Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Dwayne Haggins
2025-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Dwayne Haggins

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

He’s been described as “the love child of Otis Redding and Doc Watson.” “The John Legend of rockabilly.” And recently, “a ‘what-took-you-so-long’ fusion of Elvis and Marvin Gaye.” But he is Dwayne Haggins, and his voice is his own. Whether on the stage of a metropolitan concert hall or the makeshift bandstand of a neighborhood dive, you will find him exploring uncharted musical territories, listening for new ways to stir his influences into this night’s expression of his unique sound – strangely familiar, naturally mysterious, unmistakably his own.

Notably, Haggins has shared the stage with acts such as Joe Bonamassa, Keb Mo, Jimmy Vivino, Chris Lane, Suzanne Santo, and Fitz and the Tantrums. Haggins was signed in November of 2021 and his Verdict debut LP was released in June of 2022 titled “Call Me Boston”.

@hagginsmusic

@hagginsmusic

www.dwaynehaggins.com

Steph Davis
2025-08-24 16:00 - 18:00
Steph Davis is a marimbist and cultural activist. Their music engages traditions, epistemologies, and aesthetics from the African diaspora as means for uncovering truthful historiographies, finding creative self-actualization, and reaching for collective liberation. Hailed by The Washington Post as a “crisp, controlled” performer who “is engaged in deep explorations of acoustic and historical resonance,” Steph is a marimba soloist and chamber musician touring throughout the United States. Integrating Black and Western European classical music, traditional African American spirituals, and Ghanaian gyil songs, their performances explore the cultural and political landscape of the African diaspora. Through their arrangements and commissions, Steph has contributed over 20 works by Black composers to the marimba’s solo and chamber repertoire, in addition to premiering dozens of contemporary works for marimba and vibraphone. Highlights of their ’24-‘25 season includes debuts with The Celebrity Series of Boston and Ashmont Hill Chamber Music, music and dance collaborations with Jenny Oliver (choreographer), and a performance-installation with Dzidzor (spoken word) at the Goethe-Institut Boston. Steph proudly endorses Marimba One instruments and mallets as a Marimba One Premier Artist.Steph is a teaching artist with Castle of our Skins and Instructor of music theory at the Boston Conservatory. Steph has authored and co-authored several culturally-responsive K-college curricula around Black classical music, published by Castle of our Skins. Steph has presented performances, masterclasses, and lecture-recitals at the University of Central Florida, University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Center of Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University, and the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion.Steph received their Master of Music in marimba performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where they studied with Nancy Zeltsman. They also hold a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from the Conservatory. They have been awarded residencies at the Goethe-Institut Boston, Avaloch Farm Music Institute, and Boston Center for the Arts.Steph resides on unceded land of the Neponset band of the Massachusett tribe, bordertown Boston, MA.

Hannah Bossange
2025-08-25 13:00 - 15:00
Hannah Bossange (any pronouns) is a performer, writer, and musician currently based in Boston. He has been writing music and studying classical singing since he was 11 years old. She’s currently working with folk and rock, but give her a few years and it will be nothing but funk. Follow along for all their projects and releases @hann_.b on Instagram.

Sam Spear
2025-08-26 13:00 - 15:00
The Sam Spear Quinet delivers hard-hitting bop, soulful swing, and blistering ballads. Composed of two saxes, piano, bass, and drums, the group performs an eclectic mix of original tunes and cleverly crafted arrangements of jazz standards.

https://samspearmusic.com

Sam Spear Music (Facebook), @sam_spear_music (Instagram)

Gregory Groover JR
2025-08-26 16:00 - 18:00
Pamela Means

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Raised with devotion for music, Gregory George Groover Jr is a twenty-nine year old tenor saxophonist and educator from Roxbury, Massachusetts. His love and pursuit of music directed him to the Boston Arts Academy where he graduated in 2011 as both the Elma Lewis Graduate with distinction and the Louis Armstrong Jazz award. His effort and dedication to music led him to earn a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he received both his Bachelors and Masters in Music Performance Studies through the Global Jazz Institute, headed by world-renowned artistic director, pianist, and UNESCO Artist for Peace Danilo Perez.

As a performer, Gregory has had the honor to share the stage with prestigious musicians such as Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind, and Fire), Patrice Rushen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Esperanza Spalding. As a bandleader and a sideman, he has performed in music festivals in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

As an educator, Gregory has served as the co-chair of music at his alma mater, the Boston Arts Academy where he provided instruction in Jazz studies to the next generation of artists and scholars. Gregory currently serves as the Assistant Chair of Ensemble at the world renowned, Berklee College of Music. In addition to teaching, Gregory continues to perform regularly with his working bands and is celebrating the release of his second album: the Negro Spiritual Songbook Volume II – “The Message”.

@gregorygrooverjr

https://www.gregorygrooverjr.com

Pop Princess Night with The Femmes
2025-08-26 18:00 - 20:00
Chappell, Britney, Sabrina, Taylor… enjoy the songs of today’s iconic performers with The Femmes, an all female and non-binary identifying band whose high octane and super fun performances have made them staples at UnCommon. What better way to return to school and kick off the year?

The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary band specializing in songs by female and non-binary artists. When you’re at a Femmes show, you’re at a high energy concert experience. Epic sing alongs, expertly crafted harmonies, and musicians who absolutely LOVE to interact with the audience, the Femmes are Boston’s go-to women’s party band!

The Femmes have been booked solid since their sold-out debut showcase at Club Cafe in February 2023. Finding quick success in the MA market and all across New England, The Femmes have become one of Boston’s top bands, performing for the Human Rights Campaign, Boston Pride, Martha’s Vineyard Pride, Harley Davidson’s Women’s Rider Day, and have been featured on CBS News and the Boston Globe.

Social Media: @thefemmesband

Website: thefemmesband.com

Dan DeCristofaro
2025-08-27 13:00 - 15:00
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Dan DeCristofaro is a soulful singer, songwriter, producer and arranger based in Massachusetts. He is a founding member of Blue Light Bandits, an award winning, 4-piece independent groove rock band from Worcester, MA that has amassed over 3 million streams on Spotify over the course of 3 full length albums, 2 EP’s, and an array of singles. In 2022 he formed quiet thrill, a singer / songwriter super duo along with long time friend and collaborator Joel Ansett and Dan DeCristofaro. They released their debut self-titled album in July ‘22 and are currently on a nationwide house tour, directly engaging with their fans in an intimate setting. Whether he is performing with a band or as a solo artist, Dan has been a staple of the New England music scene for 10 years.

Fabiola Méndez Trio
2025-08-27 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-01 15:00 - 17:00
Fabiola Méndez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer that has taken part in a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as Folk, Afro-Caribbean & Jazz. Recognized as the Latin Artist of the Year 2023 by the Boston Music Awards, her artistic vision and original music focus on the exploration of culture, ancestry, and identity, inviting the listener to embrace how the power of music and storytelling can unify us. After becoming the first graduate from Berklee College of Music to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as a principal instrument (2018), Fabiola focuses on performing and composing, traveling with her trio to national and international festivals. She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022 and a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media in 2023.

https://www.fabiolamendezmusic.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/FabiolaMendezMusic

IG – @fabiolamendezmusic

Facebook

Instagram

Alyssa Barker
2025-08-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-07 12:00 - 14:00
Alyssa Barker

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Embark on a musical journey with Alyssa Barker, a violinist celebrated for her transcendent performances that seamlessly blend classical elegance with contemporary innovation. Alyssa specializes in both acoustic and electric violin performances, showcasing her versatility and unique ability to bridge traditional and modern musical worlds. Alyssa’s extraordinary talent has graced iconic stages worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music scene. Her musical odyssey has flourished under the guidance of renowned mentors, including Dr. Bill Banfield, Julius Williams, and original Trans Siberian Orchestra member Mark Wood. Having studied with these luminaries, she not only honed her technical prowess but also developed a unique artistic voice that sets her apart. Mark Wood, praising her exceptional skill and leadership, remarked, “Not only is Alyssa a master on the violin, but she also has tremendous talent in leadership and commitment to her passion, which is music and life.” Known for her collaborative spirit, Alyssa has shared the stage with Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists such as Larry Klein, Allen Stone, Daymé Arocena, Kenny Werner, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Her performances resonate with a fusion of genres, showcasing a dynamic range that captivates audiences around the globe. Alyssa’s impressive repertoire includes performances at illustrious venues like Carnegie Hall in New York and Symphony Hall in Boston. Beyond the classical realm, she has made significant contributions to the world of film and comedy, featuring on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of the Academy Award-contending documentary “Sky Blossom: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation” and appearing on the latest Sarah Silverman comedy special, “Someone You Love.”

@alyssabarkermusic

@alyssabarkermusic/

https://www.alyssabarkermusic.com/

https://linktr.ee/alyssabarkermusic

Adeline Um
2025-08-28 13:00 - 15:00
Pamela Means

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Adeline Um is a Korean American singer songwriter who started her music journey as a Berklee City Music Scholar. Her lyrical translations of experiences, travel, love, and connections is strongly felt within the sounds and melodies she creates. Her performances provide a soft landing for her listeners to feel safe and enjoy vulnerability and deep connection. As a Korean American who has lived in Boston and Scotland, she hopes her music is able to express the complexity of culture and humanity, while connecting people of different backgrounds.

Adeline has signed her music to many independent labels such as Lowly Palace, NCS, Future House Cloud, and Magic Music. She has been recognized by The Rolling Stone India and BBC Introducing, and was a finalist in the top 2% at the UKSC (UK Songwriting competition). Recently, she’s received significant radio play, some including the BBC Scotland, Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing, and NTE Radio Ireland to name a few! She is the recipient of the Passim Iguana Fund Grant and was an artist in residence at the Keepsake House in NYC in 2024. Most recently she went on tour for TaylorGate and played the tailgate stage before the Eras Tour in New Orleans and Indianapolis.

TikTok, Instagram, FB: @adelineum

@adelineum

@adelineum

BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring Toki Wright & Lee Wilson
2025-08-28 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice Featuring Toki Wright & Lee Wilson

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Every Thursday, join Toki Wright and BAMS Fest at UnCommon for the S.O.U.L.stice series. This week’s performance will feature Toki Wright & Lee Wilson.

Estefania Núñez
2025-08-30 13:00 - 15:00
Estefania Núñez

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Estefanía Núñez Villamandos, a gifted pianist, composer, and arranger from Havana, Cuba, blends her deep roots in Cuban music with jazz, flamenco, and Latin American folklore. Núñez Villamandos, also a Berklee graduate, has collaborated with acclaimed musicians including Aldo López Gavilán and Aida Cuevas. Her versatile artistry spans genres, from Cuban timba to jazz-infused flamenco, enriching her collaborations with a vibrant rhythmic and harmonic palette.

Núñez Villamandos offers a fresh, electrifying perspective on Latin American music.

@estefania_nunez_villamandos

Jonathan Suazo
2025-08-30 16:00 - 18:00
Pamela Means

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Saxophonist/composer Jonathan Suazo and his trio will present a fresh mix of Jazz Standards and Latin Classics combined with original compositions from Suazo’s formal debut album release “RICANO” which draws inspiration from the traditional rhythms of his Puerto Rican / Dominican roots.

Nicolás Emden
2025-08-30 19:00 - 21:00
Nicolás Emden is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer and songwriter, originally from Chilean Patagonia. His music navigates the waters of pop, rock, and Latin American folk.

Nicolás was a former member and founder of the Chilean band “Tejado Pimiento” (2007-2012) with whom he won the nacional TV contest “Garage Music” (Canal 13) and wrote 2 studio albums, “Triciclo” (2007) and “Sensación de verdad” (2010). After that, he published his first solo album named “Como los pájaros” (2014), which included a YouTube documentary series traveling and performing throughout Chile called “Como los pájaros x Chile”.

The Chilean artist moved to Boston USA in 2014 (where he’s currently based) for the completion of his music studies at Berklee College of Music (2014 – 2016). From there, he’s been performing and touring throughout the United States, Canada, and back to Chile.

Nicolás started his musical journey at the age of 6, through learning folk South American music, singing, and playing the acoustic guitar. Since his school years, Nicolás has been part of a wide variety of music projects as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer/songwriter, music director, and orchestra conductor for professional musical theater shows. He has also written the music for 2 original musical theater shows, based on traditional South American tales and mythology.

http://www.nicolasemden.com

Photo credit: Nicolás Amaro (Chile) https://www.nicolasamarophoto.com/

Gaby Cotter
2025-08-31 12:00 - 14:00
Gaby Cotter is a vocalist, songwriter, and educator deeply rooted in her Panamanian heritage and influenced by the rich tapestry of Latin American sounds. Guided by her passion to connect with others through music and driven by a commitment to artistic and personal growth, Gaby weaves powerful narratives that resonate deeply with her audience.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she has captivated audiences in Panama, Spain, Italy, and the United States. Her debut album “Cantora,” released in April 2024, features collaborations with Cuban pianist Harold Charon and Panamanian flutist Melvin Lam.

Gaby’s music, available on major streaming platforms, celebrates the strength and resilience of women, offering fresh perspectives on love and relationships.

www.instagram.com/gabycotter

www.gabycotter.com

Thea Hopkins
2025-08-31 15:00 - 16:00
Thea Hopkins Trio

Thea Hopkins calls her music Red Roots Americana. A member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe of Martha’s Vineyard MA, she’s been described as a “standout writer” by the Washington Post. Roberta Schwartz of the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange wrote “the beauty of Thea’s voice is matched by the brilliance of her lyrics.”

She has played stages throughout the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.

The Thea Hopkins trio features Berklee professor Tom Appleman, (who’s played bass with everyone from the Drifters to The Doors’ Robby Krieger) and Maxfield Anderson, Americana multi-instrumentalist.

In 2024, Thea attended the ISPA Congress in Perth (AUS) and WOMEX in Manchester (UK) as a Western Arts Alliance artist delegate. The New York Stage and Film fund selected Thea as a 2024 Northeast Indigenous Voices artist resident in support of her play “An American Ghost Dance”. Venues where Thea has performed include Massey Hall (CN), Banff Centre For The Arts (CN) Kennedy Center (DC), Woody Guthrie Festival (OK), the Moseley Folk Festival (UK), the Atkinson (UK), the Summertyne Americana Festival (UK) and the Bluebird Cafe (TN).

Thea came to wider public notice when Peter, Paul & Mary recorded her song “Jesus Is On The Wire” in 2004, and then again in 2010 with the Prague Symphony Orchestra. In 2021, Hopkins was the Grand Prize winner of the Great American Song Contest for her ballad “The Ghost of Emmett Till.”

Her new album is scheduled to be released in January 2026.

@theahopkinssongs

@theahopkinssongsall

@theahopkins

www.theahopkins.com

Andrenae Duffy
2025-08-31 16:00 - 17:00
Andrenae Duffy

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Andrenae Duffy is a Boston-based musician currently training at Berklee.

@Andrenae_duffy

Ciara Moser
2025-09-01 12:00 - 14:00
Ciara Moser, originally from Dublin but raised in Austria, currently calls Boston her home base. As a blind bassist of Austrian-Irish descent, she showcases her versatility across various musical styles and genres, seamlessly blending into band, orchestra, film, and ensemble projects, both in live performances and studio sessions.

She earned her Master’s in jazz performance from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA under the guidance of esteemed mentors like John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Joe Lovano. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in music pedagogy from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.

Since collaborating with Danilo Perez in January 2022, Ciara has graced stages with him worldwide, from the Chile Jazz Festival in Santiago, the Paradiso Jazz Festival in Italy, and the Hay Festival in the UK to the Cultural Summit in Abu Dhabi. Alongside other international performances in the UK, Panama, Ecuador, Canada, Austria, and Germany, she has shared the spotlight with renowned artists such as Braxton Cook, and Victor Wooten.

In October 2023, Ciara released her debut album, “Blind. So What?” The jazz/fusion album, exploring themes of music and blindness, received praise and major articles from publications like Premier Guitar Magazine, Bass Musician Magazine and Jazzwise Magazine. Notably, one of its tracks was honored with the “Young Jazz Composers Award 2023” by the ASCAP Foundation.

Following a successful and souled out release tour in Austria through established jazz venues such as Porgy & Bess Vienna and Jazzit Salzburg Ciara’s album gained exposure on national television and radio channels such as ORF3 and Ö1. She headlined the 20-year celebration of the Institute for Popular Music at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, showcasing a big band version of her composition “The Call to See Beyond”.

Ciara’s talent and dedication have earned her various awards such as the “next jazz legacy award”, winning the “2024new generation jazz lab competition”, the “Ascap Young Jazz composers Award” securing a spot in the Jazz Ahead Program (led by Jason Moran) and Woodshed Network Residency (led by Dee Dee Bridgewater), earning the “Matt Marvuglio Student of the Year” award in 2021, becoming a finalist in the Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Competition, receiving the Tara Life Goes On Award, receiving the “Johann Ratzenböck”-scholarship and winning the first price at the well-known austrian classical competition “Prima La Musica”.

Ciara had appearances on multiple TV shows like the austrian talk show series “Barbara Karlich” and “Vera.” Since March 2019, she has hosted her own podcast, “Blind. So What?” shedding light on life as a blind individual.

Currently, Ciara thrives as a performer and recording artist in the Boston/New York scene, alongside her role as a faculty member and staff accompanist at Berklee College of Music.

WeAreLOFI
2025-09-02 18:00 - 20:00
Introducing WeAreLoFi, a multi-Grammy-nominated, Golden Globe Award and NAACP image award winning duo who captivates listeners with their signature blend of soulful melodies and laid-back beats. With a passion for creating atmospheric and nostalgic soundscapes, WeAreLofi effortlessly combines elements of jazz, hip-hop, ambient music and MANY more genres to craft a truly unique sonic experience. The group consists of Charles Haynes and Mitch Henry, whose attention to detail and meticulous production techniques result in tracks that transport listeners to a world of tranquility and introspection. With a growing fan base and ever-expanding catalog of mesmerizing compositions, WeAreLofi is making waves in the lo-fi scene. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a transcendent musical journey, WeAreLofi’s music is the perfect soundtrack for those moments of reflection and escape.

Bencils
2025-09-03 16:00 - 18:00
Bencils

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Bencils is an indie/alternative artist with the swag of a hip-hop icon. His latest original single: “Pushstart” is a standout track from his new album “Lonely”, released on April 18th, 2025. The song encapsulates Bencils’ journey of re-finding himself after a situation related to family resulted in his whole world getting turned upside-down. Resonating with listeners because of its catchy hook, driving instrumental, and personal yet relatable lyrics, and drawing influences from a wise range of artists such as: The Smashing Pumpkins, The Strokes, Laundry Day, MGMT, and Jean Dawson; Bencils delivers a fresh and exciting sound that blends nostalgia with the raw yet polished energy needed for a perfect Summer anthem.

@2002bencils

The Femmes
2025-09-03 18:00 - 20:00
The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary band specializing in songs by female and non-binary artists. When you’re at a Femmes show, you’re at a high energy concert experience. Epic sing alongs, expertly crafted harmonies, and musicians who absolutely LOVE to interact with the audience, the Femmes are Boston’s go-to women’s party band!

The Femmes have been booked solid since their sold-out debut showcase at Club Cafe in February 2023. Finding quick success in the MA market and all across New England, The Femmes have become one of Boston’s top bands, performing for the Human Rights Campaign, Boston Pride, Martha’s Vineyard Pride, Harley Davidson’s Women’s Rider Day, and have been featured on CBS News and the Boston Globe.

Social Media: @thefemmesband

Website: thefemmesband.com

BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring Toki Wright & MusicJumpstart
2025-09-04 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice Featuring Toki Wright & MusicJumpstart

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Every Thursday, join Toki Wright and BAMS Fest at UnCommon for the S.O.U.L.stice series. This week’s performance will feature Toki Wright & MusicJumpstart.

Jesse Taitt
2025-09-05 12:00 - 14:00
Jesse Taitt is a multifaceted pianist, composer, arranger, and educator with a rich musical journey. He holds a dual degree in Jazz Composition and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, where he refined his sensitivity and technical prowess. Starting at the Boston Arts Academy, Jesse cultivated his musicality studying Classical music with Boston Conservatory Professor Harriet Lundberg and Jazz under Hey Rim Jeon through the Berklee City Music Program.

Throughout his academic journey at the Arts Academy and Berklee, Jesse engaged with luminaries such as Phillip Bailey, Seymour Bernstein, Dr. Billy Taylor, Regina Carter, George Duke, Walter Beasley, Doug Johnson, Laszlo Gardony, Joanne Brackeen, En Vogue, Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Gavin Degraw, Mark Gross, Lou Cash, Boston Pops, Hugh Masakela, Bill Charlap, Vincent Herring, and Cecil Bridgewater.

As an active participant in the Boston music scene, he directed Boston-based group Jazz Urbane, was the driving force behind the Jesse Taitt Trio, and earned recognition as a dedicated AmeriCorp Community Leader and Public Allies Leader.

Jesse’s impact extended beyond his performances, as he also contributed as an Artist-Educator in the Boston Arts Academy’s Alumni Creative Core program. Notably, he achieved international recognition as an International Guest Artist in Rwanda during the summer of 2013. There, he led master classes and headlined the Kigali UP Festival, collaborating with esteemed artists like Joey Blake and sharing his artistry on projects alongside the likes of George Duke, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Christian Scott.

A pursuit of excellence led Jesse to complete his Masters in Music with a focus on Jazz Arranging and Composition at William Paterson University in 2017. Today, Jesse is Assistant Professor in the Harmony and Jazz Composition Department and Lecturer of Jazz Piano at Dartmouth College.

As a skilled pianist, composer, and educator, Jesse continually ventures into new musical and philanthropic realms. With his diverse experiences, including his time as a sideman on various projects, his impact resonates across New York, Boston, and New Jersey. Keep an eye out for Jesse’s forthcoming projects that promise fresh artistic perspectives and innovative collaborations.

Anibal Cruz
2025-09-05 15:00 - 17:00
Cuban Pianist, Composer, Arranger, and Bandleader Anibal Cruz is a Berklee graduate, skilled in Composition and Jazz performance. Since launching his career, he has achieved significant milestones including his first single, “La Raza,” released in 2021. Cruz has performed alongside notable artists such as Paquito de Rivera, Armando Manzanero, Egui Castrillo, Joe McCarthy, Ruben Rodrigez, Alain Perez, and Berta Rojas, in addition to being part of the cast of Ayodele Casel’s “Chasing Magic.”

His international tours span Europe, Latin America, and the United States, featuring performances with Ayodele Casel, David Rivera, DeJan, Los Adolescentes, Manolo Mairena, Cucu Diamantes, and Adonis Puentes since 2018. As a bandleader, he heads Clave & Blues, a Cuban & Latin Music Orchestra, and The Blue Island Project, a Latin Jazz quartet.

In his growing discography, Cruz has contributed to several albums including “Ricano” by Jonathan Suazo, “Illegal Grooves” by Nacho Gonzalez, “Ká Berto” by Jaasiel Sança, “Coffee Gold Sugar Cane” by Flavio Lira, “De todo un poco” by Manolo Mairena, and “Desde Lejos” by Juan Ruiz. His involvement in these diverse projects showcases his versatility and commitment to his musical career.

¡Baila Boston! Salsa Night
2025-09-05 18:00 - 21:00
Photo by Emerson College

¡Baila Boston! Salsa Night

Featuring Ágora Cultural Architects and Salsa y Control

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

In partnership with our community curator Ágora Cultural Architects, the premiere Latinx cultural presenting organization Greater Boston, and Hernan Choque of beloved Salsa studio Salsa y Control, UnCommon’s Salsa Nights feature a live Salsa band, Son Mass, DJ Hernan Choque, free community Salsa dance lessons from Salsa y Control, professional performances, and open dance. The Common comes to life with Salsa beats and UnCommon provides an unforgettable opportunity for shared, cultural experiences.

To make the evening even more delicious, El Jefe’s Taqueria will be serving an UnCommon Salsa Flight (three salsas and chips) for $9.95 and will be featuring a salsa tasting!

Common Folk
2025-09-06 13:00 - 18:00
Pamela Means

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Common Folk is a celebration of the Black folk tradition; past, present, and future, brought to life on Boston Common. Presented under the We Black Folk Showcase banner, this multigenerational concert brings together artists whose work spans genres, regions, and eras, but is united by the soul of Black expression. From roots revivalists and blues storytellers to alt-folk experimentalists and next-gen voices redefining what “folk” can be, Common Folk honors the multiplicity of Black identity through music.

Set on the historic grounds of Boston Common, this free outdoor concert invites the public to witness the enduring presence and radical evolution of Black folk music in all its forms.

Artist Bios

Albino Mbie

Albino Mbie is an award winning Musician, Guitarist, Singer, Composer, Sound and mixing engineer born in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, a country in southern Africa known for its rich musical and cultural heritage. Fueled by the resourcefulness and determination that have always characterized Mozambicans, he built his first guitar at 16 from a 5-liter can of oil, scrap wood, and strings made out of electrical cords.

@albinombie

@Albino-Mbie

https://albinombie.com/

Tyler Donkoh-Halm

Tyler Donkoh-Halm is a Boston based multi-instrumentalist that specializes in taking the ukulele into genres you’ve never heard it in before! With strong roots in R&B, funk, jazz, folk, and more, Tyler fuses countless styles together to fit his percussive and melodic ways of playing each instrument in his arsenal. With a wide array of performances both local and international, each show is unique and unlike the last, always keeping things exciting and the audience on their toes!

@tylerdhalm

Andrew Sue Wing

Andrew Sue Wing is a seventeen-year-old R&B singer/songwriter and guitarist from Boston, MA. Equipped with a strong baritone voice and a unique style of rhythm and lead guitar, he’s able to belt out soaring choruses and deliver soulful ballads. He has performed over 100 live shows since he was thirteen, scored Cassie Crowe’s ‘Mid’ Life, a feature-length film, and released his debut EP, Seventeen. With influences such as Stevie Wonder, Gregory Porter, and Gary Clark Jr., his originals combine blues, rock, funk, and soul.

@brooklynnamme

@andrew.sue.wing

https://andrewsuewing.com/

Gabriella Simpkins

Gabriella Simpkins is an award-winning singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Cape Cod, MA. Informed by her experiences across genres and performance setting, her music exists at the intersections of folk, classical, jazz, and indie rock.

While simultaneously independently managing her career, Simpkins attends Salem State University in the Bachelor of Arts Music program and focuses specifically in music theory and classical composition. She performs regularly in the Boston area, teaches applied music theory and songwriting, and hopes to establish herself as a freelance composer in the coming years.

@brooklynnamme

@gabriellasimpkinsmusic

https://linktr.ee/gabriellasimpkinsmusic

Lydia “The LovelySinger” Harrell

Lydia “The LovelySinger” Harrell is one of Boston’s finest musical treasures. Her sultry, soulful voice and evocative songwriting have garnered her the attention and respect of the nation’s finest musicians and venues. Jazz/Soul is where her heart is, however, Lydia has shown an unbreakable ability to mold herself into any musical situation. Be it performing with the Boston Pops, serenading NBA fans with America’s National Anthem, or lending her vocal talents to a chart-topping deep house singles by British record label, Reel People Music, Lydia’s dedication to extracting the pure essence of song goes virtually unmatched.

Some of her notable musical accolades include singing lead on a Bob Marley Tribute Album distributed by Sony Music Latin, winning the 2015 Duke Ellington Jazz Vocal Competition, performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC (2016), winning the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Voice Competition and winner of the Best Song at the 48 Hour Film Project Boston. More recently, Lydia sang on the 2022 Daytime Emmy Winning song, “Grateful For It All” written by Brad Hatfield, Gaye Tolan Hatfield and Jeff Meegan and aired on The Young and The Restless in May 2021. Lydia was invited to sing backing vocals for the great Jon Batiste in September 2022 along with The Boston Pops accompanying.

@lovelysinger

@LovelySinger

Buggy Jive

Buggy Jive is a semi-reclusive acoustic soul rock singer-songwriter from Albany, New York, equal parts Zeppelin and D’Angelo and Prince and Joni in sound and sensibility. Recent accomplishments include opening slots for Macy Gray and Ben Folds; a feature as a “Top Shelf” entry for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest; and best songwriter, album and music video wins for Upstate New York’s “Eddies” Awards. New album Icarus Ascending arrives Fall 2025.

@buggyjive

https://www.buggyjive.com/

@BuggyJive

Tolieth
2025-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
Tolieth is a contemporary soul singer fusing elements of reggae, Afrobeats, and pop into an upbeat live performance. Good vibes and smooth grooves are guaranteed with Tolieth on the mic.

Sheryl Bailey Trio
2025-09-07 15:00 - 17:00
Sheryl Bailey Trio

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Jazz guitarist, Sheryl Bailey brings her “Three-0” to UnCommon Corner, featuring drummer Neal Smith and bassist Ian Ashby.

Sheryl is the Assistant Chair of Guitar at Berklee, and has toured world wide with her own duo, trio and quartet projects and as a side person with artists such as: Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Anat Cohen, and Rufus Reid. She has ten releases as a leader.

Sheryl will bring her “Sizzling Guitar Goddess” skills, the joy of improvisation and kinship with her bandmates as she plays her original music and choice standards for the UnCommon community.

https://www.sherylbailey.com/
