Jazz, blues & soul / Downtown (inside Music Hall, Harmonie Park)
Aretha's Jazz Cafe
An intimate jazz club inside the Music Hall building in downtown's Harmonie Park, named in honor of Aretha Franklin and programming jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
01 / The story of this place
Make time for these
Named for Aretha Franklin and lined with photos of Detroit music legends, the club presents local and touring jazz, blues, soul and R&B several nights a week. Sunday evenings bring a jazz jam session, and Wednesdays host “Foxxy Gwensdays.”
- Named in honor of Aretha Franklin
- Sunday jazz jam session
- Photos of Detroit music legends
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Sources & fact check · Checked: 2026-09-25
An independently written bilingual guide. This collection is not an attendance-based ranking.
03 / Events
Events at this place
Published events automatically linked from our event guide. Times are local to the venue.
Nov 9, 2026, 7:00 PMA Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron Featuring Knowledge Born Allah
Poet Knowledge Born Allah honors the words and legacy of Gil Scott-Heron on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. Mike Bonner hosts, and tickets are $35.
Nov 11, 2026, 7:30 PMPlanet D Nonet featuring Ava Valentina Noecker
Detroit's multi-award-winning swing band Planet D Nonet, joined by Ava Valentina Noecker, plays Wednesday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. Expect a tribute to Duke Ellington built on songs from their own albums.
Nov 12, 2026, 7:00 PMSONGBOX
Detroit songwriting duo Jim Cohen and Eric Winer play a full band show on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. They're celebrating the release of the new SONGBOX EP, 'SOUNDING NOW!'
Nov 13, 2026, 8:00 PMAlex Synclair - Leatherbound
Alex Synclair and his ensemble play Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit on Friday, November 13, at 8 p.m. WDIV called him the "heart on his sleeve performer," and his last show at Aretha sold out. Tickets are available online.
Nov 14, 2026, 8:00 PMVladimir Cetkar Jazz-Soul-Funk Ensemble
Macedonian-born soul-funk singer and guitarist Vladimir Cetkar plays Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit on Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. His mix of funk, soul and jazz draws on the golden era of Chic and Earth, Wind & Fire. Tickets are available online.
Nov 16, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Cassandra Wilson Tribute ft. Yaminah Brock
Yaminah Brock pays tribute to Cassandra Wilson's soulful, jazzy sound on Monday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. It's a live, in-person show, with tickets available online.
Nov 18, 2026, 8:00 PMNoelle Tiffany Prouty
Noelle Tiffany Prouty, a Metro Detroit saxophonist and bassist, leads a quartet on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. The 18-year-old brings her own compositions, and tickets are available online.
Nov 19, 2026, 7:00 PMSongwriter Showcase feat. Music Mavens of Michigan
Six artists take the stage for a Music Mavens of Michigan songwriter showcase on Thursday, November 19, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. It's one night of raw, original storytelling through live music, with tickets available online.
Nov 22, 2026, 7:00 PMAretha's Jazz Jam
Music Hall education director Scott Gwinnell leads this all-ages jazz jam on Sunday, November 22, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. Bring your horn to learn or just come listen, with no cover charge.
Nov 23, 2026, 7:00 PMA Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald Featuring Jiana Hunter
Jiana Hunter pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald's timeless jazz hits on Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. If you love smooth vocal jazz, this one's for you. Tickets are available online.
Nov 25, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Pak & Friends Present: The 22nd Annual Nite B4 Thanksgiving Gala
The Pak, one of Detroit's best-known event promoters, throws its 22nd annual night-before-Thanksgiving gala on Wednesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. at Music Hall in downtown Detroit. Expect live music, Chicago DJ Wayne Williams and a charitable cause; tickets and reserved tables are available in advance.
Nov 30, 2026, 7:00 PMThe George Benson/Peabo Bryson Tribute ft. Randal Wilson Project Jazz
Randal Wilson Project Jazz pays tribute to George Benson and Peabo Bryson on Monday, November 30, at 7 p.m. at Aretha's Jazz Café at Music Hall in Detroit. Expect smooth grooves and soulful jazz up close. Tickets are available online.
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