Where jazz still swings: Kalamazoo hosts all-star Trumpet Summit in honor of Roy Hargrove

KALAMAZOO, MI — What do you get when you mix five world-class trumpeters, a community of passionate students, and a city with jazz in its bones? A daylong celebration of soul, sound, and swing. On Saturday, October 11, Kalamazoo will come alive with the sounds of horns and history at the Roy Hargrove Trumpet Summit, a free music education and performance event honoring the late, great trumpet virtuoso.

Hosted by WMU Jazz and Rev. Millard F. Southern III, pastor at Kalamazoo’s Allen Chapel A.M.E., and made possible by the John Stites Jazz Awards, this exciting day will feature masterclasses, performances, and a community celebration of jazz. Whether you’re a student, a jazz enthusiast, or just someone who loves great music, this is an event not to miss.

The John Stites Jazz Awards honor the memory of John Stites and his commitment to expanded public awareness and appreciation of jazz music.  A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, Stites recorded thousands of students as well as professional musicians at his studio, Arcadia Recording, and was a passionate supporter of live jazz in the Kalamazoo area.     

A star-studded lineup of trumpet royalty

Taking the stage and classroom are some of the most respected names in jazz trumpet today: Jon Faddis, Freddie Hendrix, Ashlin Parker, Corey Wilkes, and Maurice Brown, along with a special morning class led by John Hagstrom of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

This all-day summit includes:

• 10 a.m. – Trumpet Class with John Hagstrom (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)
  
• 11:30 a.m. – Pizza lunch for registered students
  
• 1 p.m. – Improvisation Clinic with Corey Wilkes & Maurice Brown
  
• 2 p.m. – Student Performance Adjudications with Parker, Hendrix, Wilkes, & Brown
  
• 3 p.m. – Presentation on Roy Hargrove’s Legacy with Rev. Millard Southern
  
• 4 p.m. – Trumpet Masterclass with Jon Faddis
  
• 7:30 p.m. – Evening concert featuring all guest artists
  

The day is designed with students in mind, offering them the chance to participate in clinics, receive feedback on their combos, and learn directly from today’s masters — all at no cost. Registration for student workshops closed on Sept. 19.

More than an event — a movement

For Rev. Millard F. Southern III, this summit is about more than just music — it’s about legacy, community, and healing. A doctoral student at WMU and a local pastor, Southern’s work bridges jazz, theology, and cultural studies.

“At the heart of jazz is the blues,” says Southern. “And at its deepest core, those ‘blue notes’ are optimism in the face of despair. Roy Hargrove’s music embodied that. It uplifted the human spirit and gave young people a voice.”

Why Kalamazoo? Southern points to the city’s rich but often overlooked jazz history.

“At the heart of jazz is the blues. And at its deepest core, those ‘blue notes’ are optimism in the face of despair. Roy Hargrove’s music embodied that. It uplifted the human spirit and gave young people a voice.” — Millard Southern, III

“Years ago, Kalamazoo was known for its jazz clubs and local talent. Even recently, students performed regularly at The Union downtown before it closed during COVID. There’s still a strong jazz program at WMU and incredible high school bands in the area — but nothing survives without community support. This summit is part of a larger movement to bring jazz back to the forefront here.”

That larger movement includes events like Jazz at the Crawlspace, Gilmore’s Rising Stars Jazz Series, the Edison Jazz Fest, and jazz concerts hosted by Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Fontana Chamber Arts, and Connecting Chords Music Festival. The momentum is building, and Kalamazoo is fast becoming a regional hub for live jazz that rivals Chicago or Detroit.

A free, family-friendly celebration of American artistry

The trumpet summit isn’t just for students. It’s a chance for the broader community to experience world-class jazz, learn more about its roots, and witness its power to connect people.

“The public will be treated to some of the most important, soulful musicians of our time,” says Southern. “Their artistry reaches deep into the human soul. This music is beautiful, romantic, funky, and real. It swings — and when it swings, it brings people together.”

The legacy of Roy Hargrove, one of the most influential trumpeters of the modern era, is central to this celebration. Known for bridging jazz, soul, hip-hop, and Afro-Cuban styles, Hargrove was passionate about mentoring young musicians and making music that spoke to everyday life.

“For me, this is about carrying on Roy’s legacy — introducing his music to a new generation and helping students find their own voices,” says Southern. “It’s about building community through creativity, listening, and mutual respect — something we need more than ever.”

Come be a part of it

Whether you’re a trumpet player, a jazz lover, or someone curious about what makes this music so timeless, you’re invited to join in the celebration. The concert is free for registered students and open to the public — but tickets are going fast.

This is your chance to hear and learn from some of the most inspiring musicians alive, in a city that’s proving jazz is very much alive and swinging.

Buy concert tickets now and help support the resurgence of jazz in Kalamazoo.