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Detroit Jazz Festival 2025
2025-08-29 - 2025-09-01 | Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, 48226, United States
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Detroit Jazz Festival 2025

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.
About the 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.
Meet Artist-in-Residence Jason Moran
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.

Win a Jazz Pazz
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.
Enter now »
Jazz Fest programming on WDET
Visions with W. Kim Heron
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.
Modern Music with Jon Moshier
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.
Destination Jazz with Ed Love
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.
Listen live »
WDET’s 46th Detroit Jazz Festival Playlist
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.

Recent posts about the Detroit Jazz Festival

WDET Travel: Cultural Treasures of Japan - Zoom Presentation and Q&A
2025-09-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Register »
Join us on Thursday, September 18th at 6:30PM for a No Obligation* information session with Collette about our upcoming Travel with WDET: Cultural Treasures of Japan trip! We’ll discuss travel itinerary and take questions from attendees.
Trip Description:

Join Detroit Public Radio in June 2026 and explore the cultural treasures of Japan! Walk through the electric city of Tokyo, become energized by the metropolis’ buzz. Explore the lakeside resort of Hakone and cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi. Participate in a peaceful and meditative tea ceremony. Try your hand at the centuries-old art of gold leaf decorating. Tap into Japan’s train culture as you travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train. Explore Tokyo’s famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and old charms blend. Experiences like these are what await you when you travel with WDET to the “Land of the Rising Sun!”

Registration:
This session will take place via Zoom. Please follow this link or click the button above to register through Collette.

*Registering for the Zoom presentation does not commit you to participating in the trip nor guarantee a spot on the trip. If you’d like to view the travel page and book your trip, click here.

Decks on Deck featuring Waajeed and Liz Warner - SOLD OUT
2025-09-28 17:00 - 21:00 | The Detroit Princess Riverboat, 1 Civic Center Drive, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Join us on Sunday, Sep. 28, for “Decks on Deck” on the Detroit River.
The evening will feature live DJ sets from Waajeed, host of The Boulevard, and Liz Warner, host of Alternate Take.
Come join us for an evening of music, food and drinks on this floating dance party!
EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Boarding will begin at 5 p.m., the cruise sets off at 6 p.m. and we will deboard by 9 p.m.
Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased here.
This is an all-ages venue. You must bring a valid government-issued ID if you plan to purchase or consume alcohol.
This event will be held on the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Please dress according to the weather.
All tickets from “Decks on Deck” will directly benefit WDET.
Your ticket will include light bites provided by Mongers’ Provisions, and a cash bar is available.
Supported by:

WDET Travel: Discover Canadian Rockies by Train
2025-10-02 - 2025-10-10
Book Your Trip »
Join Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET for a beautiful trip through the Canadian Rockies in Fall 2025!
From the lush green Pacific coast of Vancouver, board VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada.
Tour: Canadian Rockies by Train TS371
Arrive in Jasper and see the dramatic Maligne Canyon and its picture-perfect lake. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Marvel at Athabasca. Discover the natural beauty of Moraine Lake and the powerful Bow Falls. Experience a day on a ranch in the Alberta plains, complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo and a BBQ lunch in the great outdoors. End your journey in cosmopolitan Calgary.
Discover the natural beauty only found in the Canadian Rockies.
Book Your Trip »

Detroit Story Fest 2025
2025-10-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226, United States
Detroit Story Fest brings award-winning journalists, film makers, artists and locals together for a night of performance art and storytelling by and for the people of the Motor City.
The follow-up to last year’s sold-out show is titled “No Small Wind Is Blowing” and features stories about immigration, transition, and the invisible forces that inspire movement.
For the first time ever, the show will also feature a DJ partner — WDET’s own Waajeed (host of The Boulevard) will turn the Opera House lobby into a dance floor.
Storytellers: Storytellers from local organizations will go behind the scenes of their work, inviting the audience into a world they’ve only observed from the outside. Artists, musicians and local raconteurs will also share surprising, sometimes hysterical, uniquely Detroit stories live on stage.
Partners: Detroit Story Fest is presented by the Detroit Opera and Back Pocket and is sponsored by the Knight Foundation.
About Back Pocket Presents: Back Pocket Presents 501(c)3 is a team of journalists, artists and storytellers who create award-winning live experiences across the country.
For more information, visit storyfest.org.
Get tickets »
Stories begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $25–$35 each and can be purchased here.

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble at the Majestic Theatre
2025-10-11 19:00 - 23:00 | The Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
Get tickets »
WDET proudly presents Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 11. This tour stop will celebrate the release of their debut album, Groove in the Face of Adversity, in Don’s hometown!
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble is a nine-piece soul jazz band incorporating Detroit’s rich musical heritage with an underlying groove that reflects the people and culture of the city.
For additional show and ticket information, visit the AXS website.

WDET Travel: Discover Southern Italy and Sicily - Zoom presentation with Q&A
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:00
Presentation with Q&A
Join us on Zoom, Wednesday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m. for an information session with Collette about our upcoming Travel with WDET: Discover Southern Italy and Sicily. This is a free, no-obligation event where you can learn all the details and ask questions.
Register »

Trip description
Journey with WDET to Sicily and the southern coast of Italy.
October 7 – 20, 2026
Discover Palermo, shaped by Moorish and Norman influences. See Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and the Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina. Visit the hilltop town of Taormina, then enjoy a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner at a local winery.
Explore the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Take in the charm of Sorrento and the beauty of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Walk through the ruins of Pompeii and experience history up close.
This trip offers a mix of culture, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
Join us for a journey that brings Southern Italy and Sicily to life.
*Registering for the Zoom presentation does not commit you to participating in the trip nor guarantee a spot on the trip.

Detroit Mayoral Debate Watch Party with Citizen Detroit
2025-10-15 18:00 - 20:30 | UFO Bar, 2110 Trumbull, Detroit, MI, 48216, United States
Join Citizen Detroit, neighbors, community leaders, and friends as the Detroit mayoral candidates take the stage.
Watch the televised debate, then Citizen Detroit will convene a quick discussion to share takeaways and talk about what matters most in our neighborhoods.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025
UFO Bar, 2110 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216

6:00-8:30 PM
Street parking only

Register online: http://bit.ly/4gVJ6ij
Admission is FREE, but reservations are required.

Light refreshments
Cash bar
Debate Bingo
Nonpartisan voter information

In partnership with:

WDET 101.9 FM
Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Halloween Monster Bash for WDET
2025-10-25 18:00 - 23:30 | Kuhnhenn Brewing Company, 36000 Groesbeck Highway, Clinton Township, MI, 48035, United States
Get ready to howl at the moon and dance like a monster at the Halloween Monster Bash – it’s going to be a spooky good time!
Get your best costumes ready for a night of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem for a great cause! Join us on Saturday, October 25th, at the Kuhnhenn Brewing Company Clinton Township location for our Halloween Monster Bash.
The bash has a killer lineup featuring the thrilling sounds of The 3-D Invisibles, The Amino Acids, and F-Hole Wreckers, all hosted by our own Jon Moshier!
This event is a benefit for WDET 101.9 FM. A $20 donation gets you in the door, with ALL proceeds going directly to support the station.
Doors open at 6 p.m., music kicks off at 7 p.m., and the costume contest begins at 8:30 p.m..
Get your tickets online.
Don’t forget to tune into Jon’s annual Halloween radio special on Oct. 25 from 4–6 p.m.! It’s the perfect spooky soundtrack for getting ready to go to the Monster Bash. An encore performance of the radio special will air on Halloween (Friday, Oct. 31) from 6–8 p.m.

Ann Delisi's Essential Cooking: Leña
2025-11-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Leña, 2720 Brush Street, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
This event is sold out!
Join us for the next installment of Ann Delisi’s Essential Cooking at Leña on Monday, November 17! Chefs Mike Conrad, Marcello Molteni and Lena Sareini will prepare a special 5-course meal with beverage pairings for guests to enjoy, showcasing their culinary journey inspired by Spain’s Catalan and Basque regions.
Located in Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood, Leña’s menu seamlessly blends the vibrant traditions of Spanish cuisine with the freshest flavors of the Midwest. The restaurant partners with Michigan-based purveyors like Creekstone Farms, Marrow Detroit Provisions, Motor City Seafood and Fisheye Farms. Since opening in 2024, Leña has garnered acclaim for its commitment to sustainability and innovative take on Spanish cuisine. They’re now graciously opening their doors to WDET listeners for an intimate evening of food and music.
Join us for an evening of community, culture and delicious flavors, all while supporting public radio in Detroit.
Tickets are $200 and directly support WDET and Leña. Ticket price includes food and a beverage pairing. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
This event is sold out!
*************************************************************************************************************
Due to the nature of this event, there will be no menu substitutions. If you have a severe food allergy that needs accommodating, please contact Leña directly.
There is one seating for this event: 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Seating will be limited and may be assigned if necessary.
Leña is wheelchair accessible.

Colors of Detroit 2025
2025-12-12 18:00 - 2025-12-13 01:00 | Berry Gordy Estate, Boston Edison, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us on December 12 for the second Colors of Detroit, an unforgettable evening celebrating the city’s creativity, culture, and connection.
Proceeds benefit WDET 101.9 FM, Detroit’s public radio station and the Concert of Colors, Detroit’s global music festival.
A historic setting
The celebration takes place at the Berry Gordy Estate in Boston Edison, the former home of Motown founder Berry Gordy and now owned by renowned arts consultant Alan Brown.
This setting offers a rare chance to experience one of Detroit’s most iconic cultural landmarks up close.
Live music and performances
Enjoy an exclusive live broadcast of The Don Was Motor City Playlist with WDET’s Ann Delisi, featuring legendary producer and artist Don Was.
The evening also includes a performance by the Amen Ra African Drum and Dance Group, followed by Detroit’s finest DJs keeping the dance floor moving late into the night.
More entertainment not to miss!
Mike Latulippe
Ryan Patrick Hooper hosting Motown Karaoke
Detroit DJs
– Dave Buick
– KESSWA
– Scott Zacharias
Food, flavor, and community
Savor a strolling dinner crafted by some of Detroit’s most celebrated chefs while mingling with fellow supporters, artists, and community leaders.
Explore a silent auction filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and local treasures.
This year’s chefs
Gajiza Dumplings: Jasmine Haskins, LEÑA: Lena Sareini, Oak & Reel: Jared Gadbaw, Warda Patisserie: Warda Bouguettaya, The Kitchenista: Angela Davis

Supporting Detroit’s creative heartbeat
Every ticket helps sustain the music, storytelling, and cultural programming that make Detroit’s creative community thrive.
The Concert of Colors brings the world’s music to Detroit, uniting audiences through sound and culture. It’s one of the nation’s largest and longest-running free global music festivals.
WDET 101.9 FM, Detroit’s listener-supported public radio station, delivers trusted news, diverse music programming and conversations from around metro Detroit and the world.
Silent auction
This year’s silent auction is better than ever, featuring local artists, exclusive experiences and more. The auction is live now and anyone can participate. Get your bids in early on your favorite items. The auction closes Sunday at 4 p.m.

Ticket levels

SOLD OUT – VIP Mingle hosted by Don Was and Ann Delisi
6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Includes access to the entire evening of events (VIP Mingle, Don Was Motor City Playlist live broadcast and Afterglow Dance Party)
$500 per ticket – sold out

Colors of Detroit VIP
7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Includes access to the on-site live broadcast of the Don Was Motor City Playlist with Don Was and WDET’s Ann Delisi from 8–10 p.m., and access to the Afterglow Dance Party from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
$350 per ticket

SOLD OUT – Afterglow Dance Party
10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
A dance party with WDET DJs in the ballroom of the Berry Gordy Estate — where Motown legends would dance and party! Includes access to the pool house and main floor of the estate, silent auction, light open bar, and light bites.
$50 per ticket – sold out

Get your tickets online »
Thank you to our sponsors:
Multi-platinum sponsors:

Ethan and Gretchen Gonzales Davidson
Erica and Ralph Gerson
Tom Gores Family Foundation
Framework E

Platinum sponsors:

Jennifer Gilbert
Arn and Nancy Tellem
Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Gold sponsors:

Michelle and Ahmad Chebbani
Coup D’état
Leela and Peter Hamp
Don and Anaïs Hicks
Romeo Okwara
Third Man Records
Sarah Winkler and Simon Leopold

Silver sponsors:

ACCESS
Buffalo Prescott
Christine and David Colman
Anthony and JJ Curis
Joan and Bob Epstein
Penny and Ken Fischer
Elyse and David Foltyn
Corey and Michelle Harris
Marx Layne
Meijer Rivertown Market Detroit
NKSK Events & Production
Josh Opperer and Rachel Opperer
Adrienne Roberts and Rich Haddad
Thomas Sebold and Associates
Ellie Serras
Holly and Matt Rosetti
Mary Zatina and Kevin Prihod

WDET Travel: Cultural Treasures of Japan
2026-06-07 - 2026-06-21
Book Your Trip »
Join Detroit Public Radio in June 2026 and explore the cultural treasures of Japan!

Trip Highlights:
Walk through the electric city of Tokyo, become energized by the metropolis’ buzz. Explore the lakeside resort of Hakone and cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi. Participate in a peaceful and meditative tea ceremony. Try your hand at the centuries-old art of gold leaf decorating. Tap into Japan’s train culture as you travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train. Explore Tokyo’s famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and old charms blend.

Experiences like these are what await you when you travel with WDET to the “Land of the Rising Sun!”

Book Your Trip »

WDET Travel: Discover Southern Italy and Sicily
2026-10-07 - 2026-10-20
Journey with WDET to Sicily and the southern coast of Italy.
Discover Palermo, shaped by Moorish and Norman influences. See Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and the Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina. Visit the hilltop town of Taormina, then enjoy a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner at a local winery.
Explore the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Take in the charm of Sorrento and the beauty of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Walk through the ruins of Pompeii and experience history up close.
This trip offers a mix of culture, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
Join us for a journey that brings Southern Italy and Sicily to life.
Book Your Trip »
