The Michigan State University College of Music welcomes a revered jazz vocalist, and storyteller for a weeklong residency of teaching, touring and performing with jazz students and faculty. 

The first jazz vocalist of the MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program, Vanessa Rubin will mentor students through the MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program March 14 through 20. She is the last in a dynamic lineup of four jazz artists to visit campus through the program this academic year. Rubin will perform with MSU Jazz Octets Friday, March 18 at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. in Murray Hall of the Music Building.

While in residence, Rubin will showcase the traditions, artistry and story-telling prowess of jazz vocals through a week-long stretch of workshops, campus concerts and outreach. The influential vocalist and educator will also hit the road with MSU Jazz Octets to work and perform with music and jazz programs at public high schools across lower Michigan. Rubin takes the place of originally scheduled jazz violinist Regina Carter, whose residency was tentatively postponed until the 2022–2023 season. 

“We are grateful that Vanessa could join our line-up this year on such short notice,” said Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. “Vanessa is sure to chase away any lingering winter blues with her warm, energizing style. Her clear, powerful voice combines with storytelling for sincere, memorable performances. She’s an exceptional teacher, too, and will leave an indelible impression on our students.” 

Jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin is hailed for her crystal-clear voice, hearth-like warmth and playful sass. The Cleveland native draws from a wealth of diverse influences, blending sounds from the Trinidadian/Caribbean, traditional jazz, and Motown. Rubin’s passion for rich musical stories is evidenced throughout her eight albums and numerous guest appearances. She is a favorite at jazz clubs and festivals in the U.S. and abroad, and she works as a producer and educator/clinician with youth in communities and educational institutions worldwide. 

Rubin joins an exciting mix of working musicians, educators and composers this academic year. The 2021-22 lineup of MSUFCU Jazz Artists-in-Residence includes Renee Rosnes, piano (October 2021); Lewis Nash, drums (November-December 2021); Stefon Harris, vibraphone (February 2022); and Vanessa Rubin (March 2022).  

Launched in 2013, the pioneering residency program imports high-level talent to spend a week mentoring MSU jazz studies students and K-12 students at schools and academies across the state. Coordinated by the MSU College of Music and supported by a $1 million endowment by the MSU Federal Credit Union, the program follows the jazz tradition of established musicians passing on their knowledge to aspiring musicians, while enriching often resource-strapped jazz programs in urban and rural communities.  

Rubin’s week-long residency includes performances featuring the MSU Jazz Octets on Friday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Murray Hall. Reserved seating tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $7 for students.  

Information on this and other concerts, recitals and performances can be found on the MSU college of Music web site: www.music.msu.edu. Please note: As of March 6, the university will no longer require patrons to wear masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test to attend events hosted by the College of Music.