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GroundBeat: The Esplanade’s FREE Riverfront Music Series

About GroundBeat

GroundBeat: The Esplanade’s FREE Riverfront Music Series launched as a new music program on the Esplanade in 2018 by the Esplanade Association. GroundBeat aims to increase opportunities to perform on the Esplanade for local producers and artists across greater Boston who are committed to increasing inclusivity and diversity in Boston’s arts scene.

Past GroundBeat partners and performers have included BAMS Fest, AfroDesiaCity, Veronica Robles Mariachi, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, and more!

2024 Upcoming Shows!

We are excited to be hosting our FREE annual GroundBeat Concerts Series in 2024! Check back here for more dates and information.

SUNDAY, MAY 19th | 11am-3pm
Part of our 4th Annual Community Day, Produced by AfroDesiaCity

AfroDesiaCity is thrilled to present an energetic performance as part of the fourth GroundBeat series, hosted at the iconic Hatch Shell for the Esplanade’s free riverfront music series. Join us on May 19th for a day filled with family-friendly festivities, embracing community spirit and place-keeping. Our dynamic showcase will feature a captivating blend of storytelling, dance, and music, spotlighting a talented lineup of local artists. Don’t miss out on this celebration of culture and creativity along the scenic Esplanade! 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29th | 6pm-8pm

Produced by GRATEFUL QUEEN

Get ready to experience a dynamic fusion of Lawrence, MA’s finest Musical talent!

Kicking off the night, we have AndreX, a hip-hop artist hailing straight from Lawrence.

Following their explosive performance, prepare to be mesmerized by the soulful melodies and rhythmic grooves of GRATEFUL QUEEN backed by a powerhouse 6-piece band. Their blend of neo-soul and hip-hop will transport you to a realm of musical euphoria, showcasing the rich culture of Lawrence.

Don’t miss this incredible showcase of Lawrence’s diverse musical landscape, where hip-hop meets soul in a celebration of talent, passion, and creativity. Get ready to groove, vibe, and experience music like never before!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5th | 6pm-8pm

Produced by Keep Ryzin’ Entertainment

Keep Ryzin’ Entertainment (KRE) is guided by passion and creativity, we strive to uplift souls, leaving an indelible mark on hearts worldwide.  KRE is not just a concept; it’s a movement, where every beat, every note, and every visual masterpiece propels us toward a future where joy knows no bounds, and the world rises together in harmony and celebration. 

KRE will bring a collective of local artists to the main stage at the Hatch Shell to deliver an unforgettable show that highlights the following musical genres RnB, Afrobeats, Rock, Soul, and Neo Soul for the audience to enjoy!  We will have a roster of 10 – 12 musicians, artists, singers, DJ and rappers bringing a non-stop energetic concert to the masses!  Our hope is to inspire and uplift the spirits of those who attend.  We have named this production  “The Love Conquers All Collective”.  The hope is that we can offer this concert multiple times a year throughout the Commonwealth and we want to start with YOU! 

These free concerts have been made possible with the support of:

2023 Past Shows!

Exclusive Media Sponsor

Saturday, AUGUST 5th | 12pm-4pm
Produced by BAMS Fest

Hosted By Nancia

Willie J Laws Band (12pm-1pm)
This music is the kind of real Texas soul, all mixed up with classic R&B, country, blues/funk that grows from the Texas soil.

Band Members:
Willie J Laws Jr (vocals/guitar) 
Lenny Bradford (bass/backup vocals) 
Osi Brathwaite (drums) 
Bruce Mattson (keys) 

Modular Trope (1pm-2pm)
A talented collective of instrumentalists, vocalists, and rappers.

Toki Wright (DJ Set) (2pm-3pm)
A two-time Emmy Award-winning MC, poet, producer, and cultural diplomat.

Angelena And The Unit (3pm-4pm)
Boston’s premier cover band.

Band Members: 
Vincent Bailey on drums and vocals 
Nate Fuller on Sax 
Donald Campbell on keys 
Binney Stone on guitar and vocals 
Larry Thomas on guitar and vocals 
Ken  Hester on bass and 
Tina Andrews on background vocals  

Thursday, June 15th | 6:30pm-8:30pm
Pre-Juneteenth Celebration Produced by AfroDesiaCity

Line Dances on the Lawn featuring DJ TROY Frost and Danny Rivera.

Thursday, June 8th | 6:30pm-8:30pm
Produced by Sympli Whitney 

DJ Saucy Lady

Sympli Whitney Productionz 

Ensemble:

Brandon Volel (Trumpet)

Tucker Antle (Saxophone/Flute)

Yuki Kanesaka (Musical Director/Keyboardist)

Joey Mazzarella (Keyboardist)

Osi Brathwaite (Percussion)

Domenic Davis (Bass Guitar)

Michael Christman (Lead Guitar)

In 2020, GroundBeat moved to a virtual stage where the Esplanade Association partnered with BAMS Fest to curate 5 weekly virtual concerts featuring a variety of local artists and music groups of different music styles and backgrounds. An additional GroundBeat concert was hosted by Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Fierce Urgency Now Festival and featured performances curated by AfroDesiaCity. GroundBeat: A Virtual Series Featuring BAMS Fest received a 2020 Boston Music Awards nomination for Live Music Stream of the Year.

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