Multiple venues, see event description for details
Downtown Ypsi Processional & Community Party
UMS is joining forces with Riverside Arts Center and FestiFools to create an artistic celebration in Ypsilanti. Start at the Riverside Arts Center at 4 pm, where you’ll pick out your FestiFools puppet, then join us for a short, one-of-a-kind processional at 5 pm, as we march alongside the Detroit Party Marching Band from Downtown to Depot Town. The processional ends at the Freighthouse, where you’ll join your neighbors in a community celebration, including live music by Djangophonique.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Venues
Riverside Arts Center
76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti Freighthouse
100 Market Pl, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Frequently Asked Questions
If weather does not allow us to walk through the park, we will instead make the half mile (10 minute) walk directly north along Huron to arrive at Cross Street and finish the originally anticipated route.
Parking near Riverside Arts Center:
North Huron Parking Lot
South Huron Parking Lot
North Washington Street Parking Lot
North Adams Parking Lot
City Hall Lot
Parking near the Ypsilanti Freighthouse:
Free Event
Downtown Ypsi Processional & Community Party
Multiple venues, see event description for details
Free; Please RSVP
CHOOSE A PERFORMANCE:

Djangophonique is an award winning project that delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a Parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with the aching nostalgia of a shimmering ballad.
Djangophonique has been described as “…the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan” (Local Spins). Led by guitar player Andrew Brown, a true disciple of the style, the project has cultivated a community of musicians who channel the tenacious agility that the music demands. In 2022 the group released their first studio album, “Introducing Djangophonique,” which featured Tyler Rindo on Clarinet and Jorian Olk-Szost on double-bass and won Best Jazz Album, Traditions Award, as well as earning them Artist Of The Year at the WYCE Jammies. In 2023 guitarist Nicholas Martin joined the ensemble on rhythm guitar and the group began a new chapter with the addition of vocalist Katie Smith, who’s soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of an unplaceable era. With a second studio album and a full concert schedule in the works for 2025, Djangophonique is poised to forge a connection with an expansive audience through the resonance of their artistry.

The Detroit Party Marching Band is an ever-evolving collective of 20+ Detroit area musicians devoted to frenetic revelry, driving jams, and the power of the un-amplified horn blast.