Bass Day celebrates Motown and iconic bassists while inspiring the next generations of musicians.

Detroit Bass Day is an annual celebration of the realization that Detroit produces some of the most influential and accomplished bass players in the world. The community is welcome to Rocket Plaza for this free, multigenerational, family-friendly event that brings hundreds of bass players of all styles, genres, ages, and skill levels together from the Motor City and the entire Midwest to gather in front of the Motown Museum.

In this year's event, we pay tribute to the late James Lee Jamerson, a revered member of the legendary Motown Records studio band, "The Funk Brothers." As the renowned "Groove Master" of Motown, his bass lines continue to enthrall and invigorate audiences across the globe. Through his extraordinary musical contributions, Jamerson stands as an enduring icon in American music history, leaving behind an unmatched legacy that continues to shape and inspire countless generations of bass players and music enthusiasts.

This year’s distinguished artists, Nate Watts, Tony Newton, and Al Turner, bring their own cultural experiences to the Bass Day celebrations. As professional bassists, they each have a unique perspective on the art of playing bass, their musical influences, and their own contributions to the community.