Are independent bookstores the answer to disappearing music venues?

Posted on April 8, 2019 by Miranda • 448 Comments

As music venues across the city are disappearing, Porter Square Books and Miranda’s Hearth are teaming up to offer something new. The Hearth Concert Series @ Porter Square Books After Hours places local musicians among the bookshelves to serenade listeners while they browse.

Two upcoming concerts pair local musicians with independent books after the bookstore has closed. Guitarists R.D. King and Scott Card will fill the store with their virtuoso guitar on Saturday, April 13 from 8:00-10:00 pm. Combining the visceral expressive power of jazz with the conceptual precision of classical music, along with the relatable idioms of folk and pop, Scott is finding his own musical voice that has been described by his audiences as “incredible”, “intense”, and “the real thing.” R.D. King is a Boston-based human, composer, and acoustic guitar extraordinaire.

For those who fall in love with these two guitarists at Porter Square Books, they’ll be playing again two weeks later! On Sunday, April 28 from 7:00-9:30 pm, R.D. King and Scott Card will play during the monthly Waltz. Art. & Music. Night hosted by Miranda’s Hearth at The Democracy Center in Harvard Square.

Then, on Saturday, May 4 from 8:00-10:00 pm, Amy Kucharik and Friends with Benefits be among the shelves. Drawing from blues, folk and Vaudeville traditions and with a street-smart stagecraft honed in the subways of Boston, Amy transports her audience to a place both timeless and familiar, but nevertheless innovative. Following this concert, Miranda’s Hearth will run a community jam session at Amy Kucharik’s Somerlele: Somerville Ukulele Festival from 12:00-4:30 on Sunday, May 5 at Arts at the Armory.

After the incredible growth of independent bookstores in the face of the “retail apocalypse” from 2009-2015, it has become evident that these small, local businesses are offering something vital to our communities. The sense of community, connection, and local pride nurtured at independent bookstores make it a no-brainer to bring in local musicians for after hours concerts.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Books will be available at the event, so make your shopping list before you come and enjoy the opportunity to browse the shelves without the crowds. Add a donation to your ticket to support the Hearth mission of building community through creativity that is approachable, affordable, and accessible!

Buy tickets to the April 13th Concert!

Buy tickets to the May 4th Concert!

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Are independent bookstores the answer to disappearing music venues?

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