MICHIGAN TECH MUSIC SERIES EVENT

The Annual Don Keranen Jazz Festival pays tribute to the founder of the Michigan Tech Jazz Studies Program, Don Keranen. The weekend includes three unique performances, a professional guest artist, and a masterclass led by Jazz Studies Director Adam Meckler. 

This year's Don Keranen Jazz Festival's Guest Artist is American multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and recording artist Braxton Cook. 

FRIDAY 7:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE: Featuring the Video Game Jazz Ensemble, R&D Jazz Band with Braxton Cook.
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able Tickets ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
DURATION | Approx. 2 hours

FRIDAY 10 p.m. JAM SESSION: Open to all music students interested in a jazz jam session.
LOCATION | DHH Ballroom
DURATION | Approx. 2 hours
Open to all music students interested in a jazz jam session. Contact Adam for more details.

SATURDAY 7:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE: Local student side-by-side with Jazztech, Lab Band + Lab Band feat. Guest Artist Braxton Cook.
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able Tickets ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
DURATION | Approx. 90 minutes
Local student side-by-side with Lab Band + Lab Band feat. Guest Artist Braxton Cook

SATURDAY 10 p.m. PERFORMANCE: Workshop Brass Band plays Orpheum Theater Stage. 
LOCATION | Orpheum Theatre
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able Tickets ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
DURATION | Approx. 2 hours
Workshop Brass Band plays Orpheum Theater Stage.

Things to know

DATE | Friday-Sunday, March 27-28, 2026
TIME | Weekend Lineup
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
EST. RUN TIME | TBA
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 | Earplugs Recommended

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

This program/lecture is partially funded/sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

Support for this Michigan Tech Music Event also provided by:

and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters.

About the Performers

Braxton Cook is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and recording artist. He has toured with jazz musicians Christian Scott, Christian McBride, and Marquis Hill, and performed with Jon Batiste, Mac Miller, and Rihanna. In 2017, Fader named Cook a "jazz prodigy," and in 2018, Ebony listed him as one of the "top five jazz artists to watch."

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 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.