Here’s the Lineup for the 40th Anniversary of Jazz Fest

This Labor Day, Jazz Fest will be celebrating artists from Detroit and those who currently call it home.

The Detroit Jazz Festival is fast approaching and will be celebrating its 40th year this Labor Day Weekend. This year the festival will honor Detroit’s great jazz legacy with its Homecoming/Hometown series honoring both the artists returning to Detroit and those who are still here. 

Jake Neher/WDET

In its 40th year, the festival lineup will feature names familiar to Detroit and all over the world, including: 

  • Ali Jackson “Bring the World Home”
  • Calvin Brooks & The “C Breeze” Organ Trio
  • Dee Dee Bridgewater and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
  • Freda Payne with the Ralphe Armstrong Trio
  • Jack Pierson Tribute Jam
  • Jon Kellso’s Hot 5
  • Kenny Garrett Quintet
  • Ron Carter Quartet
  • Celebrating a Detroit Master: The Music of George Benson
  • Dennis Coffey Trio
  • Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra
  • Detroit Jazz Festival String Orchestra
  • Johnny Trudell Legacy Jam Session
  • Michael Jellick Sextet featuring tap dancer, Claudia Rahardjanoto
  • OVACiiR
  • Rob Crozier Jazz Ensemble
  • Rob Pipho Quintet featuring Rich Margitza and guests
  • Rodney Whitaker Sextet with Vocalist Rockelle Fortin performs the music of Ellington and Greg Hill
  • Shahida Nurullah and Good Company
  • Sheila Jordan with the Marion Hayden Trio
  • The Four Freshmen and 5 Trombones
  • The Robert McCarther Ensemble
  • The Sencalar/Glassman Quintet
  • Thornetta Davis
  • Xavier Davis and Rise Up Detroit featuring Regina Carter
Chris Collins, Director of Jazz Studies at Wayne State and President of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation speaks with Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson about what its like to plan an event of this size and what he’s most excited for this year’s festival. More information about the Detroit Jazz Fest can be found at www.detroitjazzfest.org

Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.