5 Things To Do This Weekend, Including A Spectacle Island Music Fest And A Retro Art Exhibit

Prior to my fellowship with WBUR’s arts and culture team, I worked as an intern with the iLab for the podcast Endless Thread. While there, I learned that host Amory Sivertson is also a talented singer. This weekend, she’ll be performing indie folk music as part of Brookline’s Porchfest. (You can get a taste of her music here. My favorite song is "Walk in the Woods.") Aside from Porchfest, I’ve rounded up several other events to check out this weekend, including a new gallery exhibit on self-exploration, a documentary theater play, a musical performance and an arts and music festival on Spectacle Island.

Childs Gallery presents a new exhibit, “Retro Pictures,” artist Andrew Fish’s second solo exhibition. In the exhibit, Fish explores the transition from childhood into adulthood as a member of Generation X. He references iconic items that helped shape him into who he is today like Air Jordans, Boomboxes and BMX bikes. You can also find sculptural pieces that pair with his paintings that incorporate old pieces of technology, cards and bicycle parts.

The Newton Theatre Company presents “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” by Anna Deavere Smith. The play is a deep dive into the 1992 uprising in Los Angeles that occurred after the trial regarding the beating of Rodney King by police and includes direct quotes from those who lived through the event. While set almost 30 years ago, the topics the play addresses — race, class and access — are still relevant today. The production will be staged outdoors at the Hyde Community Center Bandshell in Newton.

The circle of life is one in which we experience many emotions. This performance from ensemble A Far Cry binds together emotions through music. As the concert progresses, you will hear lullabies, beginning with Béla Bartók “For Children,”then transitions to Antonín Dvořák’s iconic “Serenade of The Strings,” and ending with the third movement of Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 135. With a few more pieces scattered in between. The event will be held at the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, and due to COVID-19, the capacity has been reduced. However, there are also online tickets available for virtual access.

Brookline’s sixth annual Porchfest will be underway this weekend, and if you’ve been to one before, you know it means there will be music playing from several porches all day. Get ready for a festival that will span genres, and maybe even introduce you to some you’ve never heard before — from standards like folk and jazz, to flamenco, motown, hip-hop and surf rock. Printed programs will be available at the Brookline Booksmith, Brookline Music School and Brookline Village Library. In case of bad weather, there will be a rain date for Sunday, Sept. 19.

Soulful Bliss: Arts and Music Festival will bring BIPOC artists to Spectacle Island for a night full of music and fun. The inaugural event from Boston Harbor Now and AfroDesiaCity will be emceed by Amanda Shea and will feature live music from JB & Friends and Shantel C Music. The ticket includes the ferry ride to the island from Boston, a cardio dance class with TRILLFIT and s’mores on the beach. Night Shift Brewing will be selling drinks and Brato Brewhouse + Kitchen will be selling snacks and wraps through the event.