Mayor Walsh announces Acoustic on Main

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with City Councilor Michelle Wu, today invited local musicians, businesses and the public to participate once again in Acoustic on Main, a 10-night event in Boston's Main Streets Districts. Starting on Friday, August 14, Main Streets businesses are encouraged to host local acoustic performances with up to five musicians or vocalists from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Participating businesses will not be required to apply for a live entertainment license or pay a fee to the City to hold these performances.

"The City of Boston is once again offering Acoustic on Main to help support our Main Street Districts," said Mayor Walsh. "Now that summer is in full swing, we're inviting people to shop locally and take in a performance during Acoustic on Main. I want to thank the performing musicians for the creativity, drive and passion they bring to Boston's neighborhood businesses."

"Acoustic on Main is back!" said Councilor Wu. "We're welcoming music and performers into our small businesses to celebrate what makes Boston vibrant and fun. Spend some time in our Main Streets districts and support your neighborhood businesses!"

"I enjoyed participating in Acoustic on Main so much last time," said Brittany Butler, local musician and former contestant on NBC's The Voice. "I decided to sign up right away when I got a newsletter saying that it was happening again! I've found it's not only a great way to gig out as a musician and gain some local exposure, but it's another great way to give back to my community. Acoustic on Main is awesome because you get to work directly with the local businesses, so you really feel like you're doing something good!"

"Having the opportunity for musicians to play while couples are strolling through the neighborhood was such a privilege," said Sofi Madison, owner of Olives + Grace in the South End. "Acoustic on Main brought so many people into the store and it was great to watch people sit on the stoop and enjoy the neighborhood. It was really positive and beautiful. We are excited to do it again in a few weeks. The Mayor had a really great idea to support the small business community and we are so happy this is happening again."

Businesses and musicians who wish to participate can register at the Acoustic on Main website at www.cityofboston.gov/acousticonmain. As the schedule develops, members of the public will also be able to find events in their neighborhood by following and engaging with the event on social media using the #AcousticOnMain hashtag.  

Businesses and musicians will make decisions regarding compensation for performers, however, just as the City of Boston encourage residents to support small businesses, we also encourage small businesses to support local musicians.

Acoustic on Main is made by possible by a partnership between Mayor Walsh, City Councilor Wu, the City Council's Committee on Arts & Culture, the City Council's Committee on Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the City of Boston's Office of Business Development, the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture and the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing.