New Variety Collective - Guest Artist Concert

Frostburg State University Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance Presents New Variety Collective in Guest Artist Series Concert During Homecoming & Family Weekend

Frostburg State University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will present the Maryland-based ensemble New Variety Collective in a Guest Artist Series concert on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of the Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed; Click the red Join Stream button on this page to join the livestream.

The concert is part of Frostburg State University’s Homecoming & Family Weekend, scheduled for October 14–18, 2026.

New Variety Collective is a dynamic ensemble based in Maryland that serves the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the greater DMV region. The group blends the sophistication of jazz with the energy of R&B, soul, funk and blues. Its sound features rich horn arrangements, lush vocals and a deep rhythmic pocket, supported by live instrumentation that can include saxophones, tuba, upright bass, fiddles and cellos. The ensemble delivers fresh interpretations of classic tracks alongside modern favorites and has performed at regional events such as Mana Fest and the Flower and Jazz Festival (Library Stage in Westminster, Md.), as well as at local clubs and festivals across the DMV. Follow the group on Instagram at @newvarietycollective.

The concert will feature Frostburg State alumni Mirto Dorcil ’19 and Kamonte Johnson ’22. Dorcil, a pianist who studied under Tom Harrison, presented a junior recital of jazz-focused repertoire during his time at FSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music. Johnson, a Baltimore native and drummer/percussionist who earned a degree in Music Industry, has performed in jazz clubs, concert halls and community settings and currently teaches drums.

“This Guest Artist Series performance brings two of our talented alumni back to campus with a vibrant ensemble that showcases the range and creativity of contemporary music rooted in jazz and related styles,” said a representative of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “We are excited to welcome New Variety Collective and share this free evening of music with the campus and community during Homecoming & Family Weekend.”

The Pealer Recital Hall is a 458-seat proscenium-style music hall located in the Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center at 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Md. Free events in the series are routinely livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

For more information, contact the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at 301-687-4109 or visit www.frostburg.edu/concerts. Additional details about Homecoming & Family Weekend events are available through the Office of Alumni Relations at www.frostburg.edu/alumni/homecoming-events.php.