My higher grade is more for the art center itself rather than the performances. There's always a small exhibition at the center of the building and it's nice to see artists can work on their projects late into the night. The facilities look clean and orderly, including the bathrooms and artist studios. I liked seeing all pottery made by the various artists. I also enjoyed the theater itself. While the seating itself isn't all that special, the acoustics are quality. If you expect something significantly higher than community theater here, you may be disappointed. While the performances were fine, they're not really all that polished and feel rather barebones (two actors playing one role in a production was rather strange). If you want a more grander theater experience but without going into Boston, consider Reagle in Waltham. (For all you Yelp police out there, yes, I paid $ here for tickets so I can review) read more

My first time back to The Umbrella Arts Center since the pandemic happened. I saw that they had a dinner and a show option on Thursday nights and the menu looked appealing, so I purchased the meal for $21. Dinner was available for pick up at the concession stand beginning at 6pm, while the show was scheduled for 7:30pm that evening. Traffic delayed me, so I arrived closer to 6:30pm. There was a game going on at the playground the next block over, so there were a lot of cars parked on the street, but parking was still not an issue. Dinner came in a brown paper tote and came nicely packaged and of a good portion size, so I even had some leftover. They had a vegetarian alternative (Nag's Head Roasted Yam, Grilled Zucchini and Squash, Caramelized Onions on Wild Rice (V)), but I opted for the meat - Starter: Hush Puppies with Maple Butter Entree: Pulled Pork Platter with Coleslaw and Collard Greens Dessert: Chocolate Flourless Brownie (GF) Catered by Nosh restaurant and the Concord Market. I was pleased with my meal. Sure the collared greens were a bit plain, but I was just glad to get a decent portion of vegetables with my meat and they were not overcooked. The brownie was individually sealed, and a little messy to eat, but quite good. And I had no trouble finding a seat at a table. In fact I had options. I could have grabbed a small high top for myself, but I decided to sit at an empty spot at the end of one of the 3 long tablecloth covered tables just beyond the concessions and ended up chatting with the pair beside me. I had a great experience at the Umbrella Arts Center! Quotes from the website regarding the show being performed that evening: A heartwarming musical that lifts up the beauty in second chances and the transformative nature of friendship. Percy Talbott is a spirited young woman seeking redemption. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more. Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, the musical's rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistible charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community. read more

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Art, music and more. Had the opportunity to attend "Salt Lick Sessions" at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord. The venue is intimate, seating is comfortable, acoustics are first class. Peruse a visual art show on the lobby before entering the auditorium. The evening was capped off by three outstanding musical artists who performed their hearts out: Olivia Barton brought her melodic voice and guitar, and crooned the audience with folksy songs about everyday life such as simply making the rent. Carter Benjamin energized the audience with his 3-piece rock group that evoked funkaledic influences of REM. Last but not least, Kiernan Rhodes serenaded us on the piano, with songs of youth and family, in a style and energy reminiscent of Billy Joel meets Hollywood. The talented musical trio capped off the evening by uniting in an unexpected encore, covering James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend." read more

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I actually like the art center. I saw a show here and really enjoyed it and it was nice. During intermission , I got to see all the art exhibits looks like it's a really great community and like to see another show again. read more

I saw John Mayer perform here over the summer and everything about this venue was perfect. From the reception outside for VIPs, to the lobby while we waited for doors to open, and the sound for John while he played: it was all top notch. Great wifi available at the building to cover for the lack of reception in Concord. Close by the Commuter rail station. read more

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Outstanding facility. Intimate, beautiful theater. Excellent art courses available for all levels in all mediums. Reviews of instructors are available on-line before you sign up,, so you know what and who you're getting. read more

I've seen a show here, visited their art gallery and attended their spectacular Wintermarket...all excellent. Easy to get to, adjacent free parking and elevator access to studios on the third floor. There are some super talented artists and artisans located here. They have an Open House in the springtime. The theatre is quite intimate with decent sound quality and lighting. The cast of Rent did a fine job this past weekend. Highly recommend to get your contemporary art fix!! read more

I attended an open gallery at Emerson Umbrella and had a fantastic time. All of the artists were fantastic and nice people. I'd love to sign up for some classes some time. Here are some more pictures from the event. http://muchadoaboutsomethin.blogspot.com/2013/04/emerson-umbrella-art-show-concord-ma.html read more

The Umbrella Arts Center brings life to the community of Concord and the neighborhood towns, with a variety of local artisans/artists (55 of them), exhibits and concerts, shows and plays and entertainment for all ages and I have to say the people are fun, its nice just to chat in the corridors with the coming and going artists there, stop by their studios and see what they are working on. Although their building is under renovation, several programs and classes are still ongoing, the best thing to do is to check their website for updates and/or the old-fashion but efficient phone call to find out more about whats going on. I highly recommend you and your family to find out more about the "Umbrella"!!!! read more

The Umbrella is an amazing, eclectic and awesome Arts Center! Programs in arts education for all ages, fabulous theater performances, art & nature, and stunning Gallery Arts as well as award-winning Artists are all a part of what makes The Umbrella exceptional for our region! From classes I've taken to performances and Gallery openings I've attended, I've been thrilled at the quality of what's offered -- and all right here in Concord! read more