EVENTS
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 :)
Songwriters in the Round
Looking forward to our next Songwriters in the Round at Café Zing in Porter Square. Won’t you join us? We are welcoming three (count’ em, three!) new artists for your musical delectation on October 7. Here’s what’s on offer:
Steve Rodgers tours extensively from his home base in Connecticut. If you enjoy the gentle, soulful voice of early 1970s Cat Stevens, you’ll love Steve’s performance. Jake Edmister is another newcomer to our stage. His Noah Kahan-style high spirits and insouciance are hard to resist. And then we have Jim Buni who performs in a naturalistic, organic style that evokes the mystery of Neil Young. David Thorne Scott will perform songs from his grab-bag of rock, folk and jazz styles from the piano while acting as host.
Where: The show will be held “after hours” at the new and improved Café Zing in Porter Square.
When: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (the café will be closed for cleaning and staff turnover from 7:00 - 7:30)
Food and bev: They will have all their amazing teas and coffees (and decafs!) in addition to their Iggy’s sandwiches and their legendary Vietnamese rolls. One roll is a snack. 3 is a meal! https://www.cafezingcambridge.com/menu
Songwriters in the Round
Wednesday November 7, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Café Zing
Porter Square Shopping Center
25 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
https://www.cafezingcambridge.com/
free (but you may wish to donate $10-$20 for the performers)
Songwriters in the Round is a warm, welcoming event where people can enjoy food and drink as well as chance meetings and conversation. But everyone becomes quiet when four songwriters take the stage to take turns playing songs, occasionally joining each other on harmony vocals or guitar licks. In between songs, the audience listens while the performers discuss music and life in general. “I was inspired by the ‘guitar pulls’ of the Bluebird Café in Nashville,” host David Thorne Scott says, “but with a wider variety. There is folk and country, but also rock, R&B, soul, jazz, and musical theater.”
Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
We perform at different venues — don’t miss out! Sign up for the email list at http://eepurl.com/c2gNWf for the latest communication.
You might hear a young up-and-coming pro, an established mid-career performer and mentor, and a cherished elder of the scene -- all sharing music. The growing relationships will warm your heart and enrich your soul. Come every week as the lineup shifts and new friends are made.
All ages welcome.
Our songwriters this week
Steve Rodgers is a nationally recognized songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist whose work has shaped and supported the independent music scene for more than three decades. Steve’s songs are shaped by faith, hope, and a whole lot of lived experience. He sees music as something meant to bring people together, and he welcomes connection. From his base in Connecticut, Steve has built a three decade career in performance, recording, and community building. His music blends textured, introspective Americana with roots in folk, country, and vintage sound, creating performances that are thoughtful and personal. “His music is pure magic.” — Ralph Beauchamp, AMP magazine https://stephenpeterrodgers.com/home
Jim Buni grew up in Greater Boston, immersed in AM and FM radio and his family’s folk, jazz, classical, and rock records. A self-taught songwriter and musician, he entered Boston’s vibrant music scene in the late ’80s. He holds degrees in English and American Studies, with interests spanning poetry, evolutionary biology, science, and popular culture. Jim has shared stages with Uncle Tupelo, John Doe, and Josh Ritter. His band buttercup earned MOJO’s Americana Album of the Month in 1999. Currently, he records and performs original songs with a trio called nature machine. The group has been developing for six years and has a catalog of 50 original songs. Their sound could be described as tranquil, minimal, spacious, and harmony-forward. Their lyrics address a wide range of everyday human concerns in a direct but poetic manner. https://www.naturemachinemusicpublishingcompany.com
Jake Edmister is a queer singer-songwriter with a soft spot for introspection, emotional honesty, and incredible hair days. His music blends folk, pop, and country influences with a playful, rough-and-tumble fingerpicking style, that pieces together songs about queerness, growing through difficult experiences, and finding strength in the aftermath. These are tunes that linger, reflect, and sometimes belt out the truth- especially when it's a bit messy (ope!) http://jakeedmister.com/
Your host, David Thorne Scott, is a singer and songwriter in jazz and Americana styles. He mostly plays piano. A longtime resident of Somerville, he organized Songwriters in the Round to foster a creative, dynamic music scene here. He believes that music can bring a community together like nothing else. “At a time of great conflict in our country – when words often fail us – music has the power to bridge divides... David Thorne Scott explores the intersection of Jazz and Americana, city and country, instrumentation and lyrics to create lush compositions and covers that are unifying, and healing, in their beauty.” - Laurie Fanell, Eponymous Review www.davidthornescott.com
Pottery With a Purpose: Pottery Workshop
Hosted by Pottery with a Purpose
Love coffee? Love getting creative? This beginner-friendly pottery workshop blends both. Dive into hand-building pottery your own one-of-a-kind ceramic coffee mugs, tea cups, or espresso cups. With step-by-step guidance from an expert Pottery with a Purpose host, you’ll learn pottery basics, how to create and decorate ceramic mugs, and how to add handles and surface designs that make each piece uniquely yours.
You’ll make 1–2 mugs, tea cups or espresso cups that we’ll professionally fire and glaze so they’re food-safe and waterproof — perfect for your favorite cozy-weather drink. Plus, enjoy a complimentary drink from Cafe Zing!'s beverage menu to sip on while you sculpt!
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: Art Grossman
Growing up in the late 50’s and 60’s, Art was greatly influenced by the folk music revolution. I was attracted to the simplicity of these performers using only their voices and acoustic guitars to tell their collective stories through their songs. Among my favorites are Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Don McLean, John Prine, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver and Tom Paxton. I also admire artists of the 50’s like the Everly Brothers and the Kingston Trio as well as lesser known local talents such as Bill Staines and David Mallett.
LIVE MUSIC: Just Friends
Marina, Zach, and Colby are three Somerville-based musicians who play a variety of genres (jazz, singer-songwriter, soul) and are excited to play an acoustic set at the lovely Cafe Zing!
Cost: get yourself a drink or treat from Cafe zinG!
LIVE MUSIC: Paul Barringer and John Lockwood
Paul Barringer on keys at cafe zing!! Joined by renowned bassist John Lockwood!
ps. cafe zing! has a 1 drink minimum :P
Bi and Pan Speed Dating
Bi & Pan Speed-Dating (Monogamous, 27-40): Friday, September 25, 2026, 8 pm - 10 pm
Terrified of talking to that cutie at the cafe because what if they're busy/ taken/ somehow not queer despite living in Somerville!?
Come meet other bi and pan folks in your age range who are open to a monogamous relationship at a low-pressure speed-dating event where you know everybody is down to chat!
We'll use question cards that go a little deeper so that you're not talking about your job seven times in a row (but not so deep that anybody's trauma-dumping all over ya).
We tend to sell out in advance--tickets here: https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/bi-pan-speed-dating-monogamous-27-40-friday-september-25-2026
Mahjong Night!
New date alert! Mahjong Night is now the FOURTH Wednesday of every month. We hope to see you there anyway :)
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.
If you have your own set, please bring it! We have a couple of sets, but lots of people show up to this event. :)
RSVP here! RSVPs are optional but they help us get a sense of how much space to reserve.
Free! Just be sure to get a little something from Cafe Zing!
Writing Workshop: What is a story, really?
We all know what “story” means, right?
I mean, they say storytelling is an innate human skill, our oldest method of learning and communicating. So we all what it is and how to do it, right?
Yes, and...
“Story” has become such a buzzword that’s used so generally in so many contexts, it’s no wonder even confidant storytellers scratch their heads about what story is these days! This workshop offers a simple, accessible way to talk about story – what it is, what it’s made of – and how to use these building blocks to craft new stories or remix old ones.
Whether you’re looking for an intro to story, a refresher, or some structure and inspiration to apply to your own stories, come play with us!
Monday September 21st, 5:30-7pm | Sliding scale $15-25, reach out if cost is a barrier!
This workshop is part of the STORY CLASS series, brought to you by your local Story Circus Facilitated by Olivia Powell, founder of The Story Circus, experience designer, published author, & member of Columbia’s Digital Storytelling Lab.
Songwriters in the Round
Songwriters in the Round is a warm, welcoming event where people can enjoy food and drink as well as chance meetings and conversation. But everyone becomes quiet when four songwriters take the stage to take turns playing songs, occasionally joining each other on harmony vocals or guitar licks. In between songs, the audience listens while the performers discuss music and life in general. “I was inspired by the ‘guitar pulls’ of the Bluebird Café in Nashville,” host David Thorne Scott says, “but with a wider variety. There is folk and country, but also rock, R&B, soul, jazz, and musical theater.”
Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
We perform at different venues — don’t miss out! Sign up for the email list at http://eepurl.com/c2gNWf for the latest communication.
You might hear a young up-and-coming pro, an established mid-career performer and mentor, and a cherished elder of the scene -- all sharing music. The growing relationships will warm your heart and enrich your soul. Come every week as the lineup shifts and new friends are made.
All ages welcome.
Our songwriters this week
Born and raised in Boston but now based in NYC, Talia Rose combines intricate guitar accompaniment and a complex understanding of harmony with carefully crafted, deeply personal lyrics. Talia's songs reflect elements of the music she grew up with; from the melodic sensibilities of Imogen Heap, to the vulnerability of Adrianne Lenker, to the guitar stylings of Michael Hedges. Also an accomplished Jazz musician, Talia holds a Masters of Music from the New England Conservatory. Talia’s diverse career has included shows as a solo artist and sideman at venues including Club Passim (Boston), The Blue Note (NYC), Duc Des Lombards (Paris), The Kofferfabrik (Nuremberg), and at the Belize International Jazz Festival. She has played alongside artists including Lindsay Foote, Naomi Westwater, Chris Walton, Heather Scott, Corey Hales, Ryan Peete, and Grammy Award Winning actress Milly Shapiro. https://www.taliarosemusic.com/
Dakota Rose, originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, but now based in Nashville, crafts a bluegrass sound that is both fresh and nostalgic. Her time studying at Berklee College of Music is bookmarked by her debut EP Spirits. Driving instrumentals and steady, soaring melodies tell stories of heartache and hope on this record. Spirits features a collection of music that Dakota hopes will inspire audiences to delve deeper into the journey of self and, in doing so, better understand the world they exist within. Raw vocals pair with thoughtful musicianship, immersing the audience in each song’s story. She tours with her band All She Wrote and continues to expand the horizons of her writing and performing. https://www.instagram.com/musicdakotarose/
Halley Elwell is a singer-songwriter whose evocative music blends elements of jazz, folk, pop and rock, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Laura Nyro, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell. Known for her rich voice and insightful lyrics, Elwell's music has been featured on radio stations across Maine and Massachusetts and recognized by ASCAP and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Following the success of her 2021 EP, The Last of What I Know, she teamed up again with producer/drummer Dave Brophy for the Spontaneous Mutation project, which was awarded a Creator Fund 2024 grant by NewMusicUSA. https://www.halswellmusic.com/
Derek Rando is a Massachusetts-based songwriter and front man of the band, Tenderhoof. The music is introspective and has the dark shaking hands with the optimistic...partly sunny with a promise of rain. bluetomorrowmusic.com https://instagram.com/derekrando
Chess Night
Chess Night is officially every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
sign up here … or just show up!
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
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 :)
Songwriters in the Round (After-hours event)
We have an all-star lineup to welcome you to the fall. David’s guests for September 2nd are faculty members from the Berklee Songwriting Department.
https://college.berklee.edu/songwriting
We welcome for the first time the “achingly soulful” Chris Walton, with his blend of jazz, rock, R&B, and soul. Professor Emeritus Mark Simos, who literally wrote the book on songwriting, brings an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional roots genres to bear on his art. And Lindsay Foote is the reigning Grand Prize Winner at the NewSong Performance & Songwriting Competition. Hosting and playing piano is David Thorne Scott, with his blend of jazz and Americana.
Note: new location! Both September shows will be held after hours at the new and improved Café Zing in Porter Square.
Note: new time! 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Book Swap!
RESCHEDULED! Originally on Weds, the 5th, now on Tues, the 4th.
Love books? Want to meet new people? Come to the book swap!
Bring a book (or two! or three!) you’ve read or board game you’ve played to the swap and leave it with a stranger. Leave with your new favorite title! We’ll sit at the big table, answer some bookish ice breakers, and then swap books.
Cost: grab a drink or treat from Cafe Zing!
LIVE MUSIC: aka RAT
aka RAT (she/they) is a house DJ based in Boston. She draws on her love for RnB and mixes disco house, groovy house, and ambient house.
Join us at Zing for an ambient/lounge mix by aka RAT!
cost: please grab a drink or treat from Zing :p
LIVE MUSIC: Art Grossman
Growing up in the late 50’s and 60’s, Art was greatly influenced by the folk music revolution. I was attracted to the simplicity of these performers using only their voices and acoustic guitars to tell their collective stories through their songs. Among my favorites are Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Don McLean, John Prine, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver and Tom Paxton. I also admire artists of the 50’s like the Everly Brothers and the Kingston Trio as well as lesser known local talents such as Bill Staines and David Mallett.
Book Swap!
RESCHEDULED! Originally on Weds, the 5th, now on Tues, the 4th.
Love books? Want to meet new people? Come to the book swap!
Bring a book (or two! or three!) you’ve read or board game you’ve played to the swap and leave it with a stranger. Leave with your new favorite title! We’ll sit at the big table, answer some bookish ice breakers, and then swap books.
Cost: grab a drink or treat from Cafe Zing!
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
Writing Workshop
What are the stories that we need right now?
In this workshop, let’s write them together, for ourselves and for each other. We’ll start by reflecting on what previous workshop participants have shared and exploring the stories that are calling to us now. Then, we’ll write together, supported by check-ins, optional sharing, and imaginative prompts.
Fiction, fantasy, fairy tales, myths, and science fiction storytellers are highly encouraged, but all genres are welcome.
Sign up here to let us know you’re coming!: https://thestorycircus.com/imaginarium.html?workshop=1
Free and open to all. Donations ($5-20 suggested) appreciated to support this continued offering.
Facilitated by Olivia Powell, Somerville resident, writer, artist and steward of The Story Circus.
Chess Night
Chess Night is officially every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
sign up here … or just show up!
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
Dream a Better World Collective
Talk to other people who are coping with the state of the world and explore what you can do about it yourself through art, writing, and friendly discussion.
Discussions and art topics will be run by a local musician, poet, activist, and therapist. Materials will be provided.
15-30 dollar suggested donation, but NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS.
Be sure to grab a drink or treat from Zing!
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 :)
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.
If you have your own set, please bring it! We have a couple of sets, but lots of people show up to this event. :)
RSVP here! RSVPs are optional but they help us get a sense of how much space to reserve.
Free! Just be sure to get a little something from Cafe Zing!
Boston Color and Collage!
Color & Collage Night at Zing!
Looking for a relaxing way to spend your Monday evening?
Join Color & Unwind for a beginner friendly collage night where you'll create your own framed collage using a curated collection of textured papers, stickers, and other fun creative materials!
No artistic experience is needed, and all supplies are provided.
Grab a coffee, tea, or treat from Zing, settle in, and enjoy an evening of creativity in a welcoming, low pressure atmosphere.
LIVE MUSIC: Yani Batteau
Yani Batteau is Americana Soul.
Her roots run deep encompassing the sounds and lore found in her history of the hill in Kentucky. Where people live in the holler and drink moonshine.
Yani plays the open back banjo claw hammer style with a unique picking stretching the “traditional “ sound.
Her rustic voice and clear delivery is matched with her original songs. She will take you on a journey of love, redemption, and the everyday experiences that we all share.
Cost: be sure to get a lil something from zing! :p
Chess Night
Chess Night is officially every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
sign up here … or just show up!
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: FM Collective
Live Latin fusion performed by FM Collective! FM Collective is a Boston-based live band blending Latin rhythms, hip-hop, and jazz.
You can check them out on Instagram!
Cost: grab a drink from Zing!
LIVE MUSIC: Sophie and Kai (Zing's very own!)
We are psyched to welcome very special musical duo, Sophie Adams (violin) and Kai McGinn (viola).
There’s nothing like two 20-somethings bonding over the nostalgia and trauma of Suzuki classical training.
Join Sophie and Kai reminisce the memories with a great hodgepodge of music stuff from Bach to Bonnie, Ireland to Japan!
cost: be sure to grab a drink or treat from Zing :p
Pottery With a Purpose: Pottery Workshop
Hosted by Pottery with a Purpose
Love coffee? Love getting creative? This beginner-friendly pottery workshop blends both. Dive into hand-building pottery your own one-of-a-kind ceramic coffee mugs, tea cups, or espresso cups. With step-by-step guidance from an expert Pottery with a Purpose host, you’ll learn pottery basics, how to create and decorate ceramic mugs, and how to add handles and surface designs that make each piece uniquely yours.
You’ll make 1–2 mugs, tea cups or espresso cups that we’ll professionally fire and glaze so they’re food-safe and waterproof — perfect for your favorite cozy-weather drink. Plus, enjoy a complimentary drink from Cafe Zing!'s beverage menu to sip on while you sculpt!
Clothing Swap!
TAG FRIENDS: Guysss. Listen up. We're hosting our most special event yet! Join us on a magical Thursday night to swap clothes (unlimited) and then upcycle them with new friends. There will be stamps, patches, fabric markers, and more. Think brand new, second-hand jean jacket with some handcrafted spice. This event is going to be very special. Not only will you leave with tons of new clothes, but you'll leave with some new, special, artsy friends. Also, you can enjoy the most delicious cafe drinks and pastries at the very special Zing Cafe. COME COME COME. You're not gonna want to miss this. See you soon, TAG friends.
XOXO, TAG Team
Be sure to grab a drink or treat from Zing!
Chess Night
Chess Night is officially every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Zing! (not a tournament, just a chess night)
sign up here … or just show up!
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
Community Mental Health Q&A
Have questions about mental health, therapy, psychiatry, medications, finding care, or navigating the healthcare system? Stop by for a free, informal community conversation with Dr. Nadia Yang, a local psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Topics may include:
- Understanding common mental health conditions
- Therapy vs. psychiatry
- Psychiatric medications and treatment options
- Finding mental health care in Massachusetts
- Navigating insurance and healthcare costs
- Alternative care models and approaches to mental healthcare
- General questions about emotional wellness and mental health
This is an educational community event intended to provide information, answer general questions, and better understand local mental healthcare needs. An anonymous Massachusetts Mental Health Survey will also be available for those interested in sharing their experiences. No registration is required. Drop in anytime.
Dream a Better World Collective
Talk to other people who are coping with the state of the world and explore what you can do about it yourself through art, writing, and friendly discussion.
Discussions and art topics will be run by a local musician, poet, activist, and therapist. Materials will be provided.
15-30 dollar suggested donation, but NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS.
Be sure to grab a drink or treat from Zing!
LIVE MUSIC: Russell & Nair
A mix of jazzy pop and Bollywood songs
COst: grab a drink or a little treat from Zing!
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.
If you have your own set, please bring it! We have a couple of sets, but lots of people show up to this event. :)
RSVP here! RSVPs are optional but they help us get a sense of how much space to reserve.
Free! Just be sure to get a little something from Cafe Zing!
Book Swap!
Love books? Want to meet new people? Come to the book swap!
Bring a book (or two! or three!) you’ve read or board game you’ve played to the swap and leave it with a stranger. Leave with your new favorite title! We’ll sit at the big table, answer some bookish ice breakers, and then swap books.
Cost: grab a drink or treat from Cafe Zing!
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