Seven Bands to Rock Boston TechJam; Join Artists, Food Trucks and Tech Companies in Innovation Ecosystem Festival

BOSTON, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston TechJam, an event that uniquely combines a tech block party, live concert and innovation showcase, has released its 2014 band lineup. On Thursday, June 12, seven bands and performers, all with members who work in the local technology industry, will entertain 3,000 Boston TechJam attendees who have gathered to celebrate and accelerate the region's innovation ecosystem. In addition, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will announce the winner of the "Pitch Heard 'Round the World" startup pitch contest on stage between 4:30-5:00 p.m. ET and visit with attendees.

"Boston has been a leader in supporting technology and innovation across our neighborhoods," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "We've taken creative steps to encourage global companies and startups to call Boston home, from exploring opportunities to keep Boston open later to supporting public wifi access citywide. Events like Boston TechJam showcase all that we have to offer, and there is no better place for a celebration of our technology ecosystem than right here at the heart of Boston."

Representing local companies Apperian, Harpoon Brewery, High Output Inc., Localytics, NaviNet, Presskit.to, REZ-1 Software, Riverview Studios, SONiVOX, Sun Life Financial, thoughtbot, Virtual Inc. and others, the following bands will take the stage from 4:00-9:00 p.m. ET to help transform City Hall Plaza into the largest and most diverse innovation event in the region:

• Unclaimed Freight
• Scum of the Earth
• Comanchero
• Downtown Crossing Barbershop Quartet
• ALAKAZAM: The Human Knot – world-famous comedic contortionist
• HERRA TERRA
• Greenline Inbound

"Boston TechJam brings rockin' entertainment by the tech community to the tech community," said Ben Maitland-Lewis, CEO of Presskit.to and Music Director and member of founding team for Boston TechJam. "The sheer number of bands that submitted this year shows a tremendous amount of hidden musical talent in our innovation economy. When this year's performers take the stage, get ready to rock!"

While the bands are rocking, entrepreneurs, startups, established tech and tech-enabled companies, venture capitalists, non-profit groups, students and artists will be checking out local innovations and enjoying fun, festival-style activities and games hosted under each exhibitor tent that make networking enjoyable and easy.  Attendees will stay fueled for the festival by enjoying beer from Harpoon Brewery and munching on eats from an eclectic collection of food trucks, including: Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Mei Mei, The Cod Squad, Taco Party and Cupcake City.

Along with an impressive mix of networking opportunities, entertainment and food and drink, attendees will enjoy participatory art activities sponsored by Constant Contact, HP and others through a partnership with FPAC (Fort Point Art Community).

"Art and technology are inherently intertwined – user interface design, creative design and even coding are art forms that bring technology to life," said David Polcaro, principal, East Coast Catalyst, and Creative Director and member of founding team for Boston TechJam. "Artists established the foundation for creativity and innovation in the region. It's fantastic to see local businesses support and collaborate with FPAC and local artists at Boston TechJam."

What to Expect

• Historic Faneuil Hall adjacent to the Faneuil Hall Marketplace from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Watch startups test their pitches and ideas in front of a panel of leading local venture capitalists in the "Pitch Heard 'Round the World" and listen to local entrepreneurs share secrets behind their successes in a new series of TechTalks. More details to follow. Open to all ages. Tickets $10.
• Boston City Hall Plaza from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Network, explore tech innovations, enjoy "street festival"-type games and activities hosted by more than 75 area tech companies, listen to live bands from the tech industry and enjoy local art, craft beer from Harpoon Brewery and local food trucks. Tickets $10 for the 21+ crowd only.

To register for the event and get the most up-to-date information regarding the event including timing, logistics, sponsors and partners please visit www.bostontechjam.org and follow updates at @bostontechjam. 100 percent of admissions will support computing education in Massachusetts through the MassTLC Education Foundation.

Boston TechJam is supported by Constant Contact, Continuum Managed IT Services, Dyn, EnerNOC, HP, LogMeIn, Monster, Carbonite's women in tech initiative SaaSy and Wayfair and collaborators include Apperian, City of Boston, East Coast Catalyst, Greenhorn Connect, Idea Week Boston, Launch Academy, MassChallenge, MassTLC, MITX, New England Venture Capital Association, Presskit.to, SHIFT Communications, and TUGG.

About Boston TechJam 
Boston TechJam is a showcase and accelerator for new ideas and world-class innovations coming out of the Boston region. The event brings together early stage companies, entrepreneurs, students, established enterprises, venture capitalists and artists to celebrate the region's technology, entrepreneurship and culture. Equal parts idea exchange and celebration, Boston TechJam is an unconventional meeting ground for local innovators, visionaries and up-and-comers. The 21+ event will take place June 12, 2014 in Boston City Hall Plaza.

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SOURCE Boston TechJam