Encore Gala Breaks Previous Fundraising Records

Once again, Berklee’s 18th annual Encore Gala offered a musical extravaganza that drew more than 900 guests to Boston’s Westin Copley Place Hotel for a good cause. The college’s flagship fundraising event, the Encore Gala raises scholarship funds for the Berklee City Music Program (BCMP). The program provides year-round music education to thousands of middle- and high-school students in Boston and in 37 cities across the country.

The evening’s featured performers included 15-year-old Quinton Monteiro, a student at the Berklee City Music Network site in Midland, PA, who stole the show with his rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” Additionally, more than 150 Berklee musicians performed in styles ranging from salsa to bluegrass to jazz to hip-hop. Featured groups included the Scratch Ambassadors (directed by Professor Stephen Webber), the Hip Pocket Orchestra, and the Berklee Full Circle Band (featuring Stephen Oristaglio).

Iconic recording artists the Family Stone, including three founding members from the original Sly and the Family Stone band, ended the evening on a high note with hits like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People.” Other special guest performers included multiplatinum Israeli rock icon David Broza.

Live and silent auctions offered once-in-a-lifetime trips to the 2012 Grammy Awards and MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring Bruce Springsteen, a VIP trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a private, in-home concert with Livingston Taylor.

In 2012, BCMP marked 20 years of providing transformative educational experiences for many young students—regardless of financial means or location—enabling participants to embark on higher education and professional careers. BCMP offers a comprehensive curriculum, individualized mentoring, and scholarship opportunities.

For information on donating to the Berklee City Music Program, visit www.berklee.edu/giving.

Special Thanks to Our

Encore Gala Sponsors

 

Presenting Sponsor

Bain Capital Children’s Charity Ltd.

 

Lead Sponsor

Abrams Capital

 

Co-Lead Sponsor

Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation

Subaru of New England

Platinum Sponsors

Kristine M. and Robert E. Higgins

Newbury Comics Inc.

 

Starlight Finale

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Sapanski

 

Superstar Ballroom

ARAMARK Education

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

 

Event Co-Chairs

Paul Ciriello, Kristine M. Higgins, Carmichael Roberts, and David Patrick