The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Aiden Stein

Aiden Stein, staff photographer, writer

Aiden is a fourth-year Journalism major, minoring in art and media studies. He hopes to go into a career in news and media production. He is passionate about connecting with creatives and telling their stories, as well as nonprofit enterprises in Boston.

All content by Aiden Stein
The Northeastern University Faculty Senate office, located in Ryder Hall. David Madigan said at a faculty senate meeting Feb. 28 that the university is considering cutting expenses for the next fiscal year amid a projected decline in revenue.

[Photo] Faculty express concerns about upcoming expense cuts announced at faculty senate

Ethan Wayne, news staff
March 8, 2024

The Northeastern University Faculty Senate office, located in Ryder Hall. David Madigan said at a faculty senate meeting Feb. 28 that the university is considering cutting expenses for the next fiscal...

The First Run Through, led by Mashimo, plays its last set. Mashimo fell in love with African American music while studying at Berklee and finds purpose in supporting fellow musicians at Wally’s. “Being a part of the history of this place has significant meaning to me,” Mashimo said. “It’s a great pleasure, and Im doing it for the community here.”

Wally’s Jazz Club walls continue to witness emerging young talent

Aiden Stein, photo correspondent
February 14, 2024

Tucked between brownstones on Massachusetts Avenue sits the nearly 80-year-old Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club. Though the independent venue is one of the last of its kind, Wally’s seems to have no problem...

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Kokufukata plays a solo into the microphone. He stood out as the only horn player in The First Run Through. “Due to the fact how theres a lot of music that’s studio-made using machines, which is totally different from a musician who has to work maybe 10, 15 years just to become a master at his instrument, theres a need for places like Wally’s so that musicians can actually work amongst each other and on their craft,” Poindexter said.

[Photo]

Kokufukata plays a solo into the microphone. He stood out as the only horn player in The First Run Through. “Due to the fact how there's a lot of music that’s studio-made using machines, which is totally...

 Japanese film crew shoots a story about two members of The First Run Through, Akihiro Kokufukata, a Berklee trumpet player, and Mashimo, a Berklee graduate, both from Japan. After years of hosting legends, this wasn’t the first time Wally’s has received international attention.

[Photo]

Japanese film crew shoots a story about two members of The First Run Through, Akihiro Kokufukata, a Berklee trumpet player, and Mashimo, a Berklee graduate, both from Japan. After years of hosting legends,...

A couple at the bar embrace during Kokufukata’s trumpet solo. While initially pretty quiet, the bar filled up by 9 p.m. “Whats good for the customers is that they can get an intimate performance, intimate view of young musicians who they will probably have to pay $50, $60 within years to be able to see perform,” Poindexter said.

[Photo]

A couple at the bar embrace during Kokufukata’s trumpet solo. While initially pretty quiet, the bar filled up by 9 p.m. “What's good for the customers is that they can get an intimate performance,...

Mashimo motions to his drummer before she kicks off the next song. The Berklee performers switched between wide grins and stank-faces as they unified in concert. “Wally’s is the community,” Mashimo said. “Theres a punk band on Tuesday night and theyve been playing here for almost 20 years — they’re the legends of the legends.”

[Photo]

Mashimo motions to his drummer before she kicks off the next song. The Berklee performers switched between wide grins and stank-faces as they unified in concert. “Wally’s is the community,” Mashimo...

Poindexter holds it down behind the bar. Poindexter said his favorite night is Latin Jazz Thursday, which Wally’s has been doing for about 25 years.

[Photo]

Poindexter holds it down behind the bar. Poindexter said his favorite night is Latin Jazz Thursday, which Wally’s has been doing for about 25 years.

Calloway pins up her hair and serves drinks during the performances. Calloway’s new favorite night was Sunday’s energetic Jazz Funk. “You cant really feel the magnitude of the influence of the culture and the music and everything that is Boston until you come and visit this place,” Calloway said.

[Photo]

Calloway pins up her hair and serves drinks during the performances. Calloway’s new favorite night was Sunday’s energetic Jazz Funk. “You can't really feel the magnitude of the influence of the culture...

Through the tight crowd, Ferran Rico, a Berklee bassist, lays down a moody line. Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate student Max Fishelson and his friends took notes for the debut of their research-themed band Honest Almond. “Were extremely amateur jazz improv musicians, so we thought wed come check out some serious jazz tunes, and its been a lot of fun,” Fishelson said.

[Photo]

Through the tight crowd, Ferran Rico, a Berklee bassist, lays down a moody line. Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate student Max Fishelson and his friends took notes for the debut of their research-themed...

The Talli Kimani Quintet performs on stage. Though this was the first time these musicians played together in this arrangement, they were in sync like they’d done it several times before.

[Photo]

The Talli Kimani Quintet performs on stage. Though this was the first time these musicians played together in this arrangement, they were in sync like they’d done it several times before.

Walker McSween, a Berklee trumpet player, cranks a grandiose solo. Everyone got a chance to show off their talent with their instrument.

[Photo]

Walker McSween, a Berklee trumpet player, cranks a grandiose solo. Everyone got a chance to show off their talent with their instrument.

Framed photos on the wall at Wally’s showcase its history, performers and upcoming events. Performers like Louis Cato, who plays for Stephen Colbert, Mark Kelley, who plays for the Roots, and Jeff Bhasker, producer for artists like Lady Gaga and Ye, formerly Kanye West, have all had stints at Wally’s.

[Photo]

Framed photos on the wall at Wally’s showcase its history, performers and upcoming events. Performers like Louis Cato, who plays for Stephen Colbert, Mark Kelley, who plays for the Roots, and Jeff Bhasker,...

The Wally’s sign hangs illuminated over the door, hoisted up by a black saxophone. In 2020, Downbeat Magazine named Wally’s one of the top 100 jazz venues in the world and one of the oldest family-run jazz clubs.

[Photo]

The Wally’s sign hangs illuminated over the door, hoisted up by a black saxophone. In 2020, Downbeat Magazine named Wally’s one of the top 100 jazz venues in the world and one of the oldest family-run...

Event organizers lead protest chants such as, “Gaza, Gaza don’t you cry, we will end this genocide” for the growing crowd. Hundreds became thousands as people gathered to hear the impassioned speakers.

University students gather in Boston Common to demand ceasefire in Gaza

Aiden Stein, news correspondent
November 30, 2023

Around the world, protesters are raising flags and voices in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, calling for a lasting ceasefire of Israeli bombardment of the densely-populated area and an end to Israel’s...

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A “Free Palestine” sticker clings to a Starbucks location’s window. Grassroots demonstrators have encouraged the boycott of several U.S. companies, including Starbucks and McDonalds, as their corporate or Israeli-branches have voiced support for or donated to Israeli military offensives.

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A “Free Palestine” sticker clings to a Starbucks location’s window. Grassroots demonstrators have encouraged the boycott of several U.S. companies, including Starbucks and McDonalds, as their corporate...

Protesters hold flags and signs condemning the years-long humanitarian crisis and recent attacks on Gaza. Demonstrators stressed the human right to resist occupation and oppression.

[Photo]

Protesters hold flags and signs condemning the years-long humanitarian crisis and recent attacks on Gaza. Demonstrators stressed the human right to resist occupation and oppression.

A group of clowns walks parallel to participants of the Boston Mens March. The clowns played music during their counterprotest to the anti-abortion organizations march.

[Photo] Boston clowns march against anti-abortion demonstration

Eleanor Goudie, news correspondent
November 11, 2023

Members of the clown march pose for a photo. Many clowns found the humorous approach of the counterprotest effective.

A student fills out an Instagram story graphic supporting access to medication abortion. NU SHARE in collaboration with If/When/How relaunched a petition advocating for UHCS to provide access for medication abortions.

[Photo] Student advocates launch petition for University Health and Counseling Services to provide medication abortion

Ali Caudle, projects editor
October 25, 2023

Students write letters to Madeleine Estabrook advocating for medication abortion services through UHCS. UHCS has partnered with NU SHARE in the past with initiatives like free STI testing and the emergency...

Students share resources online about the petition. The petition was relaunched in response to a standstill in discussion between student leaders and UHCS.

[Photo]

Students share resources online about the petition. The petition was relaunched in response to a standstill in discussion between student leaders and UHCS.

Big Sosa performs a high-energy set “for the girls.” Sosa’s backup dancers, wearing shirts that read “RECOVERING SINNERS CLUB,” handed out matching shirts and goodies during her set. “I feel blessed, I feel amazing, I feel loved and I’m just ready to keep ripping this shit, honestly,” Big Sosa said after her win in her first matchup.

Boston battle rap finds its home in the Chamber

Aiden Stein, photo staff
October 3, 2023

Eight rappers entered; one walked out the Grandmaster of the Chamber, a burgeoning new gauntlet for Boston’s performing artists. After eight previous Chambers of buildup and 64 artists competing, these...

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Lafume and Teleau bring up all of the night’s performers again to celebrate them before announcing the winner. The Fates cheered as Chamber masters Lafume and Teleau declared Sanye the new Grandmaster of the Chamber Ultimate Iron.

[Photo]

Lafume and Teleau bring up all of the night’s performers again to celebrate them before announcing the winner. The Fates cheered as Chamber masters Lafume and Teleau declared Sanye the new Grandmaster...

Fates argue as the audience splits the room to determine the champion. The last round was too close to be settled by cheering alone.

[Photo]

Fates argue as the audience splits the room to determine the champion. The last round was too close to be settled by cheering alone.

Big Sosa and Sanye square off for the final round of the Chamber. Each artist was given a strict time limit and a rebuttal after their opponent, during which both artists used their cameos to bring on backup performers.

[Photo]

Big Sosa and Sanye square off for the final round of the Chamber. Each artist was given a strict time limit and a rebuttal after their opponent, during which both artists used their cameos to bring on...

Calvin Klein Caterpillar calls for a hush from the Fates before the drop. Later in his set, his fans waved plastic swords and lightsabers in support.

[Photo]

Calvin Klein Caterpillar calls for a hush from the Fates before the drop. Later in his set, his fans waved plastic swords and lightsabers in support.

Hibernian Hall opens late for a full chamber. The hall was originally built in 1913 and was one of five Irish dance halls in Roxbury, but is now home to Arts, Culture and Trade Roxbury.

[Photo]

Hibernian Hall opens late for a full chamber. The hall was originally built in 1913 and was one of five Irish dance halls in Roxbury, but is now home to Arts, Culture and Trade Roxbury.

Trevo Tha Scholah points to the crowd for their callout. Several performers prepped the audience for lines they’d need to shout and repeat if they said them — for Trevo, the Fates echoed “9-to-5!” during his set.

[Photo]

Trevo Tha Scholah points to the crowd for their callout. Several performers prepped the audience for lines they’d need to shout and repeat if they said them — for Trevo, the Fates echoed “9-to-5!”...

Nate Nics battles Tomo in the first round of the Chamber. In the second round, he performed opposite Sanye and was knocked out. “Were seeing who the people are voting for, and what things you need to work on as an artist, but I also think it just brings people together from all over the city,” Teleau said.

[Photo]

Nate Nics battles Tomo in the first round of the Chamber. In the second round, he performed opposite Sanye and was knocked out. “We're seeing who the people are voting for, and what things you need to...

The Chamber artists raise their glasses for a toast as they prepare for their battles. The event was sponsored in part by Diaspora Mass, which seeks to highlight the Black diaspora within Massachusetts while promoting brotherhood and sisterhood through cultural events and gatherings.

[Photo]

The Chamber artists raise their glasses for a toast as they prepare for their battles. The event was sponsored in part by Diaspora Mass, which seeks to highlight the Black diaspora within Massachusetts...

The emcees, Lafume and Teleau, jump and chant “Chamber, Chamber, Chamber.” The two came out in bright cloaks and explained how they created the Chamber together. “There used to be a narrative in Boston that artists didn’t support each other. I guess they didn’t hear about the Chamber!” they said.

[Photo]

The emcees, Lafume and Teleau, jump and chant “Chamber, Chamber, Chamber.” The two came out in bright cloaks and explained how they created the Chamber together. “There used to be a narrative in...

Nahli from Brockton sings a soulful opener to the show. She was the only one who performed without an opponent and brought the crowd to the stage. “It was an opportunity to show why I was chosen to be a part of the Chamber from the beginning. Being an artist in Boston, an opportunity like the Chamber is life-changing,” Nahli said.

[Photo]

Nahli from Brockton sings a soulful opener to the show. She was the only one who performed without an opponent and brought the crowd to the stage. “It was an opportunity to show why I was chosen to be...

Sean Hargrove and Darrien Johnson sell handmade clothing by Dorsey Atelier and Something Sweet, two local fashion enterprises. Vendors also fresh pressed Thrill t-shirts throughout the event.

[Photo]

Sean Hargrove and Darrien Johnson sell handmade clothing by Dorsey Atelier and Something Sweet, two local fashion enterprises. Vendors also fresh pressed Thrill t-shirts throughout the event.

Eve Gujral and Sofia Núñez perform a duet together. The So Big, So Small cabaret event hosted by NU Stage gave new members the opportunity to get involved by pairing up with a senior member of the club.

[Photo] ‘So Big, So Small’ proves an exhilarating performance night for NU Stage members old and new

Aya Pfeufer, news correspondent
October 2, 2023

An audience gathers to watch a group of students perform using various instruments. Many performers invited their friends to come watch the show.

People of all ages enjoy the festivities while performers dance in colorful feathered troupes. With the progression of Carnival traditions, more costumes have become heavily inspired by Brazilian samba costumes as opposed to more traditional thematic costumes.

50th annual Caribbean Carnival continues undeterred despite nearby shooting

Aiden Stein, photo correspondent
September 8, 2023

Boston celebrated its 50th annual Caribbean Festival Aug. 26 with vendors from Massachusetts and beyond, live music and all the flavor of the Caribbean.  That morning, an unrelated shooting nearby...

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Pauline Barnes, a performer from Mattapan, wears her handmade Carnival wings proudly after a day of dancing and music. Older practitioners of Carnival worked to pass on the festival’s important history and traditions to young people in hopes of keeping it alive. “This is about freeing up yourself. No judgment, no size, no creed, no color — enjoying the festivities, painting a pretty mask, that’s what it’s about,” Barnes said. “This is nothing. We used to have a million people going up the streets of Boston years ago. We’re trying to bring it back but we need some fresh blood.”

[Photo]

Pauline Barnes, a performer from Mattapan, wears her handmade Carnival wings proudly after a day of dancing and music. Older practitioners of Carnival worked to pass on the festival’s important history...

A Carnival performer parades a massive pink float behind her. Various fabrics, plastic beads, feathers, sequins, colorful ribbons, glass mirrors, horns and shells were used to make the costumes elaborate and dazzling.

[Photo]

A Carnival performer parades a massive pink float behind her. Various fabrics, plastic beads, feathers, sequins, colorful ribbons, glass mirrors, horns and shells were used to make the costumes elaborate...

Dee Green, a vendor at the Carnival, poses for a portrait. She and her family traveled from New York and sold jewelry, flags and other accessories as she celebrated her home country of Jamaica at Carnival. “We came here to have a wonderful day, and I’m glad that nothing changed and that they’re still out there having fun,” Green said.

[Photo]

Dee Green, a vendor at the Carnival, poses for a portrait. She and her family traveled from New York and sold jewelry, flags and other accessories as she celebrated her home country of Jamaica at Carnival....

A tightly-packed procession of dancers crowds the street and follows the music. All afternoon, the neighborhood buzzed from the sound of speakers, while neighbors watched from windows and porches.

[Photo]

A tightly-packed procession of dancers crowds the street and follows the music. All afternoon, the neighborhood buzzed from the sound of speakers, while neighbors watched from windows and porches.

A rapper rides the top of a truck fitted with speakers, engaging the crowd with a roll call of Caribbean countries. The Carnival performers bumped soca beats and led a dense procession of dancers and supporters.

[Photo]

A rapper rides the top of a truck fitted with speakers, engaging the crowd with a roll call of Caribbean countries. The Carnival performers bumped soca beats and led a dense procession of dancers and supporters.

Spectators on Blue Hill Avenue watch performers in soca, calypso, steelbands and more as the festival pushes on. Organizers estimated that the Carnival typically gathers a crowd of about 800,000 people annually, often bringing in out-of-state visitors.

[Photo]

Spectators on Blue Hill Avenue watch performers in soca, calypso, steelbands and more as the festival pushes on. Organizers estimated that the Carnival typically gathers a crowd of about 800,000 people...

Clusters of speakers and various food vendors scatter the Franklin Park area. Alluring smells of grilled and fried food beckoned visitors, including Caribbean favorites from local restaurants such as oxtail, jerk chicken and more. “The Caribbean culture is on display,” Kenya Beaman, the executive board vice president of CACAB, told the Boston Globe. “You’re going to get all the flavor. You’re not going to get that anywhere else in Boston.”

[Photo]

Clusters of speakers and various food vendors scatter the Franklin Park area. Alluring smells of grilled and fried food beckoned visitors, including Caribbean favorites from local restaurants such as oxtail,...

The Spiritual Encouragers, a seven-piece gospel group, finish their last song, swaying to a close. Groups performed gospel, soul, rhythm and blues for a packed venue.

Beloved DJ’s living tribute concert shakes Dorchester

Aiden Stein, photo correspondent
August 14, 2023

Skippy White made a showman’s entrance in an aptly white tuxedo when he arrived at the historic Florian Hall Aug. 5. Fellow living legends and hundreds of fans awaited the former WILD DJ at his elegantly...

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Attendees arrive in colorful gowns and suits to Florian Hall. The historic venue was opened in 1965, hosting icons and countless gatherings since.

[Photo]

Attendees arrive in colorful gowns and suits to Florian Hall. The historic venue was opened in 1965, hosting icons and countless gatherings since.

White poses with Hot Butta Soul after their routine. The DJ unflinchingly continues his mission of spreading his favorite music on his radio shows, “The Time Tunnel” on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and “The Gospel Train” on Sunday mornings from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 98.1 FM Online Radio – The Urban Heat.

[Photo]

White poses with Hot Butta Soul after their routine. The DJ unflinchingly continues his mission of spreading his favorite music on his radio shows, “The Time Tunnel” on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m....

Local performer Toussaint the Liberator sings songs by Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. “Those are the singers I wanted to sound like growing up,” Toussaint said. “The music is medicine — the one constant is the healing power of the music.”

[Photo]

Local performer Toussaint the Liberator sings songs by Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. “Those are the singers I wanted to sound like growing up,” Toussaint said. “The music is medicine — the one...

Byrain Winbush, a gospel singer, dedicates his performance to White and makes a heartfelt prayer as he begins his setlist. Several artists performed music from the early days of White’s career and songs that made him fall in love with gospel music.

[Photo]

Byrain Winbush, a gospel singer, dedicates his performance to White and makes a heartfelt prayer as he begins his setlist. Several artists performed music from the early days of White’s career and songs...

Lion dancers lift costumes during the Lunar New Year celebration
in Chinatown Jan. 29. The celebration featured city and community
speakers and a parade through the city.

Crowds return to Chinatown in celebration of Lunar New Year

Aiden Stein, news correspondent
February 5, 2023

Chinatown erupted in a cloud of smoke and confetti Jan. 29, as thousands packed the streets to celebrate the 2023 Lunar New Year, which began on Jan. 22.  The sound of drums, gongs and cymbals followed...

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