Wayne State University Opens Jazz Center

The Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center, a state-of-the-art venue at Wayne State University, will officially open with a grand reception on August 29, coinciding with the Detroit Jazz Festival. This center, which will host performances and livestream events, honors the late Gretchen C. Valade, a significant figure in Detroit's jazz scene. The Detroit Jazz Festival, the world's largest free jazz festival, will feature about 60 performances over Labor Day weekend, showcasing both national and local talent. Notable acts include the Brandee Younger Trio and Carmen Lundy, with a special tribute to Alice Coltrane. The festival also emphasizes educational initiatives, providing opportunities for young musicians through workshops and competitions. The new center and festival together aim to enrich Detroit's vibrant jazz culture and preserve its musical legacy.