11-DAY FESTIVAL FEATURES PERFORMANCES BY HUNDREDS OF ARTISTS; MARKS HARVARD SQUARE VENUE’S LAUNCH, SEPTEMBER 5-15, 2024
Presented by ARROW STREET ARTS and produced by
Cambridge-based LIARS AND BELIEVERS, ARROWFEST features performances, events, and community gatherings highlighting the versatility of the Greater Boston performing arts community.
ASA’S Theater and Studio will be activated with over 40 events and performances, from family-friendly shows to immersive theatrical experiences, hip hop, dance, folk music, jazz, drag, and more.
Arrow Street Arts, Inc. (ASA), a Cambridge, MA-based non-profit, announces details and programming for its ARROWFEST Launch Festival, an eleven-day extravaganza of over 40 performances and events in its renovated theater and new studio in Harvard Square from September 5-15. Presented by Arrow Street Arts and produced with Cambridge-based Liars and Believers (LaB), the festival will offer a wide variety of performances, events, and community gatherings celebrating the vibrancy of the Greater Boston performing arts community.
ARROWFEST celebrates the grand opening of Arrow Street Arts, the Harvard Square venue that has been renovated and expanded, offering accessible, multi-arts spaces and production opportunities to artists and organizations who gather, engage, and connect their communities through the transformative powers of live, in-person performances.
The Grand Opening will be marked with an afternoon Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 5, prior to the initial Festival performances.
ARROWFEST offers an extensive array of artists and performances, showcasing the diversity of the local arts scene. From the captivating movements of dance companies ranging from classical Indian dance to cutting-edge contemporary performances, to puppetry, global music, hip hop, drag art and cabaret, the festival promises something for everyone.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is Don’t Open This by Liars and Believers, an original, site-specific, immersive experience that challenges attendees to step inside “Box,” explore, and emerge transformed.
Hip-hop aficionados won’t want to miss the dynamic lineup of performances and workshops, including the electrifying Women of Boston Hip Hop, who are set to bring their unique styles and powerful stories to the stage. Headliner performances by acclaimed artists like Ira Klein and Yoni Avi Battat, the iconic moves of the Wondertwins, and an evening of music curated by singer-songwriter Will Dailey offer unforgettable moments that embody the essence of ARROWFEST.
Another highlight on the schedule is a series of free lunchtime concerts that provide a delightful midday escape, with music curated by Celebrity Series’ Neighborhood Arts program, and pop-up food offerings from area restaurants.
And families are invited to enjoy performances and events featuring engaging entertainment such as films and other activities tailored for kids – and even an event for babies! – ensuring a day of fun and laughter for all ages.
Whether you’re attending a double bill, a standalone performance, or joining the fun at a dance party, ARROWFEST is your gateway to experiencing the best and brightest talents that Boston has to offer.
David Altshuler, founder of Arrow Street Arts, says, “We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Arrow Street Arts with ARROWFEST. This festival marks not just the culmination of extensive planning and renovations, but reflects our commitment to fostering creativity, community, and a sense of belonging. Arrow Street Arts is honored to provide accessible, state-of-the-art spaces that support artistic expressions and enhance inclusive cultural dialogues. We look forward to welcoming audiences to experience the richness and versatility of the performing arts through ARROWFEST and in the months and years to come.”
Georgia Lyman, Executive Producer of Liars & Believers and lead curator of the Festival, says, “ARROWFEST is a joyful celebration of everything the Boston arts scene has to offer. This is a beloved venue, and it is an honor to be a part of the opportunity to uplift and explore the vibrant, multidisciplinary talents of this community.”
Arts and Culture partners for ARROWFEST include Ágora Cultural Architects, Boston Art & Music Soul Festival (BAMS Fest), The Brattle, Cambridge Community Foundation, Celebrity Series of Boston, and others.
The performing artists on the Festival lineup were selected by a curation panel from over 170 respondents to an open call for artists. Members of the panel included:
Kevin Becerra, Associate Director of Artistic Programming and Activation, The Huntington
J. Cottle, Executive Director, Dunamis Boston
Edrie Edrie & Walter Alice Sickert, The Army of Broken Toys
Ricardo Foster, Jr., Owner and Artistic Director, Unyted Stylz Productions
Mark Luevano, Principal, Arrow Street Arts
Georgia Lyman, Executive Producer, Liars + Believers
James Monroe, Creative Director of Programming, Centers for Public Science Learning, Museum of Science, Boston
Eva Rosenberg, Arts Consultant
Bart Reidy, Principal, Arrow Street Arts
Jason Slavick, Artistic Director, Liars + Believers
Elsa Mosquera Sterenberg, Principal and Co-Founder, Ágora Cultural Architects
Ticket and Venue Information
Tickets for ARROWFEST performances go on sale August 1, 2024, through Arrow Street Arts’ online box office at arrowstarts.org. Several free performances will be offered throughout the Festival, and tickets for other shows begin at $5 and vary by performance. For ARROWFEST events with admission charge, Arrow Street Arts will offer $5 tickets to every performance for EBT, WIC, and/or ConnectorCare health insurance cardholders through the Card to Culture.
Arrow Street Arts is committed to creating and maintaining inclusive spaces that are accessible to anyone. ASA’s performance spaces are located at street-level, with no stairs required to access the venue. In addition to accessible seating and restrooms, at all events and performances, ASA offers assistive listening devices, sensory regulation tools, sight guide assistance, and service animal bed and bowl.
About Arrow Street Arts (ASA)
Locally focused and artist-centric, Arrow Street Arts is committed to being a learning organization, exploring issues of affordability, access, equity, and sustainability and increasing the resources available to artists and community organizations, such as the Arrow Street Arts Fund at the Cambridge Community Foundation. Founded by David Altshuler, Arrow Street Arts has 20,000 square feet devoted to venue operations. The Arrow Street facility has been revitalized with extensive production enhancements to two flexible performance spaces and other upgrades that enhance both the audience and artist experiences. A 4,500 square-foot black box theater offers various seating configurations for up to up to 300 audience members, and the 1,100 square-foot street-front studio offers a more intimate venue for smaller presentations and events as well as rehearsals and classes. Both multi-use spaces support projects across a range of artistic genres, including theater, spoken word/readings, dance, music, and film.
ARROWFEST LAUNCH FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING
Thursday, September 5 through Saturday, September 7, 2024
Immersive Theatrical Spectacle
DON’T OPEN THIS
Created and Performed by Liars and Believers, taking place throughout Arrow Street Arts’ venue
Thursday, September 5, 7:30pm
Friday, September 6, 7:30pm
Saturday, September 7, 7:30pm
What does your world look like? How do you order it? Liars and Believers invites you to a private tour inside the source of all your wishes. Everything you want is just a click away. But what happens when something goes awry? When someone dares to step out of bounds and see what lies beyond the cardboard shipping box? What happens when what you ordered is not actually what your soul needs?
Join Liars and Believers in this immersive theatrical spectacle of aerials, masks, music, puppets, dance, and more that will leave you breathless and totally satisfied.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Music
Spencer Parli Tew and the Sleepless Birds
Sunday, September 8, 5:00pm, in the Lobby
Free to All
Folk duo Sleepless Birds will present a selection of songs from the recently released album: “Under the Chestnut Tree,” by Spencer Parli Tew.
Dance
ARROWFEST Dance Showcase
highlighting works by six Boston area dance companies
Featuring Anubhava Dance Company, Human Movement Project, Jean Appolon Expressions, Public Displays of Motion, Yuling Spanish Dance, and Unyted Stylz.
Sunday, September 8, 6:00pm, in the Theater
This mini-festival will show off six of Boston’s brightest dance artists all under one ticket.
Health + Wellness
Soundbath & Meditation
Maïté, The Institute for Integrative Mindfulness & Movement
Sunday, September 8, 7:00pm, in the Studio
Join us for a special Equinox Healing Sound Bath & Mindfulness Meditation. Let Maïté immerse your mind, body and heart to images and poetry, sounds and light.
Monday, September 9, 2024
Music
Mike Block Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
Presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Monday, September 9, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Theater
Multi-instrumentalist Mike Block has released 20 albums of his own music that regularly chart near the top of multiple Billboard categories. Mike is an in-demand arranger for other artists, and has contributed to recordings/performances for Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Bobby McFerrin, Metallica, Morrissey, Raffi, The Knights, and many of the world’s finest dancers as Music Director of the Vail Dance Festival. Mike has worked closely with Yo-Yo Ma for many years as his “go to” arranger. Pick up a meal at our pop-up café, featuring a local restaurant serving a special menu for the day in our lobby.
Dance
Cassie Wang
presented in association with Midday Movement Series
Monday, September 9, 6:00pm, in the Studio
Arrow Street Arts collaborates with Midday Movement Series to present an emerging work from this promising choreographer. Come and discover a work in progress from an up-and-coming dance talent!
Music
Yoni Avi Battat, “Fragments”
with Ira Klein, “Catalan Mahzor Suite”
Monday, September 9, 7:00pm, in the Theater
This gorgeous double bill of Middle Eastern music from two incredible artists celebrates heritage and innovation through the power of song and sound.
Yoni Avi Battat’s Judaism is deeply rooted in both his Iraqi and Polish ancestry, and especially the rich musical traditions that come from these cultures. He delights in sharing traditional melodies alongside his own original music, inspired and informed by the Ashkenazi and Mizrahi music of generations past.
Ira Klein is a multi-award-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and educator from Jerusalem, now based in Cambridge, MA. His main areas of focus are Middle Eastern music, American folk and blues, and collaborations with visual artists and choreographers.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Music
Gregory Groover, Jr., saxophone, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Tuesday, September 10, 12:30pm, in the Theater
New York-born and Boston-bred, saxophonist, composer, and educator Gregory Groover, Jr. has already left an indelible mark in the jazz world. Groover’s artistry seamlessly marries genres as he continues to push the boundaries of jazz while honoring its deep legacy. Pick up a meal at our pop-up café, featuring a local restaurant serving a special menu for the day in our lobby.
Theater
THIS IS IT
MetaGirl Productions
Co-Written and Performed by Tamara Hickey
Co-Written and Directed by Kate Kohler Amory
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00pm, in the Studio
When a woman’s life is interrupted by a car crash, she is catapulted into the Bardo, the “in-between” space between life and death. What follows is an existential, heartfelt, and often funny quest for connection with the life she has lived and the people who have shaped her. This highly entertaining play fills the stage with delightful characters, skillful movement, and an explosion of life. THIS IS IT has appeared at the United Solo festival in NYC, Central Square Theatre, and Shakespeare & Company. Catch this special ARROWFEST performance in advance of the show’s run at the Boston Center for the Arts in October 2024.
Music
Will Dailey’s Boston Songwriters Showcase
with Cliff Notez and special guests
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00pm in the Theater
Boston’s luminary songwriter and performer, Will Dailey, curates a lineup that will showcase the stunning plethora of song craftsmanship from the various celebrated corners of Greater Boston songwriting community.
Opening the concert, Boston native Cliff Notez is an award-winning, multi–digital media artist, musician, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. Rooted in hip-hop, his art tackles the political and the personal, exploring the intimate consequences of a society where Black bodies are easily ignored, forgotten, or disregarded. In 2019, he became the first musician to be named Musician of the Year for Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston.
Additional artists to be announced.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Music
Francesca McNeeley, cello, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
Presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Wednesday, September 11, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Theater
Haitian-American cellist Francesca McNeeley has received critical acclaim as a collaborator and soloist, her playing described as “virtuosic”, “impressive” and “a remarkable display” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer. She enjoys an eclectic career in the Boston area as a chamber musician, orchestral player, and modern music advocate. Pick up a meal at our pop-up café, featuring a local restaurant serving a special menu for the day in our lobby.
Music/Discussion/Learning
Jazzmyn RED’s ROOTS OF HIP HOP
Workshop, Panel + Performances
with DJ Bella Be, artist Brian Tillett, saxophonist Tim Hall, and Trike Called Funk
Wednesday, September 11
Workshop: 4:00pm, in the Studio
Reception with performance by Tim Hall: 6:30pm, in the Lobby
Panel Discussion + Performance: 7:30pm, in the Theater
Jazzmyn RED is the U.S. Ambassador of Hip Hop and Cultural Exchange. In this special event, she will lead a hands-on workshop on the history of hip hop, and then moderate a panel on the current state of the art form in Boston.
Multiple spin sets from DJ Bella Be will create the atmosphere for Jazzmyn’s work throughout this event. Brian Tillett, a highly talented graffiti artist, will bring a finished piece into the Arrow Street Arts lobby, and encourage audience members to “tag” the piece with chalk, creating a living installation and furthering the hands-on education of Jazzmyn Red’s workshop and panel. Panelists include Dart Adams, Cindy Diggs, & Moe Pope. Trike Called Funk orchestrates participatory dance experiences around their customized cargo tricycle and will offer a special performance to close the event out in style.
Comedy/Storytelling
Boston History Company
New Work commissioned by Arrow Street Arts
Wednesday, September 11, 7:00pm, in the Studio
Mixing humor and poignancy, Boston-area comedy legend Rob Crean and Boston-area actor Daniel Berger-Jones present local stories that have shaped American culture. Using tales from the history of Boston and Cambridge, they add a healthy dose of humor, and sizzling narrative-storytelling that cuts out all the dry, boring stuff, and smashes the action into an hour of hilarious, touching, and ultimately familiar history.
Comedy/Puppetry
PUPPET SLAM
Puppet Showcase Theater
Wednesday, September 11, 8:30pm, in the Studio
A “Best of Boston” Puppet Slam, featuring local artists who have delighted audiences again and again at the always-sold-out Puppet Slams. Puppet Showplace has previously presented Puppet Slams at First Night Boston, the Outside the Box Festival, and more.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Music
Maria Finkelmeier, percussion, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up Concert
presented in association with Celebrity Series of Boston Neighborhood Arts
Thursday, September 12, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Theater
Celebrating the release of her upcoming solo album, Maria Finkelmeier will delight the lunchtime crowd with her live performance. Named a “one-woman dynamo” by the Boston Globe, Maria is a percussionist, composer, new media artist, and professor. Whether it’s scoring conceptual art films or serving as director, composer, and performer in multi-sensory performances and public art installations, her work continually transcends both genre and medium. Pick up a meal at our pop-up café, featuring a local restaurant serving a special menu for the day in our lobby.
Theater
Manifest Destiny’s Child
written and performed by Dennis Trainor Jr
Directed by David Esbjornson
Thursday, September 12, 7:30pm, in the Studio
Manifest Destiny’s Child is the true story of an unassuming teacher, Dennis Trainor Jr., who jettisons a cushy job to join the frontline of the Occupy movement, to later work as Communications Director for Jill Stein’s flawed 2016 U.S. Presidential campaign, to facing down eviction orders at Standing Rock. This new solo show takes a pickaxe to the pillars holding up the toxic myth of American Exceptionalism in a provocative, intelligent, often hilarious account of how the American left lost its way and woke up in Trumplandia. Manifest Destiny’s Child had its world premiere at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023.
Music/Dance
Violet Nox: In the Heart of the Sun
Thursday, September 12, 9:00pm, in the Theater
Violet Nox, the Boston-based electronic experimental ambient music trio takes over Arrow Street Arts’ Theater with In the Heart of the Sun, an immersive theatrical music and dance experience that takes the audience on a journey through the awakening, destruction and resurrection of the human heart. It is told through the interplay of music, dance and visual projection, embracing the sun as a metaphor of the heart’s desire. Join us for a fantastic evening exploring sound, symbols, light and motion.
Friday, September 13, 2024
Film/Family
Toddler Film Screening, Free Lunchtime Pop-Up
Curated by The Brattle
Friday, September 13, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, in the Theater
The Brattle curates a family friendly movie day at Arrow Street Arts! Showings of selected shorts and full lengths will be shown in the theater. This event will have sensory friendly seating, wiggle room, and will offer a judgement free zone for caregivers to come and play for a while. On your way into the movies, pick up lunch at our local restaurant pop-up, featuring kid-friendly bites.
Music
Zafarán
Friday, September 13, 7:00pm, in the Studio
Zafarán crosses time and boundaries, and incorporates musical traditions from around the Mediterranean, weaving together such diverse threads as Southern Italian chants, Sephardic love songs, Romani laments, and Turkish and Greek folk tunes. With driving rhythms, virtuosic improvisation, and the powerful voice of award-winning Italian singer Carmen Marsico, Zafarán bridges languages and cultures with their own eclectic blend of musical styles, combining deep traditions with original songs and ideas.
Dance
Wondertwins: To Hip Hop With Love
Friday, September 13, 8:30pm, in the Theater
Identical twins Billy and Bobby McClain are the “Wondertwins.” With many notable accomplishments including Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” US/UK tour, Apollonia’s (Purple Rain) UK tour, and openers for EPMD, Public Enemy, and Queen Latifah. Boston dance legends, these brothers bring their critically acclaimed work to our main stage.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Magic/Family
THE MAGIC BASKET
Tyler Twombly
Saturday, September 14, 12:30pm, in the Studio
In a piece called The Magic Basket, Tyler Twombly delights with juggling, magic and sleight of hand audience participation. Tyler has appeared performing his original tricks on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us Twice” in 2018 and 2021.
Music
UNPLAYED/UNHEARD
NEJC Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, September 14, 2:00pm, in the Theater
The New England Jazz Collaborative is dedicated to presenting new music by a diverse group of living composers, and to expanding the audience for jazz. Founded in 2021, it has quickly established itself as a major force, featuring many of the top composers and musicians in the region. Join us for a concert of new works, played by this exceptional group of 18 musicians.
Music/Dance
Clave & Blues
presented in association with Ágora Cultural Architects
Saturday, September 14, 5:00pm, in the Theater
Clave & Blues is a Cuban Music and Latin Jazz band that has performed at several concert halls and festivals in the Boston area, including the Lawrence Jazz Festival and with the Boston POPS. The mix between Afro-Cuban rhythms, Blues, R&B, and World music creates a contemporary sound that gives this band its place in the New England music scene.
Music/Circus
The Mr. Fox Circus Cabaret
What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?
Saturday, September 14, 7:00pm, in the Theater
Led by the gender-defying voice of 3rian King, the What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? ensemble delivers their own brand of smoky cabaret, neo-soul and acoustic noir. 3rian has released 3 albums, performing and producing acoustic house concert tours to multimedia shows at venues like Club Passim and the ART in Cambridge, and Dixon Place, The Stonewall, Joe’s Pub, and Irving Plaza in NYC. 3rian has also worked in public health an advocacy for 20 years including a decade as director of Prism LGBT Health in Beverly MA, and presently as HIV/AIDS Medical Case Manager for North Shore Health Project in Gloucester MA.
Cabaret/Circus/Variety/Dance Party
Candace Persuasian and Arabella LaDessé present: FABULA; Gods and Goddesses Among Us
with Candace Persuasian, Arabella LaDessé, Lilly Rose Valore, Finn Gerring, Chanel the Angel,
and DJ Coleslaw
Saturday, September 14, 8:30pm, in the Theater
Candace Persuasion is a Boston based performer that has made her mark across the Greater Boston area for her art in various nightclubs, drag brunches, and productions. Most recently she received worldwide recognition from a viral moment at Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour–fitting, as her peers in the drag scene here in Boston have dubbed her as the “Beyoncé of Boston.” Candace is currently one of the hostess and founder for an all-trans night at Jacques Cabaret, one of the oldest LGBTQ establishments in the country. Candace’s art includes the message that Trans IS beautiful and that you can make drag whatever you want it to be as well as incorporating her Vietnamese heritage into her art. Move seamlessly from Candace’s performance into a late-night post-show dance party with DJ Coleslaw, the award-winning drag artist and DJ, who also spins for Candace Persuasion’s performance!
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Theater/Family (Babies!)
WHIPPED UP!
Written and Conceived by Jill Rogati
Soap & Rope Theater Company
Sunday, September 15, 10:00am, in the Studio
Soap & Rope Theatre Company’s Whipped Up! is an interactive performance for the trickiest of audience members – babies! Whipped Up! follows an eager-to-please 50’s-style diner server on their first day on the job – where the baby is the customer, and caregivers are along for the ride. As the server waits on their “demanding” clientele the server grows increasingly frazzled – and more and more entertaining!
Theater/Family
The Gottabees’ DON’T MAKE ME GET DRESSED
Sunday, September 15, 11:00am, in the Theater
This show features The Gottabees’ trademark mix of puppetry, joyously absurd silliness, physical theater, live music, and surprising poignancy. Based in Boston, The Gottabees’ work has been performed in 19 states, 5 countries, for over 45,000 people and was awarded an UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence.
Theater/Family
YELLOW BIRD CHASE
created and performed by Liars and Believers
Sunday, September 15, 1:00pm, in the Theater
In Liars and Believers’ Yellow Bird Chase, a clownish maintenance crew finds a magical yellow bird and a mad chase begins! Racing over land, across the sea, and through the air – battling pirates and monsters – how far will our heroes go…without ever leaving the maintenance room? This delightful romp was a smash hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is fully accessible to the Deaf and hard of hearing community, as well as to non-English speakers.
Music
Women of Boston Hip Hop Showcase
Co-curated with BAMS Fest
featuring Dutch Rebelle, Brandie Blaze, kei, Cakeswagg, Jazzmyn RED
Sunday, September 15, 6:00pm, in the Theater
Co-curated by BAMS Fest, this Hip Hop Showcase uplifts the wealth of female hip hop Emcees that call Boston home. Five artists each performing their own sets as they share the stage and bring their respective communities into the space in this epic grand finale to ARROWFEST, heralding the artistic respect and inclusive values at the core of Arrow Street Arts.