The 53^rd annual Lakeland Jazz Festival will be in full swing March 14 and 16, 2025, with two events fit for the whole family to enjoy. The performances will be held in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center in the D-Building of Lakeland’s campus, located at 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio, 44094.

The festival will kick off Friday, March 14, with its “Serving the Schools” initiative, where middle school and high school bands perform on campus for adjudication by celebrated educators in the jazz community. This event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Matthew Saunders, Lakeland’s music department chair and director of the Lakeland Civic Orchestra, expressed that “Serving the Schools” is a unique opportunity, “allowing young musicians to be coached and inspired by some of the very best in Northeast Ohio’s vibrant arts and music scene.”

Following adjudication, the weekend’s festivities will conclude Sunday, March 16, with a concert by the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra and guest vocalist, Eileen Burns. Burns is an accomplished vocalist specializing in jazz standards, swing and rhythm & blues, based in Cleveland, Ohio. From 2003-2008, Burns co-hosted and performed in Cleveland's longest-running show, the Midnight Martini Show, which garnered national media attention and appearances at prestigious venues. She continued performing in Cleveland theater productions and radio shows before being selected as the female vocalist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 2012. During her year with GMO, she toured internationally, performing at notable venues and appearing on their 2013 album "In the Mood." After GMO, she continued performing locally with various groups including Canton Comic Opera and Red Light Roxy.

FESTIVAL TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online at lakelandcc.edu/jazzfestival or at the box office upon arrival.

$10 general admission, $7 seniors, and $2 students.

Online purchasers should bring their order confirmation to show at the door. The Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center is located on the first floor of the D-Building on the campus of Lakeland Community College, located at the I-90/State Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

By: Jaylen Love, Marketing Communications Specialist