The “hard-bop” Professors of Jazz feature Randy Napoleon (guitar), Xavier Davis (piano), Carmen Bradford (voice), Rodney Whitaker (bass), Randy Gelispie (drums), Walter Blanding (tenor saxophone), Michael Dease (trombone), and Anthony Stanco (trumpet)
The MSU Jazz Studies program proudly presents the 43rd annual Jazz Spectacular a three-day festival showcasing the vibrancy and depth of jazz at Michigan State University. Running April 10–12, this year’s festival welcomes Grammy-winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian as the featured guest artist and offers a dynamic lineup of performances, from small-group sets to full-scale big-band concerts.
Grammy-award-winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian.
A tradition spanning more than four decades, Jazz Spectacular brings together MSU’s acclaimed jazz ensembles, a lively swing dance, and an elite high school jazz competition. The festival culminates in a high-energy finale concert, featuring Sevian alongside MSU’s Professors of Jazz and Jazz Orchestra I.
“Concertgoers will be delighted with the lineup we have for them this year,” said Rodney Whitaker, University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at MSU. “We are thrilled to have Lauren Sevian join us for an unforgettable finale concert. Her talent and energy bring something truly special to the stage, and audiences are in for an incredible series.”
Known for her commanding sound and dynamic artistry, Lauren Sevian has established herself as a leading voice on the baritone saxophone. A Manhattan School of Music graduate, she has toured and performed with top-tier ensembles, including the Mingus Big Band, Count Basie Orchestra, and Diva Jazz Orchestra. Her critically acclaimed albums Blueprint and Bliss showcase her versatility and deep connection to the jazz tradition.
Festival Lineup
- Thursday, April 10, Jazz Nonets, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre. The festival kicks off in jazz cabaret style with the MSU Jazz Nonets, blending the tight interplay of a small group with the bold sound of a big band.
- Friday, April 11, Jazz Swing Dance, 8:00 p.m., Large Rehearsal Hall. A festival favorite, this toe-tapping event features MSU Jazz Orchestras performing big band classics while inviting the audience to hit the dance floor. General admissions: $12 adults, $10 seniors, students free.
- Saturday, April 12, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Competition, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Fairchild Theatre. Top high school jazz bands perform works by Duke Ellington and other jazz legends before a panel of clinicians and judges from Jazz at Lincoln Center. Free and open to the public.
- Saturday, April 12, Jazz Spectacular Finale Concert featuring Lauren Sevian, 8:00 p.m., Fairchild Theatre. The festival closes with an electrifying night of jazz, opening with the day’s top high school jazz band before Sevian takes the stage with MSU Professors of Jazz and Jazz Orchestra I. Reserved seating: $25 adults, $20 seniors, $15 students. Generously sponsored Leonard and Sharon Tabaka, Merritt Lutz and Ken and Sandy Beall.
For tickets and more information about this series and other events presented by the MSU College of Musci, visit: https://music.msu.edu/events/
