Established by Wes’ family and Wes’ extended family of friends from around the world, The Wes Wehmiller Scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing student of the electric bass at Berklee who best exemplifies the excellence and grace Wes showed as a bassist and as a human being.
We’d like to tell you a bit about each of them…..
__________________
Danny Mo Gives Update on First Three Scholarship Winners
The morning sky has a hint of orange and blue, mixed in with some puffy clouds. It’s 6:30 AM and I’m heading back to Boston from the island of Nantucket after playing a gig last evening. I’ve been meaning to keep you all informed as to the whereabouts of our three scholarship recipients, and this is as good a time as any to write. In a two-day stretch last week, I ran into all three: Will Snyder ‘06, Claire Finley ‘07, and Steffi Willis ‘08.
Will just returned from an extended tour playing piano and bass in Chile. He looks marvelous, with his hair a resplendent orange. Claire just returned from a southwestern tour, much of it in Texas playing her distinctive neo-soul bass lines. Claire’s energy is reflected in her groove, and her sound has been augmented with her new Epifani bass rig, courtesy of an endorsement she received after playing her set at WesFest 3 in L.A. last February.
Meanwhile, Steffi was holding down the low end in Brazil over the summer playing reggae music. If you’ve never met or heard Steffi play the bass, be assured that her vibe will shine a light on you. If you weren’t at the Danny Mo’s Jam last March, I have to tell you, the David Friend Recital Hall at 921 Boylston St., Boston, MA has never seen more folks crammed in to witness a vibe like that. The rear doors of the hall had to be opened up to the outer hallway. I didn’t even realize those walls could move. Thank you Wes!
The musician has an obligation to their soul. Playing music often soothes this very need. Our three recipients are all playing lots of music, learning, creating, grooving. In the tradition of Wes’ commitment to serving the song with a righteous bass line, I’m happy to report that all is cool in the low end around here.
Peace and see you soon,
Danny