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Harvard’s Ming Mei Residency Concert Features Trumpeter/Vocalist/Composer Amir Elsaffar And Percussionist/Composer Susie Ibarra On Thursday, October 1
Source:
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
The evening of contemporary music highlights ElSaffar’s New Quartet and Ibarra’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Sky Islands” Two of the most inventive figures in contemporary music share a single evening of groundbreaking work on Thursday, October 1 at John Knowles Paine Concert Hall, Harvard University, Cambridge. Trumpeter, vocalist and composer Amir ElSaffar and his New Quartet with Terri Lyne Carrington on drums, Tania Giannouli on microtonally tuned piano and Ole Mathisen on tenor saxophone perform, as well as percussionist and composer Susie ...
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Drummer-bandleader Brandon Sanders Carries Basketball Roles Into The Studio On His Feel-Good Fourth Album, The Game Changer
Source:
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
Out October 30, 2026 via Savant Records, The Game Changer features Warren Wolf, Jeremy Pelt, William Hill III, Stacy Dillard, Eric Wheeler and guest vocalist Briana Swann “Instead of playing jazz in his youth, Sanders played basketball, and one can picture him dribbling the ball with the same springy energy….” —Chris Pearson, The Times of London Album release concertsNovember 20 at Jazz Fellowship, Seattle November 27, 2026 at World Stage, Los Angeles January 16, 2027 at Sista’s Place, Brooklyn, NY ...
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New England Conservatory’s Jazz And Contemporary Musical Arts Departments Present A Tantalizing Amalgam Of Performers, Styles, And Events For The Fall 2026 Season
Source:
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
The Jazz Studies and Contemporary Musical Arts departments at New England Conservatory (NEC) present a vibrant fall season filled with concerts, master classes, jam sessions and other events. Nearly all NEC events are free, and many will be livestreamed. Visit NEC’s Performances and Events calendar for comprehensive listings and more information. The season begins in early September with an Opening Night CMA faculty concert celebrating the varied artists and styles the department encompasses, including jazz, avant-garde, traditional, classical, and pop ...
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Renowned Saxophonist Gary Bartz Receives Honorary Doctorate From New England Conservatory
Source:
Ann Braithwaite
Grammy Award winning jazz saxophonist and educator Gary Bartz received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from New England Conservatory at its 155th Commencement on May 17, 2026. Innovative Vivo Performing Arts (formerly Celebrity Series of Boston) President and Executive Director Gary Dunning also received an honorary doctorate. NEC alumna Denyce Graves ’88 UD, ’14 hon. DM, served as the distinguished Commencement speaker. “We are thrilled to welcome back NEC alumna Denyce Graves, and to honor the extraordinary careers of ...
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Calm And Collected Music Group Expands Into Podcasts With Launch Of 'Jazz Language'
Source:
Ann Braithwaite
Calm and Collected Music Group (CACMG) is expanding into podcasts with the launch of Jazz Language, a new project produced by its jazz label, Chill Tone Records. The 10-part series, available in both audio and video formats, features candid conversations with artists and notable figures shaping modern jazz, offering insight into their creative process, influences, and evolving sound. Hosted by acclaimed saxophonist Noah Preminger, Jazz Language will release new episodes biweekly on Fridays at midnight ET. The first episode, available ...
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NEC's Contemporary Musical Arts Spring Ensemble Festival Highlights Students Performing Music From A Range Of Traditions including West African, Middle Eastern, Jewish, American Roots, And Indie/Punk/Art Rock
Source:
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
Join a trio of joyful celebrations of community, tradition, and great music at the CMA Spring Ensemble Festival, a series of end-of-semester events featuring student ensembles from across the program. The performances present the work NEC students have developed throughout the semester in collaboration with faculty mentors and fellow performers. The festival highlights the CMA program’s wide-ranging musical approaches, including original compositions, experimental works, collaborative projects, and innovative interpretations of contemporary repertoire. The festival culminates in a day-long event showcasing ...
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New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement With Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves And Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz And Gary Dunning
Source:
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
Acclaimed mezzo-soprano and NEC alumna Denyce Graves ’88 UD, ’14 hon. DM, whose accomplishments NEC recognized with an honorary Doctor of Music degree in 2014, will serve as the distinguished Commencement speaker. Legendary jazz saxophonist and educator Gary Bartz and innovative Vivo Performing Arts (formerly Celebrity Series of Boston) President and Executive Director Gary Dunning will be awarded honorary Doctor of Music degrees. Matthew Shifrin ’21, ’23 MM will be the alumni speaker. “We are thrilled to welcome back NEC ...
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March 5 At New England Conservatory: Gordon Beeferman, Eden MacAdam-Somer, & Joe Morris Embrace Improvisation, Classical Virtuosity, Roots Music And Avant-jazz Innovation
Source:
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
NEC’s Contemporary Musical Arts presents a special residency concert with composer, pianist, and improviser Gordon Beeferman joined by CMA Department Chair Eden MacAdam-Somer (voice/violin/foot percussion), CMA and Jazz Studies faculty Joe Morris (guitar) and CMA students on Thursday, March 5 in Jordan Hall. The program features Beeferman's works, drawing on a multitude of genres and influences, including songs, compositions and improvisations on solo piano, and scored improvisations for trio and large ensemble. Admission to the 7:30 p.m. concert is free ...
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