United Parish in Brookline presents Jazz Sanctuary - featuring Gregory Groover Jr.

Join us for the next evening of the Jazz Sanctuary series with saxophonist, composer, and educator Gregory Groover Jr., one of the most compelling emerging voices in contemporary jazz today. New York-born and Boston-bred, Groover brings his deeply expressive, song-centered approach to United Parish in Brookline for an intimate duo performance on Saturday, February 21 at 7pm in United Parish’s Sanctuary.

Praised by saxophonist Walter Smith III as a “thematic musician” who leads with heart, energy, and direction, Groover’s artistry seamlessly bridges tradition and innovation. Rooted in the lineage of jazz while boldly pushing its boundaries, his music is rich with narrative, spiritual depth, and emotional clarity. A full scholarship graduate of Berklee College of Music, Groover studied under mentors including Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Miguel Zenón, and Dave Liebman, and emerged from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute led by Danilo Pérez. As a bandleader, he has released Negro Spiritual Songbook, Vol. 1 & 2 and will make his Criss Cross Records debut with Lovabye. In addition to performing internationally, Groover is a dedicated educator, currently serving as Assistant Chair of Ensemble at Berklee College of Music.

For this special Jazz Sanctuary performance, Groover appears in duo with acclaimed pianist Kevin Harris, whose playing has been described by Fred Hersch as having “real soul” and “flair.” Harris is known for his deeply interactive, exploratory performances that blend tradition with contemporary expression, drawing on Black Gospel and Afro-Caribbean influences. A sought-after collaborator and international performer, Harris brings a profound sense of conversation, curiosity, and play to the music.

Together, Groover and Harris will present an intimate and powerful program featuring original compositions, Negro spirituals, and selections from Thelonious Monk, creating a reflective, soulful evening that invites deep listening and shared presence.

Performers

Gregory Groover Jr. – Saxophone
Kevin Harris – Piano

About Jazz Sanctuary

Hosted in the breathtaking High Victorian Gothic setting of United Parish, Jazz Sanctuary is more than a concert series — it is a gathering of community through music and art. By attending, you are helping to revitalize the church’s historic performance spaces, preserving them as a hub for culture and connection in Brookline for generations to come.

Tickets

General Admission (Advance $20 | At the Door $30)
Student Admission (Advance $10 | At the Door $20)

EBT/WIC cardholders: free admission