Beneath the Underdog: The Music of Charles Mingus - R&D Jazz Band
MICHIGAN TECH MUSIC SERIES EVENT
Join Michigan Tech Jazz ensembles as they explore the music of famed bassist and composer Charles Mingus.
On Thursday catch R&D Jazz Band, under the direction of Drew Kilpela, and JazTec, under the direction of Adam Meckler.
Friday night: Jazz Lab Band and Workshop Brass Band. View Friday's Event Page.
Mingus developed under the greats of this music having played with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington (he was one of very few to be fired by Duke himself), and Charlie Parker before becoming known as a prolific composer and band leader. Mingus' music is sometimes referred to as "organized chaos" rooted in gospel music and the blues, Mingus' music spoke on themes of religion, politics, and the black experience in America.
This music is raccaus, it'll be fun! Listeners can expect powerful, grooving music that showcases many of the band members as soloists, both indivdually and collectively. Watch out, you might just hear some band members yelling out words to the music.
Things to know
DATE | Thursday and Friday, October 29-30, 2026
TIME | 7:30 p.m. each night
SEATING BEGINS | 7 p.m.
LOCATION | Rozsa Backstage
EST. RUN TIME | 90 mins. including intermission
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | Login to rozsatickets.com using the MTU Single Sign-on. What is Student Rush?
CONTENT GUIDANCE | Loud music. Earplugs available upon request. VIew all accessibility services.
Get tickets at rozsatickets.com or at the Rozsa Box Office. View Rozsa Box Office Hours.
Thank you to Sponsors
Support for this 2026/27 Michigan Tech Music Series event is sponsored in part by:
and the Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters at mtu.edu/rozsa/donors
About the Performers
R&D Jazz Band
The Research and Development Big Band (R and D) performs repertoire from Jazz’s storied history including a mix of traditional and modern repertoire for big band, with an emphasis on traditional repertoire. R and D learns tunes by ear, and spends time on improvisation, and defining chord changes for improvising. The R&D band performs each Fall and Spring in the Backstage Jazz concerts, and locally at public schools and venues each Spring.
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.
In addition to frequent campus concerts, this combo often performs in local clubs, at jazz festivals, records CDs, 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. JAZTEC's first CD, "Watch Your Step," came out in 1998. Admission is by audition when openings occur.
ABOUT MICHIGAN TECH JAZZ
Michigan Tech Jazz, led by Director Jazz Studies Adam Meckler and Drew Kilpela, 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.
Meet the performers, creative team, and production team in the event's digital program. Programs are published at least one day prior to the event.
About the Presenter
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 from across campus, community members, 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.
View all Michigan Tech Music Series Events.
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Beneath the Under Dog: The Music of Charles Mingus - Michigan Tech Jazz
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Multiple Locations | Friday-Sunday, April 9-11, 2027 | Weekend Lineup
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Personal Responsibility Statement
Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event.
Views Expressed Statement
The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.