BAMSFest celebrates seven years of bringing joy to Boston communities June 2025
Article written by James Barnes, Urban Coordinator
Videography & Photos by Bryan Edourd, Class of 2025
BAMS (Boston Arts & Music Soul) Festival, or BAMSFest, is a culturally-led movement, pioneered and orchestrated by Boston native Catherine T. Morris. Established in June of 2018, the goal was to recognize and magnify the creative contributions of Black & Brown artists as well as provide an opportunity for underserved communities to experience the magic of music, art, and culture when they’re fused together. It’s a special event held annually for people to showcase their talents, share their voices or just check out performances that wouldn’t normally have a stage because of the racial inequities, injustices, and economic disparities. According to Morris, the purpose of BAMSFest is to celebrate all the hard work and contributions from our local artists, and to have the space for them to share their art with one another. It was also established to make sure the Black & Brown arts and culture remain “sustainable and healthy.” Since Morris invested $22,000 of her personal savings to start the non-profit organization in 2018, the festival and its audience has gradually increased, becoming one of the fastest growing arts festivals in Boston.
While taking a business plan writing course at Simmons University, Morris analyzed the city of Boston and its communities and discovered that the racial inequalities, violence and killings of Black people, and the lack of Black-owned venues presented a challenge for Black and Brown artists to express their artistry. She felt inspired to create a running platform for the underprivileged communities, to give them a space to collaborate and experience the essence of fusing music, art, and culture. With the help of four Black artists who saw her vision for BAMSFest; Valerie Stephens, Latrell James, Obehi Janice, and Deu Almeida, Morris established a stage for Black artistry, and a space for Black and Brown people to celebrate that artistry. She created a new Boston tradition that will hopefully be passed down for years to come.
As BAMSFest continues to expand, it has birthed several other significant movements: S.O.U.LStice Series is a series of free performances at the Uncommon Corner in Boston on Thursdays through October from 4pm-8pm. Momentum 2025 is from June 25-30, offering 6 days of free and ticketed arts and cultural events across the city. Rock Her Crown Women’s Brunch will be held at Grace by Nia in the Seaport District on June 6, 2025 from 11am-2pm, honoring Black and Latina women who are making a significant impact both socially and culturally in Boston.
This year, BAMSFest will take place on June 28, 2025 at the Playstead Field in Franklin Park, starting as early as 12:00pm. Featuring Grammy-award winning R&B Soul singer Lalah Hathaway, iconic North Carolina hiphop pair Little Brother, and singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr will headline the festival this year, leading the lineup that includes artists like Boston’s seasoned hip-hop veteran Edo G, Boston’s Spoken Word Artist of the Year Amanda Shea, R&B singer Kasia Lavon, and many more, with DJ’s WhySham & Deaf Tunez. In addition to the artists, there will be a Vendor Village, which will showcase local Black-owned businesses such as food trucks, dance classes, and a creative stage for performances. Come enjoy the festivities and be prepared to have the time of your life!
