Berklee Welcomes Marcus Gilmore for Signature Series Performance

Berklee Welcomes Marcus Gilmore for Signature Series Performance The two-time Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader will also lead two master classes exploring melody, composition, and improvisation with students while on campus.

October 22, 2026

By

Daniel Pesquera

Image courtesy of the artist

Berklee's fall Signature Series presents two-time Grammy Award winner Marcus Gilmore in concert on Thursday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center. Marcus Gilmore: Journey to the New features the acclaimed drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader performing a repertoire of original music from his latest album. Gilmore will be joined by Morgan Guerin (electronic wind instrument and saxophone), David Virelles (piano), Emmanuel Michael (guitar), and Endea Owens (bass).

While on campus, Gilmore will lead two master classes for students. The Drum Set: A Foundational Melodic Force offers an intimate look into Gilmore's artistic journey, upbringing, education, inspirations, and professional career, as well as his perspective on the drum set as a melodic instrument. The other master class, Compositional Dialogue, immerses attendees in a more hands-on lesson, focusing on a real-time exchange between Gilmore and student performers while also featuring original student compositions. Both sessions will include a Q&A.

It is a privilege to host Marcus Gilmore here at Berklee, said Yoron Israel, chair of the Percussion Department. His visit is significant for many reasons, as he is one of this generations leading drum set improvisers and a creative musical force that our students, faculty, and community need to hear.

Recognized as a special talent from early in his career, Gilmore has been subtly shaping the contemporary scene with his innovative, rhythm-expanding approach to the drum kit, dating back to high school playing in New York City's premier jazz clubs. His debut album as a bandleader, Journey to the New: Live at the Village Vanguard, topped the New York Times' 2025 Best Jazz Albums list. His recordings include Chick Corea's Antidote, which won the 2020 Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album, and Sullivan Fortner's Southern Nights, which won the 2026 Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Gilmore has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Pharoah Sanders, Pat Metheny, Ravi Coltrane, Robert Glasper, Vijay Iyer, and Flying Lotus, and contributed to the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning Pixar film Soul alongside Berklee professor Tia Fuller. He has composed orchestral works for the American Composers Orchestra, and performed in more than 60 countries over his 25-year career. Earlier this year, he premiered his first solo performance at Carnegie Hall in tribute to the late Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain.

The Berklee Performance Center is located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. Admission is $19.50 in advance and $16.50 for students. Tickets are available online and at the Berklee Box Office.

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