, “Monuments to Us,” featuring work from multiple artists from various backgrounds. Although a small exhibit, every piece recognizes and celebrates communities which have been consistently marginalized throughout history. Members of the LGBTQA+, African American, Latino and disabled communities are all represented in this exhibit.
Steve Lacy Takes Fans on a Dreamy “Ryd” at House of Blues
Alternative R&B artist Steve Lacy mesmerized fans at House of Blues on Oct. 3, with groovy basslines and dreamy, harmonized chords. The young creator, who is a member of the Grammy-nominated band The Internet, and who has produced alongside Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, and Vampire Weekend, among others, is currently on tour for his debut solo album Apollo XXI. The album is a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and low-fi pop, showcasing Lacy’s laid back voice, which blends in perfectly with the record’s rhythmic basslines and mellow synth sounds.
Crowd is Infatuated by H.E.R. in "Every Kind of Way" at House of Blues
The heavy rain and the undeniably biting, cold wind didn’t stop eager concertgoers from waiting in what seemed like a never-ending line outside House of Blues on Nov. 26. Their excitement was for R&B sensation Gabriella Wilson, better known by her stage name, H.E.R., who would be performing that night as part of the “I Used To Know Her” tour. The 21-year-old singer’s identity was only recently revealed to the public, as she undoubtedly believes that the music she creates should be what her fans are focusing on, rather than her physical appearance.
MFA Movies at Night: Moonlight
On Friday, February 10, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) collaborated with the Roxbury International Film Festival and Wicked Queer: The Boston LGBT Film Festival to present a screening of “Moonlight,” directed by Barry Jenkins. The film garnered significant attention after winning the award for Best Motion Picture—Drama at the 2017 Golden Globes. It was nominated for several Academy Awards, and won Best Picture.
Nina Chanel Abney Installation at The Institute of Contemporary Art
African-American contemporary artist and painter Nina Chanel Abney addresses pop culture and racial conflicts in her vibrant mural at The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).
All of Abney’s artwork draws from modern content, such as celebrity news and social media, to spark both curiosity and conversation from the public, and the ICA mural is no exception.
While her art can be considered pop surrealism, Abney’s work certainly communicates a story and overarching message that is entirely authentic and unique.
All of Abney’s artwork draws from modern content, such as celebrity news and social media, to spark both curiosity and conversation from the public, and the ICA mural is no exception.
While her art can be considered pop surrealism, Abney’s work certainly communicates a story and overarching message that is entirely authentic and unique.
Kamasi Washington at Big Night Live
Jazz is for everyone, and never has that been more clear than on Feb. 24 when Kamasi Washington played to a packed audience at Big Night Live. A diverse mix of musicians led a chorus of instruments through a musical journey of epic proportions. There was an unmistakable human element to the night, with Washington connecting to the audience through anecdotes, wisdom, and, of course, jazz. Solos, symphonies, and soft vocals flowed through the diverse crowd, whose members couldn’t help but tap their feets and sway to the beat of the music all night long.
'Black Panther' Review
The explosive response that Marvel’s “Black Panther” has received in just a few weeks made it difficult to go into the film’s screening without heightened expectations. The film has been lauded for being both an exemplary superhero story and one of the most empowering African-American films in recent memory. Having experienced it on the big screen, I can say that you don’t need to worry — “Black Panther” lives up to the hype.
Personal to Political
There is no one correct way to address the conversation about African American history and how it continues to shape modern society. The “Personal to Political” exhibit currently on display at Northeastern’s Gallery 360 proves this fact through the variety of stories and styles presented by the artwork . The exhibit displays the personal and political battles that African Americans have been fighting for decades, each piece contributing to the collective history in its own unique way. The work displayed is from 14 African American artists who completed a residency at Paulson Fontaine Press in California with a master printmaker. For many of the artists, it was their first time working with printmaking.
The Black Clown World Premiere at A.R.T
“You laugh / Because I’m poor and black and funny…” speaks a lone man into a standing microphone, lit by a single spotlight, center stage. “The Black Clown.” He begins again, singing the lines of Langston Hughes’ poem of the same name. And thus, a truly unique and emotional theatrical experience begins. “The Black Clown” never feels like a traditional musical. It’s an artistic retelling of a collective narrative set to music.
Vince Staples is "War Ready" at House of Blues
Vince Staples—a name synonymous with aggressive lyrical mastery and the Los Angeles-based city of “Norfside,” Long Beach—graced the stage at the House of Blues on Feb. 25. His tour, “Smile, You’re on Camera,” showcased songs from widely-proclaimed studio albums, “Big Fish Theory” and “FM!,” as well as his debut double album, “Summertime ‘06.”
'Queen and Slim' Review
Queen and Slim is not just another Bonnie and Clyde movie. The screenwriting debut of Lena Waithe tells the tale of a Tinder date gone wrong, where a black couple tries to escape their inevitable criminalization after defending themselves against a police officer. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the film uses the theme of vulnerability and immortality to portray the story of two young adults and an unlikely relationship.
Teens Take the Floor in 'Black Histories, Black Futures'
Cities are often thought about in terms that not only represent their present state, but their past influences and future directions as well. At the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), local teens, in partnership with various local youth organizations, told a story of black history through art, with a special focus on Boston. Spanning the center of the MFA, the exhibit features 20th-century art pieces curated by Jadon Smith, Destiny Santiago-Mitchell, Jennifer Rosa, Alejandro Flores, Armani Rivas, and Jingsi Li, four of which curated their own part of the overall exhibit.
Thundercat’s 'It Is What It Is' Meditates on Love, Loss, and Acceptance
Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, constantly defies the mainstream with his versatile sound and unique blend of genres. He is easily distinguished by his virtuoso bass playing and sweet, falsetto voice. The 35-year-old American musician, singer, songwriter, and music producer has collaborated with a variety of critically acclaimed artists, including Snoop Dogg, Flying Lotus, and Kendrick Lamar. In 2015, he won a Grammy for his performance on Lamar’s These Walls, a nod to his extensive work on the album To Pimp a Butterfly. Thundercat himself has released four albums: The Golden Age of Apocalypse (2011), Apocalypse (2013), Drunk (2017) and his latest album, It Is What It Is, released on Apr. 3.
It's Not You, It's 'Us'
If you know you’re about to watch a movie directed by Jordan Peele, Academy Award Winner and director of “Get Out”, you know that it is going to be anything but what you are expecting. “Us,” starring Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke, is a horror/thriller film about a family of four who encounters their creepy doppelgängers while on vacation, and nothing is what it seems. Throughout the film, Peele manages to cleverly weave in the past with the present, allowing the audience to witness the chips slowly falling where they may within his narrative.
Melanin Pride Festival 2019
Over the weekend of October 11, the Lesbians of Color Symposium (LOCS) Collective hosted the second annual Melanin Pride Festival, which included art exhibits and film screenings across various locations in Boston. An event at the Roxbury Innovation Center featured an art exhibition along with the screening of three short films that showcased the work of LGBTQ+ artists of color who are exploring the ins and outs of identity.
'Birds of Prey' Is More Than a Feminist Film
Most superhero movies fall into one of two camps: the fun, lighthearted romps that Marvel is famous for or the darker, grittier tone DC has favored since Christopher Nolan’s 'Dark Knight' trilogy. Granted, there have been a few exceptions along the way, but few movies have been able to balance the two well. 'Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)' successfully walks this fine line of being fun while taking itself just seriously enough to deliver a cohesive — and even heartfelt — storyline with captivating characters.
'Women Take the Floor' at the MFA
On the top floor of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in the Art of the Americas section, is an exhibit called 'Women Take the Floor.' The color theme is simple yet striking and highlights the work of the artists with mostly white walls and red detailing. The moment you enter the exhibit, you are faced with a wall covered in powerful quotes by women, reading things like, “I create against orders” (Sheila Hicks), “The struggle against the patriarchy and racism must be substantively robust and inextricably intertwined” (Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw), and “I mean I’m here to eat up all the ocean you thought was yours” (Eve Ewing).
Thundercat's 'It Is What It Is' Album Review
Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, constantly defies the mainstream with his versatile sound and unique blend of genres. He is easily distinguished by his virtuoso bass playing and sweet, falsetto voice. The 35-year-old American musician, singer, songwriter, and music producer has collaborated with a variety of critically acclaimed artists, including Snoop Dogg, Flying Lotus, and Kendrick Lamar. In 2015, he won a Grammy for his performance on Lamar’s These Walls, a nod to his extensive work on the album To Pimp a Butterfly. Thundercat himself has released four albums: The Golden Age of Apocalypse (2011), Apocalypse (2013), Drunk (2017) and his latest album, It Is What It Is, released on Apr. 3.
'Carmen' at the Citizens Bank Opera House
Boston Ballet’s 2019-2020 season continues with 'Carmen,' a showcase of works by Jorma Elo, George Balanchine, and Helen Pickett that explore the many facets of femininity. Jorma Elo’s 'Carmen' updates the fiery Spanish antiheroine of stage and screen for the 21st century and navigates the timeless dynamics of passion, jealousy, and betrayal.
'Hail the Dark Lioness' at the Hutchins Center
In more than 80 self-portraits, celebrated visual activist Zanele Muholi (South African, b. 1972), uses their body as a canvas to confront the deeply personal politics of race and representation in the visual archive. In Somnyama Ngonyama, which translates from isiZulu to ‘Hail The Dark Lioness’, Muholi playfully employs the conventions of classical painting, fashion photography, and the familiar tropes of ethnographic imagery to rearticulate contemporary identity politics. Each black and white self-portrait asks critical questions about social (in)justice, human rights, and contested representations of the Black body.
'The Times of Bill Cunningham' Review
'The Times of Bill Cunningham,' directed by Mark Bozek, is a documentary that is both marvelous and eye-opening. The film highlights the life of a remarkable man who is unknown to many outside of the fashion world. Cunningham, with his camera and keen eye, was fashion’s great documenter for over 50 years, until his death in 2016.
Kamasi Washington at Big Night Live
Jazz is for everyone, and never has that been more clear than on Feb. 24 when Kamasi Washington played to a packed audience at Big Night Live. A diverse mix of musicians led a chorus of instruments through a musical journey of epic proportions. There was an unmistakable human element to the night, with Washington connecting to the audience through anecdotes, wisdom, and, of course, jazz. Solos, symphonies, and soft vocals flowed through the diverse crowd, whose members couldn’t help but tap their feets and sway to the beat of the music all night long.
Student Showcase: Vidisha Agarwalla
Vidisha Agarwalla is a second-year communication studies and media and screen studies combined major with a minor in law and argumentation. She is the co-president and producer of New Renaissance Theatre Company, a theatre company for people of color and minorities. She produced What Rough Beast, the play New Renaissance put on last year, and also worked toward their production of Stop Kiss. Vidisha is also a passionate dancer and a member of Rangila, a competitive Indian Fusion Dance Team at Northeastern. She recently participated in competitions in Baltimore and New Jersey.
Student Showcase: Eva Ullmann
Eva Ullmann is a first-year student at Northeastern and an aspiring singer-songwriter and performer. Music grabbed hold of Eva at an early age, and she’s been singing, writing songs, and playing guitar for almost 8 years and hopes to pursue it for the rest of her life! Eva has an EP titled Youth available on all streaming sites and is currently working on her next project, a full album titled Woman, set to be released by the end of 2020. In addition, Eva is also breaking into the Boston music scene through performances at Northeastern and around the city.
Student Showcase: Brigitte Gong
Brigitte Gong is a fifth-year sociology student and the president of NUTV. She is a double Taurus, and a big believer in the Oxford comma. She is currently trying to watch 52 films directed by women this year and has seen The Farewell seven times. She loves breakfast food, a good Spotify playlist, and her trusty 35mm camera, Steve.
Student Showcase: James Doyle
James Doyle is a fifth-year student at NU. Though he studies computer engineering, he also is absolutely enamored with art. Minoring in art history and having worked at both the MFA and ICA, James has spent quite a bit of time formally working within the art world. In his free time, James also frequently draws. He has a love for buildings, textures, and black-and-white works.
'Mary Stuart' Review
On Feb. 19, the Studio Theater was transported back in time to 16th-century England as Northeastern students performed Friedrich Schiller’s 'Mary Stuart,' directed by Professor Antonio Ocampo-Guzman. The story dramatizes the tale of Mary, Queen of Scots, in the final days of her life.
'Emma' Review
'Emma' is the newest reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic novel about young, upper class Emma Woodhouse who, until recently, had faced few hardships in her own life. Not seeking a match for herself, she tries her best to set up her new friend Harriet with men in town, leading to many mishaps and miscommunications. It’s a beautifully retold story that is hilarious, heartfelt, and a genius satire of 19th-century society that succeeds in staying relatable to modern life.
Electric Guest at the Sinclair
Los Angeles-based indie pop duo Electric Guest brought high energy and impressive showmanship to their sold-out performance at the Sinclair on Feb. 10. The group, which consists of lead vocalist Asa Taccone and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Campton, released their most recent album, Kin, in October 2019 and began touring shortly afterward. While touring, musicians Luke Top and Reese Richardson join the group, adding a fresh element to their established dynamic.
'Game Changers' at the MAAM
'Game Changers,' on view at the MassArt Art Museum, features a collection that spreads across many mediums with one central theme at its heart: video games. The exhibition synthesizes the works of contemporary artists from all walks of life, each one utilizing mediums from VR and gaming platforms to acrylic paints and ironed Perler beads. The exhibition provides a myriad of approaches to using games and gaming culture as a means for delivering pointed messages. A common thread of social justice pervades throughout many of the pieces, while others explore more niche topics about human nature and our environment.
'Wendy' Soars as a Modern Retelling
“All children, except one, grow up,” is how J.M. Barrie famously introduces his novel 'Peter Pan.' With these six simple words, Peter Pan’s mythology was forever enshrined in our culture, becoming a symbol of the optimism of childhood and the refusal to sacrifice joy, adventure, and passion. The story of “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” has stood the test of time through its many, many adaptations precisely because its themes are universal and, well, timeless.
'Black Histories, Black Futures' at the MFA
Cities are often thought about in terms that not only represent their present state, but their past influences and future directions as well. At the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), local teens, in partnership with various local youth organizations, told a story of black history through art, with a special focus on Boston. Spanning the center of the MFA, the exhibit features 20th-century art pieces curated by Jadon Smith, Destiny Santiago-Mitchell, Jennifer Rosa, Alejandro Flores, Armani Rivas, and Jingsi Li, four of which curated their own part of the overall exhibit.
'The Righteous Gemstones' Review
Danny McBride hits the mark again with his third and newest HBO series 'The Righteous Gemstones', a twisted family sitcom set in the flamboyant world of Southern televangelism. The Gemstone family defines the role of religion in American capitalism and asks the question, “What would capitalist Jesus do?” The wealth, fame, and power that hails from their growing franchise of megachurches is (poorly) hidden underneath the mission to spread God’s message.
'1917' Review
A one-shot film is a film that appears to be, or actually is, taken in one continuous shot. No cuts, no breaks, no anything. Before watching the film '1917,' I had to ask myself “Do we really need another one-shot film, much less another World War I film?” And “why” is exactly what Director of Photography Roger Deakins asked when Director and long-time friend Sam Mendes first approached him with this proposal.
Michigan Rattlers at the Middle East
Alternative folk rock group Michigan Rattlers delivered an intoxicatingly soulful performance at the Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub on Feb. 9. This would be the third stop on their tour with independent rock singer Brent Cowles. The band consists of lifelong friends Graham Young, the guitarist and main vocalist; Adam Reed, the upright bassist and vocalist; Christian Wilder on the piano, and Tony Audia on the drums. The group began writing and performing music together at their high school in northern Michigan, and have since been perfecting their distinct blend of folk-inspired rock-and-roll and Western nuance. In 2018, the group released their debut full length album Evergreen.
'Reimagining Home' at the MFA
In the long hallway that holds the 'Reimagining Home' exhibit in Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), you enter a span of Iranian history that begins with Bahman Jalali’s 'Image of Imagination' series and ends with Gohar Dashti’s 'Home' series. The exhibit explores Iran’s history and follows the path of mentor and mentee, as Jalali and Dashti were. Jalali’s robust influence shines through Dashti’s 'Home' as she takes surrealist means and a politically charged approach prominent in Jalali’s work to capture Iran. Where these works differ is in the past and the future.
Cold War Kids at House of Blues
American indie-rock band Cold War Kids energized a diverse audience at House of Blues on Feb. 1. The band started performing out of California in 2004 and, since then, has mesmerized people from all walks of life. Their sound has naturally evolved from blues-infused punk to alternative rock. With hits such as First and Hang Me Up to Dry, Cold War Kids has attracted a mass following of both young and old fans. Recently, they released an album titled New Age Norms 1, which is meant to be the first part of an upcoming album trilogy.
Little Women Review
“No, writing doesn’t confer importance, it reflects it.” “I’m not sure. Perhaps writing will make them more important.” These lines are from a conversation between Jo March (Saorise Ronan) and Amy March (Florence Pugh) respectively, and though it’s just a casual conversation in passing, it resonates loudly. Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, Little Women is the most recent adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott that follows the lives of four sisters in the 1800s, moving between New York City and Concord, Massachusetts. This story of their “little life,” as Jo says, maybe isn’t quite as little, and it certainly isn’t so to Gerwig.
Illiterate Light at Great Scott
Illiterate Light, comprised of Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran, rocked the stage of their sold-out show at Allston’s Great Scott. The intimacy of the venue worked in the duo’s favor and created an electric atmosphere filled with excited fans. The band’s music is the perfect blend of indie rock and melodic psychedelia. Their sweet vocals, layered over powerful guitar riffs and drum solos, create an elusive sound that fans just can’t get enough of.
'Sing Street' World Premiere
“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do? / You wear a dress and tell me not to wear brown shoes.” The makeup is bright neon and the costumes are wild. The economy is failing and people are out of jobs. Political unrest stirs in the streets and in the churches. New wave and punk rock are the language of the youth. Welcome to Dublin in the 1980s. Welcome to Sing Street.
Yuna at City Winery
Malaysian pop and R&B artist Yunalis binti Mat Zara’ai, known by her stage name Yuna, gave an intimate, heartfelt performance at City Winery on Jan. 26. Her show would be the first of two that night — her second performance also taking place at City Winery a few hours later. The talented singer, whose vocals touched audience members throughout night, grew up in Perlis, Malaysia and moved to Los Angeles, California once her music career started to take off. Yuna is currently on tour for her album Rouge, which both reflects on her identity as a global pop star, and pays homage to her home country of Malaysia.
'Kay Nielsen’s Enchanted Vision' at the MFA
Fairy tales have the ability to capture their readers, the stories they weave full of enchanting fantasy and disbelief. Danish artist Kay Nielsen worked to express these stories as illustrations, and did so for numerous works. Currently on display at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is Kay Nielsen’s Enchanted Vision, a one-room exhibit showcasing a selection of Nielsen’s prints from the Kendra and Allan Daniel collection.
'Queen and Slim' Review
'Queen and Slim' is not just another Bonnie and Clyde movie. The screenwriting debut of Lena Waithe tells the tale of a Tinder date gone wrong, where a black couple tries to escape their inevitable criminalization after defending themselves against a police officer. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the film uses the theme of vulnerability and immortality to portray the story of two young adults and an unlikely relationship.
The Streaming Standoff
At the beginning of the decade, Netflix had just started their subscription-based online streaming service and were still competing with Blockbuster Video. Now, 10 years later, the media landscape has completely transformed. Video rental stores are practically nonexistent, Netflix and Amazon produce original series and films that garner widespread acclaim, and even cable television is on its way out. Netflix paved the way for the new era of media and entertainment, and countless other companies have followed suit. If you’re starting to get a little overwhelmed by the choices, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
System Crasher
As part of the monthly film series organized by Goethe-Institut Boston, German director Nora Fingscheidt’s first feature film System Crasher (Systemsprenger) was screened at Coolidge Corner Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24. The film originally premiered at the Berlinale in early 2019, where it won the Silver Bear, and is Germany’s official entry to the 2020 Academy Awards.
Little Shop of Horrors Musical
At 140 Clarendon Street, in the intimate and cozy theater of the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, you’ll find director Rachel Bertone’s charming and inviting world of Little Shop of Horrors. The musical performance is brought to life in only a few square feet. Despite the modest stage, the set and cast bring authenticity to each element of the show, easily luring you into Mr. Mushnik’s run-down and “vintage” plant shop.
Count Orlov Musical
On Nov. 22, Arts Emerson, in collaboration with Stage Russia, brought the award-winning Count Orlov Musical to the Bright Family Screening Room at the Emerson Paramount Center. Created by renowned playwright Yuliy Kim and composer Roman Ignatyev, the same team behind the Anna Karenina musical and The Count of Monte Cristo, the musical originally premiered at the Moscow Operetta Theatre in 2012. It ran until 2016, earning its spot as one of Russia’s most popular musicals.
Marriage Story
Marriage Story begins with Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) in a mediator’s office. They’re each stubbornly clutch a list of what they love about the other — and their pride. This is supposed to make the divorce process easier. Even though the film is set during the process of a divorce, it’s really about the marriage. It’s tender, it’s funny, and most importantly, it’s real.
Quixote Neuvo
Shuffling on stage in long, gray underwear, José Quijano (Emilio Delgado) waves a dented, lusterless sword in the air. His posture and thin frame suggest the weakness of old age, but his voice resounds with the steadfastness of a knight. He raises arms against the mischievous ensemble of Calacas, demons of the underworld, that taunt him, and he vows to avoid their clutches. Suddenly pulled from this dream, he wakes up at his desk, back to his reality as an old man in the care of his family.
Boston Jewish Film Festival
From Nov. 6-17, the 31st annual Boston Jewish Film Festival took place in various locations around Boston, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Brattle Theatre, and Coolidge Corner Theater. Over the course of the festival, 29 feature films and two TV series were shown, and the ninth annual Freshflix Short Film Competition took place.