Emerson College UnCommon Corner

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-06-29 12:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Due to weather, today’s Children’s Story Hour has been cancelled.

Jonathan Suazo is still scheduled at 1 PM, but please check this website for the most up-to-date information.

Harpoon will open at 12 noon.

Rory & the Blues Hounds
2024-06-28 18:00 - 20:00
Since 1995, Rory and the Blues Hounds have been electrifying audiences with their dynamic performances. Hailing from Providence, RI, this versatile band draws its inspiration from the blues, weaving in classic rock, Motown, country, and covering varied artists like Steely Dan and Amy Winehouse.

Led by the masterful guitar work of Rory Malloy, the band features a lineup of stellar musicians. Lisa Kay, renowned for creating The Winehouse Project, delivers powerful lead vocals. Marc Trachtenberg, who has toured with Postmodern Jukebox, adds depth on piano and vocals. Jonathan Leeper, a distinguished member of the Navy band, holds down the rhythm on bass, while Michael Coffey, a veteran of Roomful of Blues, drives the band on drums.

Join Rory and the Blues Hounds for an unforgettable evening of music, playing choice selections from 6:00 to 8:00 on the corner of Boylston and Tremont.

Albino Mbie
2024-06-28 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-21 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-14 16:00 - 18:00
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

Gregory Groover Jr
2024-06-28 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/

BAMS Fest - Toki Wright x Safiya
2024-06-27 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over UnCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage.

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

Safiya is a rising star in the jazz and neo-soul scene, known for her electrifying performances and visionary ventures. Infusing her Afro-Caribbean roots with jazz influences, Safiya captivates audiences worldwide with her innovative sound. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and a nominee for New England Music Award Jazz Act of the Year (2024), Safiya is on a mission to inspire cultural exploration and foster connections through her groundbreaking project, Travel Through Music. With accolades including recognition as one of Boston’s Extraordinary Women in 2023, Safiya continues to push boundaries and redefine the music industry.

Selkii
2024-06-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-16 16:00 - 18:00
With a Loop Station, South African born Selkii creates sonic backdrops for her powerful vocals. (7th place on South African Idol TV Show , Team Blake NBC The Voice Finalist.) She ‘loops’ live-performed percussion, soulful backing vocals & guitar – & can even mash up real-time song requests on the fly!

Selkii has headlined fairs and festivals nationwide. She was the soloist in the adult lounge on Disney Cruise Lines Flagship for 3 years & has performed over 100 virtual concerts for virtual and digital events from her home studio in Boston MA. She travels nationally and internationally as a one woman band with uplifting original compositions as well as a ‘covers’ repertoire of over 1600 songs : Abba – Zeppelin.

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Trio
2024-06-26 18:00 - 20:00
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/

Comedy Night at UnCommon
2024-06-25 19:00 - 20:00
A live comedy lineup curated by Emerson alum, producer, and comedian Nate Shu will be accompanied by Boston’s own incredible DJ, Kenny Mascary. Come for the laughs, stay for the great drinks and good tunes. This performance includes sets from Boston comics Tyler Durniak, Nick Ortolani, Steph Dalwin, Ryan Ellington, and Angela Sawyer.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Poetry with Amanda Shea
2024-06-24 17:00 - 20:00
Amanda Shea is a two-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist. Shea is an artist, performer, educator, artivist, publicist, host, and curator. She co-founded and curated six iterations of Activating ARTivism, a community festival to amplify POC through art, activism, and resistance. Her work can be found in the Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Globe, TEDX, TEDXRoxbury, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC News, GBH, and much more. Shea will be releasing her first book, “Pieces of Shea” in the Spring of 2024. Amanda’s work examines her personal life experiences, social justice issues, and healing through trauma utilizing art as the tool.

To celebrate Juneteenth, and showcase the brilliant and diverse voices of Boston’s spoken word community, Shea is set to present an exceptional line-up of talented individuals to the UnCommon Stage. This group consists of an array of artists and poets who are blazing their trails in the world of the spoken word. Included in this exciting line-up are the likes of the incredibly gifted Helina Almonte, the uniquely talented Maya McNeill, D Ruff, the co-host of Feel It, Speak It, Boston’s only monthly open mic movement dedicated to voices & experiences of the LGBTQ+ communities of color, and cultural pillar and musical innovator Najee Janey. These performances will be complemented by the masterful mixing of Boston’s own DJ Kenny Mascary.

Social Media: @amandasheaallday

Website: https://www.amandashea.com/

Helina Almonte is a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a teaching artist. She practices her art through the mediums of poetry and experimental video.

Maya Divine is a spoken-word artist whose art speaks of self-evolution. She uses an instrument for advocacy, self-expression, and more importantly, healing. As she pours words on a paper, she finds herself promoting this idea of “Divine Evolution”, that things are constantly changing and evolving. She believes her words touch hearts through the power of the tongue.

D.Ruff is a 2022 Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted “if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for fourteen years. “Feel it, Speak it” is the only monthly Non-elitist and non-pretentious open mic dedicated to providing a platform of expression to the queer communities, and invites EVERYONE to bless the mic, regardless of their identity and talent. His work can be found in the CBS News, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Boston Globe, GBH and much more. He has also released his first book, Staying on 94: Tales from a Misguided Soul in the Fall of 2012 and is setting up for re-release in 2025. D.Ruff performs with inspiring passion in hopes that someone of color, will also want to find a way to express themselves, find that “tribe” and do it all, with the intention of leaving all the hurt, pain, and negativity, right where it was showcased.

Najee Janey, an emerging rapper-songwriter hailing from Roxbury, Boston, has been honing his music skills since his teenage years. With several projects under his belt, including “Blue Manifesto”, “The Purple Earth Theory”, and “As-Is”, he has carved out a unique niche in the rap and R&B landscape. His music has been recognized and streamed worldwide. In addition to his solo endeavors, Najee has lent his writing and production talents to artists like Sebastian Mikael and helloSIXX. His work has also graced TV screens and films, collaborating with renowned platforms such as HBO, BET, and Atlantic Records. At present, Najee is juggling multiple projects while planning a concert tour. His versatile sound that transcends genre boundaries is showcased in his latest release What’s Crackin and his contributions to Atlantic Records R&B artist Sebastian Mikael‘s albums. With a promising future ahead, Najee Janey remains committed to elevating his craft in his journey as a dedicated artist, songwriter, and creative entrepreneur.

Originally from Haiti, KNSZWRTH (pronouns: he/him) first arrived in Boston for college in 2004. Kenny then cut his teeth at mission-driven organizations like the West End House Boys and Girls Club, Cambridge Youth Programs, the Cambridge Public Library and more recently, Now + There, before joining the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture as Chief of Staff. As a DJ, therapeutic mentor, film photographer, board certified basketball referee, and plant dad, Kenny is passionate about connecting with communities and individuals that share a passion and excitement around conversations and experiences that open minds and help co-create spaces to celebrate the creative diversity of Boston’s dynamic and ever-changing cultural fabric.

Daniel Sturgis
2024-06-23 16:00 - 18:00
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

Beat Tape Matinee III
2024-06-23 12:00 - 14:00
Join Hipstory for an afternoon of beats and beer on the Common!

Beat Tape Matinee is an event rooted in Hip Hop self-made roots. We look to highlight the bedroom producers, dj/producers, loopers and everything in between in our latest HipStory event series.

Featuring Najwa Aswad and Abstract Minor.

Abstract Minor from Massachusetts is a multi-genre music producer, DJ and artist. She is known for her signature sound, bending genres such as hip-hop, rnb, rock, and house. Instagram: @Abstract Minor http://www.linktree.com/abstractminor

Tolieth
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00, 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/

UnCommon Stage Weather Announcement
2024-06-22 12:00 - 21:00
Due to weather, today’s performances have been rescheduled.

Weather permitting, the Harpoon Beer Garden will open at 4:00 PM, but check here before you go for the most current information.

Poetry and Music with Amanda Shea
2024-06-21 18:00 - 21:00
Amanda Shea

Amanda Shea is a two-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist. Shea is an artist, performer, educator, artivist, publicist, host, and curator. She co-founded and curated six iterations of Activating ARTivism, a community festival to amplify POC through art, activism, and resistance. Her work can be found in the Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Globe, TEDX, TEDXRoxbury, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC News, GBH, and much more. Shea will be releasing her first book, “Pieces of Shea” in the Spring of 2024. Amanda’s work examines her personal life experiences, social justice issues, and healing through trauma utilizing art as the tool.

Join Amanda as she returns to the UnCommon Stage with Boston’s best poets, artists, and spoken wordsmiths alongside live music and DJ KNSZWRTH. This incredible lineup will include poetic luminaries Tim Hall, Najee Janey, and D. Ruff, as well as live music from Safari Hat King (saxophone), Kazi Did It (keys), and Hole Minor (guitar).

Social Media: @amandasheaallday

Website: https://www.amandashea.com/

Tim Hall is an award winning musician, poet, and producer. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences – charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Writings of his have been published in: Proud Flesh – Afrikan Journal of Culture, Politics, & Consciousness; Mass Poetry – Hard Work of Hope; Vagabond Publishing; Indie Earth Publishing – Self Care Anthology; Whisper & Roar Publishing; and currently Tim’s poetry lives in City Hall as his work was selected to be part of Mayor Wu’s Poetry project. Tim is Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music, was honored as “Session Musician of the Year ” by the 2020 Boston Music Awards, and nominated for Spoken Word Artist of the year for 2022. He was also recognized by WBUR’s Artery 25 as 1 of 25 millennials of color impacting Arts and Culture in Boston. His spoken word can be experienced through his new project – Trust the Process EP, as well as Colors Of My Soul EP, and self-published book – Trust The Process.

D.Ruff is a 2022 Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted “if you can Feel It, you can Speak It” Open Mic movement for fourteen years. “Feel it, Speak it” is the only monthly Non-elitist and non-pretentious open mic dedicated to providing a platform of expression to the queer communities, and invites EVERYONE to bless the mic, regardless of their identity and talent. His work can be found in the CBS News, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Boston Globe, GBH and much more. He has also released his first book, Staying on 94: Tales from a Misguided Soul in the Fall of 2012 and is setting up for re-release in 2025. D.Ruff performs with inspiring passion in hopes that someone of color, will also want to find a way to express themselves, find that “tribe” and do it all, with the intention of leaving all the hurt, pain, and negativity, right where it was showcased.

Najee Janey, an emerging rapper-songwriter hailing from Roxbury, Boston, has been honing his music skills since his teenage years. With several projects under his belt, including “Blue Manifesto”, “The Purple Earth Theory”, and “As-Is”, he has carved out a unique niche in the rap and R&B landscape. His music has been recognized and streamed worldwide. In addition to his solo endeavors, Najee has lent his writing and production talents to artists like Sebastian Mikael and helloSIXX. His work has also graced TV screens and films, collaborating with renowned platforms such as HBO, BET, and Atlantic Records. At present, Najee is juggling multiple projects while planning a concert tour. His versatile sound that transcends genre boundaries is showcased in his latest release What’s Crackin and his contributions to Atlantic Records R&B artist Sebastian Mikael‘s albums. With a promising future ahead, Najee Janey remains committed to elevating his craft in his journey as a dedicated artist, songwriter, and creative entrepreneur.

Wamptronica
2024-06-16 12:00 - 14:00
WAMPTRONICA, a creative dance music collective of Wampanoag artists, is gaining attention with their fusion of House Music, Rare Groove, Afrobeats, and Breakbeats. Established in 2021, their origins lie in dance parties at the Native Arts Gallery in Mashpee. Their sound merges traditional DJing with live instruments and vocals. They are the resident collective for The THUMP & SOUL SESSION, a monthly dance party at Gallery X in New Bedford.

The collective is led by The ZYG 808, a multi-talented artist and founder of Soul Poets Records. He is joined by Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor, a versatile composer and musician. Asa Peters, a musician rooted in various musical traditions, and Casey Figueroa, a visual artist and EDM producer, also contribute to the collective’s sound and visuals.

Their debut album, The Session, set to release on Poly-Groove Records, pays homage to New York-style House Music. WAMPTRONICA has a line-up of events this summer, including street dance parties, guest appearances, and remixes for Eightball Records.

Visit their Linktree page for updates.

Maz
2024-06-15 18:00 - 20:00
Maz is the bridge that links Alternative Hip Hop and the music he grew up on in São Paulo, Brazil. As a son of a DJ, much of that influence bleeds through his music today through neck-snapping production and an out-worldly harness of energy in his lyrics. Whether he is experimenting with the sounds of Alternative Rock or staying true to his roots with Brazilian Funk, his music nowadays breathes a sense of self-awareness and maturity that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and backgrounds. From performing at Gov Ball 2024 alongside Kidd Revel to intimate art gallery performances in Boston, his ethos of unwavering energy is constantly evolving as his creative approach is just as much about self-understanding as it is about the expression of the process itself.

@maztypebeat everywhere

Fabiola Méndez Trio
2024-06-15 15:00 - 17:00
Fabiola Méndez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer that has taken part in a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as Folk, Afro-Caribbean & Jazz. Recognized as the Latin Artist of the Year 2023 by the Boston Music Awards, her artistic vision and original music focus on the exploration of culture, ancestry, and identity, inviting the listener to embrace how the power of music and storytelling can unify us. After becoming the first graduate from Berklee College of Music to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as a principal instrument (2018), Fabiola focuses on performing and composing, traveling with her trio to national and international festivals. She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022 and a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media in 2023.

https://www.fabiolamendezmusic.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/FabiolaMendezMusic

IG – @fabiolamendezmusic

Facebook

Instagram

DJ Cano Cangrejo
2024-06-15 13:00 - 15:00
Cano Cangrejo is a DJ from Santurce Puerto Rico specializing in Classic Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and African Diaspora music. From 1991 to 1994 Cano hosted an original show, Salsíbiri, on WERS Boston, playing salsa and Latin jazz.

Cano has been DJing parties and events in all kinds of venues in Puerto Rico where he lives, Boston (his second home), and throughout the United States for the last 25 years. Using a ‘selector style’ approach to DJing, Cano focuses on playing rare grooves, forgotten gems and straight-up classics to make folks dance and listen to “El Saoco”.

Children's Story Hour
2024-06-15 12:00 - 13:00
With More Than Words and Emerson College

Join us at the UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden for a Children’s Story Hour, made possible by our friends at More Than Words. Our littlest guests can enjoy three stories read by local actors, bubbles, and a craft while caretakers enjoy a brew from Harpoon and delicious tacos from Rosa Mexicano.

This month, our books will celebrate the June holidays of Pride and Juneteenth. Books will be available for purchase from More Than Words onsite.

After our story hour, live Latin music curated by Ágora Cultural Architects will begin at 1 PM, with tunes the whole family can enjoy!

This event is free to enjoy (food and beverage is available for purchase).

Photo by Scott Schwendinger

Website: More Than Words

Sarah Bernadette
2024-06-14 18:00 - 20:00
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”.

sarahbernadettemusic.com

Instagram: @sarah.bernadette

FB: facebook.com/sarahbernadettemusic

Catherine Bent and Ian Coury
2024-06-14 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
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.

Brooke Annibale
2024-06-09 16:00 - 18:00
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.
