Boston, MA
Ticker: City of Boston to honor R&B group New Edition, free concert on City Hall Plaza
Mayor Michelle Wu has announced that the City of Boston will be celebrating the legendary hometown R&B group New Edition with events next month.
New Edition, which was founded in Roxbury in 1978, will be honored for their “profound impact on both the community and music industry” on Sept. 6 and 7, according to a city press release.
The city on Sept. 6 will host a mural unveiling and street dedication in Roxbury.
Then on Sept. 7, the members of New Edition will participate in community events for seniors and youth, and the weekend will culminate with HOMEMADE — a free concert on City Hall Plaza featuring more than 20 local artists and a guest performance from New Edition.
“Music brings communities together,” Wu said in a statement. “I am thrilled to honor New Edition and celebrate local talent with HOMEMADE. I look forward to recognizing these legendary Boston artists for their contributions to our community’s arts and culture.”
On Sept. 6, Wu will unveil a New Edition mural designed and painted by Roxbury-based artist Lee “Square” Beard, located at the corner of Ambrose and Albany Streets in Roxbury.
Beard has been a multidisciplinary artist for 17 years. Beard, also known as SOEMS, attended the Boston Arts Academy and began his career in the graffiti scene in the early 2000s. Since then, he has been continually active in the city’s mural landscape.
During the mural unveiling, Wu will unofficially dedicate Ambrose Street as New Edition Way and declare Sept. 9 New Edition Day.
Then on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., New Edition and the City will host a breakfast for seniors and participate in a community backpack giveaway at the Orchard Garden Boys & Girls Club of Boston. The Boys & Girls Club, located at 2 Dearborn St., is on the site of one of New Edition’s first practice spaces.
Later that day at 3 p.m., the City of Boston will host HOMEMADE, a concert on City Hall Plaza featuring performances from a variety of local artists, all included on the City of Boston’s Dear Summer Mixtape.
Attendees can expect everything from Dorchester-based hip-hop artist Kei to pop, R&B, and soul from Brighton’s Julia Chisholm, as well as a guest performance by New Edition.
HOMEMADE is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Food trucks and water will be available onsite. Backpacks are prohibited.
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