The upcoming 30th anniversary festival of “Keepin’ Up With the Joneses” will celebrate the great families of jazz, starting with native sons Thad, Elvin and Hank Jones. “In this case, ‘keepin’ up’ means ‘living up’ to the greatness of Hank, Elvin and Thad Jones – these important musical giants, and their incredible sense of swing,” says Detroit Jazz Festival Executive Director, Terri Pontremoli. “In no way is this your typical family reunion!”

The fun, all outdoors, all free, begins Friday evening, September 4th, 2009, and goes from noon til well past dark through Labor Day on September 7th. Centered on the Detroit riverfront of Hart Plaza and extending a few blocks into downtown, the Detroit Jazz Festival (DJF) is one of the world’s largest free jazz events.

Who Else Will Be There?

In addition to 91-year-old Hank Jones (pictured at right), the DJF welcomes the Clayton Brothers (including this year’s artist in residence, John Clayton), Dave Brubeck and sons, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Larry and Julian Coryell, the Heath Brothers (Jimmy and Tootie), Pete and Juan Escovedo, and Brian Auger and family. Extending the family concept, DJF will also boast artists representing family jazz traditions– T.S. Monk with a “tentet” performance of Monk on Monk and Chuchito Valdes, son and grandson of brilliant pianists Chucho and Bebo.

And there’s a lot more jazz from sources beyond Detroit. “Not everything will be Detroit or family-centric,” says Pontremoli. “We’re thrilled to have Chick Corea and his fabulous trio with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White on opening night. And then, of course, there’s Wayne Shorter with John Patitucci, Brian Blade and Danilo Perez…it just doesn’t get much better than that!” Other high-wire acts include masterful vibraphonist Stefon Harris and the 2008 Artist in Residence, Christian McBride with his new quintet, Inside Straight.

More special sets will include a 100th birthday celebration for Benny Goodman by virtuoso clarinetist Eddie Daniels; a “superbass” performance by John Clayton, Christian McBride and Rodney Whitaker; and a piano tribute to Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, Barry Harris and Milt Jackson by pianist Antonio Ciacca.

Covering five stages and anticipating 750,000 in attendance over four days, the Detroit Jazz Festival is supported by a $10 million endowment from Detroit philanthropist and Mack Avenue Records Chairman Gretchen Valade, as well as annual fund-raising efforts. For updated information, visit the festival website at www.detroitjazzfest.com

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