Union Square, Somerville, January 3, 2026
Local DJ DONUTS will bring the vibrant sounds of house and disco music to Union Square in Somerville at the Infectious Rhythm #9 event. Set for January 3, 2026, this exciting evening at Vera’s will offer community members a space to connect and enjoy live music with no cover charge. The event highlights the role of local venues and artists in fostering a dynamic cultural landscape, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of Somerville.
Somerville
Somerville’s Beat: DJ DONUTS Ignites Union Square
A local DJ’s latest event in Somerville’s vibrant Union Square exemplifies how individual initiative and dynamic local venues contribute to a thriving community, offering unique opportunities for engagement and cultural enrichment in the heart of Boston’s MetroWest.
Introduction: The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Local Entertainment
In Boston’s bustling MetroWest region, community life is often invigorated by the entrepreneurial spirit of local artists and independent businesses. These pillars of civic innovation demonstrate how personal initiative can foster robust community growth. A prime example of this dynamic synergy is the upcoming “Infectious Rhythm #9” event featuring DJ DONUTS at Vera’s in Somerville’s Union Square, scheduled for January 3, 2026. This gathering highlights the importance of local organizers and private venues in cultivating a lively cultural landscape, offering spaces for connection and shared experiences.
Events like “Infectious Rhythm #9” are not merely entertainment; they are a testament to the resilience and vision of local entrepreneurs. They represent a blend of individual achievement and community engagement, where venues and artists, operating with limited bureaucratic hurdles, can directly respond to and shape the desires of their local patrons. The result is a richer, more responsive community fabric that celebrates unique talents and creates genuine moments of connection, further solidifying Somerville’s reputation as a cultural hub.
The Rhythmic Pulse of Union Square
Union Square in Somerville stands out as a focal point for local culture and events, consistently drawing residents and visitors alike. This vibrant neighborhood thrives on the contributions of its diverse businesses and community initiatives. A significant contributor to this lively atmosphere is Vera’s, located at 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA. As a cocktail-centric neighborhood hangout known for its straightforward comfort fare, Vera’s provides a welcoming space for social gatherings and entertainment.
The establishment’s journey underscores a narrative of adaptation and continued local ownership. Vera’s emerged in 2021, succeeding the Brass Union, and operates under the same ownership, the Independent Restaurant Group. This group also manages other well-known local establishments, including Foundry on Elm, The Independent, The Rockwell Theatre, and Saloon. Owner/operator Jess Willis and her team, who have been active in running businesses in the same location since 2003, emphasize their deep connection to Union Square’s “creative, vibrant community.” This continuity and commitment by private enterprise play a crucial role in maintaining the square’s unique character and appeal.
DJ DONUTS: A Purveyor of Distinctive Sound
At the heart of the “Infectious Rhythm #9” event is DJ DONUTS, also known as Dan Belhumeur, a disc jockey who has been an active part of the Boston music scene since 2012. His approach to music is characterized by a “respect for the past, love for the present, and excitement for the future,” a philosophy he adopted in tribute to his musical hero, J Dilla, and the artist’s album “Donuts.”
DJ DONUTS distinguishes himself by “skat[ing] the line between pop and underground,” curating sets that appeal to a broad audience. His repertoire spans a wide array of genres, including Beats, Rock, Dancehall, EDM, Hip-Hop, Indie, Latin/Afro, DISCO, House, Soul/R&B, and “anything funky.” Often, he enhances the authenticity of his performances by spinning all-vinyl sets in clubs and bars throughout the Greater Boston area and New England. Beyond public events, DJ DONUTS also demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit by offering a range of services for private events and pop-ups, including phone consultations, eSign contracts, pre-event planning, custom Spotify playlists, MC services, and comprehensive sound and lighting equipment. This blend of public engagement and private initiative showcases the dynamic nature of independent artists in the local economy.
“Infectious Rhythm”: A Series of Community Connection
The upcoming “Infectious Rhythm #9” at Vera’s on January 3, 2026, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM, is a key installment in an ongoing series of events. This particular night promises an evening dedicated to house and disco music, genres known for their ability to bring people together on the dance floor. The event is designed for attendees 21 years of age and older and uniquely offers no cover charge, a feature that enhances accessibility and encourages broader community participation.
Such events, driven by the collaboration between independent artists like DJ DONUTS and local venues like Vera’s, serve as vital platforms for fostering social interaction and community cohesion. They provide spaces where individuals can connect, enjoy shared cultural experiences, and contribute to the collective vibrancy of Somerville’s nightlife. This exemplifies how private partnerships can create accessible and engaging opportunities for community members, enriching the social fabric without reliance on extensive public funding or oversight.
Fostering Local Talent and Opportunity Across MetroWest
The success of local events in Somerville, such as “Infectious Rhythm #9,” is reflective of a broader ecosystem in the Boston MetroWest area that values and supports local talent and community-driven initiatives. This region benefits from various endeavors that empower individuals and organizations to contribute to the cultural landscape. For instance, Somerville Music Spaces, a musician-owned and operated small business, offers hourly rental of rehearsal studios for musicians across various genres. Such private ventures provide essential resources for artists, allowing them to hone their craft and contribute to the local arts scene.
Furthermore, organizations like Voices of MetroWest, a non-profit, volunteer-run community chorus, demonstrate the power of collective individual effort. This chorus promotes singing and builds community through song, welcoming all individuals regardless of age, ability, or financial circumstance. Similarly, the Community Foundation for MetroWest supports critical initiatives in the region through grants, highlighting a culture of private philanthropy and local support. These examples collectively illustrate how personal initiative, local leadership, and private partnerships are fundamental in fostering civic involvement and cultivating a rich, diverse cultural environment throughout Massachusetts.
Conclusion: Celebrating Local Initiatives and Community Growth
The upcoming “Infectious Rhythm #9” event with DJ DONUTS at Vera’s is more than just a night of music; it is a celebration of the enduring spirit of local initiative and the positive impact of independent businesses on community growth in Somerville. By providing venues for entertainment, supporting local artists, and fostering spaces for genuine connection, private enterprises and dedicated individuals continue to enrich the cultural tapestry of the Boston MetroWest area. These efforts underscore the power of self-reliance and local engagement in shaping a vibrant, dynamic community. We encourage all residents and visitors to explore and support the diverse range of Boston MA events, engage with the thriving Somerville community, and embrace the numerous Massachusettes gatherings that showcase our region’s unique blend of talent and hospitality. By actively participating in these local initiatives, especially those in Union Square Somerville, we collectively strengthen the civic bonds and ensure continued prosperity for our neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Infectious Rhythm #9” event?
- “Infectious Rhythm #9” is a music event featuring DJ DONUTS at Vera’s, 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA, scheduled for January 3, 2026, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
- What type of music will DJ DONUTS play at “Infectious Rhythm #9”?
- DJ DONUTS will be playing house and disco genres at the “Infectious Rhythm #9” event.
- Is there an age restriction for the “Infectious Rhythm #9” event?
- Yes, the “Infectious Rhythm #9” event is a 21+ event.
- Is there a cover charge for “Infectious Rhythm #9”?
- No, there is no cover charge for the “Infectious Rhythm #9” event.
- Where is Vera’s located?
- Vera’s is located at 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA.
- Who is DJ DONUTS?
- DJ DONUTS, whose real name is Dan Belhumeur, is a disc jockey based in Boston who plays a diverse range of music, including pop and underground genres like Beats, Rock, Dancehall, EDM, Hip-Hop, Indie, Latin/Afro, DISCO, House, Soul/R&B, and funky sounds.
Key Features of “Infectious Rhythm #9” Event
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | Infectious Rhythm #9 | Local |
| Artist | DJ DONUTS (Dan Belhumeur) | Local (Boston-based, plays New England) |
| Venue | Vera’s | Local (Somerville, MA) |
| Location | 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA | Local |
| Date | January 3, 2026 | Local |
| Time | 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Local |
| Music Genres | House, Disco | N/A |
| Age Restriction | 21+ | N/A |
| Cover Charge | None | N/A |
| Venue Ownership | Independent Restaurant Group | Local (Massachusetts) |
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