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Decades of Jazz: The Detroit Jazz Festival's Journey
Detroit, Michigan, United States
For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has celebrated Detroit’s rich history of jazz music by providing year-round concerts and educational programming, and of course, organizing the world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring world-class talent, over Labor Day weekend.
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1980: Founded by Robert McCabe and the Detroit Renaissance
Detroit, Michigan, United States
The Detroit International Jazz Festival, established in 1980 by Robert McCabe and the Detroit Renaissance, was created to draw people to the city and offer world-class entertainment to all segments of the population, alongside events like the Detroit Grand Prix and the International Freedom Festival.
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1980-1991: The Festival developed through its partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
1 Hart Plaza
Detroit, MI
Monday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
From 1980 to 1991, the Festival flourished through a partnership with the highly regarded international jazz festival in Montreux, Switzerland.
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1991: The Festival merged with Detroit’s Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Detroit, Michigan, United States
In 1991, the Festival merged with Detroit’s Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, where it resided until September 2005.
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2006: Gretchen Valade, Chairman of Mack Avenue Records, founded the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation
Detroit, Michigan, United States
In 2006, The "Angel of Jazz", Gretchen Valade, became a major sponsor of the Jazz Festival. With additional support from the Knight Foundation, the Festival expanded all over the city. Its new footprint, covering three blocks, provided two additional stages and more space for food vendors and other activities.
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2011: Chris Collins is appointed artistic director and later becomes president of the Foundation
1 Hart Plaza
Detroit, MI
Monday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In 2011, jazz musician Chris Collins was appointed as artistic director and later became president of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation. Under Collins’ vision and with the support of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, led by Chair Gretchen Valade, the Festival has introduced new and exciting artistic elements while expanding its year-round programming.
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2024: The Detroit Jazz Festival celebrates its 45th anniversary
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Come join us for an incredible celebration of jazz with exciting performances, new artists, and unforgettable moments!
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Detroit, Michigan, United States
Experience the festival's rich history and vibrant future as we showcase top talent and innovative sounds. Don’t miss this milestone event in the heart of Detroit, where the spirit of jazz continues to thrive and inspire.