JULY 13 • 2023 | 65
“
As Concert of Colors celebrates its 31st
year as Detroit’s largest, free inclusivity
festival, we have made the decision to go
back to the festival’s roots — hosting it
primarily outdoors,
” festival founder Ismael
Ahmed said.
“The festival once again brings the most
talented musicians from their respective
countries into Detroit to offer the region a
chance to hear music from around the world.
Historically, the festival also provides artists
an opportunity to perform at one of the most
iconic festivals in the Midwest.
”
In addition to the DIA, entertainment
will be held at the Arab American National
Museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum of
African American History, Hellenic Museum
of Michigan, Scarab Club, Detroit Historical
Society Auditorium, Carr Center, Detroit
Symphony Orchestra, Third Man Records,
University of Michigan Detroit Center,
Michigan Science Center and more.
The city-wide event is made possible
through donations, grants and sponsorships.
Sponsors include the Knight Foundation,
Kresge Foundation, Skillman Foundation,
Midtown Detroit, DTE Foundation, Wayne
State University and Michigan.com.
Festival attendees will also have a chance
to participate in forums, conversations on
culture and race, and more. There will be
children’s activities as well and food truck
rallies on Farnsworth Street.
CONTINUING A LEGACY
Concert of Colors is one of the few
remaining large-scale, free-admission music
festivals in the area.
The event was launched by New Detroit
Inc. in response to the 1982 racially
motivated murder of Chinese American
Vincent Chin in Highland Park. Since then,
Concert of Colors has used arts and culture
to help the community overcome racial and
ethnic barriers.
The 1992 inaugural event took place at
Detroit’s former Chene Park and saw tens
of thousands of guests by 1999. In 2001, it
expanded to three days when it was part
of the official festivities for Detroit’s 300th
birthday, drawing 300,000 attendees.
In 2019, the festival expanded to nine days,
then went virtual during the COVID-19
pandemic with bands from around the world
performing live online from their respective
countries.
Now, Concert of Colors is gearing up for
one of its biggest years yet.
“The Detroit Institute of Arts is thrilled
to host the 31st Annual Concert of Colors
this year, featuring an incredible lineup
of renowned global artists,
” said DIA
director Salvador Salort-Pons. “Witnessing
concertgoers engaging in meaningful and
friendly dialogues while showcasing the
immense talent of musicians from around
the world is what makes this concert truly
special. It’s no wonder that it has become one
of the longest-running festivals in Detroit.
”
For a complete lineup of events, visit www.
concertofcolors.com.
Don Was
Simon
Shaheen