search
The Jazz Sanctuary Season 2 kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 23rd at 8:00 PM at the United Parish in Brookline.
This premier performance features world-renowned Boston jazz heavyweights: award-winning trumpeter Jason Palmer and master pianist Kevin Harris. Taking full advantage of the vibrant, reverberant acoustics of the historic Gothic sanctuary, the longtime musical allies will perform a highly conversational, stripped-down duo set. They are showcasing material from their intimate SteepleChase Records album, Shorter Songs. The project is a brilliant homage to the legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter, consisting entirely of sophisticated original contrafacts—newly penned melodies built over the complex harmonic chord structures of Shorter classics like Night Dreamer (transformed into Palmer’s poignant waltz, 3rd Shift) and Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum (From Bones to Bread).
Palmer is recognized as one of the most compelling and influential trumpet players of his generation. Harris, an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, infuses the performance with deep exploratory layers of Black Gospel and Afro-Caribbean rhythmic traditions.
Jazz Sanctuary is a community-driven cultural initiative that transforms a historic sacred space into a vibrant hub for live music, art, and human connection.This performance marks the first of a five-night concert series running from October through May 2027, highlighting regional legends alongside international jazz innovators. The next fall installment is Friday, November 20th. Operating on a strict “pay what you can” admission model, the series eliminates financial barriers to ensure elite live jazz remains open and accessible to all members of the community. All audience contributions directly support the performing artists and fund the church’s community mission to revitalize its magnificent sacred space as a seasonal haven for live music, community gatherings, and worship.
Entry to the event is at 15 Marion Street, Brookline, MA. A wheelchair accessible ramp is located next to the Marion Street entrance.