Festivus: Hub Of The Universe

posted in: Features

I like to think Boston has a pretty hip music scene happening. But no one can deny that what we make up for in dingy dive bars boasting undiscovered raw talent and national acts that stay true to their Beantown roots (we love you too, Dropkick Murphys!), we lack in festivals. Luckily Boston only has to wait one more measly year to be put in the spotlight as a legitimate festival-faring city.  Slated for May of 2011, Hub of the Universe, which is billed as a “Cultural Pop Up Fest”, will be coming to the Downtown Crossing area of Beantown, and if the hype and preparation is any indication, we think success is just around the corner.

Just this past month, Hub of the Universe revealed its intentions to Bostonians with the Hub of the Universe Preview. Local Boston acts like Miss Tess, Barrence Whitfield and Gucci Vuitton performed over a 3-day span, in addition to national acts like The Dirty Projectors, Ollabelle and The Phenomenal Handclap Band.

Next year live performances will happen throughout downtown Boston where there is allegedly a plaque in the sidewalk marking the actual center of the universe. But the bands won’t be the only thing Bostonians will be able to enjoy. Movie lovers can take in film screenings and shopping addicts can visit  “Pop Up” stores, located at various empty retail spaces throughout the city, to buy some of the city’s most cutting edge brands.

While the actual details are still sketchy, we’re happy to see a festival taking such initiative in the starting phases. May’s “preview” served as a teaser for what people can expect from next year’s official Hub of the Universe, event, and organizers have already established a website (though it too doesn’t say much) as well as set up all the necessary social-networking accounts, including Facebook and Twitter. Some pretty impressive sponsors, such as Grey Goose, Heineken Light and W Boston, are also in place. Hype has been wafting through the Internet, and we think it’s going to be a pretty big deal. Don’t believe us? Google it yourself.