Once every five years, we invite MTU Jazz Alumni who studied under Don Keranen, Mike Irish, and Director of Jazz Studies Adam Meckler to return to campus, rehearse, and take the stage for the Don Keranen Jazz Festival. 2027 marks the big reunion!

Friday night kicks off with the R&D Jazz Band under the direction of Drew Kilpela, alongside the debut of the newly formed MTU Jazz Choir directed by Jana Meckler.

Saturday features a big evening of music with the Jazz Lab Band and JazTec under the direction of Adam Meckler, as well as the MTU Jazz Alumni Megaband under the baton of a special guest director, performing alongside the local high school students from the afternoon masterclass. The Jazz Lab Band will also be joined by UP-based jazz legends Drew Kilpela and Pat Booth as guest soloists.  

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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 

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.

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Don Keranen Jazz Festival - Backstage Concerts

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All sales are final - NO REFUNDS or EXCHANGES. Entry may be refused to any ticket holder by refunding the stated purchase price. No outside food or drink permitted. Any person possessing or drinking alcohol (outside permitted areas), possessing or using drugs, or behaving unlawfully, abusively, inappropriately, or out of accordance with Michigan Technological University (MTU) policies may be removed/ejected from the premises without a refund. Service dogs only. If ticket is lost, stolen, or destroyed, replacement may be issued on a case-by-case basis. The user of this ticket, as additional consideration for admission to this event, agrees to fully and forever release and discharge, covenant not to sue, and indemnify and hold harmless MTU, its Board of Trustees, employees, agents, and participants in the event, from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, or rights of action arising, directly or indirectly, wholly or in part from any activity associated with this event. The user of this ticket also consents to the use of your image without compensation, agrees that your image or likeness may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, displayed, or distributed in video, electronic, printed, or other format by MTU or event participants, and waives the right to inspect or approve any finished product wherein your likeness appears. Event dates and times are subject to change. Upon ticket purchase, guests are automatically enrolled in the Rozsa Center electronic mailing list. Subscribers can manage preferences or unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of our emails. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for all ages. The Rozsa Center strives to provide content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material; However, guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event to make informed decisions prior to attending. The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this event do not represent the positions of the Rozsa Center or MTU.

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.

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Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

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Don Keranen Jazz Festival - Backstage Concerts

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Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

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