We are creating deep, intentional connections between people using music and shared food. Communities are built on individual relationships that create feelings of being part of something both larger and more important than ourselves alone.
Please, if you can’t find what you need, just contact us or call Hendrik Gideonse, our founder at (781) 710-4521.
TESTIMONIAL: The Jam Down By Riverside
Just wanted to relay an anecdote about yesterday's jam. My friend who came with me, is one of the kindest, gentlest people I know, and has been struggling with mental health issues for all of his adult life. He's in a pretty good place these days, but has had some...
MISSION: Radically Welcoming
What is Radical Welcoming? Radical welcoming is a way of deeply and intentionally bringing someone into a physical or conceptual space. A radical welcome gives the sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself. Not only have you been invited into a physical...
PRESS: Building community in Medford ‘Down By Riverside’
Medford’s new news source, Gotta Know Medford, gave a great review of our 2025 Mardis Gras Party with Glen David Andrews!
They really captured what we’re trying to do!
Building Community with Food & Music!
Down By Riverside is a non-profit organization that uses music, education and shared food as tools for creating deep, intentional connections between people. We consider these connections to be spiritual, non-religious relationships that create a feeling of being part of something larger than ourselves alone. Down By Riverside exists to address the growing problems of isolation, depression and existential anxiety in our culture.
We seek to disrupt and remove systemic barriers to:
- Participatory live music
- Music education
- Robust and supportive community
Our Programs
Potluck Concerts
Many people don’t have enough money for entertainment or eating out, don’t own cars, have children; they are thirsty for community and connections. Down By Riverside Concerts will center music from many cultures and belief systems and provide community at an affordable or free price point.
In-School Music Workshops for Communities
Our in-school workshops use music to teach definitions of community and spiritual connections, how music can be used to create these connections and how specific types of music have connected people in history. Our first workshop featured Teaching Artist Willie J. Laws Jr. with our founder, Hendrik, hosting.
The State Programs in which We Participate
We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health’s WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier.
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free tickets to our events. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.