Performance Calendar

Colombian vocalist Manuela Sánchez-Goubert blends traditional South American music with contemporary jazz, creating her own distinctive style. A Berklee College student, she leads a culturally diverse ensemble whose debut album, Raices, showcases a dynamic fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz instrumentation. This performance offers a vibrant, emotional exploration of Latin heritage—an ideal way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month.

Grammy-winning trombonist Kalia Vandever pairs with innovative harpist Charles Overton in an afternoon of ethereal jazz. The duo promises a tranquil, ambient experience designed as an introspective break from daily life, filled with downtempo grooves and emotional depth.

Canadian-born Boston-based violinist Adrian Anantawan, boasting a stellar artistic resume and a commitment to making music accessible to all, leads a concert spotlighting disabled artists and allies. This event celebrates disability and adaptation: expect boundary-breaking artistry and a lot of fun!

Pianist and organist John Paul McGee returns with his signature "Gospejazzical," a joyful and spiritually uplifting blend of gospel, jazz, and classical traditions. Performing on First Church Roxbury’s historic organ and later joined by his trio, McGee’s concert promises transformative music designed to uplift, soothe, and inspire audiences through innovative harmonies and engaging rhythms.

Biribá Union, featuring Mike Block, Christylez Bacon, and Edward Perez, offers a spirited blend of global musical traditions—jazz improvisation, Brazilian choro, hip-hop rhythms, and American roots music. Known for their engaging performances, this trio delivers an energetic musical journey that celebrates cultural diversity through inventive arrangements, vibrant improvisations, and captivating stage presence.

Pan-Latin ensemble Sol y Canto returns to Neighborhood Arts to celebrate Day of the Dead with songs, stories, and artwork bringing the beloved Mexican holiday to life. Singer and percussionist Rosi Amador and guitarist and singer Brian Amador, alongside string and wind instrument players and other special guests, perform traditional songs and poetic originals that will make you laugh, cry, and dance as you remember special moments and connect with the spirit of Dia de los Muertos.

Before the performance by Camille A. Brown & Dancers, you're invited to gather at the Celebrity Series office to talk about the book Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora by Joanna Dee Das. Discuss the influential choreographer/dancer/scholar whose work redefined dance! Please join us for light refreshments and a facilitated one-hour discussion about the book and related topics. Read part or all of the book selection: it's a jumping-off point for a lively and thought-provoking conversation! Performance tickets not required, and company representatives will not be involved.

Through a compelling blend of the time-honored and the contemporary, artistic director and choreographer Jean Appolon creates works that speak to Haiti’s rich cultural heritage and the Afro-Haitian roots of modern dance. Through movement, he tells deeply human stories about his homeland and its people. The program features highlights from Pouvwa and Traka.

Vocalist Zakiyyah is a Boston-based artist-activist who has performed for audiences at venues including the House of Blues, Symphony Hall, and, in a recent career highlight, at the United Nations.

Her African Import program incorporates sounds from throughout the Black diaspora, from Hip-Hopera to R&B to Reggae.

Pianist Kevin Harris makes his Celebrity Series debut as a headliner with his trio to perform The Roar of a Feather, new original works inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks. Soulful, playful, and always thoughtful, Harris’ music strikes a thrilling balance between compositional vision and improvisatory freedom. He’s an artist you’re going to want to hear, whenever you can.