Mercer Quintet Returns to The Church

After a sold-out performance in February, Mercer Quintet returns to The Church for a performance on Thursday, July 25, at 6 p.m. Popular demand has called the collaborative modern jazz ensemble to return to Sag Harbor for a summer evening concert of original compositions steeped in musicality, philosophy, and curiosity.

Comprising Mercer Shavelson (keyboard), Brandon Choi (trumpet), Adam Cordero (saxophone), Nick Panoutsos (upright bass) and Alex Yoo (drums), the quintet takes listeners on a rhythmic journey that invigorates and inspires. Drawing from many influences including hip-hop, avant-garde jazz, contemporary jazz and folk music from around the globe, Mercer Quintet invites audiences to enjoy newly developed pieces and contemplate the next generation of rising jazz stars.

Mercer Shavelson is an up-and-coming keyboardist/composer based in Queens. Shavelson grew up in Sea Cliff on Long Island, and has been around music all his life. This has led to a flourishing career, which has been characterized by unique explorations into instrumentation, groove and harmony. The son of a jazz singer, Mercer attributes much of his musical inspiration to jazz icons such as Bill Evans and John Coltrane, though he has also been influenced by a wide array of different musical traditions and artists, ranging from the Armenian folk-infused music of Tigran Hamasyan to hip-hop groups such as The Roots.

Tickets to Mercer Quintet are $30 ($25 members, $15 youth) at thechurchsagharbor.org. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.