On Labor Day 2008, more than 50 musicians, representing the greats
of Detroit and Philadelphia jazz, assembled on the steps of the
historic Guardian building to be photographed by photographer Ara
Howrani.
It was no accident that the Detroit Jazz Fest seized the opportunity to create
what became “A Great Day in Detroit.” Our theme for the 2008 festival – A Love
Supreme: The Philly-Detroit Summit – had brought a large contingent of legendary
figures to Detroit for Labor Day Weekend. And the date marked 50 years to the
month of the iconic “A Great Day in Harlem” photo by Art Kane.
We chose the incredible Guardian Building for the venue – a striking tribute
to the power of Detroit in the ‘20s – and the fertile environment that gave us
Thad, Elvin and Hank Jones, Milt Jackson, Kenny Burrell, Curtis Fuller and countless
other jazz legends.
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Detroit International Jazz Festival. All rights reserved.