Jazz vocalist, composer and songwriter Michael Mayo, who uses vocal layering, beatboxing and improvisation to create contemporary jazz infused with neo-soul and R&B, will perform Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Play Circle Theater in Memorial Union. The concert is part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT) 2026–27 Jazz Series.
The Los Angeles-based artist has toured with Herbie Hancock and released the albums Bones in 2021 and Fly in 2024. Fly earned Mayo his first two Grammy nominations: Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance for his recording of the jazz standard “Four.”
Mayo studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at UCLA, now known as the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
“Michael Mayo creates layers of sound, improvises and moves between different musical styles with such ease,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said in a press release. “I think audience members are going to have fun seeing how he puts many vocal techniques together. His work draws on a wide range of musical influences and personal experiences, creating opportunities for audience members to connect with his music on multiple levels.”
