BAMS Fest Loses Funds, but Keeps a Crowd
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 9
B-boys broke into footwork and windmill routines on Record Co.’s asphalt as gathering festival goers at BAMS Fest: Play Playe Edition still showed for acts like the Boston-established Floor Lords, and celebrity turntablist DJ Jazzy Jeff, despite the sudden location change from BAMS Fest’s play zone in Franklin Park.
Musical beats and familiar hit songs from the arts, music and soul festival played behind a Star Market parking lot due to the gap in production funds that forced organizers to use the premises of the recording studio Record Co. Amid Mayor Michelle Wu’s lowest budget proposal since 2009, BAMS Fest: Play Playe Edition remained on schedule despite the warning of a potential cancellation, while outlining the need for $95,000 in funds.
Even with the downscaled alternative in location and festivities, BAMS Fest still managed to host a free, community-friendly party with excitement in attendance. Boston-rooted attendee Jerome Davis, 45, noted a reduction in activities and vendors from a previous year on the Franklin Park Playstead, but did not feel the event fell as short as its current resources.
“There definitely was a lot more space when it was in Franklin Park – shops were spread out far and wide.” He continued, “the smaller space provided a sense of togetherness. It felt a bit more intimate and that made it a bit more fun, actually.”
BAMS Fest’s Play Playe Edition is part of the second annual run of a multi-day series of events called Momentum. BAMS Fest organizers and their partners arranged a set of acts by local and nationally known artists, and an assortment of free and priced events available to anyone interested in gathering with nearby communities and early summer activities. The well-attended, free to enter BAMS Festival often headlines with known figures in soul, R&B and the Hip Hop genres, like soul singer Elle Varner, rapper Rapsody, and now their 2026 selling attraction, turntablist DJ Jazzy Jeff, who introduced himself by quietly entering BAMS Fest DJ booth and scratched a vinyl record in response to the host’s verbal prompts.
“Where Everybody Knows Your Name” circulated from the Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff throughout the anticipating crowd who were seemingly confused by the selection of the 80s television show “Cheers” theme song. The chuckles changed to cheers as half of the duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff and (actor and rapper Will Smith) the Fresh Prince, made mash-ups with a range of hits from different music genres.
An attendee new to a BAMS festival was drawn in by the well-loved DJ from Philadelphia to tertiary actor on Emmy-nominated sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
“I mainly came for DJ Jazzy Jeff, but I also wanted to see what the BAMS Fest was about,” said Dominique Bannister, 41.
Before DJ Jazzy Jeff spun a set, different artists took turns on stage, or in an ensemble, to perform contemporary, Hip Hop and break moves while individuals from the audience nodded, clapped with hands in air, or worked on their own routines in return.
One group of breakers, the Floor Lords, were honored with the newly established Momentum award for their decades of effort to offer Boston youth positive recreation. The first crew was established in 1981 by co-founder and breaker Alfonso ”Megatron” Hunt who shared proud words about the present accomplishments and promotional prospects for the Floor Lords ongoing projects.
“Jazzy Jeff was definitely the main attraction, but seeing the Floor Lords was also a pleasant surprise,” Davis said. “They displayed break dancing throughout generations, because they had old school members, and a lot of new school members. It was just really cool to see.”
Another attendee Rose, 39, though thrilled by Jazzy Jeff and wowed by the Floor Lords’ appearance, said she was impressed by the show of various youth groups leading up, especially rapper “Onkie's performance, she was one of the young talents. I promise that girl is going to make it. She was superb!”
As audiences in rows of fold up chairs maintained their engagement with the center stage of the event, attendees expressed excitement for the showmanship of the young entertainers that incorporated dance in earlier performances. The crowds hooted throughout the asphalt of the space, while selected performers showed their signature dance styles and mood lifting DJ sets.
Bannister felt the spirit of connection at the event, even though her experience happened at a less than glamorous time for BAMS Fest.
“It was really nice to see so many Black people come together.” She said “I thought that was beautiful. I can’t wait for next year to get the full experience.”
BAMS Fest's 70% financial decline in sponsorship didn’t seem to sway some festivalgoers from making the most of their experience, and appreciating the efforts of founder and Executive Art Director Catherine T. Morrison, and her team for hosting another festival.
“A lot of folks come in and have a good time, but we don't really get a peek behind the scenes,” said Davis. It’s good that these types of events do not cost money, and sometimes people tend to forget what it takes to put something like this together. It gave me a sense of gratitude.”
“I respect that she kept the festival going. It takes a lot to put on an event like that, and I’m glad she found a way to make it happen.” said Bannister.
“I think Catherine Morris does a wonderful job executing this event every year, and she works hard to make this happen,” said Rose. “I really see her vision – seeing this festival becoming huge like festivals in other states.”
BAMS Fest’s financial shortfall has garnered support from attendees who predicted they’d pay a reasonable fee if it means funding would sustain BAMS Fest’s mission in the upcoming years.
“I wouldn't mind paying a fee to support a wonderful yearly event. I see this event as a need and staple of our community,” said Rose.
“If the price isn’t asking for too much,” Davis continued “you gotta keep in mind that times are hard and folks in the community are trying to stay afloat – I wouldn’t mind paying an entry fee. It was a great experience both times.
While BAMS Fest has formally requested donations to settle the $95,000 needed to maintain its course as a yearly, free-to-enter festival of the arts, an attendee expressed the event’s ability to offe a good time.
“I just had a pure blast,” Davis said. “The music was fantastic, the people were great, the crowd was great.”
Comments