Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Albino Mbie
2024-06-14 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Boston-based multi-award-winning guitarist, singer, composer, and producer Albino Mbie, originally from Mozambique, shares his own original music.

www.instagram.com/albinombie/

www.youtube.com/albinombie

albinombie.com

Catherine Bent and Ian Coury
2024-06-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-07 14:00 - 16:00
Local multi-style cellist Catherine Bent and Brazilian mandolin prodigy Ian Coury dazzle and charm listeners with their unique take on Brazilian instrumental music. The duo will play a set before inviting other musicians to join for a “roda de choro”. Audiences may find themselves on a journey into the rootsy dance rhythms of forró, or lifting their voices in a cathartic samba. Choro musicians, bring your instruments!

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. Ian Coury is an award-winning 10-string bandolim player and composer from Brazil who has shared stages with Brazilian legends like Toninho Horta and Hamilton de Holanda.

The two have a musical connection that transcends their backgrounds and crystallizes around their passion for Brazilian choro music. 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

BAMS Fest - Toki Wright x The Coulibaly Trio
2024-06-13 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over unCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage.

The Coulibaly Trio is a group of longtime friends who are striving to fuse our influences of hip hop and jazz together and create music that inspires others.

Ciara Moser
2024-06-13 13:00 - 15:00
Ciara Moser, originally from Dublin but raised in Austria, currently calls Boston her home base. As a blind bassist of Austrian-Irish descent, she showcases her versatility across various musical styles and genres, seamlessly blending into band, orchestra, film, and ensemble projects, both in live performances and studio sessions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samuel Batista
2024-06-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-02 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-29 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.

Tolieth
2024-06-11 17:00 - 19:00
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/

Brooke Annibale
2024-06-09 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-04 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

Tweets by brookeannibale

tik tok @brookeannibale

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-06-09 12:00 - 14:00
Due to weather, live performances from 12-2 PM have been rescheduled.

Weather permitting, we will resume live performances later this afternoon. Check back here for the most current information.

Fabiola Méndez
2024-06-08 18:00 - 20:00
Fabiola Méndez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer that has taken part in a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as Folk, Afro-Caribbean & Jazz. Recognized as the Latin Artist of the Year 2023 by the Boston Music Awards, her artistic vision and original music focus on the exploration of culture, ancestry, and identity, inviting the listener to embrace how the power of music and storytelling can unify us. After becoming the first graduate from Berklee College of Music to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as a principal instrument (2018), Fabiola focuses on performing and composing, traveling with her trio to national and international festivals. She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022 and a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media in 2023.

https://www.fabiolamendezmusic.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/FabiolaMendezMusic

IG – @fabiolamendezmusic

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Leo Blanco
2024-06-08 15:00 - 17:00
The music of pianist and composer Leo Blanco pulses with global rhythmic elements influenced equally by his South American roots and European classical traditions interwoven with improvisatory developments.

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. Most recently, Leo was a 2021 recipient of the Mass Cultural Council Award.

https://www.leoblanco.com/home-english

Anibal Cruz
2024-06-08 13:00 - 15:00
Cuban Pianist, Composer, Arranger, and Bandleader Anibal Cruz is a Berklee graduate, skilled in Composition and Jazz performance. Since launching his career, he has achieved significant milestones including his first single, “La Raza,” released in 2021. Cruz has performed alongside notable artists such as Paquito de Rivera, Armando Manzanero, Egui Castrillo, Joe McCarthy, Ruben Rodrigez, Alain Perez, and Berta Rojas, in addition to being part of the cast of Ayodele Casel’s “Chasing Magic.”

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

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

Dwayne Haggins
2024-06-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-04 13:00 - 15:00
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”.

dwaynehaggins.com

Instagram & FB: @hagginsmusic

Trio Novo Brasil
2024-06-07 16:00 - 18:00
Catherine Bent (London, UK), Mauro Correa (Rio de Janeiro) and Lucas Casacio (São Paulo) combine their technical and musicological powers with a passion for the music of Brazil, interpreted on cello, 7-string acoustic guitar, drum set and percussion.

Audiences will be delighted by this fresh angle on bossa nova, samba, MPB (Música Popular Brasileiro), as well as choro, forró, frevo. The trio play music of great Brazilian artists including Djavan, Dominguinhos, João Bosco and Pixinguinha, as well as their own compositions.

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-06-06 12:00 - 21:00
Due to weather, today’s performances from Roella and BAMS Fest have been rescheduled.

Weather permitting, the Harpoon Beer Garden will open at 4:30 PM, but check before you go for the most current information.

Jesse Taitt
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:00
Jesse Taitt is a multifaceted pianist, composer, arranger, and educator with a rich musical journey. He holds a dual degree in Jazz Composition and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, where he refined his sensitivity and technical prowess. Starting at the Boston Arts Academy, Jesse cultivated his musicality studying Classical music with Boston Conservatory Professor Harriet Lundberg and Jazz under Hey Rim Jeon through the Berklee City Music Program.

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

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

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

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

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

The Femmes
2024-06-02 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

Daniel Sturgis
2024-06-01 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

Manolo Mairena
2024-06-01 16:00 - 18:00
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.

Manuela Sánchez Goubert
2024-06-01 13:00 - 15:00
Manuela 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

UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden Block Party!
2024-06-01 12:00 - 21:00
Join Emerson’s UnCommon Stage and the Harpoon Beer Garden on Saturday, June 1st to celebrate the summer season! Join us for live music throughout the day, with giveaways from ArtsEmerson, Harpoon, WERS, and more! This is a family-friendly event and all ages are welcome! Our littlest patron can enjoy ribbon wands, stickers, and bubbles while parents have a drink and delicious food from our friends at Rosa Mexicano!

Nicolás Emden
2024-05-31 18:00 - 20:00
Nicolás Emden is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer and songwriter, originally from Chilean Patagonia. His music navigates the waters of pop, rock, and Latin American folk.

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

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

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

http://www.nicolasemden.com

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

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2024-05-31 16:00 - 18:00
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/

Gregory Groover Jr
2024-05-31 14:00 - 16:00
Raised with devotion for music, Gregory George Groover Jr is a twenty-nine year old tenor saxophonist and educator from Roxbury, Massachusetts. His love and pursuit of music directed him to the Boston Arts Academy where he graduated in 2011 as both the Elma Lewis Graduate with distinction and the Louis Armstrong Jazz award. His effort and dedication to music led him to earn a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he received both his Bachelors and Masters in Music Performance Studies through the Global Jazz Institute, headed by world-renowned artistic director, pianist, and UNESCO Artist for Peace Danilo Perez.

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

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

https://www.gregorygrooverjr.com

https://www.instagram.com/gregorygrooverjr/

unCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Adjusted Hours for May 30th
2024-05-30 16:00 - 21:00
Due to weather, the unCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden will open at 4 PM today, Thursday, May 30th. We look forward to seeing you at the Garden for BAMS Fest and brews from 4 PM – 9 PM!

BAMS Fest - Toki Wright x Kasia Lavon
2024-05-30 16:00 - 20:00
Kasia Lavon is a performing and recording singer/songwriter and spoken-wordsmith based in Boston, Ma strongly influenced by the 90’s era. Kasia specializes in nostalgic R&B sounds with a jazzy twist and believes that an artist’s job is to put words to the emotions for which the listeners have none.

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.
