Courtesy of Concert of Colors
The Concert of Colors has a 33-year history of bringing diverse musical and cultural experiences to metro Detroit during the summer festival season. As one of the area’s few remaining large-scale, free-admission music festivals, it has become a beloved highlight, garnering enduring appeal and strong support from the community.
This lively event features a wide range of global music, making it a must-see summer attraction, and it’s taking place now through July 21, 2024, at the Detroit Institute of Art, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and in various locations around Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood. Hosted by Culture Source, a coalition of 152 arts organizations in Southeast Michigan, the Concert of Colors has earned its reputation as the Midwest’s largest diversity and arts festival.
The Concert of Colors was established in 1993 by Ismael Ahmed, who previously served as the head of the human services organization ACCESS and New Detroit.
“We’ve adopted peace, love, and understanding, as our team and review will, in particular, usually focus on those things and justice and in terms of who’s going to be there, everyone from all over the world,” Ahmed said.
This week-long festival was created to unite the varied communities and ethnic groups of metro Detroit by celebrating worldwide music and dance. The event showcases diverse cultural performances and encourages attendees to participate in open discussions and freely express themselves. By doing so, the festival cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
“It’s such a segregated country and world, and we really don’t get to enjoy each other’s communities and cultures in the way we should, and we think that breaks down barriers and allows people to collaborate, not only around arts and culture and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.
“But also, to do other things, and the people who work on culture or the concert colors, especially the cultural exchange committee, had been collaborating on other things as well. Because as we get to know each other, we get to feel each other’s pain and enjoy each other’s love,” Ahmed added.
In its early days, the festival began as a one-day event hosted at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, previously known as Chene Park, situated along Detroit’s scenic riverfront. Initially, it attracted a modest crowd, but by 1999, the event had grown in popularity, drawing around 10,000 music enthusiasts each year. As part of the official celebrations for Detroit’s 300th birthday in 2001, the festival expanded to a three-day event, capturing the attention of an impressive audience of 100,000 people. The festival’s success continued to soar, leading to further expansion as it evolved into a nine-day celebration in 2019, reflecting its remarkable growth and enduring appeal.
The Concert of Colors places a significant emphasis on world music, showcasing the unique indigenous music of the Motor City. However, the festival offers diverse experiences beyond its musical offerings. Attendees can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences, including enjoying a variety of ethnic cuisines, browsing merchandise from different cultures, watching engaging films, savoring poetry, participating in children’s activities, and much more.
The Forum, a pivotal festival component, also serves as a platform for thought-provoking discussions and presentations. Artists, representatives from cultural institutions, and community leaders come together to explore the profound impact of arts and culture in breaking down racial and ethnic barriers.
“We’re going to do a full form of the Caribbean festival with a parade, reggae bands, costumes, the whole thing. So that’s just a preview of what’s to come,” Ahmed said.
Concert of Colors is a free event; for more information and exact times and locations of scheduled performances, visit www.concertofcolors.com.
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