Passim and Arrow Street Arts Partner For New Concert Series
Passim Presents at Arrow Street Arts Will Launch in February
(Cambridge, MA) There will soon be even more music in the City of Squares thanks to a new partnership between two independent Cambridge arts organizations. Passim Presents at Arrow Street Arts joins the legendary music listening room Club Passim and the new state-of-the-art venue Arrow Street Arts for a series of concerts bringing folk music to a wider audience. The series will kick off on February 25 with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke. Other shows announced include Mark Erelli (album release) on March 21, Mary Gauthier on April 23, and a celebration of Passim’s Matt Smith on May 12, marking his 30 years at the institution. Tickets are on sale now at arrowstarts.org.
“We are thrilled to launch Passim Presents at Arrow Street Arts in partnership with another visionary nonprofit that believes deeply in artists and community,” said Michael Busack, Executive Director of Passim. “For more than six decades—from Club 47 to Passim today—our mission has been to create exceptional, intimate musical experiences that foster meaningful connections between artists and audiences. This partnership allows us to carry that tradition forward in an exciting new way.”
“Passim is a legendary venue, not just because of what happens on stage, but because of the organization’s tireless work to build a nurturing community for artists,” David Altshuler, founder Arrow Street Arts. “We are honored to partner with them and provide the next stepping stone for talented musicians who are shaping the folk music scene.”
Passim Present at Arrow Street Arts Includes:
An Evening with Jonatha Brooke (Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM)
Acclaimed folk-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonatha Brooke seamlessly blends folk, pop, and rock with poignant, heartfelt lyrics. She got her start in the late 80s before joining the duo The Story and continuing on as a prolific solo artist with critically lauded albums and a one-woman musical, My Mother Has Four Noses. She’s also a successful co-writer and producer for other artists, a teacher, and a composer for TV/film, recognized for her emotional depth, musical sophistication, and enduring independent spirit.
Mark Erelli: Spring Green Album Release (Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM)
Mark Erelli is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana. His music is known for its depth and intricate instrumentation, drawing influence from classic rock icons. Mark has collaborated with artists including Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, and Anaïs Mitchell; opened for the likes of Marc Cohn, Watchhouse, Josh Ritter, and many others; released fourteen solo albums and three albums with his bluegrass band Barnstar!; and produced two records for GRAMMY-winning artist Lori McKenna.
Mary Gauthier with special guests Rachel Sumner and Traveling Light (Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM)
Grammy-nominated American folk singer-songwriter and author Mary Gauthier began writing songs at age 35. Despite the relatively late start, she has had a profound impact on the singer- songwriter community, releasing 11 albums in 25 years, including 2018’s Rifles and Rosary Beads, which was nominated for the Best Folk Album Grammy. Mary’s songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Boy George, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Bettye LaVette, Mike Farris, Kathy Mattea, Bobby Bare, Amy Helm, and Candi Staton, and have appeared extensively in Film and Television, most recently on HBO TV’s Yellowstone.
Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light are a Boston-based string band making music that blends folk tradition with feminist storytelling, poetic detail, and just enough grit. At the center is Sumner’s songwriting—rooted in history, myth, and personal reckoning—carried by close harmonies, upright bass, acoustic guitar, and fiddle. The trio features Kat Wallace on fiddle and vocals and Mike Siegel on upright bass and vocals, whose playing brings both tension and tenderness to the sound.
30th Anniversary Celebration of Matt Smith hosted by Rose Cousins (Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM)
Singer-Songwriter Rose Cousins is enlisting a bevy of talented friends to honor a man who has helped cement Passim’s legacy as a pre-eminent folk music listening room. Matt Smith started volunteering at Passim 30 years ago. He’s now the Managing Director and has helped launch countless careers through his dedication, unstoppable hard work, and passion for all things music and musicians. Guests can expect plenty of guest appearances and hilarious stories during this special night.
About Passim
The mission of Passim is to provide truly exceptional and interactive live musical experiences for both performers and audiences, to nurture artists at all stages of their careers, and to build a vibrant, inclusive music community. Passim does so through its legendary listening venue, music school, artist grants, and community programs. As a nonprofit since 1994, Passim carries on the heritage of its predecessors- the historic Club 47 (1958-1968) and the for-profit Passim (1969-1994). We cultivate a diverse mix of musical traditions, emphasizing the relationship between performers and audience and teachers and students. Located in Harvard Square, Passim serves Cambridge and the broader region by featuring local, national, and international artists. Our ultimate goal is to help the performance arts flourish and thereby enrich the lives of members of our community. For a complete schedule, visit www.passim.org.
About Arrow Street Arts
This unique and one of a kind venue has the belief that the arts create community and community creates belonging, Arrow Street Arts offers accessible, multi-arts spaces and production opportunities to artists and organizations who gather, engage, and connect their communities through the transformative powers of live, in-person performances. For more information visit www.arrowstarts.org