Chris Merz & Company Play Wayne Shorter

Virtuosic saxophonist Chris Merz has put together an All-Star cast to celebrate the music of the great Wayne Shorter.
Multi-reed instrumentalist Christopher Merz has performed on 4 continents with members of the Brubeck family, including Dave Brubeck. During his 3-year stint as Lecturer of Jazz and Saxophone at the University of Natal in Durban, he performed with many of the giants of South African jazz including Hugh Masekela, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, and Barney Rachabane.

In addition to Chris Merz, arranger and saxophonist, the Shorter Stories band features Jon Ailabouni, trumpet and flugelhorn, Anthony Williams, trombone, Bob Dunn, guitar, Mike Conrad, piano, Dave Altemeier, bass, and Josh Hakanson, drums.

The band’s repertoire focuses on the pre-Weather Report part of Shorter’s career, including compositions recorded by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis’s second great quintet, as well Shorter’s first 8 albums on Blue Note. The arrangers explore alternate grooves, meters, harmonies and moods to reimagine these pieces to fit the band’s lineup and their own personal vision. Those familiar with the original recordings will find these re-imaginings familiar yet provocative, while those new to Mr. Shorter’s music will find plenty of variety in the arrangements and improvisations.

THIS CONCERT IS FREE TO THOSE WHO BUY THEIR 2026-2026 SEASON TICKET BEFORE THIS EVENT.

Tickets may be purchased on line or at the door.

Adults: $20
College: $10
Students Grades 12 and Under -- Free