This series of free concerts runs from May through August and takes place outdoors on Derby Square (24 Front St., Salem, Mass.) from 5 to 7 p m. on the second Saturday of each month. Sponsored by Berklee College of Music and our generous sponsors (see below), the series showcases up and coming talent from Berklee. Come on out and enjoy some wonderful live music!
Location: Derby Square, 24 Front St. Salem, MA (Google Map) (Rain location, Koto, 90 Washington St., Salem)
When: 5-7 p.m., The second Saturday of every summer month (May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug 12 2017)
Cost: All Derby Square shows are free to the public.
2017 lineup coming soon!
Listed below is what our 2016 lineup looked like to give you an idea of what to expect!
May 14, 2016 5-7 p.m. 2016
Howling Wolf Taqueria presents
MIXCLA featuring Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
Pulling from three dynamic spirits of The Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Project, a new mixture of sonic masterpieces is born. MIXCLA is a play on words between mezcla and mix. It is also a merging of cultures hailed from the mountains of Chile, to the traditions of Japan, which driven by the fires of Cuba achieve a truly unique Latin jazz experience. MIXCLA is led by composer/pianist and singer Zahili Gonzalez Zamora, with Gerson Esteban Lazo Quiroga on bass and backing vocals, and Takafumi Nikaido on percussion. This mixture of cultural spices makes the perfect recipe for one of a kind musical experience.
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEYng1I_kVQ
June 11, 2016 5-7 p.m 2016
NOTE: due to expected rain, this show has been moved to Koto at 90 Washington St in Salem. See you there!
Creative Salem presents
Maddie Jay & the pH Collective
Maddie Jay & The pH Collective brings to the table a unique blend of acid jazz, old school beats and psychedelic girl rap. They serve up steaming plates of groovy original music, sautéed with spicy synth lines, creamy vocal harmonies and meaty bass fills. All music is composed by bassist and front woman Maddie Jay, and is guaranteed to dish out something you have not heard before.
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS2-qoNHhxY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__eKHVVwxmM
July 9, 2016 5-7 p.m. 2016
The Lobster Shanty presents
Selah Poitier
Born in the Bahamas, bassist, singer, songwriter, poet and composer Selah Poitier is a new artist with an eclectic musical style influenced by sounds from modern jazz, hip-hop, Neo Soul and rhythm & blues as well as her traditional
Bahamian roots and more. She lists Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone, Esperanza Spalding and Bob M
arley among some of the artists who inspire her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUkGoCVF80w
Aug. 13, 2016 5-7 p.m. 2016
In a Pig’s Eye presents
RickExpress
RickExpress (Ricky McKinney) is a singer, songwriter/composer, pianist and recording artist. The youngest of his siblings and the only boy, RickExpress’ talent was discovered at an early age and harnessed thereafter. With his unique style and eccentric flavor, RickExpress has gained the likes of music lovers across the board, ranging from his peers to older generations. They find his music soothing, healing and timeless. While he lends himself to the Neo-Soul genre, he describes his sound as “soulful, moving and ahead of the times”
RickExpress has worked with many artist including Valerie Simpson, Sam Smith, Ledisi, Talib Kweli, Sinbad, Sheila E., Lady Gaga, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy and more. Ricky continues to study music and perfect his genius as a student at Berklee College of Music.
Videos:
Please support these wonderful sponsors that help make our Derby Square series so great!