Columbus and Endangered Speeches are two groups whose names have been buzzing on campus since my first year at Berklee. Both groups have built and maintained quite the name for themselves at Berklee as well as within the Boston community throughout the last few years, and they are coming together to play Berklee College of Music’s Café 939 on Saturday, October 6th.
Seventies funk and soul band Columbus is comprised of several Berklee students who are collectively bound to bring down the house with their invigorating energy that makes you want to move. The group pays homage to funk pioneers like James Brown, George Clinton, and Sly and the Family Stone with their tight horn section, unyieldingly solid rhythm section, and expressive vocals. They always guarantee a funky performance, and as this show will mark their Farewell Tour, they are sure to leave us with an unforgettable experience.
Also playing is Endangered Speeches, a 13-piece group rooted in hip-hop and reggae whose mission is to restore a meaningful message and forward direction in the hip-hop genre. The group is the creative brainchild of Greek MC/singer/composer/arranger Mariletta Konstantara and was founded in 2008 at Berklee College of Music. With members hailing from Canada, Mexico, Norway, Greece, Africa, India and around United States, each member brings a unique contribution to the group’s diverse sound - the cemented rhythm section, airtight horns, and four-part vocal harmonies that build a sound the group refers to as “unbreakable and unmistakable.”
I can’t wait for this show; after a long school and work-week I am always ready to dance the night away to some awesome jams. Check out their music and come on out and get funky with Columbus and Endangered Speeches!
