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Once every five years, we invite MTU Jazz Alumni who studied under Don Keranen, Mike Irish, and Director of Jazz Studies Adam Meckler to return to campus, rehearse, and take the stage for the Don Keranen Jazz Festival. 2027 marks the big reunion!
Friday night kicks off with the R&D Jazz Band under the direction of Drew Kilpela, alongside the debut of the newly formed MTU Jazz Choir directed by Jana Meckler. After the backstage performance, the music keeps going at the Orpheum! Join the jazz bands in Hancock for a post-concert jam session on Friday night! Bring your horn to play with the house band, or just come to dance and sing along!
Saturday features a big evening of music with the Jazz Lab Band and JazTec under the direction of Adam Meckler, as well as the MTU Jazz Alumni Megaband under the baton of a special guest director, performing alongside the local high school students from the afternoon masterclass. The Jazz Lab Band will also be joined by UP-based jazz legends Drew Kilpela and Pat Booth as guest soloists. Afterward, close out the night with the Workshop Brass Band afterparty, at the Orpheum!
On Sunday, the Workshop Brass Band will close the festival with an intimate gospel service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, within walking distance from the MTU campus. The New Orleans Brass Band tradition is, in many ways, rooted in gospel music and repertoire, and the Workshop Brass Band will perform that repertoire as part of an interfaith service.
See the full weekend schedule below!
Things to know
DATE | Friday-Sunday, April 9-11, 2027
TIME | Weekend Lineup, see schedule below
SEATING BEGINS | 7 p.m.
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
EST. RUN TIME | 90 mins. including intermission
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | Login to rozsatickets.com using the MTU Single Sign-on. What is Student Rush?
CONTENT GUIDANCE | Loud music. Earplugs available upon request. VIew all accessibility services.