Rock Out with RISE: Live Music Series Features Berklee Students and Alumni at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Photo credit: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The RISE music series is back this month for its third season at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, bringing pop, rock, and hip-hop artists to Calderwood Hall. This season, the series strengthens its Boston ties through their partnership with Berklee College of Music. Each opening act will feature Berklee students and alumni.
Fittingly co-curated by Berklee graduates Shea Rose and Simone Scazzocchio, the duo is optimistic about the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to every act,” Rose said. “This season, Simone and I were able to land headlining acts that we’ve admired and followed for years. We’ll definitely be in the audience singing the songs and having our fan moments.”
The star-studded lineup opens on September 7 with British YouTube sensation and multi-instrument master Jacob Collier, a genre-crossing performer who released his debut album last summer. Following on October 12, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Alice Smith will perform a mix of rock, soul and R&B. The A-Beez with Sid Sriram and Gretchen Parlato will hit the stage this spring.
“The community gets a very intimate connection with their favorite artist, being able to attend a concert sitting just a few feet from them,” said Scazzocchio.
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Rose and piano and bodhran player Scazzocchio were approached to participate in the planning of RISE following the museum’s 2014 Summer Soirée. Rose performed a musical medley, directed by Scazzocchio, and recited poetry by Maya Angelou.
“It was magical,” said Rose. “The audience and museum staff considered it a huge success. Shortly after, we were asked to join conversations about a new music series and RISE was born.”
The two were eager to spotlight the institution that fostered their musical education and exposed them to unique artistic experiences, especially when it comes to introducing new acts.
“It feels good to give back to Boston and the Berklee community when we have a chance to bring a young and deserving talent to the museum,” said Scazzocchio.
One of those young talents is French native and Boston resident DOMi, a pianist, keyboardist, and producer, who will open the first show of the series for Collier. DOMi is only 17 years old.
“There’s something about watching an ascending star,” said Rose. “They can steal the show.”
All RISE performances are on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tickets for RISE are only $12 for students and include museum admission. All other tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors, $17 for members and $12 for children. Youth ages 7 and under not admitted.
For more information or to buy tickets in advance, visit gardnermuseum.org.
