# Event Details - **Event Name**: Backstage Jazz: Small Groups - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 24 Jan, 2026 at 07:30 pm – Sat, 24 Jan, 2026 at 10:00 pm - **Event Description**: 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 ______ **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 ______ EVENT PROGRAM The full digital program will be available online at least one day in advance at mtu.edu/rozsa/programs ______ PLAN YOUR VISIT Including accessibility services, directions and parking, ticket policies, and more at mtu.edu/rozsa/plan-your-visit - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/houghton/backstage-jazz-small-groups/200029365239037 - **Event Categories**: entertainment, music, art, festivals, performances, jazz, concerts, theatre, live-music - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 21 ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Houghton - **state**: MI - **country**: United States - **location**: Rozsa Center - **lat**: 47.117539510582 - **long**: -88.542150916938 - **full address**: Rozsa Center, 1700 US-41, Houghton, MI 49931-1194, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Backstage Jazz: Small Groups - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/e1f06475fb1e9d38ff0ccc94eec4d87eee703ed312cac3a428b8ac78991a1fb0-rimg-w1200-h628-dc000000-gmir?v=1769036165 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Backstage Jazz: Small Groups being held? - **A:** Backstage Jazz: Small Groups takes place on Sat, 24 Jan, 2026 at 07:30 pm to Sat, 24 Jan, 2026 at 10:00 pm at Rozsa Center, 1700 US-41, Houghton, MI 49931-1194, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Backstage Jazz: Small Groups? - **A:** Backstage Jazz: Small Groups is organized by Rozsa Center. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Backstage Jazz: Small Groups is ideal for live music fans, concert-goers, and anyone who enjoys unforgettable performances from their favorite artists in an electric live atmosphere. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Houghton, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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