Photos: Highlights of the 25th annual Boston Freedom Rally Day 2
Photos: Highlights of the 25th annual Boston Freedom Rally Day 2
Photography & Feature by Empress K – Founder & Editor www.ReggaeReflection.com
A busy walkway on the Boston Common
Blues skies and late summer sunshine welcomed the Boston Freedom Rally attendees on the 2nd day of the annual event. Spanning two days for the second year in a row, the 25th Annual Boston Freedom Rally was held on the weekend of September 13th. On Sunday, the event running from high noon until 6:00pm had two main performance areas: a main stage on the lawn of the Boston Common, and the Boston Common Gazebo utilized for the 2nd performance stage. Both stages featured key speakers from MassCann / NORML and over 15 performers in total from all genres of music. A separate Reggae stage made an initial appearance on Saturday, however some issues were encountered that prevented it from occurring on Sunday as well. The Freedom Rally also included an additional educational component. For the first time, it included a Hemposium tent for panelists and speakers sponsored by the Northeastern Institue of Cannabis.
Sweatshop performing on the Hitman Glass Main Stage
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Moxa performing on the Band Stage
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MC Dex Ter introduces speaker Dave Tree
Live Painting by Kulturez Dyasty and view of the Gazebo Band Stage
Lead Singer of Abstract Dub Co on the Band Stage
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Mighty Mystic performing on the Hitman Glass Main Stage
Reggae Band Elementary before appearing on the Band Stage
Aisling Peartree performs with her band on the Band Stage
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A perfect day on the Boston Common in support of the Freedom Rally
A peaceful day at the Boston Freedom Rally
View from Mount MaryJane on the Boston Common
Despite the introduction of a $250 fine for smoking (tobacco, cannabis or other lighted or vaporized substances) in public parks, scenes throughout the Boston Common were that of peaceful gatherings of a diverse attendance of all ages and backgrounds with few interactions observed with the patrolling police. Blankets adorned the grassy areas in front of the stages and on the on the hill, better known to 420 enthusiasts as Mount MaryJane. Pets were a common sighting, mostly man’s best friend; however, more unusual varieties were also spotted including a snake and a parrot. A perfect day to hang out with everyone.
On Patrol
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Enjoying the music on the Main Stage
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A wide array of vendor tents showcased an eclectic collection of food, clothing, handmade goods, glass pipes, bongs, and many other Cannabis lifestyle related products including a popular vendor which had a tempting product display of blazing brownie mixes.
#BostonFreedomRally Vendors on Display
A variety of food vendors line a main walkway
A vendor from Detroit with his merchandise
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Blazin Brownies at the Boston Freedom Rally
Products for the Cannabis Lifestyle
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Mighty Mystic Provides a 420 Reggae Vibe
Mighty Mystic and the Thunder Band
Just prior to 4:20PM, a countdown on the Main Stage ensued to encourage all to light up in support of the Boston Freedom Rally. Right on cue, Reggae artist Mighy Mystic & the Thunder Band rolled on stage to provide the ultimate Reggae Vibe for the afternoon.
Some came for the music, some came to peruse the myriad food and vendor options, some came to support the MassCann / NORML organizations’ efforts to support regulation of Marijuana, and all came to enjoy a spectacular day on the Boston Common with friends and family while supporting the overall 420 vibes.
Boston Freedom Rally Supporter displays his Medical Marijuana patient card
Vermin Supreme and Lilith Astaroth share a moment backstage
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Enjoy some late afternoon vibes
a 420 moment on the main stage lawn
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a 420 moment
420 on the Hill
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Early Evening on the Boston Common
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Bikes were a frequent sighting on the common.
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More about MassCann / NORML
According to the official website for Masscann, “The mission of The Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition (MassCann), the state affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of the Marijuana Laws (NORML), is to build a consensus for a more moral and rational public policy regarding all uses of the cannabis plant” .
Scenes from the 25th Annual Boston Freedom Rally. Press Play to see all the photos from Day 2.
Empress K is the Founder, Primary Photo-Journalist and Editor of www.reggaereflection.com. Reggae Reflection has gained international recognition with quality coverage of premier reggae events in Jamaica, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Barbados, Guyana, and Nigeria as well as numerous completed photography assignments for notable reggae events in the New England area, NY, Alabama, and Florida region. Festival coverage has included Groovin In the Park, Six Flags NJ Caribbean Concert Series, IRAWMA, HangOut Festival Alabama, 9Mile Festival Miami, Rebel Salute, Sunfest FL, Reggae in the Hills and more.
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