Join us for our Kick off events

Friday July 18th at 6:30PM .

NB Roots & Branches in partnership with AHA! New Bedford Summer of Sound presents a Kick off Contradance and the NB Rude Boys

Visit the schedule here: Kick Off Schedule

A Closing Parade led by Wicked Queer Puppet Theater will lead to our Culminating event on July 19th . Check out our schedule and map for parade the route details!

Music at the Vault provided by Scott Bishop prior to the culminating event!

Moving Panorama “Cranky Box” Art work will reach new heights this year during our Culminating event with six emigrant storytelling pieces and how their family history ties into New Bedford.

Hooly J Chan is a singer/songwriter living in Westport, MA at The Heron wildlife sanctuary and education center for the human spirit. A teacher of 10+ years, currently teaching music, puppetry, theater, social emotional learning and nature exploration to 4 - 13 year olds at two different local non - profit schools (Elements Learning Collaborative and Our Sisters’ School.) J's most recent album "A Worm's Wings" (2024) has become a eye catching stage performance which will be featured at this years Roots & Branches festival, along with a newly scripted stage event “ Nature’s Whispers”.

Hooly is a visual artist and organizer at Wicked Queer Puppet Theater in addition to music work. We're excited to also have their contributions to our closing parade and all day makerspace in Wings Court. Stop in to create fun and intricate masks and wands for the closing parade throughout the day!

Catch a viewing of “ A Worm’s Wings” 12:45 PM & “Nature’s Whispers” 4:00 PM at The Vault.

Devin Nevid is an artist living and working in New Bedford, MA.

Watch our culminating event come to life through the their vision at Gallery X, Inc.

July 19th, 2025 @ 6:30PM