February at The Block: Jazz Saxophone Greats, Baroque Meditations and 2026-2027 Mainstage Season Announced
Muskegon, MI — With its tagline “For the Musically Curious,” sonic variety is in the very DNA of The Block, West Michigan Symphony’s live listening room. This month’s offerings are a case in point. On Saturday, February 7 jazz saxophonist Jordan VanHemert will celebrate two of his greatest predecessors: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. This will be followed on Friday the 13th with WMS Principal Bass Robert Johnson and a group of musician friends presenting music by Bach, Couperin and other masters of the 18th century Baroque style. Concerts start at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by calling 231.726.3231, at westmichigansymphony.org or in person at 360 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon.
“This month at The Block starts with these two very distinctive programs,” said West Michigan Symphony CEO Andy Buelow. “Aesthetically it would be hard to get further apart than mid-20th century jazz and 18th century Baroque. But what they have in common is the focus on great past artists, from Couperin to Coltrane. This is what The Block is made for.” Located in downtown Muskegon, the 120-seat venue is known for its elegant but casual atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and intimate ambiance. Patron seating is a mixture of rows and grouped cocktail tables. Audience members enjoy sipping their favorite beverage while experiencing live music with exceptionally close proximity to the artists.
Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, Jordan VanHemert brings his powerful voice to this tribute to jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Known for crafting music that explores race and social justice, VanHemert blends his Korean cultural roots with blues-infused hard bop in a program honoring two artists who transformed jazz. This concert celebrates 100 years of innovation and enduring influence. Joining him will be Rob Smith on trumpet, Langston Kitchen on bass, Sean Dobbins on drums, and Lisa Sung on piano. The program titled “A Centennial Celebration of Miles Davis and John Coltrane” features more than a dozen classics including “Take the Coltrane,” “Round Midnight, “Moment’s Notice.”
Robert Johnson, Principal Bass of West Michigan Symphony, brings together a versatile and virtuosic group of musicians—including WMS Assistant Principal First Violin Adam Liebert; soprano Jennie Judd Reyes, a teacher at Hope College; and Grand Rapids-based organist Alexis VanZalen who holds positions at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. The program titled “Baroque Mediations for Lent” includes selections from Bach’s Violin Partita No. 3, Telemann’s Première leçons de Ténèbre, Bach’s cello suites and more.
Just Released! 2026-2027 Mainstage Season
The West Michigan Symphony’s 2026-2027 mainstage season at the Frauenthal will bring everything from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto to the nostalgic hits of The Beach Boys and the sweeping soundscape of the Wild West. Music Director Scott Speck has speckled the season with surprises, standards and works that promise to inspire and connect. Season ticket packages are available now starting at just $99, and offer more than just great music – flexible ticket exchange, VIP service, additional ticket discounts and a satisfaction guarantee. For full season listing and information click HERE
About West Michigan Symphony
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon celebrating its 86th Season this year, West Michigan Symphony led by Music Director Scott Speck is a resident presenting group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. The WMS also operates The Block, a 120-seat listening room for the musically curious complementing the WMS’s mainstage orchestra offerings with jazz, classical and more. WMS concerts and education events bring 18,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—annually, making it the largest performing arts organization along the West Michigan Lakeshore.
Media
If media is interested in attending and covering any of the above events, a limited number of media passes are available. Please contact Carla Flanders for more information. For media resources including photos, click HERE.
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