Sasha Berliner Opens Berklee's Fall Signature Series

Sasha Berliner Opens Berklee's Fall Signature Series The acclaimed vibraphonist and composer joins a Berklee ensemble directed by Matthew Stevens for a special October 17 performance at the Red Room at Cafe 939.

By

Tori Donahue

September 22, 2025

Acclaimed vibraphonist and composer Sasha Berliner will join a Berklee ensemble directed by Matthew Stevens for a special October 17 Signature Series performance at the Red Room at Cafe 939.

Image courtesy of the artist

Berklee's Signature Series kicks off its fall season on Friday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Red Room at Cafe 939 with vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader Sasha Berliner. Featuring a Berklee ensemble directed by Matthew Stevens, associate professor of guitar, the performance will showcase her distinctive repertoire.

A rising force in contemporary jazz, Berliner topped the Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Star-Vibraphone category in 2020, making history as both the first woman and youngest person to earn the honor. Her first two albums received critical acclaim: 2019's Azalea was nominated for Best New Release in the JazzTimes Readers' Poll, and 2022's Onyx was voted one of the year's best jazz albums by UK Vibe, Textura, Jazz Vinyl Collector, and the 17th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll.

Berliner has appeared at leading venues and festivals, including the Blue Note and the Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival. In addition to leading her own band, she has recorded and performed with renowned artists, such as Tyshawn Sorey, Christian McBride, and C cile McLorin Salvant.

On behalf of the Signature Series, I'm happy to have had the opportunity to work with a tremendous student group in preparation for Sasha Berliner's performance, said Stevens. Sasha is an outstanding vibraphonist who has firmly established herself as an important artist among her generation.

The Red Room at Cafe 939 is located at 939 Boylston Street 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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