Well, what a whirlwind these last four days have been! The MCAD Mini Art Festival, held at our beloved Strand Theatre, was nothing short of spectacular. As an artist who's been in the game for decades, I have to say—this festival was the perfect mix of talent, community, and a dash of good ol’ Boston soul.
Wednesday – The Start of Something BeautifulWe kicked things off with the Drop-In Drama Day Program for Youth. Oh, to see the energy of the next generation! These young folks had the chance to work with Attorney and Activist Sean B, who helped them create their own script. Watching them take the stage and perform what they wrote? Well, that’s what theatre is all about—giving a voice to the young and watching them run with it.
Later that evening, the Artists’ Meet and Greet made me feel right at home. There’s something magical about meeting fellow creatives, especially when the lineup includes talents like Ife Franklin, James Guilford, and JayPix. Not to mention, we were treated to the Boston Rhythm Riders led by Mz. Angie Rhythm—who knew line dancing could be such an art form in itself? It was one heck of an introduction to the artists, curated by the incredible Kristen Willis.
Thursday – From the Bean to the AppleThe evening kicked off with Sondro & Family presenting "From the Bean to the Apple," and let me tell you, it was a celebration of all things Boston and NYC. The energy was electric, and our hosts & G Honcho made sure to keep the vibe just right. I don’t think anyone in the room could resist a smile as these two cities came together in a fusion of music, stories, and laughter.
Friday night brought the heat with Boston Legends One, a 17-artist hip hop troupe that had the Strand Theatre absolutely buzzing. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Deetaweeta, SB John, and Phoenix Fyre, the performances were a masterclass in hip hop, showcasing everything from freestyle flows to electrifying beats. From 8 to 10:30, the theatre was alive with energy as each artist brought their unique sound to the stage, proving that Boston’s hip hop scene is as strong as ever. It was a night to remember, and the crowd loved every minute of it!
Saturday – Closing with StyleBy Saturday, I was already sad the festival was nearing its end, but boy, did we go out with a bang. The Meet & Greet with Human Rights Ambassador Sean B gave us the chance to engage with someone who's making real change in the world—and I’m not just talking about his courtroom work. His Royal Couture Fashion Show was a sight to behold! The way the models strutted down that runway, showing off Ambassador Sean B’s designs, was nothing short of fierce.
And of course, we had performances by some incredible artists. Che Afrique’s smooth vocals and Barry Lawton’s crooning filled the theatre with warmth, while Karim’s artistic flair and De’Zyre Cassidy Dupree’s drag extravaganza brought pure joy to the crowd. Hats off to Cassandra Cato-Louis and Hulda Suarez, who kept everything running smoothly as our hosts for the evening.
We closed things out with an intimate Artists’ Reception, and let me tell you, the camaraderie and connection were palpable. After four days of non-stop creativity, I walked away with a full heart, new friends, and a deep sense of pride in our artistic community.
So here’s to MCAD and all the folks who came out to support this festival! It was a success in every sense of the word, and I can’t wait to see what next year has in store.
Bravo, MCAD! Bravo!
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