David Friend Recital Hall

This concert reimagines the Cole Porter songbook through the rich, expressive sound of Americana Roots music—featuring arrangements for fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel, acoustic guitar, upright bass, accordion, and piano.

The 24th Solo/Duo Faculty Guitar Night features faculty from the Guitar Department in solo and duo settings. Kim Perlak and Sheryl Bailey, chair and assistant chair of the Guitar Department, will share the stage with colleagues who perform in the classical, jazz, fingerstyle, folk, funk, slide, modern improvisation, and blues styles.

Experience the groundbreaking music of Gary Burton’s early bands (1967–1975). Join Berklee professor and acclaimed vibraphonist Rich Greenblatt as he leads an all-faculty ensemble in a powerful tribute to the pioneering sounds of early jazz fusion.
 

The African Music Symposium is a celebration of the rich musical traditions, innovations, and cultural impact of the African continent and its diaspora. Join artists, scholars, and industry leaders for a dynamic day of panels, performances, and conversations exploring the rhythms, stories, and global influence of African music.

Zafarán crosses time and boundaries, and incorporates musical traditions from around the Mediterranean, weaving together such diverse threads as Southern Italian chants, Sephardic love songs, Romani laments, and Turkish and Greek folk tunes. With driving rhythms, virtuosic improvisation, and the powerful voice of award-winning Italian singer Carmen Marsico, Zafarán bridges languages and cultures with their own eclectic blend of musical styles, combining deep traditions with original songs and ideas. 
 

The duo of Kim Perlak and Francisco Mela connects the sounds of modern classical guitar and avant-garde percussion. Their original works and spontaneous compositions feature modern, impressionistic, lyrical guitar playing, and a full range of imaginative textures from the drum set. Through this new music, the duo invites listeners to become a part of each performance in spirit through their active listening presence. 
 

Haitian Mikrojamz finds Professor Debo Ray investigating her Haitian microtonal heritage and performing music with Planet MicroJam Institute students, faculty, and alumni.
 

This one-day symposium offers expert-led sessions, stimulating discussions, and an open rehearsal with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) student rock band, showcasing how modern band pedagogy promotes inclusive, culturally relevant, and student-centered classrooms.
 

Vice President Ron Savage celebrates his third anniverary at Berklee with an evening of acoustic jazz featuring a stellar line-up that includes: trumpeter Jason Palmer, vocalist Lydia Harrell, pianist Sharik Hasan, bassist John Lockwood, and one very special surprise guest.

The Jazz Composers Alliance presents an evening with new works on the cutting edge for string trio and for a ten-piece ensemble.