Pelton performs at Banned in Boston

On April 10, Emerson President Lee Pelton performed onstage with some of Boston’s most notable figures in the annual Banned in Boston event to benefit Urban Improv, a violence prevention program that uses structured theater improvisation to help young people deal with issues such as racism, bullying, and drug abuse.

“Urban Improv is a great example of using arts and creativity toward civic engagement and the common good,” Pelton said. “I was pleased and honored to have been included in this wonderful annual event benefitting Boston’s youth.”

The event, dubbed by Urban Improv as “Boston’s funniest fundraiser,” was hosted at the House of Blues by Matt Siegel of Kiss 108 FM. Cast members included Governor Charlie Baker and his wife, Lauren; U.S. Senator Ed Markey; Emily Rooney of WGBH; Julie Burros, chief of arts and culture for the City of Boston; Attorney General Maura Healey; Aerosmith bass player Tom Hamilton; Secretary of Education Jim Peyser; and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Director Anne Hawley, among several other nonprofit and business leaders, politicians, and media personalities. The Boston Herald website features photos from the event.