Live music in Somerville, MA

Presented by Gloom Productions and ONCE Somerville, this two day pass brings Somergloom back to the Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre for a celebration of heavy music, moody textures, and community. Across two stacked lineups, one night is led by Rhode Island hardcore pioneers Dropdead with support from Final Gasp, Miracle Blood, Severed Boy, and Unhinged. The other focuses on Boston post metal group Junius as they mark the release of their new album Sotera, joined by Planning for Burial, Hiroe, Ballast, and Gloomlurker.

Max Wareham appears with Second Cousin at The Burren for a performance that blends traditional bluegrass with a lo-fi indie folk sensibility. A Boston banjo player, songwriter, and author, he has spent many years with the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band and is featured on Rowan’s Grammy-nominated Calling You From My Mountain with Billy Strings. His appearances include Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MerleFest, and RockyGrass. Wareham also leads The National Bluegrass Team, and his shows move from close-up storytelling to lively, full-ensemble moments. His latest album is titled If The Cosmos Were Whiskey…

At the Lilypad in Cambridge, MA, singer songwriter Sean O'Reilly performs a harp and piano driven take on indie folk pop.

BTT80s brings an all out 80s celebration to the North End during the Feast of the Madonna Della Cava. Expect wall to wall sing along anthems and retro party vibes, featuring hits from artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bon Jovi. Era inspired costumes, energetic showmanship, and faithful performances evoke a time of neon lights, big hair, and boomboxes. Whether you know every lyric from the decade or simply want a nostalgic night out, this show aims to deliver a memorable experience.

Get ready for a high-energy night of shoegaze, metal, noise rock, and deathrock at Somergloom Friday. The lineup includes Dropdead, Final Gasp, Junius, Planning For Burial, K.O. Queen, Hiroe, and Miracle Blood.

Northeast Desecration is set at The Hardcore Stadium. Multiple admission options are available, including discounted presale rates. Pricing ranges from $20 to $35 depending on the option selected, and further ticket details are noted on slide 2.

Celebrate Ariana Grande’s music at a lively drag brunch filled with dazzling local performers, sharp choreography, and sing-along moments to hits like 7 Rings. All are welcome. Doors close 30 minutes after the show starts. Groups of three or fewer will be seated at communal tables. Every guest must purchase an entree. No refunds.

An annual Hawaiian-themed Irish music cruise brings a festive outing on Boston Harbor, based at Seaport Boston. The day begins with pre-parties, continues with more than three hours on the water, and wraps up with multiple after-parties. T-shirt sponsorship supports Lucy’s Love Bus, which helps children facing cancer and related care, and proceeds from the day go to Team Maggie in support of Tommy’s Place, which provides no-cost Cape Cod vacations for families of a child with cancer. Tickets are available.

The Charles River Jazz Festival returns with an expanded experience at the Hatch Memorial Shell. It offers a full day of live music, food, and community. With a larger stage and more space, this edition welcomes more artists and vendors while preserving the familiar vibe. Rooted in Boston, the festival brings together world class performers and local jazz artists for a free, family friendly celebration of creativity and connection. The main stage features Ghost-Note, Tyreek McDole, Seba Molnar, Zahili Zamora, BT ALC Big Band, and Roella Oloro.

Royale hosts a celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Search Party Never Came, with performances by Vanna and I Promised The World. This all-ages event directs 25 cents from every ticket to The Shout Syndicate, a volunteer-run Boston initiative that supports youth-led arts at nonprofit creative youth development organizations across Greater Boston. The group is based at The Boston Foundation and collaborates with the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture through the Boston Creates plan.

ICHIGO LIVE presents Lotus Juice on the Player One 2026 US tour at The Sinclair. The event is open to all ages.

Rolling Quartz brings the MY TURN 2026 Tour to Boston with a concert at Sonia. The Korean rock band debuted in 2020 and features five members: Arem, Hyunjung, Iree, Jayoung, and Yeongeun. Tickets are offered in several tiers, including General Admission at $29.99, VIP at $49.99 with a hi touch experience, and the DIADEM VVIP at $89.99 that adds skip the line access and a sound check. The SUPER DIADEM Everything Ticket is $219.99 and includes General Admission, skip the line, hi touch, sound check, a fan sign where you may bring one small personal item, a selfie bundle with one selfie with each member, and a You+ photo with Rolling Quartz taken on your phone. Availability for this option is limited.

Nite is bringing Echos to Warehouse XI in Somerville. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM. This is an all-ages event.

Catch Junius and Planning For Burial at Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre for Somergloom Saturday. The show starts in the evening and runs as a live alternative metal, metal, ambient, shoegaze, and post-rock lineup.

Skilled illustrators go head to head in a live drawing showdown, creating character inspired artwork against the clock while a DJ keeps the music going. Watch each piece take shape from the first line to the final flourish, then look for a chance to take home artwork made on the spot. Present a FAN EXPO Boston badge for access. More details will be shared soon.

Join singer-songwriter Kevin Connolly for an evening performance at Sally O'Brien's. The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM, with Kevin Connolly and Mule Variations listed on the lineup.

Spoondrift returns to Remnant Satellite in Cambridge with a set that blends reflective original songs, groove-driven improvisation, and high-energy covers. The quintet features Alex Lyons on keyboards and vocals, Ian Svagdis on drums and vocals, Alec Hovey on electric bass and vocals, Jason Oberstein on guitar and vocals, and Mike Sim on guitar and vocals. Rooted in a shared love of music and respect for the trailblazers who came before, their sound aims to connect mind, body, and heart. This is a free show, and tips are appreciated.

Presented by Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band brings a performance to Leader Bank Pavilion. The event will proceed in any weather, and supporting performers may change without advance notice. Tickets will be offered to the general public, with additional options that include artist and venue presales, Live Nation presales, Citi cardmember opportunities, preferred seating, 4-pack offers, and VIP packages. Doors open before the show begins.

Mattie & Debbie deliver a spirited blend of acoustic drive, close harmonies and catchy hooks, led by drummer and singer Sean Trischka and bluegrass guitarist and singer Stash Wyslouch. Their debut album, Satan’s Junction, folds bluegrass picking, pop-leaning melodies and sing-along anthems into moments of tenderness, all tied together by their shared humor, deep knowledge and experience. They have performed together across bluegrass, roots, folk and rock projects including The Deadly Gentlemen, Tony Trischka’s Early Roman Kings, The Stash Band and Corporate Punk. The duo is also among the select acts who have opened for Billy Strings, who has voiced strong admiration for their music. Trischka’s warm, playful sense of groove has made him a sought-after collaborator with artists such as Carsie Blanton, Mipso, Oteil Burbridge, Bertha AKA Grateful Drag, Lula Wiles and The Stray Birds. Wyslouch’s instantly recognizable flatpicking has powered Molsky’s Mountain Drifters and The Jacob Jolliff Band, and he has shared stages with Julian Lage, Bryan Sutton, Peter Rowan and David Grisman. Tickets are $20, with a $25 price at the door.

The third and final stop of an Italian Feast mini tour arrives at St. Rocco’s Feast in Malden with a high energy 80s tribute that turns the celebration into a full retro party. Expect a steady stream of 80s favorites, plenty of sing along moments, and hits made famous by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bon Jovi. Authentic costumes, lively stage presence, and faithful arrangements re-create the era of neon lights, big hair, and boomboxes. Whether you are a devoted 80s fan or simply in the mood for nostalgia, this show delivers a memorable experience. And really, what pairs better than 80s anthems and cannolis?

Boston Summer Opera presents an informal preview of Rossini's The Barber of Seville, featuring highlights from the opera alongside well known arias, duets, and ensembles by Mozart, Donizetti, Puccini, and others. Performed by a cast of Boston-area young artists, the program includes accompaniment by Music Director Julian Gau, with Executive Director Hannah Shanefield as host. Whether new to opera or a longtime fan, attendees can expect a friendly introduction filled with humor, beauty, and live music. Taking place at The Boston Synagogue, the evening also offers opportunities to meet the artists and get an early look at the upcoming production.

Matt Heaton leads a lively singalong for children at the West Branch, with guitar tunes that encourage laughing, dancing, and singing together. Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy time in the West Branch Backyard while taking part in the music. For questions, contact Alison at amitchell@somervillema.gov.

Lucky Gold Jr. and Werewolf team up for an all-ages night of indie folk-rock and dream pop, with a secret special guest providing support. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show gets underway at 8:00 PM. Admission is general, and a valid ID is required for alcohol consumption. Late seating may be limited after performances begin, and all sales are final with no refunds.

Hannah Judson appears at The Middle East's Zuzu in Cambridge MA for a relaxed mid-week evening. Dinner and drinks are available, and there is no cover.

Three singular voices share the stage at The Corner at the Middle East for an intimate program of stories and songs. Eli Lev channels a community-building, globe-touched roots sound with soulful vocals and lively acoustic energy. Rees Shad crafts narrative-rich Americana that threads blues and folk into textured arrangements. Kemp Harris blends blues, jazz, soul, and folk, pairing a magnetic presence with a resonant, emotive delivery. Expect vivid storytelling, tight grooves, and skilled musicianship. Admission is free and the show welcomes all ages.

Settle in for a lively music bingo experience at CanalSide Food + Drink at CambridgeSide. It is free to play and features prizes in every round. A DJ spins familiar hits while you listen for song titles and artists on your card, mark them off, and aim for five in a row to call bingo. Expect two to three quick rounds that keep the pace high and the crowd engaged. It works for casual listeners, competitive players, and groups of friends looking for a relaxed outing. No music knowledge is required, just listen, play, and enjoy the competition and prizes.

The ZYG 808 headlines the open mic at The Jungle Community Music Club. The event highlights this artist within an open mic format.

Bilingual Rhythm Time offers a joyful bilingual experience for babies and toddlers at Chinese Culture Connection. Through music, stories, and play, little ones enjoy catchy songs that introduce Chinese, listen to simple stories, and learn basic words by singing and playing. The session also gently explores Chinese culture in an age-appropriate way, encouraging movement, curiosity, and early language learning in a welcoming setting.