It was an unforgettable evening under the stars, filled with music, celebration, and an outpouring of community support, as the North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) hosted its 9th Annual Soirée on Thursday, September 18th on the historic Paul Revere Mall.
The annual fundraiser brought together neighbors, artists, supporters, and civic leaders in celebration of equitable access to arts education. The event raised an incredible $111,180, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and auction participants.
These vital funds will directly support NEMPAC’s mission to provide inclusive and affordable arts programming to students of all ages throughout the North End, Charlestown, and beyond. From early childhood classes to a rapidly growing adult studio program, and a major expansion into the Charlestown Working Theater, NEMPAC continues to deepen its roots in the community.
Honoring Community Champions
The evening also served to recognize two exceptional leaders in Boston’s arts and civic communities:
-Doug Bowen Flynn, Professional Actor, Member of SAG-AFTRA, Educator with Medford Public Schools, and 12-year member of NEMPAC’s Board of Directors.
-Ruth Mercado-Zizzo, Vice-President of Programs and Equity at EdVestors, an organization that has supported NEMPAC with funding for in-school programming and summer interns via their Bloomberg Arts Internship program.
A Night of Unforgettable Performances and Art Making
The Soirée featured standout performances by NEMPAC’s Jazz in the Park Artistic Director Stefano Marchese performing with youth performer Soleil Desai, as well as cast members from last year’s Musical Theatre Troupe production of Annie Jr., belting out the anthem “Tomorrow”. The night culminated in a performance by multitalented Nicóh—a Jazz in the Park performer from summer 2025—followed by a high-energy dance party with DJ Kareem of Big Night Live. A special shoutout to Echo of Echo Art and Design, who inscribed the raffle tambourines with calligraphic text and images for our guests.
A Vision for the Future
The funds raised will support a wide array of programs, including:
-Community Outreach and Programming
-School Partnerships
-Tuition Assistance & Scholarships
-Instrument Fund
-Pay-What-You-Can” Ticketing Model
This includes beloved community offerings like the Jazz in the Park Summer Series, The Artist Series, and Community Concerts in Charlestown—all designed to eliminate barriers to participation and bring professional-caliber performance experiences to all.
A special thanks to the NEMPAC Soirée Sponsors and Partners: Seven Hills Pasta, Brookline Bank, Eastern Bank, enLabel Global Services, Inc., Hood Park, Margaret & Bud Ris, Teri Groome & Paul Belanger, Anthony & Creelea Pangaro, Andrea Waldstein, Trinity Financial, 90+ Cellars, Big Night Live, Boston Bottle, DePasquale Ventures, PEAK, Falcetti Pianos, Echo Art & Design, JNG Consulting, Jimmy Guzman, and Cadigan Creative.
