Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Ben Cosgrove
2025-06-15 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-02 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Ben Cosgrove

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

Ben Cosgrove is a traveling composer-performer whose music explores themes of landscape, place, and environment. Described by the Boston Globe as “a sonic plein-air painter… [using] his piano as a paintbrush,” Ben has performed in every U.S. state except for Delaware, collaborated with groups ranging from rock bands to research scientists, contributed music to several radio and film projects (including the recent Ken Burns documentary The American Buffalo), and held residencies and fellowships with institutions including NASA, the National Park Service, the National Forest Service, Harvard University, Middlebury College, the Schmidt Ocean Institute, and the Sitka Center for Art & Ecology.

Ben’s music has been called “beautiful and fascinating” (The Maine Edge), “deeply impressive” (Independent Clauses), and “immediately evocative and fully arresting… brim[ming] with technical mastery and emotional capital” (Seven Days). His latest record, Bearings, a collection of improvisation-based music that reflects upon the relationship between movement and place, was named one of the top albums of 2023 by Sound of Boston, who in their review described Ben as “an expert at painting sonic portraits of curious, unexpected places.”For more about Ben Cosgrove and his work, please visit bencosgrove.com.

@bencosgrovemusic

@bencosgrovemusic

bencosgrove.com

Dan DeCristofaro
2025-06-15 15:00 - 17:00
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.

WERS 617 Day
2025-06-17 12:00 - 21:00
WERS 617 Day

Join Boston’s uncommon radio station for 617 Day! Stop by UnCommon to see some of WERS’ favorite local talent, fun games and activities from sponsors, and as always great beer from Harpoon and elevated Mexican street food from El Jefe’s!

Featured Artists

Jules Grace

Jules Grace is an independent artist from Boston who just released her debut album “Diaries & Daydreams.” She has been playing guitar since she was nine and grew up playing in cover bands. Jules enjoys making a variety of music, ranging from dreamy indie-pop to heavier rock. Performing on radio station WERS, Musicians Wanted, and local venues around Boston, Jules has been gaining momentum in her music career.

@musicbyjulesgrace

Dave Herlihy

Dave Herlihy’s first single “This Life” from the upcoming album “now” will be available on streaming services everywhere on June 17.

“This Life” features Dave’s one-of-a-kind voice and the O Positive rhythm section of Dave Ingham and Ken Hickey along with local guitar legend Kevin Barry and background vocalist Jenna Shorey.

All the songs on “now” focus on the experience being in the moment amid the transience of everything.

Stay tuned for more Dave Herlihy songs from “now” throughout 2025.

www.herlihymusic.com

Kristin Cifelli

Boston Music Award Nominee, Kristin Cifelli has been singing in and around the Boston music scene for the better part of 25 years. She has toured the country, sharing the stage with artists such as Jeffrey Gaines, Chris Trapper, Marshall Crenshaw, and Rita Wilson. Kristin’s 2011 release, Middle of Nowhere, attracted the attention of folks from hipsters to hippies, with its earthy, yet modern sound. Check out her latest releases on all streaming platforms. “Kristin Cifelli’s voice is a practiced instrument; she is in full control while singing with thrilling emotion – striking, tender at one moment – then powerful, soaring, carrying us along to a musical and lyrical peak.” (WCUW 91.3 FM, Worcester) “…She’s got the voice, the talent and the originality while she breaks from the pack of local songwriters with the best of devices: realness.” (Northeast Performer). “The music has a twangy dreaminess about it that would make Chris Isaak sit up and take notice.” (indie-music.com). “…I think there’s no justice if she doesn’t become really successful…” (Brad Delp of BOSTON); and simply, “Stunning” (Cape Cod Journal).

@kristincifellimusic

www.kristincifelli.com

Will Dailey

Will Dailey’s seventh album BOYS TALKING is the one he’s not releasing.

Oh, you’ll get to hear it, if you buy a vinyl copy, CD, or download it directly from him. But it won’t be a matter of opening up a streaming platform and pressing play on a chosen date with thousands of other releases. With a record he considers his best work, Will wanted to find another way to celebrate and enjoy the process of sharing the album for more than a day or week. “Music is supposed to be a joyful expression of self that connects us to other people,” Will says. “I want to instill a more personal, joyful process of sharing my work.”

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Dailey has spent the last decade-and-a-half mastering a twisted, Americana psychedelia that evokes underground legends like Cass McCombs, Kevin Morby, and Jeff Tweedy. Like these beloved, offbeat icons, there’s no bending to the music industry machine in his catalog. Rather than try to slot himself into a single genre, era, or sound, Will has always let the songs do what they want—marketing plans and genre programming be damned. Independent but not really indie, the strains of the blues, rock, funk and folk continue to permeate his sound across the years. Rather than a brand of sound, Dailey is a student of the American roots songbook, and a champion of masterful pop hooks.

In fact, the most consistent through line of his career is recognition from artists of a certain caliber. He’s repeatedly performed with Eddie Vedder, played alongside Peter Buck of R.E.M., spent 2023 opening for Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers, and was tapped to pay tribute to Richie Havens at the 2024 Folk, Americana, Roots Hall of Fame induction. In that sense, BOYS TALKING is a culmination of sorts. Not just concerning the idiosyncratic methods of an artist who’s routinely gone the long way around, but as a mountaintop release from a musician, writer, and performer who is a visionary artist in every sense of the word. On this album, which was funded in part by a local arts grant, Will insisted on getting a murderer’s row of studio musicians in one room, together, to record live: Dave Brophy, Fabiola Mend​​éz, Cody Nilsen, Juliana Hatfield, Jeremy Moses Curtis, Andrew Stern, Abie Barrett, Kevin Barry, Alisa Amador and James Rohr. That sense of camaraderie and fellowship, across ten days of playing music together, you might say it was… boys talking (even though the presence of women on this record is essential to the DNA).

@willdaileyofficial

@willdailey

www.willdailey.com

Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controller have created a place all their own in the indie pop world.

Serving in the US Navy as an air traffic controller, singer/songwriter Dave Munro sent home demos written during deployment. These early songs circulated through family, friends, and beyond, sparking an initial fanbase. This was chapter one for ATC.In the decade that followed, Dave built a legacy for crafting heartfelt, luscious and genuine indie-folk-pop songs that are timeless and classic. Since emerging from the Boston scene in 2009, the group, which also includes drummer Adam Salameh, bassist Joe Campbell, guitarist Bobby Borenstein, vocalist/keytarist Emi McSwain, and multi-instrumentalist Steve Scott, has released 5 critically applauded albums and toured the U.S. + U.K.ATC took their time writing and demoing their latest album and their audience has not left their side. While streaming to over 400 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify alone, they recorded “DASH” throughout the pandemic, where they met several delays and hardships, but stayed the course, bringing the next chapter of ATC to its debut. On the new album the band is heard together in Dimension Sound Studios with Boston producer/ engineer Dan Cardinal (Darlingside, Henry Jamison, Josh Ritter, Ballroom Thieves) along with longtime ATC collaborators Seth Kasper and Adrian Aiello. The goal was not to match up with previous albums, or meet some expectation, in fact, ATC’s formulas were often set aside, allowing further exploration among the group. Loyal fans of ATC’s stories, charm, nostalgia, hooks, will be drawn in from the very first line “It was chapter one”, and surely stick around for the journey.Air Traffic Controller have achieved a lot over their career. Their category-defying organic/electronic sound, and knack for connecting with all ages and types of listeners, has kept them on everyone’s radar. They were Billboard Hot 100 Fest performers with The Weeknd and Justin Bieber, placed on the NPR Hot 100 List for SXSW, named Guardian UK Band of the Day, won Best Indie Alternative Song for “You Know Me” in the Independent Music Awards, and have multiple songs achieving millions of streams on Spotify. ATC’s music has been licensed by Bose, MTV, NBC, ABC, Disney, Verizon, Toyota, and many more. They’ve played Sundance with ASCAP, Sixthman Rock Boat cruise with bands like NEEDTOBREATHE, Michael Franti, Jukebox The Ghost, and Bronze Radio Return. The band played SXSW showcases for McDonalds, the Grammy Museum, and was featured on Jeff Regan’s Alt Nation playlist of bands to watch. Their music video for “The House” earned rotation on MTVU, MTV2, was featured by Funny Or Die, won a Boston Music Award, New England Music Award, was Improper Bostonian’s “Boston’s Best” Music Video, and was named Best Video by Boston Magazine. Vanyaland calls ATC an evolution forward featuring “crafty alt-pop, an expansion of depth and sound, catchy hooks”. One Stop Record Shop in the UK states “equal parts fascinating and brilliant”. Songs from ATC have been featured by Gary Vaynerchuk in the Daily Vee, EA Sports NHL, UK top reality show Made In Chelsea. At radio, WERS and WXRV have been constant supporters, as well as Top 40 Mix 93.3 in KC, KX 93.5 Laguna CA, KCSN & KXLU Los Angeles, WLCA IL, WHSN ME, KXTE LV, KTCL CO and more. CLIF Bar, Quiznos, and Boston Harbor Distillery have worked with ATC, as well as MyMusicRX out of Portland, OR. On the road ATC has hit Summerfest, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Denver’s Beaver Creek Music Experience and will continue to play shows throughout the year in support of DASH. Air Traffic Controller is from Boston and features:Dave Munro, Adam Salameh, Joe Campbell, Bobby Borenstein, Emi McSwain, & Steve Scott

@ATCmusic

@ATCmusic

www.AirTrafficControllerMusic.com

Samuel Batista
2025-06-18 16:00 - 18:00
Samuel Batista

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

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.

Tolieth
2025-06-18 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.

BAMS Presents: S.O.U.L.STICE - Toki Wright x Andrew Sue Wing
2025-06-19 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Presents: S.O.U.L.STICE – Toki Wright x Andrew Sue Wing

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

Toki Wright

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.

@tokiwright

@tokiwright

Andrew Sue Wing

Emily Nawrocki
2025-06-20 12:00 - 14:00
Emily Nawrocki

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

Emily Nawrocki is proving to be a rising star in the pop-soul world, blending powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and undeniable stage presence. The Boston, MA native has been making waves with her debut single, Blue Eyed Baby, which earned her two nominations at the 2025 International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMAs)—one for Best Pop Song and another for the People’s Choice Award.

​Her debut album, Evolving, produced by multi Grammy-nominated John Mailloux at Bongo Beach Productions has been praised for its fusion of pop, soul, and Motown influences. Wavy Magazine describes it as “a journey of self-discovery and artistry, blending rhythmic energy with lyrical introspection.” Nawrocki worked alongside Grammy-level musicians—who have played with legends like Michael Bublé and Jackson Browne—to craft an album that’s both polished and deeply personal.

As double graduate of Berklee College of Music with a master’s in Songwriting, Nawrocki’s music draws inspiration from Amy Winehouse, Carole King, and James Brown, fusing vintage soul with modern pop hooks. The Herald News praised Blue Eyed Baby for its “infectious energy and playful charm.”

Her album release show at The Narrows Center for the Arts was a full-house, sold-out success, proving that her music resonates deeply with audiences. Wavy Magazine notes, “Live performances are where Nawrocki’s passion shines brightest, creating an energy that’s both spontaneous and electric.”

With an ever-growing fanbase, Emily Nawrocki is just getting started—and the world is taking notice.

@emily.nawrocki

@emilynawrockimusic

https://www.emilynawrockimusic.com

Farayi Malek
2025-06-20 15:00 - 17:00
Farayi Malek

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

With her warm, soulful voice, Farayi Malek has captivated audiences around the globe as a Grammy-nominated vocalist with Danilo Pérez’s Global Messengers. Now, she’s returning to her musical roots, embarking on a new chapter of her journey.

The child of a Zimbabwean immigrant and a white American mother, Farayi grew up in a small, rural town in Southern Idaho, playing the fiddle and absorbing the culture of seemingly conflicting communities. Her goal is to bring all of the diverse sounds and experiences of her life into her music: the Gospel of the church she grew up in, the American folk music and hymns of her childhood, and the blues and jazz she studied, all woven into pure, resonant songs that allow her effortless vocals to shine.

Now a Salt Lick Incubator award-winner, Farayi is stepping out as a solo artist on her much anticipated debut recording project produced by Alain Mallet [Phil Woods, Paul Simon, Paquito D’Rivera, Marc Johnson, and Madeleine Peyroux.] Her writing showcases very accessible themes with a unique compositional intelligence, demonstrated in songs like “Tonight”.

When she is not performing and recording, Farayi shares her vast musical knowledge as a professor at various esteemed institutions including Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory. In an interview with The Boston Globe, Farayi says, “Seeing my students be so brave and confident, so artistic and free…they’re the ones who actually inspired me to pursue my artistic career.”

Whether she is engaging with her audience through performance or education, Farayi is driven by the desire to make people feel seen and at home in their otherness.

She will be releasing her debut EP March 27th, 2025.

@farayi.malek

@farayi.malek

www.farayimalek.com

HipStory Presents Rhythm and Roots
2025-06-20 18:00 - 20:00
HipStory Presents Rhythm and Roots featuring Zion Rodman and Gogo Norales

Join HipStory for their bi-weekly series, “Rhythm and Roots,” a live music and dance event that celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of Black music and movement. Rhythm & Roots will feature a rotating lineup of live bands, dance performances, and open jam sessions where musicians and dancers can exchange rhythms and movement. This event will focus on blending Afro-diasporic music styles, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and house music.

Artist Bios

Gogo Norales

Gogo Norales is a Garifuna musician and ambassador for the culture. Providing world music to the public and expressing how culture is also an identity.

@noralesgogo

@gomany.norales

Zion Rodman

Zion Rodman is a multi-instrumental singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice, intricate guitar playing, and poignant lyrics. With a melodic style that blends folk and rock influences, Zion’s performances are heartfelt and captivating. Based in Boston, he brings a mix of introspection and energy to the stage, both as a solo act and with his band, making each show a memorable experience. Fans of Dawes, Steely Dan, The Band, and Pinegrove are often drawn to Zion’s music.

Zion’s latest EP “The Lives I’ve Kept” was met with a sold-out release show and praise in the Boston Globe: “Boston artist Zion Rodman forges a brief respite from the forthcoming winter gloom with this fireplace-cozy EP.”

Past released projects include “Whatever Happens” (2020), “Did Not Wake Up Today” (2018), and “You’re Invited” (2017). Zion is currently recording another full-length record that will be titled “The Acquisition Of All Things” at Rusty’s Recording Studio with the full band.

Outside of recording and performing his own music, Zion is a sound engineer for The Burren and SoFar Sounds. Zion is also a proponent of boosting the local music scene and cohosts a monthly open mic with Christian Colegrove at Medford Brewing Co and a weekly open mic at McCarthys and Toad.

@zion_rodman

@zionrodmanmusic

www.zionrodmanmusic.com

Iris Luis-Gomez
2025-06-21 13:00 - 15:00
Iris Luis Gomez

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

Iris is a Cuban multi-instrumentalist, artist, and educator based in Boston. Passionate about Afro-Latin rhythms, vibrant cultures, and the classical repertoire, she seamlessly blends these influences into her music. As a composer and arranger, her greatest inspirations include Bach, Leo Brouwer, Villa-Lobos, Tom Jobim, Los Van Van, and João Gilberto, shaping her sound with a wide spectrum of textures and styles.With a rich performance history, Iris has played with numerous bands and at prestigious venues such as the Amadeo Roldán Theater in Havana, the University of Guadalajara in Mexico, and Jordan Hall in Boston, as well as at various festivals along the East Coast. Sharing the stage with amazing artists like Clave & Blues, Manolo Mairena, Juan de Marcos, Los Adolescentes, Jeremy Bosch, Frankie Ruiz Jr., and many others as the bass player in these wonderful bands, and now producing her debut album with Rosewood & Strings, her latest project as a songwriter and bandleader. This new production brings together her Cuban and Latin roots with her classical training, creating a distinctive and evocative musical fusion.

Palo Rosa & Cuerda
2025-06-21 16:00 - 18:00
Palo Rosa & Cuerda

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

Experience the mesmerizing fusion of Afro rhythms, classical guitar, and Cuban Tres improvisations in every performance.

The trio is brought to you by Iris, a Cuban multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer whose work in this project showcases a passion for classical repertoire and Afro-Latin rhythms, as well as the storytelling of folk music, blending tradition with innovation. Iris, on guitar, alongside incredible artists such as Olivia Soler and Rafael Heredia, creates a joyful journey for audiences to enjoy.

Bencils
2025-06-21 19:00 - 21:00
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 Water Street Wranglers
2025-06-22 12:00 - 14:00
The Water Street Wranglers

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

Embark on a musical journey with the Water Street Wranglers, a Boston-based bluegrass/Americana band. Known for their blend of original and traditional tunes, join us for mesmerizing live performances that capture the essence of good old-fashioned vibes mixed with a modern touch.

@waterstreetwranglers

@TheWaterStreetWranglers

www.thewaterstreetwranglers.com

Geri Barney
2025-06-22 15:00 - 16:00
Acoustic and Soulful Sundays featuring Geraldine Barney, Navajo Singer & Songwriter

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”.

@GERAL.DINE.BARNEY

What’s in a song series NPR

Mariaé Muzik
2025-06-22 16:00 - 17:00
Acoustic and Soulful Sundays featuring Mariaé Muzik

Mariaé Broome, from Cleveland Ohio is a 20-year-old sophisticated vocal virtuoso. As a child, she sang in her family’s church, mesmerizing audiences with her smooth voice and flawless delivery. With time and dedication, Mariaé’s talent has grown, earning her various accolades and opportunities along the way. She was a two-time member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Honors Choir and participated in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Choir. In 2022, Mariae was afforded the opportunity to attend the distinguished Interlochen Center for the Arts Camp where she earned a fine arts award and a full scholarship to the Academy. In 2023, Mariae was recognized as a finalist and gold winner by the National Young Arts Foundation. She was a candidate for the US Presidential Scholars program. Upon graduation from Interlochen she was accepted to the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where she continues to hone her craft and studies jazz theory and modern American music

@mariaemuzik

Jules Grace
2025-06-24 16:00 - 18:00
Jules Grace

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

Jules Grace is an independent artist from Boston who just released her debut album “Diaries & Daydreams.” She has been playing guitar since she was nine and grew up playing in cover bands. Jules enjoys making a variety of music, ranging from dreamy indie-pop to heavier rock. Performing on radio station WERS, Musicians Wanted, and local venues around Boston, Jules has been gaining momentum in her music career.

Sheryl Bailey Trio
2025-06-24 18:00 - 20:00
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.

HipStory presents The Break
2025-06-25 16:00 - 20:00
The Break featuring Eva Davenport and Rilla Force

“The Break” is bi-weekly showcase dedicated to Boston’s hip-hop/R&B artists and DJs, connecting thecity’s underground talent with new audiences. This program is curated by HipStory.

Artist Bios

Eva Davenport

Music has been in Eva Davenport’s heart and soul since birth. Inspired by powerful songstresses Aretha, Etta, Beyonce & Alicia Keys. Eva asked for voice lessons her 8th birthday, started, and continued studying until her last day at Berklee College of Music. Infusing R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul & many similar genres into her songs. This multitalented singer/songwriter from Rhode Island and Boston. As a professional singer she’s worked in many genres and performed with 30+ different bands/music groups in over 1K shows across New England. Officially starting her career as a solo artist in 2017, Eva brings the upmost authenticity to her lyricism and performances, and aims to inspire and enlighten her audience with honesty and love. Creating music inclusive to everyone, in hopes of bringing all types of people together through music.

@lyricsbyeva

@evadavenportmusic

@lyricsbyeva

www.evadavenportmusic.com

Rilla Force

Artist, producer, songwriter, & international DJ from Boston, Massachusetts.

Rilla Force makes kinetic, bass-heavy tracks that straddle the boundary between ambient soundscapes and sophisticated, club-ready jams.

Nominated as “Dance/Electronic Artist of the Year” – Boston Music Awards 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and Boston Music Awards 2024 “Dance/Electronic Artist of the Year”

@rillaforce

@rillaforce

@rillaforce

www.rillaforce.com

BAMS Fest and Departure Arts Present: MOMENTUM
2025-06-26 16:00 - 20:00
MOMENTUM: Soulstice Play Playe Night

Join us for a night of yard, board, and card games at UnCommon Corner for MOMENTUM. As always we will have music, food, and brews on tap from Harpoon Brewery and El Jefe’s Taqueria. Hosted by Toki Wright and with sounds By:DJ 411, MOMENTUM will feature:

All Star Karaoke withLisa BelloKarim Keli Nicole Price

Game Play withTori Tori vs. Notebook P Quontay “Q” Turner (Emerald City Plant Shop) vs. Malik Williams (Reel Sync Music)Jamilah Bradshaw (The Barr Foundation) vs. Richeline Cadet (Mass Creative)Myriam Michel (M&M Elite Events) vs. Catherine Morris (BAMS Fest Inc.)

Artist Bios

Toki Wright

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.

@tokiwright

@tokiwright

BAMS Fest

Boston Art, Music, and Soul Fest is a cultural movement led by Greater Boston Black and Brown artists, culture makers and creative entrepreneurs who are on the front lines of racial equity, spatial justice, and economic empowerment.

BAMS Fest is a nonprofit organization that breaks down racial and social barriers to arts, music, and culture across Greater Boston. Through edutainment (education + entertainment), strategic partnerships and cultural programming, we celebrate and support both artists and audiences, with an emphasis on Black and Brown voices, perspectives, and artistry.​

@bamsfest

@bamsfest

www.bamsfest.org

Departure Arts

Departure Arts builds community through facilitating creative collaborations, amplifying historically underrepresented artistic voices, and supporting artistic risk-taking for Boston area artists, organizations, and audiences.​

Departure Arts believes in the unifying power of the performing and visual arts to connect our community – both audiences and artists. For our audiences, we look to increase access to the arts by presenting in non-traditional venues, hosting local artists, and building collaborations across art forms and disciplines. For our artists, we provide space for artists to take artistic risks, not often afforded to creatives, that support the development and expansion of their career, network, and art.

Departure Arts is proud to participate in the Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture Program, where all of our events are pay-what-you-can. The Card to Culture program is a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program by extending free admission to our events for all cardholders.

departure_arts

@departureartsboston

www.departurearts.org

Alyssa Barker
2025-06-27 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

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2025-06-27 15:00 - 17:00
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora

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

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).

@zahiligz

https://www.zahilizamora.com

Maggie Monroe
2025-06-27 18:00 - 20:00
Maggie Monroe

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

Born into sweet tea, slow talkin’, and Dolly Parton, Maggie Monroe attributes their early appreciation of Appalachian bluegrass, folk, and country music to their North Carolina home. Inspired by Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin, and Nickel Creek, Monroe strives to combine roots styles to create an Americana sound entirely their own. Monroe’s original music chronicles their experience leaving home for the first time to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Their catalogue is a collection of highs and lows, first love and loss, freedoms and expectations. Monroe is a storyteller excited to take you on a journey to North Carolina and back!

@maggie_monroe__

Maggiemonroe.net

Manuela Sánchez Goubert
2025-06-28 13:00 - 15:00
Manuela Sánchez Goubert

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

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.

@manuelasanchezgb

@manuelasanchezgb

www.manuelasanchezgoubert.com

@manuelasanchezgoubert9516

Claudio Ragazzi
2025-06-28 16:00 - 18:00
Claudio Ragazzi

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

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.

https://www.claudioragazzi.com/

Dwayne Haggins
2025-06-28 19:00 - 21:00
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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

Sarah Bernadette
2025-06-29 12:00 - 14:00
Sarah Bernadette

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

Sarah Bernadette is a New Jersey-born singer-songwriter whose music fuses pop, jazz, and R&B influences to create a unique sound. She has her master’s degree from New England Conservatory in Contemporary Improvisation (’21) and her Bachelor of Music in Songwriting and Voice Performance from Berklee College of Music (’18).

Her music is deeply personal; through her writing and her performances, she hopes to form meaningful connections with her audience and listeners. She is an expressive performer and improviser with a love for jazz voice.

Sarah has worked with Kathleen Flynn, Dominique Eade, Cristi Catt, and more recently Grammy-winner Cecile McLorin Salvant, whom she considers one of her biggest musical inspirations.

You can find Sarah Bernadette’s music on all streaming services, including her most recent releases: “sad poems on my phone” and her debut album, “New Leaves”.

@sarah.bernadette

www.sarahbernadettemusic.com

BEX
2025-06-29 15:00 - 17:00
BEX

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

BEX (Rebecca Strong) is a singer-songwriter based in Massachusetts — and an alumna of Emerson College (BA, 2010) and The Boston Conservatory at Berklee (MFA, 2017). Her music spans multiple genres, including alternative pop, country, and R&B, and in recent years, her songs have garnered airplay on a number of Boston radio stations, including 92.5 The River, Country 102.5, and WATD 95.9. Prior to recording her first album in 2019, BEX served as the graduate teacher’s assistant for the voice department at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Beyond singing and songwriting, BEX is a professional actress, model, and voiceover artist represented by New England Models Group. She’s also a topliner who’s written and recorded hooks for Emmy-nominated rapper T.O.N.E-z., and a full-time wellness and lifestyle journalist contributing to Men’s Health, Business Insider, and numerous other outlets. Her music — including her debut album Sink or Swim, and singles Sensitive and Secondhand Smoke — can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and other leading platforms.

Sam Spear
2025-07-02 18:00 - 20:00
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)

BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring Toki Wright and Tricia Reed
2025-07-03 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring Becky Bass

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 Becky Bass.
