30th Annual Cambridge River Festival

While the skies may open up and water may pour from the heavens, the folks at the Cambridge River Festival are unlikely to let it dampen their spirits.  We’re New Englanders after all – hearty , rugged, and always looking for something to bitch about. If all goes well the rain will hold off as the forecast calls for a warm, cloudy day with thunderstorms not scheduled until 6. Either way the Cambridge River Festival will take place on Saturday June 13th – rain or shine – from noon to 6pm on a mile long stretch of Memorial Drive from JFK Street to Western Ave.

What can one expect on this one mile long walking pavilion besides a chance for some leisurely exercise? Something for all the sense. Jazz, folk, gospel, roots, soul, Latin and world music performances will fill the ear-space. Dance performances  will dazzle the eye.  Family art projects will occupy little fingers. And over 100 specialty food and craftsman vendors will tickle the palate and the wallet as it will be hard to resist the unique wares offered at the 30 year riverside festival.

Highlights of the event include Jungle Jim’s Big Balloon Show at 1PM (if you’re a parent, you’ll understand why), OrigiNation’s hip hop step performance at 3PM and Hips on Fire Salsa demonstration at 5PM. And, folk artist Miss Tess, winner of Boston Music Awards “Outstanding Folk Artist of the Year” will perform at 4PM. Click here for a complete schedule of event.

A pre-festival Tango by the River will happen tonight from 730 to 1130 at the corner of Memorial Drive and Flagg Street, presented by the Tango Society of Boston.

The Cambridge River Festical is held annually by the Cambridge Arts Council, the Official Arts Council for the City of Cambridge, and a  bevy of local and corporate sponsors. Usual attendance is  170,000 people and, as always, this year’s event is free of charge.

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Julie Salickram is a contributing writer/blogger for DirectoryofBoston.com. Follow her at twitter.com/julesac