SAM 2nd Annual JazzFest—Merrimans' Play-House, Patti Shaffner, and Sam Burckhardt @ Vickers Theatre w/ multiple special guests
Saturday, Sep. 19 | 1:00pm ET (12:00pm CT)
Jazz Fest 2026 - The Art of the Song
Celebrating the voices, stories, and spirit of jazz.
WEEKEND PASSES AVAILABLE for a limited time. Get yours through August 31st while they last!
Friday, September 18
Wildflowers: Kurt Elling with Ben Paterson
@ The Acorn - 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, MI
Saturday, September 19
A full day of music!
@ The Vickers Theatre - 6 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI
- 1pm ET: Merrimans' Play-House Open Mic Showcase featuring the Merrimans' Play-House Players
- 6pm ET: Patti Shaffner with Buddy Pearson & Leandro Lopez Varady
- 8pm ET: Sam Burckhardt with Jeremy Kahn + Jake Vinsel
Sunday, September 20
Jazz Sunday Brunch featuring Jeanne Franks with Mark Burnell and Joshua Ramos
@ Commune + Market - 105 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI
WEEKEND PASSES AVAILABLE for a limited time. Get yours through August 31st while they last!
The second day of SAM's 2nd annual JazzFest is a full day of jazz: Merrimans' Play-House Open Mic, Patti Shaffner with Buddy Pearson & Leandro Lopez Varady, and Sam Burckhardt with Jeremy Kahn + Jake Vinsel all take the stage at Vickers Theatre!
Schedule:
- 1pm ET: Merrimans' Play-House Open Mic Showcase featuring the Merrimans' Play-House Players
- 6pm ET: Patti Shaffner with Buddy Pearson & Leandro Lopez Varady
- 8pm ET: Sam Burckhardt with Jeremy Kahn + Jake Vinsel
About the Artists:
1pm ET
Merrimans' Play-House Open Mic Showcase
Experience one of jazz’s most dynamic traditions as the Merrimans’ Play-House Players bring their Jazz Open Session to Three Oaks during Jazz Fest 2026. Led by Stephen Merriman (drums), Mary Merriman (bass), Titus Arko (piano), Maximilian Wilfinger (trumpet), and Andrew Fisher (vocals), this interactive performance celebrates collaboration, creativity, and the spirit of improvisation through beloved jazz standards.
Audience members are invited to listen, connect, or even join in. Musicians of all experience levels are welcome to sit in—just let us know, and we’ll work you into the session. Rooted in the democratic tradition of jazz, the open session creates space for artists to meet, respond in the moment, and make music together.
Bring your instrument, your ears, and your friends. Egos stay at the door—collaboration begins here.
6pm ET
Patti Shaffner with Buddy Pearson & Leandro Lopez Varady
Experience an unforgettable evening of world-class musicianship as vocalist Patti Shaffner joins acclaimed bassist Buddy Pearson and pianist Leandro Lopez Varady for a dynamic Jazz Fest performance at The Vickers Theatre. From soulful jazz and blues to inspired improvisation and genre-blending artistry, this trio brings together decades of performance excellence and creative passion for one captivating night of music.
8pm ET
Sam Burckhardt with Jeremy Kahn + Jake Vinsel
Saturday night swings into high gear with an unforgettable performance at The Vickers Theatre featuring internationally acclaimed saxophonist and vocalist Sam Burckhardt alongside celebrated Chicago pianist Jeremy Kahn and acclaimed bassist Jake Vinsel. Blending jazz, blues, swing, and soulful improvisation, this powerhouse trio brings decades of experience from legendary clubs, festivals, recordings, and collaborations around the world. From Burckhardt’s rich tenor saxophone and vocals to Kahn’s masterful piano stylings and Vinsel’s dynamic bass work, audiences can expect an evening of sophisticated musicianship, irresistible rhythm, and timeless jazz energy.
Saturday tickets include access to all three shows on Saturday, September 19.
All ticket purchases are non-refundable, non-exchangeable.
The Acorn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Location: Vickers Theatre
Starts 1:00pm, doors open 12:30pm
