40th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival | Aug. 30th – Sept. 2nd, 2019

Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Quicken Loans
Announces Reunion Lineup for 40th Year Celebration

Festival to Feature Performances by
Artist-in-Residence Stanley Clarke, Ron Carter,
Macy Gray, Pat Metheny, Terence Blanchard, ELEW,
Chucho Valdés, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and More

Reflecting a “reunion” theme that returns phenomenal jazz artists and performers who have taken the Festival stage over the last 10 years, including five former Artists-in-Residence, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation today announced a spectacular lineup for the 40th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Quicken Loans.

The Festival also brings back pioneer bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke who will serve as the 2019 Artist-in-Residence. Clarke’s scheduled sets in 2014 and 2017 were cancelled due to inclement weather. Quicken Loans also returns as the presenting sponsor of the world’s largest (and best) free jazz festival. The company has held its presenting sponsorship status since 2016.

“We’re really excited about the exceptional lineup we’ve assembled for the 40th year celebration which reflects a reunion of some of the most inspiring performers and performances we’ve had the pleasure of hosting over the last 10 years at the jazz festival,” said Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation. “From jazz legends to up-and-coming revolutionaries and Detroit Homecoming artists, these artists have become a part of our extended family and it’s only appropriate they come back to headline our reunion year.”

Highlight performances for this year’s Festival include Clarke’s sets focused on his highly successful School Days album and a ‘Boyz n the Hood’ world premiere with the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra. Also, former Artists-in-Residence Ron Carter, Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Danilio Pérez and Terence Blanchard will take a stage for the Festival.

Here is a partial listing of this year’s Festival lineup:

Friday, Aug. 30
Danilo Pérez’ Global Big Band featuring the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra and Guests
Artist-in-Residence: Stanley Clarke – Back-to-School Days
The Soul Rebels
Dr. Valade’s Brass Band led by New Orleans legend, Shannon Powell

Saturday, Aug. 31
Macy Gray
Ron Carter Quartet
Yellowjackets with Luciana Souza
Danilo Pérez’ Global Messengers
Joe Lovano Nonet
Untitled Artist Series: Cameron Graves with the Detroit Jazz Festival Generations Alumni Band
Sheila Jordan
The Soul Rebels
ELEW

Sunday, Sept. 1
Artist-in-Residence: Stanley Clarke – A night of jazz with the Stanley Clarke Band
Kenny Garrett Quintet
Terence Blanchard – AB2 – Art Blakey Project
Dee Dee Bridgewater and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Pat Metheny Ron Carter Duo
John Pizzarelli Trio
Untitled Artist Series: Cameron Graves
Connie Han
Red Baraat
Veronica Swift
Thornetta Davis

Monday, Sept. 2
Artist-in-Residence: Stanley Clarke – ‘Boyz n the Hood’ featuring the Detroit Jazz Festival String Orchestra
Pat Metheny: Side Eye
Chucho Valdés – Jazz Batá
Still Dreaming with Joshua Redman, Ron Miles, Scott Colley and Dave King
Luciana Souza’s “Book of Longing” featuring Chico Pinheiro and Scott Colley
Marialy Pacheco
The Four Freshmen and 5 Trombones
Michael Jellick Sextet

Artist bios and photos are available at detroitjazzfest.org. The full Festival schedule will be available as the event nears.

“On Labor Day weekend, there is no better place in the world than downtown Detroit,” said Gretchen Valade, chair of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re truly poised for a remarkable festival celebrating 40 years of tremendous performers and performances. We welcome our guests from around the world to enjoy one of the best experiences Detroit has to offer.”

Also returning this year is Detroit JAZZ Fest LIVE! For just $10, Festival attendees and out-of-towners unable to make it to the Festival can live-stream performances from all four stages, all four days via their smartphone, tablet or desktop. Additionally, the live-streaming service features select performances throughout the year from the Foundation’s year-round initiatives, Festival schedules, maps and more. Jazz enthusiasts that purchased Detroit JAZZ Fest LIVE! for the 2018 Festival, will need to repurchase the livestream service for 2019. Register for the livestream at https://live.detroitjazzfest.org.

Celebrating 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Quicken Loans runs August 30 through September 2.

DL Media