Emerson College UnCommon Corner

BAMS Presents: S.O.U.L.STICE - Toki Wright x deVon Gray
2024-10-10 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
BAMS Fest takes over UnCommon, bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage!

Toki Wright is a two-time Emmy Award-winning MC, poet, producer, and cultural diplomat. He has received two CLIO Award for advertising with General Mills for the number one worldwide Twitter trending project “Watch the Stove” which was also nominated for a Cannes Lion Award. Wright is currently the chair of the Professional Music Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before relocating he was the Department Head of the United States’ first fully accredited Hip-Hop Studies program at McNally Smith College of Music. The program was awarded the “Best Transformative Higher Learning Model” from the Hip-Hop Education Center at NYU. Toki also facilitated seven Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop Festivals and helped establish “Hip-Hop at H.E.A.L.S,” a program for former child soldiers in Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Toki’s worked with the US State Department, delivered a TED Talk, and ran the youth-led nonprofit YO! The Movement, helping to build community through the arts. Toki is a freelance writer, radio host and has been a judge for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, and a community organizer. He’s released albums and film through his media company Soul Tools Entertainment that have charted top 50 on MTV, iTunes, and more. Wright has performed at events like Coachella, Rock The Bells and more while sharing stages with the likes of Lizzo, Terri Lyne Carrington, Atmosphere, the late Sean Price, and J-Live. Toki has released recordings with Talib Kweli, BJ The Chicago Kid, and G Yamazawa to name a few.

The biggest lynchpin of deVon Gray’s creative practice is always beginning from a place of, “I know nothing” when approaching: a new composition, a performance, or any creative endeavor. He believes that empty vessels receive new knowledge with greater efficiency. Facts. What are other known knowns about the artist? The composer/improviser is hugely aroused by all things natural. The great outdoors offer him much by way of respite and reflection. He loves eating, drinking, and merriment. He’s a moon gazing, leaf peeping, steadily-streaming cinephile. In his downtime he consumes and unwillingly participates in a mixed economy same as you. He’s pissed about it. He wants out. In his uptime he makes the good art. And he tent camps as often as possible.InstagramWe Sick on Bandcamp

Flannel Friday!
2024-09-27 12:00 - 21:00
Celebrate Flannel Friday with Harpoon!

Anyone who makes a purchase at the bar on Friday while wearing flannel can receive a free koozie! Limit one freebie per person.

**Purchasing alcohol is not required – any purchase at all qualifies.

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2024-10-11 14:00 - 16:00
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora is a Cuban pianist, composer, bandleader, arranger, and educator. She feels most defined by her Cuban heritage and her status as an immigrant. Her passion for music has taken her to Canada, to South East Asia and, now, to the United States. Her rich musical background, career experience and extraordinary improvisation skills render her a leader in the modern Latin jazz idiom and an influential, emulated musician.

​In 2018, her Afro-Cuban jazz Trio, MIXCLA, released its self-titled album, which features her original tunes and arrangements. It has received critical acclaim and earned the attention of major agents locally and internationally. The album has thus far advanced in the world of jazz, adding to her accolades two nominations from the Boston Music Awards (2018 & 2019).

https://www.zahilizamora.com

https://www.instagram.com/zahiligz/

Steph Davis & Friends
2024-10-11 16:00 - 18:00
4:00-5:00 PM – Steph Davis (marimba) with Jenny Oliver (choreographer/dancer)Through a mesmerizing combination of marimba and dance, Steph Davis and Jenny Oliver showcase multidisciplinary storytelling that honors their combined African American, Cape Verdean, and Native American heritage. 5:00-6:00 PM – Steph Davis (marimba) with DeShaun Gordon King (flutes) and Nicholas Johnson (cello)The performers merge classical, jazz, and traditional music in a dynamic and colorful combination of flute, cello, and marimba.

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.

Jenny Oliver is an artist in the Greater Boston area working as an educator, performer, choreographer and advocate for artistic integrity on faulty at Tufts University. Throughout her 18-year career she has cultivated a trauma informed, culturally responsive kinetic storytelling practice. As a culturally Black person of Cape Verdean and Native American heritage she believes it’s important to address the erasure of Native people and the ongoing systemic injustices towards Black people and is inspired by the ability of movement to catalyze meaningful and effective change in the lives of others.As a choreographer, her work has been presented at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, WBUR’s CitySpace, Mark Morris Dance Center, Boston Center for the Arts, Tufts’ Art Galleries, Multicultural Arts Center, Somerville Theater, DanceNOW Boston and the Peabody Essex Museum. In addition to her work as a choreographer she performs with RootsUprising under the direction of Nailah Randall-Bellinger and teaches at the Dance Complex and Deborah Mason Performing Arts Center.Her collaborative work includes the development of a 2 year creative residency with the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics and Boston’s Office of Budget Management using creative storytelling, dance, and fiscal education to engage Boston residents in the city’s budgeting process; supporting Masary Studios to create Data Choreographics as part of the Museum of Science’s Exploring AI: Making the Invisible Visible exhibit; and being a lead artist with the Design Studio for Social Intervention on Public Kitchen | Dance Court prototypes.In all elements of her work, she strives to create the causes and conditions for liberation, pause, and healing through movement.

Known for his soulful tone and mesmerizing phrasing, Trevor James Alto Flute Artist Díjí Kay(née DeShaun Gordon-King) has given performances as a soloist and principal flute in Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States. Díjí Kay grew up surrounded by griot traditions and jazz and gospel music. Inspired by the worlds and traditions of his upbringing, Díjí Kay grew passionate about programming that blends them all together to create unique and memorable concert experiences.As he continued to expand his musical versatility, Díjí Kay also went inward to cultivate hisspiritual practice. It was through these meditations that he understood exactly what higherpurpose he to which he chose to dedicate his art. In the midst of this Awakening, Díjí Kay moved to Cambridge to pursue a Performance Diploma from the Longy School of Music where he worked with Sergio Pallottelli. In addition to refining himself as a flute player, Díjí Kay also studied therapeutic music with the aim to use music as medicine.During his time in Boston, Díjí Kay has collaborated with Castle of Our Skins, the CelebritySeries of Boston, Shelter Music Boston, and performed as Reed 1 for the American RepertoryTheatre’s production of Evita. A graduate of the Longy School of Music and Harvard Ed PortalPipeline Artist Fellow, Díjí Kay’s work and studies center around synergizing the principles oftherapeutic music, sound healing, and vibrational therapy to curate healing and transformative concert experiences with the firm belief that music is the key to creating paradise in our lifetimes.

Nick Johnson (he/they) is a cellist and organizer that strives to create meaningful art at local levels with collaborations which cross genres. A recipient of the 2023 St. Botolph Club Foundation’s Emerging Artist Award, he regularly performs and records in the New England area as a soloist, chamber partner, and orchestral player with groups including Semiosis Quartet, Sound Icon, and Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) and Odyssey Opera (check out the 2022 Grammy nominated album “Anthony Davis: X: The Life and Times of Malcom X” and the companion Curriculum Guide developed by Castle of Our Skins). Nick often returns to their native state of Florida to join the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist. Nick received their Bachelor of Music from University of South Florida studying with Scott Kluksdahl, as well as Master of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma from Boston Conservatory at Berklee with Andrew Mark. While at Boston Conservatory he studied and performed with members of the Silk Road Ensemble, was a member of the Honors Chamber Ensemble, was awarded first prize in the 2019 MA-ASTA String Masters Solo Competition performing Henri Dutilleux’s “Trois Strophes sur le nom de Sacher,” and was a Concerto Competition winner performing Chen Yi’s “Suite for Cello and Chamber Winds.” They have performed at Symphony Hall, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Jordan Hall, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, Mechanics Hall, and Carnegie Hall.

Fernando Brandão Quartet
2024-10-12 13:00 - 15:00
Flautist, composer, author, and educator Fernando Brandão is celebrated for his extensive performances as a bandleader, sideman, chamber musician, and soloist, showcasing his talent across various ensembles and esteemed orchestras in Brazil and the US. A versatile artist proficient in concert, alto, bass flutes, and pífanos, Fernando delivers a diverse repertoire encompassing traditional and contemporary Brazilian, jazz, and classical music.He has performed at renowned venues and festivals such as the Celebrity Series in Boston, First Cambridge Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, Isabella Gardner Museum, and jazz festivals across multiple US states. Fernando’s seventh album, “Imagine 5,” released in 2019, exemplifies his roles as a producer, composer, and bandleader. As a sideman, he has contributed to over 40 albums, collaborating with distinguished artists like Luciana Souza, Toninho Horta, Maria Teresa Madeira, Bruno Råberg, Matthew Nicholl, Kris Adams, John Stein, Pablo Ablanedo, and many others.A dedicated educator in Brazilian music, Fernando has served as a Professor at Berklee College of Music and faculty at the Community Music Center of Boston for over 25 years. His lectures on Brazilian music genres, history, and composers have been presented at various institutions in the US and Brazil. The widely acclaimed textbook “Brazilian and Afro-Cuban Jazz Conception,” published by Advance Music, attests to Fernando’s authoritative contributions. He has received numerous accolades, including victories in national competitions in Brazil and winning the 1991 Pappoutsakis Flute Competition in Boston.

Manolo Mairena
2024-10-12 15:00 - 17:00
Singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Manolo Mairena is a Costa Rican artist based in Boston. His captivating music and dynamic stage presence have garnered him an international following. Mairena has released three original albums: “Mi Oportunidad” in 2008, “De Todo Un Poco” in 2018, and his latest, “Esto es lo que Hay,” in November 2023.

His music passionately reflects his love for traditions and culture, defining his career with exceptional performances that resonate profoundly with audiences. Drawing on a rich tapestry of influences from Latin America and inspired by legendary soneros such as Ismael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera, Mairena’s style is both diverse and distinct. His performances are consistently praised by fans and industry professionals for their energy and emotional impact.

Throughout his career, Mairena has collaborated with a wide array of talented artists, including Chucho Valdez, Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. He has toured globally and participated in notable projects like the Latin Grammy-nominated “Frutero Moderno,” “La pasión segun San Mateo,” and a tribute to the late Tito Rodriguez, among others. These collaborations have further solidified his reputation as a versatile and passionate musician.

The Femmes
2024-10-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-13 16:00 - 18:00
The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary wedding 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! Our roster includes Berklee alumni, touring artists, veteran wedding band performers, and pit band musicians with over 10 years of professional experience.

Social Media: @thefemmesband

Website: thefemmesband.com

Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration!
2024-10-14 12:00 - 21:00
Boylston T Stop, Boylston St & Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, UnCommon Stage is proud to host a special takeover of the stage curated by Cultural Consultant Maria Hendricks!

1-2 PM | Thea Hopkins

A member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe of Martha’s Vineyard MA, internationally performing songwriter Thea Hopkins calls her music Red Roots Americana. The Washington Post described Thea as a “standout writer”. Festivals and venues where Thea has performed include the Kennedy Center (DC), Woody Guthrie Festival (OK), the Green Note (UK), the Brooklyn Americana Festival (UK), Moseley Folk Festival (UK), Greenbelt Festival (UK), Saltaire Festival (UK), Summertyne Americana Festival (UK), the Atkinson (UK), American Folk Art Museum (NY), Bluebird Cafe (TN). Her new album, “Here In Our World”, is scheduled to be released in January 2025.

2-3 PM | Geri Barney

Geraldine Barney

Geraldine Barney’s music explores the relationship between the traditional Navajo values and beliefs she grew up with on the Navajo Reservation in Northwest New Mexico with contemporary city life off the reservation. Living in two cultures is a prominent theme in her music and art.

Geraldine studied the Native American Flute at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM.

Geraldine, singer and song writer whose work is included in two Smithsonian Folkways CD’s; “Music of New Mexico: Native American Traditions” and “Heartbeat: Voices of First Nations Women”.

3-4 PM | MaDarrius Maximus & Friends

MaDarrius Maximus – From Mattapan To Mashpee Massachusetts! has performed in Connecticut with the “Coast To Coast” Tours Dj Franchise available on YouTube

He also had the good fortune to perform with Jadakiss, Freeway, Mickey Facts, Cuban Linx & Boston’s Own Chilla Jones.

Local Performances Include The Music Room In Yarmouth, various Churches and around the Cape, Cyphers at Bridge Side in Cambridge and other bars & clubs.

From Boston To Brooklyn New York! You Can Find My Music By Looking Up MaDarrius Maximus On Any streaming Platform.

Madarrius Maximus – Easy To Remember Impossible To Forget!Featuring Rock Dicey (Bli$$, Big Mike & Rock Dicey)

4:15-5:00 PM | The Red Hawk Singers and Dancers

The Red Hawk Singers and Dancers are a collective of Indigenous Wampanoag artists and activists sharing education through music, art & culture.

5:15-6:00 PM | Poly-Groove Records Revue

POLY-GROOVE RECORDS (PGR) stands as a label, artist management, and booking company committed to bringing ‘The Sound of a Good Time!’ to the masses. Their signature THUMP & SOUL movement, blending Soul, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, and Afrobeats, resonates across live music venues, lounges, festivals, and concerts throughout southeastern New England.

PGR is the epicenter of a vibrant sonic landscape, and prides itself on fostering an exceptional roster of artists who embody the essence of the THUMP & SOUL spirit. Joining forces with PGR means embracing a journey where the joy of music knows no bounds.

TAKEOVER - Emerson College Teach-In On Sustainability
2024-10-15 15:00 - 18:00
Emerson’s Teach-In on Sustainability is an annual College-wide exploration of how we can contribute to a sustainable tomorrow through communication, the arts, and the liberal arts.In 2015, the United Nations introduced 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for a better, more sustainable future for all.Here at Emerson, we’re on it. Across the College and around the world, Emersonians are contributing to a sustainable future in many ways, big and small, because we all have a stake in what’s ahead.

Check back for more details!

Daniel Sturgis
2024-10-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00
Daniel Sturgis is a talented musician hailing from the vibrant music scene of Cape Cod. With a musical style that seamlessly blends alternative, funk, pop, and rock, Sturgis has created a captivating sound that is uniquely his own. Influenced by legendary artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, B.B. King, and The Beatles, Sturgis draws inspiration from the rich history of music while also pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sonic landscapes.

Having honed his craft at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Sturgis is a true master of his instrument. His impressive guitar skills, combined with his soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence, make for a captivating live performance that leaves audiences in awe. Sturgis’ talents have not gone unnoticed, as he emerged victorious in the Cape Cod Battle of the Bands in 2011. This accomplishment solidified his place among the region’s most promising musicians and propelled him to new heights in his career.

Currently, Daniel Sturgis is focused on his ongoing musical projects, constantly pushing himself to create fresh and innovative music. Whether he’s writing thought-provoking lyrics or crafting infectious melodies, Sturgis consistently delivers music that resonates with listeners on a profound level. With a diverse range of influences and a dedication to his craft, Daniel Sturgis is an artist to watch. With each new endeavor, he continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of his musical style. As he navigates the ever-evolving music industry, Sturgis remains poised to make a lasting impact with his unique sound and unbridled passion for music.

Facebook.com/Danielsturgisband

Instagram: @danielsturgis

Brooke Annibale Band
2024-10-16 16:00 - 18:00
Not confined by any one genre, Brooke Annibale’s expressive and beautifully thoughtful songwriting creates a dreamy, dark, and enticing sonic landscape. Her songs have been placed on many TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, and One Tree Hill. Brooke has recently performed on SiriusXM The Coffee House, AudioTree Live, Paste and more. ​Brooke’s new album Better By Now is out now.

http://brookeannibale.comInstagramFacebookBrooke on XTikTok @brookeannibale

Ron Reid
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
Ron Reid is a bassist, steel drummer, educator and composer. The Trinidadian musician is also a Professor of Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with Randy Weston, Carmen Lundy, Dave Samuels Caribbean Jazz Project as well as a host of notable calypso and soca artists. He has three CDs as a leader, the most recent ‘Precious Metals’ was released on the Jazz Urbane label. Ron also leads the Sunsteel Quintet in which he exclusively plays steel pans.

ronreid.com

Instagram – @ronreidmusic

Facebook – Ron Reid

BAMS Presents: S.O.U.L.STICE – Kasie O x DJ Kitz
2024-10-17 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over UnCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage.

For DJ Kitz, music has been a lifelong passion, and it means the world for him to get to share it with you. He loves curating inclusive experiences that demonstrate music’s ability to serve as a universal language. With each experience, his goal is to expand your musical palette while celebrating your favorites, making you feel at home regardless of origin.In addition to Top40, Hip-Hop, R&B, his events boasts a wide range of international sounds ranging from Latin (Dembow, Reggaeton, Latin Pop, Bachata, Merengue, Salsa, etc.) to Kompa/Zouk and Afrobeat to Dancehall. DJ Kitz founded sound of all music (s.o.a.m.) productions inc., to offer a range that will surely accommodate your musical needs.

Catherine Bent Brazilian Choro
2024-10-18 14:00 - 16:00
Catherine Bent, an alumna of Cirque du Soleil, has performed and recorded with Joe Jackson, Lee Konitz, Donna Summer, and many others. She is regarded in Brazil as the leading cellist in choro.

Choro (pronounced “shoh-roh”) is an instrumental music that has its origins in late 1800s Rio de Janeiro. It’s been likened to New Orleans jazz, and shares that tradition’s improvisation, soulfulness, and often irrepressible joyfulness.

https://linktr.ee/catherinebentmusic

ALDRA
2024-10-18 16:00 - 18:00
PC: Hayley Bigness Rockwood 2023

ALDRA is a Somerville, MA-based performing and recording artist whose music draws influence from soul, R&B, and alternative pop. She captivates listeners with velvety tones, profound lyrics, and imagery to bring them on a journey through her life experiences.InstagramTikTokFacebookOn the web

Tolieth
2024-10-18 18:00 - 20:00
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.

https://tolieth.com/

Jonathan Suazo Quartet
2024-10-19 13:00 - 17:00
Jonathan Suazo is an award-winning saxophonist / composer / cultural advocate and educator who also leads his own project entitled RICANO, a unique afro Caribbean Jazz concept that blends the sounds of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. Jonathan was named one of the top ten emerging jazz artists of 2023 by the GRAMMYS and his debut album “Ricano” (Ropeadope Records) was listed at #6 in the best Jazz albums of 2023 by The New York Times. A Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate, Jonathan has also received many honors including the South Arts Jazz Road Tours Grant, the New Music USA Creator Fund Grant, A full tuition Scholarship to attend the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Masters Program, The Project Support Grant for Alumni by the Fundacion Banco Popular for his Ricano album and the Berklee urban Service Award for using the arts to support humanitarianism. Catalina Maria Johnson of Downbeat Jazz Magazine describes his music as “a soundscape propelled by lyrical sax playing” and Giovanni Russonello from The NY Times describes his music as “richly built, written from the heart and packed with complexity, always seeking the next level of altitude.” Suazo has collaborated / performed with artists like Miguel Zenón, Terri Lyne Carrington, David Sánchez, Charlie Sepúlveda, Eric Figueroa, Gonzalo Grau, Alex Alvear, Ricky Rodriguez, Ileana Cabra (iLÉ), Calma Carmona, Rakalam Bob Moses, Joe Lovano, Paoli Mejias, Humberto Ramirez, David Rivera, Tito Matos, Ricardo Pons, William Cepeda, Jon Secada, Pedro Capó, Obie Bermudez, Hans Glawischnig, Humberto Ramirez, Silverio Perez, Tony Escapa; and he’s led his band at venues like The Keystone Korner, Jazz Showcase Chicago, the Santo Domingo Jazz Festival, Springfield Jazzfest, Sala Sinfónica Pablo Casals PR, Teatro Francisco Arriví (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest (Anfiteatro Tito Puente), Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, Elephant Room Austin TX, SXSW 2023, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The MFA Boston, and many more.

Zack Bolles Band
2024-10-19 18:00 - 20:00
The Zack Bolles Band is a folk rock trio featuring Abe Dewing on fiddle, Ed Cardenas on cajon and Zack Bolles on guitar.

www.zackbolles.com

@zackbollesband

Emerson Presents: Pop Goes The Musical - A Pop Cover Cabaret
2024-10-21 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the rising stars of Emerson College’s Musical Theatre program. This showcase spotlights the exceptional talent of our graduating seniors as they prepare to take the professional stage by storm.

What to expect:

Performances of beloved songs from musical theater and popular artists, including contemporary pop hits

A glimpse into the future of Broadway and beyond

An opportunity to support and celebrate emerging artists

Don’t miss this chance to witness the passion and skill of Emerson’s finest performers, come and be inspired by the next generation of musical theatre talent as they bring their unique interpretations to both classic tunes and modern pop favorites!

Brooke Annibale
2024-10-22 17:00 - 19:00
This will be a solo performance by indie pop-folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, Brooke Annibale. Not confined by any one genre, Brooke’s expressive and beautifully thoughtful songwriting creates a dreamy, dark, and enticing sonic landscape. Her songs have been placed on many TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, and One Tree Hill. Brooke has recently performed on SiriusXM The Coffee House, AudioTree Live, Paste and more. ​Brooke’s new album Better By Now is out now.

http://brookeannibale.com

http://instagram.com/brookeannibale

http://facebook.com/brookeannibale

http://twitter.com/brookeannibale

tik tok @brookeannibale

Samuel Batista
2024-10-23 18:00 - 20:00
Panamanian saxophonist, composer, and educator Samuel Batista mixes Panamanian folkloric and urban music with jazz. His latest album, Panama United, featuring Anthony Fung (drums), Eunjeong Hwong (piano) and James Dale (bass) covers traditional Panamanian rhythms within his original compositions, aiming to preserve Panamanian folklore while documenting his firsts travels in the United States.

In 2012, he was admitted with a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, where he earned a double degree in Performance and Jazz Composition. During these years of study, Batista had the honor of learning from some of the world’s most notable musicians such as Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Ben Street, Joe Lovano and Marco Pignataro.

While completing his studies at Berklee, Samuel worked as coordinator of international auditions at the Panama Jazz Festival, and collaborated in educational activities as musical director, arranger and orchestrator for American vibraphonist Stefon Harris and Spanish singer Miguel Bosé. Similarly, he experienced his first international exhibitions in places such as Carnegie Hall, Small Jazz Club, Outside The Box Music Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Kriol Jazz Festival, together with artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Zahili Gonzales Zamora, Ron Savage, Neal Smith and Antonio Hart.

While working with bassist Oscar Stagnaro and pianist and producer Alain Mallet, and drummer Mark Walker, Batista was appointed to teach at The New England Conservatory for The Preparatory Jazz School and the Continuing Education Program. His 2018 debut album, Panama United, was produced by Alain Mallet and premiered during the 19th edition of the Panama Jazz Festival along with his “Panamanian Sextet”.

In 2018, Batista returned to Panama and toured with Panamanian singer Ruben Blades while working as an educator at the Danilo Perez Foundation. After four years as a piano teacher for children ages three to five, Batista was granted a full scholarship for the graduate program at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.

Batista currently lives in Boston, where he is working on his upcoming album Rising to Love.

BAMSPresents: S.O.U.L.STICE - Toki Wright x Seventh Sun
2024-10-24 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over unCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage.

Toki Wright is a two-time Emmy Award-winning MC, poet, producer, and cultural diplomat. He has received two CLIO Award for advertising with General Mills for the number one worldwide Twitter trending project “Watch the Stove” which was also nominated for a Cannes Lion Award. Wright is currently the chair of the Professional Music Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before relocating he was the Department Head of the United States’ first fully accredited Hip-Hop Studies program at McNally Smith College of Music. The program was awarded the “Best Transformative Higher Learning Model” from the Hip-Hop Education Center at NYU. Toki also facilitated seven Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop Festivals and helped establish “Hip-Hop at H.E.A.L.S,” a program for former child soldiers in Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Toki’s worked with the US State Department, delivered a TED Talk, and ran the youth-led nonprofit YO! The Movement, helping to build community through the arts. Toki is a freelance writer, radio host and has been a judge for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, and a community organizer. He’s released albums and film through his media company Soul Tools Entertainment that have charted top 50 on MTV, iTunes, and more. Wright has performed at events like Coachella, Rock The Bells and more while sharing stages with the likes of Lizzo, Terri Lyne Carrington, Atmosphere, the late Sean Price, and J-Live. Toki has released recordings with Talib Kweli, BJ The Chicago Kid, and G Yamazawa to name a few.

Seventh Sun is a Boston-based saxophonist, producer, writer, and lyricist from Dayton, Ohio. Seventh Sun has become the heir apparent to Wynton Marsalis, Jazzmeia Horn, Ralph Peterson Jr., Edo. G, Jesus Molina, and many more around the world, & now, he’s carrying the torch for his own legacy. Seventh Sun’s music ranges from jazz to neo-soul and hip-hop. The unique blend of the tenor sax voice, while producing the modern styles of today invites listeners into a tasteful, fresh musical experience.

Through his music, Seventh Sun aims to inspire listeners to pay attention to things outside of themselves and find the brightest stars in the darkest places. As he puts it, “When you are in the darkest place, this is when you can see the most, like seeing the stars as they illuminate at night.”

Seventh Sun came to Boston from Dayton, Ohio in the fall of 2017 to attend Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. Arriving in 2017 at Berklee, Seventh Sun studied with Ralph Peterson, Jr. on alto and tenor sax as well as with Tia Fuller, Neil Smith and Snarky Puppy’s band leader, Michael League. And, he founded the Seventh Sun group.

Lee Fish and Friends
2024-10-25 14:00 - 16:00
Lee Fish will be presenting his exciting new group featuring longtime collaborator Jason Palmer on trumpet, along with pianist Zahili Gonzalez Zamora, and bassist Max Ridley. Together they will explore Fish’s original music which can best be described as a blend of all his favorite styles – ranging from jazz, soul/r&b to folk and film music. Groove, melody, and communication are the core elements that bring their unique sound to life. Keep an eye out for their future tour dates and more upcoming performances in Boston and NYC.

Max Ridley

Jason Palmer

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora

Farayi Malek
2024-10-25 16:00 - 18:00
Farayi Malek is a jazz and contemporary vocalist, composer, and educator. She received her bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory of Music in 2017 where she studied with vocalist and composer, Dominique Eade. Upon completion, she continued on to receive a master’s degree in Contemporary Performance at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in 2018, under the tutelage of world-renowned pianist and composer, Danilo Perez. Since 2018, Farayi has been a member of Danilo Perez’s Global Messengers.

In addition to her performance ventures, Farayi is a passionate music educator. In January of 2020, she founded Allegro Virtual Preparatory Instruction, LLC, an online learning platform that strives to provide students with access to the highest possible level of preparation for the study of music in higher education in order to maximize the chance of admittance, scholarship funding, and to build foundational skills for success and heightened creativity. Beyond helping students develop the necessary technical, performance, and professional skills, Allegro Virtual Prep strives to inspire each student to be socially conscious, and to use their music to make a positive impact in their own communities. In September 2021, Farayi joined the faculty at Berklee College of Music as Assistant Professor in the Ensemble Department, as well as Pop Ensemble teacher at Berklee’s City Music Boston High School Academy. In January 2022, she joined faculty at New England Conservatory as R&B Ensemble coach, and private studio instructor.

IG: @farayi.malek

farayimalek.com

Manuela Sánchez Goubert
2024-10-26 13:00 - 15:00
Manuela Sánchez Goubert is a Colombian artist who combines jazz with Latin American folklore, creating a cosmopolitan sound. Manuela and her band belong to a new generation, who–inspired by the folkloric traditions of the 50’s–propose new compositions with a modern touch, nourished by jazz reharmonizations. Manuela is a Colombian artist who combines jazz with Latin American folklore, creating a cosmopolitan sound. She studies at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute led by Maestro Danilo Pérez and Patricia Zárate, where she hones her social activism skills by engaging in community outreach programs, participating in social justice initiatives, and collaborating on projects that use music as a tool for social change. Furthermore, she is an ambassador for the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and participates in the Foundation’s 2024 “Leading Ladies of Entertainment” Program.

Born and raised in the Colombian Andes, Manuela moved to New York City as a teenager, where she was introduced to the jazz scene by mentors like Lucía Pulido and Lauren Kinhan. She has performed in major venues around the world, including the Panamá Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Radio City Valencia alongside world-renowned artists such as Andrés Cepeda, Luciana Souza, Olga Román, and New York Voices. Manuela is about to release her first album of original songs, which will include a tour throughout the Americas.

https://www.manuelasanchezgoubert.com/

https://www.instagram.com/manuelasanchezgb

https://www.facebook.com/manuelasanchezgb

https://www.youtube.com/@manuelasanchezgoubert9516

Claudio Ragazzi
2024-10-26 15:00 - 17:00
GRAMMY WINNER, EMMY Winner and EMMY Nominated Film Composer and guitarist Claudio Ragazzi has been writing award winning music for film and television, scoring dozens of projects and performing with some of today’s most respected musicians at renowned concert halls in the world.Claudio attended Berklee College of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, a winner of the prestigious Duke Ellington Master’s Award and the Boston Music Awards, Claudio went on to compose music for feature films, documentaries and television commercials as well as undertaking commissioned works for plays and ballets.Among some selected works Claudio has scored the MIRAMAX Film “Next Stop Wonderland”; award winning Goldheart Productions “The Blue Diner”; John Sayle’s film “Casa de los Babys” in collaboration with Mason Daring and Francis Ford Coppola’s “Tetro” in collaboration with Osvaldo Golijov. Claudio’s music can also be heard in “Something’s Gotta Give” starring Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves.Claudio has scored dozens of award winning Feature Documentaries as well as TV productions for the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Telemundo, Univision and PBS, including American Experience, NOVA, Sesame Street, Arthur, and Postcards from Buster. Claudio’s live performances include those at Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, The Blue Note Jazz Club (NY and Tokyo), The Lincoln Center and in theatres around the world. He has performed with some of today’s most influential and respected musicians, including Gary Burton, Yo-Yo Ma, Regina Carter, Randy Brecker, Danilo Perez, saxophone legends Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett and Paquito D’Rivera to name a few. A native of Argentina, Claudio grew up in Buenos Aires, where he started playing music at a very early age performing with some of Argentina’s most influential musicians. He currently scores films, performs and teaches Film Composition at prestigious Berklee College of Music.Claudio on the Web
