The headliner this year is Whodini, a hip-hop group from New York formed in 1981, featuring Jalil (Jalil Hutchins), Ecstasy (John Fletcher) and Grandmaster Dee (Drew Carter). Along with Run-DMC and The Fat Boys, Whodini was among the first hip-hop groups to cultivate a high profile national following that brought hip-hop into the mainstream.

The program also features performances by local artists including Brejé, who was booked to open for the now cancelled Michael Jackson shows in London at the O2 Arena; Moe Pope, a local hip hopper, whose music is influenced by Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, and Rakim; M-Dot and Blues.

This event is FREE. However, attendees must obtain tickets before the show. Tickets are available at the Strand Theatre Box-Office (543 Columbia Road), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31, 2009. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis and are limited to 2 tickets per-person. For complete details visit www.strandboston.com

Peace 2009 Hip Hop is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events and sponsored by Metro Boston. The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events is responsible for advancing the arts, tourism and culture in the city of Boston by providing advocacy, support, promotional and technical assistance, and by producing special events and public celebrations that reflect the city’s rich diversity.

For further information call 617-635-3911 or visit www.cityofboston.gov/arts For a complete brochure of summer events visit www.cityofboston.gov/summer