The Rodney Whitaker Quartet will take to the Streets of Old Detroit for an unforgettable evening of live jazz, bringing world-class musicianship into an immersive historic setting. Arrive early to explore two new exhibitions in the Motor City Music Gallery: National R&B Hall of Fame, featuring costumes worn in performance by some of the world's most iconic performers, and LENI: Looking Through the Lens, a striking photography exhibition featuring seldom-seen jazz images by Kresge Eminent Artist Leni Sinclair.
This special performance is part of the Midtown Jazz Crawl, presented in partnership with the Carr Center, the DIA, and the Rodney Whitaker Quartet—celebrating Detroit’s rich musical legacy through performance, art, and community.
Internationally renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist, Rodney Whitaker, currently holds the titles of Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University where he has built one of the leading jazz degree programs and performing faculty in the United States of America. He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. Whitaker has performed and toured with over 100+ legendary performing jazz artists over the past 25+ years. Featured on more than 100+ recordings - from film to compact discs - Whitaker’s film scores, China, directed by Jeff Wray, was released on PBS Fall 2002 and Malaria and Malawi, released on PBS Fall 2010. Also, Whitaker has a DVD release featuring Michigan State University’s Jazz Department entitled, “Inside Jazz” and three new compact discs entitled, “Get Ready” & “Work To Do”—both on Mack Avenue Records and “Better Than Alright” by Michigan State University College of Music.
Doors Open 6:00
Concert 7:00