Feb. 27: Minnesota State Mankato Hosts Jazzfest Clinics, Jazz Mavericks Concert

Friday, February 27, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Afternoon concert

Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Performing Arts News Release

MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Performing Arts presents Jazzfest 2026 on Friday, Feb. 27 in the Elias J. Halling Recital Hall of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, 320 Maywood Ave.

Participating schools this year include Mankato East High School, Cleveland High School, Tri-City United High School and Lake Crystal High School. The day will consist of clinics for high school musicians focusing on improving ensemble playing, improvisation techniques, and sectional work. Students will receive direct feedback from jazz educators and performers.

The afternoon concert at 3:30 p.m. will feature a short set from the Minnesota State Mankato Jazz Mavericks and the schools in attendance at JazzFest. Jazzfest ends with an evening concert at 7 p.m. in Halling Recital Hall featuring the Minnesota State Mankato Jazz Mavericks Big Band, directed by Sarah Costello.

This year’s concert features jazz pianist and soloist Austyn Menk. Menk is a pianist, composer, arranger and educator. Menk is a member of the Music Department staff at Northern Illinois University, serving as the music admissions coordinator, a position he entered after completing his MM in jazz studies at NIU in May 2023.

Menk has performed with groups including Dave Stamps’ MODx big band, active in the Twin Cities area; the Blueshift Big Band led by Joel Baer and Chris Parsons, active in the Chicago area; and is a founding member of IRIS, a quintet led by Arman Sangalang. In July of 2022, IRIS attended the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy after having been selected alongside three other groups from the United States. Menk frequently performs with other Chicago-based artists.

General admission is $10 and $7 for students (K-12) and children. Minnesota State Mankato students are admitted free with a valid MavCARD. Those who wish to purchase tickets online should go to hss.mnsu.edu/music-events.

For more information, call the Performance Series office, (507) 389-5549.