The deadline for listings is noon, Tues. Apr. 25 for the Apr. 28 issue. Send listings to [email protected]. Note: 617 should be dialed before numbers below, unless another area code is given.
Special events
Frederick Law Olmsted’s 195th Birthday, April 26, 6:30-8pm. Free. First Church Unitarian Universalist Jamaica Plain, Eliot and Centre Streets. Wheelchair accessible. Call for action to protect and preserve parks and open spaces. Info: www.olmsted2022.org, 524-7070, [email protected].
First Baptist Birthday, this year First Baptist JP turns 175 years old! We will be having a number of celebratory events throughout the year and our first is a Dinner and Auction on June 3. You are warmly invited to attend.
Tickets can be purchased at _fbcjp.175april8.eventbrite.com [1] _ and
the image below can be copied and shared. Additionally, if you would
like TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR OFFER A GREETING IN OUR PRINTED PROGRAM, we certainly hope you will do so as a way to support the church’s past, present and future role in Jamaica Plain.
Wake Up the Earth, festival/parade on May 6. Workshops at Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St., Stony Brook stop, Orange Line. Voluntary donation. All Ages Volunteer Drop-in Days Mon-Thurs., May 1-May 4, 3-7 pm. Create Festival decorations, puppets and fantastic costumes. Help out
with Festival preparations. Learn stilt-walking. Bringing a group?
Contact Mark, (857) 498-2438 [email protected]
Please email or call us if you plan to parade, want to volunteer, or
need help preparing. No cars or trucks, but bikes welcome. Hope Haff and Joel Sindelar, Parade Coordinators 676-7006, [email protected]
Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum, A celebration of spring. Mother’s Day, May 14, 10am-3pm. Flowers, family fun, food trucks, and more. Info: 384-5209 or visit arboretum.harvard.edu.
Night for Nurtury, On behalf of our Board of Directors and Event Chair, Peter C. Pedro Jr., please join us for our 3rd Annual Night for Nurtury. Together let’s RISE for an occasion to celebrate the power of early education and care and the collective impact that our work is having on Greater Boston’s children and their families. You can count on great networking, amazing food, live entertainment by Elevation Theory, an art auction, and games. Nurtury Learning Lab, 33 Bickford St. Thurs. May 11 6-9pm.
Fundraiser for reopened JP branch library, May. 5, 7-9:30pm. Sneak peek at new renovation and raise funds for the teen area, makerspace, and the art gallery. www.friendsjplibrary.org. Tickets $100/person, includes entertainment, gourmet hor’doeuvres, and 2 complimentary drinks.
Party in the Park, Weds. May 17, Pinebank Promontory, 350 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Pond. 11:00 am – Reception, 12:30 pm – Luncheon. Boston’s most generous philanthropists and park supporters will be in full force at the 2017 Party in the Park, widely considered the city’s “Must Attend Fundraiser.” More than 700 women (and a few brave gents, including Honorary Chair and past attendee, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh), mingle under a tent on the picturesque grounds overlooking Jamaica Pond wearing their finest millinery. Individual tickets are $650; sponsorships are also available. For more information, please visit www.emeraldnecklace.org/party-in-the-park.
Bikes not Bombs Bike-a-thon, Sun. June 4, 100 mile ride leaves in the AM, festival goes 12-5:30pm, park across from Stony Brook MBTA station, 100 Boylston St. Three other ride offerings (10, 30, or 50 miles). Adults raise at least $150 and riders under 17 must raise $75 to ride. Register today.
Bike and Kite Festival, Sat. May 20, Franklin Park Playstead, 11am-4pm.
Support Allandale Woods Lawsuit. Celebrate Earth Day. During the month of April, $100 donations to the Allandale Legal Defense Fund earn a $20 gift certificate from Allandale Farm. For details email [email protected]. April 22 is Earth Day. Trail work, easy hike and update on Allandale. 10 AM to Noon. 7 VWF Parkway.
Arts and culture
Free Showing of Patriots Day, rated R for 17+, free popcorn. Fri. Apr. 14 at 6pm. BCYF Curtis Hall. 20 South St.
Midway Café, all shows 21+, doors 8pm, 3496 Washington St, 524-9038. Thursdays are Queeraoke lesbian night; Fridays 6-8:30pm are Hippie Hour, free; Sundays 9pm-2am are open mic.
Aaron Larget-Caplan, present a classical-world guitar program for the Eliot Street Soiree at First Church in Jamaica Plain on May 5 at 7:30pm. Advance tickets $15, $20 at door. Info: [email protected].
Local Author to read at JP Knit & Stitch, Fri. May 12, 6-7:30pm. Beth Castrodale will read from her debut novel, Marion Hatley (about a seamstress), and sign copies of the book. Location: 461 Centre Street. For more information, visit bethcastrodale.com/category/news.
Book reading, Apr. 29: Papercuts J.P. will be celebrating with a special guest bookseller, Min Jin Lee, bestselling author of Free Food for Millionaires, and most recently, Pachinko. Min Jin Lee will hand-sell books with Papercuts staff from 10am – 1pm and from 3p – 6pm. At 7 pm, Papercuts will host a reading at La Rana Rossa (154 Green Street). Lee will read from Pachinko and discuss her work with Bo Seo and Nancy Ko, editors of the Harvard Undergraduate Korean Diaspora Anthology.
Games and Politics: An interactive exhibition, by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with ZKM Center for Art and Media. Apr. 21-May 21. Boston Cyberarts Gallery, 141 Green St. 522-6710. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 12-6pm.
Libreria Donceles, The Table/La Mesa: The Welcome Project” on Sat. Apr. 15, 12-2pm. “Community Organizing and Cultural Understanding in Jamaica Plain,” on Weds. Apr. 19 7-9pm. Info: urbanoproject.org or 983-1007.
BOMBAntillana, from Bomba to Hip Hop. a short musical that explores how identity, achievement, sense of belonging, and self-confidence is all relative to our environment and ancestry. Enjoy the many bands, performers and vendors throughout the Wake Up the Earth Festival from 12:00 – 6:00pm. Info: Michelle Chapman, 532-1210.
Story Slam at Doyles Café, third Sunday of each month. Next slam’s theme is “funny usiness” – tell any funny story in five minutes. Sun. Apr. 16 at 7pm (doors at 6:30). $10 ticket. 3484 Washington St.
Old time music, Southern/roots music, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7.30pm, back room at Doyle’s Cafe, 3484 Washington St. Info: [email protected].
First Fridays Youth Open Mic with renowned feature artists, first Friday of every month, 7pm at First Baptist Church, 633 Centre St. Free for performers and those under 25, $10 suggested donation for those 25 and over.
SongBeat Circle, a song & drum circle hosted monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30p.m. in the Parish Hall at First Church in Jamaica Plain. Facilitated by a board-certified music therapist, SongBeat provides the community surrounding JP a place to sing and drum together. Participants will hopefully gain a sense of connection with others, experience the healing of live music-making, and find some joy in their busy lives. All ages welcome. Donation of $5 to $10 is encouraged. No musical experience or talent required. Info: [email protected], 524-1634 or 775-7602.
Dance
West African dance classes, taught by Zucan, a principal dancer with the Drum and Spirit of African Society. Mondays, 7:30-9pm, English High School, 144 McBride St. Info: 359-1552.
Gender-Free/English Country Dance, beginners welcome and encouraged. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays (5th Tuesdays: experienced) of the month, 7:30-11:30pm, First Church, 6 Eliot St. Info: www.lcfd.org/bgfe/512-5554.
Youth/Families
SPRING RENEWAL CLAY WORKSHOP Apr. 19 & 26, from 5:30 –7:30pm with light supper at 5:30pm provided FREE OF CHARGE by Jamaica Plain-based Families Creating Together at Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam St., Roxbury. For directions go to www.uuum.org or call 318-6010. With celebrated teaching artist Wendy Ellertson, you will work with clay to make coil, pinch pot, or slab containers to plant seeds and bulbs and hold spring flowers! A few clay creatures may appear…After firing, paint with colorful glazes to welcome spring. Children (ages 5 – 13 with and without disabilities), parents, grandparents and friends welcome. Presented in English, Spanish and American Sign Language upon request. Wheelchair accessible. FCT is a program of Community Service Care/Tree of Life Coalition in Jamaica Plain. To register and for more information call 522-4832 or email [email protected]. SPACE IS LIMITED so register today! Info: www.familiescreatingtogether.org.
Go Wild at ZooCamp, Have a blast while learning about the amazing world of animals during Franklin Park Zoo’s summer ZooCamp! During one or two weeklong sessions, children ages 6 – 11 will learn exciting new things, make new friends, and get to explore the natural world around them! Animal encounters, outdoor games, arts and crafts, and tours are just some of the many unique activities campers will experience at ZooCamp. June 26-Aug. 18, Childrens ages 12-13, all programs from 9am-3pm daily. Visit zoonewengland.org/zoocamp.
Club Girls Rock Campaign Boston, for girls grades 7-12. Workshops, instrument instruction, jam sessions, and more. Wednesdays 3:30-6:30pm at Spontaneous Celebrations Jan-May. Info: girlsrockboston.org/programs/club-grcb. Also, applications available nw for Girls Rock Summer Sessions (July 17-22, and Aug. 7-12). Apply to participate or intern.
SCRATCH, For 8 weeks on Tuesdays & Thursdays starting April 25th-June 8th at 6:15pm-7:30pm in BCYF Curtis Hall’s Computer Lab for children 8-12y.o. we will be teaching a program called SCRATCH. Kids will learn to write beginning code for computer games. Any questions call Jeannette at Curtis Hall at 635-5196.
Roberto Clemente 21 Sports Program, now accepting applications for the 2017 Little League Baseball Season. For boys & girls ages 5-18 years old. Info: Contact Alfredo Liriano at 828-9524 or [email protected].
BNBL Pee-Wee Basketball, boys and girls ages 6-10, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Franklin Park. Info: franklinparkcoalition.org.
Tiny Tots World Music and Movement, music classes for kids age 2-5 by Helder Tsinine, Mondays 11-11:45am; Saturdays, 10-10:45am, $17 per class or $90 for 6 weeks, Egleston YMCA, 3134 Washington St. Info: [email protected].
Family art class, wheelchair accessible, Tuesdays 10:30am-11:30am, ages 3-5. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5+. Family Resource Center, 1542 Columbus Ave. Info: 522-1018.
Learn to stiltwalk with Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St. Sundays, 11am-1pm, $5. Info: 857-498-2438.
Connolly Branch Library
433 Centre St., 522-1960, www.bpl.org.
Homework Help Programs, Boston Public School teacher: Mondays, 4 – 6 p.m.
High school mentors for grades K – 8: Mondays – Thursdays, 3:30 –
5:30 p.m.
Spanish-English Language Exchange / Intercambio de Idiomas en Inglés y Español, Saturdays / sábados, 12 – 1:45 p.m.
Boston Ballet Story Time, This story time and movement class is for ages 2 – 10, with ballet themes. Tues. Apr. 18, 10:30am.
Concert for Children with Jeannie Mack, Kids can clap, sing, and dance along to the music in this interactive presentation. Fri., Apr. 21, 10:30 am.
Book Discussion for Adults, “H is for Hawk” by Helen Macdonald. Mon. April 24, 7 pm.
CRAFTernoon! Design a mini button or keychain. For ages 6 & up.
Tuesday, April 18, 3:30 p.m.
Children’s Films, Short, fun films for preschoolers. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
ESL Conversation Groups: Monday Apr. 24, 6:30 p.m. and
Thursdays Apr. 20 & 27, 3 p.m.
*Egleston Square Branch Library,
2044 Columbus Ave., 445-4340.
Free Drop-In Homework Help, Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm, ongoing. Free, drop-in afterschool homework help for students in grades K-8, provided by trained, high-achieving high school students.
Preschool Storytime & Craft, Tuesdays, April 18 & 25, 10:30-11:30am
Join the children’s librarian for stories, songs, activities, and a craft related to a different theme each week. For children ages 2-4, accompanied by a caregiver. Siblings and groups are welcome.
Kids’ Concert with Matt Heaton, Wednesday, April 19, 2-3pm
Enjoy Matt Heaton’s original children’s music, a mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots, and Irish traditional music, delivered with plenty of humor and fun. For ages 0-7.
Worms, Compost, and Your Garden: A Family Workshop, Thursday, April 20, 2-3pm. Get your hands dirty in this workshop about the role worms and compost play in your garden. After the workshop, we will work on the library’s raised-bed vegetable gardens. For ages 5 and up.
Boston Water Cycle Workshop, Friday, April 21, 2-3pm. Join an educator from the Boston Water & Sewer Commission for a hands-on science program about the water we spray, drink, and flush. For ages 6-12.
Wake Up the Earth Art Workshop with Spontaneous Celebrations
Wednesday, April 26, 3:30-5:30pm. Make art, signs, and costumes to use in the upcoming Wake Up the Earth parade. Ideal for families with children ages 4-12. Community groups are also welcome.
Visualize Your World: Creating Art from Data, Thursday, April 27, 4-5:30pm. Create multimedia art based on the interconnected world around you. For youth ages 11-17.
Adult Programs
Food & Book Club: The Mandibles, Wednesday, April 19, 6:30-7:30pm. This month, we read The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver, and we share dishes that are “Missing Ingredients:” foods that don’t have our favorite ingredients in them. Pick up your copy at the library today. Registration encouraged.
Using Library Electronic Resources: Overdrive, Thursday, April 20, 10:30-11:30am. Learn how to stream movies and music; download ebooks, magazines, and comics; take online courses; and much more at these workshops. Each week we will focus on a specific library service – like Hoopla, Zinio, or Gale Courses – but bring your device and ask questions about any electronic resource that the library offers. April 20: Ebooks and audiobooks with Overdrive.
Letras de Naiboa / A Poetry Reading, Wednesday, April 26, 6:30-7:30pm. Franklin Peralta es un poeta dominicano. En la actualidad reside en Jamaica Plain. Es miembro del colectivo Naiboa Literaria. Los poemas y otros escritos de este grupo fueron recientemente publicados en la antología Letras de Naiboa. Franklin estará leyendo sus poemas. / Franklin Peralta is a Dominican poet, and resident of Jamaica Plain. He is a member of the Naiboa Literaria Poetry Group. The group literary works were recently published in the book Letras de Naiboa. Join Franklin as he reads his and others’ poems from the book.
Using Library Electronic Resources: Personal Finance Basics with Lynda.com and Gale Course, Thursday, April 27, 10:30-11:30am. Learn how to stream movies and music; download ebooks, magazines, and comics; take online courses; and much more at these workshops. Each week we will focus on a specific library service – like Hoopla, Zinio, or Gale Courses – but bring your device and ask questions about any electronic resource that the library offers. April 27: Using Lynda.com & Gale Courses to learn about Personal Finance.
Classes/talks
Arnold Arboretum Spring Events, many talks, guided tours, movie nights, lectures, and classes happening at the Arboretum this April and May. Info: Visit www.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 384-5209.
Beautiful Wings: Forest Hills Angels and Their People, Sun. May 7 at 2pm in Forsyth Chapel at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave. $10 advance, $12 at door.
Stonybrook Fine Arts, teen & adult classes in welding, foundry and mold-making ongoing, 24 Porter St. Info: stonybrookfinearts.com.
Fairy House Building Workshop, held by Boston Parks and Recreation Department with the Franklin Park Coalition. Thurs. Apr. 20, 10am-12noon, at Schoolmaster Hill in Franklin Park. Free family event, includes storytelling, books from ReadBoston, plant education, scavenger hunts, and face painting. Info: 442-4141 or visit www.cityofboston.gove/parks.
Community Arts Music Program for Seniors, Curtis Hall, 20 South St., Fridays 10:30-noon. Info: 983-3638.
Monument Square Tour, Sat. May 13, leaves from Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Free and open to the public. Held by Jamaica Plain Historical Society.
Tea: The first wicked weed, 7-9pm at Loring-Greenough House. $10 admission. Seated limited.
When Boston Rode the EL, Sun. Apr. 23 at 2pm, $10 advance, $12 door. Forest Hills Cemetery’s Forsyth Chapel.
Walking tour of Southwest Corridor Park: A Community’s Response to a Proposed Highway. Sun. May 21, 1-3pm, Jackson Square station, 240 Centre St.
Meet-Ups
Support For Vegetarian/Vegan Lifestyles, 2nd and 4th Fridays at Spontaneous Celebrations 6:30-8, see movies, enjoy potlucks, discuss scientific research, swap recipes and discuss challenges. Info: [email protected].
Narratives Boston, queer activist-writers group open to LGBTQ-identified adults interested in creative expression and social justice, first and third Wednesday evenings of the month, 7-9pm, Haymarket People’s Fund, 42 Seaverns Ave. Info: [email protected].
Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St., 522-1960. Spanish/English language exchange, Saturdays, noon-1:45pm. ESL conversation groups, Mondays 6:30pm, Thursdays, 2:30pm.
Party for the Helping Hand Fund, hosted by Haymarket People’s Fund, every 3rd Friday of the month, 5:30-8pm, 42 Seaverns Ave. Info: 522-3349/[email protected].