Beneath the Underdog: The Music of Charles Mingus
Join the R&D Jazz Band under the direction of Drew Kilpela on Thursday, and Jazz Lab Band under the direction of Adam Meckler on Friday as they explore the music of famed bassist and composer Charles Mingus. Friday night will also feature the Video Game Ensemble, and Saturday will feature JazTec and the Workshop Brass Band.
Mingus developed under the greats of this music having played with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington (he was one of very few to be fired by Duke himself), and Charlie Parker before becoming known as a prolific composer and band leader. Mingus' music is sometimes referred to as "organized chaos" rooted in gospel music and the blues, Mingus' music spoke on themes of religion, politics, and the black experience in America.
This music is raccaus, it'll be fun! Listeners can expect powerful, grooving music that showcases many of the band members as soloists, both indivdually and collectively. Watch out, you might just hear some band members yelling out words to the music.
DATE | Thursday and Friday, October 29-30, 2026
TIMES | 7:30 p.m. each night
SEATING BEGINS | 7 p.m.
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
EST. RUN TIME | 90 mins. including intermission
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?(opens in a new tab)
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | Login to using MTU Single Sign-on to reserve. What is Student Rush?(opens in a new tab)
CONTENT GUIDANCE | Loud music. Earplugs available upon request.(opens in a new tab)
Support for this 2026/27 Michigan Tech Music Series event is provided in part by
Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Departments and its Circle of Supporters at mtu.edu/rozsa/donors(opens in a new tab).
Michigan Tech Jazz, led by Director Jazz Studies Adam Meckler and Drew Kilpela, brings the Keweenaw a wide range of jazz experiences performed by students, local performers, and national names. Its diverse ensembles transform the Rozsa backstage into an intimate jazz club and blow off the roof with the annual Don Keranen Memorial Jazz Festival.
Meet the performers, creative team, and production team in the event's digital program. Programs are published at least one day prior to the event.
Rozsa Box Office Information(opens in a new tab)
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Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and connected community through experiences that bring the Keweenaw together.
Located on Michigan Technological University's campus in Houghton, Michigan, the 80,000-square-foot arts center's design is inspired by the inclined look of the local copper mine hoists and shaft houses inside and out.
Event spaces include the Rozsa Lobby, James and Margaret Black Performance Hall, Rozsa Backstage, Rozsa Art Galleries, and McArdle Theatre.
As the largest theater in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Rozsa dramatically expands the region’s access to large-scale performing arts events including Broadway tours, ballet, cirque, music, and more.