Five Things You Need to Know Today: April 24

1. Open Mic Night. The West Suburban YMCA will host an open mic night tonight at L'Aroma Cafe in West Newton. The open mic is open to all ages and signups begin at 5 p.m.

2. Improv Jam. Newton North's Theatre Ink will present its "Improv Jam" tonight at 7 p.m. in Newton North's Little Theatre. Tickets are $5. 

3. Workshop on the transition to kindergarten. Parents of soon-to-be kindergarteners are welcome to a free workshop this evening at the Education Center. The workshop will provide some practical tips on how to transition easily into kindergarten. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.

4. Budget discussion continues. The Board of Aldermen's Programs and Services Committee will meet tonight to discuss the Parks and Recreation Department budget. The meeting will be held at 7:45 p.m. in room 222 at Newton City Hall.

5. Project Manna concert. Neshama Carlebach and The Green Pastures Baptist Church Choir will perform this evening as a part of the 24th Annual Project Manna concert at Temple Emanuel. Presented by the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church of Cambridge and Temple Emanuel, the concert's proceeds benefit the church’s hot meals program and food pantry. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students (available at the door). For more information, contact the Temple Emanuel office at 617-558-8100.