Emerson College UnCommon Corner

HipStory Presents Rhythm and Roots
2026-08-19 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
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HipStory Presents Rhythm and Roots featuring TBA

Join HipStory for their bi-weekly series, “Rhythm and Roots,” a live music and dance event that celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of Black music and movement. Rhythm & Roots will feature a rotating lineup of live bands, dance performances, and open jam sessions where musicians and dancers can exchange rhythms and movement.

Artist Bios

To Be Announced!

Matt Koelsch
2026-08-21 14:00 - 16:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

Matt Koelsch (pronounced “kel-sh”) is a soulful singer-songwriter who left a career in finance during the 2008 recession to follow his passion for music. Blending pop, rock, folk, and alternative styles, his songs capture the beauty and struggle of real-life moments through vivid lyrics and soaring melodies. Known for high-energy performances and emotional depth, Matt has shared stages with members of REM, Pink Floyd, and Toto. Koelsch has also supported acts like James Taylor, John Hiatt, Ke$ha, Hootie & The Blowfish, Collective Soul, Lucy Spraggan, Wet Wet Wet, Pierce the Veil and Edwin McCain. His latest work features top-tier session players and showcases his evolution as both artist and producer.

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Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: “Magnificent Monster Circus” by CactusHead Puppets
2026-08-22 12:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

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.

Puppet Showplace Theater is Boston’s home for puppet show joy — with shows nearly every weekend, for kids and adults, just steps from the Brookline Village T stop! Puppet Showplace is dedicated to presenting outstanding puppetry to diverse audiences through performances, workshops, and community outreach. From children’s birthday party performances to provocative Puppets at Night shows, our programming is designed to reach a large and diverse audience of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. View our full calendar at puppetshowplace.org

As a special treat for the kids, El Jefe’s will feature a kids’ meal! For $7.50, kids can get 1 Taco, a Juice Box, a side of Chips & Salsa, AND crayons!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 – 10

Artist Bios

CactusHead Puppets

CactusHead Puppets was started in 2010 by John and Megan Regan. Known for their playful performance style and exuberant creativity, they have created six fun family shows including The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Bremen Town Musicians, and Magnificent Monster Circus. They tour throughout the Northeast and are affiliated artists with the Puppet Showplace Theater. Both Megan and John are graduates of the University of Connecticut’s Puppet Arts program, and were interns at Puppet Showplace Theater way back! Megan is originally from the Kansas City area, where she worked with Paul Mesner Puppets, now known as What is Puppets. John is from western Massachusetts, and is honored to be performing in some of the same venues where he saw puppet shows growing up.

@cactushead_puppets

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Emily Nawrocki
2026-08-22 14:00 - 16:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

Emily Nawrocki is proving to be a rising star in the pop-soul world, blending powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and undeniable stage presence. The Boston, MA native has been making waves with her debut single, Blue Eyed Baby, which earned her two nominations at the 2025 International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMAs)—one for Best Pop Song and another for the People’s Choice Award.

​Her debut album, Evolving, produced by multi Grammy-nominated John Mailloux at Bongo Beach Productions has been praised for its fusion of pop, soul, and Motown influences. Wavy Magazine describes it as “a journey of self-discovery and artistry, blending rhythmic energy with lyrical introspection.” Nawrocki worked alongside Grammy-level musicians—who have played with legends like Michael Bublé and Jackson Browne—to craft an album that’s both polished and deeply personal.

As double graduate of Berklee College of Music with a master’s in Songwriting, Nawrocki’s music draws inspiration from Amy Winehouse, Carole King, and James Brown, fusing vintage soul with modern pop hooks. The Herald News praised Blue Eyed Baby for its “infectious energy and playful charm.”

Her album release show at The Narrows Center for the Arts was a full-house, sold-out success, proving that her music resonates deeply with audiences. Wavy Magazine notes, “Live performances are where Nawrocki’s passion shines brightest, creating an energy that’s both spontaneous and electric.”

With an ever-growing fanbase, Emily Nawrocki is just getting started—and the world is taking notice.

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Sarah Bernadette
2026-08-23 14:00 - 16:00
Sarah Bernadette

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

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”.

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HipStory Presents The Break
2026-08-26 17:00 - 19:00
HipStory Presents The Break featuring TBA

“The Break” is bi-weekly showcase dedicated to Boston’s hip-hop/R&B artists and DJs, connecting the city’s underground talent with new audiences. This program is curated by HipStory.

Artist Bios

To Be Announced!

Tim Hall

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.

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The Femmes
2026-08-27 17:00 - 19:00
The Femmes

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

The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary 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!

The Femmes have been booked solid since their sold-out debut showcase at Club Cafe in February 2023. Finding quick success in the MA market and all across New England, The Femmes have become one of Boston’s top bands, performing for the Human Rights Campaign, Boston Pride, Martha’s Vineyard Pride, Harley Davidson’s Women’s Rider Day, and have been featured on CBS News and the Boston Globe.

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Jules Grace
2026-08-28 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-05 18:00 - 20:00
Jules Grace

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

Jules Grace is an independent artist from Boston who just released her debut album “Diaries & Daydreams.” She has been playing guitar since she was nine and grew up playing in cover bands. Jules enjoys making a variety of music, ranging from dreamy indie-pop to heavier rock. Performing on radio station WERS, Musicians Wanted, and local venues around Boston, Jules has been gaining momentum in her music career.

Matt Koelsch Duo
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00

Puppet Showplace Theater Presents: “The Loose Caboose” by Harry LaCoste
2026-08-29 12:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

A train engineer finds his caboose has disconnected and is stranded without an engine! To pass the time while waiting for the engine’s return, the engineer peeks through the suitcases left behind to discover delightful puppet characters and enchanting musical stories.

Join puppeteer, ukulele rockstar, and all around funny guy Harry LaCoste for this interactive family-friendly show that is sure to make you giggle!

Puppet Showplace Theater is Boston’s home for puppet show joy — with shows nearly every weekend, for kids and adults, just steps from the Brookline Village T stop! Puppet Showplace is dedicated to presenting outstanding puppetry to diverse audiences through performances, workshops, and community outreach. From children’s birthday party performances to provocative Puppets at Night shows, our programming is designed to reach a large and diverse audience of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. View our full calendar at puppetshowplace.org

As a special treat for the kids, El Jefe’s will feature a kids’ meal! For $7.50, kids can get 1 Taco, a Juice Box, a side of Chips & Salsa, AND crayons!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 4 – 10

Artist Bios

Harry LaCoste

Harry LaCoste is a performer, teacher, dad, ukulele rockstar. After working behind the scenes on Sesame Street, he was inspired to try his hand at puppeteering. Since then, Harry has performed all over the country with puppets including with NYC-based puppet improv team, Team Lopez. Harry uses puppets, songs, and magic to tell stories and inspire creativity with children of all ages.

@goodnewsgus

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Off The Coast
2026-08-29 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-03 17:00 - 19:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

Off the Coast is a band from Easton, MA that writes and plays pop punk, indie and alternative rock. Brought together as Urban Lunchmeat in 2016, the band plays at local music venues, events and bars around the Boston Area, Cape Cod, and RI. The band composes and records their own unique high-energy music and released their debut single “Kerosene” which was nominated for Song of the Year by the New England Music Awards followed by their 2024 debut EP “A Million Reflections.”

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Soulelujah
2026-08-29 18:00 - 20:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

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

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

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

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Sam Spear
2026-08-30 14:00 - 16:00
Dwayne Haggins

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

The Sam Spear Quintet delivers hard-hitting bop, soulful swing, and blistering ballads. Composed of two saxes, piano, bass, and drums, SSQ performs an eclectic mix of originals and clever arrangements of jazz standards. The group is showcased on Spear’s album First Pitch (2024), available on Bandcamp and other streaming platforms.

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