Rick Berlin on Tour
Known as a trend-setting powerhouse of a performer, Boston's Rick Berlin is as strong a musical force as ever four decades into his vast and varied career. As a singer, you'd call his music rock. As a performer, you'd call it show art.
His career began in the '70s with his first band, Orchestra Luna. Known for theatrical shows and raw performances, one of Orchestra Luna's highlights was a cover of "You Gotta Have Heart" from the play Damn Yankees. They released their debut album, Orchestra Luna, with Epic Records in 1974. Boston's WBCN began a tradition of playing the band's cover of "You Gotta Have Heart" for the Boston Red Sox on the team's opening day every year. The band's first musical iteration was an eclectic mix of rock, cabaret and Broadway musicals. Orchestra Luna was part of the historical CBGB scene in NYC, playing with bands like The Talking Heads and The Ramones.
His second band, Berlin Airlift, was formed in 1982 and named after the Western Allies' mission to counter the Berlin Blockade by flying supplies into Western Berlin. Their debut album, Berlin Airlift, was released in 1982 on Handshake/CBS Records. Two of the album's singles were Boston-area hits -- "Don't Stop Me From Crying" and "Over The Hill." The band released the EP Professionally Damaged in 1983, with the single "Hunger Strikes" becoming the No. 1 song on Boston's WBCN. In 1987 Rick Berlin was named the Boston Music Awards Indie Songwriter of the Year for the single "Rock 'n Roll Romance."
Berlin released the album Me & Van Gogh as a solo artist in 2006. He released the album Great Big House with The Nickel and Dime band in 2019.
The opportunity to see Rick Berlin perform live is not one to be missed. His live shows are part rock concert, part art performance, and memorable, to say the least. Get tickets to see Rick Berlin when he comes to a city near you.
Rick Berlin Live in Concert
Richard Gustave Kenscherf III, known as Rick Berlin professionally, is a graduate of Yale University and a former member of the Yale Whiffenpoofs, an a capella singing group. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1945. He changed his name to Rick Berlin after reading Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Stories to differentiate himself from his father and grandfather, both bearing the same name. He is responsible for starting and growing the Jamaica Plains Music Festival in Boston's Jamaica Plains neighborhood.
Rick Berlin FAQ
What was the name of Rick Berlin's first band and when did they release their debut album?
Rick Berlin's first band was Orchestra Luna and they released their debut album in 1974 with Epic Records.
What single from Rick Berlin earned him the title of Boston Music Awards Indie Songwriter of the Year in 1987?
Rick Berlin earned the title of Boston Music Awards Indie Songwriter of the Year in 1987 for the single "Rock 'n Roll Romance."
When did Rick Berlin release his solo album Me & Van Gogh?
Rick Berlin released his solo album Me & Van Gogh in 2006.
What festival did Rick Berlin start and grow in Boston's Jamaica Plains neighborhood?
Rick Berlin started and grew the Jamaica Plains Music Festival in Boston's Jamaica Plains neighborhood.
Also the Nickel and Dime band....Awesome show very emotional...I remember seeing OL and Luna in the 70's and 80's....First time seeing Nickel and Dime band....Was not disappointed Great show with i think 7 bands in total. I can die happy now.....Thanks Rick for the memories