Signature Series Presents the Elena Pinderhughes Berklee Septet
Elena Pinderhughes
Image courtesy of the artist
Berklee’s 2023 fall Signature Series kicks off with the Elena Pinderhughes Berklee Septet on Wednesday, October 11, 7:00 p.m., at the Red Room at Cafe 939 in Boston.
Described by The Guardian as the “most exciting and creatively assured jazz flutist to have emerged in years," Pinderhughes seamlessly blends jazz, hip-hop, and R&B influences, reflecting her diverse musical upbringing and open-minded approach to music. A child prodigy who was born in Berkeley, California, she studied in Cuba at the age of 7 and began performing professionally shortly thereafter in the East Bay’s jazz and Afro-Latin music scenes. She recorded her first album, Catch 22, when she was 11 years old.
The flutist, vocalist, and composer has shared stages and collaborated with artists including Carlos Santana, Josh Groban, esperanza spalding B.M. ’05, Herbie Hancock ’86H, Vijay Iyer, and Common. She has also performed on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series with Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott B.M. ’04) and at Coachella with rapper and singer Future.
“Elena is a singular flutist and artist with a strong vision for the future,” says Matthew Stevens, associate professor in the Ensemble Department. “Berklee is thrilled to welcome Elena Pinderhughes to the fall Signature Series.”
At the concert, Pinderhughes will join a Berklee student septet to perform select songs from her catalog. The performance will include excerpts from her collaborative suite with Benin guitarist Lionel Loueke '00, titled "A Diaspora Journey." This suite explores diverse musical traditions across time and continents, reflecting the rich tapestry of Black culture and storytelling throughout the diaspora.
The septet, selected by Stevens, includes students Tessa Wilson (vocals), Roella Oloro (piano/keyboard), Guy Gottesfeld (guitar), Lumanyano Bizana (drums), Fall Raye (tenor saxophone), and Yoni Ben Ari (bass).
Admission is $15 in advance and $18 day of show. This show will be seated. Tickets are available online.