The 46th Detroit Jazz Festival, the world’s largest free jazz festival, returns to the city Friday, Aug. 29th through Monday, Sept. 1st, and Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET is teaming up with Paxahau as an official media partner to bring you special coverage and programming. This year’s lineup offers an exciting, inspiring and eclectic array of jazz luminaries and with and the festival expands the reach of its dynamic performances and focus with more national and local performers, shows at the all new Wayne State University Gretchen C. Valade Center with college and high school education bands and late night offerings.
Be sure to stay tuned to WDET for in-depth interviews with performers, pre-festival live performances and special WDET host-curated playlists highlighting the music and stories of this year’s festival.
For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has celebrated Detroit’s rich history of jazz music by providing year-round concerts and educational programming, and of course, organizing the world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring world-class talent, over Labor Day weekend.
With the support of corporate sponsors, philanthropic organizations, individual donors and volunteers, the Detroit Jazz Festival is free to music fans looking to revel in the artistry and improvisation of jazz legends, rising stars, legacy and homecoming artists. Each year’s lineup of more than 60 performances as remarkable and diverse as the genre itself, as well as spontaneous late-night jam sessions, offers something for everyone.
The Detroit International Jazz Festival was founded in 1980 by Robert McCabe and the Detroit Renaissance. Along with the Detroit Grand Prix and the International Freedom Festival, the Festival was intended to bring people into the city and to provide all segments of the population with world-class entertainment.
This year’s Artist-in-Residence is pianist Jason Moran, who will perform three very different sets over the three-day festival. It’s just one aspect of Jason Moran’s role this year, which will also include supporting the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation’s educational initiatives and community engagement activities, among other initiatives.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper spoke with Moran about his residency, his musical influences and what he plans to play at jazz fest this summer.
Note: This drawing has now closed and all winners have been notified. Thank you to everyone who entered!
WDET is giving away Jazz Pazzes for this year’s festival to 10 lucky winners! Anyone who donates to WDET during In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper on Aug. 26–28 will be automatically entered to win premium, front-of-stage seating at all stages of the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival. Tune in to learn more.
Tune in every Monday from 8–10 p.m. in the weeks leading up to the festival to hear spotlights on some of this year’s performers, including Kenny Barron, Branford Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Kris Davis, Jason Moran, Omar Sosa and Marion Hayden.
Then on Monday, Sep. 1, it’s an entire show of live recordings to help you transition out of festival mode, including a number of rare recordings from the Detroit Jazz Fest itself.
Alternate Take with Liz Warner
Tune in on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 8–10 p.m. for a tour through Detroit Jazz Festivals past and present. Hear music from artists who have performed on the stages of the annual Labor Day event starting in the early 1980s, including Miles Davis, Regina Carter, Yusef Lateef, Joe Zawinul, Hiromi, Tony Allen, Sun Ra, Flora Purim and more.
Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music
Tune in on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 2–4 p.m. to hear Rob’s interview and live performance with trumpeter Keyon Harrold, recorded earlier this year on his nationally syndicated show Acoustic Café.
Keyon Harrold, performing at this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival, joined Rob back in May to talk about his latest album, Foreverland. During that session, Harrold performed selections from the record and shared insights into his creative process, life on the road, and the stories behind the music.
Don’t miss this chance to hear one of today’s most powerful trumpeters as Detroit comes alive with the sounds of jazz.
Tune in on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 4–6 p.m. to hear Jon share some bands and artists performing at this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival on Modern Music.
The Progressive Underground with Chris Campbell
Tune in on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 6–8 p.m. for a special Detroit Jazz Fest edition of The Progressive Underground, spotlighting the sounds and spirit of one of the world’s great jazz gatherings. We’ll feature Detroit’s own Allen Dennard, Marion Hayden, Vincent Chandler, Jeff Mills with Spiral Deluxe, and Endea Owens, alongside heavyweights like Branford Marsalis, Me’Shell N’Degeocello, James Carter, and Emmet Cohen.
And of course, tune in every Sunday from 5–7 p.m. year-round as legendary jazz broadcaster Ed Love introduces listeners to new recordings and plays the classics of years gone by.
To honor this year’s lineup, WDET Creative Producer and Sam’s Jams host Sam Beaubien curated a playlist featuring some of the artists performing at this year’s festival.
From legendary icons to bold innovators, this playlist reflects the deep artistry and diversity you’ll hear on stage. Whether you’re planning your festival schedule or just vibing on the way to Hart Plaza, hit play and get into the rhythm of Detroit.
21 new elevated platforms will extend from the curb across bike and parking lanes to provide faster boarding for passengers.
Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening Aug. 28 – Sep. 4, 2025.
Jason Moran is an accomplished pianist, educator and composer who currently serves as the artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center.
Behind the scenes of the Detroit Jazz Festival is artistic director Christopher Collins and his incredible team, who blend the next generation of performers with the legends of jazz each year.
More than 50% of WDET’s operating budget is funded by members. If you value what we do and haven’t made a gift of support, consider becoming a member today.
Get ready for an up-close look at some of Detroit’s finest! Don Was, the Grammy-winning
