When Old North Church opened its doors in 1723, it fanned the flames of a growing religious controversy over sacred singing. While Old North was Boston’s second Anglian Church, Massachusetts was dominated by Congregationalists who had strict rules about what type of music was appropriate for worship.

Old North’s massive new presence in Boston’s North End delivered a powerful ritual challenge to the city’s Congregationalists, none more important than the innovative psalm texts and tunes that its congregation sang at Sunday services. This talk from Dr. Stephen A. Marini of Wellesley College will explore these little-known sacred song practices and their contexts from the earliest decades of Old North’s history.

The NEMPAC Open Mic Night on Friday, April 21 will honor One Boston Day by donating any proceeds from the event directly to the Massachusetts Coalition Against Gun Violence. This is a free event, registration is required. Community members who are 21+ are invited to join us as a performer or audience member.

sign up here

6 p.m. | Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Performances by Boston Children's Chorus and Berklee's Grooversity
• Refreshments from Tasty Burger
• Cider and cocoa
• Meet and greet with Red Sox mascots, Wally and Tessie

6:45 p.m. | Luminary Walk

7 - 9 p.m. | Community Skate at The Rink at 401 Park

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting the City’s second annual Ready Boston Field Day at English High School Track and Field on Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

• Learn CPR and first aid from Boston Emergency Medical Services through demonstrations and practice sessions.
• Get fire-safety tips from the Boston Fire Department.
• Participate in an emergency exercise with public safety professionals.
• Get an inside look at emergency vehicles: SWAT vehicles, ambulances, police cruisers, fire trucks, emergency management vehicles, and more.
• Build an emergency kit to help you and your family prepare for an emergency.
• Play preparedness games and collect giveaways!

On Friday, September 9, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy a house dance party on City Hall Plaza! DJ Bruno will be playing house music along with a dance performance by Phunk Phenomenon

DJ Bruno

DJ Bruno has been DJing in Boston since 1987. He became known in the college scene in the late 80’s to early 90’s for mixing hip hop, reggae, R&B, and house music. In 1991, he began a residency at the Boston Loft after-hours club with Armand Van Helden. The following year, he started the Legendary Utopia Parties. Utopia still remains as one of Boston’s hottest deep house music events. In 2006, Boston Magazine named DJ Bruno “DJ of the Year'' and in 2007, Weekly Dig awarded Utopia Sundays the “Best House Night in Boston.” With clubs not opened to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic, DJ Bruno decided to take his music virtual on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Face the Bass Records and on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on DHP Radio. His motto is, “If we can dance together, we can live together” and he is on a mission to spread this motto all over the world, whether it be virtually or in person. Follow DJ Bruno on Instagram @djbruno30.

Phunk Phenomenon

Phunk Phenomenon Dance Complex is a non-traditional dance studio. Our Mission is to reach out to today's youth through the art of urban dance. Hip-hop is not just a dance it is a culture containing 5 elements. Our goal is to educate our students on those 5 elements within each of our specialized classes. Urban dance styles have always been the heart of inner cities as a way of expression and a means of building self esteem. The Phunk Phenomenon instructors will provide each class with a truly positive experience through what we like to refer to as "EDUTAINMENT", meaning we not only teach choreography but we also teach the history behind each art form.

On Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy an R&B dance party on City Hall Plaza with DJ ReaL P!

DJ Real P

Capturing the ear is the first step to capturing the mind. As a DJ, Producer, Event Curator, and Community Partner, Chimel Idiokitas, also known as ReaL P, tells stories through music and social creativity. Born in Houston, TX and raised in Roxbury, MA to parents of Nigerian and Liberian descent, Chimel developed his love for music and community under the wings of his "vinyl junkie" father and his five hip-hop-loving older brothers. Having been a DJ since the age of fifteen, ReaL P has also established himself as a staple in the New England nightlife, music, and entertainment scenes. Winner of the 2019 Boston Music Awards DJ of Year, he has curated social gatherings, parties, and concerts in some of Boston’s premier venues. Specializing in your favorite genre, he has built his career on quality, passion, innovation, and organic fun. ReaL P always aims to deliver something fresh and thought-provoking for his audience.

On Friday, August 19, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy a kizomba dance party on City Hall Plaza! DJ Shy will be playing kizomba music and Kwality Kiz will be providing dance lessons.

DJ Shy

With over a decade of experience as a Boston nightlife promoter, event curator and DJ, Veronica Rosario, also known as DJ Shy, has been bringing a unique vibe to the New England area. Born and raised in Dorchester, MA to Cabo Verdean immigrants, she strives to create space for the Cabo Verdean community. DJ Shy specializes in all Cabo Verdean musical genres, Kizomba and Afrobeats. Bringing her music and event knowledge, connections, and promotion networking skills, she co-founded .tribe, a monthly brunch and beats experience in Boston. The goal of .tribe is to unite people under the commonality of love for food, music and the arts. Follow DJ Shy on Instagram @djshy.cv to catch her at her next gig!

Kwality Kiz 

Kwality Kiz is truly one of a kind. From our teaching methodology to our unique focus on community building, everything has been carefully thought out to give our dancers the best possible experience. We teach Semba, Urban Kiz, and Kizomba dance classes in Greater Boston as well as travel to teach at events globally. Kwality Kiz identifies as an organization open to all. We are committed to creating a safe space and this is reflected in our dance classes, programming, policies, events, and art. We will actively work to combat any discrimination or racism/racial disparities in all aspects of our organization and society as a whole.