5 things to do this weekend, a dance performance and concert celebrating Afghan music

This weekend, we’re thinking about the stories that we don’t often hear. An opera company that uplifts the voices of historically marginalized artists organizes a showcase of youth performers. There’s also a concert that creates a refuge built on solidarity with Afghan musicians who are currently experiencing persecution and silencing. And with “Letter to My Younger Self,” women professionals will get vulnerable and reflect on the hard parts of their journeys. See these events and more recommendations below.

Activist opera company White Snake Projects hosts Show Out Boston this Friday, honoring the creativity of the city’s young artists. Now in its fourth edition, the group presents a showcase at Roxbury’s Hibernian Hall from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Guests can pre-order food from African restaurant Suya Joint to enjoy at the start of the evening. This will be followed by performances from Community Music Center of Boston, Transformative Culture Project, the Center for Teen Empowerment, writing organization 826 Boston, Jo-Mé Dance Theatre, East Boston’s Zumix, and more groups that uplift youth voices. General admission is free.

Immerse your senses in a vibrant dance performance this weekend, as Gibney Company comes to the ICA, presented by Global Arts Live. Founded in 1991 by choreographer Gina Gibney, Gibney Company is a socially active dance group that weaves together thoughtful, nuanced storytelling with dynamic contemporary movement. During this show, the group will perform “Trio (of six)” by William Forsythe, “A Couple” by Roy Assaf and “Three Dances (for prepared piano) John Cage” by Lucinda Childs. Tickets to both evening shows start at $70. [Explore our winter dance guide for more productions to see this season.]

Afghan pianist, composer, and 2023 WBUR Maker Arson Fahim has organized an evening of music to draw attention to the cultural and humanitarian crisis that Afghan artists are currently facing. Since Afghanistan’s takeover by the Taliban in 2021, oppressive measures have led to music being essentially banned throughout the nation. Instruments have been destroyed, and artists have lost their voices. During the Concert in Solidarity with Afghan Musicians, performers — including over a dozen Afghan musicians — will assemble to play Afghan arrangements of pop and folk songs, as well as other works by Afghan composers. The event, which starts at 8 p.m. at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, is free and open to the public, with a livestream of the show available to NEC community members.

The Irish Cultural Centre invites the public to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at its home in Canton. On Saturday morning, the organization will festively invite families to wear green and recognize the holiday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., when a breakfast buffet will be served along with performances from Strawberry Hill Band, Petrocelli Academy of Irish Dance and Forbes School of Irish Dance. From 2-5 p.m., visitors can create arts and crafts projects, enjoy face painting by The Starr Fire Studio, listen to traditional Irish music from Simon Lace & Friends, watch more dance performances, and purchase goods from vendors. A lunch of corned beef and cabbage will be served. On Sunday, the center will offer similar activities, but the lunch buffet will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult breakfast tickets are $25.31 and lunch tickets are $33.85, including fees.

Based in Cambridge, Minara is a culture salon and cafe grounded in the Muslim tradition of holding a gathering space where one can enter, encounter a new friend, and hold a conversation. This Sunday at 4 p.m., Minara presents “A Storytelling Night: Letter To My Younger Self.” Women professionals will share their experiences of what life was like before they earned success, describing “the nights they almost quit, the rejection emails, the identity crises, and the sacrifices no one saw.” Host Armaya Doremi, founder and CEO of Ayamra Media, will be joined by Hilina Ajakaiye, chief strategy officer of National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals; Corean Reynolds, the City of Boston’s director of nightlife; Vivian Pham, Massachusetts assistant undersecretary of Housing Stabilization; and Keisha Jean-Louis, founder and CEO of QueensKnow. Tickets cost $39.19 with fees and food and drink will be provided.