Hancock, Cosby, and Simon have all received honorary doctorates from the school; Burton is an alumnus, and a longtime member of the school's faculty and administration. Also scheduled to perform are vocalist Donna McElroy and saxophonist Walter Beasley, who are members of the faculty; drummer Steve Gadd, the recipient of an honorary degree; and other students and faculty members.

Berklee was founded in 1945, and is devoted to training musicians in jazz and other forms of contemporary music. The school's many prominent alumni include pianist and bandleader Toshiko Akiyoshi, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, saxophonist Joe Lovano, and guitarist Bill Frisell.

Tickets for the January 28 concert are $48-$98 and are available at the Wang Theatre box office, via www.wangcenter.org, or by calling Telecharge at 800-447-7400.