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Backyard Sessions

Fri, Sep 10  |  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

15 days. 15 performances. Groove your way through September at AY.

Bring the whole fam to AY for a variety of outdoor live music performances all month long! Grab a seat or bring a blanket; pickup your favorite takeout or reserve a spot at one of our restaurant patios – there’s a little something for everyone.

All performances are complimentary and open to the community. We are encouraging donations to the Watertown Public Schools to support our local students and teachers this school season.
To make a donation, please click here to our Eventbrite page
OR scan the QR code at any of the events.
 Arsenal Yards is committed to supporting the local school system and will match all donations up to $1,500 from this event series.

Performances will take place in either the River Green (near Shake Shack) or on the sidewalk plaza near City Works.
Please see schedule below for details.

Seating in our common areas is first come, first serve. Takeout or patio dining is highly encouraged. For a list of our restaurants or to make a patio reservation, please see below.

Performances are rain or shine. In the case of severe inclement weather Arsenal Yards reserves the right to cancel at any time. In the case of any event changes, our webpage will be updated accordingly.

Performance Schedule:

Friday, September 10th, 12:00 - 2:00PM
in the River Green featuring Jonathan Suazo
Jonathan is a  multi-Genre Artist / Composer / Producer from San Juan Puerto Rico. Better known as Suaz, JS started musical studies at the age of 11 and his efforts throughout the years have led to numerous collaborations/performance opportunities with industry giants across the board such as Miguel Zenón, Paoli Mejías, Allan Leschhorn, Ilé, Giovanni Hidalgo, Tito Matos, Ricardo Pons, Calma Carmona, William Cepeda, Jon Secada, Terri Lyne Carrington, Pedro Capó, Obie Bermudez, Humberto Ramirez, Oskar Cartaya, Charlie Sepúlveda and more. In 2017 Jonathan obtained a Masters Degree in Contemporary Performance from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute (Boston MA) where he was mentored by Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, George Garzone, Dave Liebman and many others.
Learn more about Jonathan here.

Tuesday, September 14th, 4:00 - 6:00PM
In the River Green featuring The Electric Heaters
There's a dark wave crashing over the breakers. Reverb dripping, drums pounding the shore…it's the Electric Heaters! The Heaters play Retro-sonic Surf Noir. Think James Bond, Pulp Fiction. Think dark, moody, and groovy instrumental music for the 21st Century. Led by guitarist Matt Heaton and his reverb drenched guitar twang, the Heaters mix familiar sounds with just the rich modern ingredients—like a perfect cocktail, their musical mixology goes down just right.
Learn more about The Electric Heaters, here.

Wednesday, September 15th, 3:00 - 5:00PM
On the sidewalk plaza near City Works featuring Gaby Cotter Trio with Maurizio Fiore and Melvin Lam
Gaby Cotter is a Boston-based Panamanian singer and songwriter. Her work mixes the different colors of Latin-American sounds and the Caribbean. Rhythm and pure energy with a little melancholy from South-American folk music combined in return, with the freedom of jazz, the emotionality of blues, and R&B. As a result, a mature and new musical proposal fascinating even the most knowledgeable listener.
Learn more about Gaby Cotter here.

Thursday, September 16th, 5:00 - 7:00PM
In the River Green featuring The Blue Hotel
Together since 1993, we switch styles to suit any mood. Dance and turn on a dime from Cole Porter to Eric Clapton, Miles Davis to the Beatles. We excel at private parties of every genre and venue...dinner dances; political and nonprofit fundraisers and galas; a farmer's market; or just a good old Saturday night in your backyard. Note: we also care deeply about supporting worthy causes. So sit back and stay for a while at The Blue Hotel. Sorry...no continental breakfast.
Learn more about the Blue Hotel here.

Friday, September 17th, 12:00 - 2:00PM
Performer to be announced

Tuesday, September 21st, 4:00 - 6:00PM
In the River Green with Emily Desmond
Emily Desmond has been active in the music scene in the Greater Boston area since the age of 14. She graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Songwriting in 2016, and has been performing at a variety of events since. She is accompanied by her guitarist, Aaron Wheeler, and they frequently perform folk, pop, rock, and jazz from the 60s to modern day.
Learn more about Emily Desmond, here.

Wednesday, September 22nd, 3:00 - 5:00PM
Performer to be announced

Thursday, September 23rd, 5:00 - 7:00PM
In the River Green featuring Colt and the Coyotes
Worcester roots, rock, and soul.
Learn more about Colt and the Coyotes, here.

Friday, September 24th , 12:00 – 2:00PM
In the River Green featuring Joe Carson
Joe Carson has as been performing as a singer and guitarist in Boston for over 10 years.  He's played all over the city finding a way to draw people in and get them singing and dancing.
Learn more about Joe Carson, here.

Tuesday, September 28th, 4:00 - 6:00PM
on the sidewalk plaza near City Works featuring John Copeland
John is a solo guitar player and singer that has performed in the Metro Boston area for over 15 years. He performs rock covers from the 1960s to the present with an emphasis on 80s and 90s rock. At his live shows, he uses a loop pedal and vocal harmonizer to expand his sound. He has also released 2 albums of original music, including "Disguises and Compromises," which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The NECN Morning Show selected him as a "Featured Artist" twice and has played several of his songs during its program hours.
Learn more about John Copeland, here.

Wednesday, September 29th, 3:00 - 5:00PM
Performer to be announced

Thursday, September 30th, 5:00 - 7:00PM
In the River Green featuring Perfect Crime

Friday, October 1st, 12:00 - 2:00PM
In the River Green featuring Watertown School of Rock

Arsenal Yards Restaurants:

Ben & Jerry’s
Fact: there’s never a bad time for ice cream.

Buttermilk & Bourbon
Book a front-row patio spot for the River Green performances!
(open for dinner only, reservations highly recommended)

Chipotle
What’s up guac? Order online for pickup or order in-restaurant.

City Works
Your front-row seat awaits for the sidewalk performances!

CuppaCoffee
open ‘till 1pm daily for your coffee cravings.

Frank Pepe
Pizza today (salad tomorrow). Get yours to go!

Garbanzo
Mediterranean fresh. Oh, yes!

Roche Bros.
So. Many. Freshly Prepared Options. What will you take to go?

Shake Shack
Shake your way to front row patio seating -- first come, first serve!

sweetgreen
The hands down, best salads around.

Plus, Tori Jiro and Condesa Restaurante & Tequila Bar – Coming Soon!

Event Safety:
The safety of our guests, performers and staff remains our top priority. We are closely monitoring all COVID-19 rules and regulations to ensure a safe experience for all. Following CDC guidelines and our local regulations, face masks are required for all individuals while in indoor public spaces. Face masks are no longer required outdoors for individuals who are fully vaccinated, though non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue to wear face masks at Arsenal Yards.

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Visit us

Restaurants and retailers are now open! Check on the map below for details.

Parking & directions

Arsenal Yards is approximately a 10-minute drive from Harvard Square and approximately a 15-minute drive from Copley Square. Other areas will find it easily accessible from the Mass Pike or Fresh Pond Parkway, among many routes available to Watertown’s East End. Once on site, ample free parking is available. Traveling via public transportation? MBTA bus route 70 stops right on site and can be picked up at the Central Square Red Line T stop.