Evento

Merrimans' Playhouse Jazz Performance Series presents Clif Wallace Quartet

Clif Wallace, drummer, will bring his quartet with some of the finest players from Chicago: Jeff Swanson, guitar, Brent Griffin Jr., saxophone; Christian Dillingham, bass. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Clif Wallace, began serious studies in Jazz at North Carolina Central University where he received both a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. In College, Clif gained broad experience in playing in many different musical settings. Ultimately earning the drum seat in the African American Jazz Caucus's Historically Black College and University (HBCU) All-Star Big Band for three years. With the HBCU Band, he had the opportunity to perform with Jimmy Heath, Joe Chambers, Gerald Wilson, and Jimmy Cobb.

Brent Griffin Jr. began playing the saxophone when he was nine years old. Now at 20 years old, he has always strived for excellence in his performance, composing, and teaching. He is currently a music education student at DePaul University and has worked his way into the jazz scene in Chicago.

South Bend,IN native Jeff Swanson has made his own way as a guitarist and composer in the city of Chicago. After a completing his undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois University, Jeff arrived in Chicago in 2010. A member of Chicago's rich music scene, Jeff has been featured as a performer, composer and recording artist with groups including Whirlpool, the Christopher McBride Quintet, Juan Pastor's Chinchano, the Quentin Coaxum Quintet, The Dustin Laurenzi Quartet, and the Artie Black 3.

Christian Dillingham, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, studied at Youngstown State University under the instruction of Tony Leonardi and Micah Howard of the Pittsburgh Symphony, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance, with an Emphasis on Jazz. Mr. Dillingham continued his education at Duquesne University under the tutelage of Jeffrey Turner, Principal Bass of the Pittsburgh Symphony, receiving his Master's degree in Music Performance. Mr. Dillingham enjoys being versatile, performing in orchestral, chamber, and jazz settings regularly. He is presently a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta, New Millennium Orchestra of Chicago, Camerata Chicago, and the Kalamazoo Symphony.