WBGO Blog

  • The WBGO Vacation Package Winner Is in Detroit

    September 5, 2009. Posted by Becca Pulliam.

    Add new comment | Filed under: Detroit Jazz Festival 2009
    Erica Collins & Shanetta Dorsey
    Erica Collins & Shanetta Dorsey

    YAY!!!! Winner Shanetta Dorsey (right) and her friend Erica Collins are staying at the Marriott on a high floor  with a view of Canada. Just now they are on their way to the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History and may stop for something to eat at Good Girls Go to Paris (crepe house). Congratulations and it's great to meet you!

    © 2009 WBGO

  • Rhonda's Detroit Journal - Friday 9.4.09

    September 5, 2009. Posted by Rhonda Hamilton.

    Add new comment | Filed under: Detroit Jazz Festival 2009, Live Music

    It’s late Friday night, well, early Saturday morning and I’ve just returned from the opening concerts of the Detroit International Jazz Festival! When I first arrived in the Motor City on Monday there was no indication of the grand event that was soon to overtake the downtown area save for a small flashing marquee near our hotel. Within 24 hours the hard working crews began the process of putting up tents and vendor booths, laying cables, barricading streets, erecting stages and testing sound equipment.

    When I interviewed Festival Executive Director Terri Pontremoli yesterday, I asked her what distinguishes the Detroit Fest from other jazz festivals, and she told me it was the special vibe and the people. The fans who come to the Detroit Jazz Festival know and really appreciate the music. As Terri said, “They come to listen.” This is a sentiment I’ve heard echoed several times by long time DJF devotees. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the festival is showcasing Detroit’s rich jazz legacy and lineage…welcoming home such area natives as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Geri Allen, Bennie Maupin, Louis Hayes and Sheila Jordan.

    Keep reading for the details on the rest of the day and a concert photo of Hank Jones. Read more

    © 2009 WBGO

  • Sideline Entertainment at the Detroit Jazz Festival

    September 4, 2009. Posted by David Tallacksen.

    Add new comment | Filed under: Detroit Jazz Festival 2009

    The Second Line Nicky Boy Band - and non height-challenged friends - parades around Campus Martius Park in the downtime between performances at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

    Click here for more photos!

    © 2009 WBGO