There are two ways to watch the program: in-person at our venue Alphabet City or live-streamed online. The in-house restaurant 40 North is closed on Tuesdays.   Please scroll to the bottom to review our Covid-19 safety policies for indoor programs @ Alphabet City, including the  proof of vaccination requirement.

Dr. Alton Merrell is a world class pianist, Hammond B-3 organist, composer, and educator. He has performed and taught throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and parts of the Caribbean.

Merrell is a sought-after jazz pianist who has performed with legendary artists, including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Roger Humphries, Sean Jones, Christian McBride, and Jeff “Tain” Watts.

Merrell is a composer of illustrious works in gospel jazz and regularly performs with local and nationally known Gospel/Christian artists such as Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin, David and Nicole Binion. He also has been featured several times on the nationally televised Bobby Jones Gospel Show. For his Kente engagement, he will perform with his own Jazz/Gospel group, IMPACT. 

Merrell received his Ph.D. in Jazz Studies with a research focus on jazz piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh. His primary research focus was on The Life and Music of McCoy Tyner: An Examination of the Sociocultural Influences on McCoy Tyner and His Music. 

Covid-19 policies for indoor programs [at Alphabet City] as of September 1, 2021

• To keep our audience safe, we will require proof of vaccination (physical card or photo) to attend all events at Alphabet City.
• There will be special accommodations for children under 12 and people with medical conditions or religious beliefs preventing them from being vaccinated. These audience members will be asked to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.
• All guests will be required to wear masks.
• Audience size will be limited to 60% total capacity and seats will be set up with moderate social distancing.