A legend in Detroit’s music scene is using her talent and passion to shine a spotlight on women in music.
Drummer and composer Gayelynn McKinney is part of a legendary Detroit family that has helped shape the city’s rich jazz culture, and she’s keeping the music legacy alive with the fourth annual Women Who Drum Festival that celebrates female drummers.
Six different acts will be performing at the festival. McKinney said the music will be a mix of R&B, funky jazz, traditional jazz, and blues.
McKinney explained that growing up she felt alone because of a lack of female drummers. However, now she’s empowering women who play the drums.
“There are a lot of young girls who feel like still, even today, that maybe they shouldn’t play this instrument. So, I want to show them that, oh yes -- you should play this instrument, and we need more girls,” McKinney said.
The Women Who Drum Festival will be held Sunday, August 10 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Black Bottom Park, which is located at 905 E. Milwaukee Ave. in Detroit.
For more information about the festival, click here and watch the video above.