Encore Gala Supports Young Musicians
Berklee President Roger Brown (from left) and his wife, Linda Mason, along with artist and actor LL Cool J and gala cochairs Lori and David Sprows.
Image by Mike Spencer
The Berklee City Music Ensemble, featuring Tangela Mathis ’19 and Dreion, performed.
Image by Mike Spencer
Copresenting sponsor David Abrams (from left) with LL Cool J and Krystal Banfield.
Image by Mike Spencer
Nile Rodgers and Chic ended the evening with the Starlight Finale performance.
Image by Mike Spencer
LL Cool J (left) was welcomed by City Music leaders Curtis Warner and Krystal Banfield.
Image by Mike Spencer
Roger Brown (from left) with Berklee trustee Kristine Higgins, board chair Susan Whitehead, and Bob Higgins.
Image by Mike Spencer
Berklee alumni performers included Jscott Martin '16 and his group, The Glove.
Image by Mike Spencer
Nile Rodgers and Chic energized the crowd.
Image by Mike Spencer
On October 13, Berklee City Music® hosted its 24th annual Encore Gala, featuring more than 150 faculty, alumni, and student musicians. Attendees enjoyed performances of Latin, reggae, funk, a cappella, hip-hop, R&B, bluegrass, and world music in a variety of nightclub settings, along with a cocktail reception, dinner, and a silent auction.
This year’s gala raised $2 million for City Music, which promotes the growth of young people from underserved communities through the study of contemporary music. Special guests included LL Cool J as master of ceremonies and Nile Rodgers with Chic, who delivered the evening’s Starlight Finale performance.
Copresenting sponsors included Abrams Capital and Bain Capital Community Partnership. Colead sponsors included Aramark Education, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and Lynch & Associates. The Starlight Finale was sponsored by Decibel Therapeutics. This year's Gala Committee cochairs were Jim and Judy O’Brien and David and Lori Sprows.
