Photo courtesy of Michigan Technological University Adam Meckler conducts Michigan Tech's Jazz Lab Band in a concert at the Rozsa Center. The Lab Band is one of several jazz ensembles that will perform at the McArdle Theatre Frtiday and Saturday for the annual Don Keranen Jazz Festival.

HOUGHTON — It may not hold the same place in the history of Michigan Technological University as science and engineering, but the study and performance of Jazz at Tech dates back nearly 60 years. And while there have been hundreds of performers, and dozens of outstanding artists over the years, one name stands out when discussing Jazz at Michigan Tech. The man who started it: Don Keranen.

The annual Don Keranen Jazz Festival takes place (this) Friday and Saturday at the McArdle Theatre in the Walker Arts and Humanities Building, on the MTU campus.

The late Don Keranen began the Jazz program at Michigan Tech in 1967. Adam Meckler, associate professor of visual and performing arts, is also the current director of Jazz studies.

“It all started with Don Keranen,” Meckler said. “He began the great Jazz tradition here. (Professor Emeritus) Mike Irish, a student of Don’s, followed in his footsteps and I’m carrying on the tradition.”

While it’s been decades since Keranen was at Michigan Tech, Meckler said it’s important his contributions live on. “It’s important to me to build on that tradition. Recently I’ve listened to recordings of his bands from the 70’s and I’m constantly meeting and talking with students of his. Don Keranen was very important to Jazz at Michigan Tech.”

While it may surprise some to discover a long Jazz history at a STEM school that doesn’t offer a music degree, Meckler said it does make sense when you think about it.

“I guess, could say it’s a well-kept secret, but Jazz has been around a long time,” Meckler said. “Jazz is mathematical. What I try to do is work on the creative side, encouraging human expression. There are so many outstanding Jazz musicians with science and technology backgrounds. And there have been many outstanding performers who’ve studied here”

The weekend will feature performances by all of the University’s Jazz band. Things get kicked off at 7:30 p.m. Friday with performances by the Video Game Jazz Ensemble and the R&D Band. Directed by Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Drew Kilpela, the R&D Band performs a mix of traditional and modern big band repertoire. Friday’s concert will include the first of two performances by Minneapolis pianist Steven Hobert, the 2025 Guest Artist.

“I’ve known Steven a long time,” Meckler said, noting the Wisconsin native is the long-time pianist with the Adam Meckler Orchestra.

“He’s a wonderful performer and song writer.”

Meckler said Hobert plays according in the combo Lulu’s Playground featuring Meckler on Trumpet, a guitarist and cellist.

Meckler will host local middle and high school students in a masterclass on Saturday afternoon. The students will learn a tune by ear and are invited to perform to open the first concert that evening. The 6 p.m. concert features the Jazz Lab band and Hobert performing compositions written by Meckler.

“The Lab Band is our top band and goes on tour every January,” Meckler said. The award-winning 18-piece band features musicians from throughout the country performing a broad repertoire of Jazz ranging from the Big Band Era to contemporary Jazz.

The evening, and the festival itself, finishes with an 8 p.m. performance by JazTec and the Workshop Brass Band. “The Brass Band is our newest band,” Meckler said, noting a need for a “New Orleans” style ensemble.

Tickets for the Don Keranen Jazz Festival are $20, with Pay As You’re Able admission available. More information and the complete lineup is available at event.mtu.edu