World Cup-Inspired Music Festival Coming To Somerville Next Month

SOMERVILLE, MA — Global music inspired by the FIFA World Cup is coming to Somerville next month as the city prepares to host an afternoon celebrating the cultures represented throughout the international tournament.

Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the City Hall concourse at 93 Highland Ave. A rain date has been set for the following day.

The event will transform the City Hall concourse into a community gathering space featuring live music, DJs, cultural performances, soccer ball juggling demonstrations, family-friendly activities, food, and beverages. Community organizations will also have opportunities to engage with attendees throughout the afternoon.

Confirmed performers include Flying Vipers, whose music blends United Kingdom-inspired drum and bass with Jamaican reggae influences, French electro-pop artist LLynks, an Iranian/Persian music performance, and a traditional Scottish bagpipe performance. Additional acts are expected to be announced before the event on the Somerville Arts and Culture Division website.

“The energy of the World Cup is infectious. It’s been inspiring to see communities, local and from abroad, coming together,” Mayor Jake Wilson said in a statement. “Whether you're a fan of the sport or the music, this event is a celebration of the cultural diversity that makes Somerville strong.”

Global Grooves is presented by Somerville-based event production company EventThem with support from the city's Arts and Culture Division, formerly known as the Somerville Arts Council, and funding from the City of Somerville. Local businesses, community organizations, and cultural partners are also being invited to participate as sponsors, vendors, and collaborators.

The celebration is one of multiple World Cup-themed events planned throughout Somerville this summer. The city is also organizing the SomerCup community soccer tournament, which is free and open to players of all skill levels. Registration for the tournament closes Monday, July 6.

"Somerville is home to people from all over the world, and this event is about celebrating those cultures through music, art, and community," EventThem's Bryan MacAuslan said in a statement. "The World Cup brings people together across borders, and we wanted to create a local event that captures that same spirit of connection and pride through the expression of music."

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