The Whitehaus' 12-hour long Blastfest brings Weird New America vibe to Central Square

Morgan Shaker is prominent among the young creatives at the Whitehaus – the Jamaica Plain musician, poet, and artist co-op known for its DIY philosophy and positive “yes wave” attitude. One of many musicians under that roof, he often takes a lead role as organizer and promoter of events. Friendly and thoughtful, he’s frequently called upon to share his philosophy about what the Whitehaus Family is and does.

Right now, Morgan Shaker is busy promoting Blastfest III, March 20th, at the Cambridge YMCA. It’s an equinox celebration that runs 11 AM to 11 PM and features the talents of over two dozen acts. It’s also all ages show, and admission is $5 to $10 “on a sliding scale…no one refused”– a remarkable bargain for twelve hours of entertainment. Once admitted, you may come and go as you please.

An improbably wide variety of musical styles will be represented. Taken collectively, these dissimilar sounds contribute to Blastfest’s “Weird New America” vibe. Blastfest is an unusual event for sure, but it’s also part of a tradition of independent event promoting–and simply independent doing–that is dear to a virtual community of like-minded artists worldwide.

“Dance around a bit, meet a hippy, you know the drill” is how someone joked about Blastfest last year, but there’s more going on that that. I sat down with Morgan Shaker in the Whitehaus to discus Blastfest III, the Whitehaus Family Record vinyl double album that will also launch March 20, and why he has a passion for bringing people together.

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