March 15, 2025 – The Folk Collective at the Rose Garden
The Folk Collective, normally at Club at Passim in Cambridge, MA, is an initiative focused on empowering diverse folk artists across New England by using music as a catalyst for community impact and social change. The Collective operates on a two-year, cohort-based model, specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented artists in the folk music scene. Through this model, participants receive performance opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative space, all aimed at helping them cultivate sustainable, creative careers.
The Collective serves not only the artists themselves but also the wider New England community by broadening the reach of folk music and making it more accessible. Success for the Folk Collective is measured through various metrics, including audience attendance, diversity of participants, engagement levels at events, social media interactions, and feedback from artists and the community. Partners supporting the initiative include institutions like Berklee College of Music, the Cambridge Arts Council, and the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, among others.
ARTISTS FOR THE MARCH 15 SHOW WILL INCLUDE:
Alastair Moock is an award-winning singer-songwriter; a Grammy-nominated family musician; social justice and songwriting educator for all ages; and co-founder of The Opening Doors Project, an anti-racist music organization. The Boston Globe calls him “one of the town’s best and most adventurous songwriters,” and The Washington Post says, “every song is a gem.”
Anju is a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer shaped by the people and places in Minnesota and Massachusetts. Their music conjures imaginary lovers, scents of citrus, and visions of hairy brown skin under the sun. Anju was highlighted by NPR’s All Songs Considered as an outstanding Tiny Desk Contest entrant. They are currently teaching young musicians piano, violin, and guitar and working on their debut full-length album.
Lydia “LovelySinger” Harrell is one of Boston’s musical treasures. Her sultry, soulful voice and evocative songwriting have garnered her the attention and respect of the nation’s finest musicians and venues. Jazz and soul are where her heart is; however, Harrell has shown an unbreakable ability to mold herself into any musical situation. Whether performing with the Boston Pops, serenading NBA fans with America’s national anthem, or lending her vocal talents to chart-topping deep house singles by British record label Reel People Music, Harrell’s dedication to extracting the pure essence of the song is unmatched. In addition to her accomplishments as a musical artist, Lydia is a film/TV, voiceover, and theatre actress.
Award-winning multi-digital media artist, musician, organizer & filmmaker Cliff Notez’s art is a continuous exploration of the black mind. Rooted in hip-hop, their art tackles the political and the personal, exploring the intimate consequences of a society where black bodies are easily ignored, forgotten, or disregarded. In 2018 they took home Best New Artist at the Boston Music Awards, and in 2020, Cliff became the first musician to be named “Musician of the Year” for Boston Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Bostonians. Cliff’s Second full-length album, Why The Wild Things Are, was released on September 11th, 2019.
Award-winning Tlingit artist Kim Moberg was born in Juneau, Alaska, and currently calls Cape Cod, MA home. Kim began playing guitar at age 14, but severe stage fright kept her from becoming a professional performer. In 2014 Kim set out to overcome her stage fright and wrote her first song. Kim teamed with Grammy-nominated producer Jon Evans to record two albums: “Above Ground” and “Up Around The Bend.” Both have received worldwide airplay, charting on the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ charts and the NACC Radio charts. Kim and Jon are collaborating on her third album, which features songs that tie ancient prophecies to our current social environment. Kim’s recognitions include the 2021 Rocky Mountain Songwriting Contest Finalist, the 2021 Great American Songwriting Contest Folk/Americana Finalist, and the 2020 CT Folk Grassy Hill Songwriting Competition Winner.