Contact: Chris Melville, [email protected]
Waterville Rocks Returns to Head of Falls Park This Summer
WATERVILLE, ME—The Waterville Opera House and Waterville Creates are excited to announce the return of Waterville Rocks, a free, outdoor summer concert series held annually at Head of Falls Park in Waterville, ME.
Waterville Rocks kicks off with Rustic Overtones and Muddy Ruckus July 12, the opening night of the Maine International Film Festival, which will see 100 films screened across 10 days in the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House. The double-header opening night serves as an opportunity to celebrate the start of the festival and welcome thousands of festivalgoers to Waterville. The series continues for three consecutive Fridays after the film festival, July 26, August 2, and August 9, with Breakin’ Strings, 12/OC, and Assembly of Dust, respectively.
“2024 is shaping up to be one of the best years yet for Waterville Rocks,” said Erik Thomas, assistant executive director of the Waterville Opera House. “With music ranging from funk to bluegrass, people don’t want to miss this free, family-friendly concert series!”
Waterville Rocks is free and open to all. This year also sees the return of Art Rocks—free, fun art activities for all ages run by Waterville Creates at Waterville Rocks each week. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, take in the summer evenings, enjoy the beer garden, and, of course, rock out to some great live music.
Learn more about the series and the bands at operahouse.org/waterville-rocks.
Friday, July 12—Rustic Overtones with Muddy Ruckus
Celebrate the opening night of MIFF with Rustic Overtones and Muddy Ruckus. Rustic Overtones formed in Portland, Maine, hometown to each bandmember: guitarist and lead vocalist Dave Gutter, drummer Tony McNaboe, trombonist Dave Noyes, baritone saxophonist Jason Ward, bassist Jon Roods, alto saxophonist Ryan Zoidis, and Spencer Albee on keyboards and piano. Overcoming personal tragedy and several turbulent years, Rustic Overtones are back and as strong as ever.
Muddy Ruckus is a “darkly inventive” rock duo, according to the New York Music Daily. Guitarist Ryan Flaherty and drummer Erika Stahl of Portland, Maine play a grungy style of railroad indie punk blues. This stripped-down power-duo blends rootsy guitar and edgy percussion on a suitcase drum kit, and is known for a full rock band sound.
Friday, July 26—Breakin’ Strings
Led by Cliff Gelina and backed by some of New England’s finest musicians—featuring Cody Howe, Sam Acus, Amanda Gelina, Steve Petterson, and David Bevins—Breakin’ Strings have a hard driving bluegrass sound that brings people to their feet. They will also blow you away with their strong ballads and tight harmonies. The musicianship in this group will keep you dancing with a smile on your face. This versatile group brings a great show you won’t want to miss.
Friday, August 2—12/OC
The country band 12/OC was born in their family kitchen in Portland, Maine when brothers Will and Reid were both under 14 years old. Country music was always playing in their household and making music together was, simply put, the way of life. Their wide range of music has helped increase their fan base across the country making them one of the fastest growing country music acts in New England. Having the most requested song on Maine’s #1 country music station for 16 straight weeks, as well as adding a handful of New England Music Awards, 12/OC isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Friday, August 9—Assembly of Dust
Over the last 10 years Assembly of Dust has crafted a unique sound that recalls the likes of The Band, Traffic, and Neil Young. The raw building blocks of Reid Genauer’s songs stand strong on their own and they are polished to brilliance in the hands of the band he’s surrounded himself with: Adam Terrell (lead guitar), John Leccesse (bass), and two newer members Jason Crosby (piano and violin) and Dave Diamond (drums). Hooky melodies, poetic lyrics, and a profound depth of musicianship prompted USA Today to say Assembly of Dust has what it takes to “dazzle the Alt-Country universe.”
The beer garden opens at 6pm each week, with music starting at 7pm. In the event of rain, the music will move inside to the Waterville Opera House.
Waterville Rocks 2024 is sponsored by the City of Waterville, the 27th Maine International Film Festival, Camden National Bank, North Atlantic Seed Co., Colby College, Central Maine Chevrolet, The Proper Pig, Mainely Brews, and Liberty Graphics.
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About the Waterville Opera House
Waterville Opera House (WOH) has been bringing the magic of the performing arts to audiences of all ages since 1902. This beautifully restored, 810-seat theatre hosts high-quality community theatre, dance, concerts, and educational programming. As part of the artistic community working to make Waterville a key arts destination, WOH encourages an appreciation for the performing arts and its creative expression by consistently producing exceptional performances for residents and visitors. We firmly believe that art and culture have the power to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and serve as an economic engine. For more information, visit operahouse.org.
About Waterville Creates
The mission of Waterville Creates is arts experiences for all. Offering diverse programming for all ages, Waterville Creates is building a thriving, connected, and equitable community through shared experiences in the arts. For more information about Waterville Creates, visit watervillecreates.org.