Mayor Walsh announces acoustic on Main

 Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with City Councilor Michelle Wu, today invited musicians, businesses, and the public to participate in “Acoustic on Main,” a 10-night event in Boston’s Main Streets Districts during Small Business Week. From May 1-10 Main Streets businesses are encouraged to host local acoustic performances with up to 5 instrumental or vocal performers from 4 pm to 9 pm. Participating businesses will not be required to apply for a live entertainment license or pay a fee to the City to hold the performances.

“This winter was very difficult for Boston’s small businesses,” said Mayor Walsh. “Now that Spring has arrived, we are excited to enliven our Main Streets districts with music to support our local businesses while also supporting our local musicians. Consider shopping locally and taking in a performance during Acoustic on Main and empower our neighborhoods to thrive.”

"Our local small businesses open their doors to the community in sun or snow - they anchor our neighborhoods and make Boston welcoming and vibrant,” said Councilor Michelle Wu. “After a hard winter, let's spend time in our Main Streets districts supporting our small businesses and enjoying live music throughout the city!”

"This is a great opportunity to introduce the community to artists they haven't heard of. Acoustic music brings a different sound to the community," said Amanda Ford of Soler, an urban apparel and streetwear retailer in the Grove Hall Main Street district.  "Acoustic on Main will increase the exposure for our community and area; this is another opportunity for us to be a catalyst of the New Grove Hall.  Small businesses are the life blood of community; they employ people in the area and operate with the local residents and community interests in mind.  Small business create positive change for community."

"For many, the idea of live music invokes loud music and nightclubs,” said Brian Piccini, owner of Boston Chops in Washington Gateway Main Streets, and a local musician.  “This is a great opportunity to showcase acoustic performers and change that dynamic. After the winter we have had, we need all the help we can get to liven the business districts."

"We're thrilled to open our doors to the wealth of local musical talent across Boston, and offer our customers a new experience when they stop in," said Joanne Chang, owner of Flour and Myers + Chang. "We're looking forward to participating in Acoustic on Main, and supporting the local Main Streets district."

Businesses and musicians who wish to participate can register at the Acoustic on Main website, and businesses hosting events are also welcome to submit those events to the City of Boston’s online calendar.  As the schedule develops, members of the public will also be able to find events in their neighborhood, and are encouraged to follow and engage with the event using #AcousticOnMain.  The Acoustic on Main website will be updated with a Map of Main Streets information, as well as with an events calendar with confirmed performances.

Businesses and musicians will make decisions regarding compensation for performers, however, just as the City of Boston encourage residents to support small businesses, we also encourage small businesses to support local musicians.

Acoustic on Main is made by possible by a partnership between City Councilor Michelle Wu,  the City Council’s Committee on Arts & Culture, the City Council’s Committee on Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the City of Boston’s Office of Business Development, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, and the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing.