JAZZIN AT THE VANITY 2023
Join us as we celebrate Detroit’s amazing musical heritage, and that of the historical Vanity Ballroom!
The War Memorial presents Jazzin’ at the Vanity, a free 2-day jazz & blues festival featuring live performances by local and internationally celebrated performers, great food, a cool vendor marketplace, wine & spirits, crafts, visual art & cultural experiences, kids activities, and much more!
Now in its 3rd year, Jazzin’ at the Vanity takes place on Detroit’s East Jefferson Avenue, between Newport and Lakewood streets, in the center of the historic Jefferson-Chalmers Business District. The festival is produced by Jefferson East, Inc. (JEI) and attracts a diverse audience of all ages.
The Historic Vanity Ballroom
The Vanity Ballroom is one of the last surviving big-band era ballrooms in Detroit with a rich cultural legacy. Nestled in the Jefferson-Chalmers historic business district, this neighborhood gem was a hotspot for jazz and blues music from the 1920s to 1950s. The Vanity Ballroom was a popular social gathering space that included $.05 admission to dance on a spring-loaded wood dance floor where patrons could enjoy musical legends such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, the MC5 and the Stooges, who often played its stages. The once vibrant and popular ballroom is gaining a new life! We are excited to lead revitalization efforts to restore and preserve this iconic treasure for all to enjoy once again.
What’s Next For The Vanity Ballroom?
JEI owns the Vanity Ballroom, a complicated $12 million restoration project–approximately $2 million is needed to repair the roof alone. We are leading revitalization efforts to restore and preserve this iconic neighborhood treasure with our development partner, East Jefferson Development Corporation (EJDevCo). EJDevCo will lead community engagement, planning, design, engineering and construction efforts on behalf of the partnership. Together we are raising the necessary funds to bring this local gem back to life.
