CATHERINE PETERSON

Truly, Madly, Deeply, a Valentine Concert | Presented by Mistral

February 7 – 9

“Mistral is putting on a trio of concerts in Brookline and Andover the second weekend in February designed to celebrate love and beloved classical pieces, as well as new-to-you numbers you’ll adore. Two churches and the founder’s home in Coolidge Corner serve as the venues for this collection of performances that feature a quartet of singers and two pianists sharing one instrument. It takes two, but you’ll definitely need to catch at least one of these concerts with your pal of choice! I’m particularly excited for The Serpent’s Kiss, a four-handed piano rag that’s sure to have you dancing in your seat.”

AUDREY SERAPHIN

Bright Half Life | Presented by Actors’ Shakespeare Project

Now – February 16

“I was delighted to see this piece about an interracial lesbian couple finding and losing each other across the span of decades. This play represents a certain departure for Actors’ Shakespeare Project, a company who is now looking at artistic experiences beyond the Bard’s canon. This all-star team including the multi-talented NAAC Boston Steering Committee member Lyndsay Allyn Cox is sure to sweep you off your feet with this timeless and moving one-act, presented in the intimate BCA Plaza Theatre.”

KRISTIN REEVES

Detroit Red | Presented by ArtsEmerson

February 1 – 16

“My staff pick for February is Detroit Red at ArtsEmerson. This show follows the life of Malcolm X as he grows up in 1940’s Boston. Not only is this a world premiere, but it also tells an important and under-examined story about how Malcolm X became the activist that we know him as today. Plus (and this is my personal fave) Will Power is an AMAZING playwright who really knows how to craft language and stories that are profound and personal. Definitely check this play out – it’s a can’t-miss show!”

ELENA MORRIS

Kareem Lucas | Presented by American Repertory Theater

February 20

“With poetic language, raw emotions, and pointed cultural commentary, this one-man show is not to miss! Kareem Lucas is a talented multi-hyphenate theatre artist who, in addition to his oeuvre of impressive solo performances, is also an acclaimed playwright. You better catch this one-night-only show here at OBERON, and keep this  New York Theatre Workshop 2050 Playwriting Fellow on your radar!”

MARISSA MOLINAR

Reggie Wilson/Fist and Heel Performance Group: POWER | Presented by Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

February 21 & 22

“It’s a cold walk through the Seaport to get to the ICA in February, but Reggie Wilson’s Fist & Heel Performance Group is totally worth the winter trek. A Brooklyn-based company whose work draws from traditions of Africa and its diaspora to investigate the intersections of culture and movement practices, the group hasn’t performed in Boston since their local debut five years ago. This is sure to be a compelling performance: Wilson’s newest work POWER considers the values and imagined lives of the Black Shaker community, and the significant role of dance in that society as a means of liberating the soul.”

JENNIFER FALK

CRASHfest: A Global Music Festival | Presented by Global Arts Live

February 22

“Celebrating music without borders, CRASHfest transforms the House of Blues into an indoor global music festival. With more than ten bands playing on three stages, CRASHfest features an expansive dance floor and seated balcony overlooking the main stage, the Foundation Room, and the restaurant. Global street food from seven of Boston’s best food trucks is even available for sale on the second floor! This year, the concert features Grammy Award-nominated, world music sensation Fatoumata Diawara and FELA!, the concert version of the musical, complete with original costumes and members of the cast backed by an exceptional 10-piece Afrobeat band. Don’t miss this one-night-only, all-night party!”

DAVID COSTA

Dogs! A Science Tail | Presented by Museum of Science, Boston

February 9 – June 30

“Four years ago, I rescued my first dog. Since then, my life has changed. I’ve also learned so much about dogs.  Working with a trainer has taught me a dog’s body language, how they think, and how they see the world. Did you know that dogs basically only see the colors yellow, green, blue, and gray? There is probably nothing I am more excited about than the new exhibit coming to Museum of Science, Dogs! A Science Tail. Museum goers will experience the way a dog sees, hears, and smells the world through fun and unique hands-on activities and uncover the science our relationship with man’s best friend. Probably the only way this exhibit could be better is if you were allowed to bring your pooch along. Dogs! A Science Tail opens February 9, 2020.”

CHAD SIROIS

Painting Edo: Japanese Art from the Feinberg Collection | Presented by Harvard Art Museums

February 14 – July 26

“Harvard Art Museums is putting on their largest exhibition yet with Painting Edo, which contains over 120 works donated to their collection from couple who has been collecting Japanese art for over 40 years. The collection of works is mostly from the Edo period, an array of pieces that date between 1615 through 1868. This slice of Japanese cultural history is sweeping and majestic, and meticulously preserved. I can’t wait to see the illustrious Feinberg collection later this month!”

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