CCAC summer series preview: music, culture and community on the Kennebec | Column

 Aba Diop Trio will kick off the Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Music Series on July 11 with special guest Pan Fried Steel. (Courtesy of Chocolate Church Arts Center) The tradition of free, live music along the banks of the Kennebec River is one Bath residents may have come to expect, but it is the result of decades of vision, volunteerism and community partnership. Today’s waterfront concert series was built through the efforts of people including former Chocolate Church Arts Center executive director and current City Councilor Jennifer DeChant, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Balboni, Main Street Bath Executive Director Amanda McDaniel, City Manager Marc Meyers, and countless volunteers. The Bath Waterfront concert series began as a modest community effort led by the Chocolate Church Arts Center, which took over programming from the city and built the series with borrowed equipment, limited resources and dedicated volunteers. DeChant recently recalled volunteers hauling a borrowed stage in and out of storage each week while working to improve sound and lighting for growing audiences. “The origin of the summer concert series was humble and only possible through the hard work and dedication of Chocolate Church volunteers,” she said. Main Street Bath later became a critical partner in stewarding and growing the series to today. “It is exciting to know that the effort of so many of us was the baseline for the series to grow,” DeChant added. “This grant takes it to the next level.” This summer, that next level arrives with the inaugural Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Music Series. Presented by the Chocolate Church Arts Center, Main Street Bath and the City of Bath, the free series runs from July 11 through Aug. 29, bringing world-class artists and diverse musical traditions to Waterfront Park. Advertisement The series opens July 11 with the Aba Diop Trio and Pan Fried Steel. Led by Senegalese percussion master Aba Diop, the trio explores the rhythms of West African mbalax music. The evening concludes with a unique collaboration between the trio and Yarmouth-based steel drum ensemble Pan Fried Steel.  Gentleman Brawlers will bring a blend of Afrofunk and indie dance music to the Bath Waterfront on July 18. (Photo by Mia Isabella Photography) View 8 photos On July 18, Brooklyn’s Gentleman Brawlers bring their infectious blend of Afrofunk and indie dance music to the waterfront. The evening also includes a family dance workshop and a pop-up Art Lab activity featuring the whimsical Monster Garden project. The Bow Tides arrive July 25 with an evening of Irish traditional music. Featuring acclaimed fiddlers Ellery Klein and Jessie Burns alongside champion dancer Katie Grennan, the group combines virtuosity, storytelling and cultural tradition. A special Sunday Jazz on the Water performance follows on July 26 with the Jamie Saft Trio. The internationally acclaimed pianist and composer is known for his adventurous work across jazz, rock and experimental music. On Aug. 1, the Cultural Crossroads Festival returns under the direction of Maine music icons Erica Brown and Matt Shipman. The afternoon-long event explores connections between Irish and Old Time traditions through performances, dance and cultural exchange. Classic Southern rock takes center stage Aug. 8 when The Shadow Riders celebrate the music of the original Marshall Tucker Band. Fronted by Bruce Marshall, the group faithfully recreates the sound and spirit of the legendary band. Advertisement Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads brings a fresh perspective on Aug. 15, reimagining Talking Heads classics through reggae and ska influences. The result is a joyful and inventive fusion of Caribbean rhythms and iconic songs. The YellowHouse Blues Band performs Aug. 22, delivering a powerful blend of blues and blues-rock driven by a full horn section, dynamic vocals and decades of musical experience. The season concludes Aug. 29 with rising soul artist Dylan Chambers. Combining classic soul influences with contemporary energy, Chambers closes the series with powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and an uplifting finale. There is an undeniable power of free, live music to bring communities together. With artists spanning continents, genres and generations, the Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Music Series celebrates the Midcoast and the spirit of community here that makes it so special. _Matthew Glassman is executive and artistic director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath._ [](https://www.bowdoin.edu/?utm_source=TimesRecord&utm_medium=SupportingSponsorship) **The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor **We believe a community must be informed to thrive. 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