2008-2009 Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee

Pop music chases fads; great music surprises us. The Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee presents great music from Peru to Nashville; from soul to lando to jazz. Eight shows. No boundaries. Full of surprises.

The eight shows feature Melissa Ferrick, Eva Ayllón, Daniel Lanois, Wayne Shorter, and many more. Several artists will perform with Berklee students, faculty, or alumni, showcasing Berklee's own heavy-hitters alongside the best of contemporary folk, jazz, Latin, pop, and r&b.

All concerts begin at 8:15 p.m., except where noted, at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. For ticket information, call 617 747-2261 or visit berkleebpc.com. Text "Berklee" to 22122 for special offers.

September 13—Melissa Ferrick

Few artists have Melissa Ferrick's relationship with an audience. Her performances are fierce and funny, outspoken and vulnerable, passionate and real. This concert launches the GLBT Leadership Fund at Berklee, with all proceeds benefiting the fund. It also marks the release of her new album, Goodbye Youth. Language may not be suitable for children.

November 6—Eva Ayllón

The great Afro-Peruvian singer and "Queen of Lando" performs her music with a student and faculty group led by Oscar Stagnaro. Matthew Nicholl, chair of Berklee's Contemporary Writing and Production Department, will arrange the night's elections.

November 16—Daniel Lanois

The legendary singer/songwriter, producer, and seven-time Grammy-winner has worked with U2, Bob Dylan, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and Emmylou Harris. He brings his band to the performance center stage to kick off his stay at Berklee as an artist-in-residence.

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

December 3—Wayne Shorter Quartet, 75th Birthday Celebration

Saxophone legend and NEA jazz master Wayne Shorter celebrates his 75th birthday year with his first concert in Boston in over five years, featuring his quartet with drummer Brian Blade, bassist John Patitucci, and pianist/Berklee professor Danilo Perez.

Concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Reserved seating.

February 5—Jazz as Condition: Mint Condition

Mint Condition is known for their great musicianship and dazzling live shows, and tonight they will stretch out even further, showing how jazz informs their sound.

March 1—The Great American Songbook: The Music of Burt Bacharach

With hit records in five decades, Burt Bacharach has earned his place among the great American popular songwriters. Tonight Berklee welcomes him to the songbook series that has featured the music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Stevie Wonder.

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

March 7—Shining Stars: The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire

Berklee students perform the music of multiplatinum-selling funk, soul, rock, jazz, and pop band Earth, Wind & Fire, with special guest vocalist and Berklee honorary doctor of music Philip Bailey.

April 16—Singers Showcase: The 25th Anniversary

Berklee's finest emerging vocalists and very special guests—including Lalah Hathaway—take center stage for a night of pop, r&b, jazz, Latin, folk, blues, and more. The outstanding lead singers will be chosen from over 100 students who audition for a spot in this immensely popular concert