A new gig for Berklee

Scores of great musicians have passed through the halls of Berklee College of Music through the years, from Steely Dan's Donald Fagen (right) to "Tonight Show" bandleader Kevin Eubanks to guitar god John Mayer. Now, Berklee wants to give its up-and-coming performers a chance to show their stuff.

This week, Berklee officially unveils its Cafe 939, a student-run coffee house at 939 Boylston St. in Boston that will showcase student talent as well as that of local artists and national acts seeking a more intimate venue.

Cafe 939 aims to embrace a wide range of styles, including rock, jazz, folk, bluegrass, hip-hop, and avant-garde.

Booking also will include bands featuring local chief executives. The first such session, booked for April 17, features the Loomers, a band that includes Tom Simons of the Boston ad agency Partners & Simons. Even accordion players are welcome, says Cafe 939 event manager Jacqueline Indrisano.

A concerts series titled Marsalis Berklee Jams is scheduled to kick off April 2 with saxophone player and Berklee grad Miguel Zenon topping the bill, Berklee said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)