We want to see your face in the place!

Email: Roxanne Brown at roxwrites2@gmail.com or Karim Gideon at kartgid@gmail.com for ticket information. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

In the Tradition Jazz Ensemble Brief Biography

In the Tradition Jazz Ensemble is a 10-piece band based in Detroit, Michigan. For close to 30 years, the band has distinguished itself for its impeccable delivery of jazz music with an African-centered perspective. In the Tradition’s performances throughout the Detroit area and the Midwest, of both original compositions and jazz standards, has earned the band respect among its peers in the music industry and a wide following.

The band has recorded six CDs and its music is played over college radio jazz shows across the country, and radio stations around the globe.

Band leader, Olujimi (O-loo-gee-me) Tafataona, plays saxophone, flute and clarinet, and is the principal composer and arranger of the band’s original compositions, including “African Beauty,” “Pan-African Prayer.” “Yurugu,” “Stephen,” “Time and Place,” and a profound suite of new music to be released later this year. Other members of In the Tradition are: Fred Bergman, tenor/soprano saxophone (filling in for Danny Carthane); Kefentse Chike, percussions; Karim Gideon, trumpet/flugelhorn/mellophonium (a French horn hybrid); Michelle “Jahra” McKinney, vocals and percussions; Foluke Shearer, piano; Calvin Taylor, baritone, saxophone; Alex Webb, bass; and Chris White, drums.

Upcoming performances: In the Tradition will perform Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the African World Festival at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit. The band will close out the musical entertainment on the Pyramid Arts Stage at 9:45 p.m. The event is presented by the Wright Museum of African American History.

On Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 8 p.m., In the Tradition will perform at Aretha’s Jazz Café, 350 Madison St., in the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.