Concert of Colors

The Concert of Colors is an annual, free music festival held in Detroit, Michigan, committed to uniting diverse communities through the celebration of music and arts. Established in 1993, the festival has grown from a one-day event drawing a modest crowd to a multi-day celebration attracting over 30,000 attendees annually. It stands as a significant cultural event in the city, reflecting Detroit's rich musical heritage and commitment to inclusivity.

History

The Concert of Colors originated from a need for improved communication and understanding between Detroit's various communities following the 1967 uprisings. It was founded in 1993 by Ismael Ahmed, then executive director of the human services organization ACCESS, and New Detroit, a coalition of corporations and community leaders. The initial event was a one-day event held at Chene Park on Detroit's riverfront, attracting a relatively small audience. By 1999, the festival's popularity had grown considerably, drawing approximately 10,000 music lovers each year.

The festival underwent significant expansion in 2001, becoming a three-day event coinciding with Detroit's 300th birthday celebrations and attracting an audience of 100,000. Further development occurred in 2005 with the relocation of the opening night performance to Orchestra Hall at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO). The DSO subsequently became a full partner in 2006, and the entire festival moved to the Fisher Music Center, using two indoor stages and one outdoor stage. In 2007, the festival expanded to four days of free live music. By 2019, the Concert of Colors had grown to a nine-day event, with the Detroit Institute of Arts serving as the MainStage venue.

Ismael Ahmed, widely credited as the festival's founding visionary, died in 2025 at the age of 78. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Detroit's cultural community. The Detroit Institute of Arts called him "a visionary community leader" whose work building bridges between the city's many communities left a lasting mark on the region.

Culture

The Concert of Colors is characterized by its diverse musical lineup, encompassing genres such as jazz, blues, rock, and hip-hop. World music, including music originating from Detroit's own diverse communities, remains a central focus. The festival aims to show the richness and variety of musical traditions from around the globe, while also highlighting local talent. Past performers have included acts such as Mavis Staples and Cibo Matto, the latter appearing in 2016. This commitment to diversity extends beyond the musical performances to include ethnic food vendors, merchandise stalls, film screenings, poetry readings, and children's activities.

The festival's underlying mission is to unite Detroit's diverse communities through the shared experience of music and arts. This focus on inclusivity is reflected in the collaborative nature of the event, which involves partnerships with organizations such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Arab American National Museum. In 2014, the Arab American National Museum reinstated the annual Forum on Community, Culture and Race, which began in 2006, providing a platform for artists, cultural institutions, and community leaders to discuss the role of arts and culture in bridging racial and ethnic divides.

The festival has also expanded its programming to reach Detroit's Indigenous communities. In 2026, Concert of Colors partnered with Vibe with the Tribes to produce a showcase featuring Native artists and storytellers, broadening the festival's representation of Detroit's full cultural landscape. That partnership reflects how the festival's programming has continued to evolve well past its founding decade.

Notable Figures

Ismael Ahmed, the former executive director of ACCESS, played a key role in the founding of the Concert of Colors. His collaboration with New Detroit was central to bringing the initial vision of the festival to life. Ahmed's commitment to cross-cultural dialogue shaped the festival's identity from its earliest years, and his legacy remains woven into the event's mission.

Don Was, a prominent music producer and President of Blue Note Records, joined the Concert of Colors working group in 2008 to curate and produce the Don Was All-Star Revue, which has become a yearly showcase of Motor City music talent. Ahmed and Was, representing Arab and Jewish backgrounds respectively, exemplify the festival's aim to build understanding and peace through cultural exchange. Their shared dedication to these principles has been a driving force behind the festival's success and its enduring impact on the Detroit community.

Venues and Attractions

The Concert of Colors offers a wide array of attractions beyond the main musical performances. The festival features a variety of ethnic food vendors, providing attendees with the opportunity to sample cuisines from around the world. Merchandise stalls offer a selection of crafts, art, and other goods, often reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds represented at the festival. Film screenings and poetry readings provide additional artistic experiences, while dedicated children's activities make the festival accessible to families. Admission to the festival is free.

The festival's venues have evolved considerably over the decades. It began at Chene Park on Detroit's riverfront, a venue later renamed the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in 2018. Performances expanded to include Orchestra Hall at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Scarab Club, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Since 2019, the Detroit Institute of Arts has served as the MainStage venue. The use of multiple venues across the city allows for a greater diversity of performances and experiences. The Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue, a highlight of the festival, showcases local Detroit artists and has become a prominent event in the city's music calendar.