Jazz Showcase: an intimate jazz club on Rozsa stage Oct. 31, Nov. 1

Tickets are going fast for the Jazz Showcase -- 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday at the Rozsa! (Image courtesy Rozsa Center)

HOUGHTON -- See the Rozsa stage transformed into an intimate jazz-club atmosphere with the Jazz Showcase: Backstage at the Rozsa at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and enjoy two nights of Big Band Jazz "Up Close and Personal" in this "pop up" jazz club setting.

Join the The R and D Big Band and the Jazz Lab Band (JLB), with special guests JazTec and Momentum, both under the direction of Mike Irish, for two great evenings of a wide variety of jazz. The Rozsa stage becomes a jazz lounge with cocktail tables and cash bar, and of course hot jazz provided by two Michigan Tech jazz ensembles, with special guest performances both nights. On the "menu" at the Bebop Bistro is a variety of tantalizing entrees and recipes for a great evening! Be prepared for a sonic gourmet delight!

Music selections will range from Skyhawk, a composition by Fred Sturm, with a floating, atmospheric feel; City, a composition by Jeff Lorber, hot, urban Philadelphia funk (Phunk?); Zsa Zsa Queen, by Matt Harris-moody, reggae feel; Toss and Turn by Lennie Niehaus -- straight ahead swing with a blues tinge; to Bone Talk, by Mark Taylor -- blues featuring the "bone" section.

The R and D Band is a very talented group of young musicians investigating a wide variety of jazz styles. The energy of the R and D Band is infectious! The JLB is known for its commitment to playing and featuring jazz in all of its myriad styles.

Tickets are: Adults $13, Youth $5, Students $5 or Michigan Tech Students Free With Experience Tech Fee. To purchase tickets, call (906) 487-2073, go online at rozsa.mtu.edu or visit Ticketing Operations at Michigan Tech’s Student Development Complex (SDC). Please note the Rozsa Box Office is closed during regular business hours, and will only open two hours prior to show times.

Community Art Center to hold Parade of Confections fundraiser Feb. 14

HANCOCK -- Looking for a special treat for Valentine's Day?  Dress up and come out for the annual Parade of Confections, where there will be a live auction of decadent gourmet desserts. The Parade of Confections is an annual fundraiser for the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) in Hancock and will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Michigan Tech Lakeshore Center, on the downtown Houghton waterfront, 600 E. Lakeshore Drive.

Event auctioneer Phil Musser, executive director of Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), will begin the live auction at 7 p.m. sharp. The evening will also include a silent auction of jewelry and art, live music by Mike Irish, and hors d'oeuvres. People may also bid on desserts individually or in groups.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is a non profit arts organization dedicated to fostering an environment where the arts and people grow together. Tickets ($10 or 2/$15) may be purchased at the Arts Center or at the door. The CCCAC is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock.  Call 482-2333 for more information or visit www.facebook.com/CCCAC/events.