This is a past event.

MICHIGAN TECH MUSIC SERIES EVENT

Friday: Join the R&D Big Band for a night of fresh, fun big band jazz, directed by legendary Michigan Tech Professor Emeritus Mike Irish. JazTec, Michigan Tech’s top small jazz group, and the Video Game Music Ensemble, a student-led ensemble dedicated to arranging and performing music from popular video games, open the concert. 

Saturday: Join the Jazz Lab Band for an exciting night of big band compositions by Pontiac, Michigan-born trumpeter, composer, and arranger Thad Jones. Directed by Drew Kilpela, Lab Band will perform Jones’ classic arrangements for his own group, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, alongside seldom heard selections from his time in the Count Basie orchestra, arrangements he wrote for trumpeter Harry James in 1963, and a daring vocal arrangement of the standard “Bye Bye Blackbird” written for R&B singer Ruth Brown. Workshop Brass Band kicks off the night with high-energy New Orleans brass band music. (Earplugs and dancing shoes recommended!)

Things to know

DATE | Friday-Saturday, October 24-25, 2025
TIME | 7:30 p.m. each night
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
EST. RUN TIME | Approx. 90 mins. with intermission
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able Tickets ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | Request from the Rozsa Box Office in advance or walk up What is Student Rush?

CONTENT GUIDANCE | Loud music. Earplugs available by request.

Rozsa Lobby is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Seating begins a half hour prior to the event start time. View Rozsa Box Office Hours.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Support for this Michigan Tech Music Event provided by:

and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters.

About the Performers

Michigan Tech Jazz, led by Director Jazz Studies Adam Meckler and Drew Kilpela, brings the Keweenaw a wide range of jazz experiences performed by students, local performers, and national names. Its diverse ensembles transform the Rozsa backstage into an intimate jazz club and blow off the roof with the annual Don Keranen Memorial Jazz Festival.

Meet the performers, creative team, and production team in the event's digital program. Programs are published at least one day prior to the event.

About the Presenter

The Michigan Tech Music Series unites students, faculty, and community members for a vibrant season of live music in the Keweenaw. Enjoy the commanding Keweenaw Symphony and experience Michigan Tech Jazz as it transforms the Rozsa and McArdle Theatre into Orchestra, stirring Michigan Tech Choirs, and inventive New Music events. Feel the dynamic energy of the Superior Wind Symphony, Campus Concert Band, and iconic Huskies Pep Band, intimate jazz clubs.

Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone.

View all Michigan Tech Music Series Events.

Related Events

Backstage Jazz: Small Groups - Michigan Tech Jazz
Saturday-Sunday, January 24-25, 2026 | 7:30 and 3 p.m.

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration - Michigan Tech Jazz
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 6 p.m.

Don Keranen Jazz Festival - Michigan Tech Jazz
Friday-Saturday, March 27-28, 2026 | 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Workshop Brass Band Gospel Service - Michigan Tech Jazz
Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 3 p.m.

Video Game Music Ensemble Concert - Michigan Tech Jazz
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.

Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Music Events.