EVENTS
Long Now Boston
Long Now Boston is an organization about deep time - the far distant past and the deep future. We're interested in what might happen beyond the horizons of reasonable prediction and what might have happened in unrecorded pasts. We'll be getting together to talk about books, articles, podcasts, and other sorts of consumable media relating to these sorts of ideas.
You can learn more about Long Now Boston HERE
After-Hours Reading Party!
"I wish I had more time to read." -Everyone
Let's make some time to read at Cafe Zing! Maybe you've heard of these silent reading parties taking the country by storm. Everyone gathers in a cafe or brewery or bookstore and reads together for a set amount of time, followed by some bookish conversation and mingling. Bring a book or choose one from our shelves of used books if you're feeling adventurous. If you need a recomendation, we Camberville people are so lucky to have amazing booksellers at Porter Square Books, Narrative, All She Wrote, and Sidequest! Pop into one of those stores and leave with something great.
7:30-8:00 - Show up, grab a drink from the cafe (which will be open late for the reading party), and get comfy!
8:00-9pm - Read in mostly silence! We'll play some lowkey instrumental music to create a cozy vibe.
9-9:30pm- This segment is totally optional. Stick around and chat about what you read. We'll have some prompts to get the conversation started.
This is a free event, but we are offering a not-free ticket ($8) that includes a package deal: one cafe drink + one free book from our Zing shelves + entry into a raffle for a mystery goodie bag!
You can simply show up, but we appreciate RSVPs because it helps us know how many people to expect. RSVP HERE or Venmo @cafe-zing $8 with “reading party” in the description to reserve your spot.
Board Game Night!
Back by popular demand!! We’ll have a few games available, but feel free to bring your favorite game to play with friends and strangers. From Candyland to Gloomhaven, all levels of complexity are welcome. Rumor has it some of your favorite baristas will be there playing Dutch Blitz :p
RSVP here!
ps - be sure to get yourself a drink or a treat from the cafe! :D
Mahjong Night!
Come over and play Mahjong with friends and strangers! Beginners and seasoned players are equally welcome. We'll have a friend providing two Mahjong sets and instruction in Hong Kong style mahjong for those who have never played.
RSVP here! RSVPs are optional but they help us get a sense of how much space to reserve.
This is a free event, but we'd love if you grabbed a little drink or treat from the cafe!
LIVE MUSIC: Marina
Marina is a singer and guitarist based here in Somerville. She’ll be performing an acoustic set with a mix of singer-songwriter, folk, and indie songs.
Come over and enjoy some music and a nice drink or treat from zing!
BYO CRAFT NIGHT
our monthly bring your own craft night at cafe zing!
Come draw, sew, knit, sculpt, collage, or even do some metalwork with friends!
PS cafe zing! has a 1 drink (or treat) minimum :)
Chess Night!
Chess Night is officially every 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
sign up here
bring your friends, and bring your own chess set & clock if you have one :)
p.s. Be sure to get yourself a drink or a tasty treat from Cafe Zing! :P
LIVE MUSIC: First Light
FIRST LIGHT playing LIVE MUSIC at cafe zing!
“a guitar, violin and bass trio playing a unique blend of original instrumental jazz and jazz-adjacent music”
cost: come on in and grab a treat or a drink from cafe zing!
you can listen to First Light here
LIVE MUSIC: Molly Pinto Madigan Trio
Join us on Friday, August 8th to enjoy music by Salem-based folk artist Molly Pinto Madigan on vocals, guitar and Colby Sherwin of Elm Street Trio on drums, and Bill Sullivan on bass!
“Molly is blessed with one of those pure, sweet mountain voices combined with a completely unaffected singing style. We will undoubtedly be hearing a lot more from her in the near future.”
-George Emlen, Music Director, Revels
cost: get yourself a drink or treat from cafe zing!
LIVE MUSIC: Jeff Gordon
Join us for Jeff Gordon covering some classic folk and rock songs such as I Feel Fine and Proud Mary. Jeff has played at Bentley and Northeastern Universities, Club Passim and for Musicians On Call.
Enjoy some music and a drink or a sweet treat from zing!
Intergenerational Lesbian Coffee Shop
Lesbos is aiming to create more integenerational spaces for lesbians in Boston! All ages are welcome to come sit, listen, and chat.
This coffee shop is featuring conversation with Rochelle G. Ruthchild, executive producer of "Left on Pearl" as well as other participants from the 888 Memorial Drive takeover.
It's sure to be a cozy evening, Cafe Zing will be open with a limited late-night menu: Iced chais, matchas, teas, and hot coffee!
Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP!
MUSICAL OPEN MIC NIGHT
bring your kazoos
all instruments, all styles, all levels
sign-up 5:30 – whenever we get full
and we’ll end with an open jam
questions? dan 508.564.2254
LIVE MUSIC: Lewis West
No genre is off-limits for Lewis West. His career as an artist has spanned more than three decades ranging from gospel to funk and jazz, with a mix of pop, rhythm & blues and a little bit of country mixed in. He's earned admiration from his peers as one of the funkiest R&B guitar players in the world. Lewis has performed and co-written songs with the great soul singer Wilson Pickett and has traveled around the world, performing with artists such as Solomon Burke, Maxine Brown and William Bell.
He can be heard on the rhythm tracks and holds producer credits for Pop artists New Kids on the Block, New Edition and Tommy Page. He includes labels such as Zakia Records, Sugar Hill Records, Tommy Boy Records, BeePee Records, Fresh Beat Records, West Coach Records and Rullet Records in his repertoire. His studio work includes Mission Control Studios and Michael Junzon and Unique Studios in New York City.
Come grab a drink or a treat at Zing! and enjoy the music of Lewis West!
LIVE MUSIC: Ruth Rappaport!
Folk music at Cafe Zing! with guitarist and vocalist Ruth Rappaport!
Come enjoy some sweet tunes and be sure to grab a drink or treat from cafe zing :)
Chess Night!
Chess Night is officially every 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
bring your friends, and bring your own chess set & clock if you have one :)
You can check our Eventbrite to RSVP
p.s. Be sure to get yourself a drink or a tasty treat from Cafe Zing! :P
Board Game Night!
Back by popular demand!! We’ll have a few games available, but feel free to bring your favorite game to play with friends and strangers. From Candyland to Gloomhaven, all levels of complexity are welcome. Rumor has it some of your favorite baristas will be there playing Dutch Blitz :p
RSVP here!
ps - be sure to get yourself a drink or a treat from the cafe! :D
City Council Candidate Forum
Join us on the Zing patio to meet candidates for Cambridge City Council! Bring your friends and family to meet the candidates for CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL! Listen to their speeches, ask them questions, and be part of shaping our city’s future!
LIVE MUSIC: Janet Connerney
Join us for an acoustic set by local singer songwriter, Janet Connerney! Janet is a folk rock musician who plays original music as well as covers. She’s played at Club Passim, The Burren, Sally, O’Brien’s, and more!
Mahjong Night!
Come over and play Mahjong with friends and strangers! Beginners and seasoned players are equally welcome. We'll have a friend providing two Mahjong sets and instruction in Hong Kong style mahjong for those who have never played.
RSVP here! RSVPs are optional but they help us get a sense of how much space to reserve.
This is a free event, but we'd love if you grabbed a little drink or treat from the cafe!
BYO CRAFT NIGHT
our monthly bring your own craft night at cafe zing!
Come draw, sew, knit, sculpt, collage, or even do some metalwork with friends!
PS cafe zing! has a 1 drink (or treat) minimum :)
LIVE MUSIC: Leon Rich
LIVE MUSIC at cafe zing! come listen to Leon Rich! Leon is a guitarist who plays easygoing covers. Expects some Beatles, some Simon and Garfunkel, and more!
ps. cafe zing! has a 1-drink minimum :P
GBH News Office Hours
GBH News Office Hours
GBH News, Boston’s NPR/PBS station, is holding open office hours at Café Zing on the second Thursday of the month starting in September. Come and meet GBH News reporter Meghan Smith to share what’s newsworthy in your community, what’s on your mind, or drop by just to say hello!
Chess Night!
Chess Night is officially every 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
bring your friends, and bring your own chess set & clock if you have one :)
You can check our Eventbrite to RSVP
p.s. Be sure to get yourself a drink or a tasty treat from Cafe Zing! :P
Board Game Night!
Back by popular demand!! We’ll have a few games available, but feel free to bring your favorite game to play with friends and strangers. From Candyland to Gloomhaven, all levels of complexity are welcome. Rumor has it some of your favorite baristas will be there plating Dutch Blitz :p
RSVP here!
ps - be sure to get yourself a drink or a treat from the cafe! :D
LIVE MUSIC: Marzipan!
Marzipan fuses pop, bossa, and jazz to form a unique sound. Come hear them play a mix of originals, covers, and improvisations!
Marina Mancoridis - Vocals
Andrew Wei - Alto Saxophone
Zack Berger - Piano
Zach Lowenstein - Bass
Colby Sherwin - Drums
Cost: grab a little drink from Zing!
Banners Project!
Come join the Banners Project from 5-7! Just show up and help sew a part of a banner with fellow community members. No expertise required!
Cambridge Wildlife Arts launched the Banners Project in April 2025. They’re bring sewing circles to libraries, parks, and neighborhoods, where anyone, even beginners, can cut, embroider, or sew to contribute to this collaborative art project.
These specific banners will be for the Honk! Parade in Somerville
ps: grab a drink or treat from Zing to give you the focus and energy you need to get crafty ;)
2030 Climate Strategy Lab
Cafe Zing is happy to host Climate Strategy Lab, a collaborative and educational game.
SIGN UP HERE - 14 spots available
A hands-on, gamified strategy sprint for sustainability and ESG leaders. Leave with actionable steps to future-proof your organization for 2030.
Guided by a trained facilitator, you'll work in a small group to co-create a giant collage based on IPCC reports. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and a desire to take action.
Who Should Attend
- Sustainability and ESG professionals (corporate, nonprofit, and academic).
- Business strategists and managers seeking competitive advantage through climate action.
- Change agents looking to engage their colleagues and accelerate their organization’s climate journey.
Key Takeaways
- A fresh perspective on how climate risk can drive innovation and market advantage.
- A draft strategy framework ready to refine and pitch internally.
- New connections with sustainability leaders in the Boston area.
LIVE MUSIC: First Light
FIRST LIGHT playing LIVE MUSIC at cafe zing!
“a guitar, violin and bass trio playing a unique blend of original instrumental jazz and jazz-adjacent music”
cost: come on in and grab a treat or a drink from cafe zing!
you can listen to First Light here
Chess Night!
Chess Night is officially every 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
bring your friends, and bring your own chess set & clock if you have one :)
You can check our Eventbrite to RSVP
p.s. Be sure to get yourself a drink or a tasty treat from Cafe Zing! :P
Board Game Night!
Back by popular demand!! We’ll have a few games available, but feel free to bring your favorite game to play with friends and strangers. From Candyland to Gloomhaven, all levels of complexity are welcome. Rumor has it some of your favorite baristas will be there plating Dutch Blitz :p
RSVP here!
ps - be sure to get yourself a drink or a treat from the cafe! :D
LIVE MUSIC: Lewis West
No genre is off-limits for Lewis West. His career as an artist has spanned more than three decades ranging from gospel to funk and jazz, with a mix of pop, rhythm & blues and a little bit of country mixed in. He's earned admiration from his peers as one of the funkiest R&B guitar players in the world. Lewis has performed and co-written songs with the great soul singer Wilson Pickett and has traveled around the world, performing with artists such as Solomon Burke, Maxine Brown and William Bell.
He can be heard on the rhythm tracks and holds producer credits for Pop artists New Kids on the Block, New Edition and Tommy Page. He includes labels such as Zakia Records, Sugar Hill Records, Tommy Boy Records, BeePee Records, Fresh Beat Records, West Coach Records and Rullet Records in his repertoire. His studio work includes Mission Control Studios and Michael Junzon and Unique Studios in New York City.
Come grab a drink or a treat at Zing! and enjoy the music of Lewis West!
LIVE MUSIC: Paul Barringer
Paul Barringer on keys at cafe zing!! Joined by renowned bassist John Lockwood!
ps. cafe zing! has a 1 drink minimum :P
GBH News Office Hours
GBH News Office Hours
GBH News, Boston’s NPR/PBS station, is holding open office hours at Café Zing on the second Thursday of the month starting in September. Come and meet GBH News reporter Meghan Smith to share what’s newsworthy in your community, what’s on your mind, or drop by just to say hello!
LIVE MUSIC: Lars Wicklund
Join us on Thursday for live music by Lars Wicklund!
Lars Wicklund is a Singer/songwriter and musician from Medford Mass. Drawing influences from the Airborne Toxic Event, John Lennon Tom Petty and the Avett brothers Lars' songs carry a heartfelt messages of unity, peace, positivity and perseverance.
Come grab a drink or a treat from the cafe and enjoy some tunes :)
Chess Night!
Chess Night is officially every 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
bring your friends, and bring your own chess set & clock if you have one :)
RSVP HERE or just show up :)
p.s. Be sure to get yourself a drink or a tasty treat from Cafe Zing! :P
BYO CRAFT NIGHT
our monthly bring your own craft night at cafe zing!
Come draw, sew, knit, sculpt, collage, or even do some metalwork with friends!
PS cafe zing! has a 1 drink (or treat) minimum :)
LIVE MUSIC: Janet Connerney
Join us for an acoustic set by local singer songwriter, Janet Connerney! Janet is a folk rock musician who plays original music as well as covers. She’s played at Club Passim, The Burren, Sally, O’Brien’s, and more!
Board Game Night!
Back by popular demand!! We’ll have a few games available, but feel free to bring your favorite game to play with friends and strangers. From Candyland to Gloomhaven, all levels of complexity are welcome. Rumor has it some of your favorite baristas will be there plating Dutch Blitz :p
RSVP here!
ps - be sure to get yourself a drink or a treat from the cafe! :D
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