Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble to Perform in Lansing.

Don Was, a revered figure in the music industry, is embarking on a tour with his band, the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, to celebrate the launch of their first album, “Groove in the Face of Adversity,” set to be released on Friday, October 10. The tour will span six states, including a performance in Lansing on Thursday, October 9, at Grewal Hall. Apart from presenting tracks from their new album, the ensemble will also showcase The Grateful Dead’s “Blues for Allah” LP in its entirety, commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. Individuals interested in attending can purchase tickets through hall224.com.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, a soul jazz collective comprising nine members, aims to disseminate the music of Detroit, as stated by Don Was. The band includes established jazz musicians from Southeast Michigan such as Jeff Canady on drums, Vincent Chandler on trombone, Steffanie Christi’an on vocals, John Douglas on trumpet, Wayne Gerard on guitar, Mahindi Masai on percussion, Dave McMurray on saxophone, and Luis Resto on keyboards.

Was views the ensemble as ambassadors of their hometown’s music scene, merging steamy jazz, juke joint blues, and loose-limbed funk in their album. He highlights their ability to infuse traditional sounds with a fresh perspective, creating a unique musical experience. Throughout his extensive career spanning over five decades, Was has collaborated with iconic artists like The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, showcasing his versatility as a producer.

Aside from his work with the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Was has been an integral part of the music industry as a founding member of Was (Not Was) and performing with Wolf Bros alongside Bob Weir. He also leads the Detroit All-Star Revue annually and hosts radio shows on Detroit NPR affiliate WDET and SiriusXM. Furthermore, his involvement in various film projects as a music director has contributed to his diverse portfolio, having worked on renowned films such as “Thelma and Louise” and “Toy Story.”

Don Was continues to leave an indelible mark on the music world through his multifaceted career, showcasing his passion for music and dedication to promoting the rich musical heritage of Detroit. With the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, he aims to captivate audiences with their innovative blend of genres, paying homage to tradition while forging new musical pathways.