Kevin Dorsey describes his band's music as “new jazz from a world view.”

By mixing jazz harmonies with the rhythms of Latin, Middle Eastern, Celtic and other ethnic music, the Kevin Dorsey Collective achieves a sound that lends itself well to live performance.

“It can be very mellow at times or upbeat and almost danceable at other times,” Dorsey said.

The Collective's past two recordings, “Gateway” and “A Collective Christmas,” netted the group two SAMMYs (Syracuse Area Music Awards) for Best Jazz Recording in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

This weekend, Dorsey brings to the Auburn Public Theater a portfolio of concerts that includes collaborations with jazz artists, avant-garde musicians and opera singers.

His performance experience is equalled by his academic study of music. Dorsey received a master's degree in studio jazz writing from the University of Miami. He currently teaches at Le Moyne College, Cayuga Community College and Seymour Magnet School.

Dorsey has been performing and writing music with the Collective since the summer of 2003. The quintet played their first concert together at Willard Chapel and has since returned to Auburn often as they perform acrosss central New York and raise their profile in the area's music scene.

“We make music that we want to play and we like,” he said.

Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net

If you go

What: Kevin Dorsey Collective

When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday

Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn

Admission: $10

For details: Visit www.kevindorseymusic.com