JazzFest 2026 Performers
CLIQUE VOCALS
Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner perform classic jazz ballads of 1920s-’50s, plus a mix of pop and contemporary music arranged in a unique style with tight harmonies.
SAT, Aug 8 • 9:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
THUR, Aug 6 • 5:30pm
UrbanBeat Stage
FRI, Aug 7 • 5:30pm
UrbanBeat Stage
PHILLIP MANUEL
Phillip Manuel brings the soulful sounds of New Orleans to JazzFest Michigan, showcasing a voice and style that have captivated audiences around the world. A celebrated vocalist, saxophonist, and songwriter, Phillip has performed with jazz greats including Terence Blanchard and
brings decades of experience, powerful storytelling, and the rich musical traditions of New Orleans to the stage.
SAT, Aug 8 • 8:30pm
Cold Plunge Stage
TWYLA BIRDSONG
Lansing vocalist Twyla Birdsong is known for her soulful blend of jazz, blues, and gospel, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and heartfelt performances. A past representative of Lansing at the International Blues Challenge, Twyla joins JazzFest Michigan with her band to deliver an unforgettable performance rooted in soul, storytelling, and the timeless spirit of jazz.
SAT, Aug 8 • 5:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
PZAZZ • featuring
PHILLIP MANUEL
Fresh from New Orleans, acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Phillip Manuel brings his soulful voice and world-class artistry to Pzazz: An Afternoon of Poetry & Jazz at UrbanBeat. Having toured internationally and recorded
with legendary artists, Phillip will provide the perfect musical backdrop as jazz and spoken word come together for one of UrbanBeat’s most beloved annual traditions.
SUN, Aug 9 • 4:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
LANSING CONCERT BAND BIG BAND
Celebrating decades of music in the Lansing community, the Lansing Concert Band Big Band keeps the spirit of classic jazz alive through dynamic performances of beloved standards from the Great American Songbook. Led by Jim Kasprzak and featuring vocalists Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner, the 18-piece ensemble brings the energy, elegance, and swing of the big band tradition to stages throughout mid-Michigan, including JazzFest Michigan.
SAT, Aug 8 • 7:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
GOSPEL BRUNCH • featuring
TWYLA BIRDSONG
Twyla Birdsong is a Michiganbased singer, songwriter and dynamic live performer whose commanding presence is matched by a deep, soulful voice capable of moving audiences from tears to joy. With more than 20 years of experience, she has performed throughout the Lansing area at festivals, theaters, churches, clubs, schools, parks and community events—bringing emotional honesty, warmth and unmistakable power to every stage. A three-time Capital Area Blues Challenge winner, with honors in both Band and Duo categories, Twyla draws from a rich musical foundation rooted in the church. The influence of gospel can be heard throughout her vocal delivery, whether she is interpreting blues, jazz, soul, R&B or gospel music. Her theatrical experience in local musical productions further shapes a performance style that is expressive, commanding and deeply connected to the audience.
SUN, Aug 9 • 12:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
SCHOOL OF ROCK • Adult Band
School of Rock East Lansing is shaping the next generation of musicians through its unique performance-based approach, combining individual instruction with live band rehearsals and performances. Featuring talented young artists on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals, these students will bring their energy, creativity, and passion for live music to JazzFest Michigan.
SAT, Aug 8 • 3:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
MI YOUNG LIONS play JEFF HAAS
MI Young Lions Plays Jeff Haas brings the next generation of jazz musicians together to celebrate the music of acclaimed Michigan composer and pianist Jeff Haas. This nine-piece ensemble delivers fresh interpretations of Haas’ distinctive compositions, blending jazz, funk, and improvisation while honoring his lasting influence on the region’s music community.
SAT, Aug 8 • 6:00pm
Cold Plunge Stage
DETROIT JAZZ PROJECT
Mark Hershberger is a Detroit-based saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for his distinctive sound, expressive style, and deep connection to the Detroit jazz tradition. As part of the Detroit Jazz Project, Mark brings decades of experience and a passion for preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Detroit jazz, joined by Vanessa Carr on vocals, Ryan Rose on drums, Lisa Sung on piano, and Terry Kimura on trombone for a dynamic JazzFest Michigan performance.
SAT, Aug 8 • 4:00pm
Cold Plunge Stage
AFTERGLOW
AMMY AMORETTE with JEFF BALDORI
Ammy Amorette & Jeff Baldori bring together two distinctive voices in jazz. Jeff’s expressive piano reflect a lifetime of exploring jazz, blues, and American musical traditions, while Ammy’s soulful vocals and original compositions draw from jazz, bossa nova, and Latin American influences. Their performance celebrates the connection, creativity, and storytelling that make live jazz such a powerful experience. Followed by a band-led jam session with other festival musicians. Limited seating
SAT, Aug 8 • 10:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
800G
800G is a popular Lansing jazz quartet led by Jeff Boog and featuring Eric Lambert, Jack Bergeron, and Sagar Duvvuri. Known for their engaging performances at venues throughout the region, the band brings creativity, improvisation, and a deep love for jazz to the JazzFest Michigan stage.
SAT, Aug 8 • 5:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
CAT DADDY
Cat Daddy, led by Grand Rapids-based drummer Randy Marsh, brings a powerful jazz performance filled with groove, improvisation, and musical chemistry. A longtime “first-call” drummer in Michigan, Randy has performed with the legendary band Organissimo, and brings decades of
experience and artistry to the JazzFest stage.
FRI, Aug 7 • 6:30pm
Cold Plunge Stage
PICKLE MAFIA
The Pickle Mafia is a high-energy piano power trio from Rochester, NY, delivering an electrifying blend of original instrumentals, creative covers, and unforgettable live performances. With 60+ songs, national touring experience, and a growing online following, the band brings both the
music and their famous handcrafted pickles to the stage.
THUR, Aug 6 • 7:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
FRI, Aug 7 • 8:30pm
Cold Plunge Stage
JAMM SCHOLARSHIP BAND
The JAMM Scholarship Band brings together talented young
usicians from the Greater Lansing area who are past and present recipients of the Jazz Alliance of Mid-Michigan music scholarships. Led by local professional guitarist Doug Fritch, this inspiring ensemble showcases the next generation of jazz artists through creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the music.
FRI, Aug 7 • 4:30pm
Cold Plunge Stage
TOM DUFFIELD
Tom Duffield is a longtime pianist and versatile performer with years
of experience playing as a solo artist, in duos, and with various ensembles.
Known for his expressive style and deep appreciation for jazz traditions,
Tom brings sophistication, creativity, and connection to every performance, For this performance, Tom will be joined by talented drummer Dave Ludington, creating a dynamic duo that highlights the
interplay and spontaneity at the heart of jazz.
SAT, Aug 8 • 3:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
WED, Aug 5 • 5:30pm
UrbanBeat Stage
FRI, Aug 7 • 8:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
AFTERGLOW
MAX GAGE TRIO
The Max Gage trio is an established jazz ensemble based in mid-Michigan that features the music of yesterday through the lens of today. Max has performed all-across the world and has garnered a national reputation as an up and coming jazz pianist. He will be joined alongside Percussionist Alonso Umana and Bassist Dylan Sherman. Followed by a band-led jam session with other festival musicians. Limited seating
FRI, Aug 7 • 10:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
JEFF BALDORI plays Mose Allison
Jeff Baldori is a versatile jazz pianist, guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter
whose music blends the traditions of jazz, blues, soul, and boogie. With
decades of performing experience and a passion for improvisation, Jeff brings a unique blend of creativity, musicianship, and storytelling to every performance. His repertoire includes unique interpretations of the standards as well as some fun surprises. This performance will feature the songs of jazz legend, Mose Allison.
WED, Aug 5 • 7:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
SAT, Aug 8 • 10:00pm
AFTERGLOW
UrbanBeat Stage