Media & Archive – The Jazz Network Foundation

A living archive

The media collection presents the Foundation not as a closed chapter, but as a living network of people, places, performances, and ideas.

Across decades of concerts, gatherings, workshops, and civic partnerships, the Jazz Network Foundation has created moments in which Detroit artists, audiences, elders, and emerging musicians could meet one another through the music. This archive preserves those moments while making them available to new generations.

Jazz-Off Detroit

Film, performance, and the Blue Bird Inn

Back to the SereNgeti

A landmark anniversary celebration

Detroit Jazz Hero

Recognition of cultural stewardship

Marion Hayden

Renowned Detroit bassist and longtime Jazz Network Foundation collaborator

Jazz-Off Detroit performance at a historic jazz site

Places of Memory

Returning attention to historic jazz spaces

The City

Detroit as creative source and public stage

Back to the SereNgeti · 2014

The 22nd Anniversary

The Jazz Network Foundation’s 22nd anniversary brought musicians, friends, and community together in a celebration of Detroit’s living jazz lineage. The performance featured the SereNgeti Quartet with renowned percussionist Winard Harper, joined by Ralph Armstrong on bass, Marcus Elliot on saxophone, and Mike Jellick on piano, and Joan Belgrave as featured guest. Together, they honored the past by putting the music fully in motion.

Jazz ensemble performing at the Jazz Network Foundation 22nd anniversary, with saxophone, drums, piano, and upright bass — The anniversary ensemble in performance

Five smiling musicians and participants gathered after the Jazz Network Foundation anniversary performance — Artists and community after the program

Bill Foster in conversation with a guest during the Jazz Network Foundation anniversary celebration — Bill Foster in conversation

Bill Foster standing with two friends and collaborators at the 22nd anniversary celebration — Friendship, stewardship, and continuity

Jazz ensemble performing under green stage lighting with saxophone, piano, drums, and upright bass — The ensemble in dialogue

Jazz musicians performing on drums, upright bass, and guitar during the anniversary event — Rhythm, improvisation, and exchange

Guests and musicians gathered as a trumpeter plays during the Jazz Network Foundation anniversary celebration — Jazz shared across the room

Watch and Listen

Films from the archive

A growing film collection documents the Foundation’s performances, civic outreach, artist relationships, and commitment to bringing audiences of every age into direct contact with jazz.

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Back to the SereNgeti · Winard Harper

The 22nd Anniversary

A film record of the Foundation’s milestone celebration featuring percussionist Winard Harper with Ralph Armstrong on bass, Marcus Elliot on saxophone, and Mike Jellick on piano, and Joan Belgrave as featured guest.

Featured Musicians

Winard Harper · Ralph Armstrong · Marcus Elliot · Mike Jellick · Joan Belgrave

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Marcus Belgrave · 22nd Anniversary

Marcus Belgrave at the 22nd Anniversary

A separate anniversary excerpt captures Detroit trumpet master Marcus Belgrave performing during the Foundation’s milestone celebration, preserving the spontaneous spirit and deep artistic relationship he shared with Bill Foster.

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700 Students · Detroit Public Schools

Michael Rabinowitz at Orchestra Hall

Bill Foster organized a two-hour educational jazz masterclass featuring Michael Rabinowitz, Harold McKinney, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and George Davidson.

Watch on YouTube

Places of Memory

Remembering the Blue Bird Inn

Jazz-Off Detroit returns attention to one of the city’s most consequential historic jazz spaces.

Visit the Official YouTube Channel