Name: Biotic (Shawn Lovato/Ingrid Laubrock/Henry Mermer) & Bhob Rainey/John Moran/Joey Sullivan trio
Start: 2026-04-20T20:00:00-04:00
Location: Vox Populi

$Biotic (Shawn Lovato\/Ingrid Laubrock\/Henry Mermer) & Bhob Rainey\/John Moran\/Joey Sullivan trio$

Biotic (Shawn Lovato/Ingrid Laubrock/Henry Mermer):
Shawn Lovato is a New York-based bassist, composer, and improviser “with a distinctive compositional approach and a knack for finding the right partners to bring it to life” (All About Jazz). Growing up on the outskirts of New York City, Lovato was deeply influenced by its underground scenes, including hip hop, metal, and punk rock. These early fringe influences continue to shape his dedication to a wide range of musical approaches—taking him from CBGB to The Stone to Lincoln Center. As a bandleader, Lovato’s albums Microcosms (ears&eyes, 2022) and Cycles of Animation (Skirl, 2017) display a breathtaking spectrum that push the frameworks of contemporary improvisation. Shawn’s records have been described as “absolutely stunning” (Jazz Trail) and “profound” (Jazz Word). In addition to leading his own projects, Lovato has performed alongside Ingrid Laubrock, Tony Malaby, Tom Rainey, Anna Webber, Jacob Sacks, DoYeon Kim, Brandon Seabrook, and others, and serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Hofstra University.
Ingrid Laubrock is an experimental saxophonist and composer, interested in exploring the borders between musical realms and creating multi-layered, dense and often evocative sound worlds. A prolific composer, Laubrock was named a “true visionary” by pianist and former Kennedy Center & a “fully committed saxophonist and visionary” by The New Yorker. Laubrock has performed with Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams, Jason Moran, Kris Davis, Nels Cline, Tyshawn Sorey, Mary Halvorson, Myra Melford, Zeena Parkins, Tom Rainey, Tim Berne, Dave Douglas, Wet Ink and many others. Laubrock has composed for ensembles ranging from solo to chamber orchestra. Awards include Fellowship in Jazz Composition by the Arts Foundation, BBC Jazz Prize for Innovation, SWR German Radio Jazz Prize and German Record Critics Quarterly Award.
Henry Mermer (b. 1999) is a drummer, improviser, and composer of instrumental and electronic music currently based in Ridgewood, Queens. As a collaborator and improviser, he has performed at venues including The Stone, The Jazz Gallery, The Blue Note, happylucky no. 1, Spectrum NYC, Public Records, and The Bar Next Door. Henry holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music from The New School, where he studied with Andrew Cyrille, Jane Ira Bloom, Reggie Workman, Matt Wilson, Mary Halvorson, and Eric Wubbels.
Bhob Rainey/John Moran/Joey Sullivan trio:
Bhob Rainey is a Philadelphia-based composer, saxophonist, and sound designer celebrated for his innovative contributions to contemporary, experimental, and improvised music. A recipient of the prestigious Pew Fellowship in the Arts and co-founder of the influential improvisational duo nmperign, Rainey has garnered acclaim for his groundbreaking work across disciplines, including collaborations in theater, dance, and visual art. With performances and commissions spanning prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, his work continuously challenges boundaries of musical thought and instrumental technique.
Joey Sullivan and John Moran have been active in the Philadelphia scene for years.
Moran has been a part of Maya Keren’s trio with Julian Miltenberger, Micah Graves’ group, as well as playing in bands like Bark Culture, EAT, Guitars and Drums, and Ceiba, both of the latter alongside Joey Sullivan.
Sullivan is active in both setting up some very successful free music showings as well as playing with an array of east coast improvisers. Playing drums in out music groups like Bark Culture & Violet Salon III with James McKain as well as playing in active alt-folk groups like Florry.
accessibility: five steps to first floor, there is an elevator on first floor that goes to the 3rd floor.