Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Music Series Launches Free Summer Concert Series

BATH, ME — The Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Music Series officially kicks off this summer with a free, outdoor concert series running from July 11 through August 29 at Waterfront Park. The inaugural edition brings together a diverse lineup of musicians ranging from West African percussion ensembles to Irish traditional groups, Afrofunk acts, and classic Southern rock legends.

The series is presented jointly by the Chocolate Church Arts Center, Main Street Bath, and the City of Bath, marking the culmination of years of community planning and volunteer coordination. Organizers credit the program's origins to the humble beginnings of the Chocolate Church Arts Center, which first launched the waterfront concert series as a modest community effort before expanding its reach through partnerships with local organizations and dedicated volunteers.

"We remember the origin of the summer concert series as being quite humble," said Jennifer DeChant, former Chocolate Church Arts Center executive director and current City Councilor. "It was only possible through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. The foundation laid by those early efforts has allowed us to take this next step with a grant that elevates the series significantly."

DeChant emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, noting that multiple stakeholders contributed to the program's development. Steve Balboni, the city's Parks and Recreation Director, worked alongside Main Street Bath Executive Director Amanda McDaniel and City Manager Marc Meyers to establish the framework for what has become a beloved annual tradition. The series began as a grassroots movement led by the Chocolate Church Arts Center, which eventually transitioned programming responsibility to the city while maintaining close ties with the original volunteers.

The opening night on July 11 features the Aba Diop Trio, led by Senegalese percussion master Aba Diop, performing West African mbalax rhythms. The evening concludes with a distinctive collaboration between the trio and Pan Fried Steel, a Yarmouth-based ensemble specializing in steel drum music.

Following the launch, the schedule continues with a July 18 performance by Gentleman Brawlers, a Brooklyn-based group blending Afrofunk and indie dance elements. Their show includes a family dance workshop and a pop-up Art Lab activity centered on the Monster Garden project.

July 25 brings The Bow Tides, an Irish traditional music ensemble featuring fiddlers Ellery Klein and Jessie Burns, accompanied by champion dancer Katie Grennan. The group combines virtuosic playing with storytelling rooted in cultural heritage.

On July 26, the series presents "Sunday Jazz on the Water" with the Jamie Saft Trio. Saft, an internationally recognized pianist and composer, delivers an adventurous set that spans jazz, rock, and experimental music genres.

August 1 marks the return of the Cultural Crossroads Festival, directed by Maine music figures Erica Brown and Matt Shipman. This afternoon-long event explores connections between Irish and Old Time traditions through performances, dance, and cultural exchange.

The series reaches its peak in late August with several standout performances. On August 8, The Shadow Riders pay tribute to the original Marshall Tucker Band, fronted by Bruce Marshall, faithfully recreating the sound and spirit of this influential Southern rock group. Just two weeks later, on August 15, Mystic Bowie's Talking Dreads reinterpret Talking Heads classics through reggae and ska inflections, creating a joyful fusion of Caribbean rhythms and familiar song structures.

August 22 features The YellowHouse Blues Band, delivering a powerful blend of blues and blues-rock supported by a full horn section, dynamic vocals, and decades of musical experience. The final night of the series arrives on August 29 with rising soul artist Dylan Chambers, whose combination of classic soul influences and contemporary energy provides a powerful vocal climax to the eight-week run.

Organizer Matthew Glassman, executive and artistic director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center, noted the broader significance of the program. "There is an undeniable power of free, live music to bring communities together," he stated. "With artists spanning continents, genres, and generations, the Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Music Series celebrates the Midcoast and the spirit of community that makes it so special."

The free series represents a significant investment in public life and cultural enrichment for Bath residents and visitors alike. By providing accessible, high-quality musical experiences throughout the summer months, the program strengthens neighborhood bonds and showcases the region's rich artistic talent.