2022 BLUES FEST LINE-UP

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2022 BLUES FEST LINE-UP 〰️

Zakiya Hooker - 5:45pm

A veteran blues artist in her own right. She’ll perform with a band that includes her husband, Ollan Christopher Bell (of the ‘70s soul group the Natural Four) and Canadian guitarist Anthony Cook. The Detroit native, who left the city for California in the mid-‘70s and now lives in Georgia, said she’s thrilled to come home for a tribute to her father in the city where he made his name.

NOTE* Mayoral Key to the City scheduled for 6:00pm

Bettye LaVette- 6:45pm

Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the great soul interpreters of her generation”, Bettye LaVette is a vocalist who can take any type of song and make it completely her own. Bettye is one of very few of her contemporaries who were recording during the birth of soul music in the 1960s and is still creating vital recordings today. To quote the late, great George Jones: "Bettye is truly a 'singer's singer'.".

Ana Popovic - 8:00pm

“It’s really hard to believe that twenty years ago, I gave up a career in graphic design, formed the Ana Popovic band, and decided to be a full-time musician. She fell in love with American blues as a kid, starting back home in Belgrade, Serbia. Then moved to the Netherlands to study at the conservatory of jazz and world-music. After living in Amsterdam for over ten years, she relocated to Memphis, TN to record and work with Southern musicians. Finally in 2016, she moved her family to Los Angeles, California where she now lives.

Eliza Neals - 3:45pm

Eliza Neals is a prolific songwriter, confident producer, arranger, bandleader, pianist, and one-of-a-kind live performer. Eliza sings with unearthly passion and velvety grit, effortlessly pushing air to new heights. Her operatically trained voice has been called both sexy and menacing. Original compositions have garnered Eliza a 2018 Detroit Black Music Award for “Blues Artist of the Year.” and FIVE Detroit Music Awards. A total of fourteen nominations in the newly formed “Independent Blues Awards” along with “Get Ready To Rock UK’s” glowing Best Artists awards in five categories.

Thornetta Davis - 4:45pm

Thornetta is a 7 time Blues Foundation BLUES MUSIC AWARDS nominee including two 2022 BMA nominations for Contemporary Blues artist female and Best instrumentalist Vocals. As a winner of over 30 Detroit Music Awards, she is Detroit’s Queen of the Blues!

Tosha Owens - 1:45pm

From her trademark fedora and hand fan to her marvelous mix of Blues, Rock, Funk and R&B, multiple award winning (Just won multiple 2022 Detroit Music Awards for outstanding blues artist, rock-pop recording (“Love More, Hate Less” with Bob Mervak) Detroit born and raised singer Tosha Owens has the word ‘performer’ written all over her.

Jimmy D. Scott wsg Kern Brantley - 9:15pm

Jimmy has been a writer and vocalist with record deals and albums dating back to the early 70’s. His good friend Ray Parker Jr. (of Ghost Buster fame) was his lead guitarist early on. In 2010, ESPN’s Monday Night Football featured Jimmy on the opening song.  His screen appearances continued in 2012 with an appearance along side Vivica A. Fox in the movie Queen City.

Howard Glazer & Harmonica Shah - 2:45pm

            Howard Glazer, Detroit Born Blues guitar virtuoso, plays the blues in all forms - from his own original take on blues and blues rock solo and with the Howard Glazer Band to smokin' hot rockin blues with Eliza Neals and the Narcotics and the Detroit Blues Party Band with Harmonica Shah and Billy Davis

Honored in the “Click on Detroit” Best of 2016 as Best Blues Band/Artist and a 2015 Downbeat Critics Choice Awards nominee (Best Blues Artist). Glazer was awarded Best Instrumentalist in Blues/R&B category by the Detroit Music Awards in 2014 and he was inducted into the Michigan Blues Hall Of Fame 2013.


SELECTED ARTISTS ARCHIVES

Madison Central Stage

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The Jacksons

9:00pm - Headliner

Signed to Motown Records in 1969, The Jackson 5 recorded their first number one hit at Hitsville, U.S.A. on West Grand Boulevard, forever linking the Jackson family and the City of Detroit. Under the guidance of Motown CEO Berry Gordy, the Jacksons were among the first groups of African American performers to attain a crossover following, and went on to release hit after hit - essentially transforming the musical landscape and bringing the world’s attention to Detroit.

Their infectious brand of funky pop-soul was a definite departure from the typically smooth, elegant Motown sound, as befitting the group's youth and the dawn of a new decade. That youth, coupled with the merchandising juggernaut that sprang up behind them, led to global acclaim. To this day, their music still holds up extremely well as some of the most vibrant mainstream pop/R&B of its era.


 
 
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Craig Brown - 2:00pm

One of Detroit’s most beloved and powerful musicians has branched out and put a dynamite musical act together, and it’s called the Craig Brown Band. Their debut full-length album, ‘The Lucky Ones Forget’ is now available on Third Man Records. It’s a long-player filled with songs about heartbreak, fishing and vans—built upon the work of those daring punks of yore who embraced country music. Whatever the band and whatever the avenue, Craig brings effortless musicianship and his damaged honkey-tonk howl to the mix.

 
 
 
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BanD/J - 3:00PM

With world-class talent and effortless style, this party powerhouse transforms every event nto larger-than-life experiences. You’ve never seen a band like BanD/J. At a BanD/J party, you’ll have more fun in a few hours than you’ve had in years. Playing amazing events all over the Midwest, The BanD/J crew is a carefully curated combination of performers with impressive musical, vocal, dance and theatre experience. With resumes that include performances alongside the likes of Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Alicia Keys, the band members each bring to the stage a combination of unique talents. Together, they form a magnetic energy that will entice every partygoer to the dance floor.

 
 
 
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The Gasoline Gypsies - 4:00PM

Rollicking, genre-transcending rock ‘n’ roll out of Detroit played by four guys who love the craft. With three part vocal harmonies, driving guitar and bass riffs, their songs are powerful and intense, yet easy to grasp. With the release of their new album "Killin' Time" on July 1st, the The Gasoline Gypsies are eager to show the rock community what they can do. Their considerable effort to play rock and roll in the spirit that respects the art, results in a seemingly effortless stage performance that is thrilling, and fun.

 
 
 
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Will Sessions - 5:00PM

Will Sessions and his band have established themselves as one of Detroit’s must-see live bands, with a work ethic and a varied musical output that reflects their city’s roots. After cutting their teeth as the house band is at the infamous Motor City Funk Night parties, the band went on to release a series of singles on the FNR label, as well as LPs like the instant-classic Elmatic, Kindred, and Mixtakes video/album series. In 2016, Will Sessions started their own record label, Sessions Sounds. The group is also known for high-profile collaborations with the likes of Mayer Hawthorne, Slum Village, Elzhi, Black Milk, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, Eminem, DJ Dez/Andrez, Jeremy Ellis, Wendell Harrison, and Griz.

 
 
 
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Mark Farner's American band - 6:00PM

Legendary all-American frontman and guitarist Mark Farner was the engine that pulled one of the most beloved bands of the 70s, hailing from Flint, MI to the top of the charts. Today he is a platinum recording artist 30 times over. At age 67, Farner commands the stage with the same intensity and outpouring of love as he did at 20 during the summer of ’69, and his fans are still flocking to their captain. Farner's synergy and open heart come through in epic hits that defined a generation—“I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home),” “We’re An American Band,” a recut of “The Loco-Motion,” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

 
 
 
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Ben Daniels Band - 7:00PM

A natural poet, this young songwriter went to school on Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson, and Jack White, among others. His lyrics speak directly to a younger generation that hears, sees, and thinks about the very things he’s writing. From their opening song to the finale of their set, the Ben Daniels Band cuts through with their originality, musicianship, and a sound that spans Americana, blues, jazz, and rock.

 
 
 
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Jeff Daniels - 7:30PM

Actor, writer, and musician, Emmy Award-winning Jeff Daniels has authored approximately 400 songs, played 300 gigs, and tours with his son’s band, the Ben Daniels Band. Perhaps best known for his roles as Will McAvoy on HBO’s ‘The Newsroom’ and Harry Dunne on ‘Dumb and Dumber’, Daniels’ performance career spans the big screen, television, stage, and more . Also the founder of The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan, Daniels has currently written 15 plays and has worked with a multitude of actors eager for his artistic wisdom and experience.

 
 
 
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Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" - Complexions Contemporary Ballet - 8:50pm

Complexions was founded in 1994 by Master Choreographer Dwight Rhoden and the legendary Desmond Richardson with a singular approach to reinventing dance through a groundbreaking mix of methods, styles and cultures. Today, Complexions represents one of the most recognized and respected performing arts brands in the World. Having presented an entirely new and exciting vision of human movement, Complexions is poised to continue its mission of bring unity to the world one dance at a time.

 

2018 Madison Central Stage - Guest Appearances

 
 
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DSO CREATIVE JAZZ ENSEMBLE - 2:45pm

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a leader in the world of classical music, embraces and inspires individuals, families and communities through unsurpassed musical experiences. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, became the DSO’s 12th Music Director with the 2008-09 season. His international reputation combined with his incredible musicianship and passion for educating young people has brought the DSO into a new era of reinvigorated performance and community engagement

 
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ALI MCMANUS 3:45pm

When you hear Ali McManus’s dynamic vocals, you’d be surprised to know her lung capacity is only 30%. Given only a 50/50 chance to live, now 21 years old, the Detroit born singer/songwriter has beaten the odds. Having spent much of her young life in hospitals, McManus credits music with saving her life. Ali writes intimate original songs that reflect her life, aiming to connect with others through her lyrics and inspire them with her story.

 
 
 
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King Thomas Moore - 4:45pm

At 10 years old, King Thomas Moore  made history as the youngest recipient of the Knight Arts Foundation Award for his 12 and Under Super Cool Poetry Open Mic program. This year, King opened for Dave Chapelle’s two sold out shows at the Filmore Theater. King was flown to Shanghai, China to perform for Chinese Youth during the popular Iron Mic Series, King has also performed violin and poetry for three weeks in a row at Dilla Youth Day-a special event honoring hip-hop legend, James "J. Dilla" Yancey

 
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Jill Jack - 5:45pm

Jill Jack’s magical connection to her audience is the result of her generous artistry. Since 1997 she’s won 41 Detroit Music Awards in every conceivable category that applies to a singer-songwriter. Much of this provincial success is due to her charming stage presence and emotive songwriting. It’s simply called connecting. "For a quarter-century, Jill Jack has been the musical version of the Spirit of Detroit: solid, uniquely ours, and sometimes taken for granted." -Hour Detroit Magazine

 
 
 
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Joel Fluent Greene - 6:45pm

Joel Fluent Greene, acclaimed poet, presents a special performance with his father, veteran musician and composer, Charles Greene. A unique blend of spoken word, hip-hop and jazz that you won't want to miss!

 
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Charles Paul - 8:20pm

Charles Paul hails from Detroit, Michigan and has performed nationally and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral double bass player. He has performed with the Houston Symphony, New World Symphony, Complexions Ballet, and has given world premieres as a fellow of the Tanglewood Music Center and Aspen Music Festival. He is the first-place winner of the 2016 TCU international Double Bass Orchestral Competition and was a semi finalist at the 2017 ISB International Solo competition.

 
 
 
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Bruce Bailey - 8:15pm, 9:0pm

Premier House Music DJ and Event Promoter, Bruce Bailey is original Detroit Royalty. Everyone knows his name and you haven’t really gotten your dance vibe on if he didn’t provide the music backdrop. That’s because house music is his rhythmic heartbeat and passion of his soul. It is what drives him and motivates his commitment to his art.

 
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Detroit Youth Choir - 8:45pm

This company was founded under the conductorship of Mr. Fleming Ivory and later taken over by Mr. Anthony White. Members of the group have been performing and staging concerts around the city and the world. The 30+ member 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization is devoted to developing the creative skills of some of Detroit's finest youth. DYC is also a recent nominated performing arts group here in the City of Detroit.

 
 
 

DMW FEATURED ARTIST ARCHIVE

2017 FEATURED ARTISTS GALLERY

Aretha Franklin - TUXEDO  feat. Mayer Hawthorn and Jake One - DJ DNICE - Larry Callahan&  Selected of God Choir - Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels - Laith Al-Saadi - Josh Gracin -  Obed Succarri PanaMO - Sean Blackman IN TRANSIT