Upcoming Events: September 2010

Singer/songwriter Merrily James learned to sing by touring with a gospel choir—and was picked up by the Showtime at the Apollo television series when she was still in her teens. [details]

Sign-ups will start at 6:30 p.m. First come, first serve. Performers are allowed 10 minutes or two songs. Microphones, piano, and DIs are provided. No drums allowed, but light percussion is okay.

Saxophonist Lihi Haruvi is currently a jazz performance and film scoring dual major at Berklee. One of her original tunes has been chosen for Berklee's 2010 Jazz Revelation Records CD. [details]

Grammy-nominated and Dove Award–winning artist Jennifer Knapp returns from a seven-year hiatus with her new album, Letting Go. Recorded in Nashville, Letting Go features intimate folk- and country-tinged rock songs showcasing Knapp's astonishing straightforwardness and spirituality. Opening the night will be Todd Thibaud. [details]

Christian Li is a jazz pianist from Horseheads, New York who has won several DownBeat Student Music Awards and played solo at the Montreux Jazz Festival. This jam session is part of the Detroit Jazz Festival. [details]

Christian Li is a jazz pianist from Horseheads, New York who has won several DownBeat Student Music Awards and played solo at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Li and his trio will be presenting a clinic from 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in the Pepsi Jazz Talk Tent and performing from 4:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m. at the Absopure Waterfront Stage. [details]

Ryan Dragon, a jazz composition student at Berklee, has been studying music since the age of 8, focusing on trombone for the majority of his time. The Kamora Quartet features Dragon's original music as well as original compositions from other members of the group. This concert is presented by Harvard Longwood Campus and takes place at the Harvard School of Public Health. [details]

The Panamerican Quartet is a collaborative Latin Jazz project featuring two generations of Grammy Award–winning musicians who have toured the globe with Paquito D'Rivera. The group features Paulo Stagnaro, percussion; Oscar Stagnaro, bass; Alex Brown, piano; and Mark Walker, drums. [details]

The Red Room at Cafe 939 presents Fresh Prospects, a showcase of the best up-and-coming Berklee artists reworking their favorite songs into intimate acoustic performances. This month's artists are David Wyatt and Katrina Bello. [details]

The Boston music community is home to a number of characters, genres, and tastemakers. Red Eye at the Red Room gathers and strengthens that community by showcasing some of Boston's top acts and photographers. This show features the bands Neutral Uke Hotel and the Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, along with an exhibit by photographer 5342 Studios, who has been featured in the local music blog Ryan's Smashing Life. [details]

Bob Winter performs as part of Piano Mondays.

David Maxwell, new to the piano faculty this fall, will be playing a variety of blues-related pieces: classic and original deep blues, boogie-woogie, funk, and gospel/jazz. Some of these songs he has showcased on his albums, and he'll also play some new material—and maybe a jazz piece or two. [details]

Bob Christopherson performs in the opening concert for the second annual Piano Monday Series. An expression of original compositions and arrangements featuring Ron Mahdi, Casey Scheuerell, Eva Christopherson, and Bob Christopherson.

Join the String Department faculty for our annual welcome-back concert. This sixth-annual concert highlights the immense musical diversity of the faculty and the department.

Berklee vocalist, songwriter, and pianist Rachel Borovik is dedicated to connecting with others through music. Her tunes breathe originality and float seamlessly in and out of jazz, pop, and neo-soul. Her phrasing is sensual and jazzy, her tunes are accessible to a wide audience, and the band is groovin'. This concert is presented by Harvard Longwood Campus and takes place at the Harvard School of Public Health. [details]

The Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival returns with its wide array of performers and venues. The 2009 festival set a new BeanTown record, with an estimated 80,000 people in attendance. [details]

Visiting guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel has performed with the likes of Brian Blade, Gary Burton, Danilo Perez, and Joshua Redman, garnering impressive critical acclaim along the way. [details]

Kurt Rosenwinkel will release an all-new big band album in September. This album features all-new arrangements of Rosenwinkel's original songs, and was recorded in September 2009 in Porto, Portugal with an 18-piece big band, Orchestra de Jazz de Matosinhos (OJM). Together they will perform at Berklee for the BeanTown Jazz Festival. [details]

This is a concert of new music improvisations utilizing slide and prepared guitar, acoustic bass and electronics. Featuring David Tronzo and Bruno Raberg.

Julia Easterlin weaves jazz, electronic music, and unexpected instruments (such as Scandinavian Tupperware) into performances that have been described as "mesmerizing" and "Ella Fitzgerald meets Stomp." [details]

Chasing Blue plays a mix of original and traditional bluegrass material with unique arrangements and hard-driving style. Original material holds true to the bluegrass tradition but strong lyrical ideas and progressive musical ideas make the Chasing Blue sound. [details]

The Nando Michelin Group presents original South american jazz featuring Filipe Salles on saxophone, Rogério Boccato on percussion, Keala Kaumeheiwa on bass, Nando Michelin on piano, and Tiago Michelin on drums. [details]

A wonderful evening of local, international, and Berklee bands and songwriters. Each of these artists is a “one to watch,” and each brings his polished musical styles to the 939 stage for one awesome night. [details]

Arguably one of the biggest breakout stories of jazz in the past decade, the Bad Plus (Reid Anderson, bass; Ethan Iverson, piano; and David King, drums) has connected with the jazz world and beyond. Performing both original compositions and a variety of covers, the Bad Plus brings a winningly disparate body of influences to the stage. [details]

Arguably one of the biggest breakout stories of jazz in the past decade, the Bad Plus (Reid Anderson, bass; Ethan Iverson, piano; and David King, drums) has connected with the jazz world and beyond with These Are the Vistas (2003), Give (2004), Suspicious Activity? (2005), and Prog (2007). [details]

Sharp enough to make you nervous but infectious enough to keep you singing along, Keep Me Conscious has been played regularly on a variety of college and internet radio stations in Boston, including WAAF’s Bay State Rock and WZLX’s Boston Emissions. Check them out with Halfway to Avalon opening. [details]

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Septet will play at the 53th annual Monterey Jazz Festival, which features live jazz on multiple stages over three days. The group will be playing on the Garden Stage at the festival. [details]

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival, WGBH-FM is broadcasting a live recording of a Guest Street Session featuring the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Ensemble. [details]

Celebrate Roxbury Day with outdoor and indoor activities on the grounds of the Dillaway Thomas House of the Roxbury Heritage State Park. The afternoon features jazz groups the Makanda Jazz Project, Gilbert White, and Jazz 208, as well as other local talent and vendors.

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Septet will play at the 53th annual Monterey Jazz Festival, which features live jazz on multiple stages over three days. This show will be hosted at the Coffee House Gallery at the festival. [details]

Our 33rd John Coltrane Memorial Concert celebrates 25 years of collaboration with Northeastern University. The event runs from September 15 through 18 and features a series of activities. [details]

Since Jeffrey Gaines's self-titled debut was released, this expressive and dynamic singer, guitarist, and songwriter has been heralded for his soul-searching confessional lyrics and his powerful live performances. His accolades include Emmy nominations, Pollstar's best live solo artist, and worldwide theater, club, and arena tours. Twisting the corners of folk, blues, and jazz into immediately personal songs, Jenn Adams is internationally recognized for her distinctive sound and well-crafted songwriting. With an extensive backlog of experience and craft, her songs scale a diverse foundation that refuses to blend into the ordinary.

Wally's Stepchildren is a funk/fusion band that has had rotating musicians at Wally's for almost 15 years. Some past notable members of this night include drummers John Blackwell (Prince), Adam Deitch (Justin Timberlake), Niki Glaspie (Beyoncé), and John Roberts (Janet Jackson); guitarist Eric Krasno (Soulive); and keyboardist Rob Lewis (Puff Daddy). [details]

Pianist Boyoung Jang plays her own music and standard jazz arrangements.

This year, for the first time ever, Berklee judges are opening the doors to the final round of auditions for one of the college's most popular events: Singers Showcase. Each vocalist will perform in front of a panel of prestigious Berklee faculty and a live audience—a unique opportunity for aspiring performers to witness the audition experience. After the final audition, the audience will be invited to text their vote, which will be combined with the judges' scores. Be a part of the selection process, hear the judge's critiques, and support your favorite singer as the top vocalists are chosen for the December concert. Results will be announced at the end of the night!

Discounts are available.

Equally at home playing jazz, jump blues, classic r&b, swing, or funk, Jose Ramos and his No Way Jose! Band keep audiences hot, thirsty, and on the dance floor all night. [details]

Music can remember what history forgets. Mat Callahan, the author of The Trouble with Music, will discuss the crisis in the music industry today and the art form's liberating potential. He performs with Yvonne Moore. [details]

The Red Room presents the New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series. Every Tuesdays and Thursdays, Berklee students, staff, or faculty help you either slow down or power up for the afternoon. Concerts are free, all-ages, and open to the public. Bring your lunch, snag a coffee, and grab a seat for our New Brew performances—they’re good for the soul. Today's featured act is Joe's Truckstop Stringband. [details]

A talented writer and compelling performer, Sean Patrick Conlon is a dedicated student of the page and a firm believer in the power of spoken word. [details]

The H.5 Collective was born in the late nights of New England Conservatory’s dorm life when five friends from all across the country (and even outside of it) decided to give in to their insomnia and jam. [details]

A program of rocking roots, gospel, and blues-fused originals performed by an all-faculty band led by Dan Bowden and Alizon Lissance.

Jazz Revelation Records presents the Chrisoph Huber Quartet and the Italo Cunha Group. JRR is a student-run, artist-driven record label created to present the top jazz composers and performers from Berklee College of Music. Gathered from all over the globe, JRR artists speak the traditional language of jazz in a new way. [details]

Formed in 1998, Spajazzy blends the Italian melodic background of leaders Sergio Bellotti and Tino D'Agostino with the atmosphere and energy of electric jazz. In the second half of the show, Berklee faculty members Bertram Lehmann and Hunt will present a set of contemporary world music-influenced jazz and fusion for a small ensemble.

Available discounts

Visiting artist Robert Glasper presents a clinic. Sponsored by the Ensemble Department.

Faculty member Gail McArthur leads an impressive line-up, playing a program of modern jazz originals with influences from many styles. Gail McArthur (saxophones), Baron Browne from Vital Information (bass), Steve Langone (drums), and Bobby Gallegos (trumpet).

A native of the beautiful island of Barbados, Elan Trotman, has made a name for himself as one of New England’s up-and-coming jazz artists. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in music education, Trotman serves as a music teacher in the Boston Public Schools. [details]

In the first half of the show, Walkin' Up Hip Street , directed by Berklee professor/trumpeter Brian Lewis, will present the jazz/funk-fusion music of the mid-'70s through the early '80s. The second half showcases the Ayn Inserto Jazz Orchestra's What's Yours Is Mine, featuring a new aspect of the group: arrangements by Inserto of the band members' original compositions.

Available discounts

The Red Room presents the New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Berklee students, staff, or faculty help you either slow down or power up for the afternoon. Concerts are free, all-ages, and open to the public. Bring your lunch, snag a coffee, and grab a seat for our New Brew performances—they’re good for the soul. Today's featured artist is Cameron Galpin.

Vocalist, producer, songwriter, author, and actress Nona Hendryx will be on campus in September as part of the Faculty Development Visiting Artists Series and in conjunction with the BeanTown Jazz Festival. [details]

Alto saxophonist Sadao Watanabe performs with his band featuring Danny Grissett (piano), Ben Williams (bass), and Johnathan Blake (drum set). Sponsored by the Woodwind Department. [details]

One artist, two distinct but interwoven concepts: This is the captivating logic behind Double-Booked, pianist Robert Glasper's third album for Blue Note, following up Canvas (2005) and In My Element (2007). [details]

The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric, and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. The New York Times describes Danilo Pérez as "one of the best things that happened to jazz around the turn of the millennium." August 31 marks the release of his new CD, Providencia. [details]

Join us for night one of this mini-residency with Brian Wright. "When people ask what I sound like I usually say I’m somewhere between Woody Guthrie and the Velvet Underground," says Wright. It’s true—along with hints of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark fused with a bluesy slide guitar and simple but enchanting Paul McCartney–like bass. Also appearing: local artist Coyote Kolb. [details]

The Norm Zocher Group will feature original, high-energy guitar-oriented jazz and fusion in celebration of the band's 20th year of performances at Berklee. Referred to as "a guitar legend in the making" and one of "Boston's best composers" in the press, the critically acclaimed leader's all-Berklee band will feature two outstanding graduates: Grammy-nominated drummer Pablo Bencid and bassist Alex Smith.

The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric, and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. The New York Times describes Danilo Pérez as "one of the best things that happened to jazz around the turn of the millennium." August 31 marks the release of his new CD, Providencia. [details]

One artist, two distinct but interwoven concepts: This is the captivating logic behind Double-Booked, pianist Robert Glasper's third album for Blue Note, following up Canvas (2005) and In My Element (2007). [details]

Vocalist, producer, songwriter, author, and actress Nona Hendryx will be on campus in September as part of the Faculty Development Visiting Artists Series and in conjunction with the BeanTown Jazz Festival. [details]

When Julian Lage '08 emerged on the music scene 13 years ago, the young San Francisco Bay Area musician was deemed a guitar-playing prodigy. At Berklee and now beyond, he has continued to develop his unique style that melds blues, classical, folk, and jazz influences. [details]

Gian Aurelio Faraone incorporates the signature sounds of the greatest Italian voices of the 20th century, from Caruso and Sinatra to Pavarotti and Bennett. A multicultural upbringing and fluency in three languages (Spanish, Italian, and English) gave Faraone the ability to reach out to many different cultures through various styles of music. The show will feature Faraone's band and melodies including the timeless Italian and American classics from the golden era. [details]

The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric, and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. The New York Times describes Danilo Pérez as "one of the best things that happened to jazz around the turn of the millennium." August 31 marks the release of his new CD, Providencia. [details]

Paula Cole celebrates the release of her much-anticipated new album Ithaca on September 21. A native of Rockport, Massachusetts, Cole received a scholarship to Berklee, graduating in 1990. In 1993, Peter Gabriel asked her to join his Secret World Tour, after her debut, Harbinger. The fan base she built from two years of extensive touring embraced her next album, This Fire. It was a breakthrough smash, yielding the hits "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" and "I Don't Want to Wait" (also known as the theme song to the hit television series Dawson's Creek). She won the 1997 Grammy for Best New Artist. In 1999, she released her third album; after a seven-year hiatus, she returned in 2007 with a powerful album titled Courage.   [details]

Every so often, a band comes along that blurs the lines of musical genres. With hints of pop, soul, and rock 'n' roll, Dear Havanah is that band. The Boston-based group is celebrating the release of its second album, The Whole Way Home, produced by Alan Evans of Soulive. Mark Hopkins opens the night. [details]

The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric, and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. The New York Times describes Danilo Pérez as "one of the best things that happened to jazz around the turn of the millennium." August 31 marks the release of his new CD, Providencia. [details]

Before you head to the Berklee BeanTown free outdoor festival at noon, join us for the kickoff at the Beans, Rice, and Cornbread Jazz and Blues Breakfast. For more information, see beantownjazz.org. [details]

Considered by critics around the world to be one of today’s finest Latin jazz artists, Mexican-born vibraphonist and composer Victor Mendoza’s career includes performances with his own group and as guest soloist around the globe. [details]

The Berklee City Music All-Stars Ensemble is composed of the best and brightest City Music students, all of whom have attended Berklee's Five-Week Summer Performance Program on full-tuition scholarships. The ensemble performs multiple genres of contemporary music, including jazz, pop, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues.

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) is a performance program designed to foster creativity and musicianship through various musical disciplines, with pianist and composer Danilo Pérez as its artistic director. BGJI musicians have played at a host of major festivals around North America, including the Newport Jazz Festival and the Beaches International Jazz Festival (Toronto). [details]

JazzBoston hosts Boston-based musicians for informal conversations with fans. The lineup will change every hour throughout the day, so stop by often. Then step into the JazzBoston TV studio and record your answer to the question, "What's your jazz?" Visit jazzboston.org for details.

Pianist, composer, producer, band leader, and educator Frank Wilkins is known throughout the United States for his soulful, swinging, sensitive approach to music. An alumnus of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music, Wilson has instructed at Berklee, Tufts University, Northeastern University, and the New England Institute of Art. [details]

A vibrant, gifted singer, performance artist, composer, and master teacher, Rhiannon has been bringing her unique and potent blend of jazz, world music, improvisation and storytelling to audiences for over three decades. [details]

Toronto native Andy Milne draws inspiration from various forms of music, politics, philosophy, comedy, and science fiction. A recipient of the New Works commission and the French-America Jazz Exchange grants from Chamber Music America in 2006, and voted Rising Star Keyboardist by Down Beat magazine in 2004, Milne is one of the most important and respected voices in jazz today. He'll be performing with his group, Dapp Theory. [details]

Saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator Greg Osby has made an indelible mark on contemporary jazz as a leader of his own ensembles and as a guest artist with other acclaimed jazz groups for the past 20 years, including Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, Muhal Richard Abrams, Jim Hall, and Jaki Byard. [details]

When Julian Lage emerged on the music scene 13 years ago, the young San Francisco Bay Area musician was not only deemed a guitar-playing prodigy, but he was also offered record deals on numerous occasions. Playing a unique style that melded blues, classical, folk, and jazz influences, Lage decided to wait for the right moment to document his own music. [details]

A vocal artist, composer, and educator, Gabrielle Goodman has toured the world providing backing vocals for such legendary artists as Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Freddie Jackson, and Bryan Ferry. She has also recorded two critically acclaimed CDs on the JMT/Verve Polygram label. [details]

The Boogaloo Swamis combine their rhythmic Cajun and zydeco music with rockabilly, Tex Mex, blues, and original tunes for a hot musical gumbo. [details]

From her beginnings with Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles (the sweethearts of the Apollo Theater); to LaBelle (a trio with Patti LaBelle and Sarah Dash); followed by a stunning solo career; and then an induction into the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 1999, Nona Hendryx has always been on the cutting edge of music. [details]

When it comes to Grace Kelly—saxophonist, vocalist, composer, lyricist, arranger—people seem to be divided into two groups: those who marvel at her proficiency, creativity and ever-accelerating growth, and those who have yet to encounter the 18-year-old wunderkind. [details]

Jonathan Batiste is part of a culturally significant lineage of New Orleans musical families known worldwide. At the age of 8, he was already featured singing with his family in Japan. He later performed with them on percussion, and by 12 had found his destiny: the piano. [details]

A group calling itself the Wild Magnolias, participating in the local "Indian masking" traditions, and performing New Orleans Mardi Gras music extends at least back into the 1950s. The group's lead member was called the Big Chief, and at least three Big Chiefs are known to have headed the band for short stints prior to 1964: Leon, Flap, and Joe Lee Davis. In 1964, Bo Dollis became Big Chief of the group, having previously participated in other Mardi Gras tribes, such as the White Eagles and the Golden Arrows. [details]

In 1958, Al Kooper began his professional career as guitarist in the Royal Teens ("Short Shorts"). He metamorphosized into a Tin Pan Alley songwriter with cuts by Gary Lewis, Gene Pitney, Keely Smith, Carmen McRae, Pat Boone, Freddie Cannon, Lulu, Lorraine Ellison, and Donny Hathaway and later was sampled by the Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Pharcyde, and Alchemist. [details]

Hurricane Katrina informs Crescent City native son Terence Blanchard’s impassioned song cycle A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina), a 13-track emotional tour de force of anger, rage, compassion, melancholy, and beauty. [details]

Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys are a musical alchemy descending into the rabbit hole of performance art. With their toys and voices they create a death-folk, steamcrunk, organic-industrial experience. The award-winning film The Why, which features music by Walter Sickert, will also be shown. [details]

Hurricane Katrina informs Crescent City native son Terence Blanchard's impassioned song cycle A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina), a 13-track emotional tour de force of anger, rage, compassion, melancholy, and beauty. [details]

A master class as part of the annual Armand Zildjian Artist-In-Residence program featuring Lewis Nash. [details]

Lincoln Goines will perform with students and alumni in duo, trio, and bass choir format. A thunderous and beauteous night will be had by all. Come and witness bass history being made before your very ears!

New and innovative jazz sounds.

Several faculty from the Composition Department will present recent compositions.

Professor Larry Watson will present a musical evening of "edutainment," performing original compositions and soulful African American classical music. The show will feature the Alvin Foster Orchestra, including a full orchestra and choir composed of Berklee alumni, faculty, students, and members of the Boston community.

Available discounts

A master class as part of the annual Armand Zildjian Artist-In-Residence program featuring Lewis Nash. [details]

The Red Room presents the New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Berklee students, staff, or faculty help you either slow down or power up for the afternoon. Concerts are free, all-ages, and open to the public. Bring your lunch, snag a coffee, and grab a seat for our New Brew performances—they’re good for the soul. Today's featured artist is Mia Verdoorn. [details]

Israeli jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Ronen Shmueli, who attends Berklee on a full scholarship, will present an evening of originals and renditions to some unexpected favorite selections performed together with some of Berklee's finest and most soulful musicians.

Ben Gallagher will perform a series of diverse original compositions with his band.

Original compositions by vibist James Peipon.

Uyanga Boldbaatar presents Uyanga—a group recently voted as one of Boston's top three r&b bands at the Boston Music Conference R&B Competition. Uyanga will be performing original r&b, neo-soul, and pop, as well as a few of their favorite soul numbers, bringing their own unique flavors into the mix. The group is composed of Uyanga Boldbaatar, Anna Talpe, Mariama Ndure, Michelle Walter, Lucas Ellman, Gregory Marchand, Yuki Kishida, Amarnath HAzarika, Nelson Leong, and Ben Atkind.

A master class featuring Armand Zildjian Artist in residence Lewis Nash, preceding his final concert in the BPC that evening. [details]

Composer Maria Schneider will talk about her music and the challenges of establishing a career and surviving in the music business. [details]

Guitarist Wei-ting Hsu will perform some jazz standards and originals with his friends.

Cheryl Lee presents pop and r&b music, and loads of collaboration with fellow Berklee musicians. Don't miss it.

For my recital, I will do a quintet with alto (or tenor sax), guitar, piano, bass, and drum set. We will do standard jazz styles. All the tunes are original arrangements.

Guitar professor Julien Kasper performs original instrumental music from his three albums with Zac Casher on drums and Jesse Williams on bass.

Armed with drop-dead catchy melodies, boyish good looks, and a charm equal to or greater than that of Paris Hilton, Jer Coons is poised for national recognition. Speak, his debut album, was released last September. Supporting Coons will be both Seth Glier and Jesse Ruben. [details]

Join us for the culmination of the annual Armand Zildjian Artist-In-Residence program featuring Armand Zildjian Artist-In-Residence Lewis Nash.

Available discounts.

The Red Room presents the New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Berklee students, staff, or faculty help you either slow down or power up for the afternoon. Concerts are free, all-ages, and open to the public. Bring your lunch, snag a coffee, and grab a seat for our New Brew performances—they’re good for the soul. Today's featured artist is Tumbleweed Company.

Jeanette Vuocolo, program director, CMA Jazz, will introduce Chamber Music America’s portfolio of jazz grant programs: commissioning, residency, presenting, and artist-led international collaborations. This event is open to students, faculty, and the Boston-area music community. [details]

Best-selling novelist Alisa Valdes-Rodriquez is a saxophonist and former award-winning staff writer for both the Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times. She has a bachelor's degree from Berklee and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. Her seventh novel comes out November 9. [details]

This recital will be a special blend of Afro-Cuban grooves and dark Latin funk, mixed with a touch of swing and a contemporary jazz feel delivered to your ear canals in the form of bass, drums, piano, tenor sax, and percussion.

Funky fun with the boys of Y.S.B. Funk, rock, and everything else to get you moving and grooving. Presented by James Frierson.

Young@Heart is an entertainment group composed of people at least 70 years of age. Some have prior professional theater or music experience, others have performed at the amateur level, and some have no experience whatsoever. They are particularly noted for their unconventional covers of rock, punk, and other modern pop music songs. A 2008 British documentary followed their preparation for a concert in their hometown of Northampton, Massachusetts. Please note that the mezzanine and first and second balcony sections of the Berklee Performance Center are accessible by staircase only. [details]

Sarah Brindell, coined the "newly minted diva of funk, pop and jazz" by the Boston Globe, performs fresh originals and spicy arrangements from her brand new album release, Dreaming Shoes. Brindell captivates her audience with mesmerizing vocals and sweet piano. Other instrumentation will include keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, and background vocals. [details]

Join us for night two of this mini-residency with Brian Wright. "When people ask what I sound like I usually say I’m somewhere between Woody Guthrie and the Velvet Underground," says Wright. It’s true—along with hints of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, fused with a bluesy slide guitar and a simple but enchanting Paul McCartney–like bass line. Also appearing: local artist Drew O'Doherty. [details]