BOSTON – Monday, July 17, 2023 – Building on the City’s commitment to a safe, healthy, joyful summer and empowering local artists, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City’s Tourism, Sports and Entertainment Office today announced the inaugural release of “Dear Summer Vol. 1”, the City’s first ever mixtape featuring songs and mixes from artists and DJs from the Greater Boston area highlighting the vibrancy of Boston’s communities. This new annual collaboration aims to build awareness of local creative talent, connect residents and families across neighborhoods through music, and celebrate summer. A brief trailer of the mixtape is available here.
“There is no better place to enjoy the summer than right here in Boston. We are proud to be home to many artists and creatives who produce a unique homegrown local culture – one that we’re excited to showcase with our Dear Summer mixtape,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This mixtape features 17 of Boston’s best and brightest musicians, mixed by 6 of our top DJs, and representing our city. There is something here for everyone so here is your soundtrack for the summer at block parties, on your commute and everything in between.”
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape communities. With the Dear Summer Mixtape, we are celebrating Boston’s incredible local talent and showcasing our city as a thriving hub of creativity and diversity,” said John Borders IV, Tourism, Sports and Entertainment Director. “This initiative represents a new vision for promoting our artists and elevating their voices like never before. We invite everyone to tune in, embrace the sounds of Boston, and be a part of our journey to amplify the cultural heartbeat of our city like only we can.”
“Local music connects us to every neighborhood and every part of lived experience in Boston,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts & Culture. “I hope everyone who listens to the ‘Dear Summer Vol. 1’ mixtape escapes into summer vibes while uplifting and celebrating incredible local talent that is uniquely Boston.”
Dear Summer Vol. 1 is made up of 68 curated tracks collectively mixed together in order to represent various styles and genres, including Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, Blues, Alternative and Dance music, that have and continue to impact Boston’s cultural legacy.
Participating DJs include:
Baby Indiglo, DJ based in Randolph
Braunski Beat, DJ based in South End
DJ Papadon, DJ based in Roxbury
DJ Slick Vick, DJ based in Dorchester
ReaL P, DJ based in Roxbury
SNAX, DJ based in Roslindale
“This is a moment to celebrate not only the DJs and artists that keep our city vibrant, but also celebrate the different people and cultures that make Boston so special,” said Chimel “ReaL P” Idiokitas, Exec. Producer & Curator of “Dear Summer Vol. 1” mixtape. “I learned a lot during this process, and discovered a bunch of amazing artists who now frequent my everyday playlists. This project is more than just 68 songs blended together, it represents a change in how we support and champion each other collectively.”
Participating artists include:
$ean Wire, Hip-Hop / R&B artist based in Roxbury
Alisa Amador, Folk/Jazz artist based in Cambridge
Amadeezy, Dance/Electronic artist based in Mattapan
Avenue, Hip-Hop artist based in South End
Gogo., Hip-Hop/Afrobeats/Dance artist based in Cambridge
Kei, Hip-Hop artist based in Dorchester
Mint Green, Rock artist based in Dorchester
Miranda Rae, R&B artist based in Roxbury
Oompa, Hip-Hop artist based in Roxbury
Radical One, Latin/Dance artist based in Roslindale
Rilla Force, Electronic artist based in Stoughton
The Elovaters, Reggae/Rock artist based in South Shore
Tokyo Tramps, Blues/Rock artist based in Fenway
ToriTori, R&B artist based in Dorchester
UgoBoy, Afrobeats artist based in Randolph
Vintage Lee, Hip-Hop artist based in Roxbury
Wayup Rui, Afrobeats artist based in Roxbury
“Being acknowledged and supported by my community is a powerful validation that I’m on the right musical path,” said Miranda Rae, R&B artist based in Roxbury. “Music has been a significant part of my journey in Boston, where countless talented creatives strive to be noticed and heard. With Boston Summer Vol. 1, we showcase the hidden gems within our city to the rest of the world. It’s truly an honor to be represented alongside my talented peers. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!”
In addition to Mayor Wu, “Dear Summer” also features appearances from the following 17 Bostonians who represent various neighborhoods, backgrounds and communities.
Dan Fitzgerald, Heartbreak Hill Run Club
David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Deon Point, Concepts
Devin McCourty, New England Patriots
Dr. Myron Rolle, Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Rufus J. Faulk, Roxbury, MA
Ed Kane, Big Night Entertainment
Ed O.G., Recording Artist
John M. Borders IV, City of Boston
Jose F. Masso, City of Boston
Melissa Valdez, In Arena Host of the Boston Celtics
Michael Bobbit, Massachusetts Cultural Council
Michael Holley, NBC Boston
Nia Grace, Grace by Nia
Pam Everhart, Fidelity Investments
Sheena Collier, Boston While Black
Tiziana Dearing, WBUR/Radio Boston
Additional credits for the “Dear Summer” mixtape include Marquis Neal as Mixing & Mastering Engineer and Latrell James who was responsible for Music Production. It also features an original production by James in which he sampled Mayor Wu’s performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The mixtape will be available to stream tonight after 6:17 p.m. on boston.gov/dearsummermixtape, available on spotify, soundcloud and mixcloud platforms. A playlist featuring 17 songs by participating artists will also be available at boston.gov/dearsummermixtape.
This announcement builds on the City’s work to provide opportunities for residents and families to connect and explore Boston’s neighborhoods this summer and support a vibrant arts and culture sector. Last week, Mayor Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture announced an unprecedented, multi-year City investment funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that supports Boston’s arts and cultural organizations in reimagining a more creative and equitable city. In June, Mayor Wu announced the City’s summer programming and initiatives for residents and families to enjoy a safe, joyful summer, including block party grants.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
