Two major events that were symbolic of what Metro Detroit is about during the summer months — the Comerica TasteFest and the Michigan State Fair — came to a rather abrupt end.
But the third event, the Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF), on the riverfront, prevails and the 2010 edition promises to be one of the best, both artistically and aesthetically. The festival, running Friday through Monday (Labor Day), Sept. 3-6, is now in its 31st year.
Many people are under the impression that the Detroit Jazz Fest is only about music presented during a four-day period when, actually, DJF maintains a presence all year long. This year hundreds of students were reached and opportunities were provided for developing musicians to perform during the festival.
The programs include Jazz Week @Wayne, a one-week workshop; Kid Bop, which takes music and fun to “wee-boppers” and their families; Jazz Tent Talk, featuring artists, writers and musicians in discussions about the music; Jazz Infusion Project at Detroit School of Arts, which employs members of the Detroit Festival Jazz Orchestra (DFJO) who work with students; Student-led Workshops, whereby visiting college groups conduct workshops for middle school and high school students.
The Detroit International Jazz Festival is grateful for the regional and national philanthropic support from The National Endowment for the Arts, The Gretchen C. Valada Endowment for the Arts, The Erb Family Foundation, The Joyce Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.
Due to space limitation, we are printing just some of the major highlights of the festival. For a complete DJF schedule, including show times for many fine Metro Detroit area high school bands and an array of outstanding local artists, visit www.detroitjazzfest.com.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 3:
Take 6 with the Mulgrew Miller Trio, Chase Main Stage, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Tower of Power, Chase Main Stage, 9:15-10:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 4:
Terence Blanchard Quintet, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 7:30-9 p.m.
Yellowjackets, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 9:30-11 p.m.
Detroit Tribute to Betty Carter, Absopure Waterfront, 1-2 p.m.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chase Main Stage, 7-8:30 p.m.
Kirk Whalum and Lalah Hathaway, tribute to Donny Hathaway,
Chase Main Stage, 9-10:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 5:
DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 12:15-1 p.m.
WSU Big Band with special guest Terence Blanchard, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 4-5 p.m.
Freddy Cole Quartet, Absopure Waterfront, 4:45-6 p.m.
Ledisi, Chase Main Stage, 7:45-9:15 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPT. 6:
Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 12-12:45 p.m.
Branford Marsalis, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 3:15-4:45 p.m.
The Manhattan Transfer, the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra and special guest Gerald Wilson, Carhartt Amphitheatre, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet, Mack Avenue Pyramid, 1-2 p.m.
Allen Toussaint, Chase Main Stage, 5-6:30 p.m.
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