Grammy-Winning Producer Adam Blackstone to Be Honored at Boston Benefit Concert This June

he rhythm of the city is about to get a major boost as the Hamilton-Garrett Center for Music & Arts (HGMA) prepares to host its annual benefit concert, "MAKE THEM HEAR YOU."

Scheduled for Saturday, June 6, at 6 p.m., the event will take over the prestigious Berklee Performance Center. This year, the spotlight shines on a true industry titan: Grammy-winning producer and Emmy-winning musical director Adam Blackstone.

For those who may not know Blackstone by name, they certainly know his work. As one of the most sought-after musical directors in the world, Blackstone has been the mastermind behind the live shows of global icons like Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Eminem. He has also shaped massive cultural milestones, including Super Bowl Halftime Shows and the Academy Awards.

At the June 6 event, Blackstone won't just be receiving an award; he’ll be picking up his bass to perform alongside the HG Youth Choir and a house band comprised of Berklee professors and HGMA faculty.

"We’re proud to honor Adam Blackstone for his extraordinary contributions to music and his powerful example of leadership, excellence and innovation," said Gerami Groover-Flores, HGMA Executive and Artistic Director. "His commitment to elevating music on a global stage... strongly reflects the mission and values at the heart of HGMA."

A Showcase of Local Talent The evening promises to be an electrifying display of Boston’s rising stars. Attendees will witness performances by:

• The HG Youth Choir: An all-girls choral program for ages 10-18.
• The HG Drumline: Bringing the high-energy "HBCU style" of marching to New England.
• The New HG Marching Band: A groundbreaking program launched in 2025 that now serves over 40 students from across Greater Boston.

Both the drumline and marching band are guided by artistic advisors from Florida A&M University’s legendary "Marching 100," ensuring a world-class level of precision and artistry.

Supporting the Future of Black Music Proceeds from the concert support the Hamilton-Garrett Center’s mission to celebrate and preserve Black music through education. Based in Boston, HGMA provides youth with everything from private instrument lessons to classes on music history and Black identity.

The center is named in honor of Ruth Hamilton and Elta Garrett, two prominent figures in the national music community and the Historic Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Event Details

• What: MAKE THEM HEAR YOU Benefit Concert
• When: Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 6 p.m.
• Where: Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
• Tickets: Available now at hamiltongarrett.org/mthy

Legendary musical director for Rihanna and Justin Timberlake to join local youth for an electrifying night at Berklee.

For more information on the Hamilton-Garrett Center for Music & Arts and its programs, visit hamiltongarrett.org.