Detroit knows its music — from Motown and Rock to Hip Hop and Electronica, Detroiters appreciate both the classics and modern music. Jazz is no exception. The Detroit Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival in the world, and it was recently voted the number two jazz festival in the world by JazzTimes.

The annual jazz festival is a four-day event that brings fans from across the globe to downtown Detroit, featuring five stages around Campus Martius and Hart Plaza and more than 100 performers. This cultural phenomenon takes place over Labor Day weekend and includes educational activities for children and adults, late-night jam sessions, up-close meetings with the artists and fireworks. And best of all, the event is FREE to the public.

For just a small sample of what you can expect, enjoy the Brad Felt NuQuartet Plus performing live at the Detroit International Jazz Festival in 2010.

2012 marks the 33rd year for the Detroit Jazz Festival. Performers this year include Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny Unity Band, Chick Corea and Gary Burton featuring the Harlem Strings, Artist in Residence, Terence Blanchard and many, many more.

Check out the full lineup of Detroit Jazz Festival performers, and visit www.detroitjazzfest.com for more information.

If you’re planning to attend the Detroit Jazz Festival, are you going to enjoy the music yourself, or are you bringing along a young, aspiring musician... or both?

The Brad Felt NuQuartet Plus Live At Detroit International Jazz Festival from Brad Felt on Vimeo.