Stelar Free Concerts, More Outdoor Fun Brighten 17th Annual Concert of Colors

posted on: Jun 15, 2009

The 2009 Concert of Colors – metro Detroit’s beloved free diversity-themed music festival – will present rising and established acts, bring back past favorites, and offer more free and outdoor activities while forging ahead in its mission to shed light on and celebrate cultural diversity through music.

Headliners for the 17th annual festival – Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Avenue in Detroit – are West African bluesman Vieux Farka Toure, whose brand new CD Fondo (Six Degrees) got a strong review in the New York Times; hot Hoboken-based alternative rockers Yo La Tengo, making their Concert of Colors debut; and Concert of Colors favorite, the American soul legend Aaron Neville, this time with his Quintet featuring Charles Neville.

The resounding success of 2008’s Don Was Detroit Super Session, a high-wattage showcase of notable area rockers, has led the mega-producer to reprise the event with an all-new once-in-a-lifetime lineup including: Sir Mack Rice (Mustang Sally); Amp Fiddler; Scott Morgan’s Powertrane; Question Mark (96 Tears); Thornetta Davis; Teegarden & Van Winkle (God, Love and Rock & Roll); Blanche; Gorevette (Amy Gore and Nikki Corvette); The Go; The Upscale; The Layabouts; and Mick Bassett and the Marthas.

The electric Detroit Super Session II house band will be comprised of Terry “Thunder” Hughley on drums; Academy Award-winning songwriter Luis Resto (Eminem’s Lose Yourself) on keyboards; Brian “Roscoe” White on guitar and Don Was – a founding member of the Detroit funk outfit Was (Not Was) and a multiple Grammy Award-winning producer – on bass. And once again, Was will be videotaping the Super Session for his Wasmopolitan Cavalcade of Recorded Music on the website www.mydamnchannel.com, where a series of videos from the 2008 Super Session may still be viewed.

Rounding out the glowing 2009 Concert of Colors lineup are: Native American singer/songwriter Joe Reilly; folkmeister Dick Siegel; the steaming Latin strains of Orquesta La Inspiracion; Latin funksters Grupo Fantasma; Mazaj (Arabic folk-blues); family-friendly punk rockers Candy Band; Galitcha (East Indian traditional w/ jazz and folk); reggae/dancehall experts Roots Vibration; and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas (accordion-driven dance music).

All Concert of Colors performances are free and open to the public. Call 313.624.0215 or visit www.concertofcolors.com for complete schedule information, breaking festival news and a free download of the 2009 Concert of Colors poster.

Meanwhile, fest fans can get the party started early by attending a free outdoor kickoff performance by 2009 Concert of Colors artists Mazaj and Roots Vibration from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Campus Martius, the pocket park at Woodward and Michigan avenues in downtown Detroit, as part of the 4th Fridays with Ford Concert Series.

Previously a fee-based, invitation-only event, the Concert of Colors’ annual Forum on Community, Race and Culture is now free and open to the public. This year’s discussion revolves around Freedom Songs: Music That Empowers and Breaks Down Barriers, with panelists Mark Stone, an ethnomusicologist at Oakland University; and singer/songwriters Joe Reilly, Rev. Robert B. Jones and Ismael Duran. The Forum is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18 in the Music Box at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. No advance registration is necessary; all ages are welcome.

In a nod to the Concert of Colors original home at Detroit’s Chene Park, this year festival goers are being encouraged to pack their own picnic baskets – or let Concert of Colors food vendors do the work – and then dine al fresco amid the dramatic Louise Nevelson sculptures on the Orchestra Place lawn along Parsons Street. This area will also host music and dance performances and hands-on activities for both children and adults, including a “Bring Your Own” Drum Circle; the Children’s Area with free craft activities; and an old-fashioned ice cream social.

All Concert of Colors performances are indeed free and open to the public; however, those willing to pay for reserved prime Main Stage seating throughout the festival may opt to become a Concert of Colors “Groupie,” an exclusive opportunity that also includes a private “meet the artists” reception and a limited-edition Groupie tee shirt. This year, due to economic conditions, Groupie rates have been rolled back. Individual Groupies pay $60; a Couple of Groupies is $100. Groupie registration information is available at 313.624.0205 or www.concertofcolors.com.

This event is made possible by generous corporate partners, including lead sponsor Meijer and major sponsor Comerica. Vital support is also provided by AT&T, HAP, Ford Motor Company, yelp.com and New Detroit’s Cultural Exchange Network. Media sponsors for 2009 are Metro Times, WDET 101.9 FM and WHFR-FM 89.3.

Designed to celebrate the many ethnic and cultural groups that comprise metro Detroit, the Concert of Colors is produced in partnership by the Arab American National Museum, New Detroit, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services). New Detroit’s Cultural Exchange Network, a consortium of 69 community-based organizations representing metro Detroit’s communities of color also plays an active role. New Detroit, Inc. and ACCESS established the event in 1993 at Chene Park on Detroit’s riverfront. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra hosted the 2005 opening night program and came on board fully in 2006 when its Max M. Fisher Music Center became the host venue.

The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. We serve as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country. The Arab American National Museum is a project of ACCESS, a Dearborn, Michigan-based nonprofit human services and cultural organization. Learn more at www.arabamericanmuseum.org and www.accesscommunity.org.

New Detroit is the coalition of Detroit area leadership addressing the issue of race relations by positively impacting issues and policies that ensure economic and social equity. Learn more at www.newdetroit.org.

The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the fourth-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros and collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists. Beginning in the 2008-09 season, esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO. The DSO boasts a year-round performance schedule that includes classical, pops, jazz, world music, young people’s concerts and festivals. The DSO makes its home in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, and actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information and to purchase tickets for concerts, visit the new DSO web site at www.detroitsymphony.com or call (313) 576-5111.

2009 Concert of Colors Performance Schedule*

Inside Max M. Fisher Music Center

Doors open Saturday, July 18 @ 2 p.m.

Doors open Sunday, July 19 @ 3 p.m.

Festival-style seating; first come, first served.

Saturday, July 18, 2009
Meijer Main Stage
Grupo Fantasma
Latin Funk
(American Southwest)
5-6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2009
Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall)

In 2008 alone, Grupo Fantasma were nominated for a Grammy, performed with Prince at Coachella and on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and entertained troops stationed in Kuwait and Iraq. This summer, they solidify their reputation as one of the funkiest, tightest, hardest-working Latin orchestras to come out of the U.S. with rave reviews ranging from Billboard to the Boston Globe, which declared that “Fantasma is honing a decidedly 21st-century version of Latin groove.” Their trademark innovative sound and incendiary live shows combine their deeply rooted traditions of cumbia, salsa, funk, and psychedelia which are as pertinent to the past as they will be influential on the future.

Yo La Tengo
Alternative Rock
(Hoboken, USA)
6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall)

Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and James McNew each take turns spearheading the restless creativity of this adored independent American rock outfit who have become critical favorites with a devoted fan base since their formation in 1984. Their music, while wildly diverse – capturing elements of everything from classic pop and arty jazz to alternative country – is united by the passion and intelligence that each member brings to their unique take on rock music for the 21st century.

Don Was Detroit Super Session II
Motor City Rock, Funk, Pop, Soul
(USA)
8:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall)

The Super Session celebration returns as native Detroiter Don Was of Was (Not Was) fame leads an all-star cast of high-energy, made-in-Detroit talent. This funky, rockin’, soulful music revue in historic Orchestra Hall features both legendary and emerging Motor City music stars including Sir Mack Rice (Mustang Sally); Amp Fiddler (Sly & Robbie, George Clinton); Scott Morgan’s Powertrane (The Rationals, Sonic’s Rendezvous); Question Mark (96 Tears); Teegarden & Van Winkle (God, Love and Rock & Roll); Blanche; Thornetta Davis; Gorevette (Amy Gore and Nikki Corvette); The Go; The Upscale; The Layabouts; and Mick Bassett and the Marthas.

The electric Detroit Super Session II house band will be comprised of Terry “Thunder” Hughley on drums; Academy Award-winning songwriter Luis Resto on keyboards; Brian “Roscoe” White on guitar and Don Was on bass.

Musician, composer and bandleader Was is a master collaborator, best known for producing mega-watt musicians including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson and Bonnie Raitt. His Detroit roots shine through in all of his projects and perhaps never more so than when proudly leading the exciting Super Session!

Saturday, July 18, 2009
Comerica Diversity Stage
Forum on Community, Race and Culture
2-3 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

Previously a fee-based, invitation-only event, the Concert of Colors’ annual Forum on Community, Race and Culture is now free and open to the public. This year’s discussion revolves around Freedom Songs: Music That Empowers and Breaks Down Barriers, with panelists Mark Stone, an ethnomusicologist at Oakland University; and singer/songwriters Joe Reilly, Rev. Robert B. Jones and Ismael Duran. No advance registration is necessary; all ages are welcome.

Joe Reilly
Native American Folk
(USA)
4 p.m. Native American intro; 4:15-5 p.m. performance Saturday, July 18
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

Joe Reilly has been a singer, songwriter, and guitarist for over 12 years, bringing messages of hope and peace in his songs to audiences in the Midwest and across the United States. His background in the study and performance of many different musical styles, including Native American music, folk, blues, jazz, liturgical and classical, has led to a writing style that incorporates these diverse influences into a creative and honest voice that calls for a holistic healing of our society for the benefit of future generations.

Galitcha
East Indian
(Canada)
5:15-6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

A visionary ensemble that performs original compositions based on Indian folk music, Galitcha combine influences from jazz, world and North American folk into their intoxicating tapestry of sounds. Group leader Kujlit Sodhi was born into a musical family in Amritsar in the Punjab region of India and raised in Montreal. He began studying voice in his teens with teachers at Sikh temples – home to some of the most superbly trained Indian musicians in the world. He was inspired to create Galitcha and pursue music full-time by a chance encounter with the late, great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, for whom he became a favorite North American “jamming buddy.”

Mazaj
Arabic Folk Blues
(USA)
7-8:15 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

Drawing from numerous musical influences spanning from folk, rock and blues to world music, the Detroit-based Mazaj mixes lyrics of oppression, injustice, war and peace with haunting melodies and progressive beats.

Roots Vibration
Reggae/Dancehall
(USA)
9-11 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

This authentic musical force, comprised of players from the exotic islands of the Caribbean and the funky streets of Detroit, will stimulate your senses with positive roots music. These creative, seasoned musicians with multigenerational and multinational appeal were united by founder and lead singer Winfred Julien of Dominica, West Indies, who has been the driving force in the regional Caribbean and reggae scene for two decades. Roots Vibration has delighted audiences with their unique blend of original and popular Caribbean music in reggae, zouk, calypso, and soca styles.

Sunday, July 19, 2009
Meijer Main Stage
Galitcha
East Indian
(Canada)
4-5:15 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall)

A visionary ensemble that performs original compositions based on Indian folk music, Galitcha combine influences from jazz, world and North American folk into their intoxicating tapestry of sounds. Group leader Kujlit Sodhi was born into a musical family in Amritsar in the Punjab region of India and raised in Montreal. He began studying voice in his teens with teachers at Sikh temples – home to some of the most superbly trained Indian musicians in the world. He was inspired to create Galitcha and pursue music full-time by a chance encounter with the late, great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, for whom he became a favorite North American “jamming buddy.”

Aaron Neville & His Quintet Featuring Charles Neville
American Soul Legends
(New Orleans, USA)
6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall)

It’s been said that “When Aaron sings, the heavens smile.” This Aaron Neville performance is sure to Tell It Like It Is when he’s joined by his fine quintet, featuring brother Charles on sax. Moving effortlessly from R&B and funk, to jazz, gospel and pop, Aaron’s talents shine like his multi-platinum albums as he and his quintet create an uplifting concert experience.

Vieux Farka Touré
Mali Blues, Rock, Reggae
(Africa)
8-9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 19

Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall)

Son of the legendary Ali Farka Touré and a rising star in Mali’s music scene, Vieux Farka Touré has already stepped out from the shadow of his late father, who proved – in case anyone ever doubted it – that the soul of the blues could be found in West Africa. Vieux is turning heads with a more radical idea: that those Western Saharan roots can be heard in everything from the indie rock scene to Jamaican dub.

Sunday, July 19, 2009Comerica Diversity Stage
Oak Grove AME Nulife Youth Choir
Gospel/Inspirational
(USA)
3:30-4 p.m. Sunday, July 19
(performance in the Atrium just outside the Music Box and Orchestra Hall)

Candy Band
Family-friendly Punk Rock
(USA)
4-5 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

Candy Band is comprised of four Detroit area stay-at-home moms who were “sick to death” of whiny music for children. They took a stand, and in 2003, formed the first kids’ band that really rocks! With influences like The Ramones and Iggy Pop, they quickly attracted attention from The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, London Times, Blender Magazine, XM Satellite Radio, Women’s Day, USA Today, People Magazine, the CBS Early Show, and NBC’s Today Show. Candy Band continues to build an intense local following in the Detroit area and elsewhere.

Orquesta La Inspiracion
Hot Latin Dance Music
(USA/Puerto Rico)
5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

Led by percussionist Ozzie Rivera and musical director Bill Meyer, this 10-piece band unites veterans of the salsa and jazz scenes to bring a fresh approach to folkloric percussion, cumbia, and Latin jazz. The golden voices of salseros Mickey Figueroa and Armando Vega pay homage to the spirit of the golden age of salsa – the 1970s – while also exploring new directions in hot Latin dance music.

Dick Siegel
Acoustic Rock and Folk
(USA)
7-8 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

A member of the Detroit Music Hall of Fame and the recipient of multiple Detroit Music Awards and the Kerrville Music Festival’s New Folk Award, Dick Siegel is known for his engagingly unconventional lyrics and a dynamic musical style that incorporates modern folk, roots, and jazz. He was named in WDET’s list of the most important and influential artists in the history of Detroit. His upbeat political roots rock and soulful, pared-down reflections on the American identity showcase his incisive songwriting.

Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
Accordion-driven Dance Music
(Louisiana, USA)
9-10:15 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Comerica Diversity Stage (Music Box)

Nathan Williams plays zydeco, the fast and furious music of the Creole people of southern Louisiana. With its trademark accordion and rubboard percussion, electric guitars and R&B influences, zydeco is distinct from the fiddle-driven music of neighboring Cajuns. Williams’ down-home parables are delivered with surprising musical turns and a distinctive Caribbean lilt that reaches back to the very beginnings of Creole culture in Louisiana. If you haven’t heard what’s happening in zydeco lately, here’s your chance!

2009 Concert of Colors

Outdoor Fun on the Orchestra Place Lawn & Parsons Street

Picnic Area

For 2009, we have changed the policy regarding festival-goers bringing their own food and drink to the festival site. All are now welcome to bring a picnic basket, cooler and blanket to eat OUTDOORS ONLY on the Orchestra Place Lawn during festival hours (4-11 p.m. Saturday, July 18 and 3-11 p.m. Sunday, July 19). However, these items will not be allowed INSIDE the Max M. Fisher Music Center; patrons must return them to their vehicles before entering the indoor venues.

Children’s Area

Arts & Scraps will be returning to Concert of Colors this year with more free and fun craftmaking activities for kids. The Children’s Area will be open from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 18 and 3-8 p.m. Sunday, July 19.

Multicultural Vendors

Concert of Colors will once again feature a wide array of vendor booths on Parsons Street, offering multicultural items such as apparel, jewelry, and gifts as well as food and drink for purchase.

Ice Cream Social

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located just behind the Max M. Fisher Music Center at 58 Parsons St., holds an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social during Concert of Colors. Call 313.833.0857 for details.

Outdoor Performance Schedule*

Saturday July 18, 2009
Talking Circle with musicians from the Forum on Community, Culture, and Race
4-5 p.m.

All are invited to continue the dialogue on art, culture, and community with the talented artists featured earlier in the day during the Forum on Community, Culture and Race – Joe Reilly, Rev. Robert B. Jones and Ismael Duran.

Splendor of the East
Pan-Asian Music & Dance
5-6 p.m.

A collaborative performance organized by several local Asian cultural groups presenting music and dance from the Philippines, Korea, China, India and more!

School of World Music & Dance
Multicultural Music & Dance
6-7 p.m.

Director Lalitha Ravi and students will be presenting Musical Blends in the Carnatic (South Indian classical) style with a flair of western classical music. The school’s dance students will also present a colorful Indian folk dance that involves graceful body movements and facial expressions to portray the Indian culture and traditions. The dance conveys a message of peace, love and happiness while the combining of traditional and Western music conveys the idea that “music is universal.”

COMPÁS Showcase
Southwest Detroit Youth Performers
7-8 p.m.

Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS) will showcase students from several of its 30 programs to dazzle audiences with their multicultural music and dance talents.

BombaRica
Puerto Rican Drum & Dance
8-9 p.m.

Bomba is a style and tradition of communal drumming and dancing in which dancers take turns challenging the lead drummer to follow their footsteps and dance approaches. Detroit percussionist Ozzie Rivera and his ensemble lead this lively audience-participation event.

Motor City Rockerz
Break Dancing
9-10 p.m.

Sunday, July 19, 2009
Panch & Mana Puppet Show
Family-friendly Performance
3-4 p.m.
Rob McCabe
Storytelling, Puppetry and Magic
4-4:30 p.m.

McCabe delights audiences with his unique brand of storytelling theatre, weaving a magical web around his listeners with folk and fairy tales from around the world, including stories from Greek and Roman mythical traditions.

Detroit Bellydance
Arabic Dance
(Arab World/USA)
4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Led by Lana Mini, Detroit Bellydance is a Michigan bellydance tribe that performs in the U.S. and overseas, and educates hundreds of students in metro Detroit – from those wanting to have fun and get fit to more serious students who want to take to the stage.

Moonsqualler
Old-Time Jug Band
(USA)
5-5:30 p.m.

Moonsqualler is a Detroit-based acoustic quintet playing traditional American ballads, country and folk songs, old fiddle tunes, and songs about that “old home place far away.”

Rob McCabe
Storytelling, Puppetry and Magic
6-7 p.m.

McCabe delights audiences with his unique brand of storytelling theatre, weaving a magical web around his listeners with folk and fairy tales from around the world, including stories from Greek and Roman mythical traditions.

COMPÁS Showcase
Southwest Detroit Youth Performers
7-8 p.m.

Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS) will showcase students from several of its 30 programs to dazzle audiences with their multicultural music and dance talents.

“Bring Your Own” Drum Circle
8-9 p.m.

Bring your percussion instruments and help create the rhythm or just groove to the beat sent out by this open-air drum jam.

*The performance schedule is subject to change.