The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has announced acclaimed drummer, composer, and bandleader Brian Blade as the artist-in-residence for the upcoming Detroit Jazz Festival. This two-time Grammy Award winner musician is set to take center stage during the Labor Day weekend festivities. The 2024 festival will take place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 in downtown Detroit.
Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Blade grew from his gospel roots to becoming one of the most revered jazz drummers in the nation. As the 2024 artist-in-residence, Blade will not only participate in multiple performances but also actively engage with educational initiatives and community outreach programs spearheaded by the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation.
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Among the highlights of Blade’s residency was a special festival preview event at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center on the Wayne State University campus on April 10 featuring an exclusive performance by Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band. Watch a portion of Blade’s performance.
Blade’s band, The Fellowship Band, boasts a discography spanning 25 years, with seven critically acclaimed recordings to their name. From their debut album in 1998 to the latest release, “Kings Highway” in 2023, Blade and his ensemble have consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz, captivating audiences worldwide with their innovative sound.
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