5 Things To Do This Weekend, Including A Poetry Performance And A Film About 'Stray' Dogs

This week, Jamila Woods’ song “LSD” ft. Chance the Rapper has left me with a little gem that I keep coming back to. In the song, Woods sings “A body of water inside me/ Reminds me of oceans, though I’ve never known one.” This specific line makes me feel that we can be anything — including things we only dream of or imagine. Woods is part of a virtual poetry event this weekend, hosted by one of my favorite poets, Danez Smith (more on them below!). In addition to this exciting event, I’ve rounded up a few others including a musical celebration and a film that follows stray dogs in Turkey. Whether you spend your time at one of these events, be sure to take a moment to find a little joy this weekend.

I discovered poet Danez Smith through their 2017 book “Don’t Call Us Dead” and became a fan by reading how they are able to share their experiences in such creative ways. The themes throughout their work tap into the intersectionalities of gender and race. For this event, they will be premiering new work inspired by their latest book, “Homie.” Following Smith’s performance, the Dark Noise Collective — made up of artists Jamila Woods, Fatimah Asghar, Franny Choi, Nate Marshall and Aaron Samuels — will showcase performances and poetry videos. The event will creatively tie together themes of friendship, community, love and loss. Following the event, there will be a live Q+A with the artists.

I’ll take any moment to celebrate anything after the year we’ve had, and Berklee College of Music is giving us a great reason by inviting us to celebrate their 75th anniversary with them! This virtual concert will feature a faculty house band that’ll transport the audience through the rich musical history of the institution, and a student band will also play during the event. Some of the performers include saxophonist Tia Fuller, whose music was featured in Pixar’s recent film “Soul,” and Berklee bass professor Danny Mo, among many other talented musicians. A night of music and stories — a perfect way to celebrate.

Organized by Mosesian Center for the Arts, this townwide exhibit utilizes the yards of Watertown residents to showcase the works of over 130 artists and art enthusiasts. Viewers can take themselves on a free, self-guided tour through the community and check out creations like a giant colorful squirrel on Oakley Road, a figure dressing in objects slated to be recycled on Mt. Auburn Street, or  the "dragmonstersaurus Rex" on Orchard Street. With the weather finally cooperating, I can think of no better activity than taking a stroll and taking in the art.

Recording artist Dutch ReBelle is putting on an energetic livestream performance for the Museum of Science with special guests Miranda Rae, King Fiya, Eddy Fish, Hundred Round Kado, Reem Skully, Shellz, Trend N Motion and Frank Vocals. Audiences can expect innovative performances with elements of enthralling hip-hop tied in with planetarium visuals. Science and hip-hop might be the dynamic duo you never knew you needed!

Dogs are cute in almost every single setting, and I find them so amusing! This film — streaming via Coolidge Corner Theatre's Virtual Screening Room — will transport you to the busy streets of Istanbul, Turkey, where stray animals roam around day after day. In case you needed a fresh perspective, this film is from the point of view of three stray dogs and takes you through their long journey of surviving life in the streets.