Chicago’s Danny Seraphine to Perform with Berklee Student Ensemble
Old Days: The Tribute to Chicago
Image courtesy of the artist
The Berklee student ensemble Old Days: The Tribute to Chicago will perform classic music from the influential rock band Chicago on Wednesday, October 2, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center. Joining the student musicians will be special guest Danny Seraphine, the band’s original drummer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
“We are excited to host legendary drummer and music and film producer Danny Seraphine,” said Sean Skeete, dean of the Professional Performance Division. “His artistry has been immortalized on the sonic files of the iconic rock group Chicago.”
Since 1967, Chicago has released 61 albums, sold over 100 million records, and are one of the longest-running and bestselling groups of all time. Seraphine, who played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s signature jazz-rock sound, is recognized for his innovative drumming. He blended elements of jazz, rock, funk, and Latin music, contributing to the success of hits like “25 or 6 to 4” and “Saturday in the Park.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, and the drummer continues to perform and inspire musicians through his work with the band California Transit Authority (CTA). He is also an educator who leads drum workshops and master classes on jazz-rock fusion and improvisation.
“I'm really honored to be performing and sharing my music with students and faculty of the legendary Berklee College of Music,” says Seraphine. While in Boston, he will lead a drum set clinic for students on campus.
The concert was conceived by student Diego Castrillo-Vilches, the drummer, bandleader, and musical director of Old Days: The Tribute to Chicago. He has a deep admiration for Chicago’s harmonic and melodic concepts as displayed in their classic hits “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “Will You Still Love Me?” Concertgoers can expect performances of the band’s popular hits such as “You’re the Inspiration,” “Beginnings,” and “Make Me Smile,” as well as additional songs from the band’s extensive catalog.
Admission is $12 in advance and $17 on the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Berklee Performance Center box office, located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston.