The deadline for listings is noon, Tues. June 5 for the June 8 issue. Send listings to [email protected]. Note: 617 should be dialed before numbers below, unless another area code is given.
Special events
Self Esteem Boston’s 25th Gala Anniversary Dinner and Celebration, Fri. June 1 at Hyatt Regency Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette, Downtown Crossing. Jazz reception, programming, dinner, dancing. Info: www.selfesteemboston.com
1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk, which will be taking place on Sunday, June 3rd at Jamaica Pond. The Walk is the largest grassroots awareness-building and fundraising campaign to highlight obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and hoarding disorder (HD). Over 400 people are expected to attend the walk including Denis Asselin, who inspired the event 6 years ago by walking 500 miles in memory of his son, Nathaniel, who took his own life at the age of 24 after a long struggle with OCD and BDD.
Celebrating Women-owned businesses in Boston, May 31 at 5:30-8pm. Bella Luna & Milky Way at 284 Amory St. Join City Councilor At-Large, Annissa Essaibi-George and the Mayor’s Office for a fun evening of networking, connecting, and celebrating Boston’s many thriving women-owned businesses. This event is free and open to anyone who celebrates and supports Boston’s women & non-binary owned businesses.
Friends of Allandale Woods. A summer evening event and fundraiser is planned for Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm. The location is West on Centre, 1732 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA. $50 per person. All proceeds benefit the Allandale legal defense fund. http://allandalewoods.org/
GIANT YARD SALE and CAR WASH: To benefit the South Street Youth Center. Saturday June 16, 10am-2pm, 125 South Street, Jamaica Plain.
Community Friendraiser by Family Independence Initiative’s staff, families, and friends. Mon. June 4 at Bella Luna Restaurant, 284 Amory St. 6-8pm.
Arts, music, and culture
ParkArts Watercolor Workshop, Budding artists ages nine and up are invited to join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for its popular summer series of ParkARTS Watercolor Painting Workshops during the month of June at six Boston locations. The series of free workshops is just one of the many offerings of the annual ParkARTS program sponsored by Holly and David Bruce. All classes are held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. weather permitting. Saturday, June 9, Jamaica Pond Boathouse, 507 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain. For further information on the workshops and other ParkARTS programs, please call (617) 635-4505 or visit the Parks Department online at www.facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment or www.boston.gov/parks.
An all-volunteer orchestra comprised of members of the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, and Boston Ballet orchestras will perform the beloved family favorite “Peter and the Wolf” at JFK Elementary in Jamaica Plain on June 8 at 5:30 pm. Francisco Noya, professor of conducting at the Berklee School of Music and assistant conductor for the Rhode Island Philarmonic, will serve as the volunteer conductor. Angel Subero, a bass trombonist with the Boston Pops, will provide Spanish narration along with the usual English. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help build the JFK’s new music program. Tickets are available at JFK Elementary for $10 or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peter-and-the-wolf-at-the-jfk-tickets-46265716002 for $12.
Student Art Show of Italian Home for Children, May 31, 5:30-7:30pm, at Italian Home School. 1125 Centre St. RSVP 617-524-3116 x351.
OTP’s Gay Shorts: We Are Family, May 24 – June 2. Club Cafe – Boston, MA. Jamaica Plain’s Open Theatre Project presents GAY SHORTS: We Are Family, the 2nd annual Play Festival that explores family life in the GLTBQ community. Running at CLUB CAFÉ in Boston, MA May 24 – June 2, 2018.Back for the second year in a row featuring an evening of short plays by, for, and with LGTBQ artists from all walks of life. These short plays will explore the in’s and OUT’S of LGTBQ family life. Funny relevant and irreverent you won’t want to miss this signature event of Open Theatre Project at Club Cafe in Boston MA.
Jamaica Plain Suzuki Violin concert, Thursday, June 14 at 6 pm Loring-Greenough House Lawn (12 South St.) Violin students from several area violin studios (Goddard Violin Studio, JP Suzuki Studio, Hale Violin Studio) will play an informal group concert. Bring your family and a picnic, and enjoy the other market offerings.
Cardamom Quartet, Defying expectations: Music from the margins
Saturday, June 16 at 11 am Boston Public Library: Jamaica Plain Branch (30 South St.) Jamaica Plain-based Cardamom Quartet plays all music by women in a free, family-friendly concert at the library.
JESUS DRINKS FREE! 1950s-70s country, gospel, soul and RnB spun by 2 atheists (and guests) @Jeanie Johnston 9pm-Close FREE
SOUL music & COUNTRY music. Foundational sounds of the American experience spun monthly with love, admiration, and a deep want to create fun. Throw in a non-believer’s true lust for spinning GOSPEL music and you have JESUS DRINKS FREE. The music comes from the 1950s thru the 1970s. We’re @ The Jeanie Johnston Pub every 1st Thursday night of every month. Good times in Jamaica Plain.”
The Haven, HOOTENANNY – JP’s OPEN MIC EVERY WEDNESDAY, hosted by Tom Dowd. Sign up is 9.30pm and we have prizes every Wednesday for the most interesting acts. Scottish Fiddles- Sunday Brunch June 17th, 9.30 – 12pm.
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.
Jeanie Johnston Pub, 144 South St. Open Mic hosted by Tony Bluze, Sundays at 8pm. More events at jeaniejohnstonpub.com.
Bella Luna & The Milky Way Weekly events include; Irish Sessions every Sunday at 5pm. Off the Wall Mondays with DJ J-Wall at 6PM, 50% of wings with Stump Trivia to follow at 8PM. Teacher Tuesdays plus Dirty Water Saloon Line Dancing for queer folks and allies at 7PM. Live jazz every Wednesday from at 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Visit www.milkywayjp.com for more late night events ever Thu-Sat.
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 and comedy
Parent & Child Summer Dance Classes, Dance this summer with your little one! JP Dance Co-op is hosting a monthly summer dance series for parents & children (boys & girls, ages 3-4). This session (4 classes/$60) will be all about fun and learning the basics of dance and movement. Dates: Sundays, 6/3, 7/1, 8/5, 9/9, 10 – 11:30 a.m.; 45 Danforth St, Jamaica Plain. Email Caitlin by June 1 to register: [email protected].
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.
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.
Children’s Films, Short, fun films for preschoolers. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
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.
Egleston Square Branch Library
Youth Programs
The Pineapple Project, Monday, June 4, 2pm. In honor of Pride Month, please join us for the Pineapple Project, an original play about gender, creativity, and each child’s freedom to be who they are. For children ages 3-8.
Preschool Storytime & Craft,Tuesday, June 5, and ongoing, 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.
LEGO Club, Tuesday, June 5, 4pm. Build LEGO structures around a theme. For children ages 4-12.
Baby/Toddler Music Time. Fridays, June 1 & 8, and ongoing, 10:30am
Sing, dance, read, and play in these interactive musical storytimes, followed by a play group. For children ages 6-24 months and their caregivers.
Adult Programs
Boston Mosaic, Saturday, May 26, 12pm. As part of Boston MOSAIC, the Boston Philharmonic presents a FREE interactive concert of music by Latina composers, in partnership with the Unitas Ensemble and The Musary.
Tours/talks/workshops
Free Guided Walking Tour of Stony Brook/Brookside neighborhood will take place on Saturday, May 26 starting at 11:00am from in front of Stony Brook MBTA station on the Orange Line. Conducted by the Jamaica Plain Historical Society.
Free Guided Walking Tour of Hyde Square neighborhood will take place on Saturday, June 2 starting at 11:00am from in front of Brendan Behan Pub, 378 Centre Street. Conducted by the Jamaica Plain Historical Society.
Horticulture and the Buildings of Forest Hills, led by Anthony Sammarco on Sun. June 3 at 2pm. Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave. $10 advance, $12 at door. 90 minute walking tour.
Fur and Feathers Forever! Animal sculptures of Forest Hills. Walking tour led by historian Dee Morris on Sun. June 10 at 2pm. 90 minute tour, wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Meet at visitor’s circle just inside main gate.
Literary Boston, another walking tour at Forest Hills Cemetery led by Anthony Sammarco. Sun. June 24 at 2pm.
Stonybrook Fine Arts, Make Your Own Wedding Rings workshop and teen & adult classes in welding, foundry and mold-making, ongoing, 24 Porter St. Info: stonybrookfinearts.com.
Woodworking, sewing, art classes, fiber arts, photography, book arts. Children, teens, adults, year round. Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, 24 Eliot St. Info: eliotschool.org or 524-3313.
Shim Gum Do (Mind Sword Path), zen sword, karate and meditation classes, scholarships available, Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St. Info: 429-8024/[email protected].
Meet-Ups
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].
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].
Networking Group, local chapter of BNI, meets on Wednesdays at the Farnsworth House at 7am. Consists of 30 members of different professions. Through development and trust and relationships amongst the members, objective is to promote each other’s businesses. Members may live outside of JP, but common tie is either living in or servicing the JP area. Info: President of chapter Katelyn Atwater, info: 431-0929.