The 33rd annual Detroit Jazz Festival, the world’s largest free jazz festival, will feature the most celebrated names in jazz including: Sonny Rollins; Wynton Marsalis Quintet; Pat Metheny Unity Band featuring Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, and Ben Williams; Chick Corea and Gary Burton with the Harlem String Quartet; and the Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade.
“This year, we wanted to focus on going back to traditional jazz roots. Bringing together these world-class jazz artists gives festival-goers the opportunity to experience jazz at its finest – a collaboration between artists with history, experience and a style all their own,” said Chris Collins, artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival.
“Many of the artists joining us at the festival have worked together before and we’re reuniting them, as well as introducing unique first-time collaborations, to celebrate the culture of jazz and really show how jazz has made an impact in our region and across the nation.
“Rollins and Marsalis return to the festival for the first time since 1987, and Metheny will make his festival debut with his new ensemble. Additionally, New Orleans-native and trumpeter Terence Blanchard will serve as the 2012 Artist-in-Residence, performing with his quartet as well as curating a special Art Blakey Tribute, featuring Peter Washington, Lewis Nash, Geoffrey Keezer and Curtis Fuller, among other appearances.
Other headliners include:
Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet: Sound Prints featuring Lawrence Fields, Linda Oh and Joey Baron; Lew Tabackin Quartet featuring Randy Brecker; Jerry Bergonzi Quintet; Donny McCaslin Group featuring Jason Lindner, Tim Lefebvre and Mark Guiliana; David Binney Quartet; Brian Lynch and Unsung Heroes; Cécile McLorin Salvant; and Grégoire Maret Quartet, among others.
The festival will continue its longstanding tradition of presenting and recognizing Detroit‘s rich jazz legacy. Of note, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave will return home with a special all-star Homecoming Band, spotlighting fellow Michigan natives, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Garrett, Geri Allen, Marion Hayden and Louis Hayes.
Garrett, Hayes, and tenor saxophonist Rick Margitza will also perform with their respective quartets. The Wayne State University Big Band will perform new works by distingui
