Live Music & Dancing at the Seven Hills Stage

Music All Day Long

From the first performance at 12:30 PM through the evening finale, the Seven Hills Stage is the heart of ArtBeat’s live music experience. Enjoy an exciting lineup spanning indie rock, salsa, brass, folk, jazz, and Afro-Latin rhythms, along with interactive experiences that invite everyone to join the celebration. Get on your feet for a lively Salsa Dance Lesson followed by a Salsa Dance Party led by Johnny Giraldo and La Diáspora Combo.

Whether you’re stopping by for a single performance or spending the entire day, you’ll discover unforgettable music, dancing, and REVolutionary energy on ArtBeat’s main stage.

Schedule & Artits Lineup

12:30 PM – Ruby Grove

NEMA-nominated Porchfest faves Ruby Grove is a six-piece indie rock and psychedelic soul outfit that crafts conscious, mystical musical atmospheres. Fronted by Melissa Nilles, the band blends genres to help listeners heal from the traumas, burnout, and exhaustion of modern life. During their set, they offer a soul-filled, funky performance charming audiences of all ages, including indie
rock and soul fans alike. Their immersive live shows combine deep, mindful lyricism with a fresh, dynamic groove that resonates deeply.

1:30 PM – Mean Black Spider

Mean Black Spider is a Boston-based quartet that strips raw, unfiltered 1950s Chicago Blues down to a primal, minimalist essence. The group features Mark Earley (vocals/harmonica), Jeremy Lyons (vocals/guitar), Dennis Poitras (washtub bass), and
Scott Kistenberger (snare drum). Devoted to masters like Howlin’ Wolf and Papa Lightfoot, the ensemble delivers hard shuffles, dirty blues, and a hypnotic swamp boogie. This hardcore minimalist
approach echoes the intensity and spirit of mid-century recordings with a unpretentious attitude and a raw, primal resonance.

2:30 PM – Cheyenne Mize & the REVolving Sound

Featuring the collective talents of Cheyenne Mize, Joey Thieman, Colby Sherwin, and Nick Isherwood, they’ll play a mix of originals and powerfully relevant covers, the band pulls from the unique
personal styles brought by each member. Their core instrumentation of voice, guitar, piano, bass, and drums occasionally expands to feature dynamic layers of fiddle and trumpet along the way. Known
for groove-driven melodies and lyrical depth, they deliver passionate performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

3:30 PM – Kotoko Brass

Kotoko Brass brings their West African dance grooves to the Seven Hills Stage. The ensemble seamlessly merges syncopated African percussion polyrhythms with hard-hitting dance grooves, driven by the propulsive heart and soul of the drumset. Rich New Orleans horn traditionalism blends beautifully with West African highlife lines to forge an infectious party atmosphere. Their passionate, groove-driven live show spreads an irresistible energy that unifies and uplifts audiences everywhere.

4:30 PM – Dr. Beaver

Somerville-based seven-member Chinese band Dr. Beaver blends original songs with Mandarin covers to create a vibrant crosscultural experience. Their original music features a fresh, indie-folk style with light, nature-inspired tones, while their covers bring the dynamic energy of Mandarin rock. One of the band’s original compositions earned prestigious recognition at the NCCU Golden Melody awards. Known for their immersive live performances, they
seamlessly connect diverse musical traditions to inspire and captivate fans everywhere.

5:30 PM – Revolutionary Snake Ensemble

The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble will power the Community Parade with their live music, before jumping onto the main stage for a rousing, highenergy performance. As a six-piece instrumental group with a knack for shaking things up, they are the perfect explosive match for this year’s theme of “REvolution.” The ensemble blends traditional New Orleans brass band sounds, original compositions, and unusual covers. Their fifth
album, Serpentine, was released to great critical acclaim, showcasing their groove-driven, foot-stomping rhythms. Combining rich jazz roots
with a dynamic live presence, they continue to captivate longtime fans and new audiences alike.

6:30 PM – Salsa Dance Lesson

Kick off the evening by stepping onto the dance floor! Join Johnny Giraldo from Salsa y Control Dance Studio for a FREE 10-minute salsa lesson, perfect for beginners and experienced dancers alike. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to dance!

6:40 PM – Salsa Dance Party

Keep dancing during an interactive salsa dance party led by Johnny alongside La Diáspora Combo, helping everyone put their new moves into practice
before the band continues their full live performance. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the joy of Latin American rhythms, dance with friends and neighbors, and become part of the celebration!

7:00 PM – La Diaspora Combo

Led by Angel Camino, La Diaspora Combo presents Rhythms of Resistance, an immersive performance exploring Afro-Latin folklore as a living expression of cultural resilience. The high-energy set features salsa, merengue, and bachata, genres that emerged from communities navigating colonization, migration, and social change. Through vibrant
music, choreography, and direct audience engagement, the ensemble celebrates diasporic identity as a revolutionary force. They bring a joyful, positive energy that turns the concert space into a collective celebration of transformation.

8:00 PM – Intac

Led by Angel Camino, La Diaspora Combo presents Rhythms of Resistance, an immersive performance exploring Afro-Latin folklore as a living expression of cultural resilience. The high-energy set features salsa, merengue, and bachata, genres that emerged from communities navigating colonization, migration, and social change. Through vibrant
music, choreography, and direct audience engagement, the ensemble celebrates diasporic identity as a revolutionary force. They bring a joyful, positive energy that turns the concert space into a collective celebration of transformation.