NORTH ADAMS — The Berkshires’ Academy for Advanced Musical Studies, Inc. (BAAMS), launches a monthly residency at Studio 9 at the Porches’ Inn in North Adams, beginning January 2024. These concerts, organized by BAAMS’ Founder and Executive Director Richard Boulger, will showcase the Academy’s faculty, students, and special guests.
The inaugural concert on January 20 will feature Richard Boulger on trumpet and flugelhorn, Dario Boente on piano/keyboards, Tony Lewis on drums, and Alex Blake on bass. The series will present live performances encompassing Jazz, Funk, and World Music, featuring Grammy-award winning artists and other notable musicians. Further details on scheduling and guest performers will be announced in due course.
Richard Boulger commented on the collaboration with Studio 9 and the FreshGrass Foundation, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to continue presenting music to the audience.
“We held two very well-received concerts at Studio 9 in 2023,”Boulger said, “and greatly look forward to sharing more music with audiences throughout 2024.” He added, “It’s an absolute pleasure and honor for our musicians to work with the music professionals of Studio 9 and the FreshGrass Foundation to create this monthly series.”
Tickets are available for purchase online at Eventbrite (portal below). Opportunities for event sponsorship are available and can be explored by contacting [email protected].
The Berkshires’ Academy for Advanced Musical Studies is launching its 2024 Monthly Series BAAMS PRESENTS: LIVE AT Studio 9 at the Porches’ Inn. This series is a benefit for BAAMS, featuring renowned musicians including Richard Boulger on trumpet and flugelhorn, Alex Blake on bass, Dario Boente on piano and keyboards, and Tony Lewis on drums and percussion.
RICHARD BOULGER
Richard Boulger, BAAMS’ Fsounder and Executive Director, is a North Adams native with extensive experience in teaching and recording in New York City. His return to North Adams in 2020 led to the establishment of BAAMS’ academy building in Heritage State Park. Boulger, who has studied under renowned trumpet players Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd, has collaborated with various artists and has released multiple albums.
ALEX BLAKE
Alex Blake is known for his innovative bass playing style, contributing to numerous legendary performances.
DARIO BOENTE
Dario Boente, an Argentinian-born pianist and composer, has released ten albums featuring various jazz musicians. Tony Lewis has a history of performing and recording with a wide array of music icons.
Tickets for the concert series are available on Eventbrite at the aforementioned link. The proceeds will support BAAMS’ music education programs, including after-school and Saturday music classes, a summer jazz-band day camp for students aged 10-18, and various cultural events throughout the year. For more information, contact 413-663-4424 or email [email protected].
