Juneteenth Jazz and Poetry!

Event Summary

NOTE THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED

Date(s): Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan Ave Branch
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Event Description

Join YDL for a Juneteenth afternoon of jazz and poetry! Michigan Poet Laureate Melba Joyce Boyd returns alongside award-winning jazz bassist Marion Hayden’s Legacy Ensemble, featuring pianist Ian Finkelstein and drummer Tariq Gardner.

Mentored by master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Marion Hayden began performing jazz at the age of 15. Hayden has performed with such diverse luminaries as Bobby McFerrin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, David Allen Grier, James Carter, and Nancy Wilson. Widely recognized as an advocate for the preservation of cultural and artistic legacy, she was honored with the prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship, the Spirit of Detroit Award, and the Jazz Hero Award from the National Association of Jazz Journalists.

Hayden has collaborated for more than 20 years with Michigan Poet Laureate Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd, creating original musical landscapes to accompany Boyd’s rich tapestry of poetry. We are honored to showcase this legendary friendship during Juneteenth downtown.

For kids-adults. No registration is necessary.

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