It is a visual way to show the music. It is just another way for people to experience the music.

We have gotten nothing but positive feedback for the lights. The audience likes turning the house lights off. They like a different perspective. You have to do it in a completely dark room to do the light show.

We wouldn't use this to play a Mozart quartet; that wouldn't be appropriate. But this is mixed media.

We had to make our own repertoire, and that has been part of the fun of it.

This is an end of summer musical celebration that draws people from all over the globe to experience Detroit music, jazz in particular. We're evolving, that's all. We aren't morphing in to a different festival, just changing the construct a little bit. We're retaining the historical element and adding some things. Blues, funk, soul, gospel -- these are not strangers to Detroit or to folks who enjoy jazz, including me. We need to reach out to a younger audience, and we're attempting to do that.

I don't care what people say about my relationship; I don't care what they say about my boobs. People are buying my songs; I have a sold-out tour. I'm getting incredible feedback from my music.