Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Georgie Rodríguez
2024-09-14 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-08-31 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Georgie Rodriguez is an accomplished Puerto Rican multi-instrumentalist with a solid bass and guitar career. He is also an experienced composer, arranger, music producer/director, andrecording musician. His trajectory includes a Grammy Award for Best Tropical Album (2017)¿Dónde Están? with Guasábara Combo, and Latin Grammy Awards for Best Salsa Album(2010) and Best Merengue Album (1997).Self-taught and a lifelong learner, Georgie has developed a unique music style reflecting hisorigins and expansive musical journey across styles and genres. From his childhood influences with gospel music and the Puerto Rican cuatro to his latest novel salsa arrangements and compositions for chamber orchestra, Georgie is a well-rounded musician who masters tropical music, jazz, Puerto Rican and Caribbean genres, and diverse pop styles. Georgie identifies pianist and arranger José Lugo as a significant influence for his vision of preserving traditions while innovating and maintaining high musical standards and rigor.Georgie performs and produces music as a member of prominent Puerto Rican ensembles:Guasábara Combo, Pedro Guzmán’s Jíbaro Jazz, Ángel David Mattos & Jazz Boricua, PabloRosario’s Orinoco and Tatoo’s Sextet Tribute to Joe Cuba. Throughout his career, he hasperformed and recorded with renowned artists, including; Alexandre Pires, Andy Montañez,Cheo Feliciano, Danny Rivera, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Hermán Olivera, Isaac Delgado, JerryMedina, Luis Perico Ortiz, Olga Tañón, Rafael Dávila (tenor), Roberto Rohena, Tego Calderón,Trina Medina and Vicente García.

UnCommon Stage x EMBRACE Massó "¡Con Salsa!"
2024-09-14 14:00 - 21:00
The UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden presents a day of programming in conjunction with Embrace’s Massó “¡Con Salsa!” International Music Festival in the Boston Common!

At UnCommon Stage:

Boylston T Stop, Boylston St & Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

1:00-3:00 PM | Zahili Gonzalez Zamora

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

3:00-5:00 PM | Georgie Rodriguez

Georgie Rodriguez is an accomplished Puerto Rican multi-instrumentalist with a solid bass and guitar career. He is also an experienced composer, arranger, music producer/director, and recording musician. His trajectory includes a Grammy Award for Best Tropical Album (2017)¿Dónde Están? with Guasábara Combo, and Latin Grammy Awards for Best Salsa Album(2010) and Best Merengue Album (1997).Self-taught and a lifelong learner, Georgie has developed a unique music style reflecting his origins and expansive musical journey across styles and genres.

5:00-6:00 PM | Bárbara Zamora (feat. El Bonche in Boston)

Featuring a performance by El Bonche in Boston at 5!El Bonche in Boston is a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating Cuban culture through music and dance. Our mission is to bring the essence and nostalgia of Cuba to life through inclusive block party socials where dancers and non-dancers alike can join in the fun.With a team of passionate dancers from around the world, we perform with live bands, teach engaging lessons, and bring animations to our events. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with rhythm,movement, and the warmth of Cuban hospitality. Let’s create memories together with El Bonche in Boston!Facebook InstagramYouTube

6:00-7:00 | WERS

7:00-9:00 PM | Tolieth

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/

At the Embrace Statue:

The Embrace, 139 Tremont St., Boston, MA, 02108

Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! The International Music Festival is not just a musical event. It’s a celebration of a cultural institution. For nearly five decades, José Massó III has served as the producer and host of @wbur’s ¡Con Salsa!, a weekly radio program featuring the best in Afro-Latin music, history and commentary. As he prepares to celebrate his 50th anniversary on radio in 2025, the 1965 Freedom Plaza honoree is partnering with Embrace Boston to begin a new chapter for ¡Con Salsa! Nights, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive. Grab your FREE tickets now!

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2024-09-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-08-30 14:00 - 16:00
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora is a Cuban pianist, composer, bandleader, arranger, and educator. She feels most defined by her Cuban heritage and her status as an immigrant. Her passion for music has taken her to Canada, to South East Asia and, now, to the United States. Her rich musical background, career experience and extraordinary improvisation skills render her a leader in the modern Latin jazz idiom and an influential, emulated musician.

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

https://www.zahilizamora.com

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

HipStory Takeover | Eva Davenport x Tim Hall b2b Cliff Notez x Miranda Rae
2024-09-13 12:00 - 21:00
12:00-2:00 PM | Eva Davenport

Eva Davenport is an inspirational soul/RnB artist and community organizer. Infusing deep soulful lyrical healing with modern mixed genre beats to create music that is uplifting, rooted in Mother Earth and emotionally charged. Her mission is to inspire listeners to follow their own life passions so that together, as a family, we may fill this world with love. #RadicalLoveMVMT #LettersToSelf #evadavenportmusicWebInstagram

4:00-7:00 PM | Tim Hall x Cliff Notez

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/@cliffnotez

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.

7:00-9:00 PM | Miranda Rae

Miranda Rae, a native of Boston, is an exceptional R&B singer/songwriter who has garnered significant acclaim in the music industry. In 2020, she was honored with the prestigious R&B Artist of the Year award at the esteemed Boston Music Awards, solidifying her status as a rising star within the local scene.

Introducing her debut EP, “Excuse My Baggage,” in the autumn of 2019, Miranda Rae astounded listeners with her exceptional vocal prowess and artistic growth. Among the standout tracks, “Thinkin’ Bout You” emerged as a timeless masterpiece, captivating fans not only in Boston but also from various corners of the globe. With her distinct blend of live instrumentation and cleverly crafted lyrics, Miranda Rae has carved out a unique sonic identity, drawing comparisons to acclaimed artists such as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Adele.

Recently, Miranda Rae unleashed her highly anticipated third EP, “For What It’s Worth,” in June 2023. As her fanbase eagerly anticipates her next move, Miranda Rae is poised to shine brighter than ever before, putting Boston on the international music stage.

https://mirandaraemusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/itsmirandarae/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mirandaalol

BAMS Fest - Toki Wright x ZURI
2024-09-12 16:00 - 20:00
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.

Songwriter, storyteller, sound innovator, bassist, and vocalist. Hailing from the south, ZURI is a 20-year old music artist from Atlanta, Georgia. With influences from contemporary jazz, neo soul, and R&B, and inspiration from artist’s such as Moonchild, Robert Glasper, and Lalah Hathaway, her sound is uncommon and a fresh find you didn’t even know you needed to hear. She is currently completing her final year at Berklee College of Music, with a BA in Professional Music, with concentrations in Music Business and Production. She recently released her debut single, “inside”, which is a fusion of modern day jazz and Neo-soul, which can be found on all streaming platforms.

BAMS Fest - To Be Announced
2024-09-12 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over unCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage.

Check back for more details!

Fabiola Méndez
2024-09-12 13:00 - 15:00
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

Pop Princess Tribute with Sarah Bernadette
2024-09-09 18:00 - 20:00
Join Uncommon Stage for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant world of contemporary pop music with the talented Sarah Bernadette.Sarah’s powerful vocals and captivating stage presence will pay tribute to two of today’s most exciting pop artists. Her carefully curated set list showcases songs from two standout performers: the bold and innovative Chappell Roan and the phenomenally successful Olivia Rodrigo.

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

The Femmes
2024-09-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-31 18:00 - 20:00
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
2024-09-08 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-08-30 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

Wamptronica
2024-09-08 14:00 - 16:00
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.

BAMS Fest & Departure Arts Present: Play Playe
2024-09-07 17:00 - 21:00
Play Playe: Game Night is a free game night for adults featuring All-Star Karaoke, board games, cards, Minute to Win It, live music, DJs, and more. Through fun and games, Play Playe is a night dedicated to connecting our city’s arts, culture, and community. Come out and meet other artists and organizers while grabbing a drink and a bite to eat.

Brought to you in partnership by BAMS Fest, Departure Arts, with support from Emerson College. Email toki@bamsfest.org if you are interested in performing a song for karaoke!

FableVision Presents: Day of Play!
2024-09-07 12:00 - 17:00
Boylston T Stop, Boylston St & Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

The Emerson UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden Day of Play is a day of connection, fun and in-person play at the Emerson UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden, located at the corner of Boylston and Tremont in the Boston Common. The event is inspired by the Come Out and Play Festivals in New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Emerson students and local game designers have built six original, in-person outdoor games related (albeit tangentially) to life in Boston to get Bostonians new and old excited about the new school year. Visitors will run, hop, have cut-throat games of friendship, frantically throw beanbags, utilize hula hoops, ride in inflatable boats, toss tea, miss trains and hunt goblins. We welcome all students, families, and passers-by to drop in or spend all day with us at the UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden between 12 and 5PM. Play, be loud, have fun and meet some new friends!

Difficult Hop-Scotch

Getting around Boston is easy! It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away. Take the Red Line (unless it has slow zones). Or the Green Line (unless it’s disabled for track maintenance). Take the Orange Line (unless it’s on fire). Or you can just take the Blue Line and stay in Eastie forever. Four players play competitive, simultaneous hopscotch on four T lines to try and be the first to make it home safely.

Game Designers:

Habeebh Sylla, Henry Kacik, Evan Tsapatsaris, Regan McKenzie

Emerson Troll Hunt

So you’re going to become a media student? Congratulations! You’d better get used to trolls early. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Start training to look for trolls hiding all around the Day of Play UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden space. When you find one, see what it has to say and assemble the message…but don’t think too hard about it, they’re just trolls. After a while they even start to look sort of cute!

Game Designers:

Zoe Deyermond, Peyton Schweibert, Zeang Fang, Chris Fortin

Boston Tea Party

Boston is a city of history: the freedom trail, the shot heard around the world and the infamous Boston tea party! Join us for this almost accurate reenactment of the Boston tea party where patriots feverishly try to throw tea bags into the harbor and tories feverishly try and throw them back out of the harbor. We’re pretty sure it happened like that.

Game Designers:

Nicole Armbrecht, Mikayla Lastowski, Helen Bo, Liwei Wang

Competitive Friendship

It’s good to have new friends. But who’s the BEST friend? Will you win this friendship? And most importantly, how do you prove to your new friends that you are the best at friendship? By playing Competitive Friendship of course! In this game you’ll have an intense two-player competition at simple “getting to know you” games. Whoever reaches their side of the board will be victorious. May the best friend win!

Game Designers:

Sarina LoPresti, Emma Millin, Lang (Oscar) Qin

Charles River Regatta Go

The Charles River divides Boston from Cambridge and on crisp Boston autumn mornings, you can see collegiate rowers silently slicing their boat through the still water. Jealous? Don’t worry, this in-person game will train you to be exactly like a professional crew member. First don your Personal Floatation Device and then step into the inflatable boat. Use two to four facsimile oars to row your boat along your digital Charles River. Just make sure you steer straight, avoid obstacles and go as fast as possible!

Game Designers:

Ziba Scott, Ichiro Lambe, Kellian Pletcher, Luigi Guatieri and Members of the Boston Indie Games Collective

Moving Day

Did you know that ALL RENTAL LEASES in Boston begin on September 1st? If you don’t, you will someday when you join Boston Christmas: the insane, competitive, speed-based packing puzzle that is Moving Day in Boston every September. By moving more boxes than you knew you had, you’ll collaborate with your new roommates and also compete with your new roommates. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll probably scream and hopefully, eventually, you’ll move into your new apartment.

Game Designers:

Kellian Pletcher, Marie Hubert and the Teams From FableVision Studios and Red Fox Escapes

DJ Lineup

12:30 – 2:30 PM: KNSZWRTH

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.

3:00 – 5:00 PM: Little Kil0

“Hailing from Houston, Texas, I am Little Kil0. I’m latinx, queer, and I see my therapist weekly. I like good music and I’m pretty good with flags.”

¡Baila Boston! Salsa on the Common
2024-09-06 18:00 - 21:00
Celebrate Summer with Salsa in the Common!

Join us at Emerson’s UnCommon Stage and the Harpoon Beer Garden for an unforgettable night of dance, drinks, and delicious food from Rosa Mexicano.

Hernan Choque of Salsa y Control and Àgora Cultural Architects will light up the corner of Boylston and Tremont with beats that will move your feet! The evening will feature salsa music from Son Mass, DJ sets, family-friendly, interactive Salsa lessons, and demos from seasoned Salsa dancers.

Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away on the Common!

Jonathan Suazo
2024-09-06 16:00 - 18:00
Jonathan Suazo is an award-winning saxophonist / composer / cultural advocate and educator who also leads his own project entitled RICANO, a unique afro Caribbean Jazz concept that blends the sounds of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. Jonathan was named one of the top ten emerging jazz artists of 2023 by the GRAMMYS and his debut album “Ricano” (Ropeadope Records) was listed at #6 in the best Jazz albums of 2023 by The New York Times. A Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate, Jonathan has also received many honors including the South Arts Jazz Road Tours Grant, the New Music USA Creator Fund Grant, A full tuition Scholarship to attend the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Masters Program, The Project Support Grant for Alumni by the Fundacion Banco Popular for his Ricano album and the Berklee urban Service Award for using the arts to support humanitarianism. Catalina Maria Johnson of Downbeat Jazz Magazine describes his music as “a soundscape propelled by lyrical sax playing” and Giovanni Russonello from The NY Times describes his music as “richly built, written from the heart and packed with complexity, always seeking the next level of altitude.” Suazo has collaborated / performed with artists like Miguel Zenón, Terri Lyne Carrington, David Sánchez, Charlie Sepúlveda, Eric Figueroa, Gonzalo Grau, Alex Alvear, Ricky Rodriguez, Ileana Cabra (iLÉ), Calma Carmona, Rakalam Bob Moses, Joe Lovano, Paoli Mejias, Humberto Ramirez, David Rivera, Tito Matos, Ricardo Pons, William Cepeda, Jon Secada, Pedro Capó, Obie Bermudez, Hans Glawischnig, Humberto Ramirez, Silverio Perez, Tony Escapa; and he’s led his band at venues like The Keystone Korner, Jazz Showcase Chicago, the Santo Domingo Jazz Festival, Springfield Jazzfest, Sala Sinfónica Pablo Casals PR, Teatro Francisco Arriví (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest (Anfiteatro Tito Puente), Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, Elephant Room Austin TX, SXSW 2023, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The MFA Boston, and many more.

Chloe Swindler
2024-09-06 14:00 - 16:00
Chloe Swindler is a Boston-based multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and singer-songwriter from Tucson, Arizona. As a trumpeter, vocalist, and guitarist, her signature sound brings together R&B, soul, funk, and pop.

Chloe’s music career has been diverse, featuring work as a soloist and gig band musician, as well as engagements as a chamber, orchestral, jazz, and studio musician. She has performed, recorded, and toured across the United States, England, and South Korea, and has worked with world-renowned artists and groups including Harry Styles, Lizzo, Vanessa Williams, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Chloe started her musical journey at 9 years old with trumpet lessons in middle school. By the time she was 14, she had taught herself guitar from watching YouTube tutorials and started writing her own songs. She went on to study music performance at Boston University (Bachelor of Music), Yale University (Master of Music), and the University of California Los Angeles (Doctor of Musical Arts).

Over the years, Chloe has been involved in the music industry as a musician, educator, content creator, researcher, booking agent, and a coach for musicians in entrepreneurship, branding, and social media. She currently teaches as a Trumpet Professor at the Longy School of Music and as an Assistant Professor in Berklee’s Africana Studies Department. Chloe also runs a private trumpet studio, Trumpet Fundamentals, offering in-person and online trumpet lessons. You can learn more at www.trumpetfundamentals.com.

To keep up with Chloe’s latest performances, follow her on social media: @chloeswindlermusic.

Check out her website: www.chloeswindler.com.Photo credit: Taylor Rossi (www.taylorrossiphotography.com)

BAMS Fest - Toki Wright x Augustina
2024-09-05 16:00 - 20:00
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.

Zack Bolles Band
2024-09-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-03 16:00 - 18:00
The Zack Bolles Band is a folk rock trio featuring Abe Dewing on fiddle, Ed Cardenas on cajon and Zack Bolles on guitar.

www.zackbolles.com

@zackbollesband

Nicolás Emden
2024-09-02 14:00 - 16:00
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/

Allston Christmas @ UnCommon Stage!
2024-09-01 13:00 - 21:00
Get ready to celebrate the annual Allston Christmas extravaganza with UnCommon Stage!

This unique Boston tradition marks the time when students move in and out, leaving behind a treasure trove of discarded items on the streets.As Boston buzzes with renewed energy, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable day of festivities. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music performances, refreshing sips of Harpoon’s limited run Allston X-mas New England IPA, and mouthwatering culinary delights from the renowned Rosa Mexicano. This celebration captures the essence of Boston’s lively spirit during this exciting transition period.The excitement kicks off at 12 PM with our much-anticipated swap meet. We encourage all attendees to bring a bag and contribute their gently used items to the exchange. This is your chance to declutter while potentially discovering hidden gems! However, to ensure a smooth event, we kindly request that you limit your contributions to items no larger than a standard carry-on luggage. Let’s embrace the spirit of recycling and community sharing that defines Allston Christmas!

1-4 PM – HipStory Presents Beat Tape Matinee

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.

Raised in Brockton, Lilah’s latest single, “Brolic Freestyle,” showcases her captivating cadences and unique rhyme patterns, setting her apart from the crowd. Her music delves into personal experiences, shedding light on important issues and celebrating individuality.Beyond her solo work, Lilah’s contributions as a writer and producer have been recognized on various projects such as BLK ODYSSY’s “Diamonds & Freaks”, GRIP’s “Five & A F*** You”, Khary’s “THIS IS WEIRD”, and many more.With Lilah’s infectious energy, undeniable talent, and commitment to authenticity, she is undoubtedly an artist to watch. She continues to make waves in the music scene, spreading joy and creativity to her audience.IG : @longlivelilah Twitter: @longlivelilah

One of the keys to longevity is keeping the passion for your craft alive and that’s precisely how DJ Manipulator has managed to maintain his career. Hailing from Hempstead, NY, but now residing in Worcester, MA, Manipulator is a hip-hop DJ and producer who has steadily built up a solid repertoire of releases and live shows since 2012.Having first been drawn to hip-hop as an 8-year-old boy, thanks to his older brother’s influence, Manipulator first tried his hand at rapping, graffiti and breaking, before realizing his real passion resided with DJing and beat-making.Skip to 2002 and he acquired his first set of turntables, with his first production setup following a year later, and drawing on influences from artists such as J Dilla, Madlib and The Alchemist, Manipulator set about honing his skills in both disciplines. Having followed his natural desire to work with samples, he also embarked on a lifelong crate digging obsession.Fast forward to now and that obsession has paid off, with a stack of notable releases under his belt, including two instrumental projects, The Synth Tape and The Soviet Tape. The two releases provided an insight into Manipulator’s beat-making prowess and demonstrated the value of his sample hunting.

Gibson Alcott, professionally known as GIB DJ is a producer and composer and DJ from Allston, MA. With over a decade of experience working with artists, he has carefully carved out his lane with an attention to sonic bliss. His dedication to creation has landed him placements with legends like Young Jeezy, current icons like Telfar Clemens as well as most of Boston and beyond’s creative scene (including 3 BMA winners). His emphasis on collaboration and an open minded approach when it comes to genre and technique are integral to his process for whoever comes to his studio for a session.

4-6 PM – The Zack Bolles Band

The Zack Bolles Band is a folk rock trio featuring Abe Dewing on fiddle, Ed Cardenas on cajon and Zack Bolles on guitar.

www.zackbolles.com

@zackbollesband

6-8 PM – Bencils

Bencils is a multimedia artist who works with a close team of like-minded peers that strive to push the boundaries of what is expected from them during their developmental years.@madebybencils everywhere

The Blue Island Project
2024-08-31 15:00 - 17:00
The Blue Island Project is an exciting quartet formed in Boston in 2019 by the talented Cuban Pianist, Singer, and Composer Anibal Cruz.

The band’s performances are always a treat for audiences who appreciate music that is both vibrant and soulful. The repertoire is as diverse as its members, and takes you on a journey of Anibal’s influences from classical music training back in Cuba to jazz and blues at Berklee, making his sound in this project a unique mix of Afro-cuban and Brazilian rhythms, Gospel, and Jazz. Anibal is in the process of creating the first album for Blue Island, which will feature amazing guest artists from all over the world.

https://claveandbluesproductions.com/theblueislandproject

Magnificent Monster Circus Presented by Puppet Showplace Theater
2024-08-31 12:00 - 13:00
“Magnificent Monster Circus” presented by Puppet Showplace Theater

All ages welcome!

Come one, come all, to a circus like no other! Encounter magnificent creatures from the wilds of your imagination as their quirky human caretaker tries to teach them new tricks. Kids can lend a hand to Eustace the Unicycling Unimonster, make friends with a Fiery Fanged Worm, cheer for Agnes the many-legged Acropod, and more! This colorful, silly, multi-sensory show is a perfect match for our youngest audiences.

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3-7Mixed puppetry styles, including table top and direct manipulationLanguage: EnglishFrom Western Mass!

Puppet Showplace Theater presents hundreds of family-friendly performances a year in its cozy theater, located in Brookline Village right across from the Green Line T station. Join us for outstanding puppetry for all ages, creative vacation week programs, puppetry workshops for grown-ups, and more! Learn more at www.puppetshowplace.org and follow us in Instagram @puppetshowplace

After our show, 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).

CALO
2024-08-30 16:00 - 18:00
CALO brings an eclectic mix of 90’s hip-hop classics, remixes, and instrumentals to the UnCommon Stage, accompanied with solo saxophone and electronica.

CALO (Joseph Borsellino III) is an award-winning composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and DJ, born and based in Boston. On his principal instrument– saxophone– he has entertained audiences along the eastern coast with popular jazz repertoire, dance music, and instrumental hip-hop imbued with gospel-oriented improvisations. He is celebrating the release of Synthesis: The String Quartet Sessions, released via ArtistShare on June 21st, 2024, for which he was commissioned along with 14 other large ensemble jazz composers by Grammy Award-winning producer Ryan Truesdell.website: linktr.ee/the_real_calosocial media: https://www.instagram.com/jborsellinomusic/

BAMS Presents: S.O.U.L.STICE - Toki Wright X Shandelle
2024-08-29 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest takes over UnCommon bringing Live Music and Beats to the stage!

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

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

pc: Dalvin Lopes

Shandelle is a multi-faceted songstress from Somerville, MA. She broke into the scene in 2021 after releasing her debut EP “introspection”. Since then, the weight of her name has grown exponentially— with several prestigious performances (including her first headline show being sold out) and the release of her debut mixtape “CAPSULE_001”. Her reign continues this year with the eclectic release of her “AMOR // SUDOR” single as she hones in on more fresh sounds and styles for her ever-growing audience.

Instagram is @s.handelle Music is on all streaming platforms under Shandelle

The Boundary Objects
2024-08-29 13:30 - 15:30
The Boundary Objects make music at the mythical borders between Bahia and Bamako, between Barcelona and Boston, armed only with guitars a calabash, and all the inputs onstage.
