Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation

Investing in the Next Generation of Jazz

Detroit has always helped shape the future of jazz. Today, through the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation's educational and artist development programs, we are helping shape its next generation.

The NextGen Program provides emerging jazz musicians with live performance opportunities, professional mentorship, and global exposure. Through monthly Jazz from the Cellar and After-Hours sessions at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center, young artists gain invaluable real-world experience while sharing their talent with audiences in Detroit and around the world.

Beyond performance opportunities, students receive direct access to some of the most accomplished artists in jazz. During last year's Detroit Jazz Festival, participants joined Grammy Award-winning pianist Emmet Cohen for an intimate mentoring session, where they discussed career development, lessons learned, and the realities of building a life in music. 

This year, students will have the opportunity to learn from renowned drummer and Detroit native Ali Jackson, whose distinguished career includes serving as the drummer for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis from 2005 to 2018. Experiences like these provide aspiring musicians with inspiration, guidance, and professional connections that can shape their futures.

In addition to the NextGen Program, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation offers a robust portfolio of educational initiatives that nurture talent, foster creativity, and expand access to jazz education throughout our community.

New Jazz Infusion Program

Professional artist-educators visit Detroit Public Schools Community District classrooms twice each week, introducing students to jazz through hands-on instruction and mentorship. The program currently serves more than 100 students across at least five schools, culminating in an annual student showcase at Cliff Bell's where participants perform before family, friends, and peers.

Collegiate Combo Competition

This competition recognizes and celebrates outstanding collegiate jazz ensembles from across the country. Winning groups earn the opportunity to perform at the Detroit Jazz Festival, providing valuable exposure and a prestigious platform to showcase the results of their dedication and artistic excellence.

Youth Jazz Vocal Competition

Designed to encourage and develop young vocal talent, this program combines mentorship with meaningful performance opportunities. High school vocalists from across metro Detroit compete alongside the acclaimed Detroit Jazz Festival All-Star Trio, with the winner earning the opportunity to perform at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

J.C. Heard JazzWeek@Wayne

Established in honor of legendary Detroit-born drummer J.C. Heard, this free, merit-based summer intensive provides aspiring musicians with a week of immersive learning, mentorship, and performance experiences. Through a competitive audition process, talented young artists are selected to participate in this unique educational opportunity. Led by Wayne State University Jazz Faculty alongside distinguished local and national artists, students explore improvisation, repertoire, jazz styles, communication, and artistic expression while gaining access to world-class venues and professional musicians. The program not only develops musical excellence but also honors J.C. Heard's enduring legacy by inspiring and preparing the next generation of jazz artists.

Why Your Support Matters

Every performance opportunity, mentorship session, classroom visit, and educational experience helps cultivate the next generation of jazz artists. By supporting these programs, donors are not only investing in individual students, they are helping ensure that Detroit's rich jazz legacy continues to inspire, educate, and thrive for generations to come.