Jazz nights at the Western Illinois Museum (WiM), in partnership with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, return Friday, November 6, featuring dynamic performer and composer, saxophonist Chris Merz. Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa, Merz brings a vibrant, forward-thinking approach to contemporary jazz composition and a sense of humor to his performances, presenting an evening that will be both entertaining and delightful. He will perform on WiM’s Our Front Porch stage with the HAT Trio for two sets at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, with doors and the bar opening at 4:30 pm. The audience is invited to stay for an after-party at 7:30 pm as WIU jazz students perform. A $5 suggested donation supports the WiM’s community programming.
Christopher Merz is an accomplished composer/arranger, performer, and highly sought-after guest soloist. His recording credits include Steve McCraven, Darius Brubeck, John Rapson and Jon Snell, as well as his own projects: Counterculture, the Chris Merz/Bob Washut Duo, The X-tet, and Equilateral. These days he can be heard with the Iowa Jazz Composers’ Orchestra led by colleague Mike Conrad, the soul jazz sextet Big Fun led by Iowa jazz legend Steve Grismore, and his own current bands, Christopher’s Very Happy Band and Shorter Stories, which celebrates the music of master composer Wayne Shorter. He has received commissions from university and high school big bands throughout the country, and is published through iJazzmusic, UNC Jazz Press and ejazzlines/Walrus.

Joining Merz is the HAT Trio: WIU jazz faculty Matt Hughes (bass), George Turner (guitar), and Whitney Ashe (piano). This performance is part of the Music on Our Front Porch series, which presents world-class jazz and classical musicians in WiM’s cozy, one-of-a-kind garage space, offering a rare chance to experience locally accomplished musicians up close.