Summer Concerts at the Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and Berklee have partnered for more than 10 years for Harborwalk Sounds at the ICA. Performances are free and open to the public on Thursday nights at 6:00 p.m. Located in a breathtaking waterfront building, the ICA is one of Boston’s most popular summertime destinations for visual art and performance. Experience the museum’s dynamic exhibitions, then head to the ICA’s outdoor grandstand to enjoy standout talent from Berklee. (View map.)

Stayed tuned for updates on dates and artists in 2021.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Past Events

Check out some of the great shows that have been part of the Summer in the City series in recent years.

Naïka

Image courtesy of the artist

Summer in the City
Naïka
Thursday / August 24, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

Naïka is a singer-songwriter who developed an interest in music from an early age while living and traveling internationally with her family. The influences of European, African, and Caribbean cultures have shaped her both musically and individually. 

Niu Raza

Image courtesy of the artist

Summer in the City
Niu Raza
Thursday / August 17, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

Blending huge jazzy vocals with soul, African groove, a touch of Caribbean beats, and pop, Niu Raza’s sound is full, mature, and alluring.

MIXCLA

Image courtesy of the artists

Summer in the City
MIXCLA
Thursday / August 10, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

MIXCLA is a play on words and sounds coming from the mountains of Chile, to the traditions of Japan, and driven by the fires of Cuba, to achieve a truly unique Latin jazz experience. 

Mais 55

Image courtesy of the artists

Summer in the City
Mais 55
Thursday / August 3, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

Mais 55 comprises students or recent grads of Berklee College of Music from Brazil. Its mission is to spread love for Brazilian music and promote Brazilian culture. 

Lizje Sarria

Image courtesy of the artist

Summer in the City
Lizje Sarria
Thursday / July 27, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States
Colombian performer Lizje Sarria is a versatile composer, arranger, and solo artist of soulful music.

Sleeping Lion

Image courtesy of the artists

Summer in the City
Sleeping Lion / luhx.
Thursday / July 20, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

Boston-based electronic duo Sleeping Lion produces dreamy, down-tempo indie-electronica with mellow vibes, layers of synth, soulful vocals, and a bit of falsetto. luhx. is a synth-soul band that pairs its undeniable groove with melancholy lyrics to create haunting tunes. 

The Ladles

Image courtesy of the artists

Summer in the City
The Ladles
Thursday / July 13, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

The Ladles have three-part female harmony perfected, but their sound is more than that. They blend swing, old-time, neo-soul, and contemporary choral music into a sound all their own. 

Olivia Swann

Image by Ryan V. Watanabe

Summer in the City
Olivia Swann
Thursday / July 6, 2017 / 6:00 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
Putnam Investments Plaza, 25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston
MA
02210
United States

Inspired by hip-hop, R&B, and jazz, Olivia Swann's sound is a harmonious blend of old and new.