Entertainment

Oud Masters John Berberian & Antranig Kzirian to Perform at the Armenian Museum of America

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John Berberian (right) and Antranig Kzirian will perform together at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown for an evening of storytelling, Armenian folk traditions, and improvisation. The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America is pleased to present “Music in Color: Oudflections” on Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m., an intimate and dynamic evening celebrating the rich traditions and contemporary evolution of Armenian music with two generations of oud players. This program is generously sponsored by Nancy R. Kolligian. 

This special duet performance brings together legendary oud virtuoso John Berberian and acclaimed contemporary musician Antranig Kzirian for a unique “East meets West” musical experience blending storytelling, classical compositions, Armenian folk traditions, improvisation, and modern interpretation. 

The oud is a fretless, pear-shaped string instrument that has been central to Middle Eastern and Armenian musical traditions for centuries. In Western Armenian music, the oud is held to be sacred due to its expressive, emotive sound and is often used to accompany traditional songs, dances, and community gatherings, helping preserve cultural memory across generations. Among Armenian-American communities, the oud remains an important symbol of heritage and identity, connecting diasporic families to Western Armenian culture through performances, celebrations, and the continuation of traditional music practices.

Entertainment

Earfull Series Returns to Branch Line in June Featuring Authors & Musicians

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Earfull combines authors and musicians for a night of entertainment. In June, the series will be held in Watertown. See more information from Earfull, below. Earfull, Tuesdays in June Series 2026, on the Branch Line Restaurant Patio, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown. Doors at 6 p.m. Showtime 7-9 p.m. Free parking in the garage

It’s still cold out (except when it’s really hot), but we’re thinking ahead to June and our friends at the beautiful and delicious Branch Line Restaurant Patio where we’ll be hosting our Earfull Tuesdays in June Series 2026!

Around Town

Porchfest 2026: People Pour Into the Streets of Watertown to Catch More than 200 Bands

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Populace closed out the day at a venue on Main Street during 2026 Watertown Porchfest. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The combination of free concerts, the a warm spring day, and the hopes of seeing a Grammy nominated singer made Watertown Porchfest 2026 a huge community celebration. The third annual event boasted more than 200 performances at over 80 locations around Watertown on Saturday, May 16. Some of the venues were institutions — such as the Watertown Free Public Library, First Parish Church, and Gore Place — as well as multiple businesses. Watertown Middle School students held a bake sale during Watertown Porchfest.

Around Town

Third Watertown Porchfest is Bigger Than Ever With 200+ Performances

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Porchfest returns to Watertown for the third year on May 16. (Photo from Watertown Porchfest)

The third year of Watertown Porchfest is the biggest yet, with in excess of 200 performances at more than 80 locations around the City on Saturday, May 16 from noon to 6 p.m.

Organizers have published a map with the performance locations and the list of bands on the Watertown Cultural District at watertownmaculture.com/watertown-porchfest. Homes around town will turn their porch, driveways or front yards into stages this year. Joining them are the Watertown Free Public Library, First Parish Church, Gigi’s Pizza, Branch Line, and Gore Place. In addition there will be five block parties where the street will be blocked to traffic.

Entertainment

Watertown Musicians Part of Ensemble Performing in Waltham

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The upcoming performance by Dinosaur Annex Music Ensemble includes Sue-Ellen Hershman Tcherepnin on flute and the artistic director is Hubert Ho, both from Watertown. See more information about the concert in the announcement provided the group. Dinosaur Annex Music Ensemble continues its 51st season with a concert in Waltham, MA, with music focused on mind, body, and environment, as the ensemble continues to explore a new era of passionately bringing cutting-edge music of living composers to a diverse public. The concert is centered around Luke Blackburn’s Menagerie of Spectacular Creatures: Insecta, a nearly 30-minute multi-movement collection. Blackburn engages in a practice of “docu-composition”, loosely following the model Camille Saint-Saens provides in Le carnaval des animaux, for insects!

Around Town

Watertown Group Providing Musical Accompaniment to Boston Area Protests

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Rosie and the Resister performed at a No Kings Rally in Boston in March. (Contributed Photo)

Rosie and the Resisters have hit political protests big and small around the Boston area, and will appear at a pair of No Kings III protests including one in Watertown. Rosie is not a signer or even musician, she is Watertown resident Thomas Michel’s red accordion. “She, and I, accompany a strong group of singers from Watertown and neighboring communities,” Michel said. “Rosie and the Resisters were on stage at the big No Kings Rally on Boston Common back in March, and will be back on the Common on Saturday to lead songs at the rally.”

Entertainment

Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis Brings Dynamic Jazz to the Mosesian Center for the Arts

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Nicole Zuraitis

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

The Mosesian Center for the Arts continues its acclaimed Chords and Cocktails jazz series with a powerhouse performer whose voice and songwriting have captivated audiences worldwide. On Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., Grammy Award-winning vocalist, pianist, and composer Nicole Zuraitis takes the stage in the Charles Mosesian Theater for an unforgettable evening of bold, contemporary jazz. Zuraitis, winner of the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album, is widely recognized as one of today’s most compelling jazz artists. A fearless bandleader and magnetic live performer, she blends jazz, soul, pop, and singer-songwriter sensibilities into a sound that is both virtuosic and deeply personal. Her performances have electrified audiences at venues and festivals including Birdland, Newport Jazz Festival, and major stages across the country.

Entertainment

Performers Wanted for 13th Annual Watertown MusicFest

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The Annual Watertown MusicFest is coming up and musicians can now sign up to take part in the event that supports the music program in the Watertown Public Schools. See more in the announcement from the Friends of Watertown Music, below. Calling all musicians: Friends of Watertown Music invites performers to register for our 13th Annual Watertown MusicFest. Deadline: March 26th — performance slots are limited. Our Annual MusicFest is a fun community event, offering something for everyone with over 40 performances, across 3 stages, to be held this year on Friday, April 10th, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The variety of performers often includes student musicians, Watertown Public School teachers, local rock bands, established musicians, a vignette of musical theater, and more. Performances run from 5 to 20 minutes, so attendees have the chance to see as many acts as they wish.