617 Day: Our Fifth Year Celebrating All Things Local Will Be the Biggest Yet

JOIN WERS & THE CITY OF BOSTON IN CELEBRATING ALL THINGS LOCAL ON 617 DAY

This year, WERS marks a milestone of 75 years serving the Boston community. From backtracking our listeners’ vibrant and diverse lives to featuring local talent, we owe everything we do to the city we broadcast out of. 

That’s why we’re excited to bring the community together for our fifth annual 617 Day, a celebration of Boston’s three-digit area code, the people that call it home and the music that has come out of it.

On Monday, June 17th (get it, 6-1-7?), you’re invited to our biggest 617 Day celebration yet! 88.9 WERS is teaming up with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture to deliver an entire day of local music programming on air, and an unforgettable in-person event.

We also thank Staples Stores for their support!

Continue reading to find out how you can participate in this year’s festivities, and be sure to check back here for updates.

EXHILARATING LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM LOCAL TALENT

Come out to the State Street side of Boston’s City Hall Plaza between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the 17th for an afternoon and evening of free music, as well as a chance to sample local culture. No tickets required in advance, and all ages are welcome! 

Can’t make it in-person? Not to worry— when you tune in to 88.9, you'll get a full day of local music.

JUST ANNOUNCED —SET TIMES FOR WERS 617 DAY LINEUP: 

Superpink 3:45PM

Founded in 2021, Superpink is the brainchild of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Luke Bergamini. Their music spans from garage rock to disco, rockabilly to 80s pop. In spring 2024, Superpink began rolling out an EP of “Life Metal,” beginning with their lead single “Windbreaker” on May 31st.

The Folk Collective at Passim, featuring Naomi Westwater, Kim Moberg, Maxfield Anderson, Cliff Notez, and Lydia Harrell 4:45PM

Curated by Boston-based singer-songwriter Shea Rose, The Folk Collective is composed of up to twelve select artists, musicians and cultural thought leaders. Through an active exchange of ideas and conversation, Passim collaborates with The Folk Collective to present inclusive and equitable events that welcome and invite diverse audiences and artists to the Passim stages and beyond.

Miranda Rae 5:45PM

Miranda Rae, a captivating vocalist hailing from Boston, MA, was raised in the vibrant neighborhoods of Roxbury and Dorchester, where her passion for music ignited at a tender age. Through her soulful musical expressions, Miranda has discovered her unique voice, resonating deeply with audiences. Recently honored as Vocalist of the Year by the prestigious Boston Music Awards, Miranda Rae draws inspiration from the unwavering love and support of her community and peers, propelling her musical journey forward.

Chris Walton 6:45PM

Chris Walton is a Boston-based singer/songwriter/producer. Chris is equally comfortable writing intimate introspective love songs or upbeat retro pop tracks. Inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder, early John Mayer, and Daniel Caesar, Chris creates smooth, jazz-kissed songs that tug at the heart strings of listeners with effortless relatability on love and loss of love. He released his debut album in 2023 and is currently working on new music for your ears.

Carissa Johnson & The Cure Alls 8:00PM

Carissa Johnson is known for her straight-forward lyrics, driving melodies, and her band’s inimitable live energy. Her musical career began in Boston, Massachusetts and has taken her all across the United States, playing countless shows all over the country since 2016, solo as well as with her band The Cure-Alls (Steph Curran & Nick Hall). She and the band won the New Act of the Year award at the 30th annual Boston Music Awards in 2017, the same year they won Boston’s legendary Rock n Roll Rumble. Her music has been featured in SPIN Magazine, the Boston Globe, Alternative Press, and more. She has opened up for national acts such as Fleece, Tōth, Dorothy, Damone, & The Damnwells. Johnson relocated to Brooklyn, NY in 2022 and is currently promoting her latest two singles, “Congratulations” and “I Surrender.”

EVEN MORE ALL-DAY FUN, ON-AIR!

WERS has played songs from a lot of incredible Boston musicians across our 75 years of broadcasting, but 617 Day is our one time a year where every minute of programming is dedicated to shining a light on local talent. 

Using the form below, tell us which local artists we don’t want to miss as we curate our all-local playlist for the 17th.