September 9, 2018 
Vesper Orchestra

Ben Kohn

Marisa Massery

Sturgis Cunningham

​Benny "Fingers" Kohn first sat in front of a piano at the age of 6, after his parents picked it up at a thrift shop and brought it to the family home in Windsor, MA. After learning the basics from his father Ed Kohn (a singer/songwriter and recording artist), Ben honed his skills in a largely self-taught manner. He also studied jazz piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston, as well as Westfield State College.
Ben continues to develop his music while playing an integral role in the sound of many regional bands. He also backs many singers. With these artists, as well as playing solo piano, he has performed in a variety of spaces and places in the Northeast, including the Colonial Theatre of Pittsfield MA, Mahaiwe Theatre of Great Barrington MA, Mohegan Sun Casino, Strange Creek & Wormtown Music Festivals, Bethel Woods (the site of Woodstock) and an overwhelming number of dining establishments, clubs, and bars in Massachusetts. He has played in Boston, Chicago, and New York. His talents have also led him to performance opportunities in England, Italy, France, Denmark, and Turkey.

Music In Common Western Massachusetts Coordinator and  Journalism as Music, Multimedia & Songwriting Facilitator.
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Marisa was born and raised in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts.  Her most joyful passion is music and singing.  Marisa recently completed her Master's degree at the School for International Training in Brattleboro Vermont.  She studied conflict transformation and specifically the connection between music and peacebuilding. She is curious how the social space created by music can heal and positively transform relationships, a pursuit that aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of Music in Common.
"Her deep compassion for the poor and her God given gift to sing, compose and play the piano have helped her touch hundreds of lives. The song she wrote, Eyes of a Haitian Child, is an insightful and compassionate look into the life of needy Haitian children."

​Sturgis Cunningham is a drummer and educator who began his professional career while still a teenager. Since the nineties he has toured and performed extensively, playing world class venues in the U.S. and Europe with Peter Tork, Brooks Williams, MC Frontalot, Tim Eriksen, Martin Sexton,
Chris McDermott, Jimmy Weider, Chris Pureka, Charles Neville, and many others.
Sturgis has also enjoyed a wide-ranging career in the recording studio, frequently sought on album projects specifically for his personal touch, sensitivity and steadfast, lively feel. Being the consummate professional, he is just as often relied upon for his exacting craftsmanship on recorded music for television and film. Sturgis teaches privately in Western Massachusetts where he makes his home.
"He is one of the funkiest drummers I have ever heard! His feel is beautiful...his technique is fluid and graceful....phenomenal drummer and musician!!!"