City of Cambridge Awards $23,800 to Local Businesses through Cambridge NITES Grant Pilot

The City of Cambridge Community Development Department has awarded $23,800 in funding to six businesses through the Cambridge Nightlife Industry and Thriving Entertainment Spaces (NITES) grant pilot.

The Cambridge NITES grant pilot is managed by the Community Development Department’s Economic Opportunity and Development Division in partnership with the Community Planning and Design Division. The program aims to highlight the success of Cambridge’s nightlife and entertainment industry. Through Cambridge NITES, the City hopes to position Cambridge as a center for nightlife and entertainment in the region and inspire residents and visitors to explore all that Cambridge’s nightlife has to offer.

“This grant pilot reflects our dedication to fostering community, invigorating local businesses, and preserving Cambridge as a regional hub for cultural and artistic expression,” said Cambridge Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Melissa Peters. “Cambridge NITES supports the continued post-pandemic recovery of our city’s nightlife and entertainment industries."

The City will fund eight events in the month of June. Events will take place in several different Cambridge neighborhoods and will include comedy performances, live music, and dance parties.

“With support from the NITES grant—an initiative highlighting the importance of shared experiences through live performances—The Comedy Studio is stepping out of the basement and into the light for two nights of outdoor comedy,” said Christine Betts, Manager of The Comedy Studio. “The revival of The Comedy Studio celebrates the long-standing relationship between Cambridge and its vibrant performing arts community.”

Cambridge NITES Awardees and Events

Cambridge Hip-Hop Collective (partners: Sun.Sets.Boston and The Modular Troupe)
The Cambridge Hip-Hop Collective will bring together the Hip-Hop, RnB and Electronic Dance Music communities at this collaborative event at the Urban Park (UP) roof garden in Kendall on May 31, from 4-9 p.m. In addition to live sets from frequent Cambridge venue performers like Sun.Sets.Boston, The Modular Troupe will be bringing a live 5-piece band playing smooth RnB and Hip-Hop classics, with featured performances from local singers and rappers.

Central Square BID (partners: La Fabrica, Middlesex, and Roxy’s Arcade)
Join the Central Square BID for a summer kick-off event celebrating the launch of Central On Air, a new community-driven live streaming platform for DJs, musicians, and listeners alike. On Saturday, June 14 from 5-9 p.m., the Central Square BID will introduce Central On Air to the public with block party on in Lafayette Square, just steps from their new studio at 425 Mass Ave. Enjoy live DJ sets, local vendor pop-ups, and a first look (and listen!) at their livestream platform and street-level studio. Continue on to the afterparties at Brick & Mortar, Middlesex, and Roxy's. Be part of the energy, music, nightlife, and community that powers Central Square!

The Comedy Studio
The Comedy Studio, a beloved cornerstone of the local comedy scene, is thrilled to announce its return to Harvard Square. In the spirit of community and laughter, The Comedy Studio will host two shows this June, first on Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. in Brattle Square and Sunday, then on Sunday, June 15 at 5 p.m. in Porter Square. Each event will offer an hour of pure hilarity, featuring a lineup of seasoned comics and fresh new voices. Join The Comedy Studio in celebrating renewed joy and laughter in the heart of Harvard Square!

LilyPad
LilyPad in Inman Square will be hosting two events on June 13 and 14. Friday, June 13, will feature a live music at the Cambridge Street Court/Yard from 7-9:30 p.m. followed by a brass band procession back to LilyPad’s performance space in Inman. On Saturday, June 14, LilyPad will bring DJ dance party vibes back to the Cambridge Street Court/Yard from 7-9:30 p.m.

The Phoenix Landing
The Phoenix Landing will produce Mardi Gras in June, bringing the spirit of community joy and celebration to Lafayette Square (intersection of Mass Ave and Main St). Legless Lizard will perform New Orleans-style Mardi Gras tunes at an event planned for June 26, 7-9 p.m.

Ultimate Entertainment Group (UEG) (partners: DX Arcade and Harvard Square Business Association)
Ultimate Entertainment Group (UEG) will blend vintage cars, southern-style music, and a little rock and roll in Brattle Square on June 28, from 3-9 p.m. This exciting collaboration with DX Arcade and the Harvard Square Business Association will bring together car and music lovers of all generations.

More Information
For more information on the Economic Opportunity and Development Division’s work, services, and programs, visit www.cambridgema.gov/business. For more information on the Community Planning and Design Division, visit www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/planud.