Michigan Jazz Festival Boasts Strong Canadian Lineup

jazz festivals, Canadian jazz

River Raisin Jazz Festival returns to Monroe for sixth year

The sixth annual River Raisin Jazz Festival gets underway this weekend in Monroe, Michigan, featuring a Smooth Jazz format and this year’s instrumental theme, the saxophone.

Headlining the festival are a host of some of the finest saxophonists on the scene today, including Tower of Power alumnus and Internet business giant Richard Elliot from Los Angeles, and a strong Canadian contingent on Saturday including the contemporary jazz quartet Four80East (Toronto), multiple award-winning Smooth Jazz star Warren Hill (Toronto), and Windsor, Ontario native Alexander Zonjic, renowned flute player and jazz radio show host.
Zonjic, who is now based out of Detroit, also helps coordinate the acts for the festival.

Others on the bill are Grammy Award-winning guitarist Doc Powell, Toledo-based SwingMania, Detroit’s all-female jazz quintet Straight Ahead, the River Raisin (Monroe) Big Band, Detroit pianist/producer Bamm Davis, and Smooth Jazz guitarist/vocalist Steve Oliver.

In addition, the phenomenal Motor City Horns out of Detroit will be sitting in with Mr. Zonjic, as will percussionist and musical director for television’s ‘Emeril Live!’, Doc Gibbs.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

1:00 – 2:00 – Swingmania Big Band

2:30 – 3:30 – Straight Ahead

4:00 – 5:15 – four80east

5:45 – 7:00 – Warren Hill

7:30 – 9:00 – Alexander Zonjic & Friends w/The Motor City Horns and Special Guest Doc Gibbs

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

1:00 – 2:00 – River Raisin Big Band

2:30 – 3:30 – Bamm Davis

4:00 – 5:15 – Steve Oliver

5:45 – 7:00 – Doc Powell

7:30 – 9:00 – Richard Elliot

for more info visit www.monroeinfo.com/jazzfestival.html