Amplify Berklee
November 2, 2024
The Westin Copley Place
5:00 p.m.
We hope you will join us at Amplify Berklee, a one-of-a-kind community celebration, and Berklee's 30th annual gala benefiting City Music! This year’s event will take place at the Westin Copley Place and include a cocktail reception, dinner, and entertainment from Berklee's talented student and alumni musicians as well as special guest artists in a variety of music rooms.
Berklee City Music is celebrating three decades of empowering young artists. All proceeds benefit the college’s educational outreach program that leverages the power of contemporary music to empower youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially, and emotionally. We are thrilled to report that last year's event raised over $1.2 million dollars.
For more information about this year's event or to learn more about sponsorships, please contact Lindsey Chinni, director of engagement and outreach, at lchinni@berklee.edu.
Special Guests
DJ Jazzy Jeff
We are excited to announce that we will close out the night in style with a dance party spun by pioneering DJ, rapper, producer, actor, and entrepreneur DJ Jazzy Jeff, renowned for his versatility, innovative turntablism, and pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop genre. With over three decades in the industry, the Philadelphia native rose to fame alongside Will Smith as DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, with groundbreaking hits such as “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and block party staple “Summertime,” featuring his hallmark transformer scratch technique. Along the way, the multi-award-winning duo made history by winning the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance (1989), and a year later, becoming the first hip-hop act to perform at the Grammys, helping to pave the way for mass acceptance of the genre. Currently on tour with New Kids on the Block and Paula Abdul, DJ Jazzy Jeff continues to be a formidable force in music, influencing generations of aspiring artists through his productions, solo projects, collaborations, and global tours.
Brian Kennedy
Revered piano prodigy and City Music alumnus Brian Kennedy '93 is a four-time Grammy Award–winning songwriter and producer. He developed a passion for music early on, taking piano lessons at age six and composing by age eight. With over 20 years in the industry, his credits include hits like "Disturbia" (Rihanna), "Here We Go … Again" (the Weeknd/Tyler, the Creator), and "If This Isn’t Love" (Jennifer Hudson), which won him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2009. Kennedy has collaborated with top artists and producers, including Smokey Robinson, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Doechii, Rascal Flatts, and David Foster.
Kennedy uses music to promote health equity and connect communities through workshops and outreach programs through his nonprofit organization, Hits to Healing. An advocate in the arts, he joined Berklee City Music's ambassador program this summer, furthering his commitment to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Musical Performances
Berklee City Music All-Stars
The Berklee City Music All-Stars, directed by drummer, composer, and Berklee City Music teaching artist Tyson Jackson BM '19, MM '20, brings together rising stars from across from the Berklee City Music Network. Performing arrangements across jazz, pop, and R&B, the ensemble showcases a range of musical styles with fresh energy. Joining them is four-time Grammy Award–winning producer and City Music ambassador Brian Kennedy ‘93, whose production credits include work with Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Jennifer Hudson, David Foster, Lady Gaga, Timbaland, and more. Together, these artists guarantee an electrifying performance highlighting the next generation of musical talent.
Berklee City Music Ensemble
The Berklee City Music Ensemble, directed by pianist, producer, and Berklee City Music alum Bobby Hall III BM '21, showcases talented singer-songwriter and touring artist Lea Grace Swinson BM ’21, along with a remarkable lineup of fellow band members who are also Berklee City Music alumni. This impressive lineup guarantees a set for true music lovers—those seeking ear candy and dynamic renditions of pop, R&B, jazz, and an array of other genre classics and alumni originals that nourish the soul and uplift the spirit.
Berklee City Music Alumni Band
The Berklee City Music Alumni Band, highlighting some of the City Music program’s best and brightest alumni talent, will set the stage for the evening’s festivities with an eclectic mix of straight-ahead jazz, fusion, contemporary R&B, and soul.
Cosmo & the Four-Strings
Cosmo & the Four-Strings is a dynamic string quartet composed of talented Berklee students: Cosmo Ling (violin 1), Melinda Huang (violin 2), Advika Krishnan (viola), and Celia Sieckert (cello). With a passion for exploring diverse musical genres, they bring a vibrant and eclectic energy to every performance, refusing to be confined by any style. Whether interpreting hit songs by Coldplay, fiery tangos by Astor Piazzolla, classical masterpieces by Mozart, or beloved movie themes, the ensemble thrives on creativity and collaboration, making every piece they play a unique and memorable experience.
Clara Rose and the Hot Club of Back Bay
Clara Rose and the Hot Club of Back Bay features an all-star cast of Boston’s finest jazz manouche performers. This ensemble brings to life the music of Django Reinhardt, infusing it with a youthful enthusiasm that lends a contemporary twist to a historic style. Led by the captivating Clara Rose, whose expressive vocals and swinging violin mesmerize audiences, the band features a lineup of talented musicians known for their energetic and sophisticated performances. Their unique sound merges the elegant melodies of Romani jazz with the dynamic spirit of Boston, crafting an unforgettable musical journey that feels both timeless and excitingly new.
Pipes and Drums with Pipe Major Dave Methven
Originally from Scotland, Dave Methven moved to Massachusetts in 2010 and has been playing and teaching bagpipes all over New England ever since. Currently serving as pipe major of the Worcester Kiltie of Massachusetts, one of the most historic pipe bands in the United States, Methven has numerous world championship band titles and solo prizes under his belt and previously led the Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band and the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band. His music captures the essence of Scotland and will transport you to the Highlands with its beautiful melodies. Methven hails from a musical family; his brother Scott served as the personal piper for the late Her Majesty the Queen for four years.
Upper Structure
Founded in 2015, Upper Structure is the youngest a cappella group at Berklee College of Music. The group placed second at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Finals in both 2018 and 2021, and third in 2024, winning special awards for Best Choreography, Best Vocal Percussion, and Best Arrangement. In 2020, Upper Structure was named champion of the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival. When the festival returned post-COVID in 2023, Upper Structure defended its title as reigning champion, winning first place once again. The ensemble also took home special awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Movement, and Best Rhythm Section for its entire set. Most recently, Upper Structure released a holiday single, “Favorite Time of Year,” which won Best Holiday Song at the 2023 Contemporary A Cappella Recording (CARA) Awards. With each iteration, the group’s members have continued to bring an emotional, empowering, and innovative perspective to every performance. Upper Structure’s purpose is to make music with meaning and to create something bigger than themselves.
Berklee Tiny Desk featuring Kieran Rhodes
If you mixed Elton John's timeless melodies, Randy Newman's witty lyrics, Chris Martin's silky vocals, and then put them all together on a baseball diamond, you'd get Kieran Rhodes BM ’24. Hailing from Upstate New York, Rhodes was on track to play serious college baseball when he discovered a love for music in high school. He taught himself piano and began writing songs in his late teenage years. To date, the prolific and playful piano man has released 10 singles and an EP, On the Corner of Somewhere Street. He is most recently known for his viral audition on season 17 of America’s Got Talent. Rhodes won the hearts of millions around the world with his original song “Disengage,” which chronicles a struggle with depression. With over 40 million views, the audition was praised by many, including Billboard, Gold Derby, and Simon Cowell himself. Last fall, Rhodes performed at Sound on Sound Music Festival, which also featured the Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer ’96, and he made his return to the festival stage at Boston Calling last May. Rhodes has opened for acts including Grammy nominee JP Saxe and Five for Fighting.
Catfish in the Sky
Catfish in the Sky is a band that's hard to pin down. With an instrument makeup of fiddle, cello, cajón, and ukulele, these young musicians are breaking musical barriers in ways that frankly shouldn't work—but somehow do. Described as "upbeat Americana folk-grass for all ages," these Berklee students combine their musical backgrounds and a vast array of styles, creating sets that often cause bystanders to stop in their tracks. From fiddle tune standards to original compositions, Catfish in the Sky offers something for everyone. The band features Ruth Shumway on fiddle, Sammy Wetstein on cello, Owen Miller on cajón, and Sho Humphries on ukulele.
On Broadway
Boston Conservatory at Berklee is redefining musical theater by fostering artistic authenticity and diversity in all forms. In a program curated especially for Amplify Berklee, the remarkable Conservatory musical theater students will perform a selection of iconic show tunes from your favorite Broadway musicals, in one setlist.
Lotus Feet
Born out of a desire to pay tribute to Shakti’s musical legacy, Lotus Feet is a band of friends aspiring to summon that same rhythmic drive, irresistible energy, and dizzying virtuosity—on all the wrong instruments. With Carson Moore on banjo, Sam Stage on fiddle, Teddy Kent on upright bass, and Dylan Szuch on the tap dance board, Lotus Feet has been making waves in Boston and beyond, performing at festivals like Grey Fox Bluegrass. With a fresh acoustic recipe all their own, Lotus Feet will make your head spin in a good way.
Eguie Castrillo Salsa Orchestra
Come dance the night away with Eguie Castrillo, Berklee faculty member and Grammy-winning percussionist, with his euphoric Salsa Orchestra, performing a sizzling mix of Latin music, mambo, salsa of the ’70s and ’80s, bachata, and calypso. With infectious rhythms and electrifying performances, Castrillo has played with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Tito Puente, Steve Winwood, Celia Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Michael Brecker, Donna Summer, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Growing up in the Cupey section of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Castrillo has sizzled many stages around the world. He is also a sought-after educator at Berklee and beyond, and is endorsed by Zildjian, Remo, Vic Firth, and Carbono Artisan. The Salsa Orchestra will be joined by dancers from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, engaging the crowd in salsa and Latin dance styles.
Berklee Bob Marley Ensemble
Directed by faculty pianist, composer, and arranger Matt Jenson, the Berklee Bob Marley Ensemble is dedicated to the timeless, unifying power of Bob Marley's music. By exploring the rhythms and melodies of the African diaspora, students in this ensemble gain invaluable insights into the discipline of reggae and the art of musical collaboration. Rooted in reggae’s rich traditions and influenced by Marley’s sociopolitical and spiritual messages, the ensemble will perform a set featuring meticulously crafted arrangements inspired by Marley’s original recordings—enhanced with additional horn parts, subtle reharmonizations, and innovative introductions and endings. This dedication to authenticity, combined with creative reinterpretation, ensures a dynamic, spirited, and fun-filled live show that honors Marley’s enduring influence and celebrates the universal message of his music.
Afro-Pop Ambassadors with Albino Mbie B.M. ‘13
Under the visionary direction of Albino Mbie BM ’13, Berklee faculty member and an award-winning guitarist, singer, composer, and sound engineer, the Afro-Pop Ambassadors bring a fresh and dynamic sound to the world stage. Born in Maputo, Mozambique, and shaped by a rich cultural heritage, Mbie's musical journey spans continents and genres, resulting in a sound that blends Afro-pop and Moz-jazz. Mbie's multicultural background and extensive training have infused his music with a unique blend of rhythmic complexity and innovative soundscapes. He continues to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians, while his work with the Afro-Pop Ambassadors showcases his ability to weave together Mozambican traditions with global influences. The ensemble's sound is a testament to Mbie's creative prowess, combining elements of marrabenta, Afro-pop, and Moz-jazz to deliver an electrifying experience.
Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature
Human Nature is an all-encompassing experience, celebrating Michael Jackson’s tremendous legacy and journey. This production symbolizes the essence of Jackson’s life and his emotional connection to music and the world. This storytelling production is a seamless interweaving of song, dance, theater, visuals, and spoken word. Embark on a journey to explore the King of Pop’s legacy, which will celebrate the different phases of his life: the innocence of childhood, new beginnings in adolescence, social awareness, and the need for love in the world. Professor Tia Fuller serves as the executive director of Human Nature, collaborating with Mimi Jones (director), John “Lil' John” Roberts (executive musical director), Jhony Keys (musical director), and Anthony Burrell (executive choreographer), alongside a talented student production team.
Amplify Berklee Gala Committee List
Preetha and Mammen Chally, Committee Chairs
Jessica and Timothy Donohue, Committee Chairs
Sandhya and Craig Douglas, Committee Chairs
Alison and Richard Vieira, Committee Chairs
Bryan Abreu B.M. ’04
Jasson Cohen
Paul Deninger
Gloria and Emilio Estefan '07H, Trustees, Honorary
Chris Halaby ’18
Steve Holtzman, Trustee
Grace Kelly B.M. ’12, Trustee
David Mash B.M. ’76
Kaitlin Passafaro
Carmichael Roberts
Ron Savage B.M. ’84
Tarik Ward, Trustee
Supporting Future Musicians
Berklee City Music
All proceeds benefit scholarships for Berklee City Music students, the college's strategic initiative to engage underserved public school students in a yearlong, tuition-free music education program. Founded 30 years ago, City Music provides year-round instruction, expert faculty, individualized mentoring, and a comprehensive curriculum to help young people flourish as students, musicians, and confident, well-rounded individuals. Today, City Music is a national movement, serving almost 2,000 students regionally and more than 60,000 young people across the country through a variety of partnerships and initiatives.