Global jazz: Annual festival at Hart Plaza, lower Woodward corridor features wealth of talent

Talk about a love supreme, music fans, this year's Detroit International Jazz Festival celebrates the sounds of two great American cities, and the pioneering artist that inspired musicians in each of them.

This weekend, our 29th annual Jazz Fest showcases the rich musical traditions of Philadelphia and Detroit and the work of the late saxophone great John Coltrane (not to mention native Detroiter Alice Coltrane, his spouse who died in 2007, and son Ravi Coltrane, who will be performing in this year's fest). This Philly-Detroit Summit, features Philadelphia native and renowned bassist Christian McBride (pictured) as artist in residence. Other featured artists include Detroit natives Dianne Reeves, Kenny Garrett, and Geri Allen, along with Philly artists Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Pat Martino and others.

There will be an opening night tribute Friday to Motown’s Marvin Gaye, with Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, and José James, backed by a Detroit all-star big band, led by McBride.

Also performing will be the Wayne State University and Temple University Big Bands; and Michigan State University will perform the works of Thad Jones with trumpet legend Jon Faddis. Other visiting schools include the Berklee (Boston) Jazz Ensemble, the Juilliard Jazz Quintet, and the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quartet. There will also be a performance by the Detroit Torino Urban Jazz Project. For a complete schedule and lineup of all artists go here.

At Hart Plaza, in downtown Detroit, on Jefferson at the the foot of Woodward Avenue, and at stages up the Woodward corridor to Cadillac Square and Campus Martius. It’s all free, best of all.