Leelanau County residents are in for a musically entertaining treat Saturday — The Michigan State University (MSU) Jazz Orchestra will perform on stage with Grammynominated pianist Bobby Floyd at the Suttons Bay High School auditorium at 3 p.m. There will also be a free open rehearsal for students and community members from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
“I’m just really excited to get to show these students at Suttons Bay a high quality concert and expose them to these high quality musicians,” said Dante Billeci, Suttons Bay School 5-12 band teacher. “The intention of all of this is to inspire the students and encourage them to continue in the band program and get excited about music… Everyone is invited in the community, from students to staff members at Suttons Bay, to just people in the region who want to hear a good concert.”
Billeci is also a recent music education and jazz studies graduate of MSU, and previously played in the same MSU jazz orchestra as a saxophonist. He said while the touring jazz orchestra allows MSU students to get more performance experience, it’s also a great opportunity for Michigan students to connect and learn from professional musicians.
