2017 SJSF/Berklee Summer Series at Derby Square

   

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival / Berklee Summer Concert Series 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 College of Music in a beautiful setting. 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, MA (Google Map)
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.

MAY 13th

The Berklee College of Music Bob Marley Ensemble Directed by Matt Jenson

The Music and Life of Bob Marley class and ensemble, created by assistant professor (piano) Matt Jenson, is an immersion experience where students not only play arrangements of Marley’s music but they learn about Marley’s amazing life experience and how it informed and shaped his deeply conscious artistry, dedicated to the liberation of destructive mind sets and the fight against injustice the world over.  This 15 piece musical colossus is made up of top students from around the globe who pour their hearts and souls into this music that transcends all human boundaries drenched in an absolutely POSITIVE VIBRATION!

https://www.mattjenson.com/bob-marley-class
JUNE 10th

Mirella Silva



Brazilian singer, Mirella Silva holds a BA in Popular Music, Brazilian music and Jazz from Souza Lima Music Conservatory in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2016, she recorded her first solo CD: Minha Arca, for which she won an award for New Artist of the Year in Brazil! Mirella now studies with a full scholarship at Berklee and is the only Brazilian with studies sponsored by the Latin Grammy Awards! Mirella recently had the joy of singing in the Berklee tribute concert for Milton Nascimento, one of the greatest names in Brazilian music.
This year, one Mirella’s projects is a recording of an a EP #GrandeDivas where she honors great singers of Brazilian music. The list includes Elis Regina, Nana Caymmi, Elza Soares, among others. Mirella will be singing these great classics with her own contemporary arrangements.

JULY 8th

EMBÍ

EMBÍ, aka Michele Beneforti, is a guitarist, singer/songwriter from Tuscany, Italy.

EMBÍ grew up listening to his father’s records collection of Blues and Soul. At the age of 9 he received his first electric guitar as a birthday present and he started playing gigs at the age of 13.

At the age of 18 he started his own band, touring in clubs and festivals in Italy and Europe. Meanwhile, he also opened concerts for Robben Ford, The Doors, and many others. 

EMBÍ is currently working on his debut EP. His audience can enjoy a mix between Soul music and Pop. His band is composed of all Berklee College Of Music students. Each member of the band has a Gospel and Soul background but this show specifically centers around contemporary Pop styles.
The quartet consists of EMBÍ on lead vocals/guitar, Lajone Campbell on drums, Christian Crawford on bass, Byron Pickett on keys, Jennie O and Niya Norwood on Background vocals.
AUGUST 12th

Mayah Dyson

Mayah Dyson is a singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and model born and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia. She discovered her musical talents early and began performing at the age of 7. She is currently a junior at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where she is working on her artistry. One of her most recent stepping stones toward her solo music career is being selected for Kelly Rowland’s first season of “Chasing Destiny” which aired in 2016. Through Rowland, Mayah Dyson was also given the opportunity to perform with Solange during her first appearance on Saturday Night Live.
  • Cast on BET’s reality television show “Chasing Destiny” in 2016.
  • Performed my original “I Miss You” on Good Day DC in 2016 after Chasing Destiny aired.
  • Performed at the BeanTown Jazz Festival in 2016
  • Sang background vocals for Solange Knowles on Saturday Night Live in November of 2016
  • Performed at the BPMI Showcase at The Sinclair.
  • Will be performing at the Essence Festival in June 2017.