Entertainment

Watertown Author Launching New Historical Mystery at MCA

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Jonathan Bockian

Watertown author Jonathan Bockian announced he will launch his new historical mystery novel What Was Forbidden: a Venice Ghetto mystery, in discussion with Pia Owens, author of the “Let’s Have It Out” newsletter, on Sunday, November 2, 2-4 p.m., at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged at the webpage linked here. What Was Forbidden is based on a true event in the Ghetto of Venice in 1672. A is brother is murdered, a truth is buried.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center for the Arts Launches Artist-in-Residence Program

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The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is thrilled to launch our new Artist-in-Residence Program! Designed to support emerging and mid-career artists across all disciplines – visual, performing, music, literary, and interdisciplinary – selected artists will receive 24-hour studio access, professional development opportunities, and the chance to share their work through public programs and a culminating exhibition. Please find attached a press release about our Artist-in-Residence program, now accepting applications through November 16. We’d appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with local artists and creative communities. Please feel free to reach out with questions or any ideas to collaborate further!

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Halloween Fun, Two Plays Hit the Stage, Artists Open Studios

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Halloween celebrations are in full swing this weekend. The Commander’s Mansion will host the second annual Wicked Watertown on Saturday, and enjoy some fall fun at Gore Place on Sunday. It’s a weekend of theater at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, with two classic plays hitting the stage — one put on by the Watertown Children’s Theatre and the other by the Actors’ Shakespeare Project. Take an inside look at artists studios on Saturday and Sunday during the Turtle Studios Open Studios. While the event is just over the river in Newton, several Watertown artists create their works at the studios.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Indigenous Peoples Celebration, Shakespeare, Eat Out in Coolidge Sq., Art Exhibit

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While all this work is going on building us a new improved Mt. Auburn St., let’s remember to support the shops and restaurants in Coolidge Square. I have heard from a few businesses that their clientele is down significantly, so let’s help them out! I highly recommend the brunch at Red Lentil. Take a look at their version of French toast!

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Orchestra of Armenia, Costume Making, Chat About Zines, Colonial Symbolism, Quabbin Film

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Yes, we are now in the month of Halloween, and children and adults alike are likely to be contemplating their costume plans. On Friday afternoon, the Hatch maker space is offering drop-in hours for help achieving your costume dreams. In the morning on Friday, there is a Creative Chat gathering with the focus on zines with Megan Ramette of the Watertown Zine Fest. Both Friday and Saturday at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, there is a late afternoon walk and talk about Colonial Cemetery Symbolism. It’s a perfectly beautiful season to stroll the cemetery while learning more about the gravestones and their history.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center’s Jazz Series Relaunches as Chords and Cocktails

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The Mosesian Center for the Arts is pleased to announce its long-running jazz series has relaunched as Chords and Cocktails, an exciting evolution of diverse live music on its stages, with performances running from October 2025 through April 2026. The series brings together celebrated vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles for six nights of exceptional music in a warm, creative, setting that emphasizes artistry and community. Audiences can also take advantage of the Jazz Series Package, with savings unlocked when purchasing tickets to multiple concerts. Series Highlights

Nancy & Spencer Reed, October 8, 2025Sally-steeped in classic swing, Nancy Reed (vocals/bass) and Spencer Reed (guitar) return to delight audiences with their beloved small-band sound, hailed by jazz legend Bob Dorough as “the swingin’est, most dynamite small band.”

Boston Blow Up feat. Donna McElroy, November 19, 2025A celebration of Boston’s vibrant jazz heritage, this performance brings together distinguished Berklee faculty, alumni, and guest vocalist Donna McElroy in an evening of soulful, local flavor.

Around Town

Walk N Talk Visits Spots on Arsenal Street That Have Undergone Major Changes, Ends With Eats at Restaurant

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Arsenal Park is one of the stops in the September Walk N Talk

The October Watertown Business Coalition Walk N Talk, in conjunction with Live Well Watertown, will visit two areas of town that have undergone major changes in the past several years: Arsenal Park and the Arsenal on the Charles. 

We will meet at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, then visit the historical markers in the Arsenal on the Charles complex. Then we will see the recently renovated Arsenal Park and end at Branch Line restaurant for some small bites. Parking is available in the parking garage near the Mosesian Center/Branch Line. Click here to register. The Walk N Talk, co-sponsored with Live Well Watertown, provides an opportunity to engage with fellow community members, support local Watertown businesses and participate in physical activity.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Oktoberfest, Puppet Show, Armenian BBQ, Hockey & Forest Bathing

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It’s looking like a sunny and entertaining weekend in town! The slower summer weekends are past, and our event venues are definitely in the eventing mood. I’m sorry to tell you that the New England AcroFest is sold out (Give that a search if you haven’t heard of it.), but there is more enjoyment to be had. Why wait for October to celebrate Oktoberfest? The Mighty Squirrel Brewery will be at it all weekend, including a stein holding competition on Friday evening and an oompah band on Saturday afternoon.