MARION — Join the Marion Art Center throughout November for its fall series of “Music at the MAC.”

First, on Friday, Nov. 3 from 7 to 9:30 p.m., the Jazz Jam returns to the Marion Art Center stage. 

Be part of the long tradition of the jazz jam session complete with participation from community musicians. The Marion Art Center’s house band — Matt Richard on piano, Dave Zinno on bass, and Gary
Johnson on drums — will support the improvisers as they interpret many “jazz standards” in various style formats.

Participants will learn about the inner workings of a jam session as trombonist Phil Sanborn leads a question-and-answer session and explains how the songs are structured and how the “road map” for each selection helps the improvisers.

Listen in, or if you’re a musician, sign up to join the band on stage. Guests may bring their own refreshments. Musicians who would like to play should email info@marionartcenter.org with “Jazz Jam” in the subject line. Tickets are $20 for Marion Art Center members and $25 for nonmembers. Participating musicians attend for free.

Then, on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., Putnam Murdock and Friends returns to the Marion Art Center stage with musician Merrick Brannigan as the opening act. 

Along with Colin Bradley on pedal steel, Kyle Spark on bass, and Mark Purrington on drums, Murdock’s tunes are realized in a new way, according to a press release.

“There is a sensitivity and touch where the players listen and create in the moment to create a solid sonic foundation but one that is malleable and patient,” wrote the Marion Art Center. “These players do not rely on their rehearsals to create repetition but to create the trust it takes to approach every song like it is brand new every time they perform.”

The opener, Merrick Brannigan is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter with a passion for all things music, according to a press release. A former Nantucket resident, his music career began when he won “Nantucket’s Got Talent?” in 2019.

Finally, the Marion Art Center will hold its third and final “Unplugged in the MAC Gallery” event of the season with pianist Matt Richard and bassist Dave Zinno on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. with a second seating at 8:15 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for Marion Art Center members and $15 for nonmembers. 

There will be two separate performances during the night, and each set will last about 45 minutes. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists.

This performance will feature mainly acoustic sound, without the volume and density often experienced during larger concerts in the Marion Art Center theater. Guests may bring their own beverages and snacks. Tickets are limited and advanced registration is recommended.

For more information, or to register, visit marionartcenter.org/events.