I love the summer festivals in Detroit.
You see and hear all the people that make up this artistically rich city – not just the performers, but personalities that enjoy soaking it all in, too. And there’s none better than this gathering on the river that celebrates Detroit’s jazz heritage. What other event brings together such a wide array of people who all get along?
For some blessed reason, this music speaks to all kinds of people on many different levels – and when they come together to embrace the song and spirit that Detroiters share, something truly special rises in the air. Just sit, look, and listen to everything around you… this is Detroit at it’s finest.
So with the festival only weeks away, it’s time to start planning my weekend of music. Of course, I can’t take them all in – so I plan a shortlist from the schedule and go from there.
Kenny Garrett, Herbie Hancock, and the Curtis Fuller Super Band are on my list – and jazz historians Jim Gallert and Lars Bjorn have a great set of discussions in the “Jazz Talk Tent” I plan on hitting.
Can’t wait. Any other recommendations or curiosities out there?
Man, this year’s jazz fest promises to be one of the best in years from what I can see. I’m a fanatic about the Detroit Jazz Festival, have been a huge fan of the event for years, and this year I can’t wait. You’re right, this festival really does show off Detroit at its best. All the festivals are cool, but I do believe this one is the crown jewel.
At first, I was a little ticked at the expansion down Woodward, thinking it spread things too far. But after last year’s event, I was really impressed with how they did it. Turned out to be a beautiful series of venues, with stages nestled in between the buildings – and Campus Martius turned out great, too.