### Event Description: Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report featuring Peter Erskine

**Date and Time:** Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Join us for an extraordinary evening as the University Musical Society (UMS) presents "Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report," featuring the legendary drummer Peter Erskine. This special performance will take place at the historic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor.

**About the Event:**
The New York Times has hailed Kurt Elling as the standout male jazz vocalist of our time. Known for his robust swing and poetic insight, the two-time Grammy winner brings his unique brand of contemporary lyricism and vocal ingenuity to this celebration of Weather Report, one of jazz’s great supergroups from the 1970s and early 80s. Elling's warm, rich baritone and his four-octave range make him a virtuoso improviser and compelling storyteller.

This concert will reimagine Weather Report's iconic songs and introduce new arrangements inspired by the band's constellation of musicians. The program will include classics such as "A Remark You Made," "Three Views of a Secret," and "Continuum," among other influential compositions from the Weather Report repertoire.

**Featured Artists:**
- **Kurt Elling** - Vocals
- **Peter Erskine** - Drums (Weather Report alumnus and Grammy Award winner)
- **Joey Calderazzo** - Piano
- **Mike Moreno** - Guitars
- **Essiet Okon Essiet** - Bass

**Ticket Information:**
- **Season Ticket Packages:** Available now
- **Individual Event Tickets:** On sale starting August 1
- **Box Office:** Call 734-764-2538 for tickets and inquiries
- **Discounts:** Student, senior, and group discounts may be available

**Sponsors:**
- **Title Sponsor:** Dick Caldarazzo and Eileen Weiser
- **Supporting Sponsor:** Tim and Robin Damschroder

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Kurt Elling and Peter Erskine as they pay tribute to the legendary Weather Report. Secure your tickets early and be part of an unforgettable night of jazz excellence.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the UMS website or contact the box office.

EPSG:4326

Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report

Michigan Theater

### Event Description: Branford Marsalis Quartet at Michigan Theater

**Event:** Branford Marsalis Quartet Performance  
**Date:** Wednesday, February 19, 2025  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Branford Marsalis Quartet, featuring the legendary three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis. Making his UMS debut, Marsalis is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music over the past four decades. Known for his exceptional talent as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator, Marsalis has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz while maintaining a steadfast creative integrity.

Since 1986, the NEA Jazz Master has led the Branford Marsalis Quartet, an ensemble renowned for its masterful interpretation of both original compositions and jazz classics. The quartet is also noted for the remarkable telepathic communication among its members, which includes Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums.

**Ticket Information:**
- **Season Ticket Packages:** Available now
- **Individual Event Tickets:** On sale starting August 1
- **Discounts:** Student, Senior, and Group discounts may be available
- **Box Office:** Call 734-764-2538 for tickets and more information

**Sponsors:**
- **Presenting Sponsor:** Elaine and Peter Schweitzer, supporting Branford Marsalis’s UMS debut and residency
- **Supporting Sponsor:** Anne and Paul Glendon

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the unparalleled artistry of the Branford Marsalis Quartet live at the Michigan Theater. Secure your tickets early and be part of a night that promises to be a highlight of the 2024/25 season.

**For More Information and Tickets:**
Visit the UMS website or contact the box office at 734-764-2538.

Branford Marsalis Quartet

### Event Description: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

**Date and Time:**  
Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM

**Venue:**  
Hill Auditorium  
825 North University Avenue  
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

**Event Overview:**  
For the first time since their 2022 residency, the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the legendary Wynton Marsalis, returns to Hill Auditorium. This 15-piece ensemble has been a cornerstone of the jazz world for over 35 years, celebrating the rich heritage of jazz icons like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. The orchestra is also known for presenting a stunning variety of new works from illustrious names, many of whom perform regularly with the ensemble. From swinging rhythms to supple melodies, their performances are sheer jazz perfection, making them a favorite among UMS audiences.

**Ticket Information:**  
- **Season Ticket Packages:** Now available
- **Individual Event Tickets:** On sale starting August 1
- **Discounts:** Student, Senior, and Group Discounts may be available

**Sponsors:**  
- **Principal Sponsor:** James and Nancy Stanley
- **Supporting Sponsors:** Gil Omenn and Martha Darling, Anthony Reffells, Columbia Asset Management

**Contact Information:**  
For tickets and more information, call the Box Office at 734-764-2538.

**Additional Notes:**  
This event is part of the following series: You, Jazz, Marathon, and Student Subscriptions.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated jazz orchestras in the world, live at Hill Auditorium. Secure your tickets early and be part of an unforgettable evening of musical excellence.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

University of Michigan

### Event Description: School Day Performance - Etienne Charles: Earth Tones

**Date and Time:**  
Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM

**Venue:**  
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre  
911 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

**Event Overview:**  
Join us for a captivating School Day Performance featuring Trinidad-born jazz musician, composer, and storyteller Etienne Charles. This special event, titled "Earth Tones," is designed for students in grades 6-12 and offers a unique multimedia jazz experience. The performance will include original compositions, images, and film, taking students on a sensory journey through sounds, video, and stories from at-risk coastal communities. The narrative will highlight the effects of global warming from tropical islands to the Louisiana Bayou, featuring musicians from the very communities most at risk.

**Themes:**  
- Music
- Jazz
- Multimedia
- Climate Change
- Environmental Activism

**Duration:**  
Approximately 60 minutes

**Age Recommendation:**  
Grades 6-12

**Featured Artists:**  
- Etienne Charles: Music Director, Trumpet, and Percussion
- Marcus Strickland: Woodwinds
- Warren Wolf: Vibraphone, Marimba, and Piano
- Eva Scow: Mandolin
- Jorge Glem: Cuatro
- Jonathon Muir-Cotton: Bass
- Val Jeanty: Turntables and Percussion
- John Davis: Drums

**Registration and Tickets:**  
Reservations are now open. To register, visit the event page or call the ticket office at 734-764-2538. Student, senior, and group discounts may be available.

**Sponsors:**  
- Supporting Sponsor: David Leichtman and Lauran McGinn
- Patron Sponsors: Anonymous, Laurence and Barbara Baker, David and Kiana Barfield Family Foundation, James and Nancy Stanley, Marianne Udow-Phillips and Bill Phillips

**About Etienne Charles:**  
Etienne Charles is renowned for his lush trumpet sound, varied compositional textures, and pulsating percussive grooves. A 2015 Guggenheim Fellow and 2022 Creative Capital Awardee, Charles is dedicated to connecting the Afro-descendant diaspora and highlighting marginalized communities through his music. His work often addresses touchy and controversial subjects, aiming to provoke thought and dialogue.

For more information about Etienne Charles, visit [etiennecharles.com](http://etiennecharles.com).

Don't miss this opportunity to engage, enlighten, and educate students through an energized multidisciplinary performance that addresses the critical issue of climate change. Reserve your seats today!

School Day Performance for Grades 6-12: Etienne Charles: Earth Tones

### Event Description: Tyshawn Sorey Trio at Blue LLama Jazz Club

**Event:** Tyshawn Sorey Trio Performance  
**Date:** Saturday, November 16, 2024  
**Times:** 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM  
**Venue:** Blue LLama Jazz Club, 314 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104  
**Box Office:** 734-764-2538

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an extraordinary evening of jazz with the Tyshawn Sorey Trio at the Blue LLama Jazz Club in downtown Ann Arbor. Tyshawn Sorey, a genre-defying composer and drummer, will be performing pieces from his acclaimed album "Mesmerism." This album showcases the joy of improvising over songs from the Great American Songbook, marking a return to Sorey's musical roots after a career steeped in the avant-garde.

**About Tyshawn Sorey:**
Tyshawn Sorey is one of the most sought-after figures in contemporary music, known for his ability to blend composition and improvisation seamlessly. A 2017 MacArthur Fellow and 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Sorey has performed globally with his ensembles and alongside industry titans. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2023 Critics Poll Award from Downbeat Magazine.

**Trio Members:**
- **Tyshawn Sorey:** Drums
- **Aaron Diehl:** Piano
- **Matt Brewer:** Bass

**Performance Details:**
- **Sets:** Two sets featuring the Tyshawn Sorey Trio
- **Capacity:** These shows are currently at capacity. Sign up to the interest list to be notified if tickets become available.

**Sponsors:**
- **Principal Sponsor:** Louise Taylor
- **Supporting Sponsor:** Don and Anais Hicks

**Additional Information:**
- **Student, Senior, and Group Discounts:** May be available
- **Contact:** For more information or to join the interest list, visit the UMS website or call the box office at 734-764-2538.

Don't miss this chance to experience the unparalleled talent of Tyshawn Sorey and his trio in an intimate jazz club setting. Sign up to the interest list to be notified if tickets become available.

Tyshawn Sorey Trio

Blue LLama Jazz Club

This genre-defying composer and drummer takes the stage for a performance featuring pieces from his acclaimed album Mesmerism, which showcases the joy of improvising over songs from the Great American Songbook, in a return to his musical roots after a career steeped in the avant-garde. The goal, he explains, was to “document the unwavering love and appreciation I have for [my favorite songs from the Great American songbook] in the most honest, earnest way I can, as well as those by composers whose work I feel should also exist in this canon.” The 2017 MacArthur Fellow and 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist is “an extraordinary talent who can see across the entire musical landscape.” (The New Yorker) Sorey makes his UMS debut as a bandleader, with two sets featuring his trio, including pianist Aaron Diehl and bass player Matt Brewer, at the Blue LLama Jazz Club in downtown Ann Arbor.

Faculty perform from the MPulse Jazz Institute – an all-encompassing, week-long program for the high school jazz musician. Classes are led by University of Michigan Jazz Faculty, SMTD applied faculty and professional jazz artists. The MPulse Jazz Program is directed by SMTD Professor Dennis Wilson.

MPulse Jazz Faculty Recital

Earl V. Moore Building

Hailing from a family of musicians in the Bronx with roots in gospel, Joy began her journey with jazz at age 17, winning the vocal honors at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition. She went on to study with the great Barry Harris and win the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Samara Joy

Local jazz bassist Marion Hayden leads this exploration of women who have made their name in this uniquely American art form. This 90-minute workshop complements UMS’s presentation of Samara Joy on Wednesday, March 27.

UMS 101: Dynamic Ladies of Jazz: An Evening of History and Appreciation

Cahoots

Supported by a live music ensemble, including a DJ/Turntablist, the all-star powerhouse cast of Explorers brings mind-bending musicality, spectacular athleticism, and boundless joy to each offering. This interdisciplinary and intergenerational experience investigates the energetic relationships and throughlines from Jazz and Lindy Hop to vibrant contemporary styles such as House, Hip-Hop, and more that developed from them. Each offering is also curated to amplify the cultural contributions of the local geographic area to the continuum.

LaTasha Barnes’ The Jazz Continuum

University Musical Society

Ann Arbor’s own Akropolis Reed Quintet — composed of clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bass clarinet, and bassoon — joins forces with Grammy-nominated composer and jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf and celebrated drummer Christian Euman. Le Boeuf’s composition is inspired by his musical “ancestors” — Geri Allen, Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus, and Leonard Bernstein — representing a variety of perspectives concerning the unity of the American experience. His composition asks: Are we really dreaming the same American dream, or is our consumer culture overshadowing our own sense of belonging?

Are We Dreaming the Same Dream?

Designed to rehearse, perform, and examine the repertoire of the jazz big band, the Jazz Lab Ensemble explores classic, historically significant repertoire as well as new arrangements and/or compositions. Student members take parallel coursework intended to develop the necessary skills of section lead playing, rehearsal techniques, jazz phrasing and styles. A wide selection of materials is used to attain these goals including the music of classic big bands such as the Thad Jones Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie Band, Oliver Nelson, Duke Pearson and Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Jazz Lab Ensemble

Empire Central is an homage to Dallas, with many of its songs inspired by the collective’s time in the city. And like the city, the eclectic 19-piece electric ensemble is big and bold, chill and laid back, rooted in its native culture while reaching forward. Led by Michael League on bass, Snarky Puppy was formed in 2004 by 10 friends who were enrolled in the jazz program at the University of North Texas. With 13 albums in 18 years that have garnered four Grammy Awards, Snarky Puppy has attracted international fandom for its detailed arrangements of fetching melodies, texturally layered harmonies, exciting solos, ear-candy synth effects, and propulsive beats. Its distinctly Southwestern influences — blues, hard rock, classic soul, modern gospel, percolating funk, new tech, fusion, and jazz — never sound derivative but conjure music that’s fresh and original.

Snarky Puppy Performance

The group of visionary instrumentalists delivers her work with fire and swing. Formed as a tribute to Gil Evans, who orchestrated many of Miles Davis’s charts, Schneider’s band tackles lush and complex works that bring new energy to the jazz orchestra landscape.

Maria Schneider Orchestra

Since 1988, Wynton Marsalis has led the 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which simultaneously honors the rich heritage of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong while presenting a stunning variety of new works from illustrious names, many of whom perform regularly with the ensemble. Don’t miss this dynamic School Day Performance favorite!

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Marsalis’s massive jazz symphony All Rise (Symphony No. 1) was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for the millennium and had its world premiere in December 1999. Blending influences from African chant, New Orleans parade music, gospel, symphonic modernism, and Latin-based music, All Rise is a 12-movement arc built on the structure of the Blues that moves from uplifting and energetic to dark and distressing to Marsalis’s vision of the “togetherness and ascendance” of humanity.

Jazz events in Ann Arbor, MI

Kurt Elling Celebrates We...

University Musical Society

Branford Marsalis Quartet...

University Musical Society

Jazz at Lincoln Center Or...

University Musical Society

School Day Performance fo...

University Musical Society

Tyshawn Sorey Trio

UMS University Musical Society

Tyshawn Sorey Trio

University Musical Society

MPulse Jazz Faculty Recit...

University of Michigan School of Music, ...

Samara Joy

University Musical Society

UMS 101: Dynamic Ladies o...

University Musical Society

LaTasha Barnes’ The Jazz ...

University Musical Society

Are We Dreaming the Same ...

University Musical Society

Jazz Lab Ensemble

University of Michigan School of Music, ...

Snarky Puppy Performance

University Musical Society

Maria Schneider Orchestra...

University Musical Society

Jazz at Lincoln Center Or...

University Musical Society

Wynton Marsalis’s All Ris...

University Musical Society