July 29, 2014

Publication title: berkleecitymusicnetwork.com, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Kasey Cox

Guest Post: Sarah McLachlan Event

On Saturday, July 19, nine City Music Summer Scholars arrived at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion for a behind-the-scenes look at Sarah McLachlan’s Shine On tour. Her manager greeted us warmly and led an on-stage tour, where we were able to get up-close-and-personal with the instruments, set decorations, and lighting. Staring out at the empty seats in the 5,000 person venue, it was fun imagine that the seats would be filled in a few short hours.

After the stage tour, we had a question and answer session with the lighting and sound technicians before taking our front-row seats for sound check. With a quick wave to us, Sarah McLachlan took the stage with her four band mates. Hunter Gantz, a vocalist from Eagle Rock, later commented, “a lot of sound check was very high tech focused rather than band/instrument stuff.”

Once sound check was completed, Sarah came off stage to chat with us. Molly Pope, a singer/songwriter from City Music Boston, asked Sarah about her microphone preference for singing and playing at the same time. Sarah commented that she is currently using a new microphone that requires more directional accuracy when singing, but performs better for this tented venue. Sarah was warm and engaging. She not only talked about positive social change, but her interactions throughout the day showed her commitment to and engagement in it as well.

While at dinner, we reflected on the highlights of the experience. They all agreed that Sarah seemed very cool and down to earth, but here were some other student take-aways:

Hunter Gantz, a vocalist from Eagle Rock, said “she’s just so impressive. She has so much control with her voice and warm energy.”
Ayanna Jacobs-EL thought she “has a good sense of humor” and “angelic voice.”
Grace Mann: “she danced on stage!”
“I was impressed that some of the set pieces were from her house,” Jared Griffin, a vocalist from Lincoln Park chimed in.

As we took our seats for the concert, it was exhilarating to think we were on stage a few hours ago looking at empty seats now filled. A special thank you to Sarah McLachlan and her team for allowing us to learn about touring at this level, and to the many Berklee College of Music staff members who made this possible. It was a great afternoon and evening as City Music Summer Scholars were able to hang out at Sarah’s sound check, meet her and see how things work in the business. Her stellar performance that evening was the perfect end to an exciting day!