2nd line pt. 1 Playing some music. After missing live and in person music last year because of you-know-why, Honk bands once again brought joy and merriment to Davis Sq. on the Saturday of what is now officially Indigenous People’s Weekend. With the Pandemic still with us, this year’s festival was somewhat different then years past. Safety protocols were in place, but organizers turned that to their advantage. Gone were the bands being flown in from around the country – indeed around the world. All bands were local enough that they could go home and sleep in their own beds at the end of the day. This led to a much smaller carbon footprint for the festival. And with Climate Change being a prime concern – Honk of course being an activist festival as well as a music festival – this was something worth noting. Also crowd size was a concern. So rather than have the usual all day blow-out in Davis Sq. it was decided to branch out to other communities, many of whom are underserved. This had 2 benefits. One, keeping crowd size not too overwhelming, and two, bringing Honk music and fun to neighborhoods that otherwise would not experience it. Nubian Sq. in Roxbury was a second hub for Honk 2021. This also permitted Honk bands to engage directly in local community issues. Davis Sq. was still the kick off point, and the Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band led the way. 2nd line through…. The Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band performing in Davis Sq, opening Honkfest 2021. After their set, the Honkfest Organizing committee had some proclamations and a note about Indigenous People’s Day. Here is Honkfest member, Dinny Lorind Dinny act Honkfest organizer John Bell paid tribute to out-going Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone. John Act Joe Act Phil Reavis act Grooversity After the brief ceremony, it was time to get back to the music and dancing. Grooversity, formally know as aNova Brazil, is a percussion band from the local Brazilian community. Grooversity continues… I ran into some old JP friends, Joey and Frank. I asked them what brought them to Davis Sq. Joey int. Amanda int. Just as Grooversity finished their set, School of Honk came marching down the street and into the park. School of Honk Katiana intro Yes, she’s running for Mayor. And I asked her what she likes about Honk. Katrina bite Terrace Grooman is another activist with Honk. I asked him how it felt to be back in the park with live music. Terrance act Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who was also in attendance, expressed similar feelings Ayanny act Hurricane Season act The Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band ended their set with this Trombone Shorty tune, but the festival carried on throughout the Boston area for the rest of the day and night. Reporting from Davis Sq in Somerville, I am Chuck Rosina. Music up Activist Street bands perform in Davis Sq, and honor Somerville notable residence and Indigenous People's Day Written and recorded by Chuck U. Rosina Mixed and edited at W.Bla3, Medford, MA.