Jazz Singer John Boutte Will Perform in Detroit

Jazz singer John Boutte, who has appeared for many years at Grand Hotel's Labor Day Jazz Festival, will be performing in the new Jazz Cafe at the Music Hall in Detroit from February 27 through March 2.

A seventh generation Creole from New Orleans, Mr. Boutte has recorded seven albums and was seen in August on the "Emeril Live" segment, "Rebuilding New Orleans One Meal at a Time," and the October PBS "Austin City Limits" program featuring the New Orleans Social Club, which raises money for hurricane Katrina relief. In addition to his Grand Hotel Jazz Festival appearances, which spanned almost 10 years, he performed at the hotel for several summers under Music Director Alex Graham.

He will play two sets each night at the Music Hall. Tickets are available for $22 from the box office, online at www. musichall.org.

Music Hall has played a key role in the redevelopment of downtown Detroit. During the Detroit Renaissance, the theater was one of the first venues to be restored to its original grandeur. The theater is on Madison Avenue and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the league of Historic Theatres.

The Music Hall has strong Mackinac Island connections. Annex cottager Bob Raisch is executive producer for Music Hall and his daughter, Laura Raisch of Royal Oak, is on the board of trustees. Former Island House employee Vince Paul is the Music Hall president and artistic director.