Acclaimed Jazz Artists Join MSU Ensembles for Fall Residencies and Performances
The MSU College of Music Jazz Studies program welcomes two distinguished guest artists this fall as part of continuing residency programs that connect students with leading performers, educators, and mentors from across the jazz world. Guitarist Ed Cherry and drummer Dr. Professor Leonard King will spend time on campus collaborating with MSU musicians and performing alongside ensembles in public concerts.
Together, the residencies highlight both nationally recognized jazz artistry and Michigan’s rich musical traditions while providing students opportunities to collaborate with accomplished performers from different corners of the jazz world.
A respected jazz guitarist known for his expressive sound and deep roots in the tradition, Ed Cherry joins the MSU Jazz Orchestras on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre. A longtime member of Dizzy Gillespie’s ensembles, including the United Nation Orchestra, Cherry has performed and recorded with acclaimed artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Henry Threadgill, and Roy Hargrove. Cherry’s activities are part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program.
Detroit-born drummer and bandleader Dr. Professor Leonard King joins the MSU Jazz Nonets on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre. With deep roots in Michigan’s jazz and soul traditions, King has performed with artists including James Carter, Bettye LaVette, and The O’Jays, bringing decades of performance and collaborative experience to the stage. King’s presence on campus is part of the Jazz Nonets Guest Artist Series.
Student musicians of the MSU Jazz Orchestras perform with guest artists in Fairchild Theatre of the MSU Auditorium, home to many of the College of Music’s premier jazz events.
In addition to rehearsals and performances with the ensembles, both residencies include outreach activities that connect MSU Jazz Studies with local and regional communities across Michigan, creating opportunities for audiences to experience jazz alongside educational engagement and artistic mentorship.
“One of the great things about our program is the chance for students to work closely with outstanding artists who are actively shaping the jazz world,” said Rodney Whitaker, University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and director of Jazz Studies at MSU. “Ed Cherry and Dr. Professor Leonard King bring incredible experience, creativity, and perspective. One comes with a long international performing career, the other with deep roots in Detroit’s musical community, and both have so much to offer our students and audiences.”
Additional guest artists appearing during the 2026–27 season include Andrew Martin, jazz trombone (Dec. 6); Peter Martin, jazz piano (Feb. 5); John Patitucci, jazz bass (Mar. 18); and Ralph Moore, jazz saxophone (Apr. 23). To learn more about these artists and other upcoming jazz performances, visit music.msu.edu/jazz-events.
The MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program enters its 13th season thanks to support provided by the MSUFCU endowment. The inaugural Jazz Nonets Guest Artist Series is supported by Jill Canny and Robert Last.
These concerts are presented during the MSU College of Music’s “20 Years of Momentum” anniversary season, celebrating two decades as an independent college while building on a musical tradition at MSU that spans more than 160 years.
Tickets: Reserved seating tickets purchased at the door are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (age 60+), and $9 for students and those under 18 with valid ID. Tickets may also be purchased online at music.msu.edu/events or by calling (517) 353-5340; tickets purchased online or by phone include a $1.50 processing fee
