TICKETS are $10 General/$5 Student. Concert end time is only an estimate.

Our Home Grown Concert Series presents the Scott Allen Quartet, featuring standards, both latin and swing, plus original compositions and arrangements.

Scott Allen - vibes

Billy Foster - piano

Darrel Tidaback - bass

Lannie Turner - drums

As a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist, Scott Allen has enjoyed many years of diverse musical adventures. A native of Elkhart, he began his percussion training (at the age of five) with legendary teacher Alene Trafford. Through Mrs. Trafford, he also studied several years with Chicago percussionist Bobby Christian (session musician/Ludwig clinician). Scott graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music with a Jazz Performance Degree. While at Cincinnati, he had the opportunity to study multiple years with Allen Otte (founder of Black Earth and Cincinnati Percussion Group), and John Von Ohlen (Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Blue Wisp Big Band). Throughout the years, he has also composed and recorded music for radio, TV and film projects, including Walt Disney on Ice, Ringling Brothers, Sears and Van Doren.

Scott is excited about the release of his 2021 album “Rhythm One”, which features Vibes, Marimba and other percussion instruments. On this project, Scott composed all of the tunes and plays all the instruments. He’s looking forward to sharing some of this new music at Merrimans’ Playhouse.

In addition, Scott’s quartet will be paying tribute to the legends of the vibraphone, including Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson & Gary Burton.

Billy Foster is a respected pianist, composer, educator and producer. Mr. Foster worked as a music educator in the Gary Community Schools for 35 years, served as jazz piano instructor at Valparaiso University for 34 years and is currently piano and Jazz History instructor at Indiana University Northwest. He has conducted many jazz lectures, clinics and educational performances and remains active as a professional musician and band- leader. He has played concerts with acclaimed jazz artists Jimmy Heath, Red Rodney , Clark Terry, Terell Stafford, Curtis Fuller, Tom Harrell, Ernie Watts, Bobby Watson, Henry Johnson and many others. Billy Foster’s work may be heard on several CDs including “For The Moment” and “Journey” recorded by the Valparaiso University Faculty Jazz Trio. “Portrait” and “Music For Jazz Vespers” are CDs recorded by the Billy Foster Trio. Mr. Foster received a B.S. from Defiance College and M.M. from Roosevelt University, with additional study at New York University and with pianist Jaki Byard.

Billy Foster acts as host of the popular radio program “The Billy Foster Jazz Zone” WGVE 88.7FM, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11:00am - 1:00pm .

Darrel Tidaback is a South Bend bassist with a history of directing the IUSB Jazz Ensemble and Twin Cities Jazz Orchestra. He began his college teaching career at St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas in 1990. Darrel may be heard with jazz and orchestral groups throughout the region. He has performed on more than twenty recordings including his own Time ines. Darrel holds an undergraduate degree in music from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Music degree in string bass performance from the University of Texas, San Antonio.

Lannie Turner is a professional drummer. He has played toured and recorded with Albert King (blues great), Michael Woff (Arsenio Hall) Phil Perry (MCA recording artist). Lannie was signed with Warner Brothers Records and played in the American Tribal love Rock Musical “Hair”. Lannie is a drum instructor and plays in the Indiana-Chicago area.

Concerts and events made possible, in part, with support from the Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services Private Trusts and Foundations, through grants provided by the Stanley A. and Flora P. Clark Memorial Community Trust Foundation (2020-2021 season), the John, Anna, and Martha Jane Fields Memorial Trust Foundation (2021-2022 season), and the Florence V. Carroll Charitable Trust (2021-2022 season).

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Concerts and events made possible, in part, with support from The Esther and George Jaruga Charitable Foundation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022 season). The Student and Home Grown Series concerts made possible, in part, with support from the ArtsEverywhere Grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, and the Arts Project Support Grant and the Arts Recovery Grant through the Indiana Arts Commission.