Now in its 12th year, the MSU Federal Credit Union, or MSUFCU, Jazz Artist in Residence program in the MSU College of Music launches its season with critically acclaimed jazz trombonist, composer, and bandleader, Ryan Keberle, who will perform with MSU Jazz Orchestras Sunday, Oct. 13, in the Fairchild Theatre of the MSU Auditorium.
With a career spanning collaborations with luminaries like Maria Schneider, David Bowie and Wynton Marsalis, Keberle has become one of the most versatile leading voices in contemporary jazz. As the leader of his band, Catharsis, he has gained widespread recognition for his lyrical melodies and intricate improvisations, securing his place as a prominent figure in the jazz world.
“Ryan’s grasp of jazz and his ability to blend different genres truly showcases his versatility and creativity,” said Michael Dease, professor of jazz trombone. “Learning from him will provide our students with valuable insights into the jazz tradition, while our dedicated jazz patrons will have the chance to experience his incredible talents.”
Ryan Keberle is the first jazz resident of the dynamic 2024-25 season. Coming to MSU later in the academic year will be bassist John Clayton from December 3 through 8, 2024, and pianist Rick Roe, from February 10 through 16, 2025. Launched in 2013, the pioneering residency program attracts top-tier talent to spend a week teaching and performing with the MSU Jazz Studies program and K-12 students across the state. Supported by a $1 million endowment from MSUFCU, the program follows a long-standing tradition of teaching aspiring musicians while providing underserved programs in urban and rural communities with performance opportunities.
During his residency from Oct. 8–15, Ryan Keberle will work with MSU music students and perform for the public in multiple venues. He will also visit and mentor other school outside of MSU with Jazz Orchestra I. Keberle will perform with MSU Jazz Orchestras on Sunday, October 13, 3 p.m. at Fairchild Theatre, in the MSU Auditorium.
The residency series continues throughout the season, bassist John Clayton will close out the semester with his visit Dec. 3–8, followed by the spring semester’s visit of pianist Rick Roe Feb. 10–16.
The MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program represents the largest investment in the College’s jazz program, providing one-on-one instruction, collaboration, and performance opportunities with some of the world’s most renowned jazz musicians. In a typical year, artists in residence travel with MSU’s jazz ensembles to give up to 20 performances statewide, supporting jazz programs at non-profit organizations and middle and high schools.
Reserved seating tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $7 for students with ID and anyone under 18, and can be purchased online at music.msu.edu, by calling (517) 353-5340 or at the door.
Jazz Artists in Residence schedules
Ryan Keberle, piano, Oct. 8–15, 2024
For a full bio, visit his website
Monday, Oct. 6, Blue Mondays, MSU Federal Credit Union
Tuesday, Oct. 8, Rehearsals & Workshops
Wednesday, Oct. 9, MSU Community Music School, Detroit, Jazz Orchestra I, 7:00pm showtime
Thursday, Oct. 10, Byron Center High School, Jazz Orchestra I, 7:00pm showtime
Friday, Oct. 11, Jazz Orchestra I Ludington, 7:30 p.m. showtime
Saturday, Oct. 12, Traverse City, Jazz Orchestra I, 3:00 p.m. showtime
Sunday, Oct. 13, MSU Performance, Jazz Orchestras, 3:00 p.m. showtime
John Clayton, bass, Dec. 3-8, 2024
For a full bio, visit his website
Bassist, composer, arranger and producer, John Clayton is a Grammy-winner with nine additional nominations and has written and recorded with artists such as Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, and many others. Clayton was the principal bassist in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 1980-1984. In 1986, he co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and rekindled The Clayton Brothers Quintet. In addition to his individual clinics and workshops, he also directs the educational components of Centrum, The Port Townsend Jazz Festival and the Vail Jazz Workshop.
Rick Roe, pianist, Feb. 10–16, 2025
For a complete bio, visit his website
Rick Roe is an acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator known for his expressive playing and deep connection to jazz tradition. A two-time winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Roe has performed with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Belgrave and Rodney Whitaker. With several albums to his name, he blends classic jazz influences with modern interpretations.
This story originally appeared on the College of Music website.