The Detroit Jazz Festival, billed as the world's largest free jazz festival, announced today that guitarist/composer Pat Metheny will be its 2015 Artist-in-Residence. Metheny is the latest in a long line of artists to take the mantle, most recently his Nonesuch Records label mate Joshua Redman, who held the position in 2014. The Detroit Jazz Festival Artist-In-Residence Program will include different music incarnations at this year's festival, which takes place in downtown Detroit over Labor Day Weekend, September 4–7, as well as education and mentorship activities throughout the year.

"It's very humbling to not only be asked to perform at the Detroit Jazz Festival, but to also serve as its Artist-in-Residence," said Metheny. "I'm honored and look forward to my visits to Detroit, a place with such rich music history. Getting involved with the Festival's educational programs and performing in the heart of downtown will be a memorable experience."

Each year the festival's Artist-in-Residence assists the Detroit Jazz Festival in its efforts to foster an appreciation of jazz and nurture young talent, specifically in relation to Detroit. As the festival's ambassador, Metheny's duties include headlining the second performance of opening night, playing collaborative sets with special guests throughout the weekend, including homecoming jam sessions with native Detroiters, and participating in Festival education initiatives leading up to Labor Day Weekend performances.

Metheny's performances will include an array of musical treatments with eclectic artistic including a few who will be coming home to Detroit. Sets include the Pat Metheny Trio with Antonio Sánchez and Scott Colley and special guest Detroiter Kenny Garrett; an intimate acoustic duo with Detroiter Ron Carter; a much-anticipated reunion with the Gary Burton in a special quartet put together just for this festival with Sánchez and Colley; a large ensemble, consisting of the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra and the North American premiere of Metheny's latest 30 minute suite, a tribute to German bassist Eberhard Weber.

"Metheny is an incredible artist. He has been a heavyweight in the jazz world for decades and revolutionized what it means to play 'jazz guitar,'" said Chris Collins, artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival. "His experimentation with sound and style—and jazz itself—truly taps into why this medium can be so moving and inspiring. Our goal with the Artist-in-Residence program is to connect people, to draw them in to our city and take them on unique musical journeys, and Pat will definitely help us do that. We have some special performances on tap that highlight his incredible musicianship and composing ability."

For more on the festival, visit detroitjazzfest.com.