Detroit Jazz Festival Going Virtual for 2021
The 42nd annual Detroit Jazz Festival is going virtual this year.
The festival, which is dubbed the largest free jazz festival in the world, was planning to do an in-person event this year with some safety guidelines. Now, according to a press release, since Jazz Fest organizers are moving things online for a variety of reasons, including the ongoing pandemic and the fact the Hart Plaza, which hosts the event, is under construction.
“This is a winning solution that preserves the legacy of the Detroit Jazz Festival while bringing amazing performances into a virtual format,” Chris Collins, Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation president and artistic director, said in a press release.
Collins added, “We’re thankful for our sponsors, donors, and patrons for their support which enables us to once again provide a jazz festival that is safe, live, and free for everyone. Also, a special thank you to the city of Detroit for the great improvements happening at Hart Plaza which will make the 2022 Detroit Jazz Festival even better along with many other events held at this venue.”
The festival will be streamed and broadcasted live from the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The performances will be closed to the public, but streaming will be free. The event will stream via the festival’s social media channels and website, plus on public radio and public television.
The event is scheduled for Sept. 3-6. Performers include Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Woodshed Network Ladies, Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, Keyon Harrold, Omar Sosa, the Havana-Detroit Jazz Project and more.
For more information, head to DetroitJazzFest.org.
