Thursday, March 18, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Lucky Lounge [Map]
Berklee's party at the Lucky Lounge during SXSW features alumni and students performing folk, pop, rock, and country. Artists include Melissa Ferrick, A House A Home, Ann Driscoll (HRR), Merry Go Round, Nini & Ben (HRR), and Jordan Tarrant (HRR). [details]
Free
TAO
World Music
TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming
Thursday, March 18, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
With explosive taiko drumming and innovative, acrobatic choreography, TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming, in its Boston debut, offers a breathtaking, vibrantly modern twist on a traditional art form—and a visual and sonic tour de force!
Alumni Affairs, Heavy Rotation Records, and Berkleemusic.com
Berklee's Fifth Annual SXSW Party
Friday, March 19, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Friends Bar [Map]
Berklee's official SXSW party features alumni and students performing rock, indie pop, hip-hop, folk, and country. Artists include Audible Mainframe, Ann Driscoll, Love Like Fire, Nini & Ben, Shayna Zaid & the Catch, Jordan Tarrant, Stefan Wm, and the Young Republic. [details]
FREE
March
20
Air
Live Nation Presents
Air
Saturday, March 20, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Air is two musicians (Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Nicolas Godin) who are typically French yet altogether worldly. They come to Boston in support of their latest album, Love 2. Opening for Air will be AM. [details]
Monday, March 22, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Come and join us for a musical journey through song. we'll give you a new twist on some old standards as well as presenting some brand-new compositions. This show will feature some of the most up-and-coming Berklee students, alumni, staff, and faculty, all coming together to create a beautiful musical portrait. Instrumental as well as a cappella—a little something for everyone.
March
23
For You...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 4:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Yui Koda performs solo pieces, original, and ensemble pieces. This is last concert for her in Berklee. Please come and share the wonderful time with her.
Yuki Shibata
Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Jazz pianist Yuki Shibata, a 2009 Berklee graduate, leads a group performing her originals.
Rhythms and Frequencies: CWP Student Concert
Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
The contemporary writing and production student concert features some of the best CWP students and their dynamic songs and arrangements in an exciting mix of electrifying music. [details]
March
24
Jim Benoit Percussion Recital
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 4:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Jim Benoit, percussionist and vibraphonist, will give a one-hour recital featuring a wide variety of music from solo classical and contemporary pieces to a septet performance by the Waitiki 7.
Play in the Black Box: Sounds from Berklee College of Music
Tubby Love
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Arsenal Center for the Arts [Map]
Play in the Black Box is the first series at the Arsenal Center for the Arts featuring Berklee students—an intimate and personal experience for every concertgoer. Tubby Love will be performing music tonight from new album Tubby Love and Graymation. [details]
$12, $8 with Student ID
Executive Sessions
Executive Sessions Presents
Deafened By Love with Red Square unplugged
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
The Red Room presents: Deafened By Love, an indie rock band hailing from Western Massachusetts. [details]
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
This is a concert of the best student projects from CP212 (Counterpoint 2) courses from 2009.
March
25
New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series
Elise Hayes
Thursday, March 25, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
The Red Room at Cafe 939 presents its hour-long lunchtime concert series, the New Brew, featuring Elise Hayes. Bring your lunch or indulge your palate with coffeehouse fare.
Free
Composition Student Awards Concert
Thursday, March 25, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Original chamber music compositions will be featured by three selected Berklee student composers.
Music Series at Berklee
24th International Folk Music Festival
Thursday, March 25, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Hear the familiar strains of love, loss, triumph, sorrow, and joy in a dozen new ways as Berklee students perform music from around the world. Learn more about the series.[details]
Friday, March 26, 2010, 4:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
This program is a showcase for the understudies in the production of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. This is a prelude to the full show which will take place April 21 in the BPC.
Ryan Cabrera burst into the music scene in 2004 with his hits "On the Way Down" and "True." Since then he has toured extensively and put out several other albums, most recently The Moon Under Water. Come hear the hits and some new material that Ryan is readying for his next release.
Also appearing: Samantha Schultz
$10 advance, $12 at the door
March
27
Freezepop
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 4:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Freezepop has always been something of an oxymoron: embraced by both hipsters and nerds, serious about irony, and retro-futuristic. A synth band in a guitar video game, singing pop songs about rock. And it all somehow makes sense when you listen to the music. [details]
Sunday, March 28, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
In a dazzling display of Indian percussion, tabla superstar Zakir Hussain is joined by the finest percussionists from India's classical and folk traditions, including Sabir Khan, (sarangi, lute) Ganesh and Kumaresh (violins), Taufiq Qureshi (percussion), Navin Sharma (dholak, two-headed folk drum), Sridar Parthasarathy (mridangam, barrel drum), and the breathtaking Bengali Drummers.
Monday, March 29, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
A production of the Musical Theater Club.
March
30
Musical Theater Club
Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
A production of the Musical Theater Club.
Singer's Night
Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Vocal students from semesters one through eight will sing an array of vocal styles.
March
31
Carmen Spada
Carmen Spada / The Rajdulari Jazz Project
Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and Berklee graduate Carmen Spada performs original music and arrangements. To honor his Italian roots, Spada also performs on the accordion, playing and singing the music of his heritage. [details]
Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Baritone Philip Lima and pianist Tom Hojnacki will perform Franz Schubert’s Song Cylcle “Die Winterreise.”
April 2010
April
1
Mixed World Ensemble
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 1:15 p.m., Recital Hall 1W [Map]
This is the first of two recitals by the Mixed World Ensemble led by Jamey Haddad and Alain Mallet. Jazz and ethnic music from around the world mix in a unique blend.
Spring Winds
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 4:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
The Berklee Flute Choir, the Spring Winds Ensemble, and outstanding flute soloists will present a global music potpourri under the direction of professor Wendy Rolfe.
Guitar Night: R&B/Funk Showcase
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Guitar faculty members Thaddeus Hogarth presents an evening of r&b funk with student-led bands. Featuring some of the hottest r&b funk guitarists on the campus.
Professional Writing Division Awards Concert
Thursday, April 1, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
The annual Professional Writing Division Awards Concert features original music composed by award winning students, representing the six departments in the PWD, along with the annual Millicen Composition Contest winner. Ensembles vary from orchestra to rock band.
April
2
Percussion Unlimited
Friday, April 2, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
This concert will feature the Berklee Beginning Percussion Ensemble, directed by Richard Flanagan, and the Berklee Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dean Anderson. The Percussion Department's top total percussion principals will perform some of today's most contemporary percussion ensemble literature. These all-percussion works will include composers such as Steve Reich, William Albright, Carlos Tort, Till Meyn Michael Udow, and Victor Mendoza.
Berklee Marimba Concert II
Friday, April 2, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Showcasing members of Berklee Marimba Ensemble 3 and Marimba Transcriptions and Repertoire Lab, the program features music of Samuel Barber, Philip Carlsen, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Enrique Hernandez, W. A. Mozart, Michael Nyman, Robin Pecknold, Astor Piazzolla, and Studio 99.
Percussion Department Spring 2010 Award Winners' Concert
Friday, April 2, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Directed by Yoron Israel, this concert will feature Berklee's Percussion Department scholarship award winners of spring 2010. The 18 students represent some of Berklee's finest drumset, total percussion, hand percussion, vibraphone, and marimba performers and scholastic achievers. They will cover a wide variety of musical idioms, including jazz, fusion, funk, classical, and world styles. In addition to the featured percussionists, a talented group of 11 student accompanists will be heard throughout the evening.
April
5
Emi Inaba Jazz Orchestra
Monday, April 5, 2010, 7:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Emi Inaba's graduate concert, performing her original compositions for jazz orchestra. Inaba’s compositions display a wide range of colors and expressions, reflecting her uniqueness, as well as her command of classical and jazz.
Piano Department Student Concert
Monday, April 5, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
The Piano Department features several outstanding piano students chosen by CD submissions.
The Red Room at Cafe 939 presents its hour-long lunchtime concert series, the New Brew, featuring Trevor Jude Smith. Bring your lunch or indulge your palate with coffeehouse fare. [details]
Free
Donna McElroy
Berklee Artists Series at Scullers
Donna McElroy and Friends
Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 8:00 p.m., Scullers Jazz Club [Map]
The Berklee Artists Series at Scullars continues with acclaimed vocalist and Berklee professor Donna McElroy.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Berklee's most talented pop/rock singers and songwriters reveal the stories behind the songs. Directed by Didi Stewart and Alizon Lissance.
April
8
New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series
Natalie Smith
Thursday, April 8, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
The Red Room at Cafe 939 presents its hour-long lunchtime concert series the New Brew featuring: Natalie Smith. Bring your lunch or indulge your palate with coffeehouse fare. [details]
Free
Those Who Can Teach: Perform!
Thursday, April 8, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Each semester, music education students demonstrate their performance skills and their connection to the proficiencies, standards, and skills that they employ as teachers.
Gary Burton
Music Series at Berklee
Gary Burton's Arrival: Celebrating 50 Years
Thursday, April 8, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Since arriving as a student at Berklee in 1960, Gary Burton has led groups that have defined the state-of-the-art of jazz for five decades, while forming lasting relationships and receiving six Grammys. In this performance, Burton joins bandmates from his seminal groups to celebrate the music they've made together throughout the years. Performers include the members of his first Berklee band, Mick Goodrick, Abe Laboriel, and Harry Blazer; all-stars John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Steve Swallow, Antonio Sanchez, Donny McCaslin, Jim Odgren, Makoto Ozone, and Tiger Okoshi; and his Generations Band with Julian Lage, Vadim Neselovskyi, Luques Curtis, and James Williams. Learn more about the series.[details]
The Blood Mountain Brothers perform unique arrangements of classic American music—from Stephen Foster to Little Feat—with an acoustic, front porch, sweet tea vibe. Come see our very own Roger Brown on drums and percussion, together with Mark Caddell, bass and vocals; Richard Curzi, piano and vocals; Jim Wooster, guitar; and Paul Judge, guitar and vocals, plus some special guests.
$10
Tom Kain Double Trio
Monday, April 12, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Come join Tom Kain as he leads two keyboard trios (Piano and B-3 Organ) and special guests through various jazz favorites. Among others, the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Tower of Power, George Shearing, and Chick Corea will be on the bill.
John Baboian
Arsenal Arts
Berklee Jazz: The John Baboian Quartet
Monday, April 12, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Various Berklee venues [Map]
The John Baboian Quartet is made up of John Baboian, guitar; Daniel Ian Smith, woodwinds; Bruce Gertz, bass; and Larry Finn, drums. All long-time professors at Berklee, their music consists of original compositions and original arrangements of jazz standards.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Saxophonist Andrew Halchak will be performing a must-see senior recital with his small band. Come see some of the finest jazz musicians Berklee has to offer.
April
14
Sharon Raizer's Recital
Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 4:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Sharon Raizer will perform a collection of diverse pieces in the styles of pop, classical, folk, and jazz.
Executive Sessions Presents
Steve Oristaglio and Friends
Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Steve Oristaglio and the Full Circle Band debut on the Boston music scene with a passion for playing rock and roll, blues, and pop favorites. This exciting multi-talented band of Berklee musicians and tour professionals lights up the night with fresh sounds, driving beats, and the sultry vocals of guest star Maggie Seelig. Oristaglio and his band will also be performing with the opening acts, Chris Lax and Hillary Reynolds.
$10
Kazuyo Kuriya Jazz Orchestra
Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 7:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Kazuyo Kuriya, flautist, composer and arranger, will be performing and conducting her original compositions with her jazz orchestra. This concert is also her jazz composition portfolio recital.
April
15
New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series
Farin Hite
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
The Red Room at Cafe 939 presents its hour-long lunchtime concert series the New Brew featuring: Farin Hite. Bring your lunch or indulge your palate with coffeehouse fare. [details]
Free
The Cringe
The Cringe / Jamie McLean
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 8:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Driven by the gutsy lead vocals and savvy songwriting of John Cusimano, the Cringe has been bringing their blend of politicized power pop and big-belt-buckle blare to fans across the country since 2004. Jamie McLean is an astounding songwriter, vocalist, and player in that place where Southern and streetwise rock, roadhouse blues, downtown r&b, and swampy soul music find communion, and his new album, Completely, will catch you by surprise. [details]
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Berklee's premier vocal event offers a variety of styles and musical settings for some of the college's exceptional singers. The outstanding lead singers will be chosen from more than 100 students who audition for a spot in this immensely popular concert.
Berklee's the Red Room at Cafe 939 is pleased to announce the return of Matthew Perryman Jones. He has previously played the room with the Ten Out of Tenn tour. His latest album Swallow The Sea was released in August and several singles have been featured on Private Practice, Kyle XY, One Tree Hill, and other shows.
$10/GA $8/Student
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 8:00 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
An outstanding voice in the new generation of fado singers, Portugal's Ana Moura transcends her youth with a maturity that speaks of the pain of separation, unrequited love and longing. She has a gorgeous contralto voice, and her soulful and riveting interpretations are both heartbreaking and uplifting. Billboard calls her "soul-stirring... superb."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Dan Moretti, David Fiuczynski, and Larry Watson. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including jazz, funk, rock, soul, and r&b. [details]
Free
April
21
Ensemble Showcase: Folk, Soul, Neo-Soul
Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 3:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Abigail Aronson and Skip Smith. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including folk, soul, and neo-soul. [details]
Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida
Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Berklee students from the Berklee Musical Theater Workshop and Musical Theater Orchestra present a completely staged and costumed production of Elton John and Tim Rice's rock musical Aida, with a 24-piece orchestra. Based on Verdi's opera, Aida tells the timeless love story of a Nubian princess and her Egyptian captor. Emotions run high; there is jealousy, intrigue, and a beautiful but ill-fated love story, all told through the great rock music of Elton John and the lyrics of Tim Rice. Ashley Cook portrays Aida and Rodney Bush will fill the role of Radames, the Egyptian captain. The show will run for one night only.
April
22
Ensemble Showcase: Soul, Salsa, Afropop, Chamber
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Kenwood Dennard, Bernardo Hernandez, Bob Pilkington, and Robin Ginenthal. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including soul, salsa, Afropop, and chamber. [details]
Free
Jazz Revelation Records CD Release Concert
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Original jazz compositions from top Berklee student players featuring bass, drums, and guitar.
April
23
Ensemble Showcase: Jazz, Funk, Soul, Dominican
Friday, April 23, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Berklee Ensembles - Berklee College of Music presents back-to-back concerts of various class ensembles. Many styles and genres are represented as Berklee faculty present each of their ensemble’s end-of-semester performance final. [details]
Free
Bryan Adams
Live Nation
Bryan Adams—Bare Bones Tour
Friday, April 23, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
For nearly 30 years Bryan Adams has been entertaining and electrifying audiences around the world. He now brings his very special acoustic performance, the Bare Bones Tour, to Boston, live at the BPC.
Singer/songwriter Jason Reeves' forthcoming album takes listeners on a contemplative journey of love, hope, heartbreak, and renewal. Originally available only online and at his shows, the album earned a Top Folk Album of 2007 distinction from iTunes. Now signed to Warner Bros., Reeves continues to have an outlook as pure as ever. [details]
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10:00 a.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Join award-winning children's music artists Leeny and Tamara for a rocking good time that will have the whole family learning, giggling, and singing along. [details]
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 11:30 a.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Join award-winning children's music artists Leeny and Tamara for a rocking good time that will have the whole family learning, giggling, and singing along. [details]
Ensemble Showcases: Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, Heavy Metal
Monday, April 26, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Joanne Brackeen, Kudisan Kai, Brian Ellis, and Robert Schlink. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including jazz, rock, hip-hop, and heavy metal. [details]
Free
April
27
Meagan Hickman
New Brew Lunchtime Concert Series
Meagan Hickman
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 1:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
The Red Room at Cafe 939 presents its hour-long lunchtime concert series, the New Brew, featuring Meagan Hickman. Bring your lunch or indulge your palate with coffeehouse fare.
Ensemble Showcase: Middle Eastern, Jazz
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Christiane Karam, Darren Barrett, and Terri Lyne Carrington. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including Middle Eastern and jazz. [details]
Free
Berklee Jazz/World String Orchestra
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
The Berklee Jazz/World String Orchestra, directed by Eugene Friesen, presents an evening of diverse new works for strings.
April
28
Ensemble Showcase: World, Afropop, Fusion, Contemporary Christian
Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 2:15 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Ron Reid, Jamey Haddad, Alain Mallet, Tiger Okoshi, and Nancy Morris. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including world, Afropop, fusion, and contemporary Christian. [details]
Free
Sam and Ruby
Sam and Ruby / Liz Longley
Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 8:00 p.m., Cafe 939 [Map]
Sam and Ruby's The Here and The Now showcases arrangements that are beautifully understated, relying on acoustic and electric guitars, brushes of percussion, the occasional string section, and, above all, those two intertwining voices. [details]
$10, $8 students, general admission
Berklee Rainbow Band: A Lifetime Celebration
Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Great classic music from the history of jazz with featured vocalist Aubrey Logan.
Presented by Phil Wilson.
April
29
Ensemble Showcase: South American, Jazz, Blues, Reggae
Thursday, April 29, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Leo Blanco, Jeffrey Galindo, Lin Biviano, Dave Weigert, and Matt Jensen. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including South American, jazz, blues, and reggae. [details]
Free
Chord Scale Madness / The Urban Outreach Jazz Orchestra
Thursday, April 29, 2010, 8:15 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
This annual joint concert pairs the high-energy big band music of the Urban Outreach Jazz Orchestra with Chord Scale Madness, a 10-piece group playing the music of talented student arrangers and composers. [details]
April
30
Ensemble Showcase: Caribbean, Chamber, Gypsy Jazz, Bluegrass, Country
Friday, April 30, 2010, 1:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall [Map]
Student ensembles perform a series of afternoon and evening recitals, led by faculty members Winston Maccow, Mark Simos, John McGann, David Hollender, and Mike Ihde. These end-of-semester performance finals will cover a range of styles, including Caribbean, chamber, Gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and country. [details]
Free
The Michael Jackson Case: MJ or King of Pop?
Friday, April 30, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Berklee students from the Advanced Theater Production Workshop and Michael Jackson Ensemble present an original play, with music and dance, about the life and death of Michael Jackson. Students perform Jackson's hits and examine his life. Features guest artist Siedah Garrett, Grammy–winning songwriter of "Man in the Mirror."
Born and raised in Idaho, Justin Ringle has a natural affinity with the West. Its space, beauty, and nonconformity seem to be reflected in the music of his band, Horse Feathers. In Ringle's hands, the literal meaning of this expression comes to life: two things that can't possibly exist together are spun into a gossamer delicacy of music shot through with lyrical weight. The band's most recent album, Thistled Spring, is an album of rebirth.
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Berklee Performance Center [Map]
Berklee students from the Advanced Theater Production Workshop and Michael Jackson Ensemble present an original play, with music and dance, about the life and death of Michael Jackson. Students perform Jackson's hits and examine his life. Features guest artist Siedah Garrett, Grammy–winning songwriter of "Man in the Mirror."
May
4
Berklee Artists Series at Scullers
The Jazz Urban
Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 8:00 p.m., Scullers Jazz Club [Map]
The Berklee Artists Series at Scullers continues with The Jazz Urban with George Russell Jr., Lenny Stallworth, Kenwood Dennard, Stan Strickland, and Bill Banfield.
Julian Velard is that rarest of artists, a brilliant pop songwriter who is also a storyteller. He writes instantly catchy tunes while creating indelible characters that encompass the pain, humor, and joy of life.
Also appearing: Harper Blynn. [details]
Aqualung'sMagnetic North is a glorious celebration of smart pop music. Led by Matt Hales's exquisite keyboard-based melodies, the album's 12 songs revel in impossibly upbeat joy. [details]
On his latest album, Charlie Mars hits a groove that does not signify any specific genre but instead is hardwired to hearts and hips. This is an album that writhes through the headphones, which will ultimately be tossed in favor of a living room dance floor. Mars has sewn together tightly crafted songs with moods and melodies that pulse with sex, wonderment, and personal destruction—all themes that may clash on paper but in music suggest mysteries that are organic to us all.