6 th annual GRandJazzFest sets new record

The 6 th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation  spanned the weekend and drew strong crowds for Saturday and Sunday’s performances. Festival organizers said the event drew approximately more than 11,000 people over the two days.
GRandJazzFest 2017 brought 11 diverse jazz performance acts to the Rosa Parks Circle stage at West Michigan’s only free,
weekend-long jazz festival.

GRandJazzFestival Grand Rapids, MI – photo by Adrian Sotelo

Saxophonist Richard Elliot headlined the 6 th annual GRandJazzFest presented by the DTE Energy Foundation
“Richard Elliot knocked it out of the park.

“Richard Elliot is known for his high energy and he did not disappoint. Crowds were dancing at Rosa Parks Circle and literally into the street.” said Audrey Sundstrom, GRandJazzFest Founder.

Performers in addition to Elliot included Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde, Terry Lower / Jazz Expedition
Sextet, Ed Stone and the Flowmasters, Tumbao Bravo, Bryan Lubeck, Blushing Monk, The Isaac Norris Project, organissimo,
Four80East, and Nate Harasim & NILS featuring Brandon Willis.

“GRandJazzFest is truly a hallmark event for the Grand Rapids community, and this year’s Mayoral proclamation of August
2017 as Jazz Month in Grand Rapids further demonstrates the value this event brings to the city – from boosting local
businesses to drawing visitors downtown to enjoy world-class jazz music,” said Faye Nelson, vice president, DTE Energy, and
president and board chair of the DTE Energy Foundation. “The DTE Energy Foundation’s support ensures this festival
continues to enliven the community and provides people with free access to renowned music, arts and cultural activities that
are integral to a strong quality of life.”

GRandJazz Festival Grand Rapids, MI – photo by Adrian Sotelo