Since 1980, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has honored Detroit’s vibrant jazz music history through year-round concerts; educational programs, scholarships and mentorships; and producing the world’s largest free-admission jazz festival during Labor Day weekend. Drawing more than 300,000 attendees over the four days – plus another 2.5 million live streamers in 42 countries – the Detroit Jazz Festival excels in propagating its mission of free jazz for all present and future generations.
With a lineup of over 60 performances each year, the festival showcases the diverse tapestry of the jazz genre – and their unique open artist submission process involves evaluating thousands of audio recordings, so aspiring musicians from all over the world have an equal chance to earn a slot in the Detroit Jazz Festival schedule. This year’s program features a who’s-who of jazz greats and recent 32 Bar Blues feature artists – including Brian Blade, the 2024 DJF Artist In-Residence; Joshua Redman; Ghost-Note; and Billy Childs.
Supported by corporate sponsors, philanthropic groups, donors, and volunteers, the Detroit Jazz Festival went nonprofit in 2006 – and we feel that an organization of its expansive scope and heart deserves all the recognition and help they can get. All profits we receive from the sales of their signature t-shirts will go directly to the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation.
For more information, visit www.detroitjazzfest.org