June 9, 2025 by Shayna MacDonald
Friendship Home is thrilled to announce that TOBY. and Gracie Grace & All the Good Boys have been selected as the two finalists in the 2025 Take the Stage contest, securing a chance to perform at the 5th Annual River Rock Music Festival at Weir River Farm on Saturday, September 6.
What began as a local call for musical talent quickly struck a national chord. Launched on May 1, Take the Stage invited community members to submit or nominate a band to fill the final performance slot at this year’s festival. The response was extraordinary, with more than 75 nominations, 170 comments, and over 5,000 people reached across the country from Massachusetts to California and beyond.
“The response to Take The Stage has been phenomenal,” said Steve Lombardo, co-founder of River Rock. “It’s exciting to see so many bands vying for the final spot in this year’s River Rock Festival lineup. Choosing just one band will be a tough call. We’re amazed by the talent and enthusiasm of the performers, and truly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community and the Friendship Home team.”
Due to the exceptional caliber of submissions, this year’s selection committee made the unprecedented decision to name two finalists. TOBY., an up-and-coming artist with a genre-bending, deeply personal sound and a growing fanbase in Boston, and Gracie Grace & All the Good Boys, known for their soulful, indie-rock energy that has captivated New England audiences for years, will both bring something truly special to the River Rock stage.
This year’s River Rock Music Festival promises a full day of live music, local eats, and community celebration set against the rolling pastures and skyline views at Weir River Farm in Hingham. In addition to these two amazing finalists, the 2025 lineup features performances by Wind, Whisky Saints, Anna Daley Young, Surfliner, and Road Soda. Festival goers can enjoy delicious offerings from Rockin’ Burgers, Miss Emily’s Food Truck, and The Nuttiest Cookie, along with beer, wine, and craft cocktails from The Decanted Wine Truck and Pour Garden. Tickets are now on sale with General Admission priced at $35 online and $40 at the gate. A Playlist Pass, offering an elevated Festival experience, is available online for $100. Children under 13 are admitted free.
To purchase tickets and learn more about River Rock or Friendship Home, visit https://RiverRock25.givesmart.com.
About Friendship Home
Friendship Home is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing quality respite and support services in a safe and caring environment. Friendship Home offers its participants opportunities to learn, work, and have fun while providing support to their families.