Photo courtesy of Concert of Colors
Native Detroit rhythm and blues artist L’Renee will perform at 7 p.m. July 6 on the Wolverine/Spartan Outdoor Stage located in a pocket park behind 3663 Woodward Ave, across Parsons Street from Orchestra Hall.
Photo courtesy of Concert of Colors
Don Was’ 6th Detroit All-Star Revue will perform at 8:30 p.m. July 7 on the Main Stage in Orchestra Hall. The Revue features the re-teaming of guitarist Wayne Kramer and drummer Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson of the legendary Lincoln Park garage rock band MC5.
By DENETTE WATSON
Times-Herald Newspapers
The Arab American National Museum’s 21st annual Concert of Colors, June 29 and July 4 to 7 in Midtown Detroit, featuring five days of musical entertainment from all genres and cultures from around the globe, celebrates southeast Michigan’s cultural diversity.
The concert will feature roughly 50 musical performers, admission to cultural institutions and exhibits, multicultural merchandise and children’s crafts. All performances and admission to cultural institutions are free and open to the public.
“The purpose of this event is to celebrate the diversity of southeastern Michigan through music,” AANM publicist Kim Silarski said. “We have the world here in Michigan. It is important to recognize all of our heritages and cultures.”
This year’s Concert of Colors will begin June 29 with the “Concert of Colors Tune Up” at New Center Park, 2990 W. Grand Blvd. in Detroit.
The Tune Up will begin at 8 p.m. and feature performances by MAKU Sound Systems (Latin Ska/Funk), BombaRica (Puerto Rican Funk) and disc jockey sets by WDET “This Island Earth” host Ismael Ahmed, associate provost at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Ahmed is not only a participant in the concert, but he also calls himself its “curator.” During his 38-year tenure as director of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Ahmed was part of the committee that developed the Concert of Colors.
“The Concert of Colors is a great example of how different communities can work together to make things happen,” Ahmed said. “It’s a place where people can cross lines and enjoy things that they normally would not.”
July 4 performances and exhibitions will be held at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Musical performances by Planet D Nonet (South African Jazz) and Mike Ellison will explore various genres of music.
July 5 festivities shift to the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., beginning at 4 p.m. with free museum admission, exhibitions and musical performances. Exhibitions will feature Shirin Neshat and Ellsworth Kelly.
The Max Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., will house the bulk of the July 6 and 7 activities. Performances will be held throughout the day and evening on both days at the Orchestra Hall, Music Box and Wolverine/Spartan Outdoor stages.
Performers will include The Family Stone (Funk/R&B), Detroit native L’Renee (R&B), Terrence Parker (House), Motorcity Soul and several others. Lead performances by The Family Stone take place at 8 p.m. July 6.
The music festival concludes July 7 when the Don Was’ 6th Detroit All-Star Revue takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. The Revue features the re-teaming of guitarist Wayne Kramer and drummer Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson of the legendary Lincoln Park garage rock band MC5.
For more information on the schedule of events, venues and directions go to www.concertofcolors.com or call 313-582-2266.
Photo courtesy of Concert of Colors
Headliners The Family Stone will perform at 8 p.m. July 6 on the Main Stage in Orchestra Hall.