Detroit jazz fans will get an early taste of greatness this week as Joe Lovano takes the stage for a Detroit Jazz Festival preview concert on Wednesday, March 25 — and it’s free to watch.
The Grammy‑winning saxophonist, composer and producer will perform at 5:30 p.m. at Wayne State University’s Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center, offering a sneak peek of what’s to come from the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation’s newly named 2026 artist‑in‑residence. Think of it as a jazz appetizer from one of the music’s most fearless and celebrated voices.
Lovano, 73, has spent decades reshaping modern jazz, from his storied 25‑album run on Blue Note Records to collaborations with legends like Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Diana Krall and Ornette Coleman. At the preview show, he’ll team up with Lamy Istrefi (drums), Leo Genovese (piano) and John Menegon (bass) for an intimate, high‑level set that showcases his signature blend of curiosity, swing and boundless improvisation.
“Joe Lovano’s uniquely personal sound, innovative vision and rich musical vocabulary draw from all eras of jazz with a depth and sophistication that sets him apart,” said Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation. “In addition to being immediately recognizable, Joe is one of the most influential and studied jazz artists of our time. His place as an essential pillar of jazz history and innovation is assured. It is befitting that he will be our artist-in-residence for this special year at the Detroit Jazz Festival.”
The March 25 performance kicks off a busy Detroit chapter for Lovano, who will spend the year engaging with students and the community before anchoring multiple performances during the 2026 Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend.
While the Valade Center event is invite-only, the concert will be livestreamed free at detroitjazzfest.org, making it easy to catch one of jazz’s true heavyweights warming up for a major Detroit moment.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How to watch free livestream of sax star’s Detroit jazz fest preview
Reporting by Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
