Watch City Arts keeps music alive after Riverfest cancelled

When the annual arts event known as Riverfest failed to materialize this June, Watch City Arts decided to help fill the void. 

Its response? The creation of Rockin’ at the Post, a music series showcasing local bands happening this month.

Rockin’ at the Post “was created as a way to provide performance and vending opportunities for musicians and artists who were looking forward to Riverfest,” said Robin Krause Capello, president and founder of the nonprofit Watch City Arts. “It’s togetherness … with no other agenda.” 

The performances, which will be held at American Legion Post 156 at 215 Waverley Oaks Road, offer “a welcoming space for neighbors to gather, enjoy live music, and celebrate Waltham’s creative community,” according to  a press release on the event.

Bands will perform all five Friday nights in August and will play a mix of genres, including funk, soul, blues, swing and rock.

There will be games of music bingo before the shows, starting at 6 p.m.

Rockin’ at the Post will also feature artisans and others selling their wares during the shows.  Krause Capello plans to post information about vendors on the Watch City Arts’ website, on Instagram and on Facebook in advance of each show. 

Krause Capello, a lifelong Waltham resident, said the series is more than just a chance to enjoy local music and buy gifts; it’s a call to action,” she said. “At a time when federal arts funding has been slashed overnight, events like this keep our creative community alive.”

Funding for the event comes from Waltham Cultural Council grants, which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and other sources.

The August lineup for Rockin’ at the Post is as follows: 

• Aug. 1:  Session450, “an urban blues group. Performing a vibrant blend of original rock, soulful jazz, and classic blues”
  
• Aug. 8: Slip Resistant Soul, “a five-piece retro ‘badazz’ funk, soul and blues rock band (bass, drums, guitar, sax, and soul singer) with big ’60s NOLA influences and plenty of solos”
  
• Aug. 15: Soft Touch Dance Band, a “Waltham-based, 18-piece band specializes in swing-era music from the ’40s to the ’60s, plus Broadway hits and classic rock favorites”
  
• Aug. 22: Mike Nolan Band, “a four-piece band with more Blonde on Blonde influence than not, and less distortion than minor chords”
  
• Aug. 29: Rachel & Mike, “a singer/songwriter duo” at 7:30 p.m. and Angeliq, “a seasoned Boston-based performer whose soulful voice and rich musical journey span blues, jazz, soul, rock, reggae, and world rhythms” at 8 p.m.

Ticket options are as follows:

• $25 online or credit card at door
• $20 cash at door
• $10 all American Legion members, cash with ID
• Music bingo: Cards $5 (cash)/$10 (swipe)
• 24-hours advance purchase pick up at “Paid Tent”