Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
‘Shorter Stories’ opens Performing Arts series this week
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Performing Arts Series opens their 2025-2026 Season with a special bonus concert on Thursday, July 17 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Performing Arts and Events Center at Washington High School. Washington native Chris Merz, a virtuoso jazz saxophonist, is bringing a seven-piece all-star jazz ensemble to the Washington stage for a powerful evening in tribute to legendary jazz composer Wayne Shorter.
A multi-reed instrumentalist with a global performance history, 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.
For this concert, Merz brings together the Shorter Stories Band:
- Chris Merz — Saxophone, Arranger
- Jon Ailabouni — Trumpet, Flugelhorn
- Anthony Williams — Trombone
- Bob Dunn — Guitar
- Mike Conrad — Piano
- Dave Altemeier — Bass
- Josh Hakanson — Drums
The ensemble explores 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.
Expect imaginative arrangements that reframe Shorter's works with fresh grooves, meters, and harmonies — offering a compelling experience for longtime fans and new listeners alike. The tour is supported in part through a Jazz Road Tours grant from South Arts.
The concert is free to season ticket holders for the performing arts series, and individual tickets or season tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Season Tickets: $60 (includes 7 performances throughout the year)
Individual Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for college students, and free for students in grade 12 and below.
