Introducing Commonwealth Fest, a two-day hip-hop festival curated by Cousin Stizz
'Commonwealth Fest is a representation of not just the city and its culture, but the region as a whole' – Cousin Stizz
The unique two-day hip-hop festival curated by the Massachusetts superstar launches in Medfield the weekend of September 16 and 17
With performances by Buddy, Kenny Mason, Tony Shhnow, Michael Christmas, BoriRock, Jiles (of Van Buren), Avenue, kei, Clark D, Nay $peaks, Tyler Loyal, and Nino Francis; DJs sets from Alondrugs, Jenno, SuperSmashBroz, and SNAX; plus stay silent’s SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION
Photo credit: Alex Coopersmith
BOSTON, Mass. [August 8, 2023] — Cousin Stizz was born and bred in Boston, has spent the past decade representing Massachusetts all over the country and beyond, and now he’s ready to build a new foundation back home.
The renowned Dorchester rapper unveils Commonwealth Fest: a unique two-day hip-hop festival held at the iconic grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital. Launching the weekend of Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, Stizz has curated a hip-hop festival through his own creative lens, bringing together a momentous and undisputed lineup with some of New England’s most notable talents for one unprecedented weekend.
Commonwealth Fest is a culmination of Stizz’s rise, and now the artist holds court in the expansive open-air field of Bellforge Arts Center, a stunning destination at the heart of a sprawling 87-acre campus and historical landmark site located south of Boston. Together, a new history is made as we all share the cultural wealth.
“Since we started this journey almost a decade ago we’ve always wanted to pave the way for the next generation, to show the kids what’s possible with vision and hard work – it was never just about me or about us,” says Stizz. “We’ve done everything from basement shows and The Middle East, to The Paradise and House of Blues, and over the last few years we’ve recognized that the time has come to build something that we’ve never had here before: A festival that we can call our own.”
Stizz’s mark is all over Commonwealth Fest, a new landmark event that celebrates the energy, creativity, and community spirit that hip-hop music embodies.
Saturday’s Day 1 (September 16) features a Stizz headlining performance, preceded by appearances from an iconic lineup of national and homegrown talent: Buddy, Kenny Mason, Tony Shhnow, Michael Christmas, BoriRock, Jiles (of Van Buren), Avenue, kei, Clark D, Nay $peaks, Tyler Loyal, and Nino Francis, with DJs sets from Alondrugs, Jenno, SuperSmashBroz, and SNAX.
Sunday’s Day 2 (September 17) expands the scope even greater, welcoming Providence’s stay silent squad to perpetuate the upbeat atmosphere all day long with its SPREAD LOVE FUNCTION. Featuring a blend of DJ sets and live performances that encapsulate the spirit of the stay silent signature party series, the party echoes the richness of New England’s culture.
As Bellforge positions itself as the central arts hub between Boston, Worcester, and Providence, expanding Commonwealth Fest’s reach beyond state lines was essential to the weekend’s alchemy.
“Commonwealth Fest is a representation of not just the city and its culture, but the region as a whole,” Stizz explains. “We’re bringing together some of the best and brightest hometown talents, brands and experiences, plus some friends from outside New England, too. A big topic we’ve always discussed is how we bring Boston to the world and simultaneously let the world into Boston, to have outsiders see the city and the region for what it really is, not just what they think they know. Commonwealth Fest is that – it’s us at its core, but it’s also a bridge that will connect our home base to the rest of the world for years to come. This is our way of saying thank you for everything.”
Situated at the heart of a sprawling 87-acre campus and historical landmark site – an enchanting walkable destination with open fields, mature trees and rolling hills surrounding 35 buildings overlooking the Charles River – Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex designed to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Long-term renovation and restoration plans include visual and performing arts studios, arts education facilities, a 300-seat performance venue, and more. Currently, all events are held on the expansive open-air lawn just under the iconic bell tower that’s part of Bellforge Arts Center’s Lee Chapel.
Contact Michael Marotta at michael@knyvet.com for media, press, and radio inquiries and opportunities.