Lake Michigan College Hosts Three-Night Spring Jazz Fest

The annual event features guest artists, LMC performance ensembles, and a celebration of the region's jazz legacy.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a highly reflective, golden saxophone bell, capturing the glamour and drama of live jazz performance through dramatic studio lighting and extreme macro focus.The vibrant sounds of jazz will fill the air at Lake Michigan College's annual Spring Jazz Fest, celebrating the region's rich musical legacy.Paw Paw Lake Today

Lake Michigan College's Visual & Performing Arts Department is hosting its annual Jazz Fest from April 22-24, featuring three nights of free public performances showcasing guest artists and LMC music ensembles. The event includes an evening exploring the history of jazz in Southwest Michigan, a Latin music showcase with the LMC Jazz Band and Lago Rojo Salsa Band, and a collaboration between Vox LMC and Western Michigan University's acclaimed Gold Company vocal jazz ensemble.

Why it matters

Jazz Fest 2026 shines a light on the rich musical heritage of Southwest Michigan, which has produced influential artists like pianist Gene Harris but has often been overlooked. The festival provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate this legacy and for students to gain valuable performance experience alongside acclaimed guest musicians.

The details

The three-night Jazz Fest kicks off on April 22 with 'The Stories We Tell: A History of Jazz in Southwest Michigan,' an intimate evening of live music and storytelling hosted by Andrew Fisher and featuring Gene Harris' daughter, vocalist Beth Haire-Lewis. On April 23, the LMC Jazz Band, bassist Andrew Thompson, and Lago Rojo Salsa Band will deliver a vibrant program of Latin jazz classics and new compositions. The festival concludes on April 24 with a collaboration between Vox LMC and Western Michigan University's acclaimed Gold Company vocal jazz ensemble.

  • Jazz Fest 2026 will take place from April 22-24.
  • The Stories We Tell: A History of Jazz in Southwest Michigan is on April 22 at 6 p.m.
  • The LMC Jazz Band, Andrew Thompson, and Lago Rojo Salsa Band perform on April 23 at 6 p.m.
  • Vox LMC and WMU Gold Company take the stage on April 24 at 7 p.m.

The players

Andrew Fisher

Host and performer for the 'The Stories We Tell: A History of Jazz in Southwest Michigan' event.

Beth Haire-Lewis

Vocalist and daughter of jazz pianist Gene Harris, who will join Andrew Fisher for the history event.

Ed Bagatini

Director of the LMC music department, who will be featured in the history event.

Andrew Thompson

Bassist who will perform with the LMC Jazz Band on April 23.

Greg Jasperse

Director of the WMU Gold Company vocal jazz ensemble, which will collaborate with Vox LMC on April 24.

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What they’re saying

“Southwest Michigan has a jazz story most people have never heard, and Jazz Fest 2026 is its long-overdue spotlight.”

— Andrew Fisher, Host and performer

“Alumni have gone on to perform with Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Sting, and Liza Minnelli, as well as on stages from Broadway to Hollywood.”

— Greg Jasperse, Director, WMU Gold Company

What’s next

Tickets for the Jazz Fest events are free and available to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as seating is limited.

The takeaway

Jazz Fest 2026 celebrates the rich musical heritage of Southwest Michigan, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and appreciate the region's influential role in the history of jazz. The festival also offers LMC students valuable performance experience alongside acclaimed guest artists, furthering the college's commitment to excellence in the visual and performing arts.