Events

2023 EVENTS

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 2023 – 6:30 PM – 8 PM

JAZZ IN THE PARK: KENJI KIKUCHI & FRIENDS

Kenji & FriendsBen Cook, piano / Sean Farias, bass / Miki Matsuki, drums

Kenji & Friends are coming back, as we had so much fun last year, why not do it again?! Read more about Kenji and Friends below (from our 2022 post)

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PREVIOUS EVENTS 2023

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Swingin’ in the Fens: featuring Jelani Bauman

Wednesday / July 12, 2023 / 6:30 p.m.

We’re thrilled as always! to host this Berklee concert made possible with support from the Fenway Civic Association and City of Boston’s Parks and Recreation. Come, spend a swingin’ eve with us, and be enthralled by the trumpet call of Jelani Bauman.

Mr. Bauman’s enriched training and passion led him to being accepted into the one of the country’s top performing arts high schools, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). At NOCCA, Jelani studied with legendary jazz educator Alvin Batiste.

Jelani later received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating with a B.A. in Professional Music in May 2011. In May of 2013, Mr. Bauman received his Master’s of Music in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University under the direction of renowned bassist, Rodney Whitaker.

Jelani has performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as well as performed at various venues in New York City, such as the Jazz Standard and Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. In Spring 2011 he traveled to Italy with the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under the direction of pianist, Danilo Perez. In May 2013, he participated in the Banff Centre Jazz Workshop in Banff, Alberta, Canada to work with such people as Vijay Iyer, Esperanza Spalding, and Ravi Coltrane.

In 2016, Mr. Bauman performed at Madison Square Garden for the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards with pop star Rihanna. Mr. Bauman recently brought his talents to the Middle East where he completed a residency at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar. Mr. Bauman, has performed with Rihanna, Ravi Coltrane, Ellis Marsalis, Robin Eubanks, and many others.

Bring a friend, a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy what promises to be a smooth journey.

 

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PREVIOUS EVENTS 2022

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2022

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 2022 – JAZZ IN THE PARK
KENJI KIKUCHI
& FRIENDS
Ric Maure, piano / Sean Farias, bass / Miki Matsuki, drums
6:30 PM – 8 PM

We’re going to play straight-ahead jazz and some of my original compositions.

Kenji Kikuchi

KENJI KIKUCHI Composer, Saxophonist, Music Educator, Tokyo native

Kenji Kikuchi, composer, saxophonist, and music educator, a native of Tokyo, received his B.M. from Berklee College of Music and his G.P.C. from the Boston Conservatory. He has performed with many jazz greats, including Joshua Redman, Richard Davis, Abraham Laboriel, Jr., Greg Hopkins, and Joe Hunt. His compositions and arrangements have been performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Boston Symphony Hall.

He is an active performer in the styles of classical and jazz, not only on his primary instrument, the saxophone, but also on flute and clarinet. He performed in the Boston Modern Orchestra Project’s production of As Told By: X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X. He is also a composer of contemporary classical music. Several of his works have been premiered, including Overture for Orchestra and Saxophone Concerto by the Quincy Symphony, Marimba Concerto and Prelude for Orchestra by the Melrose Symphony, and Cape Ann Overture by the Cape Ann Symphony.

As a music educator, he has been directing Soul Sauce, the Groton School jazz ensemble, for the past twenty years. The group has performed in the Sydney Opera House, at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and most recently in Japan, China, and Cuba. 

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TUESDAY, JULY 19TH, 2022 – JAZZ AT RAMLER – Yay, they’re coming back!
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ QUARTET featuring Tim Mayer
6:30 PM – 8 PM

International Jazz Quartet

International Jazz Quartet

Thrilled to welcome these greats: pianist Gilson Schachnik from Brazil; bassist Oscar Stagnaro from Peru,; drummer Mark Walker from Chicago – or, as Paquito D’Rivera says when he introduces him, from “Central America”; Oscar and Mark are long-standing member of Paquito D’Rivera’s group, among many other illustrious musical associations; and saxophonist Tim Mayer – jazz has taken Mayer all over the world. Boston, Hawaii, the Canary Islands, Colombia, Mongolia, he’s spreading the gospel of jazz at each port of call. At present, Mayer’s based in Xalapa, Mexico, having just completed his Master’s degree in composition at Universidad Veracruzana; that hasn’t stopped him from recording ​Keeper of the Flame,​ his first album as a leader since 2011’s star-studded and critically acclaimed ​Resilience​. The quartet members are also Berklee faculty!

Tim Mayer - Keeper of the Flame

New from Tim Mayer!

Come and hear some fabulous jazz with a Latin flair!

Check our calendar for an overview of upcoming events, as well as meeting dates and volunteer schedules.

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Swingin’ in the Fens: Lydia Harrell

Wednesday / July 13, 2022 / 6:30 pm

The sound of jazz will fill the Fenway area at Swingin’ in the Fens, the annual free concert presented by Berklee in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s ParkARTS. The concert takes place at Ramler Park, a jewel of the Fenway neighborhood located at 130 Peterborough Street. Picnics and folding chairs are encouraged, and the event is wheelchair accessible. (View map(Opens in a new window).)

Lydia “LovelySinger” Harrell, an instructor in Berklee’s Voice Department, is one of Boston’s finest musical treasures. Her sultry, soulful voice and evocative songwriting have garnered the attention and respect of some of the nation’s finest musicians. Her career highlights include winning the 2015 Duke Ellington Jazz Vocal Competition, performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem (2016), winning the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Vocal Competition, and winning best song at the 48 Hour Film Project in Boston. Harrell is also a film/TV, voiceover, and theater actress who has appeared in many commercials, films, and theater productions.

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Fenway Porchfest – Saturday, July 9th, 2022

12:00 – 2 p.m.: Amaury Cabral Trio (see a performance clip on YouTube)

Amaury Cabral Trio

Music style: Jazz

From Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic to the capital city of the State of Massachusetts in the United States, Boston, Amaury Cabral Jorge has touched multiple hearts with his music. Born on September 13, 1998, the 23 year old Dominican guitarist was in touch with music from an early stage of his life, grabbing a guitar for the first time at age 6. However, it wasn’t until 2008, when he was 10 years old, that he had his first guitar lessons in a small local music academy in his hometown. He studied there for one year and learned the basics of the instrument. Seven years of playing songs and having music as a hobby followed, until in 2016 he was admitted to the National Conservatory of Music of Santo Domingo, where he studied for four years in the Popular and Folkloric Music program with concentration in Guitar Performance. In 2019 Cabral was selected as one winner of the AES scholarship, a presidential scholarship for the Berklee College of Music Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive program, and while attending this program he auditioned for the undergraduate program at this institution. He was accepted and offered a Full-Tuition Scholarship, and he started his studies at Berklee College in spring 2021. Cabral actively performs as a bandleader in Jazz trio, quartet and quintet formats, and as a sideman for numerous projects ranging a variety of styles. For this occasion Cabral will be performing as trio with his long time partners and siblings in music, Ciara Moser and Lumanyano Mzi.

Fenway Porchfest – Saturday, July 9th, 2022

2:00-4:30 p.m.: The David Ehle Trio

Sound style: Jazz Swing

David Ehle

David Ehle is a West Fenway resident, community member, guitarist, and a fixture in the Boston music scene. His past work to host performances at the old Howard Johnson motel (now The Verb) provided a venue for all musicians in the Fenway.

FENWAY PORCHFEST 2022 – JULY 9TH  – Volunteer Sign Up:

Love music? Come volunteer at Fenway Porchfest, a one day music event taking place across the East and West Fenway. All volunteers enjoy a day of great music, a free T-shirt, and a bagged lunch. To sign up, visit: https://www.fenwayporchfest.org/signup/help/

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2022 MAYOR’S COFFEE HOUR – MAY 18TH – 9:30 AM at RAMLER PARK

The Neighborhood Coffee Hours give residents a unique opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Wu and other city officials about their neighborhoods.

Mayor's Coffee Hour

Mayor’s Coffee Hour at Ramler Park May 18th 2022

 

 

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2021 CONCERT SERIES

Ramler Park is an ideal location to experience an outdoor performance during our free summer concert series. The July concerts are sponsored by The Friends of Ramler Park and the Robert and Naomi Waldman Foundation.

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RUSTY SCOTT QUARTET – TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021 6:30PM

RAINED OUT!!!!!  THURSDAY, JULY 29th* – JAZZ AT RAMLER
RUSTY SCOTT QUARTET featuring Tim Mayer
6:30 PM – 8 PM
* this concert was originally scheduled for July 8th, but rained out – then rained out AGAIN 7/29… WATCH THIS SPACE, IF WE CAN, WE’LL RESCHEDULE…

If you like Jazz, this is the real thing! Performing in Boston, New York, and throughout New England, Boston Music Award Nominees (Best Jazz Artist), The Rusty Scott Quartet delivers! The Rusty Scott Quartet plays a variety of jazz music from the 30’s to the 90’s by some of America’s finest composers: Swing by Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Glenn Miller and others of the Big Band era; Latin by Jobim; and Be-bop by artists such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Johnny Griffin, and Thelonious Monk.

Rusty Scott

Rusty Scot

Tim Mayer

Tim Mayer

Jazz it up! We’re bringing live music back to Ramler Park! Rusty Scott Quartet featuring Tim Mayer on saxaphone. Have a listen here to this sample of “Waltz Swing”

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 – JAZZ AT RAMLER –
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ QUARTET featuring Tim Mayer
6:30 PM – 8 PM

International Jazz Quartet

International Jazz Quartet

Thrilled to welcome these greats: pianist Gilson Schachnik from Brazil; bassist Oscar Stagnaro from Peru,; drummer Mark Walker from Chicago – or, as Paquito D’Rivera says when he introduces him, from “Central America”; Oscar and Mark are long-standing member of Paquito D’Rivera’s group, among many other illustrious musical associations; and saxophonist Tim Mayer – jazz has taken Mayer all over the world. Boston, Hawaii, the Canary Islands, Colombia, Mongolia, he’s spreading the gospel of jazz at each port of call. At present, Mayer’s based in Xalapa, Mexico, having just completed his Master’s degree in composition at Universidad Veracruzana; that hasn’t stopped him from recording ​Keeper of the Flame,​ his first album as a leader since 2011’s star-studded and critically acclaimed ​Resilience​. The quartet members are also Berklee faculty!

Tim Mayer - Keeper of the Flame

New from Tim Mayer!

Come and hear some fabulous jazz with a Latin flair!

Check our calendar for an overview of upcoming events, as well as meeting dates and volunteer schedules.

Fenway Porchfest 

Saturday / June 15, 2019 / 12-4:30 p.m.

2nd Annual Event!

Free Fenway Funway

Music all over the Fenway, be sure to check back for details on performers and locations!

Marianne Solivan – Ramler Concert

Wednesday Marianne Solivan
July 24, 2019
6:30 p.m.

Marianne Solivan has made a name for herself as a hard-swinging, passionate vocalist with a commanding stage presence who can captivate audiences with exuberance and wit. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Christian McBride, Peter Bernstein, Jeremy Pelt, Bruce Barth, and Gregory Hutchinson.

In 2015, after years of duo, trio, and quartet work, Solivan jumped into the big-band arena, creating a band that combined high energy, swing, and a unique repertoire. The result is a band with a varied repertoire, anchored by Solivan’s surefooted voice and confident leadership.

The band will perform original music from Solivan’s most recent CD, Spark, as well as offbeat songs from the Great American Songbook and a few Latin songs.

August 16, 2018

Due to rain on Monday August 13th we have moved this concert to the rain date of Thursday August 16th.

Vocalists Maria Jane Loizou and Gabe Alfieri and Friends jazz quartet will entertain with songs from films and around the world.  6:30 PM

July

Wednesday July 18 (Rain Date July 25)

“Swingin in Fenway” – Berklee/Fenway Civic Association/Boston ParkArts sponsor an evening of jazz with “Chosen”, Berklee City Music alumnae and friends.  6:30 PM

2018 Fenway Porchfest Saturday June 16th

Join us for the first Fenway Porchfest ~ noon – 4pm throughout the Fenway!

First time for Fenway and Ramler Park ~ porchfest done Fenway style!

2017 Summer Sunset Concerts at Ramler Park presents

August 14, 2017- Monday 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (rain date 8/17)

“Goodbye… Hello!” Songs from Near and Far featuring Green Street Cabaret

July 26, 2017- Wednesday 6:30 PM 

“Swingin’ in the Fens”

Come and enjoy the fabulous sound of the Tim Ray Trio. Bring a chair or blanket, meet with friends and enjoy the first free concert this season. Can’t wait to see you! Here’s a link to one of their recorded performances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZXxx_BFqOY

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2016 Summer Sunset Concerts at Ramler Park presents

August 15, 2016- Monday 6:30 PM 

“You and the Night and the Music”

Maria Jane and Gabe 2015

Once again, cherished vocalists Maria Jane Loizou and Gabe Alfieri will grace the stage with a program sure to delight.

Blankets and folding chairs are encouraged. In the event of inclement weather, please check this site, or our Facebook page.

Admission:
Free

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BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC + CITY OF BOSTON PARKARTS + FENWAY CIVIC ASSOCIATION
HOSTS THIS FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT

July 13, 2016 – Wednesday 6:30 PM (rain date July 18TH, Monday.)

Swingin’ in the Fens: Lisa Thorson Quintet

Wednesday / July 13, 2016 / 6:30 p.m.

Ramler Park
130 Peterborough Street, Boston, MA, 02215, United States

(view map)

Lisa Thorson

The Lisa Thorson Quintet performs. A critically acclaimed vocalist, Thorson is also an accomplished composer, arranger, lyricist, and educator. She is leader of her quintet, which includes Tim Ray on piano, Mark Walker on bass, George Schuller on drums, and Cercie Miller on reeds.

Swingin’ in the Fens is an annual, free outdoor concert presented by Berklee College of Music, the Fenway Civic Association, and the City of Boston Parks and Recreation.

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2016 Tuesday June 14 – Mayor’s Coffee Hour

Mayor'sCoffeeHrmayorWalshThe Neighborhood Coffee Hours give residents a unique opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Walsh and other city officials about needs in their neighborhoods.
Through these discussions and a suggestion box at each site, the coffee hours give the City insight on how to improve city services. Information will be available on City programs from the Boston Public Library, Boston Public Schools, Boston Police Department, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families.
All participants will enjoy coffee and breakfast provided by Dunkin’ Donuts and fresh fruit from Whole Foods Market.  In addition, each family in attendance will receive a flowering plant grown in the city’s greenhouses as a gift from Mayor Walsh.  Residents at the event will also be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’ Donuts.
All coffee hours will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Event is weather permitting.

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2015 Summer Sunset Concerts at Ramler Park presents

August 24, 2015- Monday 6:30 PM 

Love! Around the Block & Around the WorldGabe and MJ 2012

Once again, cherished vocalists Maria Jane Loizou and Gabe Alfieri will grace the stage with a delightful evening themed “Love! Around the Block & Around the World”.

The accomplished duo and their top notch instrumentalists will strike a beautiful chord, matching the lovely summer ambience of Ramler Park, as they sing popular songs such as “The Song Is You”, “If I Love Again” and others.  Listeners will be treated to songs from around the world, sung in Greek, Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Jazz selections will feature John Wheatley, guest guitarist. Indulge in the best of summer and music at Ramler Park.

Blankets and folding chairs are encouraged. In the event of inclement weather, please check this site, or our Facebook page.

Admission:
Free

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BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC + CITY OF BOSTON PARKARTS + FENWAY CIVIC ASSOCIATION
HOSTS THIS FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT

July 15, 2015 – Wednesday 6:30 PM (rain date July 22nd, Wed.)

Swingin’ in the Fens with the Patrice Williamson Group Patrice Williamson

Patrice Williamson is going back to basics! Presenting classic jazz standards with a great band including the songs: “Close Your Eyes,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” and “I Thought About You.” Joining Patrice are four celebrated Boston musicians: Gilson Schachnik, piano; Keala Kaumeheiwa, bass; Steve Langone, drums; and John Wheatley, guitar.

Swingin’ in the Fens is an annual, free outdoor concert presented by Berklee College of Music, the Fenway Civic Association, and the City of Boston Parks and Recreation.

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2014 Summer Concert Series

David Ehle and his Jazz Jam All-StarsDavidEhle2009
August 12, 2014 – Tuesday 6:30 PM

“Performing as many styles of music possible in one concert.”

David has played in the park for the past several years and is well loved in the Fenway. We look forward to seeing you again!

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and make yourself at home.
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Berklee Summer in the City

Swingin’ in the Fens with Ron Mahdi and Friends
July 23, 2014 – Wednesday  6:30 p.m.

Swingin’ in the Fens is an annual free outdoor concert held in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood presented by Berklee College of Music and the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department. This year’s featured artist is Berklee alumnus and professor Ron Mahdi, a bassist, recording artist and clinician.

Mahdi has performed with such artists as Chet Baker, Kevin Eubanks, Roy Hargrove, and Stanley Jordan. He has toured Europe, Asia, Central America, and the U.S. with Roy Haynes, Nnenna Freelon and Teodross Avery. He has recorded for Jay Branford, Consuelo Candelaria, Yoron Israel, and Walter Beasley, among others.

Due to rain, the original July 16 date was rescheduled to new concert date of July 23.

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2013 Summer Concert Series

August 25th 2013 – Concert

Sunday 5:00 PM: Another free concert  with The Fenway Jazz Jam All-stars, with Dave Ehle, guitar and special guests. Special thanks to the Mission Hill Fenway Trust for financial assistance. / rain date of Sunday, September 1st. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and have yourself a jazzy afternoon!

August 8th 2013- Concert

Thursday 6:30 PM: Concert with Maria Jane Loizou and Gabe Alfieri Musical Review “Night and Day” / rain date of August 15th – Thursday

Maria Jane & Gabe Flyer 2013

Click the thumbnail image to enlarge this flyer.

Share the news, download the flyer by clicking this link:  Maria Jane & Gabe Flyer 2013

August 18th – CONCERT

Sunday 5:00 PM: Fenway Jazz Jam plus Allstars give an afternoon concert / rain date Aug 25th Sunday

August 19, 2012: Japanese Cultural Day

Friends from Kaji Aso Studio visited Ramler Park and discussed Japanese culture; including an introduction to traditional music, the tea ceremony, and the art of the brush.

Japanese cultural day music

Japanese Cultural Day

Summer Concert Series Videos

July 14, 2011: David Ehle Trio featuring Claire Dickson – “Corcovado”

Aug 12, 2010: David Ehle Guitar Trio and Claire Dickson