Straight Ahead, Women in the Arts Festival
Co-produced with and celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the East Lansing Women in the Arts Festival! Straight Ahead is Detroit’s legendary all-women jazz ensemble, known for their powerhouse musicianship, tight arrangements, and electrifying performances. Blending swing, bebop, blues, and soul, they’ve carved out a bold legacy in jazz. These trailblazing women bring both mastery and message, honoring tradition while pushing the music—and the moment—forward.
Out of Detroit’s vibrant jazz tradition comes Straight Ahead, the Grammy-nominated, all-woman ensemble that redefined boundaries in music and representation. As the first all-female jazz group signed to Atlantic Records, they made history not just for who they are—but for the extraordinary music they create.
Melding jazz with Latin grooves, soulful hip-hop rhythms, and a deep sense of musical storytelling, Straight Ahead is known for its bold compositions, eclectic arrangements, and dynamic live performances. Their sound is a rich tapestry of power, joy, and musical excellence.
Originally introduced to the world as finalists in the prestigious Sony Innovators competition, they gained international recognition by opening for Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with music legends like Nancy Wilson, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Tony Bennett, Roy Ayers, Max Roach, Dianne Reeves, and more—solidifying their place among jazz’s elite.
With five acclaimed recordings, including the Billboard-charting Look Straight Ahead and Body and Soul, and the genre-blending City Cuts and Still Swinging, the band continues to evolve while staying rooted in their Detroit soul. Guest appearances by icons like Kenny Garrett and Fareed Haque add further depth to their expansive sound.
Having toured across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean, Straight Ahead has captivated audiences worldwide.
Their message is clear:
Joy. Power. Love. Wisdom. Magic.
This is not just jazz.
This is Straight Ahead.
Out of Detroit’s vibrant jazz tradition comes Straight Ahead, the Grammy-nominated, all-woman ensemble that redefined boundaries in music and representation. As the first all-female jazz group signed to Atlantic Records, they made history not just for who they are—but for the extraordinary music they create.
Melding jazz with Latin grooves, soulful hip-hop rhythms, and a deep sense of musical storytelling, Straight Ahead is known for its bold compositions, eclectic arrangements, and dynamic live performances. Their sound is a rich tapestry of power, joy, and musical excellence.
Originally introduced to the world as finalists in the prestigious Sony Innovators competition, they gained international recognition by opening for Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with music legends like Nancy Wilson, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Tony Bennett, Roy Ayers, Max Roach, Dianne Reeves, and more—solidifying their place among jazz’s elite.
With five acclaimed recordings, including the Billboard-charting Look Straight Ahead and Body and Soul, and the genre-blending City Cuts and Still Swinging, the band continues to evolve while staying rooted in their Detroit soul. Guest appearances by icons like Kenny Garrett and Fareed Haque add further depth to their expansive sound.
Having toured across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean, Straight Ahead has captivated audiences worldwide.
Their message is clear:
Joy. Power. Love. Wisdom. Magic.
This is not just jazz.
This is Straight Ahead.