Detroit’s Concert of Colors enters new era in first festival without founder

Detroit's Concert of Colors, a 35-year-old free global music festival, returns July 15–19 after the death of founder and longtime organizer Ismael Ahmed in January. Cultural producer Njia Kai and Ahmed's wife Margaret King-Ahmed are leading the effort to honor his vision and legacy. The festival spans five days across Midtown venues including the Detroit Institute of Arts, with headline acts Sheila E. and Steel Pulse performing July 19, plus performances by Hassan Hakmoun, Dengue Fever, and Detroit favorites like Don Was. A special tribute ceremony called "Celebrating Ish" on July 18 will feature the Gabriel Brass Band, remarks from King-Ahmed and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, and musical performances. The festival is expanding this year with programming from the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and the National Endowment for the Arts, including story circles and grant workshops.

Beyond the main concert lineup, highlights include Burnt Sugar Arkestra performing J Dilla's "Donuts" album on July 18, and tributes to Detroit's historic dance show "The Scene." Concert of Colors is free and one of the longest-running and largest world music festivals in the U.S., known for bringing together people across racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds through music.