Longtime Michigan Congressman John Conyers is being honored for his advocacy of jazz.
The Detroit Democrat receives the first-ever Jazz Advocate Award Thursday from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. The performing rights organization is honoring Conyers for public and legislative efforts to support jazz.
Conyers will be honored at the 44th Annual Legislative Conference Jazz Issue Forum and Concert at Washington's Walter E. Washington Convention Center. He's the honorary host of the event presented by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Conyers also presents the foundation's Jazz Legacy Award to Geri Allen. The educator, pianist and composer has taught at University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan and Howard University.
Allen has assembled a group of artists for the concert that draw on her Detroit roots and Howard connections.