Upcoming Events: August 2008

Listen to the music of more than 150 exceptional faculty and student performers and mingle with special guests at Berklee's biggest party. Held annually for the past 14 years, the evening features live and silent auctions, including unique only-through-Berklee celebrity experiences and vacation packages, musical equipment, tickets to sporting and music events, and much more. All proceeds benefit the Berklee City Music Program. For more information, see the Gala website.

Trumpeter Jeahoon Shim presents a set of contemporary, fusion, and classical music that everyone can listen to and enjoy for this senior recital. It won't be hard jazz, but easy listening. Jaehoon has been working hard to make warm and lovely music. [details]

Pianist Sein Ryu presents a set of gospel and r&b with some originals and reharmonized songs. [details]

Boston's Therefore I Am are touring this summer in support of their new EP "Escape". They are one of Boston's hottest fastest growing bands. Shanghai Thrills draws on the best of modern rock trends without sounding derivative or recycled, blending grunge rock, classic metal, and modern indie rock. Intense and energetic, their live show draws comparisons to Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, and Spoon and has earned Shanghai Thrills performances at the 2007 Warped Tour, the Virgin Mega-Store in Orlando, and the 2008 SXSW Festival. Also performing, Super Volcano.

Singaporean Felix Phang presents his jazz compositions, from small-ensemble writings to to large-ensemble writings, for his jazz composition portfolio recital.

Drum set major Dan Sakofsky presents his senior recital.

Experience the effortless flow between hard-hitting hip-hop, soulful melodies, and booty-shaking grooves with Re-Up. The rhythm section lays down a rock-solid foundation while the horns add color and the DJ pours some hot sauce on top. After a few songs, you’ll swear that this band is your family. Flooded with energy, Merrily James and the Bucket of Soul will bring you back to the days of raw, organic, old-school soul. Members have performed with Curtis Mayfield’s Group, Bobby McFerrin, Philip Bailey, Rocco Prestia, Steve Winwood, Rob Lewis, and many more. Hailing from Northern California, Jennah Bell’s style incorporates her bohemian upbringing. She studied songwriting through the Grammy Foundation, where music business professionals (Paul Williams, Jimmy Jam, INXS) embraced her unorthodox writing style and alternative/folk/soul melodies. Now at Berklee, Bell is ready to spread sunshine, the fresh smell of laundry, and daisies to the world.

Under the musical direction of conductor, arranger, and tubist Kendrick Oliver, this youthful, vibrant, and energetic orchestra has been captivating audiences, selling out concerts, and turning heads since its inception in 1995. The Boston-based group combines Basie-style swing, head-bobbin' arrangements, high-powered rhythms, a Sunday-morning gospel feel, an unrestrained brass section, elegant vocals, and spectacular soloists to produce its infectious sound—nothing less than a swing, sing, stomp, shout experience. A native of St. Louis and 2008 Berklee graduate, Fields (Berklee class of 2008) has already worked or played with Nicholas Payton, Jeff "Tain" Watts '80, drummer Rodney Green, Lage Lund, and Oscar Brown Jr.

Cafe 939 is pleased to announce a free lunchtime workshop/entertainment series for children. The two Summer 2008 events are geared towards ages 6-10. During these sessions, Berklee Music Education students, led by Professor Libby Allison, will have an opportunity to practice their skills in this fun, performance-style setting. The Cafe lunch menu will include kid-friendly fare for these events. Join us for some Summer fun with an educational twist. Space is limited, so please arrive early. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

**This event is for the Berklee community only. Valid Berklee ID required for admission. Space is limited.** As the singer, frontman, producer, and lead songwriter for My Morning Jacket, Jim James has been instrumental in defining the sound of the band. Emerging in 1998 as devotees of Neil Young's country-tinged classic rock, My Morning Jacket has steadily broadened its sound, embracing everything from neo-psychedelia and Americana to funk, prog, and reggae. The new album Evil Urges presents MMJ as Kentucky's answer to Wilco, with unexpected detours and sonic experiments. James has a respected solo career as well. He played the bandleader in the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There and appeared on the soundtrack with Calexico. His Berklee appearance comes on the heels of his performance at the Newport Folk Festival.

Drummer Bokwang Kim presents a set for his senior recital. Please check it out!

The "Evolving Quartet," featuring unique arrangements of standards and original compositions. With Lance Van Lenten (saxophones and flute), John Mulroy (piano), David Clark (bass), and Casey Scheuerell (drum set).

Berklee's finest pickers and growers will knock your boots off with hot country and a taste of bluegrass under the direction of faculty guitarist Mike Ihde. Special guest violinist Aishu Venkataraman, one of the youngest students in Berklee's history, will mix it up with a South Indian classical piece.

This senior recital features big band and small band arrangements by tenor saxophonist and composer Diana Leverington.

A presentation of students in recital of rock, jazz, and all contemporary styles with rhythm section.

The Berklee Jam Ensemble, under the direction of faculty member John Funkhouser, will be playing music of two great jam bands: the Grateful Dead and Phish, including the Dead's classic jam "Estimated Prophet/Eyes of the World" and Phish's anthem "You Enjoy Myself."

Music by Caetano Veloso, Egberto Gismonti, Hermeto Pascoal, and Fernando Brandao will be performed by this Berklee student ensemble under the direction of Brandao.

Danielle Scott presents the Berklee Hip-Hop Ensemble in a display of hip-hop with all its dimensions and influences: old school, new school, and everything in between.

Pat Carroll, a saxophonist from Pleasanton, California, has been focused on music since age 12, when he began studying with noted San Francisco musician Dann Zinn. In his junior year of high school, Carroll was awarded the Jimmy Lion’s scholarship at the 2004 Monterey Jazz Festival. In 2005, he was commissioned to write and perform original music as a member of the SFJAZZ Young Composers Project, a group that rehearsed with the likes of Ravi Coltrane, Miguel Zenon, Vijay Iyer, and Maria Schneider. Currently in his final year at Berklee, Carroll has studied with Hal Crook, Ralph Peterson, and Joe Lovano.

Drummer Dan Pugach presents his senior recital featuring original music. Check out Check out Dan's site[details]

Pianist Younga Pi's recital featuring her own arrangements of standards with her great jazz band.

Quintet East is a group of faculty musicians including Lance Van Lenten, saxophones; Mitch Seidman, guitar; Bruce Gertz, bass; and Rick Kress, drums. They will play originals by Bain Smith, who plays in and composes for Along Came Betty, a Monterey-based jazz quintet.

Renowned Boston singer/songwriter circle featuring: Jess Yoakum, Mike Delaney, Ken Porter, Denise Barbarita, Laura Bullock, Patti DeRosa, and Terry Kitchen.

Under the direction of Kristin Cifelli and Liz Stahler, the annual Five-Week Performing Songwriter Showcase features students who have made it through a series of auditions. All songs are written by the students, who are backed by a Berklee all-star house band.

The Zach Hillyard Band [ZHB]—vocalist/keyboardist Hillyard, bassist Wesley Cole, drummer Francesco Basile, and guitarist Niklas Karlsson—offers a unique blend of quality musicianship, songwriting, and danceable grooves. Intermingling pop, funk, soul, and r&b, ZHB has an appeal that stretches far and wide. The group recently won OurStage.com’s College Clash Competition, earning the title "Best College Band in New England" and a $5,000 grand prize, and took top honors in the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Competition. ZHB has performed in Boston and New York, and toured southern California last year, where the band recorded its debut album with producer Michael Woodrum. The CD has gained attention with national radio airplay, and the band is planning a nationwide tour for the summer of 2008.

Steve Belleville and Eric Clemenzi are Kangaralien. Together, this acoustic duo performs tight pieces that are intricately arranged, but light on the ears. Their airy melodies are backed by rich accompaniments, as the two players seem to weave in out of each other's acoustic space with finesse. They possess an amazing blend of creative composition and impressive guitar technique.

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A eclectic fusion of hip-hop, funk, and rock from drummer Jesse Richman for his senior recital.

Matthew's final Berklee performance in culmination of the performance degree requirements. An evening of jazz standards and some other music that you will enjoy, presented by saxophonist Matthew Locker with his quintet.

Berklee faculty guitarist, speed metal virtuoso, Joe Stump performs neo-classical speed metal, European power metal, and retro hard rock tracks from his various recordings, live with his band. [details]

At 9:00 p.m. tonight on WGBH, 89.7 FM, Student jazz pianist Manami Morita is Eric Jackson's in-studio guest on the Eric in the Evening program. Morita will talk about her music as she and her quartet prepares performing outdoor shows in Salem, Mass., and on Martha's Vineyard.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, Enrigue Lara began playing the drums at the age of 6. The different influences from the cultures that he was exposed to throughout the years have sparked his passion for their styles and languages in music. Enrique's final performance at Berklee features a selection of varied sounds and rhythms, bringing together Latin American, European, and American elements to create a unique mix.

Several Berklee composition students will present their compositions. Various chamber music groups of quartets, trios, duos, and soloists will be featured.

Formed by violinist and vocalist Juan Chavez, Arco Kemao is a young and exciting contemporary Latin ensemble rooted in traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and enhanced by symphonic strings. The musical influences are as diverse as the band members themselves, who perform with high energy and impressive showmanship. They show musical maturity beyond their years, creating a fresh sound that still maintains long-lasting musical traditions. [details]

A native of Saitama, Japan, Morita started playing classical piano at 4—and hated her lessons. But once she discovered jazz, she was hooked. Later, when Morita received a scholarship to study at Berklee, she put aside thoughts of doing anything other than following her dream of playing jazz. This expressive and energetic pianist recently won the Mary Jane Earnhart Endowed Scholarship.

Nadia Washington is a current Berklee student, accomplished jazz vocalist, and recipient of the prestigious Bill Cosby Presidential Scholarship. Claudia Eliaza is a recent Berklee alumna and celebrated jazz and blues vocalist who has been repeatedly featured in Maggie Scott’s Jazz Vocal Series during her time at Berklee. Aubrey Logan is a current Berklee student, Singers Showcase participant and newest member of the jazz vocal group Syncopation.

Manami Morita is the latest piano sensation to polish her skills at Berklee in a long, storied tradition that began with Toshiko Akiyoshi, was carried on by Makoto Ozone, and spiraled on through Hiromi.

Cafe 939 is pleased to announce a free lunchtime workshop/entertainment series for children. The two summer 2008 events are geared towards children ages 6-10. During these sessions, Berklee Music Education students, led by professor Libby Allison, will have an opportunity to practice their skills in this fun, performance-style setting. The Cafe 939 lunch menu will include kid-friendly fare for these events. Join us for some summer fun with an educational twist. Space is limited, so please arrive early. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Summer's here, kids! And with summer comes Mathias Tjonns's final recital. He'll be performing some choice standards, bossa novas, sambas, as well as gypsy jazz tunes. All with the intent to entertain and engage.

An exciting concert filled with jazz and blues from guitarist Hokyung Choy for his senior recital.

Featuring three Five-Week Summer Performance Program vocal ensembles—Middle Eastern Fusion Ensemble, Five-Week Chorus, Musical Theater Workshop—as well a the secpnd annual Five-Week Singers' Showcase.

A culminating event at the end of the Five-Week Summer Performance Program featuring students who are recipients of the City Music SYSTEM 5 Scholarship. Music will range from gospel to jazz to rhythm and blues.

First inspired by his father’s creative drive as a glass artist, Meek started to play the guitar at the age of 8. Growing up in Wimble, Texas he discovered an interest in bluegrass, Texas swing, and gutbucket roadhouse blues. He studied with Brandon Gist, a phenomenal blues guitarist from Memphis; and Django Porter, a well-known gypsy and western swing guitarist from Austin, who taught him about jazz, swing, and the world of jam sessions. Meek performed in dozen of concerts around Texas hill country with the Django Porter Trio. He enrolled in Berklee in 2005 and during his second year started his own group called Shine—with Greg Albert on acoustic bass, Claudio Olacella on violin, and Mike Sachs on clarinet—that performs gypsy jazz, traditional gypsy music, original compositions, and swing.

Jazz/rock fusion and progressive styles featured in original compositions by guitarist Charlie Shaughnessy for his senior recital. The performance may feature excessive shedding interspersed among emotional chord melodies. Similar artists include Allan Holdsworth, Bumblefoot, Buckethead, Devin Townsend, Dream Theater, and Tim Miller, so expect an eclectic show.

Antje Duvekot has solidified her reputation as one of America’s top emerging singer songwriters with Big Dream Boulevard her debut studio release. The CD was produced by Seamus Egan, founder of the Irish super group, SOLAS. The project was released on acclaimed songwriter Ellis Paul’s label, Black Wolf Records and has quickly attracted international attention for Duvekot. This release was voted #1 Folk Release of 2006 by the Boston Globe and was named to the Top 10 Releases of the Year by National Public Radio’s Folk Alley. [details]

This concert will feature some of the program's best ensembles performing in a wide range of musical styles ranging from small groups to big bands.

Cole DeGenova is a pianist, vocalist, songwriter, percussionist, and poet from Chicago. He began studying music at 4 and was working as a professional musician by 15. He studied classical, jazz, blues, Cuban, and Brazilian percussion, but was also influenced by neo-soul and hip-hop. He has performed with or opened for some of Chicago's top artists, including Patricia Barber, Kurt Elling, Jon Faddis, and Corey Wilkes. DeGenova was chosen by the Jazz Institute of Chicago to perform at the world-famous Auditorium Theatre, and in 2005 performed with the Illinois Music Educators' Association’s All-State Honors Jazz Band. Now attending Berklee, DeGenova is spreading his music to a wider audience. He toured the midwest with Hal Reed and the Mob, and Switzerland with his original funk/r&b band Apollo Jones. His latest project is a funk, neo-soul, blues, and jazz group called the People's Republic. The band plans to release its debut EP this summer.

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- House band will perform classic karaoke hits including top 40’s, motown, classic rock, & pop - Signs up throughout the night - Performance slots are open to the public as well as the Berklee community

Originally from Perugia, Italy, Eleonora Bianchini is a young singer whose voice creates a warm and charming atmosphere. She is inspired by many Brazilian and Latin American artists, including Rosa Passos, Caetano Veloso, Mayte Martin, and Eva Ayllón. Bianchini has collaborated with artists and Berklee faculty members such as Oscar Stagnaro, Leo Blanco, and Dan Moretti, and has recorded with Danilo Perez's big band project. She is currently the lead vocalist of Peru Mestizo Project with bandleader Oscar Stagnaro, and recently recorded a project that features her own compositions in different South American styles, with lyrics in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

Pat Carroll, a saxophonist from California, has been focused on music since age 12, when he began studying with noted San Francisco musician Dann Zinn. In his junior year of high school, Carroll won the Jimmy Lyons scholarship at the 2004 Monterey Jazz Festival. In 2005, he was commissioned to write and perform original music as a member of the SFJAZZ Young Composers Project, a group that rehearsed with Ravi Coltrane, Vijay Iyer, Maria Schneider, and Miguel Zenón. At Berklee, Carroll has studied with Hal Crook, Joe Lovano, and Ralph Peterson. His composition “Mighty Aphrodite” appears on the new Jazz Revelation Records release Common Ground.

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Each fall, Berklee chooses four of its finest students to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival, where they play for standing-room-only audiences. The group featured here performed at the festival in 2007. The members of the Berklee Monterey Quartet—Dan Carpel on bass, Jeff Miles on guitar, Mike Nishimura on piano, and Ryo Shibata on drums—are already highly sought-after, with dozens of professional credits, major awards, and concerts. Leader Nishimura, from Tokyo, held the coveted piano chair in the IAJE Sisters in Jazz Quintet and was chosen to perform at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center. Miles is a semifinalist in the 2008 Montreux International Guitar Competition.

Each fall, Berklee chooses four of its finest students to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival, where they play for standing-room-only audiences. The group featured here performed at the festival in 2007. The members of the Berklee Monterey Quartet—Dan Carpel on bass, Jeff Miles on guitar, Mike Nishimura on piano, and Ryo Shibata on drums—are already highly sought-after, with dozens of professional credits, major awards, and concerts. Leader Nishimura, from Tokyo, held the coveted piano chair in the IAJE Sisters in Jazz Quintet and was chosen to perform at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center. Miles is a semifinalist in the 2008 Montreux International Guitar Competition.