The Weekender: February 29 to March 3

Photo by Bill Ilott/Flickr

February 29 to March 3

Thursday is Leap Day, which the Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies believes represents balance and harmony. Carry that positive energy throughout your weekend for some great events we’ve found: a hike through Olmsted Park in Jamaica Plain, theater performances along Comm Ave, a concert featuring BU’s a cappella groups, and more. Just remember to have some fun before midterm season hits hard!

Hike Boston: Leap Day Hike

The Leap Day Hike hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department is a rare event—it only happens once every four years. Bring friends along and trek through Olmsted Park in Jamaica Plain, led by a park ranger. Hikers of all skill levels can celebrate the leap day, learn about the pathways, bridges, and plantings they cross, and get some exercise in at the same time. A limited supply of traction cleats will be available to borrow for the hike.

Thursday, February 29, 10 to 11 am, Olmsted Park, 217 Jamaicaway (in the Daisy Field parking lot). Find more information here.

Beanpot of A Cappella

BU’s all-gender a cappella group In Achord is going all out for St. Patrick’s Day with this annual themed concert, held a couple weeks before the holiday. They will be joined by fellow Terrier a cappella group Chordially Yours and Northeastern’s Distilled Harmony. And enjoy the fact that 80 percent of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Trust, a network of local community partners focusing on ending child abuse in Massachusetts.

Friday, March 1, 8 to 10 pm, Photonics Center, Room 206, 8 Saint Mary’s St., Boston. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Small Island Big Song Concert

The BU Arts Initiative presents Small Island Big Song, a music, film, and performing arts project that aims to unite the seafaring heritage of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean islands. Artists from islands and countries such as Tahiti, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea combine roots reggae, folk, and spoken word in a performance intended to be a commentary on contemporary issues affecting these islands and countries. There will also be a related lecture and cooking demonstration on other nights this weekend; find more information here.

Saturday, March 2, 3 to 5 pm, Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Reserve a free seat here.

Ever in the Glades

This dramedy, written by Laura Schellhardt, centers around five teenagers stranded in the Everglades, surrounded by dangerous terrain and adults. The play raises a moral problem: What do we owe to the younger generation, and what happens if we fail them? The School of Theatre production is directed by Nick Vargas, Wheelock Family Theatre’s associate artistic director and education director.

Saturday, March 2, 5 to 7 pm, College of Fine Arts, Studio 109, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Free general admission at the door; audience members are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. Find more information here.

Unofficial Project: Friends & Family Showcase

Unofficial Project, a competitive BU dance team and host of the annual dance showcase OVRDRV, invites the public to their annual Friends & Family Showcase. Loved ones and dance lovers are invited to see UPro’s personal styles and visions come to life on stage.

Saturday, March 2, 7 to 9 pm, George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom, 775 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Find more information and purchase tickets, starting at $6, here.