The Signature Series at Berklee returns with performances by students, faculty, alumni, and world-renowned musicians. The 2019-2020 season includes concerts by Grammy-winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, Mexican vocalist Aida Cuevas, and internationally acclaimed classical tabla musician Zakir Hussain. Other highlights include Singers Showcase: A Night at the Opera-The Music of Queen, and a celebration of Charlie Parker's centennial. All concerts take place at the Berklee Performance Center (BPC), located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, with the exception of Zakir Hussain Meets Berklee. Tickets are on sale now at berklee.edu/bpc, at the BPC box office, or by calling 617-747-2261. The BPC is a wheelchair-accessible venue.
Dee Dee Bridgewater Meets Berklee Wednesday, October 30, at 8:00 p.m.
Dee Dee Bridgewater is a Grammy winner, Tony winner, music producer, UN Goodwill Ambassador, and jazz vocal legend. Bridgewater's career began in the 1970s as a featured vocalist with the fabled Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band. Her creative road from this auspicious debut has led her to Broadway, a long-term creative residency in Paris, and a position at the forefront of jazz and gender justice. The scope of Bridgewater's storied career will be explored in this concert featuring a performance with varied ensembles and musical settings. The concert is produced by Gabrielle Goodman, professor in the Voice Department, Terri Lyne Carrington, artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, and Phil Lima, assistant chair of the Voice Department.
Admission: $20 / $25 / $30 in advance; $25 / $30 / $35 day of show
Aida Cuevas Meets Berklee Thursday, November 14, at 8:00 p.m.
Mexican vocalist Aida Cuevas, the Queen of Ranchera Music, has won a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for her work in the regional Mexican genre. Cuevas, who was the first female singer in the traditional mariachi genre to win a Grammy, possesses a voice and style that has helped her cultivate a successful career for more than four decades. Joined by a large Berklee student ensemble, Cuevas will perform popular ranchero music such as El Pastor, M xico en la Piel, and B same Mucho-all arranged by students. The concert is produced by faculty bassist Oscar Stagnaro and Matthew Nicholl, dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division.
Admission: $10 / $15 in advance; $15 / $20 day of show
Zakir Hussain Meets Berklee Friday, November 22
Berklee will honor the life and music of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the prolific Grammy-winning tabla virtuoso, by presenting him with an honorary doctorate for his immense contribution to the global music community. The evening's concert will feature an international cast of students and faculty performing original compositions as well as new interpretations of Hussain's timeless music with the maestro himself. Produced by Berklee India Exchange. This concert will take place at Klarman Hall at Harvard Business School. Ticket information will be announced closer to the event.
Singers Showcase: A Night at the Opera-The Music of Queen Thursday, December 5, at 8:00 p.m.
In celebration of the enduring appeal of Queen, one of rock's most influential bands, prepare for a glittering night of stomping, fearlessly eclectic rock anthems and harmony-steeped, melodramatic piano ballads. Produced by Maureen McMullan, the concert will feature some of Berklee's most outstanding lead vocalists and special guests interpreting the band's rich catalog filled with musical virtuosity, operatic dynamics, and theatricality. The singers will be accompanied by an equally impressive roster of instrumentalists, dancers, and visual artists drawn from our global and diverse artistic community. The repertoire will include We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Killer Queen, and Somebody to Love.
Admission: $15 / $20 in advance; $20 / $25 day of show
Berklee Global Jazz Institute Celebrates Charlie Parker Friday, December 13, at 8:00 p.m.
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) celebrates Charlie Parkers centennial, presenting new arrangements and music from Birds repertoire. This celebration will feature orchestrations by Bill Dobbins, professor of jazz at Eastman School of Music, featuring Danilo P rez, BGJI artistic director; Joe Lovano, the Gary Burton Chair in Jazz Performance; Marco Pignataro, BGJI managing director; faculty member Patricia P rez; BGJI students; and guest artists. The concert is produced by Danilo P rez and Marco Pignataro.
Admission: $10 / $15 in advance; $15 / $20 day of show
Great American Songbook-Nu Vintage Pop: Todays Hits, Time Traveled Sunday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by the retro-hip joie de vivre of Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox and its gramophone music in a smartphone world philosophy, join an eclectic and global cast of Berklee vocalists, instrumentalists, arrangers, and dancers as they reimagine and perform modern-day pop songs in jazz and retro styles, including ragtime, dixieland, swing, big band, doo-wop, and Motown. Marrying 21st-century melodies with the sonic warmth and sass of a vintage 78 rpm record, prepare to be transported back in time with our makeover of hit songs by contemporary artists such as John Legend, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, and Rihanna. From sumptuous street corner harmonies and hot Harlem Stride piano to the bump and sway of jitterbug dancers, expect a reverent and unabashedly feel-good evening that will appeal to people of all ages. Pork pie hats, zoot suits, spats, and victory roll hairstyles are encouraged. The concert is produced by Maureen McMullan.
Admission: $15 / $20 in advance; $20 / $25 day of show
The Coming: Black History Month Celebration Thursday, February 27, at 8:00 p.m.
In celebration of Black History Month, we co
