Sam Nitsch

Sam Nitsch

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Sam Nitsch

POP | SINGER-SONGWRITER

Sam Nitsch is a composer and performer, specializing in the fusion of diverse musical styles and techniques. After beginning his career as a classical violinist, Sam developed a distinct musical voice through exploration of multiple instruments and the addition of contemporary technology into his music. Emerging from the Rochester music scene in 2015, he’s now based in Boston, where he works close to the heart of the industry as part of the next generation of writers and musicians. 

​In the Spring of 2016, Sam released his debut album “Passage”, which was followed up in 2017 by Sam’s EP “Torn”. Since their release, he’s received a lot of praise for his music, including an invitation to perform at the 2017 Rochester Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. He played to an audience of 2,000+ alongside musical veterans, such as Paul Schaffer, Gary Lewis, and many others. In addition to performing hundreds of shows, his music has also been featured on Boston’s 92.5 The River and FOX Rochester.

​These days, you can find Sam performing at venues across Massachusetts and New York. His shows include the use of a variety of musical instruments and gear, which allow him to have a much fuller sound than one would expect.

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Sara Wilkins

Sara Wilkins

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Sara Wilkins

CELLO

Sara Wilkins has established herself as a versatile and energetic cellist in the Boston area. An active performer, she has toured and given master classes with the Tarab Cello Ensemble and performed with the American Chamber Opera in Chicago. Her performance with Time’s Arrow New Music Ensemble was called, “remarkable for its sensitivity, ensemble responsiveness, and intelligibility.” She’s also led the Boston University Cello Choir and has collaborated with renowned composers, including Richard Wernick, Augusta Read Thomas, David Rakowski, and Lyle Davidson.

An experienced teacher, Dr. Wilkins is currently on faculty at All Newton Music School, Sharon Music Academy, and Beaver Country Day School. Her cello students have won auditions for the SEMSBA and MMEA District Festival Orchestras, and prizes in the Crescendo Competition.

Dr. Wilkins is a member of the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the College Music Society. She completed her doctorate at Boston University after earning her master’s degree at Roosevelt University. Before studying at Roosevelt, Sara graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida, where she received the Music Teachers National Association Student Achievement Award and was on the Dean’s List.

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Robert Bekkers

Robert Bekkers

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Robert Bekkers

GUITAR

Studying under Eliot Fisk, Dr. Robert Bekkers earned his Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) in Classical Guitar at the renowned New England Conservatory. While earning his degree, he remained active in the community as the conductor of the Boston Guitar Orchestra and as a guitar instructor at Gordon College South Shore Conservatory, and Yamaha Music School. He also continued his run as a resident artist at the Walter Baker Artist Lofts in Dorchester’s Historic Lower Mills.

Born near Eindhoven, Netherlands, Dr. Bekkers first earned his performing and teaching degrees (Bachelor and Master of Music) at the Conservatory of Maastricht. During his seven years there, he was awarded a scholarship to study contemporary music with Angelo Gilardino in Italy. In addition to this honor, Dr. Bekkers also continued performing in master classes for internationally-known guitarists, such as David Russell and Pepe Romero.

After completing his education, he developed his career as a soloist and chamber musician, playing with orchestras, choirs, and giving solo recitals. He still does this today, while maintaining an active schedule, performing at many weddings, functions, and private events.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Mr. Bekkers has a deep understanding of the breadth and sweep of the classical guitar and its five centuries of repertoire. While earning a DMA with me at the New England Conservatory, he was involved in a great number of artistic projects across the entire continuum of the guitar’s possibilities, from baroque era masterpieces to the intricate music of today.”

– Eliot Fisk

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“During his performance, I found myself wondering if Robert had an extra set of hands since it was not clear to me how so many notes could be strummed at the same time. This music is a pure joy to listen to and immediately sets you in a romantic frame of mind.”

– Susan B. 

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“One of life’s great pleasures: getting up close and personal with great music, “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Bekkers gave a strong, lyrical and passionate performance. The orchestra matched it. We were moved and inspired; I think everybody was…”

– Bob K.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Audley Society sponsored Robert Bekkers in Houston and it was so beautiful to hear his sounds reverberate throughout the building. Our guests were so delighted, Robert sold out his CDs!”

– Linda M.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“I have been putting on house concerts for over 15 years. Robert was the first classical guitarist I had hosted. He put on an excellent show. My crowd was delighted.”

– Jeff A.

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Raquel Rodriguez

Raquel Rodriguez

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Raquel Rodriguez

SOUL | FUNK | POP | R&B

Raquel Rodriguez is a gifted musician at her core. Her presence is warm, powerful and inspiring, just like her sound. The soul singer is in a lane of her own, as she draws inspiration from Prince, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars, creating a smooth balance of 70’s funk, 80’s synths, and 90’s R&B.

Her love of music began when she started piano and vocal lessons at Hamilton High School’s Music Academy. After which, Raquel attended the prestigious Thornton School of Music at USC, where she studied the Music Industry and Jazz Theory. It was here that Raquel polished her songwriting skills and solidified many of her now thriving musical relationships.

After college, Raquel’s career really picked up as she went on to sing back up for well known artists, such as Gwen Stefani and Anderson.Paak. She’s opened for J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, Trombone Shorty, and Goapele. And she’s collaborated with Nigel Hall and many others.

Raquel’s talent is truly unmatched. 2018 marked the release of her EP, “The 310 Pt. 2” and the end of her European tour. Her recent single, “Mile High” has quickly gained popularity on Spotify and Apple Music. We’ve got our eye on this one, as we know there’s a whole lot more in store for her!

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“The 310, Pt. 2 reflects Rodriguez’s talent as a songwriter. She tackles real-life experiences and emotions without straining to sound overly profound or poetic. “I Want It All” tackles the internal conflict of creative people: how do you focus all the passion burning inside without missing out on other opportunities? It’s one of many tracks that prove that Rodriguez is focusing her own energy in exactly the right places.”

– The Best of Soul: September 2018

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“The 310, Pt. 2, the newest album from Los Angeles native Raquel Rodriguez, is a journey through 70s funk, 80s synths, and 90s R&B. Clearly influenced by icons like Chaka Khan, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, [the] album stand[s] out. “We Go Together” showcases Rodriguez’s ability to carry a song with her voice alone.” 

– Bandcamp Daily

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Rachel Marie

Rachel Marie

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Rachel Marie

FOLK | SINGER-SONGWRITER

Rachel Marie follows in a tradition of unapologetically forthright women folk-singers, with songs that hearken to “overstuffed lines of Tori Amos, philosophical turn of Indigo Girls, and lilting vocals like Joni Mitchell”. The social awareness of folk meets the introspection of the singer-songwriter tradition with a moderate dose of snark. Rachel takes a straightforward and honest approach to songwriting in an effort to foster genuine human connection and encourage empathy through music. Passion for using the power of her voice to shed light on injustice gives rise to poignant poetic statements on subjects from heartbreak and death to police brutality and immigration. An endearingly quirky stage presence as honest as her songs keeps audiences charmed. 

Boston-based and Pennsylvania-raised, Rachel has played at prestigious folk venues, including the me&thee, Club Passim, the Burren, and Godfrey Daniels. She’s also shared stages with Cheryl Wheeler, Antje Duvekot, Michelle Lewis, Grace Morrison, and the Kennedys. Rachel’s full-length album, “False Foundations” was released in May 2018. Her November 2018 single, “Looking for Light” was featured on an officially curated Spotify playlist the week of its release.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Rachel’s stories and finger style guitar playing create song-scapes rather than just your average tune. Melody and harmony are prevalent, but the experience is what you go home with. Add in a brilliantly woven, genuine and sometimes silly banter and Rachel’s unique show will stay with you a long time.”

– Tom Bianchi, 24 Hour Music, LLC

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Rachel connects with her listeners through a magically complementary mix of music and message.”

– Nick Noble, Host of THE FOLK REVIVAL on WICN

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Rachel Marie’s music manifests the purity of her voice and her spirit. Her songs are touching and profound and her rapport with the audience immediately makes one feel as though you have known her for a long time.”

– Kathy Sands-Boehmer, Booking Manager, me&thee​

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“I definitely heard some of the feminist singer songwriters that I grew up listening to in [False Foundations] – Overstuffed lines of Tori Amos, philosophical turn of Indigo Girls, lilting vocals like Joni Mitchell.”

– Victoria Farmer, The Christian Humanist Podcast

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