Music at the MAC: Merrick Brannigan

Music at the MAC: Merrick Brannigan
with Putnam Murdock and Cole Corper

EP Release Concert
Friday, September 20
7:30-9:00pm

in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater
Doors open at 7:00pm | General Admission
Tickets: $20 MAC members | $25 nonmembers | $10 for students 18 and under 

Merrick Brannigan is a 16-year-old singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Over the past year, he recorded original music at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, NY, and released his debut singles “The Reason” and “The Breeze” in 2024. In addition, he often performs with his longtime friend Cole Corper on Nantucket Island and in New York City. They have played together for nearly three years with undeniable chemistry, adopting an indie-folk style and writing many songs as a duo.

Merrick began guitar lessons at seven years old and started singing at ten years old with an instant passion for music. Heavily influenced by songwriters like Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, and a collection of folk-rock artists, his original songs are rooted in folk-pop, indie, and rock. Whether Merrick performs solo or with his collaborators, his versatility as a musician and songwriter is apparent to audiences of any kind.

Cole Corper is a 17-year-old musician born and based in New York City. His journey began in 2020 when he picked up the acoustic guitar during quarantine. Now, he is a self-taught guitarist, pianist, and bassist planning to study music in college. In addition, Cole is an accomplished songwriter. Drawn to indie, rock, jazz, and folk genres, he frequently experiments with different recording techniques, which will be highlighted in his upcoming album he hopes to release this fall. His biggest influences include indie-rock band Dr. Dog, folk singer Sufjan Stevens, and electronic-rock group LCD Soundsystem.

Putnam Murdock is an experienced touring artist who got his start as a professional musician with the Colorado rock and roll band Chief Broom. After graduating with a songwriting degree from Berklee School in Music in 2002, Murdock launched a solo career and has since traveled across the country performing with artists such as Martin Sexton, Taj Mahal, Reed Foehl, Ben Taylor, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Kaki King. Steeped in old-time folk, country and blues, Putnam Murdock’s songwriting presents an honest voice of Americana music. As a one-man band or a full ensemble, the intimacy remains obvious in either his contemporary sonic collages or his classic ballads. In the past decade, Murdock has been in the studio recording music for the Ewers Brothers Film company and Ken Burns’ company, Florentine Films. He continues to write, and perform around the northeastern US in support of his records. His latest record, Long Time To Make Old Friends, contains all songs written with long-time friend and co writer Reed Foehl.

Additional Event Information
General Admission: Seating is first come, first serve. Doors will open at 7:00pm to guests.
Cabaret Tables: To request a cabaret table (for 4 guests), email info@marionartcenter.org after purchasing your tickets.
Accessibility: There are three small steps plus a raised threshold to enter the Marion Art Center. There are four steps and a handrail at the entrance to the MAC Theater. This show will include fully amplified sound.
Audience: Performances are recommended for a general audience. All guests entering, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Food and Beverages: There are no concessions for sale. Guests may bring their own beverages or refreshments to enjoy during the show.