Detroit Jazz Festival Preview

by Ira Lax

For almost forty-six years, the Detroit Jazz Festival has been one of best examples of bringing Detroiters and others together for the joyful communion that is jazz.

DJF asks for no admission charge to enjoy four straight days of music over Labor Day Weekend (August 29 – September 1) for shows at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius. Visit detroitjazzfest.org to choose the shows that look good to you. Included are some of the best American and international names in jazz — Jason Moran, Chucho Valdes, Marion Hayden, Maria Schneider, etc. — as well as younger players from fine Michigan public school music programs and MSU. The Detroit public schools are legendary for giving a start to jazz luminaries such as Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, James Carter and so many more. Not bad for a city better known as Motown!

Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation, leads in producing this great Detroit event.

TOP: 2025 Artist-in-Residence Jason Moran

 

Friday, August 29

6:00
Dr. Valade’s Brass Band featuring Shannon Powell

7:00
Keyon Harrold "Foreverland"

9:00
Jason Moran – with Jeff Mills

10:30
Emmet Cohen Trio

Saturday, August 30

Noon
High School Showcase

2:30
Wayne State University Jazz Warriors Big Band

2:30
William Hill III

2:45
Zen Zadravec

4:00
GSL

4:30
John Pizzarelli

4:45
Herlin Riley Quartet

5:45
Allen Dennard Quartet

6:30
Kenny Barron Voices – featuring Tyreek McDole

7:00
Chris Potter Trio – featuring Matt Brewer and Kendrick Scott

7:00
Tatiana Eva-Marie “Paris Je Taime!”

8:45
Maria Schneider Orchestra

9:15
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder

9:15
Endea Owens & The Cookout

10:30
James Carter Organ Trio

Sunday, August 31

Noon
High School Showcase

2:30
Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra/Bebop

2:30
J.C. Heard JazzWeek All-Stars

2:45
Randy Napoleon and Waking Dream

4:00
Detroit Jazz Queens – Paying Homage to Those Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand “Ella, Nancy, Dinah, Etta”

4:30
Connie Han Trio

4:45
Lakecia Benjamin

5:45
Ian Fink

6:30
Jason Moran presents the music of Duke Ellington –featuring the DJF Collegiate Jazz Orchestra

7:00
Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos

7:30
Zambra – featuring Devon Gates, Ria Modak, Angela Varo, Bahar Badieitabar and Queralt Giralt

8:45
Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera Reunion Sextet

9:15
Branford Marsalis Quartet

9:15
Walter Smith III Quartet

10:30
Rodney Whitaker Sextet Performs the Music of Joe Henderson

Monday, September 1

Noon
Detroit Public Schools Community District Showcase

1:00
University of Michigan

1:30
Nick Collins Sextet

1:30
Tiffany Gridiron & Friends

2:30
Kris Davis Trio – featuring Robert Hurst & Johnathan Blake

3:00
Louis Jones III & The Flood

3:15
Collegiate Combo Competition Winner

4:15
James Francies Trio

4:45
John Scofield Quartet – featuring Vicente Archer, Bill Stewart and Nicholas Payton

5:00
Marion Hayden and Legacy – with Kamau Kenyatta

5:45
“To Barry with Love” – The Michael Weiss Trio with Peter Washington and Lewis Nash celebrates Barry Harris

6:00
Jason Moran and the Bandwagon – with Meshell Ndegeocello and Akili Bradley

6:15
Samara Joy