Twenty-five years. That’s how long MSUFCU has been bringing world-class jazz musicians to Lansing, Michigan—and if you’ve ever attended one of their Blue Mondays concerts, you already know why this matters.
On March 9, 2026, MSU Federal Credit Union closed out the silver anniversary season of their Blue Mondays Concert Series with a bang. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about great music (though there’s plenty of that). It’s part of something bigger—the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence Program, a collaboration with Michigan State University’s College of Music that’s quietly shaping the next generation of jazz talent.
More Than Just a Concert Series
The setup is simple but brilliant. Accomplished jazz artists spend a week working directly with MSU jazz studies professors, mentoring both high school and college students. Think of it as a masterclass meets real-world experience. Then, to cap off their residency, these musicians perform for the community at MSUFCU’s headquarters—which is where the Blue Mondays magic happens.
This past season featured some serious heavy-hitters:
- Jazz trumpeter Sean Jones kicked things off on October 6, 2025
- Vocalist René Marie brought her powerful voice on December 1, 2025
- Legendary drummer Harvey Mason closed out the season on March 9, 2026
The Numbers Tell a Story
Across these three performances, 723 people showed up to experience live jazz in an intimate setting. That’s 723 evenings that didn’t involve scrolling through streaming services or staring at screens—just real people, real music, and a shared experience that’s becoming increasingly rare.
“The Monday concerts at MSUFCU that kick off each residency are a tremendous gift to greater Lansing,” said James B. Forger, Dean of the MSU College of Music. “They always attract a capacity crowd and build community around food and powerful music. The College of Music is grateful to MSUFCU and its members for enriching the lives of so many in our community and across the state of Michigan through this initiative.”
Why This Matters
Look, plenty of organizations write checks to support the arts and call it a day. What makes Blue Mondays different is the longevity and consistency. Twenty-five years means MSUFCU was doing this before streaming services existed, before social media, back when people still used MapQuest for directions to concerts.
“Reaching the 25-year milestone with this program is a testament to MSUFCU’s commitment to the cultural heartbeat of our community,” said Arianna Ridderbusch, Vice President of Community Impact at MSUFCU. “We are incredibly proud to have spent a quarter-century bringing world-class talent to a local stage, ensuring that the transformative power of live music remains accessible to everyone in the community.”
That accessibility piece is key. These aren’t concerts where you need to drive to a major city or drop serious cash on tickets. They’re happening right in the community, making world-class jazz available to anyone who wants to show up.
The series also benefits from partnerships with Creative Dining and Foster Piano Tuning, because even the best jazz performance needs good food and a properly tuned piano.
Here’s to another 25 years of Blue Mondays—and to organizations that understand culture isn’t just something you consume, but something you actively build.