New Record: $2 Million for Encore Gala
Gala superstars and supporters (from left): Krystal Banfeld, Dean Goodermote, Gloria Estefan, Sinbad, Lori Sprow, Megan O’Block, David Sprow, and Robert O’Block
Mike Spencer
Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald sang a selection of his hits with Berklee student performers.
Curtis Killian
Representing co-lead sponsor Bain Capital Children’s Charity Ltd. (from left): David Gross-Loh, Ryan Cotton, Jenny Johnson, Patricia Patrick
Mike Spencer
CIty Music student musicians (from left): Denisse Torres, Gabriella Cabezas, Robert Gould, bassist Daniel Winshall, and Brianna Washington perform “That’s What Friends Are For.”
Mike Spencer
From the left: Boston Conservatory of Music president Richard Ortner, Gloria Estefan H’07, Berklee President Roger H. Brown, Susan Berk (wife of Lee Eliot Berk), Linda Mason (wife of Roger Brown), Berklee president emeritus Lee Eliot Berk, and Emilio Estefan H’07
Mike Spencer
Comedian and musician Sinbad served at the master of ceremonies and played with Roger Brown in the “Funkateer Club.”
Mike Spencer
The Encore Gala delivered a diversity of entertainment and ignited more than 900 guests to raise a record-breaking $2 million for the Berklee City Music Program (BCMP).
A variety of special guests highlighted the October 24, 2015 event at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, including stand-up comedian and musician, Sinbad who inspired guests with laughter as master of ceremonies. Much to the enjoyment of attendees, Sinbad and President Roger H. Brown also gave special performances in the “Funketeer Club.” Gloria and Emilio Estefan H ’07 were among the many guests listening to special performances by BCMP students.
The gala showcased an eclectic mix of musical styles with performances from 150 Berklee musicians in six musical clubrooms. Grammy award winner Michael McDonald ’H11 closed the evening with a performance of his hits with the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and others.
The Encore Gala is the flagship fundraiser for BCMP, a college preparatory program for young people using music as the catalyst. For information about supporting BCMP, visit www.berklee.edu/giving.
