Detroit Jazz Festival celebrates 40 years of free music with 2019 lineup

The world's largest free jazz festival announced its return to Detroit on Tuesday by revealing its 2019 lineup.

This year, the Detroit Jazz Festival will continue its tradition of making world-class music accessible to the public with its 40th annual event on Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2.

As part of this year's celebration, the Detroit Jazz Festival has embraced a "reunion" theme, which will see the return of several landmark artists who have performed during previous incarnations of the event. Among them, bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke who has been elected to serve as the 2019 Artist-In-Residence. (Clark's 2014 and 2017 sets were canceled because of inclement weather.) Other notable acts include R&B songstress Macy Gray, New Orleans brass ensemble the Soul Rebels, and Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano Nonet, among others.

“We’re truly poised for a remarkable festival celebrating 40 years of tremendous performers and performances," Gretchen Valade, chair of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Board of Directors said in a statement. "We welcome our guests from around the world to enjoy one of the best experiences Detroit has to offer.”

The Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Quicken Loans will take place throughout downtown and the nearby Hart Plaza. More information about the event and the full lineup can be found at detroitjazzfest.org.

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