Berklee's Best Vocalists Spring Forward

The popular Singers Showcase—the event that provided a proving ground to future stars like Susan Tedeschi, Lalah Hathaway, and Paula Cole—returns for its 25th spring edition.
March 31, 2008

The 2007-2008 Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee comes to a close with the crowd-pleasing, 25-year spring tradition of star-shining power that is Singers Showcase. Experience some of the college's best student vocalists in full bloom on the same stage that renowned artists Lalah Hathaway, Susan Tedeschi, Paula Cole, and Gillian Welch blossomed.

This hugely popular concert takes place Thursday, April 17, at 8:15 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. General admission tickets are $20 ($15 for seniors). For more information, call 617 747-2261 or visit berkleebpc.com.

Approximately 100 student vocalists audition for the chance to earn a coveted Singers Showcase spot. From that rich talent pool, seven have been picked to perform in this year's show: Ryan Pinkston, Amy Heidemann, Patricia Lewis, Jonathan Carr, Tara Kieth, Denise Hudson, and Ashley Rodriguez. Those chosen will put their stamp on the music of Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Yolanda Adams, LeAnn Rimes, Ciara, Heart, and many others. For the first time in the show's 25-year run, background vocalists will sing their own featured song.

The evening's entertainment will be rounded out with the college's best instrumentalists, dancing, lights, and three-camera video projection.

The 2007-2008 Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee featured a wide variety of music, ranging from rock, jazz, and Latin, to r&b, hip-hop, and Broadway and film tunes. George Duke, the SFJAZZ Collective, and Berklee's outstanding students, faculty, and alumni have performed concerts this unique and astonishing season.