It is incredibly important as a music aficionado to search for local venues. While stadium shows can be an experience of a lifetime, small venues provide an up close and connecting activity that never gets tiring. Too many commercialized massive shows performed in sports arenas and ballrooms can become an exhausting way to experience music. Merriman’s Playhouse provides a refreshing break from the industrialized music field. 

Located at 401 E Colfax Avenue, turn off the road leading into downtown just before the bridge and there the entrance is, in a long parking lot. There, facing the parking lot, is a large and seemingly run down, brick building that was clearly used for something else at one point. Step into the humble doors and into what looks like the ideal building for a hippie art guild to come together and do their eco-friendly studio projects. It becomes more developed as the hallway progresses, and finally, the showroom reveals itself in a corner of the building by the stairs. 

A jar at the door merely suggests the idea of a donation and asks for no sort of admission price or entry fee. The snacks in the back are all free and well-stocked. The atmosphere is reminiscent of stepping into a small jazz club in the big city on a weeknight. It’s a special place. 

Playing almost strictly jazz, a myriad of bands make up the lineup, including one made up entirely of the audience. On every Tuesday, an open session is held during which anyone who plays an instrument that belongs to the standard jazz setup can play on stage with the band. 

Stephen and Mary Merriman run the non-profit that they started in 2006 together. They also take part in performing, typically Mary on upright bass and Stephen on drums. They are beautiful musicians and make it obvious that they only do what they do because they enjoy it so much. They provide a place for the community to experience, learn, and love jazz. 

The chemistry within its interior design combined with the profound musical ambiance provides for an amazing experience that can only be found in so many places. Merriman’s lineup is new every week and is more than worth taking a look at. A donation may not be mandatory, but it is encouraged the second anyone walks in the door. Merriman’s Playhouse is truly a local treasure.