MSU jazz orchestras with Ed Cherry, guitar

This week, Michigan State University jazz studies welcomes a quiet yet mighty master of the deep groove, guitarist Ed Cherry, as the first MSU Federal Credit Union jazz artist in residence of the 2026-‘27 academic year. Cherry launched his career playing in several groups led by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 until 1992. His funky spirit, melodic sensibility and casually virtuosic chops have made him indispensable in widely varied groups led by the likes of Latin great Paquito D’Rivera, avant-garde seeker Henry Threadgill, straight-ahead trumpeter Roy Hargrove and soulful organist “Big John” Patton. He’s bringing his many skills and generous spirit to MSU for a week of classes, touring, rehearsals and a climactic concert with the MSU jazz orchestras Sunday at Fairchild Theatre.