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Cultural Powerhouses Honored with 2026 Massachusetts Storyteller of the Year Awards
Mass Humanities
Several iconic changemakers based in western Massachusetts will be recognized with Mass Humanities’ Massachusetts Storyteller of the Year awards on October 15, 2026:
- Saul Peñalosa and Brendaliz Cepeda, co-founders of Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance group Bomba de Aquí, will receive the award for their creative performances evocative of the Puerto Rican diaspora.
- Radio personalities Monte Belmonte and Kaliis Smith, beloved hosts of New England Public Media’s The Fabulous 413, will be honored for shaping public conversation about arts, culture, and life in western Massachusetts.
The celebration will take place at Mill 1 at Open Square on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6-9pm. The event is open to the public but tickets must be purchased ahead of time. More information, including how to sponsor the event, is available on the Mass Humanities website.
“This year’s honorees represent the rich traditions that make the Valley so distinctive—cultural expression, public service, and a commitment to our community,” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities. “We look forward to celebrating Monte, Kaliis, Saul, and Brendaliz and honoring their contributions to this region and the Commonwealth.”
The Massachusetts Storyteller of the Year award was created in 2025 to honor the artists, innovators, and community stewards who deepen our understanding of Massachusetts and its diverse communities. Previous recipients of the award include the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys.
This year, the award is presented in partnership with Mass Cultural Council, the Commonwealth’s state arts agency.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we connect with one another,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council. “It preserves history, celebrates culture, and helps us better understand the people and communities that shape Massachusetts. Mass Cultural Council is honored to partner with Mass Humanities in recognizing this year’s Storytellers of the Year, all individuals whose work inspires curiosity, strengthens community, and reminds us that our shared stories are among our greatest cultural assets.”
About the Honorees
Bomba de Aquí
Bomba de Aquí is a dance and music company that performs and teaches Afro-Puerto Rican traditions throughout western Massachusetts and the central Connecticut area. They provide workshops at public schools, colleges, churches and other community venues about the history and richness of Afro-Puerto Rican music and culture.
Based in Holyoke, Bomba is a past Mass Humanities grantee who has performed at events with MH as well as MassCreative’s advocacy day in the State House. By honoring Bomba, Mass Humanities celebrates the cultural life of Holyoke and the grassroots work of artists and organizers who use the humanities to preserve and replenish local culture.
“Being recognized for storytelling is deeply meaningful for both Saul and I because storytelling is how we preserve my ancestors’ voices, celebrate my Puerto Rican heritage, and create a bridge between generations. Every story we share carries the rhythms, traditions, resilience, and joy of Afro-Puerto Rican culture, ensuring that our history continues to live through our children and communities.”
— Brenda Cepeda
Monte Belmonte and Kaliis Smith
Monte Belmonte and Kaliis Smith have become two of the most recognizable and community-centered voices in western Massachusetts through their daily radio show and podcast, New England Public Media’s The Fabulous 413. What makes them stand out is not just that they report on the region — they actively celebrate it.
Their show focuses on the arts, agriculture, local history, music, activism, education, food, and the everyday people who shape life in the 413 area code. They describe the show as a kind of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for grown-ups,” built around curiosity, kindness, and community connection.
Monte is also deeply connected to the arts community. He serves as volunteer president of the board for the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls, reinforcing his longstanding commitment to local culture and creative expression. Kaliis often brings an artist’s perspective to interviews and storytelling, helping spotlight underrepresented voices, local musicians, educators, organizers, and cultural leaders.
“It feels almost disingenuous to receive an award for our storytelling. The stories we tell on the radio are your stories. Stories of farmers and historians, authors and activists, small business owners, teachers, students and anyone who has a story to tell in the 413. Which is everyone. We are humbled by this honor and are more honored, still, to have the opportunity to share our neighbors stories with you on the air.”
— Monte Belmonte