In his second year as the Detroit Jazz Festival Artistic Director, Chris Collins has cultivated another amazing lineup for this year’s Labor Day weekend performances. The vision for 2013 was to bring together artists who represent real jazz in all its forms. World-renowned musicians will come together to give Festival attendees performances they’ve never experienced before. This year’s artistic vision focuses on the language of jazz and the generations of musicians who have dedicated their lives to propagating its many dialects. We will celebrate history and revel in the creative spirit of artists who expand boundaries to create truly unique, engaging and meaningful music.
2013 Detroit Jazz Festival Artist-In-Residence Grammy award winner Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. Hailing from Panama, Danilo’s abundant talents and joyous enthusiasm make his concerts both memorable and inspiring. Whether leading his own ensembles or touring with renowned jazz masters (Wayne Shorter, Roy Haynes, Steve Lacy), Danilo is making a decidedly fresh imprint on contemporary music, guided, as always, by his love for jazz.