AUDREY SERAPHIN

Sing Out Strong: Immigrant Voices | Presented by White Snake Projects

August 1

“With everything going on in the news and at the border regarding immigration, I am excited to see this celebration of immigrant artistry presented not just a the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge, but also at Pao Arts Center and the new WBUR CitySpace. White Snake Projects is partnering with these venues in the month of August to present a free concert of all new music by writers and composers from all over the world that champions the experiences of Boston immigrants. These commissions by local and international artists look to be really exciting and uplifting in this difficult time, so I hope you’ll join me if you want to raise your spirits and support immigrant artists at the same time.”

MARISSA MOLINAR

ON TAP! Beantown Tapfest Faculty Showcase | Presented by Julia on Tap

August 9

“Every August, tap dancers from around the world come to partake in the Beantown Tapfest, a small but stellar dance festival produced by Julia Boynton and housed at DMPAC in Somerville. For non-tap dancers like me, the Festival provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy and learn about the art form – from panel discussions to a student jam – but my personal favorite is always the faculty showcase, this year at RCC Mainstage. This year’s festival faculty include local legends, rising stars, and talented tap dance artists from across the globe, and each has their own way of knocking you off your feet with their musicality and creativity. This show only comes once a year for one night only, so I hope I will see you in the audience!”

JOHN BECK

Boston Contemporary Dance Festival | Presented by Urbanity Dance

August 10

“I’m sorry to miss this festival, but I want to let you know about it. The Boston Contemporary Dance Festival brings together 35 different dance companies to present a comprehensive collection of new choreography and beloved pieces for producers, critics, and dance fans alike. If you stop by between the matinee and evening shows, you can even catch our own NAAC Coordinator, Marissa Molinar, on a panel discussing best practices for arts entrepreneurs with other members of the dance community. My son has loved Urbanity Dance ever since one of their teaching artists visited his summer camp, so he is eager for a report on the day, too. Please make your way to the Huntington Avenue Theatre on the 10th so you can tell me all about the festival when I get back from vacation.”

KRISTIN REEVES

She Kills Monsters | Presented by Greater Boston Stage Company

August 15 – 18

“My pick for August is She Kills Monsters at Greater Boston Stage! It’s a merging of magic, adventure, and badass ladies, and has a great message about family, love, and female empowerment. Check out this play, as well as the Young Company’s many other offerings out in Stoneham this summer.”

CATHERINE PETERSON

12th Annual Boston GreenFest & TechExpo | Presented by Foundation for A Green Future & Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

August 16 – 18

“Check out a whole world of programming across disciplines on and near the Greenway with the 12th edition of Boston GreenFest! From movie screenings to an EcoFashion Show, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to take part in fun activities like a free zumba class or test driving an electric car, all while learning about how to keep our planet green with sustainability and environmental justice. Free, fun, and an important cause to engage with? Sign me up!”

DAVID COSTA

Jersey Boys | Presented by North Shore Music Theatre

August 6 – September 1

“Jukebox musicals often get a bad rap. True some of them lack substance. Jersey Boys, however, is done right.  The music is infectious, the dancing fun, and the script moves this Four Seasons’ biopic along and gives us enough story that we don’t feel as if we’re just watching a concert. Ultimately, Jersey Boys is a crowd-pleaser.  It does what a musical is supposed to…audiences leave the theater singing. North Shore Music Theatre is presenting Jersey Boys like we’ve never seen it before…in the round!  Having recently seen NSMT’s Freaky Friday and being reminded of how exciting it is to see a show at NSMT because of the theater’s intimacy, I’m certain audiences will be leaving Jersey Boys saying ‘Oh, What a Night.'”

CHAD SIROIS

Less is a Bore: Maximalist Art & Design | Presented by Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

Now – September 22

“Fans of the famous Obama presidential portrait will love Less is a Bore, the primary exhibit now on at the ICA. Not only is there another piece by Kehinde Wiley, but many other ornamental pieces that champion feminism, queerness, and multiculturalism through decoration, pattern, and maximalism. Truly an abundant and decadent feast for the eyes, this modernist collection delights with bold colors and compositions. If the weather’s nice, you can also make time to hang out on the ICA’s seaside deck, and exchange one beautiful view for another.”

OLIVIA DUMAINE

SIX | Presented by American Repertory Theatre

August 21 – September 27

“It’s mid-February and I’m sitting in my deeply uncomfortable Greyhound bus seat, making my biannual trip to New York to see as much theater as possible. In order to drown out the overwhelming bus chatter, I pull up an album that was recommended to me by a handful of friends. With only nine songs, “Six” quickly became my new musical obsession, and I listened to it on repeat until I learned every brilliant lyric (“OK ladies,  let’s get in Reformation”? Come ON.). Imagine my excitement when I heard A.R.T. was bringing these six powerful women to Boston (spoiler alert: I screamed)! Telling the tale of the six ex-wives of Henry VIII, these queens take back the microphone to tell their own stories that have been historically obscured by their infamous ex-husband. Inspired by contemporary pop stars, this 75-minute show celebrates love, strength, and the power of women. These tickets are about to fly as fast as a Lizzo pre-sale, so get yours today!”

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