The MSU College of Music co-produces the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival on June 20 and 21 with the city of East Lansing and Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and as such, draws on its talented educators, graduates and current students to infuse local talent into the festival each year.
The festival is free to the community and centered around a large tent located in the heart of downtown East Lansing in Parking Lot 1 on the corner of Albert Avenue and Abbot Road.
The SSJF features main stage performances, the Jazz Kids children's activity area, on-site food, jazz cafes, the new MSU Outreach and Engagement Education Stage and After Glow performances.
Visit www.eljazzfest.com to learn more.
2014 performer lineup
The 2014 performer lineup features the finest in local, regional and national musical talent including Neil Gordon, Diego Rivera, Benny Benack III, Orquesta Ritmo, Thornetta Davis, Planet D Nonet, The Lowdown Brass Band, Sunny Wilkinson, Layers, Michael Dease, Root Doctor and Aguanko. The festival also features headliners Cecile McLorin Salvant and the Airmen of Note.
MSU Outreach and Engagement Education Stage
This performance area will give local high school and young up-and-coming jazz musicians an opportunity to perform on stage at a major jazz festival. The 2014 performers are participants of the MSU Jazz Studies Big Band Symposium, the JAMM Scholarship Quartet featuring James Heinlein, the LCC Jazz Band and the East Lansing High School Jazz Band. Click here to see the Education Stage schedule.
Jazz Kids brings family fun
Families will love the hands-on, interactive children's area coordinated by Wharton Center Inner Circle volunteers. The Jazz Kids family area will offer a number of jazz-inspired activities for kids of all ages. The East Lansing Public Library and the MSU Broad Art Museum will also offer jazzy activities.
In addition, children can play at the Impression 5 Science Center bubble table, paint at easel stations, and participate in a variety of other activities.
Afterglows feature late-night encore performances
After zipping up the Big Tent for the night, the party continues with an intimate jazz bistro performance at Peppino's, 213 Ann St., from 10:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Layers will perform on June 20 and the Michael Dease Big Band will perform on June 21.
Kozmic Picnik and second-line parade
At 1 p.m. on June 21, the Kozmic Picnik will take place in the Sculpture Garden of the MSU Broad Art Museum. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a tribute to avante garde jazz artist Sun Ra, played by Detroit's-own Planet D Nonet.
At 2:30 p.m., immediately following the Kozmic Picnik, there will be a second-line parade with the Lowdown Brass Band. The second-line parade is a New Orleans tradition where participants follow the grand marshal and brass band while dancing, handing out beads and twirling parasols.