Linda Soukup and Millie Youngquist

Co-Presidents of Washington Performing Arts Series introduce the show.

Linda Soukup and Millie Youngquist

Co-Presidents of Washington Performing Arts Series introduce the show.

Shorter Stories Prepares To Play

The band presents a powerful evening of jazz in tribute to the legendary Wayne Shorter.

Chris Merz Announcing

Chris Merz playing Alto Sax

Chris Merz leads an all-star ensemble in tribute to the legendary Wayne Shorter.

Chris Merz playing Alto Sax

A multi-reed instrumentalist with a global performance history, Washington Iowa native Chris Merz has appeared on four continents alongside jazz icons—including members of the Brubeck family and South African greats like Hugh Masekela and Winston Mankunku Ngozi.

Chris Merz playing Alto Sax

Chris Merz playing Alto Sax

Chris Merz playing Alto Sax

Chris Merz playing Soprano Sax

Chris Merz playing Soprano Sax

Dave Altemeier - String Bass

Mike Conrad - Piano

Bob Dunn - Guitar

Josh Hakanson - Drums

Josh Hakanson - Drums

Josh Hakanson - Drums

Anthony Williams - Trombone

Anthony Williams - Trombone

Jon Allbouni - Trumpet

Chris Merz, Dave Altemeier and Jon Ailabouni

Chris Merz, Dave Altemeier and Jon Ailabouni

Chris Merz, Dave Altemeier and Jon Ailabouni

The Shorter Stories Band

The ensemble explored the pre-Weather Report era of Wayne Shorter’s career—featuring compositions from his time with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet, and his groundbreaking early Blue Note recordings.

Shorter Stories Band

The band presented imaginative arrangements that reframed Shorter's works with fresh grooves, meters, and harmonies—offering a compelling experience for longtime fans and new listeners alike.