MRF (Michael Flanagan) — performer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer/songwriter, and educator — began playing saxophone at age 10 and piano at age 14. After only a few years of playing, he was performing throughout Boston and the South Shore. While attending Brockton High School, Michael arranged musical works for the concert band (consisting of over 100 students) and jazz bands while serving as the lead saxophonist. During this time he was very fortunate to study under his mentors Yasko Kubota and Jerry Bergonzi for over two years.
Michael’s love for music brought him to Boston’s own Berklee College of Music on a performance-based scholarship where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. After only a year at Berklee, Michael went on tour in Japan where he performed at several venues including the Blue Note and the Glen Miller Festival. He has had the privilege of performing with jazz greats such as Terri Lynne Carrington, Joanne Brackeen, Bob Moses, Andre Hayward, Esperanza Spalding, Tiger Okoshi, Donald Harrison and many more. Within contemporary genres, Michael has also performed with several hip-hop, funk, and rock groups.
On June 8, 2010, Michael released his debut album, “Elevator Music,” under his artist name MRF, on iTunes, Amazon, and most other internet sites selling music. This album represents all of what MRF has to offer musically, showcasing him as a saxophonist, pianist, producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger. Michael utilized his versatile playing and experience in different genres to make this album a mix of different styles of music fused together with a jazz influence on every track.
Toronto born, Ryan Shergold currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts where, after receiving a vocal scholarship, he recently graduated with dean’s list honors from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, majoring in music business and vocal performance. Ryan began singing at a very young age, and studied classical opera for much of his youth. After realizing his love for music he went on to perform throughout the city of Toronto in various musicals, competitions, and shows.
At just 23 years old, Ryan has already starred in a Toronto production of Les Miserables, performed for 2 years as lead singer of the official “Tower of Power” tribute band, and starred in many of Berklee’s largest shows. He has opened for Canadian artists K-OS, and The New Pornographers, performed as a background singer for Steve Winwood and Philip Bailey of “Earth, Wind, & Fire”, and most recently shared the stage with Linda Ronstadt and Smokey Robinson at the Agganis Arena.
Ryan is currently collaborating with songwriters and producers, in both Boston and Toronto, toward his debut album.