Schoolcraft Ready to Swing

Free Michigan Jazz Festival returns

July 16 with 35 acts on six stages

The free 28th Michigan Jazz Festival returns from noon-9 p.m. Sunday, July 16 to Schoolcraft College with 35 acts performing on six stages. It is the triumphant centerpiece of the festival board of directors’ year-round mission to promote jazz education in schools.

"The only thing better than music is LIVE music,” says WRCJ 90.9 FM on-air host Maxine Michaels, adding she’s honored to play a part in the festival.

“There’s always a high level of musicianship and diversity, plus the joy of sharing the day with a crowd that appreciates and supports the art form known as jazz,” said Michaels, who will serve as MC at the Bill Bolle Stage.

The MJF board works yearround to keep the jazz tradition alive by presenting youth education programs and by organizing the festival.

"Jazz, an American art form, uses complex harmonies, creative melodies and improvisation which allows the performer to spontaneously create a melody which reflects