SEMJA / EMU Motown Jazz Project

SEMJA is excited to announce the Motown Jazz Project, a partnership with Eastern Michigan University, their Jazz Studies Program, and local Detroit jazz musicians. The project will present a concert performance on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at the EMU Student Center, highlighting the contributions of jazz players to the hit making music of Motown Records. The event is sponsored by SEMJA — the Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association.

Guitarist Ron English (right), himself a former Motown session participant, will lead a band of top-notch musicians. Instrumental lead sheets from the Motown archives, housed at EMU, will be played. A student band under the direction of Donald Babcock will open the show, also playing Motown lead sheets. Special guest performers and legendary radio MCs will introduce the bands and lend their insight to the Motown Jazz connection.

In the works will be a possible workshop, a reception, afterglow, and a display of some of the archives. SEMJA is also coordinating a film documentary of the process, rehearsals, and the event itself. We will link associated videos onto our website and offer opportunities to learn more about the Motown jazz story.

The concert will be free of admission charge. SEMJA is seeking sponsorship for the event. Please contact us to inquire on how to contribute.