By Sophie Cannon, deputy A&E editor
Thursday, March 30
In its 33rd year in Boston, the LGBT Film Festival is here once again. This year’s kick-off film is “Signature Move,” a movie about love, loss and Lucha-style wrestling. This timely film also highlights the struggles of Muslim Americans and their relationship with the LGBTQA+ community. Presented by the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA), the film festival will show movies and short films from all over the world with one unifying theme: Being part of the LGBTQA+ community. Support the arts and make sure to get tickets for any of the films playing this week at the ICA, the Brattle Theatre, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Paramount Center.
8 – 10 p.m.; 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston; $26.
Friday, March 31
Room to Read and a belly full of beer sound like a good night to you? “Beers for Books” is hosted by the Harpoon Brewery and has teamed up with the nonprofit Room to Read to raise money and heighten spirits all for a good cause. Room to Read is a charity dedicated to raising the literacy rate around the world as well as shrink the education gap, encouraging girls to read and go to school. The organization seeks to make reading a habit of elementary school aged children no matter their gender or economic standing. Enjoy a beer tasting and participate in a silent auction. All of the proceeds from donations and the silent auction will go to Room to Read.
7 p.m.; 306 Northern Avenue, Boston; $20 suggested donation; 21+.
Saturday, April 1
So you think you can dance? Probably, but not as well as amazing hip-hop dancers from across the East Coast. In its 17th year, “Fusion Presents: Elements Dance Competition” will host more than 400 dancers, all competing for the grand prize of $1,000. In addition to watching the best hip-hop dancers in the east, participants can also sign up to take hip-hop workshops from world renowned dancers and instructors the day after the show. Tickets for the workshops will be sold the day of the competition so even if watching hip-hop isn’t your thing, make sure to stop by the show to sign up.
7 – 11 p.m.; 775 Commonwealth Ave., Boston; $20 in advance, $25 at the door, workshop prices vary.
Sunday, April 2
Oh, Canada! Besides maple syrup and a pleasant demeanor, Canada also has some great musical talents living just beyond our northern borders. In an event sponsored by the Boston Public Library (BPL), Canada/Boston Music Exchange is proud to present Trent Severn. They are an all-female Canadian trio, specializing in Canadian folk. Find out just what that means at the BPL in a special concert for any Bostonian to enjoy. If folk music isn’t included on your iTunes playlist, come to the BPL one day earlier and hear from Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner. She will be rocking along with Boston Music Award winner Will Dailey on Saturday, April 1.
2 – 3:30 p.m., 700 Boylston St., Boston; free.
Monday, April 3
Long before Pinocchio came to life, Shakespeare mastered the art of lying. Celebrate Shakespeare’s 400th birthday at “Easy as Lying: The Music of Shakespeare’s Globe.” Hosted by the BPL, this musical event honors Will and the bands he mentioned by name. Selections from Morley, Dowland and Robert Johnson will be played by a full band and sung by Julia Cavallaro. Also enjoy English country dances and live readings of excerpts from the plays that gained the Bard his fame. ‘‘Tis as easy as lying: Govern these ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music.”
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Codman Square Branch of the BPL, 690 Washington St., Boston; free.
Tuesday, April 4
Video may have killed the radio star, but it sure did not kill the radio station. Join WZBC radio as they present their annual spring concert. This year’s lineup includes artists like Sad13, Lina Tullgren and Gull Boy. The headliner, Sad13, is an indie pop singer, poet and guitarist. Lina Tullgren is a New England native and loves to perform up and down the East Coast. She sings alternative music with indie and pop influences. Gull Boy rounds out the lineup, performing one of their first shows with a set of 16 original songs. This event is 18+ to attend and 21+ to utilize the cash bar, so bring non-college identification to be admitted.
8 – 11 p.m.; 1222 Commonwealth Ave, Allston; $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Wednesday, April 5
Fashion week in Milan and Paris may be exciting, but the Right on Hue fashion show here at Northeastern has a catwalk to be reckoned with. Join the Fashion and Retail Society at their annual spring fashion show in the Curry Student Center Ballroom. This year’s collection features color as the main attraction, showing how feelings and color are intertwined and woven into the fabric of fashion we all love to wear. The show starts at 8 p.m., but make sure to come early and enjoy light appetizers and drinks. This time also allows for the audience to mingle with the amazing models and designers of the night. Tickets can be found on the myNEU portal.
