The Weekend: Turkish Music, Black History Concert and More

No plans this weekend yet? Check out these local events coming on Thursday through Sunday this week—and our pick for kids' event of the weekend.

To find more events (and add your own) check out our calendar.

KIDS PICK: Winter Fun Day

When/Where: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. / Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, 350 Lynn Fells Parkway, Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Due to the lack of snow and ice this winter, the annual Winter Carnival has been cancelled. Instead, the Recreation Department and Mayor Rob Dolan are sponsoring an indoor Winter Fun Day in the gym for kids of all ages. Come and enjoy a bounce house, games, activities, face painting, and lots of fun surprises. Burn off some winter energy and have fun with friends and neighbors.

Pricing: Free.

Acoustic Open Mic at Ab Fab

When/Where: Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. / Absolutely Fabulous, 454 Main St., Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Host Mike Walsh will play a 30 to 45 min set starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by open mic players who get to play 3-4 songs, original compositions or covers. PA equipment supplied—all you have to do is bring your instruments. This is an acoustic ppen mic so no drums are available or can be used. Bongos, Kahones are acceptable. Sign ups start at 7 p.m.

Pricing: Free admission.

İki Cihan Arasında/Between Two Worlds—Turkey's West, Within

When/Where: Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m. / Granoff Music Center at Tufts University, 20 Talbot Ave., Medford, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: DÜNYA ensemble will present a program of folk, classical, religious, and popular music of the Ottoman/Turkish tradition, interwoven with classical Ottoman music newly transcribed from 19th century Greek sources, Bektaşi Sufi music, and newly-composed polyphonic makam compositions. DÜNYA's goal is to present a contemporary view of a wide range of Turkish traditions, alone and in interaction with other world traditions, through performance, publication, and other educational activities.

Pricing: $10.

Irish Music at the Ivy Chord Coffeehouse

When/Where: Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m. / Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St, Reading, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: A pre-St. Patrick's Day treat is in store for Irish music fans as the Ivy Chord Coffeehouse in Reading welcomes Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Connell. Aoife Clancy (pronounced “Eefa”) and her cousin Robbie O'Connell both come from the small town of Carrick-on-Suir, in Co Tipperary, Ireland, where their musical careers began at an early age. Aoife's father, Bobby Clancy of the legendary Clancy Brothers, placed a guitar in her hands at age ten, and by age fourteen she was playing with her father in nearby pubs. Robbie (a nephew of the Clancy Brothers) is a formidable singer-songwriter himself, and has been called “a National Treasure . . . a man blessed with an enviable turn of phrase and a gift for melody bestowed on only the few,” by one of Ireland's top music magazine, Hot Press. Together they form an irresistible duo, sharing beautiful voices, luscious harmonies, and an endless wealth of Irish and American folk tunes.

Pricing: $20 for general admission, or $17 for seniors or students.

YAMAKRAW! Reading Civic Concert with Pianist Virginia Eskin

When/Where: Sunday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m. / Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: This concert celebrates Black History Month by featuring the work of black American composers such as William Grant Still, Florence Price, and James P. Johnson.  Several of the pieces, including the title work, Yamakraw!, feature virtuoso piano solos. Yamakraw is full of surprises, sudden dynamic change and thematic contrast. Eskin is famous for her range of command over the keyboard—from boisterous rag-time licks, to her subtle and sensitive interpretations of the blues. You might also know Eskin from her work as a radio host, and producer of the NPR show, “First Ladies of Music."

Pricing: $12 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors.