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5 things to do this weekend, including Rebirth Brass Band in Somerville and 'Vanya' at the Coolidge

I recently saw an Instagram reel pointing out that we here in Boston won’t have any more sunsets before 5 p.m. until November. For me, that’s more than just a little light at the end of the tunnel — or day. It’s the return of more time spent outdoors and with friends. If you’re also feeling in a get-up-and-go mood, we have five reasons to get out there. From a one-man play starring the “Hot Priest” to a sculpture exhibition from local artists, there’s plenty to do around the city this weekend.

National Theatre Live: 'Vanya'

Thursday, Feb. 22

You don’t need to travel across the pond to see performances from London’s world-renowned theater scene. For years, the National Theatre Live series (NT Live) has brought filmed versions of shows such as “War Horse” and countless Shakespeare productions to cinemas around the world. Filmed during its sold out run in London’s West End last year, “Vanya” is a modern take of the 1897 play “Uncle Vanya” by Anton Chekhov, adapted by Simon Stephens, whose previous works include the widely acclaimed stage version of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” Andrew Scott, aka the priest in “Fleabag,” co-created “Vanya” with Stephens and takes on the starring role in this production. A 7 p.m. showing at the Coolidge Corner Theatre has already sold out, so only tickets for the 9:45 p.m. showing remain (with tickets available to other earlier showtimes in Amherst and East Dennis).


Open Mic Poetry Night in Cambridge

Friday, Feb. 23

Do you have such strong feelings of admiration about your community that you feel inspired to write and perform poetry? Or do you want to hear others perform? Then check out “Celebrate Love For Your Community,” an open mic poetry night presented by the Cambridge Arts Council, City Night Readings, Cambridge’s Committee on Civic Unity and The Little Crêpe Café. Local poet, playwright and current poet in residence at First Church in Cambridge, Jean Dany Joachim, will guide the audience through the night. All are welcome and people are encouraged to read either original poetry or a work by another poet. The Little Crêpe Café’s refreshments will be available for purchase (such as pastries and hot chocolate). The event itself is free and will also be streamed on Zoom. For more information, visit the Cambridge Arts’ Facebook.


Rebirth Brass Band

Saturday, Feb. 24

Did your Mardi Gras celebrations leave something to be desired this year? The Rebirth Brass Band will arrive at Somerville’s Crystal Ballroom on Saturday night to serve up a satisfying portion of New Orleans music. Founding brothers Phillip "Tuba Phil" Frazier and Keith Frazier will be joined by a crew of lively musicians who have earned a reputation around the country for their music. Rebirth started as street performers in New Orleans in the 1980s, and over the decades, the group has grown into a headlining act touring internationally. You may have even spotted the band if you watched HBO’s “Treme.” Additionally, the band received the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2012, the first year that category was introduced. But you don’t need to take the Recording Academy’s word for it, just listen to a few seconds of their music, and you’ll know whether it moves you. General admission tickets start at $32, and doors open at 7 p.m.

Rebirth Brass Band (Courtesy of Rebirth Brass Band)
Rebirth Brass Band (Courtesy of Rebirth Brass Band)

Salsa y Control Vinyl Jam Social

Sunday, Feb. 25

Do you have the dance moves but no place to show them off? If that’s the case, Salsa y Control has a monthly gathering for you! Established in 2003 by two brothers from Colombia, Salsa y Control is a dance company focused on Latin music and dance that offers classes, workshops and social events like the one on Sunday. Held at the dance studio’s Allston location on Harvard Ave., this Sunday night salsa dance party features music exclusively played off vinyl records. DJ Sonerito will be spinning tunes for a variety of salsa styles including mambo, cha cha cha, pachanga, guaguanco and more. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and costs $15 cash at the door. If you want to help get yourself in the mood before the party, tune into WBUR’s ¡Con Salsa! 10 p.m.-3 a.m. every Saturday night into Sunday morning.

 

'Confluence'

Through Sunday, Feb. 25

The Boston Sculptors Gallery was founded in 1992 by 18 artists. And after 32 years, it still operates as an artist collaborative with its very own exhibition space. “Confluence,” which opened earlier this month, features the works of 14 of the gallery’s associate members, an annually selected cohort of artists. As its name suggests, “Confluence” brings together a wide variety of concepts and styles. The exhibition includes carved wood sculptures inspired by the water-like waves found in woodgrain, a suspended sculpture composed of paper and plastic debris from the artist’s family, and a ceramic series titled “Noah’s Ark” inspired by immigration and fertility treatment. The gallery is free and open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A closing reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday.

 
Headshot of Solon Kelleher

Solon Kelleher Arts Reporting Fellow
Solon Kelleher is the arts reporting fellow at WBUR.

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