Three-time Grammy-Nominated Songwriter And Musician Brady Rymer To Lead Local Music Masters Concert

On the evening of Thursday, February 15, East End Arts will present a riveting Music Masters Concert. The event showcases Long Island student musicians and vocalists who have been mentored by Grammy-nominated musician, Brady Rymer. The two hour concert at Hotel Indigo in Riverhead will celebrate the talents of a musically diverse group of young individuals as they perform a variety of musical genres.

“I love how this band has really gelled together as a group creating their own sound that’s never been heard before,” shared program mentor Brady Rymer. “Everyone is really listening to each other and excited to be in the moment of creating music together and discovering something new. That’s why the concert is going to be so exciting, being able to perform it for an audience!”

Students from all over the island sent in applications and auditioned last fall to be selected for the 2018 East End Arts Music Masters Mentorship program. This year’s ensemble is comprised of thirteen students from Westhampton, Riverhead, Mount Sinai, Hampton Bays, Southold, Eastport South Manor, and Middle Island that range from 12 to 18-years-old. Featured musicians will include Michael Balsamo (Piano/Vocal), John Bertschi (Electric Guitar), Gage Brown-DeVirgilio (Electric Bass/Vocal), Rowan Brown-DeVirglio (Drums), Tristen Brown-DeVirglio (Electric Guitar), Gilda Delbianco (Piano/Violin/Vocal), Isabella Galway (Vocal), Anika Gott (Violin/Vocal), Jacob Nitti (Electric Guitar), Joshua Pasca (Electric Guitar), James Puccio (Acoustic Guitar), Trevor Satchell-Sabaya (Electric Bass), and Fallon Spellman (Cello).

As members of the ensemble, the students received a tuition-free, intensive six-week workshop under the guidance of the experienced Rymer – who provides training in rehearsal and performance skills. Since early January, they have been rehearsing every Tuesday evening at the East End Arts Carriage House rehearsal space.

“It’s a true honor to be accepted into this program, where I can demonstrate my gifts and talents,” said Michael Balsamo, pianist and vocalist in the ensemble. “It’s been a great learning experience! I’ve never been a part of a band before and it’s a great feeling!”

The public is welcome to attend, with tickets available for $15 in advance and at the door. All of the proceeds will go towards funding future music programs at East End Arts. There is another option for tickets, which includes a price fixed dinner option at 6:30 p.m. and general admission, for $55.

East End Arts has been offering mentorship and fellowship programs since 2011. The program aims to pair “masters” (who assume the role of “mentor”) with local high school students to encourage their growth as musicians and enrich their understanding of the music they play and create.

Since the program’s inception, select students have worked with professional cellists, conductors, singers and songwriters, vocalists, and most recently the renowned South African bassist and composer, Bakithi Kumalo who has worked with Gloria Estefan, Chaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper, Harry Belafonte, and Paul Simon.

East End Arts is a not-for-profit with the mission of community building and enrichment through the arts. This is accomplished through programs, events, and workshops that promote values of leadership, collaboration, access, and education.

Hotel Indigo is located at 1830 West Main Street in Riverhead. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit eastendarts.org.