MER profile picture

MER

JAMMIN' @ THE SQUARE - AUGUST 15TH

About Me


MER - ABC 7 CHICAGO - "ASIAN INFLUENCES"
MER - CLTV METROMIX - "IN HIS OWN WORDS"
MER – CHICAGO, IL – WWW.MERPLAY.COM
Passion, discipline, raw energy, and focused talent are what you'll encompass when you experience the music of MER.
"In a market place over saturated with corporate created talent, MER delivers a refreshing reminder that musicians with originality and heart still exist!" - CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"From the blueprint of singer/songwriter's like James Taylor comes the artistry of MER. Armed with a Martin guitar and the wisdom of life's tribulations his music is ready to be heard by all." - ABC7 CHICAGO
Based out of Chicago, MER began performing as a solo, singer songwriter in 1997. Through the years, MER expanded his sound by adding numerous musicians along the way. Mike Alongi [drums] has been an integral musician in defining MER’s music. MER and Alongi have been performing, recording, writing and arranging for ten years and the chemistry is evident. Whether it’s the full band five piece, duo, or solo arrangement, MER’s charisma is explosive!
For the last ten years, MER has been creating music that transcends many musical genres. MER’s eclectic taste in music has brought forth a "melting pot" of sounds consisting of pop, rock, funk, folk, Latin, and jazz. No matter what your musical flavor may be, you’ll find something in MER’s music to groove to. MER’s new LP, “Hand Written” [fall 2007], is a pop driven collection of songs focused on showcasing MER’s singer/songwriter roots.
MER has dedicated himself playing energetic live shows. MER's devotion to music has earned him the right to share stages with the Violent Femmes, Will Hoge, Better Than Ezra, Marc Broussard, Michael Tolcher, Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe, Spin Doctors, 38 Special, Pat Green, Grammy nominated Liquid Soul, Fastball, Kill Hannah, John Wesley Harding, Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, Ari Hest, Ekoostik Hookah, Virginia Coalition, The Pat McGee Band and many other national touring acts.
"Having worked with MER in several venues I can honestly say his live shows are one of the most energetic and radiant performances that I have seen. The enthusiasm pours off the stage and infects the crowd as MER plays his set of original rock music infused with funk, soul, and a classy attitude." - DUFF ENTERTAINEMENT
MER recently performed live at the House of Blues [Chicago, IL] on Friday, August 31st for an all ages event as they celebrate the release of the new, full length LP, "Hand Written". This album features songs such as "All I Want", "Solid Love", "Home" and "Here". Ranging from power pop to acoustic folk, "Hand Written" illustrates the pop sensability encompassed by MER's music. Order your copy now on ITUNES!
Download the "Revealed" ringtone from DecentX.com now!
"Seduce You" Live at the House of Blues with MER.

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"Revealed" Live at the House of Blues with MER.

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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 12/23/2004
Band Website: WWW.MERPLAY.COM
Band Members: MER - guitars/vocals
Mel Washington - guitars
Mike Alongi - drums
Derek Berg - keyboards
Tom Galla - bas guitar

COLLEGE BOOKING:
Bass /Schuler Entertainment
4001 W. Devon Ave. Ste. 510
Chicago, IL 60646
Chris Schuler
[email protected]

LEGAL:
The Entertainment Law Office, P.C.
208 S. Lassale Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60604
Hillel Frankel
[email protected]

Influences: Beatles, Paul Simon, Prince, Allman Bros. Band, Zeppelin, The Mars Volta, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, James Taylor, Incubus, Neptunes, James Brown, Hendrix, Leo Koetke, Govt. Mule, Kanye West, John Scofield, St. Jermaine, Jackson 5, Indigo Girls, Brian McKnight, MMW, Soulive, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Victor Wooten, Tribe Called Quest, Procupine Tree, Usher, Elton John, Keller Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bill Withers, Doobie Bros., Eric Clapton, Phish, N.E.R.D., Kieth Urban, Michelle Camilo, Esthero, Queens of the Stone Age, Gypsy Kings, Billy Joel, CSNY, Black Crows, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Jurrasic 5, Dream Theater, Fleetwood Mac, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead, Van Morrison, The Roots, and much much more!
Sounds Like: MUSIC...and something you should see live!!!
Record Label: None
Type of Label: None

My Blog

LAST MINUTE SHOW @ HOUSE OF BLUES w/THE KIN

Wednesday, June 25th - HOUSE OF BLUES Chicago [back porch stage] - MER performs solo opening up for the Australian band, THE KIN [www.myspace.com/thekin].  This show is 21+ and tickets are $8 pre...
Posted by MER on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:55:00 PST

JAMMIN @ THE SQUARE

The Jamwire Experience presents& JAMMIN' AT THE SQUARE August 15th 2008 - Logan Square Auditorium  Chicago, IL Join us for this 18+ evening featuring acoustic music from the nation's best!  Th...
Posted by MER on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:27:00 PST

VOTE MER INTO LOLLAPALOOZA 08

MER has entered into the "Last Band Standing" competition presented by Sonicbids. com! We are reaching out to all of our friends and fans asking everyone to vote every day from every email address the...
Posted by MER on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:44:00 PST

*** MER ON ABC7 CHICAGO ***

MER will be profiled on the ABC7 evening news on May 26th and May 31st  for Asian Pacific Heritage Month!  MER will be interviewed on stage before his intimate, unplugged show at S...
Posted by MER on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:22:00 PST

NEW RINGTONES - UNRELEASED TRACKS - LIVE MUSIC & MORE - DECENTX.COM

DECENTX.COM has been supporting the independant musician for years!  Sign up for free and get access to unreleased music, new ringtones and live cuts from MER.  Here's what you'll find... RI...
Posted by MER on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:22:00 PST

NIU BENEFIT CONCERT - DURTY NELLIES - PALATINE, IL - 3.10.08

Durty Nellies - Palatine, IL - NIU benefit concert - 3pm - $10 donation 100% of all proceeds go toward two Dekab/Sycamore based charities and scholarship funds in honor of Feb 14th 2008.  This a...
Posted by MER on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:10:00 PST

"HUSKIE HEALING" NIU BENEFIT CONCERT - 3.22.08

When tragedy hits, music is always there to help comfort those affected. February, 14th 2008 will be yet another reminder of how precious our lives truely are! As a former student at NIU and someone w...
Posted by MER on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:55:00 PST

VALENTINES DAY - BUTTERFLY SOCIAL CLUB - 2.14.08

MER performs an intimate, acoustic set at the new, Butterfly Social Club.  LJC Promotions and Funky Buddha Lounge have teamed up to give you and your significant other or group of singles a Valen...
Posted by MER on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:22:00 PST

MER PERFORMS WITH MICHAEL GLABICKI OF RUSTED ROOT - 3.28.08

March 28th - Flatlander's - Lincolnshire, IL - MER and Nate Holley [King Solomon's Grave] both perform solo opening for RUSTED ROOT frontman Michael Glabicki!  Don't miss this night of acoustic j...
Posted by MER on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:22:00 PST

93XRT LOCAL ANESTHETIC - CUBBY BEAR - 12.28.07

93XRT LOCAL ANESTHETIC presents MER full band!  Close out the new year with Chicago's finest live show.  SARAH VONDERHAAR [as seen on America's Next Top Model - www.sarahvonderhaarmusic.com]...
Posted by MER on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:18:00 PST