The Detroit Jazz Festival has announced that acclaimed pianist and educator Jason Moran will serve as the artist-in-residence for its 46th annual event, taking place from August 29 to September 1 in Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park. Moran, who has performed at the festival multiple times, expressed both excitement and surprise at being chosen for this prestigious role.
“It always seemed like an exciting prospect to share a number of sets with the Detroit listening public,” said Moran, 50, reflecting on the honor. He admits to feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness as he prepares for three unique performances during the festival. “For me, the Detroit audience is a real listening and thoroughly engaged audience,” he added.
Moran credits the city’s rich musical legacy for shaping his understanding of music. “The city of Detroit has taught the world to listen to music,” he remarked, acknowledging the profound influence it has had on artists. Moran’s journey began in Houston, where he studied at the Manhattan School of Music and launched his professional career in 1997.
Festival Highlights and Unique Performances
The festival promises an exciting lineup, with Moran’s performances set to showcase a variety of styles. He will kick off the event on August 29 by collaborating with electronic music pioneer Jeff Mills, featuring poet and singer Jessica Care Moore as a special guest. “It’s the idea of drum machine meeting piano — which I think is one of the great machines,” Moran explained, emphasizing the creative fusion that will characterize his opening act.
On August 31, Moran will pay tribute to Duke Ellington in celebration of his 125th birthday, performing with the festival’s Collegiate Jazz Orchestra. The festival will conclude on September 1 with Moran and his Bandwagon ensemble, joined by special guests Meshell Ndegeocello and Akili.
Throughout the festival, Moran plans to honor the late Geri Allen, a mentor and source of inspiration for him. “Every once in a while, Geri Allen is gonna show up there because to me she represented the true synthesis of a true artist,” he stated, highlighting her significant impact on his musical development.
A Legacy of Innovation and Recognition
Moran’s career has been marked by numerous accolades. He was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022 and received the German Jazz Prize for Pianist of the Year in 2023. His extensive repertoire includes soundtracks for films such as “Five Deep Breaths” and “Selma,” and collaborations with distinguished artists like Charles Lloyd, Christian McBride, and Cassandra Wilson.
Festival Artistic Director and CEO Chris Collins praised Moran’s innovative approach to jazz, stating, “Jason Moran is a trailblazer in the use of diverse multimedia and theatrical installations to present jazz to audiences in a way that has never been done before.” Collins expressed enthusiasm for the unique artistry Moran will bring to this year’s festival.
The Detroit Jazz Festival, which will feature two stages in Hart Plaza and one in Campus Martius Park, will offer free live streaming of performances at detroitjazzfest.org/live. For details on schedules and additional information, visit the festival’s official website.
Moran’s engagement as artist-in-residence underscores the significance of Detroit as a historical music city, enriching the festival experience with his artistic vision and deep connection to the city’s vibrant musical heritage.
