News Summary
The Detroit Jazz Festival returns for its 46th year over Labor Day weekend, featuring renowned artists and a commitment to free accessibility. This year highlights acclaimed pianist Jason Moran and showcases a wide range of jazz styles from local talents and legendary musicians alike. The festival aims to connect audiences with Detroit’s rich musical heritage while providing a platform for emerging artists. A new venue at Wayne State University enhances the festival experience, while livestream options broaden its audience significantly.
Detroit Jazz Festival Celebrates 46th Year with Star-Studded Lineup Over Labor Day Weekend
The Detroit Jazz Festival will return for its 46th year, taking place from August 29 to September 1, 2025, coinciding with Labor Day weekend. This annual event is known for drawing jazz enthusiasts and artists alike to downtown Detroit and the Wayne State University campus, offering a free experience that connects audiences to the rich tradition of jazz music.
This year’s festival features Jason Moran, an acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, as its artist-in-residence. Moran will deliver a series of special collaborations, including a performance with electronic music artist Jeff Mills on August 29. Additionally, he will present the music of Duke Ellington accompanied by the Detroit Jazz Festival Collegiate Jazz Orchestra on August 31. Further performances include a set with his group Bandwagon and guest artists Meshell Ndegeocello and Akili Bradley on September 1.
Alongside Moran, the festival boasts a lineup of renowned performers including Marion Hayden featuring special guest Kamau Kenyatta, Keyon Harrold, John Pizzarelli, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos, Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera Reunion Sextet, and Branford Marsalis Quartet. These performances will depict a spectrum of jazz styles and highlight both legendary musicians and local talent.
The festival continues to emphasize Detroit’s musical legacy while fostering connections between artists and audiences. Local musicians participating in this year’s event include Rodney Whitaker, Allen Dennard, Louis Jones III, and Zen Zadravec, who is set to make his main stage debut. In an effort to encourage the next generation of musicians, high school jazz bands from Michigan, such as the Notre Dame Preparatory High School Jazz Band and Cass Tech High School, will also take the stage.
A new performance venue at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center on the Wayne State University campus will serve as the festival’s fourth stage, enhancing the accessibility and reach of this cultural event. Over the years, the festival has garnered attention not just for its music but also for its economic impact, generating approximately $30 million in economic development for Detroit across the four-day event.
The festival carries an annual production cost of between $4.5 million and $5 million, funded through corporate sponsorships and donations. A commitment to keeping the event free remains a priority, inspired by the values of late philanthropist Gretchen Valade, who strongly believed in community accessibility to the arts.
For those unable to attend in person, the festival will be livestreamed for free. Last year, it attracted nearly 2 million unique viewers from 38 countries, demonstrating the global appeal of jazz music. The festival will begin each day at 6 p.m. starting from August 29, celebrating jazz as a living tradition and a vital part of the cultural fabric of Detroit.
The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation is dedicated to promoting community engagement, ensuring that this musical celebration remains not only a platform for outstanding performances but also a space for connection and shared experiences among attendees from diverse backgrounds.
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
