BirnCORE Live Presents Nick Hakim

Singer-songwriter and producer Nick Hakim B.M. '13 will perform an intimate solo show, with vocalist Danielle Ponder opening, at the Red Room at Cafe 939 on Friday, April 19. The show is presented by birnCORE, one of four streaming channels comprising the Berklee Internet Radio Network (the BIRN), as part of its birnCORE Live series featuring performances by rising and established artists.

Hakim’s debut EPs, Where Will We Go, Pt. 1 and Where Will We Go, Pt. 2, were released in 2014 through his own imprint (Earseed Records) and earned critical praise from NPR and the New York Times. In 2017, he released his first full-length album, Green Twins, an experimental step forward with an emotional heft gleaned from his experiences since releasing the EPs. “These are genre-bending songs that find communion in love’s simple truths,” said Pitchfork. “Reflective and forgiving, they treat soul like a remedy.”

Originally from Washington, D.C., Hakim grew up in a household overflowing with musical diversity. He cites wide-ranging influences such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Madlib, and MF Doom. In addition to his solo work, Hakim is part of the Onyx Collective, an enigmatic jazz ensemble. He is currently based in Queens, New York.

Danielle Ponder is vocalist and frontwoman for Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People. The group, which was named one of eight bands to watch in 2016 by Rochester City Newspaper and won the Roc Award for Best Band in 2015 and 2016, defies genre categories with its blast of deep groove and soul. Ponder’s tone is both enchanting and seductive, and she brings a riveting, honest stage presence. The band has opened for George Clinton, Ledisi, and the Roots, and has completed two successful European tours.

BirnCORE Live Presents Nick Hakim and Danielle Ponder takes place at the Red Room at Cafe 939 (939 Boylston Street, Boston, MA), on Friday, April 19, at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $20, with student discounts available, and can be purchased at berklee.edu/cafe939.

The BIRN recently won Best Live Music Broadcast at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards for its fall 2018 birnCORE Live event that featured Margaret Glaspy.

The BIRN is a student community and internet radio station at Berklee broadcasting four channels, commercial-free, 24/7. BIRN1 features live shows hosted by students playing music of their choosing—radio by musicians for everyone. BIRN Learn features concerts, interviews, special events and curated playlists from visiting artists, faculty, staff, and alumni. BirnCORE presents live performances and interviews from emerging and established artists, and also records and releases live music from independent artists, giving students the opportunity to operate a label. BIRN Global features programming from Berklee’s Global Partners around the world. BIRN’s website also features weekly new music picks by the DJs, album and concert reviews, and artist interviews on its blog.