Detroit International Jazz Fest 2010: My "bebop, bebop" pick!

WXYZ-TV - “I don’t have a definition of jazz… You’re just supposed to know it when you hear it.”

– Thelonious Monk

“Jazz is the big brother of the blues. If a guy’s playing the blues he’s in high school.
When he starts playing jazz it’s like going on to college.” 

- B.B. King

“Jazz has always been the kind of man you wouldn’t want your daughter to associate with.”

– Duke Ellington

It’s that time again, the 31st season for the world’s largest free jazz fest. Yes, take note of Labor Day weekend in downtown Detroit. What better place to be? Bebop, bebop!

The Detroit International Jazz Fest (DJF) is a Michigan treasure! If you’ve never sashayed your way into this diverse musical experience, then you are depriving yourself of one of Motown’s richest traditions. Seven hundred and fifty thousand people - 23 percent from out of town - can’t be wrong. They know there will be over 70 world-class musicians showcasing a true American art form. The line-up includes: Bransford Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Terence Blanchard, Randy Brecker,
Roy Haynes and Take Six.

And there is a new twist to this year’s Jazz Fest. The show is going global via the internet. Live and taped events will be streamed on   detroitjazzfest.com/jazzplanet .  This will be a first for jazz festivals and a unique way of bringing jazz lovers from around the world to Detroit. The current economic impact of the DJF is nearly $100 million. Increased exposure could increase the revenue in the future.

If you’re having trouble choosing where to go this Labor Day weekend, I strongly suggest the DJF. It’s a family friendly event that combines great music with good food. Trust me; Hart Plaza is the place to be. Bebop, bebop!