If you like live music with a 90s vibe, Dave “Muz” Mercer plays a lot of gigs around the area to fit that bill.
“Nowadays, it’s simply hard rock,” said Mercer, who plays guitar, bass, drums and sings. “I’m very much into the 90s era. Alice in Chains is my favorite band.”
Mercer has been playing music in the area for about 20 years. The pandemic shut the music scene down for a while, but Mercer said he’s found more places to perform recently as restaurants and bars are bringing live music back.
He does some covers, but Mercer has written his own songs too. He hopes to go into the studio to record some of his original works soon. Some of his covers are from other local bands that he’s seen during the past 20 years. Among those favorites are Happy Bones and Jemani.
Mercer has been involved with music most of his life. He started playing the piano when he was about 6. There was a time when he was more interested in sports, but he came back to music in his teens, picking up the guitar.
When not playing, he teaches guitar, bass and drum lessons at 440 Instruments on Broad Street.
Mercer is a regular at the Highlander on Wednesdays. He will be at Aiken Brewing Co. Feb. 20 and Rose Hill Estate’s listening room Feb. 25. Other recent gigs have been at the Soul Bar, Fox’s Lair and Stillwater Tap Room.
Mercer said one of the best ways to keep up with his performance schedule is through his Instagram account @Mercernater.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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