TICKETS $15
On November 1, 2022, the Berklee Performance Center hosted a vibrant concert featuring Berklee students and recent alumni performing music from Joe Cocker and Leon Russell’s legendary 1970 tour, Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Under the direction of Marty Walsh, a seasoned studio musician and assistant professor in Berklee’s Ensemble and Music Production departments, the ensemble delivered a dynamic tribute to the iconic album and tour. The performance, which spanned four semesters of preparation, showcased a 14-piece band of talented instrumentalists and vocalists, capturing the raw energy and eclectic spirit of the original tour’s blues, rock, and soul fusion. Walsh, drawing on his extensive experience as a guitarist for artists like Dolly Parton and Supertramp, guided the students to recreate the intricate arrangements and emotional depth of the era-defining work.
This concert was later adapted into a concert film, and will be at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, with Walsh in attendance as filmmaker, professor, and musician. The film, Walsh’s first venture into filmmaking, not only documented the Berklee ensemble’s performance but also highlighted his commitment to mentoring young musicians in both performance and production. At the Jaffrey event, audiences experienced the infectious energy of the Mad Dogs and Englishmen repertoire, brought to life through Walsh’s vision and the students’ dedication. The screening celebrated the intersection of education, performance, and filmmaking, with Walsh’s multifaceted expertise bridging the historical significance of the 1970 tour with contemporary music education at Berklee.