The Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue returns to Concert of Colors with "A Salute to The Scene," celebrating Detroit's iconic dance television show and the city's rich musical legacy. The special performance also honors Concert of Colors founder Ismael Ahmed, whose vision continues to inspire the festival's mission of bringing communities together through music and culture.

The 35th Annual Concert of Colors will honor founder Ismael Ahmed with a special community tribute while celebrating Detroit's rich musical history through Don Was' "A Salute to The Scene." The free festival returns July 15–19 with performances by Sheila E., Steel Pulse, Kronos Quartet, and dozens of artists from around the world.

As Concert of Colors celebrates more than three decades of music and cultural exchange, its roots remain grounded in a simple but powerful idea: bringing Detroit's diverse communities together. The festival's story begins long before its first performance, growing from decades of intentional relationship-building and a shared commitment to inclusion.

For more than three decades, Concert of Colors has been more than a music festival—it's been a celebration of Detroit's diversity and a powerful example of how music can bring people together. From its roots in community organizing to becoming one of the nation's largest free global music festivals, its story is one of resilience, collaboration, and connection.