The MSU Professors of Jazz will swing into the holidays with an annual holiday concert that fuses modern jazz tunes with Christmas classics. The 11th annual “A Jazzy Little Christmas” takes place Saturday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre at Michigan State University and is open to the community.
The MSU Professors of Jazz features seven jazz faculty from the MSU College of Music. The ensemble performs several times a year at benefits, clinics and concert halls—including Orchestra Hall, home of the Detroit Symphony.
Members of MSU Professors of Jazz include: Etienne Charles, trumpet; Xavier Davis, piano; Eric Miller, (substitute for Michael Dease, trombone); Randy Gelispie, drums; Randy Napoleon, jazz guitar; Diego Rivera, tenor saxophone; Rodney Whitaker, bass
Vocalists for this year’s concert are Betty Joplin and Rockelle Fortin.
“A Jazzy Little Christmas” will feature popular renditions of holiday favorites specially arranged for jazz and with some of the jazz professors’ own improvisational twists. Bassist Rodney Whitaker, ensemble director and director of MSU Jazz Studies, says he loves the festive time of year and always looks forward to the concert.
“All of us in the Professors of Jazz simply love putting this program together since each and every song holds a special memory not just for us, but for our audience,” he said. “We look forward to celebrating the season by performing these very special pieces for our community.”
“A Jazzy Little Christmas” is part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series and is generously sponsored by Wolverine Development Corporation, Joseph Maguire, and Brenda Sternquist.
Reserved seating is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $12 for students with ID and anyone under 18. Tickets may be purchased online through the College of Music Box Office: musicboxoffice@music.msu.edu or 517-353-5340. Tickets may also be purchased at the door if available.
For more information visit https://www.music.msu.edu/event-listing/a-jazzy-little-christmas-3 [music.msu.edu]
Source: Press Release
