Merrimans' Playhouse - South Bend, Indiana

Tee S.

First time visit for me and the husband, we picked the night featuring the Paul Cornish Quartet, and they did not disappoint!! I absolutely love the bookstore esthetic, with matching vibes that are eclectic and inviting! Definitely adding to our places for date night!

Paul R. (.

Man what a cool vibe!
Some "Hep Cats" for sure!
The ambiance can't be beat.
LIVE Jazz can't be beat.

To have Internationally acclaimed artists in this intimate venue with the amazing acoustics is unprecedented in this area.

As an avid listener of Jazz, I can't believe the live experience is so much better, but it definitely is!

We'll be frequenting this place for sure.

Audrey W.

Completely wonderful place to go and listen to Jazz. What's nice is no alcohol served here meaning anyone that needs to kind of stay away from alcohol can come and listen to fantastic jazz music. The Price is Right it's 5.00 on Tuesdays and $10 the rest of the time you can't beat that to listen to amazing music all the venues tend to start at 7:00 and go 9:00.

charles R.

Friendly jazz club and coffee house
with live sound from the stage with minimum PA, so did not need earplugs.

Marsha H.

What Merriman’s provides our community is priceless and until recent months under appreciated by me. Last night’s homegrown Elkhart Ben Davis Trio was exceptional!

The energy seemed to me a new realm of jazz. It preserved the integrity of the genre and the rich and varied cultural history - yet created from that foundation a joyful and energetic experience that activated my heart and resonated in my bones! I was not the only one in the crowd who could not sit still. The melodic variety within Ben Davis’ original compositions, as well as their renditions of standards, was like fine dining with surprising flavors that played with, and sometimes against, each other to create harmony and a new (dining) listening experience. David Richards was the most energetic, dynamic, animated bass player I remember ever seeing. He took the bass to a new role, sometimes more akin to a rock guitar lead than the tradition steady bass foundation which he also sustained in moving and traditional grounded depth. His delight was clear in visual exchanges with other band members that invited audience member in on the fun and laughter. Charlie Edwards became more surprising and innovative as the hour progressed, from using every part of the drum kit to compel an ethereal calm to punctuating some numbers with a sound that was as much a melodic element as a rhythmic one, and appearing in each case as if playing in a trance or jamming full out with his HS garage band. Bravo!

Sandie F.

Still waiting on a refund for Wednesdays 6/26 canceled concert. Reported to PayPal since I’ve heard nothing since Wednesday.

UPDATE: I received the refund but it was PayPal who refunded it after reporting it. The issue isn’t the refund but the lack of communication. A reply email stating “a refund will be issued and it may take 3-5 business days to show…” would’ve been appropriate. Either way, I’ve received my refund from PayPal. Will update review to reflect the prompt reply this time around.

Samira P.

Really cool little spot. You definitely will have a one of a kind experience. Affordable ticket prices. Nearby street parking. Friendly staff. The popcorn and snacks are a nice treat for visitors. This was my first experience with jazz and I would definitely return. The seating situation is unique. You can't really sneak out without interrupting the performance so make sure you have everything you need before settling in

Phil A. C. G.

A wonderfully intimate jazz club where you can find great local talent as well as up and coming touring acts. Several touring groups who've performed here have earned 4 star reviews from Downbeat. The weekly Jazz Open Session is a friendly, welcoming environment for any serious jazz student/musician wanting small group performance experience without the pressure of playing at a gig.