The Velvet Party

A showcase of new designs by Boston's 2022 Best Designer Joe Mutebi Malaika

In 2009, Joe Malaika established his eponymous label Joe Malaika Designs in the U.S. He has since been featured in major fashion events in New York, London, Paris, and Dubai, including Style Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Arab Fashion Week. He has headlined the prominent “Fashionably Late” series at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, multiple times. He was issued citations by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston and has participated in fashion fundraisers. Joe founded Excessive Fashion, an annual affair, which he describes as a “global fashion event of trendsetting style, unmatched networking, and a true see-and-be-seen experience" to benefit the Jimmy Fund. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Joe rose to the occasion, designing face masks that were donated to first responders in the US and his home country, Uganda. When Joe walks into a room in one of his bold custom jackets and sunglasses, he owns it. He was named ‘Best Fashion Designer’ by Boston magazine in 2022. Joe's designs for all ages include everything from black-tie couture, bespoke evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and tailored suits to athleisure and more.

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

With over 22 years behind the decks, DJ Backspin is now one of the premiere DJs in Boston and New England. DJ Backspin has taken his talents overseas to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Cancun. With music as his passion, Backspin takes pride in being a versatile DJ, and has a wide range of music in his library. He is energetic as a host/emcee and treats all of his clients as his number 1 priority. He can stylistically cater his signature sound to any crowd. DJ Backspin understands the importance of providing the best customer service and is committed to making sure the client is informed and satisfied throughout the event planning process. DJ Backspin can be found behind the turntables at weddings, nightclubs, high end lounges, corporate functions, and school events.

Latin music and Son Jarocho dancing in the Tapestry Room with Zaira Meneses and the Terciopelo Strings Band

Born in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, Zaira Meneses has been acclaimed by the international press as a major performing artist on classical guitar. In 2018, she was awarded a grant by the Boston Foundation to bring to Massachusetts authentic Son Jarocho music with jaranas and requintos from Veracruz. The same year, she performed Elegiaco Concerto' under the baton of world-famous Cuban composer, guitarist, and conductor Leo Brouwer. In 2019, Meneses was selected among classical guitarists to perform in Leo Brouwer’s documentary El Origen de la Sombra, filmed in Havana, Cuba. Supported by The Augustine Foundation and the Robert E. Davoli and Eileen L. McDonagh Charitable Foundation, Brouwer composed 6 Preludios specifically for the talents of Zaira Meneses. Meneses is the founder and president of the Eliot Fisk Guitar Academy, a new platform to bring music education worldwide. After Meneses sold out her own independently produced album titled Latina, she was signed to Centaur Records, recording her own arrangements of the music of J.S. Bach. Director and founder of Latin American Music Festival, Meneses has served as Co-Director of Boston Guitar Festival for 18 consecutive years. She continues performing guitar concertos with orchestras, presenting in solo recitals, and playing chamber music while managing the various events of EFGA.