Splash image with participants from the first Spirit of Music  Potluck Concert in February 2024. Includes the horizontal Down By Riverside Logo.

We are creating deep, intentional connections between people using music and shared food. These connections are non-religious, spiritual relationships that create feelings of being part of something both larger and more important than ourselves alone.

PLEASE NOTE: It probably won’t surprise you, but we are not professional web designers. We do know that the website isn’t really ready for prime-time, but it’s what we have right now. Please, if you can’t get what you need just write or call Hendrik Gideonse, our founder. (781) 710-4521

 

About DBR

Down By Riverside is dedicated to fostering a sense of community through the transformative power of music. Our mission is to create spaces where people can come together, share their stories, and find common ground through musical expression. Founded on the belief that music is a universal language, we aim to bridge gaps and build lasting connections among diverse groups. (AI wrote this based on the text from the website.)

Latest News

What Are We Trying to Do?

Most of us have had the kind of experience that we are trying to create with Down By Riverside. You go to see a music performance in a smaller, intimate venue. Something about the space, the ambience, the musicians, the repertoire, the audience members makes it feel...

Our Programs

Spirit of Music Potluck Concerts

Music needs to reach people where they are: without enough money for entertainment or eating out, without cars, with their children, thirsty for community and connections. Down By Riverside Concerts will center music from many cultures and belief systems.

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 EBTWIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.

Upcoming Events

Lawrence Spirit of Music

September 22, 2024. 3:30 – 7:00 PM
Lawrence United Masonic Lodge Map

The Timba Messengers promo picture

FREE

Big, Secret ANNOUNCEMENT!

Friday, September 27, 2024

Question Mark Spirit of Music

FREE