Families came out to the first Family Night on the Prado, hosted by the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) on Thursday, July 18th. The night was a celebration of families, music and the rich historical culture we have right here in the North End. It was all free including lots of kids activities and a great concert. Featured performers included Dudamel Brass Band, the Watertown Children’s Theatre voice students and NEMPAC’s private instruction students.
The North End Historical Society had a photo puzzle of Boston where kids worked to guess the picture. The Old North Church kept open late the Captain Jackson’s Colonial Chocolate Shop and The Print Shop of Edes and Gill. The Paul Revere House hosted 18th century bowling and a tricorn hat project.
A highlight of the night was the painting of the “Pop Up Piano” by renowned artist, Giovanni Decunto. The painting event introduced the “Pop up Piano” to the Prado for the summer. NEMPAC, in collaboration with The Celebrity Series of Boston is part of the 2013, Pop-Up Piano initiative. Through the “Play Me, I’m Yours” Festival, the public is encouraged to engage with music in their urban environment.
Dudamel Brass headlined the event, representing the brass section of Conservatory Lab Charter School’s top orchestra, the Dudamel Orchestra (named after the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel). These brass players, some of whom are in their first year of study are between the ages of 9 and 12. Leading the group was NEMPAC faculty member, Chris Schroeder.
