GroundBeat Concert Series: 

The Esplanade’s FREE Riverfront Music

GroundBeat is back!

Join us on the Esplanade for this FREE riverfront concert series celebrating Boston’s vibrant music scene. Each concert is produced by local creators and showcases a diverse lineup of artists, bringing communities together through music, culture, and connection.

All performances take place at the iconic DCR Hatch Memorial Shell (47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108) and feature live music, beautiful views of the Charles River, and a lively atmosphere with vendors, lawn games, and family-friendly activities.

Enjoy GroundBeat from a whole new perspective on the water! Thanks to our partners at Community Boating, Inc., attendees can receive 50% off a 2-hour kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental on concert dates. Register for any GroundBeat event using the links, and you’ll receive a coupon to use before or after the show! Perfect for catching the music from the river or making a full day of adventure on the Esplanade.

Check out the schedule below!

ABOUT ZUMIX

Groundbeat Concert Series | Zumix Hatch Shell Takeover

Produced by: Zumix

Sunday, May 31 — Community Day | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Learn more about Community Day here!

ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building our community through music and creative technology. We believe music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX also provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, historically underserved neighborhood.

Lineup coming soon! The evening will feature performances from ZUMIX’s young “sprouts,” group programs, teen ensembles, and local alumni artists. (@ZUMIXINC)

REGISTER FOR FREE
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS

Groundbeat Concert Series | Abilities: Amplified

Produced by: Luigi’s Fishtank + Harvard Biodesign Lab

Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Luigi’s Fishtank is a musical group that performs a dynamic mix of rock, pop, and Latin music, while the Harvard Biodesign Lab develops wearable technology for people with disabilities. By combining their expertise in music and technology, these two organizations are dedicated to demonstrating how innovative tools and inclusive platforms can empower individuals and foster a more accessible community.

Lachi (@LACHIMUSIC)

The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE) Jazz Trio (@BERKLEEIAAE)

Luigi’s Fishtank (@LUIGISFISHTANK)

Plugged In | 3 Day Regin (@PLUGGEDINBAND)

REGISTER FOR FREE
ABOUT TRAVEL THROUGH MUSIC

Sonic Passports – Caribbean Heritage Month

Produced by: Travel Through Music

Wednesday, June 10 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Travel Through Music is a cultural concert experience that brings audiences on a journey around the world through sound, rhythm, and storytelling.
Founded by vocalist and cultural curator Safiya Leslie, Travel Through Music began as a way to connect people to global cultures through music, travel, and shared experiences. What started as an international music subscription box has evolved into immersive live events that celebrate the artists, traditions, and communities that shape the sounds of our world.
Through concerts, festivals, and community activations, Travel Through Music Live highlights genres rooted in culture and diaspora — from jazz and Afrobeat to calypso, soca, reggae, Latin music, and beyond. Each event blends live performance with cultural education, creating spaces where audiences can dance, learn, and experience the stories behind the music.
In honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, our June Hatch Shell event celebrates the vibrant musical traditions of the Caribbean. From the birthplace of steel pan in Trinidad and Tobago to the rhythms of reggae, kompa, calypso, Salsa, this concert uplifts the cultural legacy and global influence of Caribbean music.
Travel Through Music Live is more than a concert — it is a celebration of culture, community, and the universal language of music.

Safiya (@SAFIYA.MUSIC)

Roots Alley Collective (@ROOTSALLEY_COLLECTIVE)

Zama (@REBECCAZAMA)

REGISTER FOR FREE
ABOUT BOSTON MUSIC PROJECT

Salsa at the Shell

Produced by: Boston Music Project

Wednesday, June 17 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

For fifteen years, the Boston Music Project has provided music-based Creative Youth Development programming to thousands of Boston youth. Our team of diverse teaching artists provides weekly music education to thousands of PreK to 12th-grade students at 30+ Boston schools each year. BMP before, after, and in-school programs provide students with the resources and support to unleash their musical creativity through instrumental and digital music instruction while fostering their social-emotional skills to find success in music, school, and life. Learn more at www.bostonmusicproject.org.

BCYF Creates

FutureBOS BMP Youth Band (@FUTUREBOS_YOUTH)

Salsa Y Control (@SYCDANCESTUDIO)

Angel Subero and Latin Logic (@SUBEROBRASS)

REGISTER FOR FREE

FINAL LINEUPS FOR EACH CONCERT WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

2026 Partners

 

About GroundBeat

GroundBeat: The Esplanade’s FREE Riverfront Music Series, initiated in 2018 in partnership with Catherine T Morris and in coordination with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), fosters opportunities to perform on the Esplanade’s iconic Hatch Memorial Shell for producers and artists across greater Boston who are committed to increasing inclusivity and diversity in Boston’s arts scene.

2025 Shows 

Pictures from last year’s concert series can be found here:
2025 PHOTOS

Love Conquers All

Sunday, May 18 – Community Day | 4pm-7pm

Featuring local R&B and Neo-Soul artists produced by Keep Ryzin Entertainment.

Lineup

DJ Z.O.O.M
Amanda Shea
Jpitts and the TMC Band
Lean Beal and Friends
Dreion

Soul Resonance: A Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop & R&B Experience

Wednesday, May 21 | 6pm-8pm

Featuring local Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and Neo-Soul artists produced by Grateful Queen

Sonic Passports

Wednesday, May 28 | 6pm-8pm

Featuring local Reggae, Malagasy, Brazilian and Caribbean Jazz artists produced by Travel Through Music

Lineup

Amanda Shea
Concious Band
Niu Raza
Safiya Leslie

Salsa at the Shell: A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Community

Wednesday, June 4

Featuring local Latin, Jazz, Rock and Hip Hop artists produced by Boston Music Project

Lineup

BCYF Creates Roslindale Percussion Ensemble 
Boston Music Project Youth Orchestra
FutureBOS BMP Youth Band
Salsa Y Control
Angel Subero and Latin Logic

Rhythms of Unity

Wednesday, June 11

Featuring local R&B, Jazz, Funk, spoken word and dance artists produced by AfroDesiaCity

Lineup

Aric B: 
Abria Smith
DJ Basi B
LesleyAnn Moore

Thank you to Audax Charitable Foundation for their support of the GroundBeat Concert Series! Interested in learning more about sponsorships? Reach out to Jim Diverio, Director of Development, at jdiverio@esplanade.org. All concerts feature live music, gorgeous views of the Charles River Esplanade, and a vendor fair featuring lawn games, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities.

  

 

2024 Shows 

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!

Date: 5/19 | 11am-3pm 

Location: Hatch Memorial Shell

 

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!


Date: 5/29 | 6pm-8pm 

Location: Hatch Memorial Shell


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!

Date: 6/5 | 6pm-8pm 

Location: Hatch Memorial Shell



 

2023 Shows 

Date: 8/5 | 12pm-4pm 

Location: Hatch Memorial Shell


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





Thank you to Exclusive Media Sponsor:

Hosted By Olasco Boston

DJ TROY Frost

Albino Mbie Musician

VLA Dance

Danny Rivera Live Performance 

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

Date: 6/15 | 6:30pm-8:30pm 

Location: Hatch Memorial Shell




Date: 6/8 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

Location: Hatch Memorial Shell

DJ Saucy Lady

Sympli Whitney Productionz


Ensemble:

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

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.