Jazz It Up at the Ludington Center for the Arts Featuring the MSU Jazz Band One!!! Saturday Feb 19th!

Ludington Area Center for the Arts Looks To “Jazz It Up”

Local Mardi Gras themed fundraiser draws the attention of western Michigan with
Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra

You don’t have to be down south to feel the heat this winter season with the 4th annual “Jazz It Up” Mardi Gras fundraiser for the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, February 19th, 2011 from 7-10pm.

World-recognized Jazz bass performer and educator Rodney Whitaker will be conducting the swinging Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra a major draw for this sell-out evening. But before the sun goes down on that Saturday, Whitaker and his crew will be busy instructing and demonstrating their craft with young, aspiring musicians.

"We are thrilled that Ludington Public Schools' band director and Ludington Area Arts Council board member, Ted Malt, has arranged to bring the MSU Jazz Orchestra back to the Center to perform,” said Executive Director of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Terry Murphy. “Not only does the orchestra bring the house down with its excellent musicianship, but the afternoon music clinics give 70 area students a glimpse of what they can achieve with practice and a passion for music."

Following the evening’s concert, a Mardi Gras party will proceed in the gallery where attendees can enjoy Cajun-themed hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, jazz combo and jazz inspired visual art on display. As with previous years, this event serves as an opportunity to donate funds for the renovation and operation of the area’s new Center for the Arts, a facility for the community that is truly the first of its kind in Ludington. “Jazz It Up” is many arts convening into one celebration for a cause.

Tickets are $25 per person and available online at ludingtonartscenter.org as well as at the door.


The 2011 Jazz it Up event will be held Saturday February 19th at the Ludington Center for the Arts featuring the Michigan State University's premiere jazz ensemble, the MSU Jazz Octet One under the direction of Professor Rodney Whitaker. There will be a clinic for all area music students at the Center for the Arts starting at 1:00 ending at 3:00pm. There will be a fundraiser that night at the L.A.C.A starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25.00 for the event. This event is MANDATORY for all LHS Jazz Ensemble members.

Jazz it up is a fundraiser that brings in acts from across the region to help raise money for the Ludington Center of the Arts. During this time, the Ludington band students get the perks of this event by attending master classes given by the guest artists. The clinics are usually held in the morning at the L.A.C.A and the day finished up with a big concert featuring our guest artist.