Maddie Browning

Boston, Littleton, Taunton

Reporter and Writer at The Boston Globe

@wbur arts reporting fellow | more stories @BostonGlobe @BostonDotCom | send pitches to [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Articles

Two artists on the creative process and making bad art

3 weeks ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

Editor's Note: This story is an excerpt from WBUR's weekly arts and culture newsletter, The ARTery. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here. The creative process can feel mystifying. Listening to a song or reading a beautiful poem can make you wonder how these makers sit down and develop their work. It can even be unclear to the artists themselves.
Preserving the legacy of '80s Boston rock band Salem 66

3 weeks ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

Art-rock band Salem 66 tore through the underground music scene in Boston in the 1980s. The group played alongside musicians like Amherst-born rock band Dinosaur Jr., toured across the country and garnered coverage in publications including Rolling Stone and The Village Voice. Despite the success, the band’s discography wasn’t available on streaming until now.
5 things to do this weekend, including SOMEDAY FEST and an MBTA musical

3 weeks ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

I love summers in Boston because there are always so many things to do. There is rarely a weekend without a free event to check out. While we’re still technically in spring, there are a number of events happening in the area that will hopefully make you forget the rain and cool temperatures. From a musical about the trials and tribulations of the MBTA to a free local music festival, here are recommendations for ways to spend your weekend.
5 things to do this weekend, including ‘The Light in the Piazza’ and The WBUR Festival

1 month ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

WBUR’s inaugural festival kicks off Thursday and will bring brilliant minds from across fields to Boston University’s campus. I’m excited to catch a panel on the future of reproductive rights with actress and activist Busy Philipps and the ACLU’s Jessica Weitz on Friday and a live podcast taping with Atlas Obscura co-founder Dylan Thuras and Omni Parker House historian Susan Wilson on Saturday.
5 things to do this weekend, including the Boston Public Art Triennial and a new musical at A.R.T.

1 month ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

Boston Calling is a beautiful celebration of local and national acts and the city’s love of music. I have only attended once, back in 2023, and I’m excited to return this year. I think music festivals are a great chance to see your favorite artists and catch bands you wouldn’t normally seek out. If you’re not planning on attending the festival, here are some other events to catch this weekend in Greater Boston, including a Black history comedy show and a creative poetry exhibition.
MBTA agrees to $5 million settlement with family of man dragged to death on the Red Line

1 month ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

MBTA agrees to $5 million settlement with family of man dragged to death on the Red LineRobinson Lalin with one of his two children. Lalin was killed after being caught in a Red Line train door and dragged at Broadway Station. (Courtesy Kelvin Lalin)The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reached a $5 million settlement with the family of a man who was dragged to death after his arm was trapped in a Red Line car door, according to documents filed in court.
Somerville art rock band sidebody says making music is for everyone

1 month ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

The members of sidebody shuffle around a small living room. Their equipment dominates the space aside from an old piano with a Joni Mitchell sheet music book and a worn couch. “This is 90.9 FM WBUR Boston, your local NPR station,” sings Martha Schnee on sidebody’s recently released single “No Commercial Enterprise.”Schnee highlights a different local radio station every time she performs the song.
5 things to do this weekend, including a global film fest and a puppet slam

1 month ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

This weekend’s things-to-do list really is for everyone. There’s quite a range of events, from a global film festival to a puppet slam. Check out the listings below to learn more about your potential plans starting on Friday. Eugene Mirman comedy special tapingFriday, May 16Lexington-raised comedian Eugene Mirman will film his new stand-up special at the Crystal Ballroom in Somerville this Friday. He will also be featured at The WBUR Festival later this month.
A pet sitting scare in Brookline inspired this new picture book

1 month ago | brookline.news | Maddie Browning

An adorable Yorkie named Pepper trotted around her Brookline apartment. Her mom was out, and her aunt was taking care of her. She played with her toys, got lots of pets and tucked herself under a warm blanket. Unbeknownst to her, panic ensued as her aunt frantically searched for her, worried she was lost and wandering the streets. When her aunt sat down on the couch, she felt a rustle and pulled up the blanket to reveal a cozy Pepper.
5 things to do this weekend, including Somerville PorchFest and the Boston Women's Market

1 month ago | wbur.org | Maddie Browning

Mother’s Day is often associated with brunch, but it doesn’t have to be. There are other fun options for celebrating the holiday, including a comedy show and special tours at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Plus, Somerville’s PorchFest is returning, and there’s a market dedicated to women-owned businesses to look forward to this weekend. Mother's Day Comedy NightFriday, May 9Celebrate Mother’s Day early with some laughs at The Norwood Theatre.