“Lift Every Voice” Is collaboration of various city agencies, cabinets and the IATSE union to provide the community with an intergenerational Black History Month celebration through music, dance and spoken word, while recognizing the importance of labor in the Black experience.

Register for the event

Reclaiming Folk is an event series celebrating people of color in folk music, created by singer-songwriter Naomi Westwater. Folk music is traditional music, folk music is storytelling, folk music is the music of the people, and folk music is a voice for what’s happening in the world today. In our society, there is often no space for marginalized people to tell their stories. Reclaiming Folk seeks to make space for musicians of color to tell their stories and share the stories of our past, so that our future can be a more inclusive place for all.

We are “reclaiming” folk because history has forgotten that people of color have always been at the root of American folk music. From field calls to Blues and Gospel to Indigenous traditions, the origin of American folk music is connected to people of color.

Founded in 2024, Reclaiming Folk achieved immediate success and support from the community, featuring performances by 15+ artists and traveling to over 10 locations in Massachusetts. The event includes original music from folk musicians singing in the round, cover songs that honor the musicians who came before us, short interviews with the musicians about folk music, and a Q&A from the audience.

Join us as we kick off Black History Month with a special flag-raising ceremony and program honoring the rich legacy of Black contributions to our city and nation. Black History Month was first established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as Negro History Week and has since grown into a month-long celebration recognized across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Event Schedule:

WATCH - DANCE - CREATE - PARTY

Watch live excerpts United Dance's The Extraordinary Nutcracker, discover the story of this unique ballet, make holiday crafts, dance, and celebrate!​​​

Sensory friendly and integrated event.

• Interactive reading of the Extraordinary Nutcracker with performance excerpts

• Fun activities

• Complimentary alcohol-free drinks and snacks

• Dance Party

Step into a transcendent afternoon of chamber music that resonates with the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences and the universal language of music. This concert, thoughtfully curated around the theme of immigration, showcases the profound contributions of immigrant composers to the world of classical music. Renee Hemsing (violin), Guy Fishman (cello), and Ian Watson (harpsichord) will take the stage to bring this story to life.

Each piece performed is a testament to the journeys, trials, and triumphs of those who have ventured far from their homelands in pursuit of their artistic passions. Throughout the afternoon, you will be transported through a diverse repertoire that spans continents and centuries, featuring works by luminaries such as George Frederic Handel, Luigi Boccherini, Jean Baptiste Lully, and Dietrich Buxtehude. Their music not only reflects their personal struggles and aspirations but also celebrates the universality of human experience.

As you immerse yourself in the exquisite harmonies and intricate melodies, you'll embark on a journey that transcends geographical boundaries and speaks directly to the heart. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of how music, in the hands of immigrant composers, has the power to bridge cultures, evoke emotions, and inspire profound connections across time and place.

This event is free to the public thanks to the generous support of the Office of Nightlife Economy's Wake Up the Night Grant. Additionally, this event would not have been possible without the support of Boston Properties (BXP).

Join us for Night Market and Pajama Party Closing Ceremony. Wear your nighties and shop our highest number of local vendors.

6 - 11 p.m.: Cafe Open

6 p.m.: Music by The Basement Project

8 p.m.: Music by DJ Cakewalk

11 p.m.: Afterparty...?

Night Cap is an 8 night coffee lounge in Boston's City Hall this November, fostering community through art, music, and coffee.

From live house music and stand-up comedy to queer speed dating, we offer bold experiences in an inclusive alcohol-free space. Night Cap isn’t just another night out; it’s where culture and creativity meet over a cup of joe.

Night Cap will transform the lobby of Boston's iconic Brutalist City Hall in Government Center into a cozy lounge, offering soft seating, communal tables, and a rotating retail space. This unique setting will provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for attendees to gather and connect in the heart of the city.

Learn how to make a DnD character + meet fellow dungeon masters and players provided by SideQuest Books.

6 - 11 p.m.: Cafe Open

6 p.m.: Music by Sound Logic

8 p.m.: DnD Workshop

Night Cap is an 8 night coffee lounge in Boston's City Hall this November, fostering community through art, music, and coffee.

From live house music and stand-up comedy to queer speed dating, we offer bold experiences in an inclusive alcohol-free space. Night Cap isn’t just another night out; it’s where culture and creativity meet over a cup of joe.

Night Cap will transform the lobby of Boston's iconic Brutalist City Hall in Government Center into a cozy lounge, offering soft seating, communal tables, and a rotating retail space. This unique setting will provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for attendees to gather and connect in the heart of the city.

Night Cap Fashion and Figure Drawing features a free drawing class from the Boston Figurative Arts Center and Guest Fashion Designers.

SCHEDULE

6 - 11 p.m.: Cafe Open

6 p.m.: Music by Vexing Boy

8 p.m.: Music by Stealth Mode

8 p.m.: BFAC Figure Drawing

Night Cap is an 8 night coffee lounge in Boston's City Hall this November, fostering community through art, music, and coffee.

From live house music and stand-up comedy to queer speed dating, we offer bold experiences in an inclusive alcohol-free space. Night Cap isn’t just another night out; it’s where culture and creativity meet over a cup of joe.

Night Cap will transform the lobby of Boston's iconic Brutalist City Hall in Government Center into a cozy lounge, offering soft seating, communal tables, and a rotating retail space. This unique setting will provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for attendees to gather and connect in the heart of the city.