Middle East to Host Third Annual Keytar Bear and Abby Taylor Day

Photo by Alex Lau

The Middle East in Cambridge will honor Boston’s most beloved fur-covered merrymaker, hosting the third annual Keytar Bear and Abby Taylor Day.

Last seen providing much-needed funk outside Opening Day at Fenway Park, Keytar Bear fell on hard times in 2013, when the costumed musician was attacked twice while performing.

“For me, it represents the ability of Boston and Cambridge to come together and support people in their time of need. When Keytar Bear was really down on his luck, he said he was thinking of leaving the city of Boston because he didn’t want to be attacked,” Workbar events director and fellow musician Abby Taylor told WBUR. “I didn’t want people to think that about Boston…I don’t think about Boston being this meathead kid who punches people in the face.”

Taylor, of Somerville, organized an online fundraiser, which collected $5,560 for Keytar Bear. Cambridge City Councilor Leland Chung attended the accompanying benefit concert at the Middle East, and announced an official proclamation declaring May 8 “Keytar Bear and Abby Taylor Day.”

“I’m trying to kill racism in my own way,” Keytar Bear once told Boston when asked his motivation for donning a Ted costume and playing the keytar in public. “I want to be responsible for the demise of racism. I’m trying to kill racism in my own little way, you know what I mean? You don’t know if [I’m] black or white, you just see a little bear. He’s playing music and he’s having fun.

This year’s show at the Middle East (May 8 at 9 p.m.) will feature The Famous The Bikes and the Somerville Ukulele Club, with more artists yet to be named. Oh, and Keytar Bear, of course.

You can check out the show’s Facebook page here.