“Jazzin’ On Jefferson 2005” – Saturday June 25

After tremendous success in its inaugural year, the Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) officially announced Jazzin’ on Jefferson 2005, its 2nd annual street festival celebrating the jazz and blues heritage of the East Jefferson District, at a press/VIP preview party at the Roostertail. Last summer, nearly 10,000 people enjoyed the sweet melodies of jazz combined with the soulful sounds of blues, delicious barbecued chicken, smoked hickory ribs and other ethnic cuisine as well as crafts and wares from 30 local artisans and vendors for JEBA’s first annual Jazzin’ on Jefferson, a free street festival celebrating the jazz and blues heritage of the East Jefferson district.

This year Jazzin’ on Jefferson will take place Saturday, June 25, on a closed section of East Jefferson Avenue at Chalmers. The festival, which will be held on from 11 am to 9 p.m., will feature a wide variety of local and regional jazz and blues artists on two stages; crafts from regional artisans; ethnic and continental foods from area restaurants; and activities for children.

The State of Michigan has taken notice of the connection between JEBA’s many business development efforts and Jazzin’ on Jefferson. According to Governor Granholm, “I am very pleased with the progress that JEBA is making with their project,” said Governor Granholm. “They are truly creating a place where people want to live, work, play and locate a business.” JEBA was recently awarded a “cool cities” catalyst grant from Governor Granholm to develop an entertainment and technology incubator in the Jefferson East Business District.

The festival was inspired by recommendations from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (ONCR), of which JEBA is one of the five selected commercial districts in the city; the National Main Street Center in Washington D.C., and Governor Granholm’s “Cool Cities” Initiative. According to JEBA Board President, Tom Hardiman “We expect to draw thousands of people over the course of the day-long celebration.”

Last year attendees enjoyed some of the nation’s most respected jazz and blues musicians such as Rodney Whitaker and Lonnie Brooks. This year Jazzin’ on Jefferson will present the Dirty Dozen Brass Band with their New Orleans-style Jazz and Blues. Also, many neighborhood talents will be featured on the Jazzin’ on Jefferson Community Stage and local resident, Eddie Burns will bring his famous old school blues to the Main Stage. Other confirmed performers include: Straight Ahead, The Odessa Harris Group featuring Dwight Adams, In The Pocket featuring Priscilla Price, Chris Cotish (The Brothers Groove) with Perry Hughes, Zamar, and Classique featuring Deblon Jackson.

Jazzin’ on Jefferson 2004 also featured many local artists (from Pangborn Design to 4731 Gallery and Gallery 555) local cuisine (Bert’s Marketplace and Edibles Rex). JEBA plans to bring back many of these exciting artists as well as new additions including the Pure Detroit Design Lab and expanded children’s activities provided by Pewabic Pottery. Merchant vendor spaces are still available, if interested please contact the JEBA (313) 331-7939.

Mark your calendars for June 25, 2005 – see you at Jazzin’ on Jefferson!

-Source, JEBA newsletter