History at Jazzin' on Jefferson 2007 The fabulous Vanity Ballroom on the Historic Jefferson Chalmers Business District The planning for Jazzín' on Jefferson (JOJ) began in 2003 when neighborhood residents and business owners responded to a JEBA survey about a possible community event – and their overwhelming choice was for a jazz and blues street festival. Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) began producing JOJ in 2004 after recommendations from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (ONCR), of which JEBA is one of the five selected commercial district in the city; the National Main Street Center in Washington D.C., and Governor Granholm's "Cool Cities" Initiative. At Jazzin' on Jefferson 2004, Jazzhead blended traditional Jazz styling with Detroit flavor A steering committee, headed by former JEBA President Alan Scott White, was established with its first meeting in the fall of 2003. Under the leadership of JOJ Fundraising Chairman Don Fitzsimmons, President of Royal Transportation and current JEBA Board President and then Executive Director Diana Stewart, JEBA raised more than $50,000 for the festival including sponsorships from DaimlerChrysler, Charter One Bank and Comerica, as well as a host of other corporate partners, local business owners and individuals who believed that the festival was an excellent way to promote the district to potential merchants and residents. In the first year, 2004, attendees enjoyed some of the nation's most respected jazz and blues musicians such as Rodney Whitaker, Thornetta Davis and Lonnie Brooks and many local artists from 4731 Gallery, Gallery 555 and Pewabic Pottery to Pangborn Design. Bert's Marketplace and Edibles Rex provided delicious food to eager audience members. After tremendous success in its inaugural year, the Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) officially announced Jazzin' on Jefferson 2005, its 2nd annual street festival celebrating the jazz and blues heritage of the East Jefferson District. That summer, nearly 10,000 people enjoyed the sweet melodies of jazz combined with the soulful sounds of blues, delicious barbecued chicken, smoked hickory ribs and other ethnic cuisine as well as crafts and wares from 30 local artisans and vendors. Featured neighborhood favorites and nationally renowned performers included Marcus Belgrave, the Eddie Burns Blues Band, Kimmie Horne and the renowned Dirty Dozen Brass Band. NJ Ribs gets the grill going with their one-of-a kind kabobs 2006 saw the biggest turn out yet with over 18,000 people enjoying the sites and sounds of the Jefferson East area during the expanded festival that took place over two days instead of one as in past years. The Sun Messengers played to an enthusiastic crowd well into the night and other acts such as the Gratitude Steel Band, Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise and others put on fantastic performances throughout the two-day festival. Jazzin´ on Jefferson 2007 was another great success with over 15,000 people enjoying 25 jazz acts on three stages. Hit performers include Eddie Bo and Marcus Belgrave. It also included the first ever tour of available properties and development opportunities within the Jefferson East corridor and the highly successful JOJ Eve Preview Event! Jazzin´ will be back in 2008 for its fifth anniversary on June 28th, 2008. See you in June!