Once again, Boston Hassle is teaming up with Ignore Rock N’ Roll Heroes to bring together some of the craftiest people around for their third annual Black Market. With the first Black Market held just last October, Sunday’s take on the event will be the biggest market yet. 94 vendors will span 75 tables of pins, records, terrariums, baked goods and so much more—as a DJ spins the day away.
Black Market organizer, Caitlin Kenney, first garnered hopes of creating a flea market with the dream of Boston Hassle attaining a vacant building for the organization as a whole. Though the space didn’t quite become a reality, the Hassle’s Dan Shea came to Kenney with a dream idea, a regularly scheduled floating flea market. From here, Black Market was propelled into full force, exposing 60 vendors to a well-attended event. Stirring up exponential energy after each event, Black Market has taken in a wider variety of vendors and anticipates an even bigger crowd this Sunday.
To Kenney, the most rewarding aspect of organizing Black Market is “helping people make money doing something they love. I think if more people knew that reality the world would be a much happier place.”
You can catch Black Market at the Cambridge Community Center this Sunday, April 26th from 11am to 5pm. At-the-door donations will qualify you for a raffle of concert tickets and various merch. Before you make the trek yourself, meet a handful of Sunday’s vendors.
Mariel Wade
How did Dripping Dream Vintage begin?
Dripping Dream Vintage began a little over two years ago (woah time flies!) when I decided that I wanted to take my favorite hobby of visiting thrift stores and turn it into something more. At this point I was a pretty active Etsy shopper and followed a lot of stores on there, so opening my own shop just seemed to make sense. I really had no idea what I was doing though, and kind of taught myself how to take good pictures and write compelling product descriptions as I went along. I also started a blog around then too, which has turned into a place for me to share my daily outfits when I feel inspired to do so. In October, I started selling in person at events like Black Market, which I like even better than selling online because I love getting to meet and talk with my customers!
What is your absolute favorite outfit?
Oh man, this is a tough one because there are so many choices! Lately though I’ve been really gravitating towards a more simple look and lots of denim, so I have to go with a denim shirt and jeans. It’s the easiest outfit to put together, but I think it still looks really good. Plus you can mix it up! Light denim top, dark denim pants….dark denim top, light denim pants…you could even throw a jean jacket on top too if you wanted to get real crazy.
How does Massachusetts influence your creativity?
Massachusetts definitely influences my creativity. It’s mainly the people here. There is such a great scene full of cool, creative people and it’s something that feels really refreshing to be a part of. I have so many friends who are in bands or have started their own labels or zines or whatnot, and it’s super inspiring! Makes me want to get off my butt and do something too! I also find that most of my inspiration for the items I want to sell in my shop and for my own outfits comes from looking at what other people around Boston are wearing.
True Believers Fan Club/Disposable America
Dustin Watson
How did True Believers Fan Club and Disposable America begin?
True Believers Fan Club was a hobby at first. I started making recycled comic book pins on my own and custom buttons for my friends bands, but over the last few years I’ve expanded it into an umbrella shop for weird recycled and pop culture bootleg pins and other weird collectables.
Do you have some specific pins that you are particularly proud of?
There aren’t specific pins that I’m proud of, but I especially like making the recycled one-of-a-kind stuff. I’m always happy to see someone buy those over just another band or movie bootleg since a bit more thought and time went into it.
How does Massachusetts influence your creativity?
I don’t know if living in Massachusetts influences my creativity, but it’s definitely great to be from an area where I get to work alongside so many other great likeminded shops, brands and artists locally.
Chris Morrison
How did Hungry Ghost Press begin?
Hungry Ghost Press began around 2011 with me, Chris Morrison. I was in a band and putting out some tapes for myself and other bands. I had always loved making packaging and wanted to continue to do this so I started using the name Hungry Ghost Press. From there, I began making zines and small run books with my friend Matt Doyle. We wanted an outlet to put out our own drawings, illustrations and writing. We first came out with Endquote, an anonymous zine that had submissions ranging from poetry, short stories, photography, notes and drawings.
I kept up with Hungry Ghost Press and continued to make zines and books of my own artwork as well as some for friends. Currently, I try to release as much material as possible with all profits going straight into the production of new work. I’ve started to make more accessories and clothing as well. I currently screen print shirts, sweaters and patches and offer zines, books, prints and pins.
Hungry Ghost Press has since stopped putting out tapes and music, however I also co-run Midnight Werewolf Records with my good friend, Derek Desharnais. Under Midnight Werewolf Records, I do almost all the artwork, inserts and packaging designs and production for the bands on there.
What is your favorite Hungry Ghost Press project, so far?
So far my favorite project has been PORNO MAGG. It’s a small 5 panel fold out zine that now has a limited run pin pack to accompany it. It’s just gross and goofy drawings of naked ladies, Ron Jeremey sucking his own dick and other things. Seeing something so overly explicit in such a small format just comes off as so funny and different, I really had a great time making those. I also just came out with Creeps of Power, a split zine with a friend in Chicago.
How does Massachusetts influence your creativity?
I love Massachusetts. I was born here and have lived all around the state. I’ve left it a few times, but always return. Boston has such a creative and growing hub that it’s easy to find awesome people to make work with. There’s so many killer bands and artists around here and the art scene has really just been taking off. I’d love to some day open a little store front somewhere in the city and sell my and others work!
Adam Brilla
How did Stompbox Sonic begin?
It officially began in 2009. But since the late 90’s I wanted to rewire the music store experience to be a more collaborative process. Not the same old customer/sales person routine.
What makes Stompbox Sonic special?
By focusing on creativity. Giving an artist, regardless of genre, gender or instrument the opportunity to explore new sounds. We tailor recommendations to each specific customer’s style or preferences. And the fact we make “house calls” to practice spaces and recording studios.
How does Massachusetts influence your creativity?
The rebelliousness and self-reliance that has run through this state’s history has been a huge influence. The confluence of ideas and people. You learn how to work within limitations, how to adapt, how to advocate change. You learn respect for certain traditions and how to stand up for your beliefs. The weather too. If you can endure the harsh, seemingly endless winters, then you can push through self-doubt or any other obstacles that pop up.
Graham Boswell
How did Handsome Dog Bakery begin?
Last year, I graduated from BU school of music with a degree in classical cello performance. By my Senior year I was feeling pretty burned out on the classical music world, and was constantly fantasizing about opening a restaurant. So I decided to start Handsome Dog Bakery to see if I enjoy running a food business. The original plan was to sell to friends and people in my social network, but this winter two different restaurants reached out to me asking to carry my products. Over the next few months I’ll be working on expanding into a larger kitchen and finding more places to carry my products.
What makes Handsome Dog special?
Right now, I’m the only baker in Boston making vegan croissants and cannoli. It took me a long time to develop and refine those recipes, and I’m super proud to be bringing them to Boston.
What is your most popular item?
My chocolate chip cookie. It’s the same recipe I developed in high school after I first became vegan. I have so many memories of making and sharing these cookies with friends over the years. It is a real joy to have them out in the world for everyone to enjoy.
How does Massachusetts influence your creativity?
Massachusetts has a remarkable food culture that I’ve come to appreciate since moving here from St. Louis, my home town. Sadly many of the New England regional specialties like apple cider doughnuts, whoopie pies and cannoli are only rarely available for vegans. I hope that Boston’s vegan options continue to expand and I hope to be a part of that.