Unleashing the Rhythm: Metro Detroit's Sizzling Summer Music Extravaganza

The metro Detroit area is about to experience a musical explosion this weekend, as a diverse array of festivals and events take over the region. From the iconic Concert of Colors in Detroit's Midtown to the Farmington Founders Festival and the Riverfront Music Festival, the summer music scene is going into overdrive, offering something for every music enthusiast. Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of genres, from rock and R&B to jazz and electronic dance music.

Captivating Crowds with Diverse Sounds and Celebrations

Embracing the Eclectic at the Concert of Colors

The 33rd annual Concert of Colors is set to once again transform Detroit's Midtown and Cultural Center areas into a vibrant hub of musical diversity. With over 50 performances and events spread across 10 venues, this festival promises to captivate audiences with its eclectic lineup. Highlights include an MC5 celebration, the annual Detroit All Star Revue featuring renowned artists like Marshall Crenshaw and Carolyn Striho, and a powerful performance by Straight Ahead with Umar Bin Hassan of the Last Poets. Attendees can also look forward to electrifying sets by Transglobal Underground, Peanut Butter Mosquito, and the Polish Muslims, among many others. The best part? Admission to this cultural extravaganza is entirely free, making it an accessible and inclusive celebration of Detroit's rich musical heritage.

Farmington Founders Festival: Celebrating Milestones and Musical Talents

The Farmington Founders Festival is set to mark two significant milestones this weekend – the 60th anniversary of the event and the city's bicentennial. Amidst the festivities, live music will play a central role, with performances by Fifty Amp Fuse and Dave Fio, a former "American Idol" contestant. The event will take place near the beer tent at the intersection of Grand River and Farmington roads, offering a lively and family-friendly atmosphere from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, July 18-20. While admission is free during the day, a cover charge will be in effect for adults after 5 p.m.

Harmonizing with the Ann Arbor Art Fair's Summer Sounds

The Ark, a renowned music venue, will be curating the Summer Sounds stage at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, showcasing a diverse lineup of performers. Attendees can look forward to captivating sets by Tony Furtado, Jordan Hamilton, Mike Brooks, and the Plasticity Ukulele Collective, all taking place at the Stage on Main, located at 353 Main Street. The Summer Sounds series will run from Thursday through Saturday, July 18-20, providing a harmonious backdrop to the vibrant art fair.

Pulsating Beats at the Bass on the Block Festival

For those seeking an electrifying dance experience, the Bass on the Block festival in Pontiac is the place to be. Held at the Crofoot Festival Grounds and Crofoot Ballroom, this two-day event will feature headliners such as RL Grime, NGTMRE, Flux Pavilion, Ganja White Night, and Sullivan King. Doors will open at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, promising a night of pulsating beats and high-energy performances that will keep the crowd moving.

Riverfront Music Festival: A Celebration of Rhythm and Style

The Riverfront Music Festival will take over Hart Plaza in Detroit, showcasing a lineup of top-tier R&B and rap artists. Attendees can look forward to performances by Monica, K Michelle, Keke Wyatt, Kelly Price, Queen Naija, and Yung Miami, among others. In addition to the musical acts, the festival will also feature an Indie Fashion show and an R&B singalong, creating a multifaceted celebration of rhythm and style on Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21.

Jazzing it Up at the Michigan Jazz Festival

For jazz enthusiasts, the Michigan Jazz Festival is a must-attend event. Taking place at Schoolcraft College's VisTaTech Center in Livonia, this daylong festival will feature nearly three dozen performances on seven stages, showcasing the best of the genre. Admission is free, making it an accessible and inclusive celebration of the rich jazz heritage in the region.

Sad Summer Festival: A Melancholic Melody of Indie Rock

The Crofoot Festival Grounds and Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac will also host the fifth anniversary of the Sad Summer Festival. This event will feature a lineup of indie rock acts, including Mayday Parade, the Maine, and the Wonder Years, among others. Doors will open at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, inviting music enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the melancholic yet captivating sounds of the indie rock scene.