Description:

This collectible phone card showcases striking poster art from the 1989 Montreux-Detroit International Jazz Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary from August 31 to September 4, 1989. The central image features a silhouette-style depiction of a musician—likely inspired by the jazz-themed artwork of Karen Ringler or Karen Wringler—playing a string instrument, possibly a bass or cello. Rendered in black and white, the figure captures a moment of deep musical expression, with the musician’s posture and delicate hand placement emphasizing the intimacy and artistry of the performance.

A vibrant vertical rainbow stripe boldly intersects the monochromatic silhouette, symbolizing the festival’s colorful and diverse spirit. The rainbow cascades from the musician’s head down to the instrument’s strings, visually linking music with vivid artistic energy. Near the top right corner, two small flags—the Swiss flag representing Montreux and the American flag symbolizing Detroit—highlight the international partnership that defines this cultural event. These flags underscore the festival’s role in bridging musical traditions across continents through collaboration.

Beneath the powerful imagery, the text is presented in a clean, elegant font that conveys the event’s prestige. The bold lettering “MONTREUX-DETROIT INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL” announces the festival, while the dates “AUG 31 - SEPT 4 / 89” mark the commemorative 10th anniversary. The typography complements the poster’s modernist style, evoking both jazz history and cultural excitement. A clear “$5” denomination appears at the bottom right, indicating the card’s practical use as a phone card as well as its collectible value. This blend of musical tribute, festival celebration, and visual artistry makes the card a compelling keepsake for jazz enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors alike.

Overall, this $5 Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival phone card masterfully combines function and form, honoring one of jazz’s most iconic festivals through poster art rich in symbolism and nuance. The silhouette of the string player, accentuated by the vivid rainbow spectrum, reflects the collaborative and vibrant spirit that defines jazz. Incorporating recognizable symbols like the Swiss and American flags, the card stands as a unique artifact celebrating international musical unity and artistic expression.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.