Category Archives: Blog

10 Must-See Concerts in Boston this month

Quite a few must-See concerts in Boston this month! A large variety of talent is making it’s way to town, are you going to see any of these shows?

1. The Cure – to perform over four decades worth of music you love!  Catch them Thursday June 16th, 7:30 Agganis Arena ($17.50-$77.50)

2. Aesop Rock – June 17th, 8pm at the Paradise Rock Club ($20, 18+) – following the release of The Impossible Kid, Aesop Rock returns to Boston to perform with Rob Sonic and DJ Zone. Don’t miss it!

Must-See Concerts in Boston

 

3. Brian Wilson – You won’t want to miss this Beach Boy’s icon performing with the Boston Pops! This chance doesn’t come around every day! Friday/Saturday performances – June 17/18th- 7pm at Symphony Hall

4. Deerhoof – In anticipation of the bands next album, The Magic (which comes out the same night of this show) – Deerhoof will be performing Friday, June 24th at Brighton Music Hall, 8pm ($16, 18+). Avid fans won’t want to miss out!

5. Bearstronaut *Local Gem!* – If you haven’t seen or heard of Bearstronaut, you should check them out! They’ll be celebrating the release of their new record Telecoast Friday June 10th at the Sinclair, 8pm ($12, 18+) Must See Concerts in Boston

6. Motion City Soundtrack– Two decades worth of loyal fans are sure to be present at the two shows (the first is sold out) at the Paradise. Tickets are still available for Monday, June 13th ($30). This So Long, Farewell Tour is in fact, their final tour. If you’ve been itching to catch a show before they’re gone this is your chance!

7.  Ellie Goulding– Do you follow commercial pop music? If so you’ve definitely heard Ellie Goulding on multiple hit records recently. Check her out Wednesday, June 15th at TD Garden, 7:30pm ($25-55).

8. Beyonce – “Queen” Beyonce will be dancing her way to Gillette Stadium Friday, June 3rd at 8pm ($50-$310.. but we’re guessing this is sold out?). She’s had quite a controversial year, and will be rolling into town with her Formation World Tour in just a few days!

Must-See concerts in Boston9. Ceelo Green– Soulful singer Ceelo will be performing many of his catchy hits at the Paradise Rock Club – Friday June 10th, 7pm ($25).  This is a great venue to see such a huge talent!

10. Leann Rimes- A fixture on the music scene since her debut in 1996, Leann will be performing at the Wilbur Theatre on Thursday, June 9th (doors at 7pm).  In light of her recent release, Spitfire- her set is expected to feature many new tunes as well as the classics you expect to hear.

 

 

Local artist White Hinterland sues Justin Bieber/Skrillex for Copyright Infringement

If you listen to mainstream radio, chances are you have heard Justin Bieber’s latest hit song, “Sorry”. The industry was shocked to learn last night that White Hinterland (a local artist from Scituate, MA) is suing Justin, Skrillex and his producers for infringement.

Casey Dienel (White Hinterland) claims a vocal riff from one of her most popular songs, “Ring the Bell”) was sampled without permission and used in the hit song.  On Thursday evening, Dienel went public: “Like most artists that sample music, Bieber could have licensed my song for use in ‘Sorry’. But he chose not to contact me. After the release of ‘Sorry’ my lawyers sent Bieber a letter regarding the infringement, but Bieber’s team again chose to ignore me. I offered Bieber’s team an opportunity to have a private dialogue about the infringement, but they refused to even acknowledge my claim, despite the obviousness of the sample”.

Overnight the story went viral and fans across the world of both White Hinterland and Bieber picked which side they were on. However on Friday afternoon, Skrillex took to Twitter to claim his innocence. He posted a video featuring a raw track from singer named Julia Michaels and provided a short tutorial as to how he created the vocal riff in question.

Jamaica Plain Porchfest – Saturday, July 9th

Not to be confused with Somerville’s Annual Porchfest (which took place this past weekend) – in early July, Jamaica Plain will hold it’s third annual Porchfest.

In 2015, JP’s Porchfest featured well over 133 musicians (bands/solo performers) – and over 100 other acts featuring spoken word, dance, storytelling and even circus inspired routines. Nearly 70 porches were turned into stages, satisfying an audience of ~10,000 people!

These events are an amazing experience for the creative community- giving artists and musicians of all kinds a unique opportunity to share their passion with those who reside around them. However, with it’s growing popularity, it is safe to assume that it is becoming an event worth traveling to. Folks outside JP, even the city itself are making the trek to be immersed in a cultural experience hard to find elsewhere.

Join in on the fun! Even though registration for performing is all closed up for this year, be sure to head over to Jamaica Plain on July 9th (12pm-6pm) to enjoy the diverse talent! (Check out the “special arts porches” for Dance, Theater, Spoken word and Storytelling performances!)

 

Honoring Remo Belli – Drumhead Pioneer

We wanted to take a moment to honor Remo Belli (1927-2016)- drumhead pioneer, accomplished percussionist and educator.  Many percussionists out there use Remo drumheads every day and probably don’t realize the story or the man behind them.

Before Remo Belli, drumheads were not what they are today. What used to be a meticulous process of wrapping calfskin around a wooden hoop was eventually simplified in 1957- when Belli Remo came in contact with a chemist named Sam Muchnick. Together, an innovative solution to the grueling production (and less than perfect function) was discovered: Punching holes around the edge of a Mylar head (introduced to Remo by Bud Slingerland from Chicago), using a fast-setting liquid resin to bond it to an aluminum hoop (u-shaped).  The bonding system was patented in ’57, and Remo began production in a 500 sq. ft. space adjacent to his drum shop in Los Angeles, Drum City.

Remo’s story is a truly classic entrepreneurial tale. He was born in Indiana and developed a love for percussion at an early age. Despite pressure from his father to play the accordion, Remo couldn’t let go of his passion for drums and continued to pursue his craft. Oddly enough World War II broke out when he was in high school- leaving him to be one of the few drummers left in Northern Indiana as the others had been drafted. The multitude of performances only helped him perfect his skills- so much so that by the time he enlisted in the Navy at 18, he was assigned to the Navy Band right away.

Years later, (after being discharged) Remo would move to LA to begin his professional music career. He started off in saloons but eventually wound up on tour with folks like Anita O’Day, and became an ‘in demand’ studio drummer. It was in 1950 when Remo realized the existing drum shops in the area did not properly serve the needs of top percussionists. He secured a loan and opened Drum City- a retail shop that quickly attracted the best players on the West Coast.

So with a successful drum shop and a new patented item- came the inevitable criticism. Many said it wasn’t the same as calfskin- which was of course, 100% accurate. However, the growing list of positive endorsements from the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and more – was a powerful response. Given the fact that the production of the calfskin heads took longer, and in many cases, couldn’t keep up with demand- Remo’s solution satisfied drum manufacturers and retailers alike as the popularity of drum-kits rose. By 1964, the Remo Weather King drumhead was the ‘head of choice’.

Remo didn’t stop there. Throughout the following years he would continue to create and evolve his drumheads – for example, in the 80’s he came out with the ‘pre-tuned’ head- an invention that set the stage for a broad line of world percussion instruments. He would get involved with holistic healthcare practitioners, neurologists, and experts in education – encouraging the idea that music can help people on a multitude of levels (from Alzheimer’s to stress).

If you couldn’t tell, Remo Belli was an epic contributor to the music industry- leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten. Though he is no longer with us, his influence will forever be recognized and appreciated by percussionists all around the world!

‘Gearing Up’ for Spring 2016!

Home >> What’s New?

We’ve recently added some new items to our rental inventory- see below!  Now available for rent!

Pioneer DDJ-SZ Controller


Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD

JBL VTX M-20
Aguilar Tone Hammer 500

Roland RD-800

 Taylor 714-CEN

 

RIP: Prince Passes Away at 57

The news just broke that legendary performer Prince has passed away at 57, according to TMZ.

Reports suggest he was briefly hospitalized last week for symptoms of the flu but was soon thereafter discharged. After news of a reported death at his Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis, it was later revealed that it was in fact, Prince who passed.

All of us at Bergsten are saddened by this news- as musicians such as himself inspire and energize our industry. It may not be widely known but in the past we had the pleasure of supplying gear to some of his local performances. He will be greatly missed and most certainly not forgotten.

Image source

Venue Spotlight: Paradise Rock Club

Introducing our new blog series: Venue Spotlight – a featured where we will highlight popular spots to catch a great show in Massachusetts! Event planners, show promoters and touring bands pay attention to these as you may discover the next location for your event!
Credit: SoundofBoston.com

 Paradise Rock Club

Venue Breakdown
aka: The Paradise
Address:  967 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA
Capacity: 933
[General Admission ]
Tickets / Show Schedule 

The Paradise Rock Club, formerly known as the Paradise Theater, opened on September 27th, 1977 . Its relatively small size is of mass appeal for top local rock, alternative and American bands in or visiting Boston.

Some say The Paradise experienced it’s “claim to fame” when U2 played their first Boston show there in 1981. It has consistently been a “first stop” in Boston for many foreign touring acts. Show goers always enjoy this cozy venue- with it’s full-length bar along the back, great visibility from all sides (one exception being the two metal pillars in the middle) – and the wide stage. The venue’s dimensions and overall energetic vibe offer an excellent, intimate experience for all music lovers.

Upcoming 2016 events include:

April 20th, 6pm : Journeys Presents Atlast Genius (w/ Skylar Grey, The Young Wild) – Tickets

April 22nd, 7pm: Good Charlotte (w/ Waterparks, Trophy Wives) – SOLD OUT

April 23rd, 8pm: Pink Talking Fish (w/ the Indobox) – Tickets

April 28th, 7pm: The Noise Presents NOFX + Special Guests – The Hepatitis Bathtub Tour – SOLD OUT

April 29th, 8pm: Elephant Revival (w/ Chadwick Stokes) – Tickets

May 4th, 7pm – The Darkness – Back to the USSA Tour (w/ RavenEye) – Tickets

Local Music News: Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory to Merge

Two of the best music schools in the country are soon to join forces. Berklee College of Music, founded in 1945 and Boston Conservatory, founded in 1967- announced last year that their programs would be merging. Only recently have we come to learn this will be effective in or around June 2016.

Conveniently, the two campuses are just a couple blocks away from each other near Fenway which will undoubtedly aid the students traveling back and forth.  Berklee will retain its name and the Conservatory will become known as the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Separate admissions processes and financial aid will continue for now, but facilities, programs and faculty will be accessible to students from each institution. Students will also be able to transfer between programs and even pursue joint degrees.

Conservatory students will benefit from the new access to performance traditions of other cultures and genres as well as contemporary ‘digital infrastructure’. Currently, Berklee students don’t have access to a music theater program, or a classical music program. While the two schools were never in direct competition, they will be able to attract more musicians and offer a diversified experience to all those who enroll.

Without a doubt, this merger will create a “powerhouse” of sorts for Boston in terms of music, theater and dance.

 

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Boston Calling – May 2016 Line Up

If you’re from Boston and are into music festivals, chances are you’ve already done your research on the upcoming Boston Calling Music Festival for May 2016. If you’re living under a rock (since tickets went on sale January 15th on BostonCalling.com) however- this post is for you.

The biannual festival is set to take place Memorial Day weekend May 27th-29th at City Hall Plaza. At first glance, the lineup appears to be stacked with big names including Australian Pop singer Sia, Swedish popstar Robyn and electronic duo Disclosure. Other notable highlights include Janelle Monáe, Sufjan Stevens, Courtney Barnett and sister trio Haim.

The full lineup:

Sia – Disclosure – Robyn- Odeza

Sufjan Stevens – Haim – Miike Snow

Janelle Monae – City and Colour – Courtney Barnett

Elle King – The Front Bottoms – Børns

Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaries – The Vaccines

Vince Staples – Battles – Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Christine and the Queens – Lisa Hannigan and Aaron Dessner

Lizzo – Palehound – Michael Christmas

DalbyFarmCountryStore.com

Now hiring! Backline technician wanted.

Backline Technician

Bergsten Music is committed to providing top quality production services for Boston, New England, and the North East. A staple in Boston for over 40 years, we’ve worked with every type of client from local productions to major national tours.

Job Description:

As a Backline Technician at Bergsten, you will work in a fast paced, professional environment with a variety of responsibilities ranging from show preparation, delivery & pick-up to providing full on-site technical support.  You will need to be comfortable working with a wide range of musical instruments in a live performance environment. The right candidate will be a team player, will be able to work professionally under high pressure and will value attention to detail.
Some of your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

–       Gathering and testing requested gear in our warehouse.

–       Loading and unloading trucks.

–       Set up and tending gear on-location.

 

Job Requirements

–       Excellent knowledge of the set up and breakdown of standard backline gear.

–       Able to lift heavy cases over 50 lbs.

–       Must be flexible to work irregular hours (nights and weekends included)

–       Must be comfortable driving trucks up to 26’ (CDL not required)

–       Experience in lighting design a MAJOR plus

Salary commensurate on experience.

Benefits and retirement offered for full time positions.

Please submit to BergstenJobs@Gmail.com a current resume and three references for consideration for this position. No calls please.