“Don’t gatekeep”: NICE, a fest founder Alex Pickert offers path forward for New England-based artists
- Joy
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
NICE, a fest is back for its fifth annual summit of all things Boston DIY in Somerville’s Davis Square. From July 24th-26th, over 85 artists from across New England will come together to perform, collaborate, and create community at Crystal Ballroom, The Rockwell, and Dragon’s Lair.
Founded in 2021 by Alex Pickert, the festival has expanded to include two well-curated vendor markets and NICE @nite DJ sets to keep the party going. A pre-show event on July 23rd will feature a release of a vinyl compilation of involved artists, pop-up merch, festival photo archives, Q&A panels for your burning NICE questions, and performances from local acts Gollylagging and Otis Shanty.
We sat down with Pickert to chat about all things community building and NICE as he preps for the big night(s).
YLM: Where was the inspiration for NICE born? What was the process like organizing the first fest?
Alex Pickert: NICE, a fest is exactly what the name implies. We wanted to throw a fest, that was well... a fest that was NICE. NICE people and friends. Together again after the pandemic. It was 2021 fresh out of the worst of the pandemic when people were starting to go out again. We did 12 local bands, all friends who I missed seeing play over the few years in lockdown. I expected a few hundred people at most, but almost 1000 people showed up. We knew instantly we had to do it again and again!
YLM: What was your experience like with DIY organization prior to NICE?
AP: I have been organizing DIY shows with Get To The Gig Boston since 2011. Started in basements and gradually grew into venues and festivals.
YLM: Have you always been Boston-based? How did you tap into the community here?
AP: No, I came here for college in 2010. I got into the scene by going to shows, booking shows, and playing shows. Just go out and meet people, you never know where it will lead you.
YLM: What makes the Boston DIY scene so special?
AP: I think it's the mix of the college kids constantly rotating in and out of the city and the people who grew up here. We have so many schools, especially Berklee, that are always putting new bands into the scene, so there's constantly fresh talent every year.At the same time, you have bands that have been around for years helping build the community, booking shows, and supporting younger artists. That mix of new energy and longtime locals keeps the scene evolving. More than anything, people here genuinely show up for each other, and I think that's what makes the Boston DIY scene so special.
YLM: NICE offers an outdoor market (Small Mart) to help Boston-based brands and small businesses sell their goods as well. How do the two communities of music and art bleed together here?
AP: We love partnering with Small Mart to bring local vintage, record, makers, artists and more to the fest to sell their goods! It's so fun to bring more than just the msuic community together but the arts community as well.
YLM: What does the future of NICE look like?
AP: It looks NICE :) We will be coming back in 2027!
YLM: Any advice for a local artist trying to break into the scene and build community?
AP: Go to shows. Talk to people. Make Friends. Find bands that sound like yours. Book your band and that band together. Find a band that sounds nothing like you. Book a show with that band and your band together. Mix Genres. Don't Gatekeep. Have fun. Be NICE. Book your own show. Do it yourself. BE the community builder you want to see in the world. HAVE A NICE DAY!
Listen to a sample of NICE acts here.
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