All-Star Concert to Honor Passim Managing Director's 30-Year Legacy

Rose Cousins and Zachariah Hickman will lead a celebration of Matt Smith's contributions to the Boston folk music scene.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:09am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in contrasting colors, representing the vibrant folk music community and the lasting impact of Passim's longtime leader.A celebratory concert honoring the 30-year tenure of Passim's influential Managing Director, Matt Smith, who has championed the Boston folk music scene.Cambridge Today

A concert celebrating the 30-year career of Passim Managing Director Matt Smith will take place at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event will feature performances by a lineup of acclaimed folk artists curated by singer-songwriter Rose Cousins and bassist/bandleader Zachariah Hickman, who will also lead the backing band. Smith has been a pivotal figure at Passim, helping shape the venue's role as a hub for folk music and emerging artists over the past three decades.

Why it matters

Passim is a beloved institution in the Boston music scene, known for its support of folk and roots artists. Matt Smith's long tenure as Managing Director has been instrumental in maintaining Passim's reputation and nurturing the local music community. This concert celebrates his lasting impact and the artists he has championed.

The details

Smith began volunteering at Passim in 1995 and went on to become Managing Director, helping shape the venue's role as a hub for folk music and emerging artists. Over three decades, he has contributed to more than 11,000 shows and remains involved in day-to-day operations, including running sound for performances. The concert will feature performances by a lineup of acclaimed folk artists including Ellis Paul, Richard Shindell, Jobi Riccio, Margaret Glaspy, Peter Mulvey, Kris Delmhorst, and more.

  • Matt Smith began volunteering at Passim in 1995.
  • The 30th anniversary celebration of Matt Smith's tenure will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The players

Matt Smith

The Managing Director of Passim, a music venue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who has helped shape the venue's role as a hub for folk music and emerging artists over the past 30 years.

Rose Cousins

A singer-songwriter who is curating the concert celebrating Matt Smith's 30-year legacy at Passim.

Zachariah Hickman

A bassist and bandleader who is curating the concert celebrating Matt Smith's 30-year legacy at Passim and will lead the backing band.

Michael Busack

The Executive Director of Passim, who praised Matt Smith's contributions to the venue and the local music community.

Ellis Paul

A folk musician who will perform at the concert honoring Matt Smith's legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Matt is one of the rare people who can hold the history of Passim in one hand and the future of folk music in the other — usually while running the soundboard with his elbow.”

— Michael Busack, Passim Executive Director

“Matt Smith represents something that has sadly gone out of favor — a venue-runner that prioritizes developing artists. For 30 years now, Matt has been tending to the garden of the Boston folk music scene and its many far-reaching tendrils.”

— Zachariah Hickman, Bassist and Bandleader

What’s next

Tickets for the 30th anniversary celebration of Matt Smith's tenure at Passim are on sale now. The event is expected to sell out quickly, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

The takeaway

Matt Smith's long-standing commitment to Passim and the Boston folk music scene has made him a beloved figure who has nurtured countless artists and helped maintain the venue's reputation as a hub for emerging talent. This concert celebrates his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on the local music community.