Downbeat Project and Boxed Lunch

Downbeat Project is an independent band based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Their music is soul-filled and message-driven providing a sweet balance between powerful, heart-felt singing and an intense groove. Singer-songwriter, Clarence Green, is a wellspring of improvisational hooks and melodies, as well as thought-provoking lyrics. Zack Blatter (mandocello), Gerald Soriano (bass and harmony vocals), Julian Carta (guitar), and Rob Hubbard (drums and harmony vocals) bring with them a diversity of musical inspirations — from jazz to funk, reggae, folk and bluegrass — that deepen and enrich Green’s melodic ideas. The combination of these influences yields a genre-busting sound, difficult to characterize but hard to ignore.

Boxed Lunch is a Charlottesville, VA based indie pop/rock band led by the melodic songwriting duo of Justin Storer and Joel Streeter, alongside Emily Gardiner (vocals) and Zack Beamer (bass/vocals). Drawing comparisons to classic bands like Fleetwood Mac, Boxed Lunch is known for their great songs, high-energy live shows, and killer harmonies. Justin and Joel have been following each other around the country for years without knowing it, finally meeting and joining forces in 2018. Both formerly of San Francisco and Brooklyn, they share a love for The Beatles and a gift for songwriting. Justin has released two albums of original music -- a solo record (Hot Water Sunday) and a record with his Americana quintet, The Working Effective (Dear Brooklyn) -- and has toured both nationally and internationally. Joel has two albums of his own, Hear Me Out and Matador, the latter of which features contributions by members of Counting Crows and Train. As a solo artist, Joel has played iconic venues from coast-to-coast, including San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium (opening for Phil Lesh and Friends).Boxed Lunch released their debut EP, In Neon Light, in 2022 and are currently recording their first full-length album.

The Rivanna Roots concert series would not be possible without the support of our premier season sponsor Flow Automotive of Charlottesville, and our supporting sponsors Sun Tribe Solar and Martin Horn Inc. A special thank you to our food and beverage partners, Potter’s Craft Cider, Champion Brewing Co, Blenheim Vineyards, and Sticks Kebob Shop. We also thank Virginia is for Lovers and CACVB for their continuous support of all that we do at The Front Porch!