Seattle has Hempfest, Boston has Freedom Rally. More than 30,000 people crowded Boston Common on Saturday for the the 22nd annual protestival featuring music, speakers and a cavalcade of vendors.

Over the last few years the event has grown (to two stages) and seen a noticeable decline in police harassment, thanks to Massachusetts' decrim law that passed in 2008. So pot smoking in the Commons is more tolerated but still punishable by a summons and fine. At 4:20, a huge cloud of smoke rose over the Common, signifyig a new era of pot power in the Bay State.

Highlights included reunion performances by Freedom Rally alumni Tree and the 360's, who were joined by punk-folkie David Peel for a rousing rendition of his "I Like Marijuana," and a speech by Maine State Rep. Diane Russell.

The following bands and musicians performed, chronologically: (main stage) Brunt of It, Julia Rose, Casey Desmond, the Force, Mighty Mystic, Farren Butcher Inc, the 360's ft. David Peel, DJ Slim, Termanology, Myster DL (see below), Prospect Hill, Tree; (Sting Ray stage) Thunder Brothers, Hy-Town Records, Moufy, Manifest, Solo Sexx, Joint Damage, Rob Potylo, Mighty Tiny, Planetoid.

The following people spoke, chronologically: (main stage) Niki "Smokes Snow, Shea Spillane, Suzanne Jubenville, John Napoli, Marilyn Wilmoth, Sean Ryan, Steve Bloom, Carmalita, Erik A Williams, Steven Epstein, Keith Stroup, Danny Danko, Allen St. Pierre, Diane R. Fornbacher, Rick Cusick, Bobby Black. Rep. Diane Russell, Mike Crawford (a.k.a. Mike Cann); (Sting Ray stage): John Madfis, Rich Fu, Vermin Supreme, Lenny Gaiter, Sean McSoley, Kevin Clark, Jimi Devine, DJ Stone, Marcy Duda, Jeff Morris, John Dvorak, Shaleen Title, Keith Saunders, Ryan Cassidy, Steve Epstein, Terry Franklin, Sabrina Fendrick, Robert Platshorn, Cara Crabb-Burnham.

For more info about the rally, go here.

Also see:
2010 Boston Freedom Rally
3rd INTCHE in Oaksterdam
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