Festival Info

FAQs

Where does the Michigan Jazz Festival take place?

The Michigan Jazz Festival occurs on the campus of Schoolcraft College in Livonia, on Haggerty Rd. between Six and Seven Mile Roads. Six stages are located in the air-conditioned comfort of Schoolcraft’s VisTaTech Center. The seventh stage is in our large tent immediately adjacent to VisTaTech. For a map and directions, click here.

What are the Festival dates and hours?

The festival occurs annually on the third Sunday of July.
The 2023 Michigan Jazz Festival begins at noon on Sunday, July 16.

How do I get tickets?

Admission to the Michigan Jazz Festival is free!

Where can I park?

Schoolcraft College has ample, free parking on premises. The North (N) parking lot provides the closest proximity to the VisTaTech Center.

Where can I go for food and drink?

Schoolcraft’s outstanding Culinary Program provides a wide variety of lunch and dinner fare. Beer and wine are available as well, which must be consumed within VisTaTech. Schoolcraft’s award-winning craft beers are available in the American Harvest Brewpub.

Is the Festival accessible to people with disabilities?

The Michigan Jazz Festival strives to make the site completely accessible. For more information about festival attendance for people with disabilities, call us at 734-462-4403.

Can my organization promote itself at the Festival?

The Michigan Jazz Festival provides 4’x8′ tables for jazz-related nonprofits. Tables for jazz-related for-profit organizations are provided in exchange for purchasing an ad in the Festival program booklet. Call us at 734-462-4403 for more information. Of course, Festival performers are always welcome to sell their CDs in the “Jazz Walk.”

Know Before You Go 2023

Construction Information for Attendees

Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center is currently undergoing a construction project that will significantly impact this year’s Festival. The main entrance to the building is closed. All attendees will use the East Entrance on the side of Vistatech, off Chippewa Drive. The door is labeled VT6. Look for a pair of Festival banners.

A handicapped ramp is available near the end of Chippewa Drive. The ramp leads to the South Entrance, labeled VT17.

The attached map is printable.

Construction Information for Performers

Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center is currently undergoing a construction project that will significantly impact this year’s Festival. Even if you have performed at the Michigan Jazz Festival in previous years, please familiarize yourself with the 2023 construction map and read the following instructions for unloading equipment and entering the building.

The main North entrance to Vistatech is closed. All attendees, including performers, will use the East entrance (VT8) off Chippewa Drive and the handicap-accessible South entrance near Henry’s. Look for the pair of Festival banners.

All musicians will use Chippewa Drive to unload equipment. Please refer to the attached Musicians Entrances map and photos.

• Big Band Stage (DiPonio Room): use the up-ramp to door VT8

• Presentation Stage (Kehrl Auditorium): use the up-ramp to door VT8. A cart will be available for you to move equipment through food service and across the hall

• Rathskeller Stage (Lower Waterman): use the down-ramp to door VT14

• Open Air Stage (The Big Tent): drive to the end of Chippewa Dr. and access the provided cart. Use the cart on pedestrian pathways.

Only cars with a parking permit will be allowed to load and unload near the Festival stages. The permit must be displayed on your dashboard. Vehicles must be moved when loading/unloading is complete. Be mindful that all attendees will be walking on the narrow Chippewa Dr., so we urge your cooperation and adherence to safety.

Your stage manager can help facilitate your equipment needs. Contact your band leader for instructions on connecting with your stage manager.

The attached map and photos are printable.

How are artists chosen?

The Board of Directors of the Michigan Jazz Festival collaboratively chooses the lineup each year from the wealth of jazz talent in the state.

Application for the 2024 Michigan Jazz Festival will be available in January.

How can I donate?

The Michigan Jazz Festival is a “501(c)3” non-profit and relies on the generosity of jazz-lovers like you to keep the music free. Donations are accepted at the entrance to the Festival. Donate online, or write to us at info@michiganjazzfestival.org . And be sure to attend our annual fundraising events every spring.

How Can I Purchase an Ad?

Support the 2023 Michigan Jazz Festival, and your business, with an ad in the MFJ Program.

If you’ve seen the beautiful program booklets each year at our festivals (see below), you know that many local businesses and musicians use it as an avenue to market themselves. Consider supporting the 28th annual Michigan Jazz Festival with a full-color ad marketing yourself! Advertising is reasonable – a business card ad $150, quarter page $250, half page $500 and a full page $1,000. Please contact Sally Bolle at 248-909-8668 or sallybolle@comcast.net if you’re interested.