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Jazz, Peach And Pierogi-Packed Weekend

It's another Labor Day Weekend full of festivals and fun in Southeast Michigan.

Detroit will play host to the Detroit International Jazz Festival, September 3rd through the 6th.  Now in its 31st year, the festival takes place over several city blocks in downtown Detroit – from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius – with five stages and 100 acts. You'll also find educational activities for the kids, giant puppets, fireworks, late-night jam sessions, opportunities to meet the artists and more.

The best part? Jazz Fest is FREE.

Entitled "Flame Keepers – carrying the torch for modern jazz," this year's event will pay homage to trailblazers Art Blakey, Ray Brown, Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Betty Carter, Lester Bowie and Gil Evans. The lineup features world-renowned pianist Mulgrew Miller, trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, conductor/composer Maria Schneider and master drummer Roy Haynes, along with a host of other national artists, emerging artists, Detroit-based artists and outstanding student ensembles. 

For a complete Jazz Fest concert schedule, CLICK HERE.

You should consider stopping by Hamtramck as the city celebrates its annual Labor Day Festival tradition Saturday to Monday. The festival will take place on Joseph Campau street in the heart of Hamtramck.

The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival celebrates the city's multicultural pride with a variety of ethnic food, vendors, carnival rides, a parade and a delicious menu of local music including Mitch Ryder, the Polish Muslims, Howling Diablos, Hush and more.  Don't miss the fashion show on Saturday, the Pierogi-Eating Contest, Sunday -- and, did I mention, $3 beers? Visit hamtownfest.com for more information.

Also, this weekend, it's another Metro Detroit tradition: Bring your family and friends to the Michigan Peach Festival in the picturesque Village of Romeo. Continuing all weekend through Monday, the event features the Peach Festival Tennis Tournament, Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner, Las Vegas games, live music, plenty of food and free fun activities for the kids on Saturday at Romeo Village Park.

Peach Fest wraps up Monday with a children's parade, fine arts and crafts with over 140 exhibitors and the festival floral parade starting on Main Street at 1:30 p.m. CLICK HERE for all the details.

Head to Oakland County and you'll find more than 200 performances on ten stages, a juried fine arts show, and more than a sampling of the best food Metro Detroit has to offer, as Ford Arts, Beats & Eats moves to a new venue this Labor Day Weekend.

Now in its 13th year, the popular summer festival is expected to draw Michiganders by the thousands to downtown Royal Oak. You can expect to pay $10-$15 for parking and $3 per-person for admission.  Children under 3 get in free. CLICK HERE for complete details.

On Monday, celebrate in the true spirit of Labor Day in downtown Detroit. The Prestigious Detroit Labor Day Parade  will step off at 9 a.m. in front of the Fox Theatre, heading down Woodward Ave. to Hart Plaza.

This year's parade will be led by Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) musicians and the Detroit Federation of Musicians  in support of their fight to save the orchestra. (See photos from last year's event)

For more Labor Day Weekend ideas, visit www.digdowntown.com.

(Copyright 2010 WWJ Radio.  All Rights Reserved.)

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