2025 Jazz, Specialty & Classical Acts

Thank you to our 2025 New Year's Fest Jazz & Classical Acts.

Click the artists' photo to learn more!

Octocelli

Location: First Congregational
Times: 6:00, 8:00, 10:15 p.m.

Octocelli is a group of Michigan cellists most of whom have played in the Kalamazoo Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and

Kalamazoo Philharmonia who enjoy playing a variety of music together including classical, pop, and sacred music.

Josh Holcomb

Location: KNAC

Times: 6:45, 8:30, 10:15 p.m.

Joshua Holcomb offers a fresh and modern take on violin music. Using a combination of effects, samplers, and live looping, he performs compelling original works spanning a wide range of genres. Expect to hear groovy beats, energizing melodies, and comforting waves of sound from this Kalamazoo native.

He has performed with the Kalamazoo Symphony, Southwest Michigan Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Holland Symphony, and through these experiences has had the great honor of sharing the stage with such iconic musicians as Yo-Yo Ma, Charlie Albright, Rachel Barton Pine, Midori, and Electric Rock Violinist Mark Wood (of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra).

Zondo Love

Location: Radisson Ballroom
Time: 10-11:30 p.m.

With his guitar and voice, he juxtaposes traditional Liberian roots rhythm with American folk styles, creating music that our hearts understand. His songs aim to heal, unite & ignite our spirits, empowering us to resonate with Truth & Love amidst adversity.

Silent but Deadly

Location: First Congregational Church

Times: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 p.m.

Silent But Deadly is a chamber orchestra composed of Kalamazoo-based professional musicians whose purpose is to bring the art of the silent film orchestra back to the modern era. Their chief mission is to compose new music for silent classics while providing an entertaining and informative look at the world of silent film orchestration.