Boston Compass #167

SIDE Believes: There’s Community In The Future

Hey there, SIDE here! If you’re reading this, we’re SUPER excited to share what we’ve been working on over the past year with our collaborative partners, DVM Housing Partners and Co-Everything! We’re opening a space for creatives and artists! We’re not just constructing a physical space in the Mattapan area—Blue Hills Ave to be exact—but hoping to provide an affordable haven, complete with programming and services for artists and creative workers in our community. Excited? We sure hope so! BUT here’s the thing: we haven’t settled on a name just yet, so for all intents and purposes, we’ve been calling it “The Space.”

“The Space” is more than a coworking space confined to 1550 square feet; it’s a community where passion

meets profession. Its unique blend of creative spaces, supportive environment, and commitment to accessibility sets it apart. We’re on a mission to bridge socioeconomic and cultural divides through the arts. It’s envisioned as a vibrant, inclusive artist event space—a creative hub, a networking spot, and a dedicated workspace for artists and creatives in the community. Our goal is to foster collaboration, inspire artistic growth, and offer a supportive environment for those passionate about the arts and pursuing sustainable careers in creative fields. It›s about creating and maintaining high quality and value for our community without sacrificing accessibility.

“Where creativity finds community.”

“The Space” transcends being just a tangible place; it›s an immersive experience that elevates both work and events. It serves as a dynamic area fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation, offering a transformative environment where your business ventures and events can thrive. From the moment

you step in until the moment you leave, you’ll be enveloped in energy, passion, and boundless possibilities.

A huge shoutout to our partners, DVM Housing Group, Co-Everything, and Sam Studio Space, who are instrumental in bringing the vision to life! We are still accepting responses if you did not attend our Imagine workshop, head over BIT.LY/ SIDE-Workshop

Stay in the loop with this exciting project by subscribing to our SIDENOTE Newsletter! You can find us on Instagram @sidepresents or visit our website at www.sidepresents.com.

Featured Art By:

Hannah Blauner: p.2,3,7

Adrian Alvarez: p.6,8

MASSACHUSETTS MINUTE

Shandelle Glistens on AMOR // SUDOR

For those of you out there who keep a close eye on the circuit of Massachusetts music, Shandelle is a name you’ll have undoubtedly come across at one point or another. A multi-faceted creative who is originally from Somerville, Shandelle and her magical voice have found a new level of prominence during the last calendar year, with a number of live performances, a debut album, and stark artistic growth defining her 2023.

Shandelle’s creative being is expressed in a number of ways, but the avenues of singing, songwriting, dancing, and visual art serve as her primary vessels of expression. The music she makes has a particularly drawing effect, and her ability to create wondrous, memorable moments through lyric and sound are ultimately the reason why she’s managed to boost her local stature this past year. She’s relentlessly pursued both artistic and personal growth since she signed to Arkh Zeus’s Zenith Royale label and released her debut EP introspection back in 2018, with years of dedication to her art form ultimately piling up to this current moment in time. In an effort to build upon everything that she’s worked diligently towards, Shandelle recently launched her year with a delectable, heartfelt single titled “how long has it been?”. Not long after the song’s soundscapes first debuted in headphones everywhere, Shandelle made a quick return with a two-pack of songs titled AMOR // SUDOR.

Translating to LOVE // SWEAT in English, this release centers itself around the dichotomy of love. “is there still love?” is the first of the two songs to make up this selection of music, and deals with a more romantic, idealistic vision of love and relationships. In the words of Shandelle herself, “It’s about longing for a second chance at a love that still has the potential to evolve.” Containing soundscapes that exist someplace within the realm of R&B, Neo-Soul, Bossa Nova, and

Bedroom Pop music, “is there still love?”

is a brilliant depiction of Shandelle’s artistic capabilities as both a singer and a songwriter. Tasked with the production of this song is CLUB INDGO’s ProSwervez, who laced Shandelle with an otherworldly, enchanting instrumental that enables her to spill her truest thoughts and feelings as it pertains to longing for a particular instance of love.

Rounding out AMOR // SUDOR is “closer.” Featuring some up-beat, enthralling production from Boston’s GIBDJ, “closer” embodies the more lustful side of this twopack. Self-described as “a bouncy club track” that “details an encounter in a club or party setting with someone you’ve been *acquainted* with,” the song is a polished addition to Shandelle’s discography, and reinforces the sentiment that she’s one of the most exciting talents currently making music in Massachusetts. From the moment one presses play on any one of her releases, her voice latches onto your mind and doesn’t let go. In addition to these two songs, Shandelle also made sure to include sped-up versions of both “is there still love?” and “closer” on the track list for fans to enjoy. AMOR // SUDOR is Shandelle in her best form yet, and envelopes everything that collides to make her a formidable, exciting creative.

Now that this pairing of songs is out there for the world to listen to, Shandelle is left to create what lies next on her musical path. There will surely be performances from Shandelle across the Boston area in the very near future, which is something that listeners should be keeping an eye out for. As the multi-hyphenate continues to navigate down the lanes of artistry and develop into a refined presence in Massachusetts music, stay tuned for what’s next to come. For now, we’re left to yearn to the sounds of AMOR // SUDOR.

------------------------------------------------ SHAMUS HILL

EXPIREMENTAL EXCURSION

Say Glyph & Seaworm

Hello and hello, Experimental Excursion is back yet again in March just in time for spring goodness. A duo of some of New England’s greatest noise, experimental rock and electronic music reviews is coming your way right about… now!

Imp Say Glyph is an experimental rock trio composed of Nate Fusillo on vocals, guitar and bass, Milarepa Dorji on Korg Minilogue synth and more guitar and bass, with Finn Sexton on drums. This generates a stunning cacophony of guitar clashes and roaring bass rumbling. The Korg synthesizer shaping and waving erroneously yet precisely formed into the mix. The drumming provides a background of turbulent blares and blasts that are rambunctiously bold just like the rest of the instrumentation. Inspired by, yet defying, traditional norms of the psychedelic rock of Amherst Massachusetts, this band

has blown live audiences away and studio listeners will listen again and again.

Seaworm is a crawl-wailing psychedelic noise project from Amherst. Seaworm uses “electric bucket,” guitar, vocals, and feedback to produce raucous tones and an unforgettable experience on both tracks. Dismantling all tropes expected in music, Seaworm reconstructs sound into a ravishing array of guitar screeches and wails. The electric bucket is a fascination within itself and on Seaworm, it does not disappoint with the crinkling and crackling from the contact of the hand to the metal of the bucket. The vocals are the distorted and perseverating factor of the project, which is utilized more as an instrumental technique than singing lyrics. Seaworm overall is a cleansing and cathartic experience of the otherworldly underground.

---------------- MICHAEL MAMBRINO

Imp

AFFECTED ACCENT

This Music Series

Some shows don’t make any business sense. Some of the best, most memorable events are financial flops. But a key indicator of a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable music scene are these small (sometimes underground) shows. They exist through sheer force of will of the dedicated few. They exist to give talented musicians an opportunity to be heard and develop an audience. They exist to give local enthusiasts the chance to hear something new. They exist to create and sustain a local scene. They exist because even if some shows fall flat, sometimes the stars align and a special kind of magic happens that can only occur in the cracks and the periphery.

A few years ago, I was interviewing the amazing pianist Martin Gohary for a Compass article, and we were reflecting on the lack of such a scene for experimental jazz in Boston. Martin had recently moved to Boston from New York, and I am a transplant from Chicago, and we were reminiscing about the great leaders and venues in those cities holding together a collective of stellar fringe jazz musicians.

But here’s the thing—Martin actually did something about it. In 2023, Martin and Phil Morimoto, with help from Alex Lemski who runs Creative Music Series, created the This Music Series. The manifesto of This Music is “to recognize the creativity of many who haven’t been given the stage as leaders, often younger than the Jazz scene veterans; those with acknowledgment who can create

a new project and musical ideas; and the unsung ‘gems’ who aren’t in the public eye and deserve to be.” The emphasis of This Music is “on the freer forms, the adventurous (to help find a ‘home’).”

As Martin noted to me recently, once a Boston musician obtains a certain level of success, it is easy to run away to cities like New York or Chicago with already established scenes. If we want to keep young talented jazz musicians in Boston, there needs to be opportunities and an audience here.

Last year, This Music put on 14 experimental jazz shows in Boston, mainly at the Lilypad. Most of the music was completely improvised, and the talents, sensibilities, and headspace of the musicians, combined with how they interact and play off of each other from one moment to the next, made each show a unique and unexpected experience.

In 2024, This Music is expanding into new venues, and they are also planning a dedicated series for composers to showcase new works. This March, they have two shows that you should definitely check out. On March 11th, The Founder’s Quintet is playing at the Jungle in Somerville at 9:45 PM. On March 21st, the Bookers Trio is playing at the Lilypad in Cambridge at 7:30 PM. And keep an eye out for other great shows from This Music by following them on Instagram @ this_music_series.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- STEVE B

H-Town’s most recent resident Mosa is back on the charts with the early spring release of What’s Wrong With You, a 4-pack EP from The Heartbreak Kid who’s also favored by Drake—the original heartbreak crooner. He was able to bring his vision to life alongside Producer’s Khoality & Nicky Stix, following the drop of his first and very well cultivated album Heartbreak University. This star has shown over the years that he definitely doesn’t shy away from opening up about breakups, romance, or life’s hurdles. After putting in the work and using his last dollars, Mosa quickly caught the attention of industry favorites such as Jas Prince. He was then flown out to Houston where he signed to his label, Young Empire Music Group, and really began to put the work in motion.

“As a man in these rooms you can’t pay attention to distractions. You either get right or get left…I don’t chase either, it’s always gotta be mutual.”

Even with the glitz and glamor lifestyle, Mosa’s main focus will always remain at home. Coming from a background of strong Dominican roots—he prioritizes being a family man that always does his best to keep everyone together. When he initially took the risk of moving to Houston in 2019

for a change of scenery, Mosa didn’t know anyone. The city quickly became one that he cherished, showering him with praises and offering him all of the support he could’ve imagined. He’s back in Boston now ready to collaborate and put on show’s for his hometown fans.

Mosa has a lot of plans to work with female artists. He’s also waiting for the right moment to collaborate with more Spanish artists this year but only from those that grab his attention. Although he let one of his ambitious fans direct one of his music videos last year, Mosa wants to bring more of his visions to life and looks forward to directing his own music videos himself this year. There’s also big plans of collaboration projects with Tyler Loyal—another favored hometown super star known for his thought provoking sensual tracks. “Tyler’s my music brother and when I look at him I want him to win.” When it came down to conceptualizing the risky controversial bars in his music, the star claims that he’s just doing his job. Even with all the Red Flags that he’s encountered from being part of this wild industry he’s grateful for the chance to be taken seriously always—all due to his mature ways.

Wally's Jazz Club Every Night!

At Wally’s, they have live music 365 days a year! They feature three different bands a night, one at 5pm, one at 7pm, and one at 9pm. The first set is typically a jam session and the second and third sets have different music themes depending on the day of the week: Monday: Blues.

Tuesday: Funk, Wednesday:

Funk, Thursday: Latin Jazz Salsa, Friday: Jazz, Saturday: Jazz, Sunday: Funk. Come vibe at one of the oldest family owned and operated jazz clubs in existence!

3/1 Ethereal Visions THE SHOW w/ Special Guests Ethereal Visions @ Peaver Pl 7pm All Ages $20 @etherealvisionsus

3/2 A Poor Excuse, Cloned Apparition, Skud, Dishpit @ "The Hoff (Holyoke, MA)" 2pm-5pm All Ages $15

3/2 Authenticity - An RnB Lover's Dream Authenticity is a live music event that features, some of the best singers from New England and abroad, also features a live band and a specially crafted R&B fusion playlist. Our brand is unique because we don’t just do the traditional R&B sound. We find the R&B sound from all genres of music and feature that, we are at Hue (Backbay) on select Wednesdays and La Fabrica on select Sundays a month. Curated by DJ JustAlcide and Drummer D Sticks! Follow On IG @authenticity_rnb #AuthenticityBOS @ 730 Tavern 7pm 21+ @dsticks_

3/2 Sea / King Bastard / Eight Foot Manchild / North Star The Wanderer @ O'Briens Pub 8pm 21+ $10

3/3 Protex, Crimps, Mystery Girl @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm-11pm 18+ $20

3/7 Nice Guys, Rick Rude, Fucko, The Modern Faces @ O'Briens Pub 9pm 21+ $12-15

3/8 4th Wall Presents: Marcy The Baptist, Woid Bear, Corporeal with visuals by KSRMR @ Capitol Theatre 9pm 18+ $10

3/8 F.A.T.E., Foco, ICU, Impulse Control @ O'Briens Pub 9pm 21+ $10

3/8 Opposition, Last Laugh, Comeuppance, Exhibit @ CC's Downstairs (Weymouth) 7pm All Ages $15

3/8 For Her By Her Event Series

2 Shining a light on women in the local music scene while simultaneously creating a safe space for these artists to perform freely. @ 4 Peaver Pl 7pm All Ages $20

3/9 Weird Machine, Death Defier, Jiddo, Fracture Type @ Democracy Center 7pm-11pm All Ages $10

3/9 Funeral Ant Bell w/ Live Band MEGAZOYD - First Headliner Show & Birthday Celebration "There's Glory In The Fire, Vol 2 The Wind Beneath My Wings"

@ Black Market Nubian 7pm All Ages SOLD OUT @itsmegazoyd

3/10 Balmora, xClocktowerx, Deal With God, Azshara, Cross of Disbelief, Birthright @ "The Hoff (Holyoke, MA)" 6pm-11pm All Ages $15

3/13 IBOOKTHINGS

Presents: Feep, Orange Peel Mystic, Rougarou @ O'Briens Pub 8pm-11:15pm 21+ $12

3/15 4th Wall Presents: Mingko, Clifford, Dress Better Please with visuals by Digital Awareness @ Capitol Theatre 9pm 18+ $10

3/15 Anthropophagous, I Destroyer, Ritual Clearing, Compress @ The Nook (Westfield, MA) 7pm All Ages $15

3/15 Witness Chamber, Stand Still, Sunbloc, Spite House, Montclair, Under @ The Hoff (Holyoke, MA) 6:30pm All Ages $15

3/16 KLYAM Presents Johnnie and the Foodmasters, Electric Street Queens, JARSCH @ Lilypad 7pm-10pm All Ages $10-15 @theklyam

3/16 NICE GUYS, CS Cleaners (NY), Adult Learners, Sacred Heart Auto League @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm-11pm All Ages $12-15

3/19 KMRU at Boston City Hall Live set by Nairobi-born, Berlinbased electronic musician KMRU (Joseph Kamaru) inside Boston's iconic, brutalist City Hall (RSVP requested) @ Boston City Hall 7:30pm-9:00pm All Ages FREE

3/22 Maffe Katthews / Tim Feeney and Vic Rawlings Duo Non-Event and the GoetheInstitut present live experimental/ improvised music featuring performances by Berlin improviser Maffe Katthews and the return of longtime duo of Tim Feeney and Vic Rawlings @ Goethe-Institut Boston 8pm10pm All Ages $15 general, $10 students. No one turned away for lack of funds @noneventseries

3/23 High Command, Enforced, Lifeless Dark, Xard @ 8pm 21+ $20

3/24 Teen Mortgage, Death Lens, Zip-Tie Handcuffs @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm-11pm 18+ $15-17

3/28 Samuel Boat (NY), Karl & Groan Man @ Lilypad Samuel Boat Album Release Tour Comes to Boston @ Lilypad 10pm All Ages $10 @brittanyplaysbass @lilypadinman

3/30 Ex-Hyena, The Shallows, CMB @ Deep Cuts Deli 7pm11pm All Ages $12-15

3/30 Wisdom & War, Edict, Move, Face First, Sowing @Upton VFW 5pm-10pm All Ages $15

video + film

3/2 Capitol Theatre Presents: Good For Her Film Series

Never Underestimate What a Woman is Capable of... Films will screen Saturdays & Tuesdays: "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead" (3/2 & 3/5 @ 7:30pm); "Basic Instinct" (3/9 & 3/12 @ 7:30pm); "Midsommar" & "Pear" double feature (3/16 & 3/19 @ 7pm); "The Long Kiss Goodbye" (3/23 & 3/26 @ 7:30pm) @ Capitol Theatre All Ages $16

General Admission/$12 Senior

3/7 Affinity + Rhythm — A

Night of Expanded Cinema, Audiovisual Performance, and Noise Non-Event, in collaboration with the RPM Festival, presents an

expanded cinema performance by Tomonari Nishikawa, an audiovisual set by Feng Jiangzhou, and a performance by Sheer Anxiety, the duo of Chris Strunk and Andrea Pensado @ Civic Pavilion (City Hall Plaza)

7pm-9pm All Ages FREE @noneventseries

visual art

Thru 4/13 Lani Asunción: Duty-Free Paradise Curated by J.R.Uretsky This show explores the colonial history between Boston and Hawai’i through Asunción’s queer, multiracial, Filipinx identity and lived experience. On view at the Mills Gallery 1-6pm, Wed – Sat. Opening reception 1/26 from 6-9pm @ Boston Center for the Arts All Ages @lani.asuncion

3/2 Photography Exhibition by Skin & Bone Experience the world of Dorchester artist Rafael Shabazz as he reflects on the streets he grew up on and the loved ones that influenced him as a creative and as a man.

@ Urbanica Gallery 5pm-7pm All Ages FREE @skin__and___bone

3/9 "The Neighborhood" Pop-Up Art Show A show paying homage to the people and places from Mattapan Square to down Dudley and everywhere in between. Limited edition wearable art by @fromstreet2canvas will be available, first come first serve.

@ The Muse 3pm-7pm All Ages FREE @fromstreet2canvas

performance art

3/1 Men's History Month: A show for female and nonbinary comics @ The Rockwell 9pm $15 adv $18 doors

3/2 $#@!faced Comedy Some of the funniest comics around doing their best showcase set, but there's just one catch... They all have to blow over .08 on a breathalyzer before they can perform! Anything can happen but it's guaranteed to be hilarious! Loosely hosted by Niki Luparelli. @ Capitol Theatre 7:30pm-10pm 18+ $20

3/3 Show Me Your Bits 2 SHOW ME YOUR BITS is BACK! Last summer’s 8-bit baudy burlesque show returns one night only with EVEN MORE ACTS! Sexy video game inspired performances from Jynx Merlot, Lucy BlueSkies, Stabitha Christie and more will pique your interest in their pixels. Enjoy pre-show classic video games in our mini arcade and music by Minusworld and Battlemode! @ Crystal Ballroom 7pm-10pm 18+ $25-$35

3/7 SubDrift Boston at the Gardner Join SubDrift Boston for a night in honor of South Asian futurisms, inviting artists and creatives to radically show up for themselves and their communities by sharing their many voices, stories, art and perspectives through performance and music.

@ Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 5pm-8pm FREE @riotlrrrkhi @subdriftboston

3/19 Oeuvre Course: A solo show by Achaziyah Join this enigmatic artist for an hour long extravaganza that will envelope much of their work as a music producer for over 13 years. Singing, trumpet playing, beatmaking, DJing, rapping, dancing, they are putting it all together in this one-person show.

@ The Napoleon Room at Club Cafe 6:30pm-7:30pm FREE

community

Sol.Inspired Open Mic Open mic & safe space where one may come to Be. &/or express, unapologetically. Find @solinspiring for more details

Take-A-Zine, Leave-A-Zine has a new location! Check out this incredible community resource where you can trade your coolest zines for even cooler ones! They just setup a new street box at Gallery 263 in Cambridge that you can access 24/7. They even have a discord if you wanna get involved or learn more! More info on their IG @takeazine

3/1 ESTROGINA 6: The Flower Shop Women exclusive networking event! Estrogina is where entrepreneurial spirit, meaningful dialogues, music, joy, community and growth intertwine. @ Artists For Humanity 3:33pm-9pm 21+ $25-$50 @sidepresents

3/6 Climate Designers - Boston Chapter Networking Night Celebrate Climate Designers 'Chapter Week' with Climate Designers Boston Chapter Networking Night. This will be the first networking event of the year for Climate Designers! If you are interested in climate action, design, and/or beer - we would love to meet you! @ Aeronaut Brewing Co. 5pm-7pm 21+ FREE

3/10 Porter Square Books

Present: Springtime Grown Up Book Fair Everything you love about school book fairs, plus beer @ Aeronaut Brewing Co. 2pm-6pm 21+

advocacy

Labor on the Line is a new podcast rooted in the need to build a fighting labor movement, hosted by Boston Liberation Center’s Rachel Domond and Husayn Karimi. Many of us, young people included, don’t view ourselves as part of the “labor movement”. But the reality is we are all working class people working to pay our bills and survive. Our labor holds immense power in society. No more can we allow the labor movement to be characterized as anything other than bright, YOUNG and dynamic, rooted in class-struggle politics. Listen at laborontheline.org.

3/4 Strike and Action for Palestine

No Business As Usual. Strike Together, Act Together! Location to be announced, follow @nakba_75boston for details. 8am-5pm

3/12 Join #ARTSTAYSHERE & Don’t F with FAB! Union Square Neighborhood Council’s “Community Benefit Agreement Summit.” Artists & supporters share your ideas for what we need for arts space in Somerville. @ Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street, Union Square. #ARTSTAYSHERE. #DONTFWITHFAB! Learn more at artstayshere.org

3/30 Women's Socialism Conference the Sky! The Party for Socialism and Liberation is holding its first Women’s Socialism Conference here in Boston! The conference will be an opportunity to bring women (and others!) from

around the city together to discuss issues that women face under capitalism and how we can join together to change these conditions and envision a socialist future. @ Reggie Lewis Center 11am-5pm

opportunity

Open Call for Art for @massartists4palestine Submit your work to be considered for the MAFP benefit auction. All proceeds will go directly to Anera Org emergency relief program, providing critical aid to those in occupied territories.

Make and Mend Secondhand art & craft supplies based in Somerville. Shop online or in person at their shop in Union Square!

www.makeandmendshop.com

Dunamis Boston Resource Roundup a thorough list of grants, jobs, events, opportunities and workshops for artists and creatives in the Boston area. Check it out at dunamisboston. org/resource-roundup

National Endowment for the Arts - Grants for Arts Projects provides expansive funding opportunities to strengthen the nation’s arts and culture ecosystem. Through projectbased funding from $10K to $100K, the program supports opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector. Visit arts.gov/grants for details and deadlines.

Writing Group Do you always intend to write that novel (or your thesis, etc.) but never get to it? Sit with others in a sunlit room and quietly work at the gallery. It’s so much easier. Hot coffee and desks are available every Friday from 8 to 11 am.

What’s Happening Boston is a black owned cultural marketing group that uplifts the local minority business owners, community organizations, creatives, and inventors by driving tourism to urban communities and curating unique experiences and excursions that enhance the cultural education of residents, tourists, and transplants as they explore our city.

3/2 Burna Boy: I Told Them...

Tour Afrobeats Hit-maker Burna Boy will perform live @ TD Garden 7:30pm-10:30pm 18+

3/2 IceFlow Yoga on Ice IceFlow is a gentle, yoga-inspired skating class for adults of ALL levels that explores the connection between breath and movement. Participants will try to maintain an open flow of breath and energy while we are twisting, stretching, and gliding together over the ice and tune in to how the breath helps us understand our connection to the ice and to each other. Rental skates available, at The Rink at 401 Park. @10am-11am 18+ FREE

3/2 Punk Rock Art Meet & Market Immerse yourself in your local underground artist community, savor complimentary refreshments, explore and purchase independent art, and participate in art workshops. It’s a celebration of creativity, individual expression, and the vibrant spirit of the local arts scene. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, engage, and support the diverse talents within our community!

@ CultureHouse Union Square 1pm-5pm All Ages FREE

3/3 Poetry Open Mic at Trident Join us for a fun evening of open mic poetry! We invite you to bring your own works and perform them in front of a supportive crowd. There's no better place to find your voice and share it with the world! Seating is first come, first served! Each open mic slot gets you about three minutes of stage time. Show kindness to all. No hate speech, slurs, or sexually explicit language.

@ Trident Booksellers & Cafe 6:30pm-9pm All Ages FREE

3/5 College Nights at the Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink Every Tuesday during the winter, ice skating season is College Night! College students are invited to come down to the Frog Pond for half-priced admission! Depending on the College Night, FREE admission is available to students who belong to the schools listed in the schedule online. Proof of a college ID is required to take advantage of this offer. @ Boston Common Frog Pond 6pm-9pm 18+

3/7 Living Arts Boston At the 2nd Annual Living Arts Boston Creative Economy Series, we will explore the intersection of health equity, art, tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Join us for a series of inspiration, collaboration, and valuable insights from industry leaders and innovators. Whether you're an artist, small business, designer, professional, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the creative economy, this series is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network! @ Boston Convention and Exhibition Cente 9am All Ages $25-$75

3/8 NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza

The NorthEast Comic Con & Collectibles Extravaganza is an exciting pop culture expo that brings together fans, collectors, and enthusiasts. Explore a wide range of collectibles, including antique toys, comics, art, vinyl records, Funko figures, trading cards, and more. Dress up in your favorite costumes and participate in exciting cosplay events and contests. @ Boxborough Regency Hotel and Conference Center 3pm All Ages

3/10 Boston Pole Fitness

Presents: Leather & Lace A Theatrical Experience Like No Other! Come join us for a theatrical pole performance showcasing BPF’s exceptional talent under the lighting direction of Theresa Silver. @ Regent Theatre 5pm-7pm 21+ $30

3/12 Mark Henry: World's Strongest Man Hall of Famer Pro Wresting Legend Mark Henry, The World's Strongest Man, WWE Hall of Famer, AEW All Elite & Pro Wrestling Legend. Live onstage like you've never seen him before! A Night of Standup Comedy and Stories from the Ring. @ Kowloon Restaurant 7pm-9pm 18+ 35-75

3/13 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite & Rampage AEW Dynamite returns to TD Garden in Boston on March 13th for Big Bu$iness! Be there live to see one of the biggest nights in professional wrestling. @ TD Garden 7:30pm-10:30pm

All Ages

3/14 Fashionably LATE x REVIVALS The night begins with DJ Skoolyahd's set at 9pm. Starting at 10PM, models strut through the Liberty's CATWALK and Lobby, pose on tables, ride the escalators, and weave through the crowd as you take-in looks from local designers of the season. Photographers are always welcomed! We will be stunned by punk and grunge looks from REVIVALS Vintage. Their jackets are custom-made and a work of art. @ Liberty Hotel 10pm-11pm 21+ FREE

3/15 Dropkick Murphys & Pennywise - St. Patrick’s Day Tour Celtic punks Dropkick Murphys w/ special guests Pennywise will perform live @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park 7pm 21+

3/21 PAX East 2024 PAX East is a celebration of gaming and gaming culture featuring thought-provoking panels, a massive expo hall filled with the best publishers and studios, new game demos, musical performances, tournaments, and a community experience unlike any other. No matter your preferred genre or platform, if you love games, welcome home. @ Boston Convention & Exhibition Center 10am

All Ages $67

3/23 Punk Rock Aerobics: Punk Women Edition Join Parker Hill for Women's History Month as we work and rock out to an allwomen playlist of punk music! Designed to strengthen and entertain, Punk Rock Aerobics (PRA) is a 60-minute exercise class combining original punk dance moves and aerobic exercise. Infused with the humor, attitude, and aesthetics that are integral to the identity of punk and DIY, PRA promises NO mirrors, NO obnoxious gym music. @ Parker Hill Branch of the Boston Public Library

3/23 BIPOC Nature Walk Are you a person of color that's eager to get outside and connect with nature this autumn? Then look no further! This program is open to all adults who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, and are looking to enjoy nature in community with other BIPOC folks! During this program, we will come together to walk the trails at BNC, find a sitting spot, and use art as a vehicle to explore nature and ourselves.

@ Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center 10:30am-12pm All Ages FREE

3/28 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® The Greatest Show

On Earth Immersive, live, family entertainment experience is unlike anything audiences have ever seen, filled with incredible feats that push the limits of human potential. The reimagined American Icon will captivate families through a 360-degree experience that brings fans into the action and the music, creating real connections between audiences and performers @ Agganis Arena at Boston University 7pm All Ages

3/21 Cliff Notez Live at the Museum of Science Prolific collaborator and award-winning multimedia artist Cliff Notez seamlessly manifests a mix of hip hop, jazz, folk, soul and R&B. This Spring, Cliff Notez takes over the Charles Hayden Planetarium for the first time ever, only at the Museum of Science! @ Boston Museum of Science 7:30pm9:30pm All Ages $20 @cliffnotezz

girlhood by Roden Ovak

Kenny Combs by LJ-Baptise

@xscapistlj

Thoughts of A Bi Demigirl by Angela Krieg

@akriegstudio

@rodenovak

Little Crumb & Cookies by Hunter Savage

@hntrsvg

NOTES FROM THE CREW

“Who’s going to have fun with the form?”

It’s the basic question that narrows down a very large pool of skilled creators for each season of “BCN Comics.” What started as the occasional comic in our Chillustation section in 2019 became a dedicated page two years later. That extra room hasn’t made the choices any easier. The longer I work in comics, the more people I meet who answer that basic question. Which, in turn, stresses the organization of my spreadsheets. So, more questions: “What work don’t we see a lot of right now?”

“Who’s been persistent?” “Why not get out of my own head and take someone else's suggestion?” This season, Roden Ovak, Hunter Savage, Angela Krieg, and LJ-Baptiste come to you from a blend of personal favorites, recommendations from

the production team, and strong self-promotion. It's never been a solo effort. Nothing in art ever is.

That’s how curation has been for the last few years. Which is why it’s time turn that original question on myself: “How can we have fun with the form of the newspaper comics page?” You saw a preview of that in Season 5 with guest curators Comics in Color changing up the variety of artists and bucking the usual layout. Expect more of that as we take notice of the increaing number of comics collectives.

Next season, you’ll see the start of more deliberate themes around the choice of artists—shared backgrounds, philosophies, and approaches to the medium—starting with Hispanic/Latinx creators who live in or have contributed to the Boston scene.

And while we remain comitted to representing Greater Boston area, don't be surprised to see a couple of out-of-staters in the rosters.

But I’m future-tripping. We’re still in the thick of Season 6! Roden, Hunter, Angela, and LJ have so much to show us, including themselves. Continue on below for our new feature, “Meet Your Makers” and learn more about who makes the work you’ve been enjoying for the last few months.

ADRIAN ALVAREZ

Meet Your Makers BCN Comics Season 6

RODEN OVAK

Hello! My name is Roden—I’m an illustrator and designer based in the Eastern US. I graduated from Montserrat College of Art in 2022. I enjoy character creation, visual development, and color!

My art carries light-hearted, silly, warm, nostalgic themes and is influenced by fantasy genres. Specifically, non-epic domestic fantasy genres. Cryptids at the library, dayto-day knight chores, unexciting pirate hobbies, etc. I love creating characters I didn’t see much of, or at all, on TV as a kid. I like to keep them silly, but strong & silly but cool! (Sometimes cool in a very lame way. They lack a sort of… how should I say… swag). I also enjoy doing portraiture. It’s a fun and simple way for me to express myself through line and color, as well as practice or experiment with different approaches without the pressure of it having to be good. When I’m not drawing, I like to crochet, read, wrestle my dog, and video edit

@rodenovak rodenovak.com

ANGELA KRIEG

Observe, collect and learn.

A native of rural New York now residing in suburban Boston, she is an obsessive sketchbook artist, archiving her experiences on paper and her iPad. She is an illustrator and visual practitioner, using images to help distill information and facilitate communication for business and social gatherings and events. She is passionate about capturing stories and perspectives that critique the standards of today and her work explores her relationship with mental health and existentialism.

@akreigstudio akriegstudio.com

HUNTER SAVAGE

My name is Hunter Savage and I've had a couple different pseudonyms over the years. Before I started doing more professional work, however, I decided to switch over to just my name—as you can find me across the internet, HNTRSVG—because it's, frankly, just cooler than anything I could come up with. I’m a formally trained illustrator with a BFA and am currently employed as a graphic designer. It just goes to show that the path through life is winding and not always what you expect! I’ve made and organized several zines and have a print archived at the International Cryptozoology Museum. Overall, I would consider myself a multimedia artist. For me, there is no singular answer to creating an illustration or comic, sometimes you can achieve what you want more with a medium you don’t normally use. Continuing to learn and improve upon your practice is something that I hold to heart and I hope others will also continue to learn and grow past their own schooling too!

@hntrsvg hntrsvg.com

LJ-BAPTISTE

LJ-Baptiste is an art educator and cartoonist from Boston. He has collaborated with media giants such as Google, Hasbro, and PBS to produce essential works of art. He is best known for his ongoing comic book series, COMIXSCAPE, which features the adventures of a bright-eyed, perpetually preteen boy and his raccoon sidekick. Whether it’s work in animation, graphic apparel designs, or COMIXSCAPE, LJ’s art can be described as distinctive, masterful, and captivating. When it comes to visual communication, LJ prioritizes authenticity, details, and positive messages.

@XscapistLJ comixscape.net