Special to the Michigan Chronicle

Trumpeter extraordinaire Marcus Belgrave has performed and recorded with some of the giants of the music industry, including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Charles Mingus and B.B. King.

Not surprisingly, his prodigious talents have allowed him to see the world as people across the globe have embraced his music.

But what may come as a surprise to some music fans is that one of Belgrave's favorite spots to perform is 5201 Woodward Ave., a.k.a. the Detroit Public Library Main Branch, home of the Comerica Java & Jazz concert series.

Heading down the stretch of its 9th season, Comerica Java & Jazz is continuing a tradition of providing a free, monthly, after-work concert series that has showcased some of the area's finest creative talent.

"It's always great to see people there at the library, because you don't see the same people at the clubs," said Belgrave, who was the Java & Jazz headliner in June. "The music is from the community, it comes from the community, and as a performer you can feel that energy.

"What appeals to me more than anything is that people bring their kids. In the last 20-30 years music and arts have been taken out of the schools systematically, so it's great to see the kids and have them connect with the artists. It's something they don't see ordinarily."

The connection with the audience and community described by Belgrave is literally music to the ears of Patricia McCann.

"I am so pleased and proud to be a part of the Comerica Java & Jazz series," said McCann, Comerica Bank's national Civic Affairs manager. "It initially began as a way to encourage literacy and draw people into the Detroit Public Library. It appears to have done just that and more.

"In talking with the attendees there is a general sense of excitement at being able to enjoy the music of these outstanding artists as guests of Comerica. A comment I heard from a gentleman, as he excitedly whispered to his companion, was, 'I've heard this on the radio!' As a sponsor, that's wonderful to hear. This is another way for Comerica to partner with the community in making a difference in the lives of our neighbors."

McCann's passion for the series is shared by Barbara Martin.

"The partnership between Comerica Bank and the Detroit Public Library is strong and deeply rooted," said Martin, the Detroit Public Library's coordinator for Programs and Community Outreach. "The Java & Jazz series is one of many successful joint efforts.

"Comerica's support enhances the quality of life for the community by providing exposure to some of the great Detroit jazz talent. Once inside the library, citizens see first hand the many resources available to them at the Detroit Public Library. It’s a winning situation for everyone involved.”

The series resumes July 21 with a spotlight on Latin jazz, featuring the Bill Meyers orchestra, “La Inspiracion,” which will bring together veterans of the salsa and jazz scenes in Detroit.

And on Aug. 18, the 2009 Comerica Java & Jazz series concludes with an all-star jam session organized by renowned bassist Marion Hayden. A musical protégé of Marcus Belgrave and co-founder of the celebrated all-female jazz ensemble Straight Ahead, Hayden said Java & Jazz serves a deep community need, particularly in these times.

“Through all this financial turmoil that we’re going through the cultural jewels are our saving grace because the cultural jewels do not leave,” she said. “I really enjoy Java & Jazz and appreciate Comerica for sticking with it. It’s important to us as musicians and important for the people in Detroit.

“One thing I love about jazz is the multigenerational aspect; it’s wonderful to see all ages come together. It’s a key way for communities to bond.”

As for the Aug. 18 jam session, which will include many of the artists from this year’s Java & Jazz, Hayden would like to keep her beloved hometown in suspense until that day. However, she does promise excitement.

“The artists who will be performing will be super fantastic,” she said. “Last year was explosive, and this year the community should expect the same.”

The July and August Comerica Java & Jazz concerts are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on the Library’s outdoors grounds. Performances are free and open to the public. For more information, please call 313.833.4042.