THIS WEEK THE DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFÉ IS CLOSED AND MOVING TO THE JAZZ FEST
Why would the smart gang at the Dirty Dog think of moving the operation? The good answer is: they are going to take the operation to where the best jazz in town will be playing. The Dog is setting up its operation in downtown Detroit right in the middle of the Detroit Jazz Festival. Maybe, they are pretty smart.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THE DOG IS ONLY CLOSED FOR ONE WEEK, AUGUST 30 – SEPT 5
THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS
Gretchen Valade is Detroit jazz’s guardian angel. She is also someone who defends her right to do things well. Her love of music and food meant that it would be possible to enjoy the Dirty Dog fare while listening and watching great acts at the jazz fest.
THE 37 th DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL SEPT 2 – SEPT 5, 2016
Now in its 37th year, the festival will take place from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius . The festival offers educational activities for adults and children, fireworks, late-night jam sessions, rare opportunities to meet the artists and much more. And it’s all FREE.
People know that Detroit’s festival is special. From all over the world jazz lovers circle the date of the Detroit Jazz Festival. Those that come find jazz of great intelligence, energy and purity. There is little hype and a lot of music. Visitors learn that Detroit can throw a festival, and we will again get the credit for doing something right. This year’s festival will attract upwards of 750,000 people who will spread the good word about Detroit.
How lucky for us that it was someone of Gretchen’s integrity who took charge. She was determined to keep the event, Detroit’s event. Today it remains free for all to enjoy and reflects the best side of Detroit’s character.
Gretchen has made me aware that the festival doesn’t just happen. It takes planning, hard work, attention to details and oversight. It’s not just casual oversight. but oversight that comes with purpose and a respect for the music and the people of Detroit. Good fortune is with us as it is Gretchen on the watch.
She gets things done with grace and authority. The festival is the result of the right people doing their best to provide Detroit music lovers the best free Jazz festival in the world. Gretchen continues to think ahead of many of us and doesn’t skip out on the job.
For four days at the end of summer the best of Detroit can be experienced in our downtown. The most knowledgeable group of Jazz fans will be treated to great Jazz. Nothing is done all year that doesn’t have these fans in mind. Crowds will drift from venue to venue while behind the public view crews will be taking care of all the details that that will make the 2016 Detroit Jazz Festival a glorious success. All the hard work and planning will pay off. Meanwhile Chef Andre Nemanis and the Dirty Dog staff will be serving some sumptuous savory barbecue to some lucky jazz fans. All thanks to the planner in chief .
A community of like spirits will gather to celebrate the music and good fellowship.
while the scent of Dirty Dog barbecue wafts its way up Woodward Avenue drawing us in for some chow and a beverage.
This could turn out to be a good move.
John Osler
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