Detroit Celebrates Holiday Weekend At Jazzin' On Jefferson
DETROIT (WWJ) - The Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) is proud to present the eight annual Jazzin' on Jefferson, a music and arts festival celebrating the jazz, blues and cultural heritage of the Jefferson East Business District.
This free festival is now on a holiday weekend from Saturday July 2nd to Sunday July 3rd from noon to 9pm on a closed-off section of East Jefferson Avenue between the streets of Chalmers and Alter.
Jazzin' on Jefferson 2011 will feature world-class jazz, blues, & gospel performances, an artist market, children's area, community tours and outstanding cuisine and shopping.
Headlining this year will be Detroit's blues ambassador to the world, Johnnie Bassett and the Blues Insurgents, on the Charter One main stage at 7:30pm on Saturday.
Headlining Sunday will be Planet D Nonet with special guest Thornetta Davis, performing at 7:30pm. The Planet D Nonet won best jazz recording in the 2011 Detroit Music Awards and Davis is long considered to be Detroit's greatest female blues and soul singer.
Other jazz & blues performers include Perry Hughes with Gerard Gibbs & Gene Dunlap; the Vincent Chandler Quintet; Deon Yates, and many more. For the full entertainment schedule, click here.
In addition to great music, other festival features include the Junior League of Detroit Kids Zone with arts and crafts, carnival games, and family friendly performances.
Returning this year will be the JOJ Marketplace and DIY Art Gallery showcasing mixed media works from area artists and retail vendors with distinctive wares. The International Food Court features international cuisine and down home favorites.
New in 2011 are the Lower Eastside Waterfront Tours. Sponsored by Royal Transportation and National Heritage Academies, these hour-long tours will explore JEBA, the Jefferson-Chalmers Neighborhood and Marina District. These unique explorations will highlight the assets of Detroit's lower eastside including the canal district, riverfront parks, waterfront housing options, historic neighborhoods and marinas.
The Historic Jefferson East Business District is one of a small number of surviving early twentieth-century neighborhood commercial districts within Metro Detroit.
For more information about Jazzin' on Jefferson and JEBA, visit jazzinonjefferson.com.
