Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Alyssa Barker
2025-09-07 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
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

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/

Farayi Malek
2025-09-09 18:00 - 20:00
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

Tim Hall
2025-09-10 16:00 - 18:00
Tim Hall is an award winning musician, performance poet, and producer from Detroit, MI, while honoring Boston as his current home. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences – charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Tim has shared stages and recordings with artists such as The Nappy Roots, Carolyn Malachi, Bilal, Chris Turner, Aloe Blacc, Maria Fenklemeier, The Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Diana Oh, among others. Additionally, Tim is faculty at Berklee College of Music, a member of the award winning band STL GLD, and a principal collaborator with Cliff Notez, Oompa, and Will Dailey. He was honored as “Session Musician of the Year” by the 2020 Boston Music Awards, and recognized by WBUR’s Artery 25 as 1 of 25 millennials of color impacting Arts and Culture in Boston. His work can be experienced through his new project – Trust the Process EP, as well as Colors Of My Soul, and self-published book – Trust The Process.

https://www.timvhall.com/

Cliff Notez
2025-09-10 18:00 - 20:00
Jill McCracken

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

Prolific collaborator and award-winning multimedia artist Cliff Notez seamlessly manifests a mix of hip hop, jazz, folk, soul and R&B that’s been likened to “Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, blended with the paranoia of Radiohead’s Kid A.”Their music reveals the repercussions of trauma, exposes the realities of the Black experience, and shares an intimate journey towards healing. Heavy lyrical themes are often juxtaposed with uplifting sounds: bright horns, sparkling keys, snappy percussion and glowing guitar riffs.Cliff Notez’s work has caught the attention of publications like The New York Times, NPR, The Boston Globe, and Boston Herald, among others and have garnered shoutouts from the likes of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. They performed at Boston Calling Music Festival in 2022 and have previously shared the stage with Ja Rule and Gym Class Heroes.

https://cliffnotez.com/

BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice Back To School
2025-09-11 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice Back To School

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 celebrate the back to school season and feature TBD.

Dan DeCristofaro
2025-09-12 12:00 - 14:00
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.

Preston Chan
2025-09-12 15:00 - 17:00
Jill McCracken

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

Preston Chan is a DJ and producer pushing the boundaries of housemusic with a sound that’s equal parts heavy, rhythmic, and infectious.Based in Boston and studying at Berklee College of Music, Preston bringsboth technical precision and creative energy to his craft. He hasperformed at bars and clubs across Singapore and Boston, sharing hisunique blend of late night grooves and funky beach vibes with influencesfrom popular music/hiphop. His sets are designed to keep the crowdlocked in from start to finish, telling a unique story with every set.Alongside his performances, Preston is steadily building a catalog ofpersonal releases and edits that showcase his knack for heavy drops,punchy low-end, and festival-ready energy. His tracks reflect the sameintensity and precision he brings to his DJ sets, positioning him as both aperformer and creator ready for the stage. With a growing catalog oforiginal productions and an ear for curation, Preston is emerging as anexciting new voice in the global music scene.

@prestonchannn

Jules Grace
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:00
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.

The Plainsmen
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00
“Home Without Maps”

“Home Without Maps” is more than the title of a concert—it’s a metaphor for what music truly means: a home without borders or coordinates, a place you can always return to, even when life takes you far from your homeland.

This concert is an emotional journey where songs act as compasses, guiding the audience through stories of nostalgia, roots, and hope. “Home Without Maps” speaks to everyone who has ever felt that home is not a place, but an emotion, a memory, or a song.

Juan Carlos Ruiz

Juan Carlos Ruiz is a Venezuelan artist, economist, entrepreneur, and TEDx Speaker. He holds a Master of Science in Operation Research and a Master of Business Administration. Since 2016, he has resided in Boston, Massachusetts, where he has performed concerts in several cities across the U.S. and abroad.

Ruiz won the Global Music Award twice in 2022 and was a semifinalist at “Premios de la Música Independiente of Spain.” He is an associated member of The Latin Recording Academy® and The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

As a former member of the Rumbarroco Ensemble of Boston, Ruiz has been an invited music instructor and performer with various institutions, including ArCoNet (The Arts & Community Network) in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. He has also performed for Eddy Marcano, the Lorcas Music Society by Belmary Lorcas, The Winiker Jazz Trio, Zaira Meneses, Berklee College of Music in Boston, ArtBeat 2019 (Somerville’s largest cultural festival), the Dalí Quartet International Music Festival (2017 and 2018), the Latin Music Festival at Berklee College of Music (2019), and Semana Coral Internacional De Alava in Spain (2000).

Ruiz began his musical studies in Venezuela at the age of eight, playing the Cuatro, or Venezuelan guitar, and as a violist, in which he was one of the founding musicians of his town’s El Sistema youth symphony orchestra division.

In addition to his music career, Ruiz is a sought-after speaker. In 2018, he was invited to speak for a nonprofit organization at Boston University called Plan País, which provides educational experiences to young Venezuelans studying abroad. More recently, Ruiz was invited to speak at the INCAE Business School in Costa Rica and Universidad Latina de Costa Rica.

Ruiz is a music teacher in various Boston-area music programs, and an active board member for multiple Bostonian and Philadelphian non-for-profit organizations. He is passionate about connecting with every individual by expanding their awareness of culture and society. Furthermore, during his career as an economist, he has been driven by the power of innovation for every organization. As a musician, he strongly believes in the value and power of art for humanity. His most recent accomplishment has been the release of the Venezuelan Songbook, the first album of its kind in English, for which he obtained a Global Music Award in 2022.

@vozjuancarlos

Juan Carlos Ruiz
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00
Jill McCracken

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

Juan Carlos Ruiz is a Venezuelan artist, economist, entrepreneur, and TEDx Speaker. He holds a Master of Science in Operation Research and a Master of Business Administration. Since 2016, he has resided in Boston, Massachusetts, where he has performed concerts in several cities across the U.S. and abroad.

Ruiz won the Global Music Award twice in 2022 and was a semifinalist at “Premios de la Música Independiente of Spain.” He is an associated member of The Latin Recording Academy® and The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

As a former member of the Rumbarroco Ensemble of Boston, Ruiz has been an invited music instructor and performer with various institutions, including ArCoNet (The Arts & Community Network) in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. He has also performed for Eddy Marcano, the Lorcas Music Society by Belmary Lorcas, The Winiker Jazz Trio, Zaira Meneses, Berklee College of Music in Boston, ArtBeat 2019 (Somerville’s largest cultural festival), the Dalí Quartet International Music Festival (2017 and 2018), the Latin Music Festival at Berklee College of Music (2019), and Semana Coral Internacional De Alava in Spain (2000).

Ruiz began his musical studies in Venezuela at the age of eight, playing the Cuatro, or Venezuelan guitar, and as a violist, in which he was one of the founding musicians of his town’s El Sistema youth symphony orchestra division.

In addition to his music career, Ruiz is a sought-after speaker. In 2018, he was invited to speak for a nonprofit organization at Boston University called Plan País, which provides educational experiences to young Venezuelans studying abroad. More recently, Ruiz was invited to speak at the INCAE Business School in Costa Rica and Universidad Latina de Costa Rica.

Ruiz is a music teacher in various Boston-area music programs, and an active board member for multiple Bostonian and Philadelphian non-for-profit organizations. He is passionate about connecting with every individual by expanding their awareness of culture and society. Furthermore, during his career as an economist, he has been driven by the power of innovation for every organization. As a musician, he strongly believes in the value and power of art for humanity. His most recent accomplishment has been the release of the Venezuelan Songbook, the first album of its kind in English, for which he obtained a Global Music Award in 2022.

@vozjuancarlos

Leo Blanco
2025-09-13 16:00 - 18:00
THE MUSIC OF PIANIST & COMPOSER LEO BLANCO……pulses with global rhythmic elements influenced equally by his South American roots and European classical traditions interwoven with improvisatory developments.

Blanco was born in the Venezuelan Andes where he absorbed folk music genres that were a mix of Afro-Caribbean, North American and European musical styles. By age eleven he was a violinist in the Merida Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, his interest in world music and jazz brought him to Boston’s Berklee College of Music and he later earned a Master’s Degree in Composition at New England Conservatory.

In 1997 Blanco became the first Latin American to win to the prestigious Boston Jazz Society Award. The next year, he received the Billboard Grant Award for his commitment, achievement and contribution to society through music. Currently, he is a faculty member at Berklee College of Music. Blanco has shared the stage with major international jazz artists including Terence Blanchard, Pat Metheny, Chucho Valdez (Irakere) and Joao Bosco. He has performed at numerous festivals including the Montreaux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and the Latino Festival and at the Kennedy Center. Blanco has produced and composed four albums under his name.

The Timba Messengers
2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
Jill McCracken

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

The Timba Messengers is a Latin Jazz/Salsa Band that has generated a compelling musical style that inspires all to shed their daily troubles and revel in the joy of dance. Their live performances are infused with vibrant energy, radiating positivity and good cheer to all in attendance.

Combining the rich musical heritage of Latin America with elements of Jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, the band’s sound is a melting pot of diverse cultural influences, expertly blended to produce a truly unique listening experience. The distinctive flavor of each member’s nationality adds an additional layer of spice to their music, resulting in a dynamic and captivating sonic tapestry.

https://www.thetimbamessengers.com/

Soulelujah
2025-09-14 12:00 - 14:00
Formed in 2003 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Soulelujah is an all-vinyl DJ collective and dance party that has been spinning the finest soul, funk, and R&B 45s, along with other slabs of wax, for the past two decades. Playing freshly-unearthed gems to solid favorites, this award-winning dance party has become a Boston-area staple, captivating dance-ready crowds with sweet soul grooves and infectious funk that gets bodies moving.

What began as a modest gathering at ZuZu in Central Square quickly transformed into a weekly, line-down-the-block beloved Cambridge nightlife institution you had to experience up close and personal. Soulelujah’s room-packing popularity led to its expansion, adding a second space at The Middle East Upstairs. After 15 years of resounding success, earning accolades from the Boston Music Awards, the party moved to The Sinclair in Harvard Square, establishing a vibrant weekly Saturday night residency for five years. Soulelujah has currently set up shop at State Park in Kendall Square, hosting its smooth, pulsating grooves on the third Saturday of each month.

Led by a rotating crew of seasoned resident soul DJs, including Raligh Fingers, IPL, DJ Rad Joy, Sean Marquand, Johnny Stevens, Claude Money, Ty Jesso, and John Funke as well as a variety of guests from around the world, Soulelujah thrives on an endless collection of records carefully curated to create an uplifting party like no other. Their deep crate-digging, musical knowledge, and passion for bringing vinyl rarities to light fuel their performances, inviting you to experience a dance night of musical soul bliss that will keep your own soul happy.

www.soulelujah.com

@soulelujah on Instagram / www.facebook.com/Soulelujah

Johnny Instagram: @jhnystvns

Geri Barney
2025-09-14 15:00 - 16:00
Jill McCracken

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

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

Candida Rose
2025-09-14 16:00 - 17:00
Jill McCracken

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

Candida Rose Baptista is a multi-hyphenate in the areas of musical, cultural, & spiritual enrichment, boasting credentials as a songwriter, vocalist, author, educator, entrepreneur, mother/grandmother/great-grandmother, and community leader. A proud KabuVerdiana hailing from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Candida Rose is dedicated to studying and educating about the transnational musical legacy of Cabo Verdean Americans; she has published a book on this topic, KabuMerikanus – the Sum of US, based on original research for which she received a Master’s degree in Transnational, Cultural, and Community Studies from UMass Boston. Candida’s educational efforts have received national attention through a feature on PBS’s No Passport Required; her scholarship on Cabo Verdean women in music was published in a scholarly edited collection, Kriolas Poderozas; and her research travels to Cabo Verde are the topic of a forthcoming documentary film directed by Dr. Rosalyn Negrón, called Candida. Candida works creatively in the medium of sound, and has released two studio albums: KabuMerikana: The Sum of ME and Here I AM!. KabuMerikana brings Candida’s deep knowledge of Cabo Verdean genres like the slow, lilting morna and the polyrhythmic batuku and her training in jazz musicianship into an exciting fusion that she calls “KabuJazz.” Here I AM!, released in 2023, reflects on Candida’s spiritual journey through a sonic exploration of various cultural traditions, such as R&B, jazz, and world music. She has performed with Cabo Verdean stars like Maria de Barros and Tiny Tavares and appeared onstage at the 2014 Kriol Jazz Festival in Cabo Verde. As an entrepreneur, Candida spearheads Golden Rose Music LLC, through which she continues to share the healing power of music at nursing homes and retirement villages, as she has done for nearly 18 years. With her uniquely compelling contralto voice, Candida Rose amplifies beautiful musical sounds, positive spirituality, and important cultural conversations.

@goldenrosemusic

@GoldenRoseMusic

www.candidarose.net

Ángela Varo and Friends
2025-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
Jill McCracken

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

Ángela Varo Moreno is an Andalusian violinist, composer, and producer whose innovative music merges the worlds of jazz and flamenco. Rooted in the Andalusian cultural heritage, her sound brings together traditional flamenco influences with contemporary jazz improvisation. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Contemporary Writing and Production and Jazz Performance, as well as a Master’s in Jazz Performance from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, led by Danilo Pérez. Ángela has collaborated with jazz legends like Danilo Perez, Kris Davis, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joe Lovano, andBrian Blade among others, and currently performs as a member of Pérez’s Global Jazz Messengers.

Ángela’s work also highlights the artistry of her native Andalusia through collaborations with the renowned flamenco group Califato 3/4, which combines electronic elements with flamenco roots. Thanks to Califato 3/4, she has worked with celebrated flamenco vocalists Lole Montoya and Ángeles Toledano, contributing her arrangements and violin performances to projects that honor and reinvent Andalusian musical traditions. Currently, Ángela is developing her debut album, Dançâ del Aire, under Habitable Records, which explores themes of migration, Andalusian identity, and cultural connection through a Global Jazz lens.

@angelavaromusic

angelavaromusic.com

Thom Dunn
2025-09-17 16:00 - 18:00
Thom Dunn has been writing songs since the late 1900s. He is best known for his work with the Boston-based power-pop band the Roland High Life, which formed at Emerson College and recently appeared at the Boston Rock & Roll Rumble, as well as his Irish folk rock group, Forfocséic. He also performs solo, as an Americana folk punk singer-songwriter. Over the years, he’s performed as a guitarist for several touring theatre productions along the northeast corridor, and his songs have collectively garnered hundreds of thousands of streams. Thom is also a full-time writer and journalist, whose work can be found in publications ranging from the New York Times to BoingBoing. He’s written several novels, plays, comic books, and scripted podcasts as well. thomdunn.net

Lee Fish & Friends
2025-09-17 18:00 - 20:00
Jill McCracken

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

Lee Fish‘s original music 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 his future tour dates and more upcoming performances in Boston and NYC.

@leefishmusic

@leefishmusic

https://www.leefishmusic.com/

BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring Toki Wright, ZURI, & Dart Mortis
2025-09-18 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice Featuring Toki Wright, ZURI, & Dart Mortis

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, ZURI, & Dart Mortis.

Preston Chan
2025-09-19 13:00 - 15:00
Jill McCracken

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

Preston Chan is a DJ and producer pushing the boundaries of housemusic with a sound that’s equal parts heavy, rhythmic, and infectious.Based in Boston and studying at Berklee College of Music, Preston brings both technical precision and creative energy to his craft.

He has performed at bars and clubs across Singapore and Boston, sharing his unique blend of late night grooves and funky beach vibes with influences from popular music/hiphop. His sets are designed to keep the crowd locked in from start to finish, telling a unique story with every set.

Alongside his performances, Preston is steadily building a catalog ofpersonal releases and edits that showcase his knack for heavy drops,punchy low-end, and festival-ready energy. His tracks reflect the sameintensity and precision he brings to his DJ sets, positioning him as both a performer and creator ready for the stage. With a growing catalog of original productions and an ear for curation, Preston is emerging as an exciting new voice in the global music scene.

@Instagram

@prestonchannn

Kathleen Parks Band
2025-09-19 16:00 - 18:00
Jill McCracken

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

Kathleen Parks is a fiddler, singer, and songwriter who brings joyful and creative energy to the stage and studio. For the last 10 years, she has been heavily involved in touring and recording with her Americana/Jamgrass band Twisted Pine, where she sings, writes, and fiddles. On her upcoming solo album, her captivating songs lean more toward Pop, Folk, and classic Jazz, while her virtuosic fiddle blends and reimagines traditional and modern musical styles with boundless groove and playful improvisational spirit. Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music combines with her love for pop songwriting, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every KP performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end. Over the years, Parks has shared the stage with artists such as Paula Cole, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Gordon Lightfoot, Aoife O’Donovan, The Punch Brothers, Jerry Douglas, and Sierra Hull.

@kathleenparksmusic

@KathleenParksMusic

https://www.kathleenparksmusic.com/home

Naomi Westwater
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00

Kidding Around
2025-09-20 12:00 - 13:00
Kidding Around Children’s Hour: Grimm’s Fairy Tales

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

Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Kidding Around’s narrators will lead kids through an improvised performance reimagining the stories we know and love!

Kidding Around is Emerson College’s renowned Theater for All Audiences group who is generously supporting family-friendly programming at UnCommon.

On Saturday, our friends at El Jefe’s in the UnCommon Corner will be serving the Uncommon Cajita Feliz for $7.50which includes 1 taco, small chips with salsa, and a mini churro served inside a meal box with a small toy!

If you enjoy your experience, please consider supporting Kidding Around!

@kiddingaroundec

https://kiddingaroundec.wixsite.com/home

Jonathan Suazo
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00
Jill McCracken

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.

Trivia at UnCommon with Lito Garcia
2025-09-20 18:00 - 19:15
Jill McCracken

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

Calling all trivia enthusiasts! Grab some friends and head to UnCommon for a Boston arts and culture Trivia Night, hosted by the Office of the Arts’ own Lito Garcia.Before he was OA’s MVP Operation Coordinator, Lito was a superstar trivia host! He’ll be covering categories of history, music, theater, visual art, and other surprises questions with a tie to UnCommon!Whether you’re playing for glory or playing for the super cool prize, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the first Trivia Night at UnCommon!

Bencils
2025-09-20 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

Pop Off: A Brunch Cabaret
2025-09-21 12:00 - 14:00
Jill McCracken

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

Join Emerson College musical theater performers as they light up the Boston Common with a high-energy cabaret packed with songs, personality, and pure flair. Paired with tacos from El Jefe’s and brews from Harpoon, this Sunday gathering is equal parts brunch and performance — a chance to kick back, laugh, and cheer on the next generation of theater-makers as they pop off in style.

Artist Bios

Benjamin McGee

Benjamin McGee is an Emerson student

Raiya Hurt

Raiya Hurt is an Emerson student.

Rowen Goring

Rowen Goring is an Emerson student.

Sydney Hoffman

Sydney Hoffman is an Emerson student.

Gilbert Almaraz

Gilbert Almaraz is an Emerson student.

Emily Barnett

Emily Barnett is an Emerson student.

Zack Bolles Band
2025-09-21 15:00 - 17:00
UnCommon favorites, The Zack Bolles Band, return to the Corner. This folk rock trio featuries Abe Dewing on fiddle, Ed Cardenas on cajon and Zack Bolles on guitar.

www.zackbolles.com

@zackbollesband

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:00
Jill McCracken

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

Fresh off a first place win at the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light have been captivating audiences throughout the northeast. With songs as sweet and biting as the nectar and venom in her voice, Sumner’s lyric-forward writing and penchant for snaking chord progressions demand something far beyond folk conventions, highlighting the acrobatic range of her brilliant bandmates Kat Wallace (fiddle) and Mike Siegel (upright bass).

Sumner is no stranger to the stage. She spent her early career on the bluegrass circuit, singing and writing with the genre-bending roots group Twisted Pine. Since setting out on her own, Sumner’s songs have been critically acclaimed: winning the 2021 John Lennon Award in the folk category for her song “Radium Girls (Curie Eleison);” earning a spot in the Kerrville New Folk Competition; and being chosen four consecutive years as one of the top Massachusetts entries in NPR’s Tiny Desk Competition. Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light released their debut LP in the summer of 2022 to critical acclaim.

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