This summer, UniteBoston’s leadership team hosted a series of smaller backyard concerts with an open mic for Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. This initiative came out of the Songwriter’s Guild that Bailey Kolapudi had launched with Reunion Christian Church and then expanded to involve Christians from many churches through UniteBoston’s network.

Our vision for these concerts was to restore the bonds of friendship, justice, and resilience, bringing renewal to the body of Christ and our surrounding communities. We were thrilled to see this vision become reality by successfully hosting four exciting backyard concerts at different locations in the Boston area. Below are snapshot promo videos, photos, and testimonies of this impactful concert series!

“I had the privilege of attending UB’s first summer outdoor concert, and it was, as we used to say back in the day, “Off the Hook!” The musicians and their music choices were an absolute blessing, and the fellowship was refreshing!”

Marian E. Turenne, Bethel Pentecostal Church (Boston)

Nature is itself a hymn to God’s glory, so it was truly a double-delight to sit within a choir of trees and brush, breathing in fresh, warm, evening air,  all the while listening to the harmonization of human voices and musical instruments joining the chorus and giving glory and praise to our Creator! 

Father Tom Ryan, The Paulist Center (Boston)

Watch this highlight from our concert in Roxbury, where Devin Ferreira had members of the audience write down words and then he created a freestyle rap amidst choruses of “Oceans” – “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders…”

It was such a fun time playing at the Renew Backyard Concert series. Artists were asked to sing originals that related to our experiences during the pandemic. I sang my original song “Cherish You” because if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s to cherish loved ones and human interaction like never before. We wrapped up the night with a sing-along of “Stand by Me” and it really warmed my heart. Grateful for the new connections made and the inspiration shared yesterday!

–Jen Aldana, Impact Church (Medford); center in photo above

“I’m so glad I attended the Renew backyard concert!  I saw friends I hadn’t seen in a while and made new connections with women who are doing similar ministry to mine at other churches. The music was amazing, with a wide representation of styles and talents.  It was gratifying to see so many talented Christians in one place.  God is truly at work in our city, and I’m thankful for UB and its vision to put this event together.”

Yovanny Pulcini, Congregation Lion of Judah (Boston)

”I had the privilege of being a part of all of the concerts and I really appreciated the diversity of talent and music genres represented, especially at the last concert. There was worship music, reggaeton, hip hop, contemporary Christian music, and more. Through this, I saw firsthand the beauty of worship music and its ability to edify not just the person singing, but others who are listening and singing along. I also had the opportunity to get on stage and share a song that I’ve been working on with others in the Songwriter’s Guild. Thankfully, it was a safe environment to share in and I was met with encouragement.”

 Cleopatra Muhammad, Restoration City Church (Boston)

“The creative performances by local Christian artists and social interactions between diverse groups of people created a vibrant atmosphere that contributed to the formation of new friendships and re-connection of individuals from different Boston neighborhoods.”

K. Percy Ballah, UniteBoston Communications Administrator and Pastor at Impact Center Providence

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