NEC Singers and Songwriters

It's no trick: this Hallowe'en, you can treat yourself to an entire evening of improvising singers, side-by-side with songwriters who run the stylistic gamut.

This vocal showcase concert, organized by Dominique Eade of the New England Conservatory Contemporary Improvisation faculty, is part of the celebration of the CI program's 40th anniversary.

Improvising singers have flocked to NEC to study with Eade in studio lessons and vocal ensembles, while Eade herself credits pianist Ran Blake as one of her important mentors. Songwriting and singing thrive at NEC under the guidance of faculty that include Hankus Netsky, a founding member of the Klezmer Conservatory Band; Eden MacAdam-Somer, a fiddler and singer who has led barn dances at NEC and is also a member of NotoriousFolk and the Sail Away Ladies; and Nedelka Prescod (in photo), whose African-American Roots Ensemble has been known to travel from Yoruban chant to Angie Stone in one sweeping performance.

Performances by current students, faculty, and alums in duos and solos include Natalie Cadet, Kelly Demers, Mia and Ari Friedman, Alonzo Harris, Leah Hennessy, Lisa Jacobs, Christiane Karam, Nedelka Prescod, David Schockett, Val Thompson.