Jazz lovers are invited to “feel the vibes” as the Michigan State University College of Music welcomes its first-ever vibraphonist for an inspired weeklong residency of teaching, touring and performing on campus and in Michigan.

Jazz vibraphonist Stefon Harris will be at MSU from Feb. 21–Feb. 27 to mentor students through the MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program. While in residence, Harris will acquaint students and the community with the versatility of a prominent jazz instrument through a six-day stretch of workshops, campus concerts and outreach. The esteemed vibraphonist and composer will also hit the road with MSU Jazz Orchestra I to work and perform with music and jazz programs at public high schools in Oxford, Plymouth and Fraser.

“Stefon will lift us all up during these difficult, traumatic times by sharing his vision and profound talents on the vibraphone and marimba,” said Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. “He’s energetic, passionate, creative and an amazing teacher and performer. Stefon is simply an exceptional human committed to the healing power of jazz.”

An immensely talented musician and composer, Harris also excels as an educator, developer and thought leader. A four-time Grammy nominee, he is a seven-time Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association, and heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” by the Los Angeles Times. Harris is the associate dean and director of jazz arts at the Manhattan School of Music, co-developer of a revolutionary ear training software and sought-after presenter on corporate leadership using jazz as a metaphor. Harris tours worldwide and his 2018 album "Sonic Creed" with his band Blackout was named an album of the year by WBGO, the world’s leading jazz radio station.

Harris is the third of the four scheduled jazz artists coming to MSU for weeklong residencies through the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program. The dynamic 2021-22 lineup of working musicians, educators and composers include artists Renee Rosnes, piano (Oct. 2021); Lewis Nash, drums (Nov.-Dec. 2021); Stefon Harris, vibraphone (Feb. 2022); and jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin (March 2022).

Launched in 2013, the pioneering residency program welcomes high-level talent to spend a week mentoring MSU jazz studies students and K-12 students at schools and academies across the state. Coordinated by the MSU College of Music and supported by a $1 million endowment by the MSU Federal Credit Union, the program follows the jazz tradition of established musicians passing on their knowledge to aspiring musicians, while enriching jazz programs in urban and rural communities that are often strapped for resources.

Harris’s week-long residency includes performances featuring MSU Jazz Orchestras I, II and III on Friday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Murray Hall. Reserved seating tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $7 for students.

To help maintain a safe concert-going experience, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the concert is required of all attendees ages 12 and up. This policy is part of new university directives for COVID-19 announced Jan. 1. Details can be found on the College of Music’s website under MSU Music COVID-19 directives, along with answers to commonly asked questions on the College’s FAQ webpage.