Schedule: Western Front Stage presented by Central Square Business Improvement District
12:20 - 1:30 p.m. - Pura Vida
Singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Manolo Mairena is a Costa Rican artist based in Boston. His music has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and he’s known for his dynamic stage presence and undeniable talent. He has three original productions: "Mi Oportunidad" 2008 , "De Todo Un Poco" 2018, and his latest production “Esto es lo que Hay” released in November 2023. Leading now his orchestra La Pura Vida, Mairena showcases his love for music, traditions, and culture, in his music amongst some of the most talented musicians in Boston.
1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - The Hip Hop Transformation
The Hip Hop Transformation (THHT) is an award-winning program for youth and young adults between the ages of 12-24 offered by the Cambridge Community Center, the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, and the Cambridge Safety Net Collaborative. THHT teaches young people the history of hip hop culture and the role it plays in their lives and society while equipping students with the resources and support to produce and create their own contributions.
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Soca Fusion
Soca Fusion is a black woman founded and led, dance and wellness organization that provides people with various dance classes, workshops, performances, and wellness programming. Our mission is to support BIPOC individuals in reconnecting with their bodies through Soca, one of the many styles of the Caribbean. Soca Fusion welcomes anyBODY and everyBODY, whether a seasoned dancer or a beginner, to explore a fusion of Afrocentric movement, wine their waist, and work out. We create a space for people to transcend the limitations society has conditioned us to accept as accurate. Our vision is that through our spaces full of Soca and movement, all of us will BE and FEEL free, full of confidence, joy, and love in all of the places we go.
4:00 - 5:15 p.m. - The Naya Rockers
The Naya Rockers are a backing band, anchored by US-based drummer Nathan Sabanayagam. This musical collaboration has been evolving for the past 20 years and they are complemented by an international pool of singers and musicians. The band is also heavily involved in music production and works in tandem with the Naya Records independent record label. This team is dedicated to bringing the highest level of musicianship and stage show, together and individually the Naya Rockers have spent the past two decades touring and recording with the foundation of reggae including: Stephen Marley, Clinton Fearon, Kiddus I, Barrington Levy, Bushman, Earl Chinna Smith, Ernie Smith, Big Youth, Junior Reid, The Congos, Johnny Clarke, Ken Boothe, Mikey General, Tinga Stewart, The Toasters. And in addition to the foundation artist, the Rockers have also backed the next generation including: Kenyatta Hill, Asadenaki Livingston, Blakkamoore, Hector Lewis, Yaadcoore, Addis Pablo, Jah’Mila Smith and Iba Mhar.
