The Velvet Party

Glam rock and other luxurious sounds by DJ Backspin in the Courtyard

DJ Backspin (Freddy Fontaine) first dreamed of being a DJ at age 14. Decades later, after gaining local acclaim for his work at a wide range of venues, the Brockton native launched his own entertainment company in 2010. With over 23 years behind the decks, DJ Backspin is now one of the premier DJs in Greater Boston and New England. Expanding his career, DJ Backspin has taken his talents overseas to countries such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Mexico. With his passion for music and signature sound, Backspin takes pride in being a versatile DJ with an eclectic range of music in his library to keep the crowd entertained all evening!

DJ Backspin: Photo Courtesy of the Artist

Designs by Boston magazine’s “Best Clothing Designer” 2023, Melina Cortes-Nmili

Born and bred in the vibrant Dominican Republic countryside, Melina embraces the diversity of colors, textures and patterns of her childhood. While others were pursuing degrees in fashion or fine arts, she pursued her MBA. From the beginning she realized that it would take a solid business foundation to make her dream a reality. Armed with perseverance and tenacity, for two and a half years, she dedicated endless hours to learning the fashion ropes. She met with experts, researched the industry, and sourced fabric samples from across the globe. Finally, after more than 30 months filled with overcoming her fair share of obstacles, Melina launched Lalla Bee and unveiled its first capsule collection in 2016.
 

From her design studio in Boston, lalla bee’s structured silhouettes, colorful palettes, and painstaking attention to detail reflect the values and struggles of her past. Rather than following the latest trends in fashion, Melina’s designs are intentionally timeless. Melina's designs are ethically made from quality fabrics sourced directly from the finest factories across the U.S. and Europe.
 

Like the self-made women who raised Melina, lalla bee’s dresses tell a story of strength, effortless beauty, and unwavering confidence. Melina has participated in important Fashion Shows including New York Fashion Week, Boston Fashion Week and StyleWeek.
 

In addition to her design career, Melina is a respected Sales & Marketing executive, in the health care industry. In October 2023, Melina received an Influential Hispanic Woman award, honoring Latina women making a difference in business. Melina is a valued mentor and an active force within several Boston organizations that promote the development of women and young professionals. In 2023, Melina also secured the sought after tittle of “Best Clothing Designer of 2023” from Boston Magazine.

Melina lives in Boston with her husband. The couple has a son and a daughter.
 

“The kind of woman I envision wearing one of my dresses is a woman who is confident in her own skin. When she walks into the room, she owns it. She feels smart, beautiful, and her strength shines,” says Melina. “I firmly believe that she can and should be simple, fearless and beautiful.”
 

Melina Cortes-Nmili: Photo Courtesy of the Artist

Fredrick James Woodard III is a 25-year-old violinist and producer from Dorchester, Massachusetts. He first studied with the Suzuki program and took private instruction until reaching high school. He then joined the Berklee City Music High School Academy and went on to study at Berklee College of Music. He is now teaching and performing as both a solo musician and as a member of the group Y.A.K.

Fredrick James Woodard III: Photo Courtesy of the Artist

Boston-based Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys has best been described by The Boston Survival Guide as "musically sophisticated, immensely talented, and wildly unusual; a Dada-esque dust bowl circus carnival run amuck." Led by the charismatic Walter Alice Sickert, this unconventional collective of musicians and performers has been pushing artistic boundaries since their inception, creating a unique blend of grunge, goth punk, and experimental rock. Their music transcends genres, weaving intricate tales of love, loss, and the human experience through haunting melodies, whimsical lyrics, and a mesmerizing stage presence.

Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys: Photo courtesy of Walter Sickert