PHOTOS: BPMI Showcase in Boston, MA (04.24.26)
Last Friday was the Berklee Popular Music Institute’s annual showcase for the Class of 2026. The event is the culmination of a three-semester experiential education program lauded by Billboard Magazine and others. Friday’s event featured performances from eight artists in the program, all of whom are scheduled to appear at major music festivals this upcoming festival season.
Singer-songwriter Pat Kennedy kicked things off. Kennedy is a no-frills rock & roll act with a guitar and rockstar swagger. He will appear at Minnesota Yacht Club in July. Grunge-inspired four-piece Sophie’s Body was next; that group will appear at Shaky Knees in Atlanta this coming September. Country singer Nico Welsh took the stage after that; he will join Pat Kennedy, performing at Minnesota Yacht Club as well. French Jazz pianist Jazz Cuti took the stage as the night’s fourth act. Cuti will appear at two major festivals this year: The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, UK, this May, and Oberkampf in her native France, also in May.
Performing at Gov Ball this year, reggaeton singer JimmyBoy was up next, bringing a cascade of backup dancers with him. Pop vocalist Beno followed that performance. Beno is scheduled to take the stage at Lollapalooza this year. Genre-bending star Leila Lamb was the night’s penultimate act; perform at both Southside and Pinkpop this year. Finally, pop punk act Good Sleepy capped off the night. That group will appear at both the California and Montreal dates of Warped Tour this summer.
The whole night turned Brighton Music Hall into a giant prom, complete with popcorn and cotton candy stands, a tattoo station, a selfie booth, and more. It was hosted by Berklee students, who, in addition to introducing the acts, also announced the winners of the night’s raffle, which included a grand prize of passes to Gov Ball.
Photos – BPMI Showcase at Brighton Music Hall in Boston, MA on April 24th:
