Centenary Stage Company invites music fans when they heat things up this winter at the annual January THAW Music Festival. Featuring three performances throughout the month of January, the series launches on Saturday, Jan. 11, with Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass.

Rodney Marsalis’s trumpet has reverberated throughout the world, his artistry admired just as much in Europe and Asia as it is here in the United States. Recognized for his evocative interpretation, he is the Principal Trumpet for the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and is an Artist in Residence at Temple University. Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass brings together a “dream team” of musicians to mix classical, big band jazz and New Orleans swing.

Next on the THAW stage is “The Bossa Nova Wave,” bringing the upbeat Brazilian Bossa Nova craze of the ‘60s back to North America. The show will be Saturday, Jan. 18. Performed by the great jazz clarinetist/saxophonist Ken Peplowski and Brazilian guitar master Diego Figueiredo, audiences are blown away by the technique and emotion that capture the sound of a music era, which produced Billboard chart toppers and Grammy winners.

Sam Reider and the Human Hands will close out the festival on Saturday, Jan. 25. Known for redefining American accordion music and featuring irresistible melodies, fiery improvisation and otherworldly sounds, Sam and the Human Hands gain followers wherever they go. They have been a hit at festivals and venues across the United Kingdom and United States. Their album, “Too Hot to Sleep,” was released to critical acclaim.

Tickets for each show starts at $27.50 for adults or $17.50 for children 12 and under. Ticket prices increase $5 on the day of the event.

All shows start at 8 p.m. and will be held in the Sitnik Theater in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown.

Tickets are available online at centenarystageco.org or by contacting the box office at 908-979-0900. The box office is open Monday through Friday 1-5 p.m. and two hours prior to any performance.