We excited to welcome Ciff Notez for episode 6 of Lunchtime Listening Sessions! Award-winning multi-digital media artist, musician, organizer & filmmaker, Cliff Notez’ 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. Cliff’s Second full-length album, Why The Wild Things Are, was released September 11th 2019. Their films have won over 5 and been official selections for 20 and counting film festivals globally. In 2017 they was the grand prize winner of the March on Washington Festival and honored alongside Ta-Nehisi Coates. In 2018 they took home Best New Artist at the Boston Music Awards while racking in over 11 nominations between 2019-2020 including Artist of the Year and Live Artist of the Year. In 2019 Cliff became the first musician to be named “Musician of the Year” for Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston and their 100 Most Influential Bostonians in 2020.

Curated by Lyndsay Allyn Cox, Director of Theatre Arts

We produce this event in order to play an important role in the amplification of BIPOC artistry. We aim to ensure that our programming reflects the type of programming our community needs. The Summer 2020 Listening Sessions are a series meant to evoke joy, healing, and celebration.

Program Statement

Black Lives Matter. There is simply no other way to put it. Black folx have been engaged in an ongoing revolution since 1619 when their ancestors were violently kidnapped from their homes. Century after century, decade after decade, year after year, month after month, day after day, minute after minute Black people in America fear for their lives, their freedom, their right to exist. This summer we turn our attention to Black artists who during this time of extreme pain, fear, and anger, use their artistry to find healing for themselves and others. Starting July 15, every first and third Wednesday between July and October, BCA will host a Lunchtime listening session with a local Black performing artist. These sessions are meant to be a source of healing and expression within the Black community and are in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We invite you to join us on the following dates to support these artists.