Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Najee Janey
2023-08-31 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Najee Janey’s love for music was birthed during his adolescence while watching his father play a diverse range of music like Zouk, Afro Caribbean music, Jazz, Funk, Latin X. The singer, song-writer, rapper, and poet from Roxbury, MA is just beginning to find himself musically and is pushing his craft to new heights. Najee is poised to have a successful career as a songwriter and performer. Coming off 2 nominations at Boston Music Awards (Unsigned Artist Of The Year) and R&B Artist of the year, Najee has also landed big placements on Billboard as a songwriter for major label artist Sebastian Mikael.

Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Twitter – @najeejaney

Bill Banfield's Jazz Urbane
2023-08-30 18:00 - 20:00

Brooke Annibale
2023-08-30 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-08-21 15:00 - 17:00
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

Olivia Wendel
2023-08-28 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-08-07 16:00 - 18:00
Olivia Wendel is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Massachusetts. Her songs are observational and truthful, with honest experiences from her life woven into a dream-like indie folk pop landscape.

https://www.oliviawendelmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oliviawendelmusic/

The Russ Gershon Trio with special guest John Mulkerin of Defunkt
2023-08-28 15:00 - 17:00
Multi-instrumentalist Russ Gershon has been a force on the Boston jazz, rock and Latin scene for over 40 years. As the leader of the Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra, he has toured the world and made a dozen albums, as well as leading the popular Latin Bugalú band Lookie Lookie and the electric period Miles Davis exploration “Listen to This.” He is also heard as a classical music announcer on WCRB-FM. In his trio he is joined by the E/O bassist and drummer, Rick McLaughlin and Brooke Sofferman.

Trumpeter John Mulkerin – an early hometown collaborator of Gershon’s in Connecticut – moved to NYC and became a player on the Downtown avant-funk scene, most notably in Joseph Bowie’s Defunkt, which has been touring Europe regularly since the Age of Reagan.

The Trio plays originals and music by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Duke Ellington, Clifford Jordan, Richard Thompson, the Monkees and more.

“Immensely satisfying, with all manner of variety — emotionally, musically, in the solos and arrangements… [Gershon] plays beautifully, with great musicality — as a composer and bandleader sensitive to compositional details and arrangements. [The] show held the ear and the mind and body at every moment.” – Jon Garelick (Boston Globe & Boston Phoenix contributor) on jongarelick.com

JATK
2023-08-26 17:00 - 18:00
JATK (pronounced “Jack”), the power-pop project from Boston-based songwriter Matt Jatkola and his circle of collaborators, cranks up an arsenal of hooks and riffs with affecting jolts of guitar-rock reflected through a knack for pop melody. After the release of a number of eclectic singles and music videos, their debut full-length album ‘Shut Up And Be The Light’ is out now!

https://jatktheband.com/

@jatktheband

Dwayne Haggins
2023-08-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-08-22 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-16 15:00 - 17:00
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

unCommon Stage Closed
2023-08-25 15:00 - 21:00
UnCommon Stage will be closed on Friday August 25. Enjoy the musical stylings of WERS and a beer from Trillium! The garden will open at 3pm.

SeeFour
2023-08-24 19:00 - 20:00
Instagram: TheRealSeeFour

Facebook: SeeFour

RealSeeFour.com

DJ WhySham
2023-08-24 17:00 - 19:00
DJ WhySham, a proud voice “From The 617 To Your BackYard”, is also a recent inductee to the Grammy Recording Academy (Class of ’23). Celebrated for her dynamic sets, from Boston Calling to energizing post Boston Celtics games, she is a 4-time nominee, and opened for the iconic DJ Jazzy Jeff, her #YourCommunityDJ deems true. However, it is her ability to fuse music with activism, as tools for healing and change, that truly sets her apart.

https://whysham.com/

Instagram: @whysham617

Twitter: @djwhysham twitter

Facebook: @djwhysham

Jesse Taitt
2023-08-23 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.

Jacques Schwarz-Bart presents the Harlem Suite
2023-08-22 14:00 - 16:00
www.brotherjacques.com

https://linktr.ee/Brojacques

The Femmes
2023-08-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-08-12 12:00 - 14:00
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

Ash & Eric
2023-08-19 19:00 - 20:00
Ash & Eric have never shied away from life’s hard edges. Hailing from the gritty heart of the Industrial Revolution — Worcester, Massachusetts — the two find consolation in discovering the beauty of being artists in the most stubbornly independent city in the north east. Their musings reflect the hope and pain we all experience sung in voices as vulnerable and honest as their lyrics.

www.ashandericmusic.com

Instagram @ashandericmusic; https://www.facebook.com/ashandericmusic

Against the Green
2023-08-19 18:00 - 19:00

JU$T JILL
2023-08-17 19:00 - 20:00
JU$T JILL is a female hip-hop artist and cypher organizer from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her hip-hop sound is unique and has an upbeat wholesome feel. Her music consists of empowering women, discussing personal struggles, and living life fully. Jill is one of the head organizers of The Bridgeside Cypher. A hip-hop cypher platform allows artists to get on the mic, express themselves, and leave their comfort zone without being judged. Jill encourages all women to step out of their comfort zones, participate in rapping and singing at the Bridgeside Cypher, and work towards their musical goals. Jill released her sophomore album, “WomanHood,” streaming now on all platforms.

https://beacons.ai/itsjustjill

JU$T JILL: @sillyjillyx3

Bridgeside Cypher: @bridgecyph

Toki Wright
2023-08-17 18:00 - 19:00
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.

Maz & Bencils
2023-08-17 17:00 - 18:00
Coming out of São Paulo, Brazil, Maz has started to make a name for himself in the alternative hip hop realm. Citing various influences as a son of a DJ, he utilizes his own overblown, yet a times mellow production to accompany an unorthodox delivery; painting a world beyond sounds into a multi-dimensional aesthetic delving into photography, film, and fashion. Currently based in Boston, Maz plants his feet promptly into the minds of the listener, transporting them to his expression of his past, present, and future.

@maztypebeat everywhere, @madebybencils everywhere

Sam Spear
2023-08-16 18:00 - 20:00
https://samspearmusic.com/

Facebook: Sam Spear Music

Instagram: @sam_spear_music

Bridget Nault
2023-08-12 18:00 - 19:00
Bridget Nault is a performer and songwriter who grew up on three continents and now writes songs out of her home base in Holden, Massachusetts. Bridget is a Berklee educated musician who plays accordion, guitar, piano and passionately sings covers and original songs, including those on her new album A FUTURE AND A PAST (available now wherever you get your music). Bridget can be seen playing across New England performing both solo and in her variety of other duos and bands.

https://bridgetnault.hearnow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BridgetSongTime // instagram @teenybsongs

Already Dead
2023-08-12 17:00 - 18:00
Dan Cummings, singer songwriter of Already Dead (Boston-based working class punk rock) brings an intimate yet energetic set of music. His performance contains anthemic songs of self reflection and working class social commentary in a folk-punk style. Already Dead’s debut album My Collar is Blue was recorded at The Bridge Sound and Stage in Cambridge, Mass., and the seven-song sampler platter of punk – led by three singles in “Stability,” the title track, and “City’s Burnin’” – was released in October 2022, helping earn Already Dead a nomination for Punk Artist of the Year at the 2022 Boston Music Awards.

“If The Clash were dubbed the ‘thinking man’s yobs, maybe we can call Already Dead the ‘thinking man’s Massholes’?”-Hump Day New

“The anthemic “My Collar Is Blue,” a street-punk fight song fueled by folk mindfulness, a slight outlaw country twang, and proper nods to their Celtic heritage (complete with bodhrán and mandolin), roars out of the speakers with an impassioned, all-together fury. It’s a heavy battlecry, relaying a message that carries forward from generation to generation.”- NEW NOISE MAGAZINE 11/16/22

@already_dead_music

Chloe Swindler
2023-08-11 18:00 - 20:00
Chloe Swindler is a Boston-based trumpeter, vocalist, arranger, and songwriter who thrives on finding the sweet spots of blurred genre lines. From soulful originals to jazz standards to classical arrangements, Chloe’s live music set is a showcase of a variety of musical styles paired with her own original music.

www.chloeswindler.com

www.instagram.com/chloeswindlermusic/

www.youtube.com/c/chloeswindler

CALO
2023-08-11 16:00 - 18:00
CALO is a Boston-based composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ. Behind the boards, he curates mixes of contemporary hip hop and R&B, Afro-Caribbean music, and classic 80’s jams, all while adding saxophone to the blend. On April 16th, 2021 he released his second EP, “Last year was a beautiful, terrible mess,” a collection of collaborative projects recorded throughout 2020’s extensive period of quarantine and social isolation.

linktr.ee/the_real_calo

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2023-08-11 12:00 - 14:00
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/

Anabel Gil Diaz
2023-08-09 18:00 - 20:00
