X

Lake Effect Jazz Big Band: Midwest Made

Sunday, Aug. 09 | 3:00pm ET (2:00pm CT)

Big BandJazz

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.

The Midwest Made summer concert series puts the spotlight on regional talent in a diverse array of genres to help support their growth and celebrate their artistry.

The 2026 season of Midwest Made is made possible by our series sponsors, Deb and Tom Abrahamson. We are thankful for the support of the Abrahamsons which allows us to present all of the Midwest Made shows as FREE to attend!

Midwest Made Summer Concert Series

July 5: Help Hounds
indie americana

July 12: The Backups
harmony driven pop

July 19: Shiny Shiny Black
indie folk alternative

July 26: Debutants
bluegrass / “Indiana Newgrass”

August 2: DuPont Phillips w/ Sammie Hershock
singer-songwriter, pop, indie folk

August 9: Lake Effect Jazz Big Band
big band/jazz

About the Artists: Lake Effect Jazz Big Band

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, the band performs music from the libraries of Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Chuck Mangione and others. 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 and full length concerts. Featured artists that have performed with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band include vocalists Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge, Michelle Bythrow, Paul Mow, Katie Rohrer, Lisa Dabrowski, Andrew Fisher and Chicago jazz vocalist Tammy McCann. Instrumental soloists have included local trombonist Ed Bagatini, Chicago vibraphonist Jim Cooper, Ann Arbor alto saxophonist Doug Horn, and Grand Rapids area percussionist Kevin “Bujo” Jones.

Thank you to our Midwest Made Series Sponsors, Deb and Tom Abrahamson!

Turn your show experience into a memorable stay! The Loft at The Acorn offers a spacious, industrial-chic apartment above The Acorn theater. Click here for photos and rental information.

 

Get Tickets
TicketsWWW

Box Office opens at 2pm ET
Starts 3:00pm, doors open 2:00pm

An Experience to Outlast Any Performance

No two Acorn performances are exactly the same.  Thoughtful curation brings a diverse mix of top talent to The Acorn, exposing audiences to both renowned and soon-to-be-discovered stars.

About The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts

The Acorn brings great known performers and amazing new ones to southwest Michigan.  Located in the historic featherbone factory, The Acorn’s friendly staff and volunteers, and an acoustically rich sound system combine for memorable experiences. We’re located in Three Oaks, Michigan …  just over an hour from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from South Bend, IN.

The Acorn, a nonprofit organization, annually hosts a singer songwriter competition and a Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights. Our Open Mic nights showcase a variety of strong talent and our educational workshops include songwriting and master classes in performance.

The Acorn’s Mission

To offer a broad range of high-quality arts and education programming that nurtures cultural experience, participation and community engagement among residents and visitors of all ages and enhances the economic vitality of the region.


Learn More