What's not to love about the GRandJazzFest? In only its second year, the festival has rounded up nearly 70 key sponsors -- including lead sponsor DTE Energy Foundation -- who have invested in the vision of a free jazz event in the heart of downtown. This can only confirm what many know: from the shows in tiny venues to the lavish outdoor concerts like at John Ball Park, Grand Rapids is in the middle of a Jazz Age revival!
"We expanded to two days -- bigger, better, more jazz -- but still free. In addition to our array of professional performance artists, we've added a student jam session [with] jazz students from Northview High School and from Michigan State University -- schools both with acclaimed jazz programs," Audrey Sundstrom, founder, says. The student groups are slated to perform on Sunday.
While there are many more acts to see this year, sometimes, it is hard for the average listener with limited time to decide which the ones not to miss.
A short list of acts you will want to pay attention to include saxophonists Phil Denny and Deon Yates, who are both rising stars on the national scene and hail from Michigan.
Another artist to catch is Chicago-based guitarist and vocalist Nick Colionne, who embodies a perfect mix of "old school jazz" expertise with a contemporary yet, personal musical style.
"It's great to support another weekend of free cultural activities that make downtown Grand Rapids the place to be," says DTE Energy Foundation's Roger Royer.
I couldn't agree more.
Admission: Free
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