July

27

,

2024

|

12:00pm

–

8:00pm

Summer of Love Block Party

Join us for a day of celebration, community pride, and cultural enrichment at the Summer of Love Block Party. Come and experience the vibrant spirit of Nubian Square, connect with local artists and businesses, and be part of a community that continues to thrive and flourish.

RSVP

The Summer of Love Block Party will feature exhilarating performances by the eclectic hip-hop group Jungle Brothers, the iconic Kool DJ Red Alert, O'mega, Oompa, and Dawn Tallman, and other local talent promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Honoring Donna Summer

This year’s Summer of Love Block Party is dedicated to honoring Donna Summer, a Roxbury native whose groundbreaking contributions to music and culture continue to resonate worldwide. As the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer's legacy is a source of immense pride for the Roxbury community, and this event serves as a heartfelt tribute to her enduring influence.

O'MEGA RED

Known for his infectious charisma both on and off stage, he delivers dynamic live performances, whether backed by DJs or rock bands. Born in Boston, the cradle of independence and freedom, he embodies the spirit of a free, independent rapper with a unique style that blends classic rap elements with modern twists.

THE JUNGLE BROTHERS

Jungle Brothers is an American hip-hop trio composed of Michael Small (Mike Gee), Nathaniel Hall (Afrika Baby Bam), and Sammy Burwell (DJ Sammy B). Hailed as pioneers of the fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and house music, they were the first hip-hop group to collaborate with a house music producer.

OOMPA

A nationally known hip hop artist from Roxbury, Boston, is one of Boston Magazine’s 150 Most Influential Bostonians. She has won three Boston Music Awards and 14 nominations. Known for her poetic prowess, she won the 2017 Women of the World Poetry Slam. She has performed with artists like Charli XCX, Tinashe, and 2Chainz, and recently headlined at the Paradise Rock Club and Boston Calling’s Red Stage.

KOOL DJ ALERT

Kool DJ Red Alert, a pioneering hip hop DJ, brought rap to radio in the early '80s with his mix show "Red Alert Goes Berserk" on KISS 98.7 FM. Of West Indian descent, he was the first to spin dancehall on FM radio. Honors include a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame display. He currently DJs on WBLS 107.5 FM and at global events.

DAWN TALLMAN

The Queen of Gospel Energy hails from Danbury, Connecticut, and began her singing career in church. Her unique style has drawn comparisons to Chaka Khan and Oleta Adams. Dawn has worked with Grammy-nominated producer Chris "Big Dog" Davis. She has toured globally, including Russia, Japan, Italy, and Ibiza.

Summer of Love Block Party

A Nubian Experience

RSVP

Our Love Language

The Block Party is more than just an event; it is a testament to the spirit of Roxbury's cultural vibrancy and heritage. With each passing year, it has evolved into a monumental celebration that showcases the rich heritage and creative prowess of our community.

Cultural Extravaganza: From live entertainment to art exhibitions, dancing, and delectable local cuisine; a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences that celebrate Roxbury's identity and artistic expression.

Community Pride and Ownership: Through a full day of festivities, we aim to create a sense of agency and ownership within the community. By amplifying the creative voices of long-time residents and artists, we empower individuals to take pride in their heritage and contribute to the cultural fabric of Roxbury.

Increased Foot traffic and Tourism highlighting community history and legacy.

Economic Empowerment: The Block Party serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth and sustainability within the Nubian Square Commercial District. By spotlighting local businesses and artisans, we generate revenue, create job opportunities, and promote entrepreneurship, thus strengthening the economic vitality of our community.

Legacy Building: As we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and establish a legacy for the future, the Block Party exemplifies the enduring power of community, culture, and creative economic empowerment. With over a dozen partners supporting us for the past three years, we continue to build upon our shared vision of a thriving and flourishing Roxbury.

The Final Countdown!

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Sponsors

Roxbury Mainstreets

The Donna Summer Estate

Alternatives for Community and Environment

Community Music Center of Boston

The Clubhouse Network

Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative

Castillo Liquors

Daily Table

The Haley House Bakery and Cafe

Dudley Cafe

Suya Joint

Nubian Markets

10 Malcolm X Boulevard

Dream Development

Jazz Urbane

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture

Mayor's Office of Community Engagement

Teen Empowerment

Racial Justice Equity and Inclusion Cabinet

Shawmut Design & Construction

Rooted In

Summer of Love Block Party

Join us for a day of celebration, community pride, and cultural enrichment at the Summer of Love Block Party. Come and experience the vibrant spirit of Nubian Square, connect with local artists and businesses, and be part of a community that continues to thrive and flourish.

Sign Up Today

Event Performers

O'mega Red

As a music artist, producer, and arranger, O'Mega Red has refined his blend of reality rap, earning critical acclaim and widespread appeal. Known for his infectious charisma both on and off stage, he delivers dynamic live performances, whether backed by DJs or rock bands. Born in Boston, the cradle of independence and freedom, he embodies the spirit of a free, independent rapper with a unique style that blends classic rap elements with modern twists. His music infuses rock beats and thumping bass lines to create a dynamic sound that resonates on and off the stage.

The Jungle Brothers

Jungle Brothers is an American hip-hop trio composed of Michael Small (Mike Gee), Nathaniel Hall (Afrika Baby Bam), and Sammy Burwell (DJ Sammy B). Hailed as pioneers of the fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and house music, they were the first hip-hop group to collaborate with a house music producer. Fostered by Kool DJ Red Alert, the Jungle Brothers' success paved the way for De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and eventually the Native Tongues collective that they founded.

OOMPA

OOMPA, a nationally hop artist from Roxbury, Boston, is one of Boston Magazine’s 150 Most Influential Bostonians. She has won three Boston Music Awards and 14 nominations. Known for her poetic prowess, she won the 2017 Women of the World Poetry Slam. After releasing her second album, *Cleo*, in 2019, Oompa sold out The Sinclair and other venues. She has performed with artists like Charli XCX, Tinashe, and 2Chainz, and recently headlined at the Paradise Rock Club and Boston Calling’s Red Stage.

Kool DJ Alert

Kool DJ Red Alert, a pioneering hip hop DJ, brought rap to radio in the early '80s with his mix show "Red Alert Goes Berserk" on KISS 98.7 FM. Of West Indian descent, he was the first to spin dancehall on FM radio.

Nicknamed for his alertness on the basketball court, he switched to DJing in 1976. Red Alert helped launch KRS-One, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest.

Honors include a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame display. He currently DJs on WBLS 107.5 FM and at global events.

Dawn Tallman

The Queen of Gospel Energy hails from Danbury, Connecticut, and began her singing career in church. Her unique style has drawn comparisons to Chaka Khan and Oleta Adams. Dawn has sold out the Apollo Music Cafe and achieved Billboard success with Bob Sinclar's "Feel The Vibe" and her rendition of "Teardrops." She reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart and won the International Dance Music Award for Best House/Garage/Deep House Track. Dawn has worked with Grammy-nominated producer Chris "Big Dog" Davis. She has toured globally, including Russia, Japan, Italy, and Ibiza.