SCHOOLYARD SESSIONS |
Schoolyard Sessions Album Release Concert • Photo by Isaac Madera
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“Brian’s schoolyard concerts were some of my most joyful experiences in the dark days of the Covid pandemic.”
– Robin Radin, jazz fan
In 2020, Friedland piloted weekly concerts in the Eliot Schoolyard as a way to enjoy live music outdoors under pandemic conditions. The series grew in collaboration with co-curators from Meraki Productions and Hoopla Productions, drawing audiences of as many as 350 people per event. From that first fall and over five summers, Friedland performed with more than 50 artists and 18 different bands.
In 2023, Friedland invited the musicians back to record together, resulting in the Schoolyard Sessions album and a celebratory group concert. This project was supported by a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, Boston.
In 2023, Friedland invited the musicians back to record together, resulting in the Schoolyard Sessions album and a celebratory group concert. This project was supported by a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, Boston.