Premium – The Jazz Network Foundation

Spirit of Detroit Award

By Jazz Network Team on March 1, 2020

In a poignant 2013 Jazz Network Foundation anniversary ceremony that resonates with the heartbeats of Detroit, Bill Foster, the venerable founder of the Jazz Network Foundation, was honored with the esteemed Spirit of Detroit Award. This accolade, conferred upon those who embody the resilience and soul of the city, is a resounding affirmation of Foster’s profound impact on Detroit’s cultural landscape.

The Spirit of Detroit Award, a recognition of extraordinary contribution and commitment to the people of Detroit, found a deserving recipient in Foster. His tireless work through the Jazz Network Foundation has rekindled the flame of jazz in the city, fostering new talent and providing a platform for the legends of jazz to shine once more. This award is not just a personal achievement for Foster; it is a testament to the Foundation’s success in nurturing a vibrant jazz community.

This honor speaks volumes about the city’s recognition of jazz as an integral part of its identity. Foster’s leadership in bringing jazz education and performance to the forefront has not only preserved the legacy of jazz in Detroit but has also positioned the genre as a key player in the city’s ongoing renaissance. The Spirit of Detroit Award presented to Bill Foster is a beacon of inspiration, echoing the Jazz Network Foundation’s belief that music can be a transformative force for good in the community.

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Performances as the Carr Center

By Jazz Network Team on November 24, 2019

The Jazz Network Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to fostering the growth of jazz in Detroit, has once again illuminated the city’s cultural scene through a significant collaboration with the Arts League of Michigan at the Virgil Carr Center. This partnership culminated in an event that showcased the talents of acclaimed composer Ozie Cargile, whose performance of his “Forever Journey” theme captivated the audience with its profound melodies and intricate harmonies.

The partnership between the Jazz Network Foundation and the Arts League of Michigan is a strategic alliance that enhances the cultural offerings of Detroit, providing a stage for both emerging and established artists. The Virgil Carr Center, a venue synonymous with artistic excellence and community engagement, served as the perfect backdrop for this collaborative effort. Ozie Cargile’s performance was not just a musical piece but a narrative that echoed the Foundation’s mission to keep the jazz legacy thriving through innovative and inspirational programming.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the Foundation’s broader vision: to create an environment where the arts can flourish, where artists like Cargile can inspire the next generation, and where the community can experience the transformative power of music. The Jazz Network Foundation’s role in this partnership underscores its importance as a cultural cornerstone in Detroit’s ongoing renaissance, bridging the gap between the arts and the public, and ensuring that the spirit of jazz continues to enrich the city’s vibrant tapestry of sound and soul.

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The Jazz Network Foundation Illuminates “LIGHT UP Livernois”

By Jazz Network Team on November 8, 2019

Detroit’s celebrated “LIGHT UP Livernois,” renowned for showcasing the city’s flair for fashion, art, and design, has found a kindred spirit in the Jazz Network Foundation, an organization deeply rooted in Detroit’s cultural renaissance. As the festival lights up the historic Avenue of Fashion, the Jazz Network Foundation’s commitment to community and the arts shines just as brightly, supporting this vibrant expression of the city’s creative spirit.

The synergy between the “LIGHT UP Livernois” festival and the Jazz Network Foundation is a harmonious blend of arts and community. This annual event transforms Livernois Avenue into a canvas where fashion designers, artists, and architects converge to celebrate Detroit’s artistic diversity. The Jazz Network Foundation, with its rich legacy of promoting jazz and fostering educational opportunities, extends its support to such initiatives that resonate with its ethos of cultural enrichment and community development.

Year after year, “LIGHT UP Livernois” not only brings together the city’s abundant talents but also stimulates the local economy by spotlighting over 300 independent merchants and creators. The festival has become a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth, principles that the Jazz Network Foundation holds dear. The Foundation’s support of such a vital event underscores its role as a custodian of Detroit’s cultural vibrancy.

Through its involvement, the Jazz Network Foundation ensures that the legacy of jazz continues to be an integral part of Detroit’s broader cultural narrative. The festival’s emphasis on diversity and inclusivity in art is a reflection of jazz itself—dynamic, collaborative, and expressive. “LIGHT UP Livernois” is not just an event; it’s a cultural phenomenon that the Jazz Network Foundation is proud to illuminate, year after year, as part of its mission to keep the arts alive and thriving in the heart of Detroit.

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Marion Hayden

By Jazz Network Team on September 20, 2019

Marion Hayden, a revered figure in the Detroit jazz scene, represents more than just musical proficiency; she embodies the spirit of Detroit’s bass legacy. Her journey, shaped by the tutelage of the great trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, is marked by an unwavering dedication to the craft of jazz. Hayden is known for her unique sound, which is both authentic to the roots of jazz and fresh in its presentation.

Hayden’s collaborations with Bill Foster, particularly at events such as the fundraiser for Foster’s medical care, demonstrate her deep ties to the community and her commitment to fostering the jazz scene in Detroit. As a host of the live jazz jam session, Hayden brought together local talents, thus reinforcing the communal spirit of jazz that the Jazz Network Foundation, led by Foster, has always championed.

Marion Hayden’s illustrious career features performances with legendary jazz groups such as Straight Ahead and Venus, as well as with jazz greats in their own right. Her solo album “Visions” showcases her breadth as an artist and her skill as a bassist. The Jazz Network Foundation’s mission to celebrate and promote jazz finds resonance in Hayden’s work, as she has been instrumental in maintaining Detroit’s status as a beacon of jazz education and performance.

An article highlighting Marion Hayden’s contributions as a featured artist and her long-standing collaboration with Bill Foster would not only celebrate her musical achievements but also reflect the interconnectedness of the Detroit jazz community, a tapestry woven through shared performances, education, and mutual support.

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