Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Beat Tape Matinee: DJ Manipulator x GIB DJ
2024-07-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
One of the keys to longevity is keeping the passion for your craft alive and that’s precisely how DJ Manipulator has managed to maintain his career. Hailing from Hempstead, NY, but now residing in Worcester, MA, Manipulator is a hip-hop DJ and producer who has steadily built up a solid repertoire of releases and live shows since 2012.Having first been drawn to hip-hop as an 8-year-old boy, thanks to his older brother’s influence, Manipulator first tried his hand at rapping, graffiti and breaking, before realizing his real passion resided with DJing and beat-making.Skip to 2002 and he acquired his first set of turntables, with his first production setup following a year later, and drawing on influences from artists such as J Dilla, Madlib and The Alchemist, Manipulator set about honing his skills in both disciplines. Having followed his natural desire to work with samples, he also embarked on a lifelong crate digging obsession.Fast forward to now and that obsession has paid off, with a stack of notable releases under his belt, including two instrumental projects, The Synth Tape and The Soviet Tape. The two releases provided an insight into Manipulator’s beat-making prowess and demonstrated the value of his sample hunting.

Gibson Alcott, professionally known as GIB DJ is a producer and composer and DJ from Allston, MA. With over a decade of experience working with artists, he has carefully carved out his lane with an attention to sonic bliss. His dedication to creation has landed him placements with legends like Young Jeezy, current icons like Telfar Clemens as well as most of Boston and beyond’s creative scene (including 3 BMA winners). His emphasis on collaboration and an open minded approach when it comes to genre and technique are integral to his process for whoever comes to his studio for a session.

Toki Wright
2024-07-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-04 15:00 - 17:00
Toki Wright is a two-time Emmy Award-winning MC, poet, producer, and cultural diplomat. He has received two CLIO Award for advertising with General Mills for the number one worldwide Twitter trending project “Watch the Stove” which was also nominated for a Cannes Lion Award. Wright is currently the chair of the Professional Music Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before relocating he was the Department Head of the United States’ first fully accredited Hip-Hop Studies program at McNally Smith College of Music. The program was awarded the “Best Transformative Higher Learning Model” from the Hip-Hop Education Center at NYU. Toki also facilitated seven Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop Festivals and helped establish “Hip-Hop at H.E.A.L.S,” a program for former child soldiers in Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Toki’s worked with the US State Department, delivered a TED Talk, and ran the youth-led nonprofit YO! The Movement, helping to build community through the arts. Toki is a freelance writer, radio host and has been a judge for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, and a community organizer. He’s released albums and film through his media company Soul Tools Entertainment that have charted top 50 on MTV, iTunes, and more. Wright has performed at events like Coachella, Rock The Bells and more while sharing stages with the likes of Lizzo, Terri Lyne Carrington, Atmosphere, the late Sean Price, and J-Live. Toki has released recordings with Talib Kweli, BJ The Chicago Kid, and G Yamazawa to name a few.

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-07-06 12:00 - 18:00
Due to weather, live performances will begin at 6:00 PM today.

Harpoon and Rosa Mexicano will be open for normal operating hours, 12:00PM-9:00PM.

Check back here for the most current updates!

Dwayne Haggins
2024-07-05 18:00 - 20:00
He’s been described as “the love child of Otis Redding and Doc Watson.” “The John Legend of rockabilly.” And recently, “a ‘what-took-you-so-long’ fusion of Elvis and Marvin Gaye.” But he is Dwayne Haggins, and his voice is his own. Whether on the stage of a metropolitan concert hall or the makeshift bandstand of a neighborhood dive, you will find him exploring uncharted musical territories, listening for new ways to stir his influences into this night’s expression of his unique sound – strangely familiar, naturally mysterious, unmistakably his own.

Notably, Haggins has shared the stage with acts such as Joe Bonamassa, Keb Mo, Jimmy Vivino, Chris Lane, Suzanne Santo, and Fitz and the Tantrums. Haggins was signed in November of 2021 and his Verdict debut LP was released in June of 2022 titled “Call Me Boston”.

dwaynehaggins.com

Instagram & FB: @hagginsmusic

Timba Messengers
2024-07-05 16:00 - 18:00
The Timba Messengers is a Latin Jazz/Salsa Band that has generated a compelling musical style that inspires all to shed their daily troubles and revel in the joy of dance. Their live performances are infused with vibrant energy, radiating positivity and good cheer to all in attendance.

Combining the rich musical heritage of Latin America with elements of Jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, the band’s sound is a melting pot of diverse cultural influences, expertly blended to produce a truly unique listening experience. The distinctive flavor of each member’s nationality adds an additional layer of spice to their music, resulting in a dynamic and captivating sonic tapestry.

https://www.thetimbamessengers.com

Lee Fish and Friends
2024-07-05 14:00 - 16:00
Lee Fish will be presenting his exciting new group featuring longtime collaborator and vocalist, Nadia Washington, along with pianist, Jiri Nedoma, and bassist, Devon Gates. Together they will explore Fish’s original music which can best be described as a blend of all his favorite styles – ranging from jazz, soul/r&b to folk and film music. Groove, melody, and communication are the core elements that bring their unique sound to life. Keep an eye out for their future tour dates and more upcoming performances in Boston and NYC.

The Femmes
2024-07-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-30 16:00 - 18:00
The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary wedding band specializing in songs by female and non-binary artists. When you’re at a Femmes show, you’re at a high energy concert experience. Epic sing-alongs, expertly crafted harmonies, and musicians who absolutely LOVE to interact with the audience, the Femmes are Boston’s go-to women’s party band! Our roster includes Berklee alumni, touring artists, veteran wedding band performers, and pit band musicians with over 10 years of professional experience.

Social Media: @thefemmesband

Website: thefemmesband.com

Dan DeCristofaro
2024-07-04 12:00 - 14:00
Dan DeCristofaro is a soulful singer, songwriter, producer and arranger based in Massachusetts. He is a founding member of Blue Light Bandits, an award winning, 4-piece independent groove rock band from Worcester, MA that has amassed over 3 million streams on Spotify over the course of 3 full length albums, 2 EP’s, and an array of singles. In 2022 he formed quiet thrill, a singer / songwriter super duo along with long time friend and collaborator Joel Ansett and Dan DeCristofaro. They released their debut self-titled album in July ‘22 and are currently on a nationwide house tour, directly engaging with their fans in an intimate setting. Whether he is performing with a band or as a solo artist, Dan has been a staple of the New England music scene for 10 years.

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2024-07-03 18:00 - 20:00
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora is a Cuban pianist, composer, bandleader, arranger, and educator. She feels most defined by her Cuban heritage and her status as an immigrant. Her passion for music has taken her to Canada, to South East Asia and, now, to the United States. Her rich musical background, career experience and extraordinary improvisation skills render her a leader in the modern Latin jazz idiom and an influential, emulated musician.

​In 2018, her Afro-Cuban jazz Trio, MIXCLA, released its self-titled album, which features her original tunes and arrangements. It has received critical acclaim and earned the attention of major agents locally and internationally. The album has thus far advanced in the world of jazz, adding to her accolades two nominations from the Boston Music Awards (2018 & 2019).

https://www.zahilizamora.com

https://www.instagram.com/zahiligz/

The Russ Gershon Trio Plus Special Guest John Mulkerin of Defunkt
2024-07-02 17:00 - 19:00
After a well-received show at the UnCommon stage last summer, the Russ Gershon Trio plus special guest John Mulkerin return.

Saxophonist Gershon has been a pillar of the Boston jazz, rock and Latin music scenes since the 1980’s, and went international with the Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra. The E/O toured the US and the world and has been instrumental in bringing Ethiopian music to wider audiences.

Trumpeter Mulkerin and Gershon started playing together as teenagers in Connecticut. When Russ headed east to Boston, John headed west to New York and became a player on the downtown avant jazz-funk scene. He has been a member of Joseph Bowie’s Defunkt for decades, touring Europe regularly.

They are joined by Either/Orchestra bassist Rick McLaughlin, who teaches harmony and the music of Stevie Wonder at Berklee, and drummer Brook Sofferman, a bandleader and composer in his own right.

The Trio plus One will play music by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Freddie Hubbard, Arthur Blythe, the Monkees (!), Duke Ellington and more.

Bill Banfield's Imagine Orchestra
2024-06-30 12:00 - 14:00
Jazz Urbane will bring Bill Banfield’s iconic Imagine Orchestra to the UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden. Join us on Sunday, June 30th, and experience the ten+ piece jazz chamber orchestra, which includes a string trio, rhythm trio and percussion, and winds and brass. It is an eclectic approach to a creative composing/performing ensemble where the music is both fully orchestrated and improvised, and represents how creative artists come to collaborate and “imagine” what the music whispers to musicians to reach for…

Grab a drink from Harpoon’s wide selection of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages, snag delicious food from Rosa Mexicano, and enjoy a “Jazz Brunch” like no other.

Maz & Bencils
2024-06-29 18:00 - 20:00
Maz is the bridge that links Alternative Hip Hop and the music he grew up on in São Paulo, Brazil. As a son of a DJ, much of that influence bleeds through his music today through neck-snapping production and an out-worldly harness of energy in his lyrics. Whether he is experimenting with the sounds of Alternative Rock or staying true to his roots with Brazilian Funk, his music nowadays breathes a sense of self-awareness and maturity that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and backgrounds. From performing at Gov Ball 2024 alongside Kidd Revel to intimate art gallery performances in Boston, his ethos of unwavering energy is constantly evolving as his creative approach is just as much about self-understanding as it is about the expression of the process itself.

@maztypebeat everywhere, @madebybencils everywhere

Jonathan Suazo Quartet
2024-06-29 13:00 - 17:00
Jonathan Suazo is an award-winning saxophonist / composer / cultural advocate and educator who also leads his own project entitled RICANO, a unique afro Caribbean Jazz concept that blends the sounds of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. Jonathan was named one of the top ten emerging jazz artists of 2023 by the GRAMMYS and his debut album “Ricano” (Ropeadope Records) was listed at #6 in the best Jazz albums of 2023 by The New York Times. A Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate, Jonathan has also received many honors including the South Arts Jazz Road Tours Grant, the New Music USA Creator Fund Grant, A full tuition Scholarship to attend the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Masters Program, The Project Support Grant for Alumni by the Fundacion Banco Popular for his Ricano album and the Berklee urban Service Award for using the arts to support humanitarianism. Catalina Maria Johnson of Downbeat Jazz Magazine describes his music as “a soundscape propelled by lyrical sax playing” and Giovanni Russonello from The NY Times describes his music as “richly built, written from the heart and packed with complexity, always seeking the next level of altitude.” Suazo has collaborated / performed with artists like Miguel Zenón, Terri Lyne Carrington, David Sánchez, Charlie Sepúlveda, Eric Figueroa, Gonzalo Grau, Alex Alvear, Ricky Rodriguez, Ileana Cabra (iLÉ), Calma Carmona, Rakalam Bob Moses, Joe Lovano, Paoli Mejias, Humberto Ramirez, David Rivera, Tito Matos, Ricardo Pons, William Cepeda, Jon Secada, Pedro Capó, Obie Bermudez, Hans Glawischnig, Humberto Ramirez, Silverio Perez, Tony Escapa; and he’s led his band at venues like The Keystone Korner, Jazz Showcase Chicago, the Santo Domingo Jazz Festival, Springfield Jazzfest, Sala Sinfónica Pablo Casals PR, Teatro Francisco Arriví (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest (Anfiteatro Tito Puente), Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, Elephant Room Austin TX, SXSW 2023, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The MFA Boston, and many more.

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-06-29 12:00 - 21:00
Due to weather, today’s Children’s Story Hour has been cancelled.

Jonathan Suazo is still scheduled at 1 PM, but please check this website for the most up-to-date information.

Harpoon will open at 12 noon.

Rory & the Blues Hounds
2024-06-28 18:00 - 20:00
Since 1995, Rory and the Blues Hounds have been electrifying audiences with their dynamic performances. Hailing from Providence, RI, this versatile band draws its inspiration from the blues, weaving in classic rock, Motown, country, and covering varied artists like Steely Dan and Amy Winehouse.

Led by the masterful guitar work of Rory Malloy, the band features a lineup of stellar musicians. Lisa Kay, renowned for creating The Winehouse Project, delivers powerful lead vocals. Marc Trachtenberg, who has toured with Postmodern Jukebox, adds depth on piano and vocals. Jonathan Leeper, a distinguished member of the Navy band, holds down the rhythm on bass, while Michael Coffey, a veteran of Roomful of Blues, drives the band on drums.

Join Rory and the Blues Hounds for an unforgettable evening of music, playing choice selections from 6:00 to 8:00 on the corner of Boylston and Tremont.

Albino Mbie
2024-06-28 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-21 16:00 - 18:00
Boston-based multi-award-winning guitarist, singer, composer, and producer Albino Mbie, originally from Mozambique, shares his own original music.

www.instagram.com/albinombie/

www.youtube.com/albinombie

albinombie.com

Gregory Groover Jr
2024-06-28 14:00 - 16:00
Raised with devotion for music, Gregory George Groover Jr is a twenty-nine year old tenor saxophonist and educator from Roxbury, Massachusetts. His love and pursuit of music directed him to the Boston Arts Academy where he graduated in 2011 as both the Elma Lewis Graduate with distinction and the Louis Armstrong Jazz award. His effort and dedication to music led him to earn a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he received both his Bachelors and Masters in Music Performance Studies through the Global Jazz Institute, headed by world-renowned artistic director, pianist, and UNESCO Artist for Peace Danilo Perez.

As a performer, Gregory has had the honor to share the stage with prestigious musicians such as Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind, and Fire), Patrice Rushen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Esperanza Spalding. As a bandleader and a sideman, he has performed in music festivals in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

As an educator, Gregory has served as the co-chair of music at his alma mater, the Boston Arts Academy where he provided instruction in Jazz studies to the next generation of artists and scholars. Gregory currently serves as the Assistant Chair of Ensemble at the world renowned, Berklee College of Music. In addition to teaching, Gregory continues to perform regularly with his working bands and is celebrating the release of his second album: the Negro Spiritual Songbook Volume II – “The Message”.

https://www.gregorygrooverjr.com

https://www.instagram.com/gregorygrooverjr/

BAMS Fest - Toki Wright x Safiya
2024-06-27 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over UnCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage.

Toki Wright is a two-time Emmy Award-winning MC, poet, producer, and cultural diplomat. He has received two CLIO Award for advertising with General Mills for the number one worldwide Twitter trending project “Watch the Stove” which was also nominated for a Cannes Lion Award. Wright is currently the chair of the Professional Music Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before relocating he was the Department Head of the United States’ first fully accredited Hip-Hop Studies program at McNally Smith College of Music. The program was awarded the “Best Transformative Higher Learning Model” from the Hip-Hop Education Center at NYU. Toki also facilitated seven Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop Festivals and helped establish “Hip-Hop at H.E.A.L.S,” a program for former child soldiers in Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Safiya is a rising star in the jazz and neo-soul scene, known for her electrifying performances and visionary ventures. Infusing her Afro-Caribbean roots with jazz influences, Safiya captivates audiences worldwide with her innovative sound. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and a nominee for New England Music Award Jazz Act of the Year (2024), Safiya is on a mission to inspire cultural exploration and foster connections through her groundbreaking project, Travel Through Music. With accolades including recognition as one of Boston’s Extraordinary Women in 2023, Safiya continues to push boundaries and redefine the music industry.

Selkii
2024-06-27 13:00 - 15:00
With a Loop Station, South African born Selkii creates sonic backdrops for her powerful vocals. (7th place on South African Idol TV Show , Team Blake NBC The Voice Finalist.) She ‘loops’ live-performed percussion, soulful backing vocals & guitar – & can even mash up real-time song requests on the fly!

Selkii has headlined fairs and festivals nationwide. She was the soloist in the adult lounge on Disney Cruise Lines Flagship for 3 years & has performed over 100 virtual concerts for virtual and digital events from her home studio in Boston MA. She travels nationally and internationally as a one woman band with uplifting original compositions as well as a ‘covers’ repertoire of over 1600 songs : Abba – Zeppelin.

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Trio
2024-06-26 18:00 - 20:00

Comedy Night at UnCommon
2024-06-25 19:00 - 20:00
A live comedy lineup curated by Emerson alum, producer, and comedian Nate Shu will be accompanied by Boston’s own incredible DJ, Kenny Mascary. Come for the laughs, stay for the great drinks and good tunes. This performance includes sets from Boston comics Tyler Durniak, Nick Ortolani, Steph Dalwin, Ryan Ellington, and Angela Sawyer.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Poetry with Amanda Shea
2024-06-24 17:00 - 20:00
Amanda Shea is a two-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist. Shea is an artist, performer, educator, artivist, publicist, host, and curator. She co-founded and curated six iterations of Activating ARTivism, a community festival to amplify POC through art, activism, and resistance. Her work can be found in the Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Globe, TEDX, TEDXRoxbury, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC News, GBH, and much more. Shea will be releasing her first book, “Pieces of Shea” in the Spring of 2024. Amanda’s work examines her personal life experiences, social justice issues, and healing through trauma utilizing art as the tool.

To celebrate Juneteenth, and showcase the brilliant and diverse voices of Boston’s spoken word community, Shea is set to present an exceptional line-up of talented individuals to the UnCommon Stage. This group consists of an array of artists and poets who are blazing their trails in the world of the spoken word. Included in this exciting line-up are the likes of the incredibly gifted Helina Almonte, the uniquely talented Maya McNeill, D Ruff, the co-host of Feel It, Speak It, Boston’s only monthly open mic movement dedicated to voices & experiences of the LGBTQ+ communities of color, and cultural pillar and musical innovator Najee Janey. These performances will be complemented by the masterful mixing of Boston’s own DJ Kenny Mascary.

Social Media: @amandasheaallday

Website: https://www.amandashea.com/

Helina Almonte is a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a teaching artist. She practices her art through the mediums of poetry and experimental video.

Maya Divine is a spoken-word artist whose art speaks of self-evolution. She uses an instrument for advocacy, self-expression, and more importantly, healing. As she pours words on a paper, she finds herself promoting this idea of “Divine Evolution”, that things are constantly changing and evolving. She believes her words touch hearts through the power of the tongue.

D.Ruff is a 2022 Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted “if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for fourteen years. “Feel it, Speak it” is the only monthly Non-elitist and non-pretentious open mic dedicated to providing a platform of expression to the queer communities, and invites EVERYONE to bless the mic, regardless of their identity and talent. His work can be found in the CBS News, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Boston Globe, GBH and much more. He has also released his first book, Staying on 94: Tales from a Misguided Soul in the Fall of 2012 and is setting up for re-release in 2025. D.Ruff performs with inspiring passion in hopes that someone of color, will also want to find a way to express themselves, find that “tribe” and do it all, with the intention of leaving all the hurt, pain, and negativity, right where it was showcased.

Najee Janey, an emerging rapper-songwriter hailing from Roxbury, Boston, has been honing his music skills since his teenage years. With several projects under his belt, including “Blue Manifesto”, “The Purple Earth Theory”, and “As-Is”, he has carved out a unique niche in the rap and R&B landscape. His music has been recognized and streamed worldwide. In addition to his solo endeavors, Najee has lent his writing and production talents to artists like Sebastian Mikael and helloSIXX. His work has also graced TV screens and films, collaborating with renowned platforms such as HBO, BET, and Atlantic Records. At present, Najee is juggling multiple projects while planning a concert tour. His versatile sound that transcends genre boundaries is showcased in his latest release What’s Crackin and his contributions to Atlantic Records R&B artist Sebastian Mikael‘s albums. With a promising future ahead, Najee Janey remains committed to elevating his craft in his journey as a dedicated artist, songwriter, and creative entrepreneur.

Originally from Haiti, KNSZWRTH (pronouns: he/him) first arrived in Boston for college in 2004. Kenny then cut his teeth at mission-driven organizations like the West End House Boys and Girls Club, Cambridge Youth Programs, the Cambridge Public Library and more recently, Now + There, before joining the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture as Chief of Staff. As a DJ, therapeutic mentor, film photographer, board certified basketball referee, and plant dad, Kenny is passionate about connecting with communities and individuals that share a passion and excitement around conversations and experiences that open minds and help co-create spaces to celebrate the creative diversity of Boston’s dynamic and ever-changing cultural fabric.

Daniel Sturgis
2024-06-23 16:00 - 18:00
Daniel Sturgis is a talented musician hailing from the vibrant music scene of Cape Cod. With a musical style that seamlessly blends alternative, funk, pop, and rock, Sturgis has created a captivating sound that is uniquely his own. Influenced by legendary artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, B.B. King, and The Beatles, Sturgis draws inspiration from the rich history of music while also pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sonic landscapes.

Having honed his craft at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Sturgis is a true master of his instrument. His impressive guitar skills, combined with his soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence, make for a captivating live performance that leaves audiences in awe. Sturgis’ talents have not gone unnoticed, as he emerged victorious in the Cape Cod Battle of the Bands in 2011. This accomplishment solidified his place among the region’s most promising musicians and propelled him to new heights in his career.

Currently, Daniel Sturgis is focused on his ongoing musical projects, constantly pushing himself to create fresh and innovative music. Whether he’s writing thought-provoking lyrics or crafting infectious melodies, Sturgis consistently delivers music that resonates with listeners on a profound level. With a diverse range of influences and a dedication to his craft, Daniel Sturgis is an artist to watch. With each new endeavor, he continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of his musical style. As he navigates the ever-evolving music industry, Sturgis remains poised to make a lasting impact with his unique sound and unbridled passion for music.

Facebook.com/Danielsturgisband

Instagram: @danielsturgis

Beat Tape Matinee III
2024-06-23 12:00 - 14:00
Join Hipstory for an afternoon of beats and beer on the Common!

Beat Tape Matinee is an event rooted in Hip Hop self-made roots. We look to highlight the bedroom producers, dj/producers, loopers and everything in between in our latest HipStory event series.

Featuring Najwa Aswad and Abstract Minor.

Abstract Minor from Massachusetts is a multi-genre music producer, DJ and artist. She is known for her signature sound, bending genres such as hip-hop, rnb, rock, and house. Instagram: @Abstract Minor http://www.linktree.com/abstractminor

Tolieth
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00
Tolieth is a contemporary soul singer fusing elements of reggae, Afrobeats, and pop into an upbeat live performance. Good vibes and smooth grooves are guaranteed with Tolieth on the mic.

https://tolieth.com/

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-06-22 12:00 - 21:00
Due to weather, today’s performances have been rescheduled.

Weather permitting, the Harpoon Beer Garden will open at 4:00 PM, but check here before you go for the most current information.

Poetry and Music with Amanda Shea
2024-06-21 18:00 - 21:00
Amanda Shea

Amanda Shea is a two-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist. Shea is an artist, performer, educator, artivist, publicist, host, and curator. She co-founded and curated six iterations of Activating ARTivism, a community festival to amplify POC through art, activism, and resistance. Her work can be found in the Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Globe, TEDX, TEDXRoxbury, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC News, GBH, and much more. Shea will be releasing her first book, “Pieces of Shea” in the Spring of 2024. Amanda’s work examines her personal life experiences, social justice issues, and healing through trauma utilizing art as the tool.

Join Amanda as she returns to the UnCommon Stage with Boston’s best poets, artists, and spoken wordsmiths alongside live music and DJ KNSZWRTH. This incredible lineup will include poetic luminaries Tim Hall, Najee Janey, and D. Ruff, as well as live music from Safari Hat King (saxophone), Kazi Did It (keys), and Hole Minor (guitar).

Social Media: @amandasheaallday

Website: https://www.amandashea.com/

Tim Hall is an award winning musician, poet, and producer. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences – charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Writings of his have been published in: Proud Flesh – Afrikan Journal of Culture, Politics, & Consciousness; Mass Poetry – Hard Work of Hope; Vagabond Publishing; Indie Earth Publishing – Self Care Anthology; Whisper & Roar Publishing; and currently Tim’s poetry lives in City Hall as his work was selected to be part of Mayor Wu’s Poetry project. Tim is Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music, was honored as “Session Musician of the Year ” by the 2020 Boston Music Awards, and nominated for Spoken Word Artist of the year for 2022. He was also recognized by WBUR’s Artery 25 as 1 of 25 millennials of color impacting Arts and Culture in Boston. His spoken word can be experienced through his new project – Trust the Process EP, as well as Colors Of My Soul EP, and self-published book – Trust The Process.

D.Ruff is a 2022 Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted “if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for fourteen years. “Feel it, Speak it” is the only monthly Non-elitist and non-pretentious open mic dedicated to providing a platform of expression to the queer communities, and invites EVERYONE to bless the mic, regardless of their identity and talent. His work can be found in the CBS News, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Boston Globe, GBH and much more. He has also released his first book, Staying on 94: Tales from a Misguided Soul in the Fall of 2012 and is setting up for re-release in 2025. D.Ruff performs with inspiring passion in hopes that someone of color, will also want to find a way to express themselves, find that “tribe” and do it all, with the intention of leaving all the hurt, pain, and negativity, right where it was showcased.

Najee Janey, an emerging rapper-songwriter hailing from Roxbury, Boston, has been honing his music skills since his teenage years. With several projects under his belt, including “Blue Manifesto”, “The Purple Earth Theory”, and “As-Is”, he has carved out a unique niche in the rap and R&B landscape. His music has been recognized and streamed worldwide. In addition to his solo endeavors, Najee has lent his writing and production talents to artists like Sebastian Mikael and helloSIXX. His work has also graced TV screens and films, collaborating with renowned platforms such as HBO, BET, and Atlantic Records. At present, Najee is juggling multiple projects while planning a concert tour. His versatile sound that transcends genre boundaries is showcased in his latest release What’s Crackin and his contributions to Atlantic Records R&B artist Sebastian Mikael‘s albums. With a promising future ahead, Najee Janey remains committed to elevating his craft in his journey as a dedicated artist, songwriter, and creative entrepreneur.
