— Photos by Joni Lohr

The Center for Arts at the Armory Deepens Collaboration With Leading Percussive Dance Artists in Third Annual Feet Keep the Beat Festival July 28 – August 3

Now in its third year, Arts at the Armory’s Feet Keep the Beat Festival announces its annual jams, workshops, and Showcase Performance LINEAGE to premiere on August 1st in the Armory Performance Hall. Returning from prior festivals are Ariaki Dandawate (Kathak), Joh Camara (West African), Lekisha Limage (Step), Ryan Casey (Tap), Anjali Nath (Kathak), Antonio Tran (Flamenco guitar), Akili Jamal Haynes (percussion, trumpet and tabla), Sory Diabate (percussion), Giri Subramaniam (tabla), and Aidid Brayboy (percussion). Xianix Barrera, a renowned Flamenco dancer and educator based in New York City, will be joining the Boston-based collective of percussive dance and musical artists this year. 

Get ready to tee off in style! Good Time Golf is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location at Assembly Row, located at 470 Revolution Drive, on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..

By Dennis Fischman

Recently, I heard that Netflix had issued a new TV series, Dept. Q, based on a set of mystery novels that fall into the category of Nordic Noir. The first season is getting good reviews, and I thought I would go take a look at the books.

You can help. On Sunday, July 6th, 26 people including two minors, as well as pets, were displaced by a fire on Wheatland Street that left two multifamily homes uninhabitable. Fortunately, everyone got out safely, but significant challenges remain for our neighbors who cannot return to their homes. Roughly a dozen City departments and a half-dozen partner agencies mobilized to set up temporary shelter and food, and are actively coordinating ongoing support, but your help is needed for what comes next.    

Update: Due to current forecasts, Somerville’s Disability Pride Month Flag Raising has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 24, at 5 p.m.

 Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), and the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) invite all to a series of events this July to recognize Disability Pride Month and promote visibility, honor the contributions of people with disabilities, and foster an inclusive, empowered community. Highlights include the Disability Pride Flag Raising on Thursday, July 24; fun activities at the SCPD Art Beat Booth on Saturday, July 19; and a group trip to the ADA35 anniversary march and roll in Boston on Wednesday, July 23, and more. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Here we are at the beginning of another summer. In the old days, we did day camps and playground activities. One year, we built a cool buggy. That was a fun summer back around 1967. Summers mean no school and fun.

The City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee has proposed a change in the condo conversion ordinance that would benefit some long-term renters.

By Norah Doyle

The Somerville Legislative Matters Committee recently took steps to protect tenants affected by the condo conversions, which have led to the displacement of some long-term renters. 

To address these displacements, Committee members proposed changes to the city’s condo conversion ordinance. This change in the ordinance proposal would extend the notice period for vacant rental units from 1 year to 2 years. This is essentially the window of time landlords need to give written notice to a tenant of their intent to change the property.

By Harry Kane

Renter-paid broker’s fees are a thing of the past thanks to a new rule that eliminates these expenses for renters and shifts responsibility to landlords.

Gov. Maura Healey signed the FY26 state budget, which includes a provision that requires the party that hires a broker to pay the fee. The new rule will go into effect August 1.