Honoring legendary musician Marcus Belgrave during its annual festival, Detroit’s International Jazz Festival is expected to be one of this weekend’s most attended events.
Also featuring performances from jazz, blues, soul and gospel musicians and recording artists, including Irma Thomas, Sean Jones, the Clark Sisters and Kierra Sheard, the 30th Annual Detroit International Music Festival runs Friday, September – Monday, September 7.
Capturing the essence of Detroit’s waterfront, with performances at the Absopure Waterfront Stage, names like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Hank Jones and Correa, Clark & White are also billed with celebrating family and 30 years of presenting jazz. But the best part of it all is…. the 30th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival is free !!
Beyond the music however, the ‘Motor City,’ as it is affectionately dubbed, has plenty to offer for those looking for that perfect Labor Day weekend getaway.
Boasting a memorable waterfront and some of the nation’s best attractions when it comes to music and automobiles, including Motown USA and General Motors, Detroit is also bustling with several cultural events over labor day weekend.
In addition to spending time at the 30th Annual Detroit International Music Festival on the waterfront, you may want to stop by the Detroit Institute of the Arts. Ranked as one of the nation’s top galleries in the nation, DIA features the General Motors Center for African American Art. Among those featured in the over 400 piece collection are Romare Bearden, Robert Colescott, Roy DeCarava, Beauford Delaney, Robert Scott Duncanson, Sam Gilliam, Richard Hunt, and Jacob Lawrence. In addition to the history and art exhibited at DIA, the institute will present West African History in Rhythm and Song with Mady Kouyate on Sunday. Hosted by Target, Mady Kouyate holds the position of a living history book for the Manding people in the region of Mali, West Africa. Kouyate will play the kora, a traditional 21-stringed lute-harp from Mali, Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea played by griot families of West Africa, to bring messages from the past. Organizers say Kouyate incorporates the audience into an interactive experience with rhythm and songs.
When it comes to family fun, the Michigan State Fair comes to a close over after Labor Day so, this the time to go. The nation’s oldest fair, first held in 1849, offers something for everyone. Concerts and a circus, exciting midway rides and games, as well as contests and competitions.
For more on Detroit and this weekend’s 30th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival, including its line up, visit the links below.
Useful Links, more information:
30th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival
Visit Detroit.com
Detroit Institute of the Arts
Michigan State Fair
—— By: Njai Joszor
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