World-renowned jazz artist Kevin Mahogany returns to the Baker University stage this weekend to share his musical insight and perform for the community. The 1981 Baker alumnus will begin his performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday in Rice Auditorium.

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This will be the first inaugural event of the week.

In November of 2013, Mahogany came to visit Baker and lent an ear to the student ensembles on campus. In addition to performing alongside the Baker University Jazz Ensemble, Mahogany also visited classes to give pointers and work with students on their performance pieces.

Junior Dante Simmons was a band member who worked with Mahogany and attended his concert last year. He finds Mahogany to be a lot like the jazz music he performs.

“As a person, he really embraces jazz culture,” Simmons said. “He’s really calm, laid back and easygoing.”

Mahogany’s method of critiquing was something that stood out to Simmons.

“If there was a sound he really wanted us to match, he’d show us by scatting sections of the songs,” Simmons said.

Sophomore Kristina Heinrich worked with Mahogany in Baker Concert Choir last year. Her first impression of Mahogany painted him to be very open with his opinions.

“He was very honest about the things that we needed to work on,” Heinrich said. “But he was able to give his critiques in a constructive way instead.”

Students or community members can attend the free performance on Sunday to both enjoy the music and to celebrate the start of the inaugural events. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods, clothing or funds to benefit the Baldwin City Emergency Relief Fund.