Ronnie Laws, Phil Perry and Howard Hewett scheduled for inaugural Paradise Valley Music fest

The Associated Press

DETROIT - A new music festival is coming to downtown Detroit featuring Ronnie Laws, Phil Perry and Howard Hewett

Mayor Dave Bing and other city leaders made the formal announcement on Friday about the inaugural Detroit Paradise Valley Music Festival.

Dozens of national and local performances are planned. The event will be held July 13-15 in the Paradise Valley cultural and entertainment district. It's designed to honour the legacy of Paradise Valley jazz and treat music fans to Detroit food and sounds from both local and national artists.

Decades ago, Paradise Valley's night clubs hosted jazz legends, and the district's many black-owned businesses were the centre of commerce for the African-American community of the time.