Berklee Performance Center Concerts e Spring 1998 ‘March 30- Special Interest Groups - During Ensemble week, Department chair Orville Wright and assistant chair Bruce Nifong present various ensembles devoted to the work of individual artists. Featured groups include the Wayne Shorter Ensemble directed by Bruno Raberg; the Cedar Walton Ensemble directed by Marcello Pellitteri; the Wes Montgomery Ensemble directed by David Hollender; the Yellowjackets Ensemble directed by Dave Weigert as well as vocal and rhythm section ensembles showcasing the diversity of the department’s offerings. March 31 - Back Bay Brass Jazz Orchestra - Big band jazz originals in swing, Latin, and contemporary styles will be presented by faculty trombonist/com- poser/arranger Ben Elkins. April 2- International Folk Fest - The annual Berklee International Folk Festival is a collaborative effort involving over 1000 students representing over 70 countries, the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, the Performance Studies Department, the Student Activities Center, the Interna- tional Club, and the College Diversity Committee. The concert will feature groups from Japan, India, Scotland, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Tex/Mex/Tejano, Peru, Panama, Romania. These student acts will perform music from their respective countries while dressed in native costume. Some groups will even perform dances from their homelands. Following the performance, everyone is invited to a party in the Dining Hall where food from around the world may be sampled. Selected as the honorees to be recognized by the students, faculty, and adminis- tration of Berklee College of Music for their helpfulness to our students, support of international educational exchange, and for promoting international goodwill and understanding: The Boston Jazz Society, The Frecnh Library and Cultural Center, Inc.; the Consulate General of Israel to New England. April 3- Play for Ray - In a tribute to retired Distinguished Chair of Brass, Ray Kotwica, Berklee faculty members Phil Wilson, Jeff Stout, Tiger Okoshi, Tony Lada. Lin Biviano,Ken Cervenka, Paul Fontaine, George Zonce, Jerry Cecco, John Repucci, Joe Hunt, Tony Germain, Jeff Galindo, Ken Pullig, Greg Hopkins and others perform original jazz in a variety of settings under the direction of Brass Department Chair, Tom Plsek. : April 7- Songwriter’s Night - The twelve winning student songs from the annual Berklee Songwriters’ Competition from Fall semester 1997 will be performed in a variety of writing styles including mainstream pop, alternative rock, alternative folk, country and blues. The Songwriters’ Night Band will perform on a half dozen of the winning songs along with small string and horn ensembles. Other song presentations include duos and trios as well as some small acoustic ensembles creating a varied and well-balanced program. The Performance Center at Berklee College of Music is a Ticketmaster outlet.