On the weekend of May 17-18, Northwestern Michigan College will host the first NMC Jazz Festival at Milliken Auditorium. The event will bring together the college’s three jazz ensembles along with professional performers and area high school jazz bands. It will run in conjunction with the annual NMC BBQ, the college’s highest-profile event, which annually brings thousands of people to campus.
Headlining the event will be Walter White’s Small Medium @Large. White is a world-renowned trumpet player who formerly was the lead trumpet player for the legendary Maynard Ferguson. He is also an alum of Interlochen Center for the Arts, and his most recent performance here resulted in the first-ever sold-out performance for a college ensemble at Milliken Auditorium. His little big band, Small Medium @Large, is comprised of some of the Detroit area’s foremost musicians.
This is a great opportunity not only for our students but for students from across the region. They will get to see and learn from the best. They will also see a college group that includes both traditional students and community members, demonstrating how music can break down all barriers. The concerts will also give the audiences some fabulous top-notch musical entertainment.
The festival will include two separate showcase concerts. On Saturday May 17, the college’s big band and vocal jazz ensemble will open for White’s group. On Sunday in conjunction with the BBQ, the area high school bands will perform, followed by the NMC Jazz Lab Band and a faculty group. Tickets for the Saturday night show are $20, while the Sunday portion of the festival is free of charge. All events will take place at Milliken Auditorium. Hope to see you there!
Michael F. Hunter, director
NMC Jazz Ensembles