User:RobBeatty/sandbox

Boston Hassle
Boston Hassle is a website highlighting music and arts in the greater Boston area. Its goal is to showcase underrepresented genres and artists that are pushing boundaries in the world of arts. Created by Dan Shea, originally releasing music and booking under the name Bodies of Water Arts and Crafts, and Sam Potrykus, founder and writer for Boston Compass, the website began under the name Boston Hassle in 2011. The website reviews music, art, film and includes an "Extra" section, along with an events calendar that serves as a hub for a multitude of different types of shows, galleries and other events that happen throughout the greater Boston area. It is a non-profit that is written by volunteer writers immersed in the underground Boston scenes.

Boston Hassle is a project under the BRAIN Arts umbrella and is considered by some to be an essential part of Boston's underground culture. It is famed for connecting artists, promoters, hosts and fans to strengthen Boston's subculture and, additionally, is known for Hassle Fest and The Black Market Flea. The Dig describes it as fostering, "an innovative, compelling, and interconnected experience through grassroots and inclusive participatory culture." Dan Shea and Sam Potrykus are both music promoters, but chose this route outside of the clubs and most bars, due their exclusivity with genre, artist and age. Instead, working in the field of house shows and art galleries. The organization expanded in 2018 when it took over an art space called Dorchester Art Project, in Dorchester Massachusetts. Hassle Shows (events run by Boston Hassle) and art galleries are now displayed there as part of Boston Hassle and BRAIN Arts organization.

Since there are hubs for rock, country, pop and other popular genres in Boston, Boston Hassle exists for underground and experimental music. Sam Potrykus and Dan Shea use this to showcase the music that is commonly left behind from these clubs that, as they believe, is music that shows what Boston truly is. Shows there range from noise and punk shows to experimental hip-hop and rap, along with visual art and poetry.

Boston Hassle is also know for its two yearly events: Hassle Fest and The Black Market Market. Hassle Fest is a yearly two to three day music and art festival that is run by Boston Hassle that began in 2009. Hosted in a varying location each year, Hassle Fest holds a large amount of musicians from all genres and varying visual artists. With the intent of being all-inclusive, the event is an all-ages show until 11PM and includes a plethora of different artists from different genres.

The Black Market Flea is a bimonthly event that began in 2014 where local businesses, artists and a large selection of crafts sell their work.