In jazz, few Labor Day traditions are anticipated with such eagerness
and enthusiasm than the Detroit Jazz Festival. It’s among the premier
musical events of the summer and a crown jewel in the city’s cultural
events calendar. This year, the Detroit Jazz Festival presented by
Quicken Loans turns 40 years old, and as you’ll see, organizers have
elevated the musical proceedings to match this milestone occasion. Jazz
fans in the know have already booked their flights to the Motor City,
but for those of you unfamiliar with Detroit’s many cultural charms,
here are your 5 Reasons to Check Out the Detroit Jazz Festival.
1. It’s the largest free jazz festival in the worldThe Detroit Jazz Festival celebrates a milestone 40th
anniversary this year, which means that for four decades it has been
presenting world-class jazz in the heart of downtown Detroit –
absolutely free of charge to listening audiences. Taking place annually
across Labor Day Weekend (this year’s fest falls across Aug. 30 – Sept.
2), the Detroit Jazz Festival has played home to some of the biggest
names in jazz, from Dave Brubeck to Wynton Marsalis. They continue that
tradition today with 30-plus performances by top-tier jazz artists
taking place across four stages in downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza. Add in
the local food and wine stands, music vendors and scenic vistas, and
you’ve got a phenomenal way to spend a holiday weekend.
The lineup celebrates Detroit’s rich jazz heritage
Headliner Dee Dee Bridgewater was raised in nearby Flint, Michigan. (Photo: Courtesy the artist) To commemorate its 40th anniversary, the Detroit Jazz
Festival has added two special programs to its lineup: the Homecoming
Series presented by Ascension and Hometown Series, both of which are
designed to honor Detroit’s jazz legacy and reflecting the panoramic
display of Detroit’s jazz culture. After all, the number of standout
jazz artists to have emerged from the Motor City is astounding. Dee Dee
Bridgewater, Kenny Garrett, Rodney Whitaker, Regina Carter Sheila Jordan
and Ron Carter are all natives, and all will be performing during their
hometown fest.
You can catch the world’s most incredible jazz musicians in action
Stanley Clarke Each year, the festival selects an Artist-in-Residence, who appears
throughout the fest in various guises. Past Artists-in-Residence have
included Pat Metheny and Wayne Shorter. This year, the honor goes to
electric bass pioneer Stanley Clarke. Among many performances, he’ll be
recreating his classic School Days album from 1976 in a special concert titled “Back to School Days” during the festival’s opening night.
He’ll join a program that also includes appearances from Macy Gray,
Dennis Coffey, Terence Blanchard, John Pizzarelli, Luciana Souza and Pat
Metheny, among many others. The festival will also host a number of
thematic performances, including a celebration of 100 years of Art
Blakey, a tribute to Johnny Trudell and a showcase for the music of Duke
Ellington.
You can watch jazz stars on the riseConnie Han (Photo: Courtesy the artist) One of the great joys in attending any jazz festival is discovering
new and up-and-coming artists. But few festivals afford audiences the
opportunity to brush up against tomorrow’s jazz talent the way the
Detroit Jazz Festival does. A nice cohort of breakout stars are poised
to appear, including vocalist Veronica Swift, pianist Connie Han,
keyboardist (and frequent Kamasi Washington collaborator) Cameron Graves
and pianist Emmet Cohen. Han and Graves both recently released albums
on the Mack Avenue Records, and Swift and Cohen both have records due
out on the label soon. The Detroit Jazz Festival presents listeners with
the rare chance to see these artists live (and for free!) before their
careers enter warp speed.
You can explore the Motor CityThe Motown Museum in Detroit Detroit is in the midst of a cultural renaissance, and the creative
energy of the city is palpable. The Detroit Jazz Festival is an
excellent opportunity to explore everything the Motor City has to offer,
from its unparalleled museums and historical institutions to its
exciting restaurant scene and architectural delights. While you’re
there, be sure to visit the Henry Ford Museum, where you can immerse
yourself in the history of technological and industrial inventions. Or
stop by the Detroit Institute of Art and view masterpieces by European
and American artists, including Van Gogh and Picasso. Catch a baseball
game at Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers) or enjoy the natural
beauty of Belle Isle, a small island located in the Detroit River that
offers stunning views and scenic hikes. Of course, for music fans, no
trip to Detroit is complete without a trip to the Motown Museum.
For more information, including a full festival lineup, visit the Detroit Jazz Festival http://www.detroitjazzfest.org/" rel="nofollow - website .
from www.jazziz.com
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