Concerts in the Park: Lake Effect Jazz Big Band

“Our mission is to promote the art of JAZZ through performance, education, and community outreach” Now in its 27th year of bringing its unique blend of traditional big band and contemporary jazz arrangements to the summer venues of Michigan’s beautiful southwest region, the LAKE EFFECT JAZZ BIG BAND continues to be one of the premier big bands in the Midwest. Specializing in new arrangements of classic standards, new compositions for contemporary big bands, and golden oldies. For the 2026 season the band will be performing music from the libraries of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie, among others. Special tributes will honor the recent loss of jazz legends Chuck Mangione, Gordon Goodwin, and Tony Bennett. 2026 also marks what would have been the 100th birthday of jazz great Miles Davis. The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band is committed to preserving the uniquely American art form of big band jazz in concert and jazz festival settings across Southwest Michigan. The band is led by Steven L. Reed, retired instrumental music teacher for the St. Joseph Public Schools, where he taught jazz ensemble, orchestra, and band for 35 years. Several members of the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band are current or retired music educators and jazz education is a priority for the LEJBB. The band performs between twelve and fifteen concerts each summer including Jazz Festivals, full length concerts at the Box Factory in St. Joseph, and outdoor venues in Southwest Michigan cities and townships. Featured artists that have performed with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band include vocalists Paul Mow, Katie Rohrer, Lisa Dabrowski, and Chicago jazz vocalist Tammy McCann. Instrumental soloists have included local trombonist Ed Bagatini, Chicago vibraphonist Jim Cooper, Ann Arbor alto saxophonist Doug Horn, Grand Rapids area percussionist Kevin “Bujo” Jones, Los Angeles lead trumpeter Wayne.
Bronson Park
200 S Rose Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Concerts in the Park is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, with support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the City of Kalamazoo. It is one of Kalamazoo’s long-standing traditions, typically held on Sunday afternoons in June, July, and August at Bronson Park, delivering a unique experience unlike any other. Each concert is free and family-friendly. Bring chairs or blankets for your comfort!
There is no rain site for Concerts in the Park. If inclement weather is expected, the concert may be canceled by 2 pm on that same day.
On-street parking is available all around the perimeter of the park at any meter.
Additional parking is nearby at the South Street Parking Garage. First 90 minutes are free.
Sponsors:
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
WMUK 102.1
Encore
Kzoo Parks
Michigan Arts and Culture Council