25th Annual Jazz on the River Set With Stephanie Mills in Trenton Aug. 6 -7

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the free jazz music festival Jazz on the River returns to Elizabeth Park in Trenton with a dazzling line up of musicians headlined by the jazz/R&B/soul legends: singer, songwriter Stephanie Mills and guitarist and singer George Benson. Jazz on the River, one of the largest and most popular free jazz festivals in the region, takes place on Saturday and Sunday August 6 and 7. The festival stage, backed up by the beautiful vistas of the Detroit River, in Trenton’s Elizabeth Park, makes for an idyllic summer music experience. 

“The fact that Jazz on the River has remained such a popular cultural event in Wayne County for 25 years is a testament not only to the top quality of entertainment that is recruited each year, but to the hard-working staff and supporters who continue to go over and above whatever is required of them to make sure this continues to be a joyfully memorable occasion each and every year,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “On behalf of Wayne County, I want to thank everyone who has made it possible for us to once again successfully host this event. In particular I would like to thank Alexander Zonjic, who has been the festival’s Artistic Director, organizer and driving force for the entirety of its 25-year existence. And to all of you in attendance, whether this is your first time at the festival of if you are a returning fan, be sure to enjoy yourselves, enjoy the music and enjoy each other. We look forward to seeing you again next year.” 

George Benson and Stephanie Mills will add to the list of major stars who have graced the Jazz on the River stage. 

George Benson beloved singer and guitarist has traversed the worlds of pop, R&B, soul, and jazz. It was the release of his three times platinum 1976 album Breezin and the award-winning singles Breezin and This Masquerade that brought him worldwide success and recognition including multiple Grammys. Over his decades long career, he’s collaborated with the likes of Steve Wonder, Freddie Hubbard, Minnie Riperton, Mary J Blige, Jill Scott and Gorillaz.  

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Mills rose to stardom as “Dorothy” in the original, seven- time Tony Award winning Broadway run of the musical The Wiz. The song Home from the show grew to #1 on the charts and became Mills’ signature song. She won a Grammy for best female R & B vocal performance with her song Never Knew Love Like This Before in 1981. Her albums What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin, Sweet Sensation and Stephanie all went gold or platinum. 

Additional artists on the two-day Jazz on the River line up include renowned jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic and his band with special guest keyboardist James Lloyd from Pieces of a Dream, saxophonist Randy Scott, young keyboardist Justin “Lee “Schultz and guitarist Dee Brown. 

The complete two-day line-up of music follows: 

Saturday, August 6: 

1:30 p.m. Daryl Beebe, saxophonist 

2:45 p.m. Kym Brady – “The Urban Violinist” 

3:15  p.m.  Dee Brown, guitarist 

4:45 p.m. Randy Scott, saxophonist 

6:30 p.m. Stephanie Mills, singer/songwriter 

Sunday, August 7: 

1:30 p.m. – Audrey Northington “Scat Diva” with Ralphe Armstrong, bass guitarist  

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3:00 p.m. – Justin “Lee” Schultz, keyboardist 

4:45 p.m. - Flutist  Alexander Zonjic  & Friends with James Lloyd keyboardist from Pieces of a Dream 

6:30 p.m. George Benson, guitarist, and singer 

Wayne County Parks’ Jazz on the River is made possible by the following sponsors: 

Friends of Wayne County Parks, SMART, Hollywood Casino Greektown, Escapes, DTE , General RV Center and COTS. 

Jazz on the River is free to the public; however, there is a $5 cash parking fee. 

The park will be open to the public on both days beginning at 10 a.m. and will close after the final performance. 

Elizabeth Park is located at 4461 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton, Michigan 48183. It is east of I-75 and south of West Road in Trenton. Take I-75 South to the West Road exit and follow West Road east to Jefferson. Take Jefferson south into the park 

For information call 734-261-1990 or visit  www.waynecounty.com. 

Wayne County Parks is a division of the Wayne County Department of Public Services with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for families and citizens of the 43 communities of Wayne County.