One of my favorite things about Berklee is its amplitude of diversity and its love for coordinating events that commemorate different cultures. But even amongst all that international pride, Berklee still has time to celebrate the wide range of American roots styles. One fantastic example is American Roots Music Program, a Berklee initiative that produces concerts, hosts visiting artists, creates faculty development sessions, and designs symposiums and seminars, all dedicated to hail and study the influences that shaped the roots of our western musical traditions. Directed by former String Department Chair Matt Glaser, the American Roots Music Program examines what it means to be a folk musician and explores the music of many regions that have influenced American folk music.
On Monday, March 31st, the American Roots Music Program presents Roots Roadshow, a concert that showcases all the research and passion that students, faculty, and alumni have poured into the program. This recurring performance, which takes place at a myriad of venues, will for the first time be presented at the Berklee Performance Center since its foundation. The concert will feature performances by special guests as well as Berklee folks, exploring the different sounds of blues, early gospel, spirituals, Celtic, old-time, bluegrass, as well as contemporary music inspired by these different styles. This particular performance will also be paying homage to J.S. Bach for the anniversary of his birthday.
The American Roots Music Program gives virtuosic folk players at Berklee the opportunity to showcase their talents, learn more about the influences of American Folk music, and share the wonder that is America’s cultural heritage. If you want to be a part of this wonderful presentation of tradition and musical growth, come to the Berklee Performance Center on March 31st at 8:15pm. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 day of show. I hope to see you there, celebrating the different cultures that come together and create beautiful music!
