HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – The Rozsa Center is offering an opportunity for music and media lovers of all kinds this weekend.

Four university jazz groups will be playing a variety of favorite music from movies, video games and TV. The fun starts Friday night with the R&D Big Band and Workshop Brass Band, which will be performing New Orleans-style tunes.

“Saturday night, we’ve got the Jazz Lab Band playing,” said MTU Associate Director of Jazz Adam Meckler. “They will be doing a whole show of TV, film and video game music, along with video happening behind the band, so it will be a multi-media experience.”

The Video Game Jazz Ensemble will also perform on Saturday, playing music such as arrangements from the Legend of Zelda series. One of its members, Trumpeter Robby Pause, says not to underestimate how good an arrangement of video game music can be.

“You don’t look at video game music and instantly think it could be jazz,” said Pause. “And then, when you arrange it for a jazz band, it fits so well. So, honestly, it’s just cool to play and also to hear.”

All performances will be done in a backstage jazz club setting, with seats placed on the stage itself. Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with players as they perform.

“These backstage concerts are a rare chance to actually be with the musicians,” said Trombonist Matt Plansinis. “See how they interact with each other and just what goes on behind the scenes. We get to talk a lot, and this is a rare opportunity, especially with the Workshop Band: you get to dance and sing along with us.”

According to Meckler, there are between 150 to 180 seats available, but they are expected to sell out fast. Both performances will be at 7:30 p.m.

To find out how to purchase tickets, click here.

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