December is filled with celebrations, but few come with as much swing as “A Jazzy Little Christmas!”

This festive annual concert of classic holiday tunes with a jazzy twist will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre at Michigan State University. It is open to the community and features some of the best jazz musicians in the business who are also on the jazz faculty at the MSU College of Music. Click here for tickets.

The seven-member Professors of Jazz performs several times a year at benefits, clinics and concert halls, and never fails to delight audiences. Performing at “A Jazzy Little Christmas” this year include: Walter Blanding, saxophone; Xavier Davis, piano; Michael Dease, trombone; Randy Gelispie, drums; Randy Napoleon, guitar; Anthony Stanco, trumpet; and Rodney Whitaker, bass, along with guest jazz vocalists Tyreek McDole and Rockelle Fortin.

Whitaker is a University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass, and he directs the Professors of Jazz ensemble and the MSU Jazz Studies program. He said he loves this festive time of year and always looks forward to the concert.

“Every song on this program holds a special memory for every member of the Professors of Jazz,” says Whitaker. “We enjoy getting together with our special guests to perform these pieces for our community. Each year, it is our own unique way of saying thank you by performing these uplifting and sentimental pieces.”

Holiday tunes that are specially arranged for jazz at this year’s concert include God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Jingles The Christmas Cat, Cool Yule, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself A Merry Christmas, Silent Night, The Christmas Song, My Favorite Things, We Three Kings, and I Love The Winter Weather.

“A Jazzy Little Christmas” is part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series and the concert is generously sponsored by Brenda Sternquist and Joseph and Jeanne Maguire.

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 are available through the College of music. Tickets may also be purchased at the door if available. For more information and tickets to the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series visit the MSU College of Music website.