Robert Bekkers

Robert Bekkers

by | Jun 7, 2019

Robert Bekkers_Featured

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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Past Reviews

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

Raquel Rodriquez_Featured

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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Past Reviews

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

Rachel Marie_Featured

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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Past Reviews

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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Prateek

Prateek

by | Jun 7, 2019

Prateek_Featured

Prateek

FOLK | SINGER-SONGWRITER

Prateek is a folk singer-songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts. After taking up songwriting in college, he got his start as a musician playing the famed Lizard Lounge open mic night in Cambridge. He was very consistent, attending the open mic almost every week, which helped garner attention.

In 2016, Prateek released his debut EP, “Walking in My Sleep,” which was recorded in a bedroom with just one guitar and two microphones. Despite this bare-boned method of recording, the release of the EP provided Prateek with countless opportunities to play on stages and at festivals across the United States, including the Kerrville Folk Festival and at Club Passim.

His most recent single “Emma,” has been described by Vanyaland as “stripped-down, honest heartbreak”. It is available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. Most recently, Prateek was nominated for “Songwriter of The Year” at the New England Music Awards and “Singer-Songwriter of The Year” at the Boston Music Awards.

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Audio Samples

Emma

Gang's All Gone

Past Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Not just any guy with a guitar… Prateek’s honest, elegant songcraft and luminous voice capture the ear and heart immediately.”


 – The Boston Globe

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“… stripped down, honest heartbreak…”

– Vanyaland

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Planet Radio

Planet Radio

by | Jun 7, 2019

planet_radio_featured

Planet Radio

SOUL | JAZZ | FUNK

Planet Radio is a premiere live performance group at the forefront of the Boston music scene. The band is made up of alumni and professors from renowned schools, such as The New England Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music. Their funky and soulful sound features rich and hard-hitting production elements that truly elevate the energy of their original music. During live performances, audiences experience exemplary instrumentals and captivating vocals. Their diverse musical perspectives create a wholly unique sound and an undeniable onstage chemistry.

Individual band members’ side projects span jazz, hip-hop, and world music, and members of Planet Radio have shared the stage with some legendary musicians, such as Lake Street Dive, Dave Brubeck, Ledisi, Lionel Loueke, and 50 Cent. Planet Radio has many years of performance experience and is available for weddings, corporate events, community events, private parties, and more.

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Audio Samples

If Time Was $

Stay Awake

Voodoo

Time For Us

Past Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“I love the arrangements, the writing, the harmonies, the melodies, the grooves and the energy…like listening to all the great music from the past 40 years that was intellectual enough for the musician, yet had a strong appeal to the non-musician.”

– George W. Russell (Harmony Department Chair, Berklee College of Music) 

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