Music

'Michael' is a troublingly untroubled biopic of the late King of Pop
Partially funded by Michael Jackson's estate and starring one of his nephews, the film presents its subject as a childlike saint sharing his light with the world, hurtling from one...

Non-Event celebrates 25 years of bringing experimental music to Boston
Despite being an organization without a permanent venue, Non-Event is dedicated to presenting music that is inherently as non-commercial as it gets. "If they weren’t doing what they are doing,...
Sharing some of the local entries to this year's Tiny Desk Contest
A panel convened by WBUR is sorting through dozens of local entries into NPR's famed Tiny Desk Contest.

At Berklee, aspiring composers worry AI threatens their future
For centuries, the process of writing music has been the same, whether it’s done with pencil and paper or a computer: The art involves expressing human ideas through music. Generative...

Vote for your favorite local 2026 NPR Tiny Desk Contest entry
There were 184 Massachusetts entries to the national contest, and we've whittled it down to 22 local finalists. Cast your vote for the Fan Favorite.
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Unpacking Afroman's Viral Defamation Trial
Afroman made his name in the early 2000s with the hit song "Because I Got High." More than two decades later, he's having another break out moment. Host Ben Brock...

Our local Tiny Desk search begins
WBUR's Amelia Mason has begun her annual springtime search for our favorite local entry to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest, with the help of a panel of local collaborators.

'iPod archaeology' inspires joy, nostalgia through old technology and music
iPods were all the rage 20 years ago, but Apple discontinued them in 2022. Claire Hughes is refurbishing old, used iPods and sharing what she finds on them.

Boston's folk scene remembers Bob Franke with a tribute concert
The beloved singer-writer died in October at the age of 74 after being struck and killed by a motorcycle in Guatemala, where he had recently retired. Musicians are honoring his...

Concert documentary 'You Got Gold' pays tribute to songwriting legend John Prine
More than two years later, on what would have been Prine's 76th birthday, musicians gathered to pay tribute.

Ahead of No Kings Rally, Dropkick Murphys' Ken Casey on resistance as celebration
The Celtic punk rockers are taking the stage as part of Saturday’s No Kings Rally on Boston Common. The lead singer spoke about staying true to the band’s message and...

Five years after his death, Chick Corea's legacy lives on
The Chelsea native died in 2021, but between a series of newly released live recordings, his recent Grammy win for Best Jazz Performance, and his compositions remaining a core part...
BTS put on a massive free concert for K-pop fans in Seoul
South Korea is celebrating the reunion of its most famous musical act: BTS.

Boston's Sweet Petunia brings basement DIY to old time folk
Banjo-wielding Maddy Simpson and Mairead Guy may have met in the halls of the Berklee College of Music in 2018, but it was at an Allston basement show where they...

After years of roving, the Boston Lyric Opera celebrates its new home
New England's largest opera company finally has a place to call home. It’s welcoming the public to its newly renovated performance and community studios in Fort Point with an intimate...

Live from the produce section: Grocery store launches concert series inspired by NPR's Tiny Desk
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts have inspired a family-owned grocery store to put on live music in the produce section.

A guide to Greater Boston's spring classical music concerts
From Castle of Our Skins' sound portraits to Boston Lyric Opera's delightful sounding "Daughter of the Regiment," WBUR critic Lloyd Schwartz shares the performances he's particularly eager to hear —...

BSO musicians rally in support of embattled director
Musicians with the Boston Symphony Orchestra gathered Tuesday on the steps of Symphony Hall to support their embattled music director Andris Nelsons.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Irish music across genres
Irish Times writer Patrick Freyne shares his recommendations for music out of Ireland.

After the BSO's decision, a critic reviews Andris Nelsons' dismissal and tenure
The news of Nelsons contract coming to an end was seismic in the classical music world. While WBUR art critic Lloyd Schwartz wasn’t shocked by the decision, the way it's...