Join us for Backstage Jazz: Small Groups, a concert featuring Michigan Tech's diverse and talented small group ensembles led by Drew Kilpela, including JazTec, Momentum, Velocity, and Prince's Point.
The Rozsa's backstage transforms into the perfect jazz club setting to enjoy a program of music spanning the history of jazz. Encompassing classic, contemporary, funk, and fusion styles, the performances will showcase impressive improvisational skills and unique musical arrangements.
——EVENT DETAILS——
🗓️ Saturday-Sunday, January 24-25, 2026
🕢 7:30 p.m. on Saturday
🕒 3 p.m. on Sunday
📍 Rozsa Backstage
🎟️ Pay As You’re Able Tickets ($20 Full Fee)**
⏳ Duration: approx. 150 mins, with intermission
💺 General Admission
TICKETS: events.mtu.edu/event/backstage-jazz-small-groups-2026
CONTENT GUIDANCE: Loud music. Earplugs available by request.
——ARTISTS, SERIES, AND SPONSOR DETAILS——
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
JazTec
JazTec is a dynamic 5 to 7-piece jazz combo that specializes in contemporary jazz, funk, and original styles. The instrumentation of 3 horns and rhythm section allows each member ample opportunity to explore jazz improvisation and composition and to develop an individual style.
Momentum
MOMENTUM is a dynamic blend of horns, vocal and rhythm section that regularly competes in jazz festivals and has an active performance schedule. In addition to frequent campus concerts, these combos often perform in local clubs, at jazz festivals, records CD's, and tours with the Jazz Lab Band each year. They have been selected as the Outstanding Jazz Combo at the UW-Eau Claire Jazz Festival on three occasions and twice at the Aquinas College Jazz Festival.
Velocity
Velocity is a classic small jazz combo playing traditional jazz. Their sound evokes the golden age of jazz, with a focus on swing, intricate improvisation, and a strong foundation in the genre's roots.
Prince’s Point
Prince's Point is a dynamic four-piece Jazz Fusion band delivering a high-energy blend of jazz, funk, and rock.
ABOUT MICHIGAN TECH JAZZ
Michigan Tech Jazz, directed by Adam Meckler, 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.
Learn more at mtu.edu/vpa/music/ensembles/jazz
ABOUT DREW KILPELA
Drew Kilpela is a trombonist hailing from Okemos, Michigan. Active in performing arts throughout his youth, Kilpela attended Michigan State University to pursue a degree in jazz trombone, studying primarily under Michael Dease. He continued his studies in higher education at the University of North Texas, where he was a member of the famed One O'clock Lab Band.
Read Drew’s full bio at
https://www.mtu.edu/vpa/department/faculty/kilpela-drew/
ABOUT MICHIGAN TECH MUSIC SERIES
The Michigan Tech Music Series unites students, faculty, and community members for a vibrant season of live music in the Keweenaw. Enjoy the commanding Keweenaw Symphony and experience Michigan Tech Jazz as it transforms the Rozsa and McArdle Theatre into Orchestra, stirring Michigan Tech Choirs, and inventive New Music events. Feel the dynamic energy of the Superior Wind Symphony, Campus Concert Band, and iconic Huskies Pep Band, intimate jazz clubs.
Part of the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone.
Learn more about the Rozsa Center and the Michigan Tech Music Series by visiting mtu.edu/rozsa/events-and-programs/explore-by-series/michigan-tech-music-series
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
This event is made possible by the Visual and Performing Arts Department, and its Circle of Supporters. mtu.edu/rozsa/donors
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**WHAT IS PAY AS YOU'RE ABLE?
Pay As You're Able ticketing is designed to remove financial barriers and promote greater accessibility to the performing arts. The program allows guests to select their ticket from various price levels based on what they can afford.
Learn more about Pay As You're Able at: www.mtu.edu/rozsa/events-and-programs/ticket-information
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EVENT PROGRAM
The full digital program will be available online at least one day in advance at mtu.edu/rozsa/programs
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
Including accessibility services, directions and parking, ticket policies, and more at mtu.edu/rozsa/plan-your-visit
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