Don Was Brings Detroit Groove Across the U.S. on New 2026 Tour Dates

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble have announced a new leg of tour dates for 2026. The legendary producer/bassist will be crossing the country once again, beginning with a performance at the Waterfront Blues Fest in Portland, Oregon, on the 4th of July. They’ll make their way east, hitting festivals among headlining theater shows through the Southwest, Midwest, and finally the Northeast. The final date is scheduled for August 30th in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Was released Groove in the Face of Adversity in October 2025. His set lists have focused on music from the record as well as the music from the Grateful Dead’s Blues for Allah. Mostly, he aims to bring the unique sound of Detroit to the masses.

“There’s a unique sound and feel to Detroit that permeates the music in a way that resonates all over the globe,” says Was. “There’s a rawness, a lack of pretension, and an unmistakable underlying groove that reflects the people and culture of the entire city.”

Check out his groove on the Baby Bass in this recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert:

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble 2026 Summer Tour Dates: