Bathed in an inescapable red hue, Cafe 939 pulsed with the contagious ambition of young Berklee College of Music musicians March 24, enticing crowd members to the edge of their seats to hear unheard, original...

Louis Cui smiles as he plays the banjo on stage for the first time. He was nervous, he told the crowd, but he finalized his performance with a hearty cheer from the audience.

A performer waves to the audience after an exuberant original piece. Each scene of the night was documented on film by the university.

A Berklee student leans back as a fellow artist fills the room with soft, acoustic notes. Attendees filtered in and out of the venue throughout the night.

Marr showcases her studies in songwriting, singing an original song. This was her first BOOM performance of the year, and she intends to come back for the “good energy” and “supportive environment.”

Musicians and Bostonians sit among one another, embracing the casual environment that celebrates young talent. Their evening was spent swapping ideas and congratulating one another — blending the worlds...

A Berklee pianist looks at the crowd while on stage. The audience leaned forward as the piano chords and his charming voice crescendoed.

Lampsa performs an original song commemorating her grandmother. The event was her fourth BOOM performance, and she anticipated more to come.

The Boston community is hungry for connection — a need the nonprofit Everyday Boston hopes to satiate with a simple gesture: a Valentine’s Day card.  The seventh annual “Love Your Wicked Awesome...

A couple poses with their new Valentine’s Day cards. They proceeded to thank those that made the cards possible.

Students from Emerson College stand with Valentine’s Day cards. They unexpectedly received the cards while waiting for the crosswalk.

Valentine’s Day cards with bright colors and encouraging messages are spread across a table. Each reflected the personality of their creator.

Everyday Boston representatives stand in front of the Embrace Memorial in Boston Common to distribute Valentine’s Day cards. The initiative aimed to show how small acts of kindness can foster a connected...

A bag brimming with cards sits ready for dispersion. Last year, over 1,000 cards were collected, a much smaller number compared to this year’s, which exceeded 11,000.

An NBC10 Boston reporter interviews Steven Pina, Everyday Boston’s brand ambassador. He discussed the necessity of conversing with others within the community. “A lot of people stereotype each other...

Boston residents gather in Boston Common and pose for a photo holding Valentine’s Day cards. Receiving Valentines’ Day cards was an unexpected, heartwarming surprise.