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Merrimans' Playhouse Jazz Performance Series presents Keri Johnsrud Quartet!

Merrimans' Playhouse
South Bend, IN

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Merrimans' Playhouse Jazz Performance Series presents Keri Johnsrud Quartet!

In 2015, jazz vocalist/composer Keri Johnsrud collaborated with GRAMMY nominated pianist Kevin Bales to release a critically acclaimed album of all-original vocal jazz material, This Side of Morning, which contains influences of pop, funk, folk and classical. For their performance at Merrimans' Playhouse, Keri and her group will showcase selections from their latest release, in addition to arrangements of jazz standards.

"A Chicago staple, Keri Johnsrud is far more than the typical jazz vocalist. This Side Of Morning walks that delicate harmonic tightrope between the cerebral and the visceral with odd meters and eclectic genres tossed in for a sound that is fresh and innovative. An all original release normally hits all the right notes or it can be a crash and burn of epic proportions, Johnsrud is as talented a lyricist as she is a vocal artist.

The first and perhaps most logical question from most would be, "Who does she sound like?" A question fraught with peril so imagine Patricia Barber with a bit more variety and you might be in the ball park. A pristine voice, impeccable phrasing and the ability to draw the listener inside the song. Johnsrud doesn't merely sing the songs, she makes the music. The band is first rate and allows her to embrace a more organic side of where vocal jazz can go. Impressive.

Having been known as someone brutal on female vocalists, Keri Johnsrud is like that first day of spring. A lyrical breath of fresh air and a rising star"
- Brent Black, Criticaljazz.com

http://www.kerijohnsrud.com

Keri Johnsrud (vocals)

A highly appealing jazz singer with a quietly expressive voice and a deep understanding of the lyrics that she interprets, Keri Johnsrud has been an important part of the Chicago vocal jazz scene for the past 15 years. With headlining appearances at some of the nations top venues including Chicagos historic Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, the Jazz Showcase, Atlantas Churchill Grounds, and multiple appearances in New York City, Keri has built a strong reputation and following among peers and fans, alike.

In 2015, Keri teamed up with collaborator and GRAMMY nominated pianist Kevin Bales to release her sophomore album This Side of Morning, which features all-original vocal jazz material. Since its unveiling, the album has garnered rave reviews respected industry publications such as All About Jazz (5 out of 5 stars) and Jazz Weekly.

Patrick Mulcahy (bass)

Patrick Mulcahy lives in Chicago, but is originally from Melbourne, Australia, and has been playing professionally since 2004. His bass playing has taken him all over the United States, with performances from the Blue Note in New York City to Yoshis Jazz Club in San Francisco and to performances at such notable festivals as The Chicago Jazz Fest, The Rochester Jazz Fest and Detroits Concert of Colors. He has also had the opportunity to play outside of the United States with performances in Canada, The United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Peru, Turkey and Macedonia. Over the years he has gotten to share the stage with many notable musicians, including: Patricia Barber, Fareed Haque, John Wetton, Ari Honig, District 97, Rene Flemming, David Sanchez and Gilad Hexleman to name but a few.

Tom Vaitsas (piano)

Tom started playing in Chicago in 1992 while finishing his B.A and music education degrees from NIU. The years between 2000-2008 were a period of European tours with blues legends Lurie and Carrie Bell while also working in Chicago between trips. He has performed with jazz greats Von Freeman and Dee Dee Bridgewater and continues to perform in and out of Chicago with various groups.

Mike Schlick (drums)

Originally from Milwaukee, Mike moved to Chicago in 1996, and has been a fixture on both the jazz and blues scenes ever since. He has performed and/or recorded with notable musicians such as Sheila Jordan, Lurrie Bell, Jimmy Johnson, Eric Alexander, Von Freeman, Dave Specter, Guy King, and Scott Hamilton. In addition, Mike performs weekly at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago with his own organ trio.

$10 Advanced, $13 Door, $8 Student
PLEASE NOTE - you may use CREDIT CARD or PAYPAL: Once you've added the tickets to your cart in the Brown Paper Tickets site, click on the ORANGE "Pay via PayPal" button on the Buyer Details page, and this will take you to Merrimans' PayPal account. You will then have the option to pay with your credit card or your PayPal account.