This season, step out and listen to some classic holiday tunes with a modern jazzy twist at the 12th annual “A Jazzy Little Christmas,” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre at Michigan State University.

This concert is open to the community and features the seven member Professors of Jazz, some of the best jazz musicians in the business who also happen to be on the jazz faculty at the MSU College of Music. The ensemble performs several times a year at benefits, clinics and concert halls and never fails to delight audiences.

Professors of Jazz performing at “A Jazzy Little Christmas” this year include:

• Xavier Davis, piano
• Michael Dease, trombone
• Randy Gelispie, drums
• Alphonso Horne, trumpet
• Randy Napoleon, jazz guitar
• Diego Rivera, tenor saxophone
• Rodney Whitaker, bass

University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass Rodney Whitaker directs the ensemble and the MSU Jazz Studies program. He says he loves this festive time of year and always looks forward to this 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 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased online through the College of Music Box Office, via e-mail at  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or phone at 517-353-5340. Tickets may also be purchased at the door if available.

Visit the event page for more information