MSU Jazz Orchestra to perform at Cleary University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
March 7, 2026
 
MSU Jazz Orchestra to perform at Cleary University
One night only event features nationally acclaimed drummer Harvey Mason
 
(HOWELL, MI) Cleary University is proud to announce that the MSU Jazz Orchestra will perform on the Cleary campus for a one night-only concert on Friday, March 13 at 7 pm. Admission is free!
 
Harvey Mason, an acclaimed American jazz drummer, record producer and founding member of the jazz supergroup Fourplay, is a highlight of the evening. He is considered one of history’s most sought-after and accomplished drummers, receiving many Grammy nominations and accolades as an outstanding producer, composer and recording artist. Mason has performed with dozens of internationally known musicians and singers including George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Carol King, Sergio Mendes, Dionne Warwick and Grover Washington Jr. His collaborations include legendary names such as Barbra Streisand, James Brown, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Björk, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, John Legend, Seal, and even the esteemed London Symphony Orchestra. Mason has served as a percussionist for the Academy Awards ceremonies 25 times.
 
The MSU Jazz Orchestra I, headliners for the evening at Cleary, is Michigan State University's premier jazz ensemble – a 25-piece group of exceptional emerging artists nicknamed "The Be-Bop Spartans" by jazz luminary Todd Barkan. With an extensive history of touring nationally and internationally – including performances in New York, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, the ensemble brings a dynamic and deeply accomplished musicianship to every stage. Rodney Whitaker, director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, leads the group.
 
This is a rare opportunity to experience world-class jazz right here in Livingston County.
 
Admission is free, but seats are limited. To reserve a seat, visit https://bit.ly/4uow5UK


Cleary University is located at 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell (off Grand River Avenue and west of Latson).
 
About Cleary University
Founded in 1883, Cleary University is a four-year, private, nonprofit accredited university, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees from a unique Business Arts curriculum, and driven by a faculty of thought leaders with deep, practical experience in their industries. Offering on-campus and online education models, Cleary also provides a robust athletic program of 22 sports and a rich residence life with nearly 200 students living on the quiet, rolling 50-acre campus. Cleary graduates tend to land jobs faster than their peers and with higher earning salaries at the start of their careers. The university was ranked #1 in Michigan for return on investment among private, nonprofit business schools and #1 in Michigan for earnings one year post graduation. Cleary recently earned the #3 spot in Michigan for Best Business College, has one of the lowest tuition rates among private colleges in Michigan and has the highest rating possible for safety (A+). The Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education have recognized Cleary as an Opportunity University for “higher access and higher earnings,” the top classification in the country.
 
To learn more about Cleary University, visit its website: https://cleary.edu. 
 
MAIN CAMPUS // 3750 CLEARY DRIVE, HOWELL MI 48843
DETROIT EDUCATION CENTER // 2470 COLLINGWOOD ST, DETROIT, MI 48206
CLEARY.EDU. 800-686-1883