Detroit Jazz Festival announces drummer Brian Blade as 2024 Artist-in-Residence

Two-time Grammy-winning drummer Brian Blade is artist-in-residence for the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival, scheduled for Aug. 30- Sept. 2.

“The artist-in-residence position at the Detroit Jazz Festival is such an important position that’s all about the interaction of the artists ... and creative thoughtfulness that goes into bringing this art form to life,” Chris Collins, Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation president, said in a news release Tuesday.

“Brian is a gentle soul who’s looking forward to engaging with our community, with aspiring artists as well as patrons, and he’s going to bring a fresh texture to that role.”

Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Blade was raised on church music before turning to jazz and quickly became one of the genre’s most sought-after sidemen and collaborators. For 25 years, he has led Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, with seven albums released and a new one —just recorded last weekend — to be released in July.

“I hope that there are many opportunities to engage with the younger musicians ... so that the music content continues to be heard and developed," Blade said. "It’s such a beautiful festival — not just the fact that it’s free, but because it’s an open door for people to come in and listen. I hope we get to meet as many people as possible, from young to old, who enjoy the music.”

As the 2024 artist-in-residence, Blade will support Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation educational initiatives for students and community engagement activities across the region throughout the year. In addition, Blade will lead multiple diverse performances during the festival across Labor Day weekend.

Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band will also perform at a sneak peek for the new Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center on the campus of Wayne State University on April 10 during the Detroit Jazz Festival Preview Event. The performance will be livestreamed free at detroitjazzfest.org. The Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center is scheduled to open to the public this fall.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Jazz Fest announces Brian Blade as 2024 Artist-in-Residence