Detroit's Rockin' on the Riverfront

Foreigner Closes Out the 2008 Rockin' on the Riverfront Series

2008-08-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

First off: On behalf of the entire General Motors Rockin' on the Riverfront staff, we would like to ask everyone to please keep friends and family of Tom Furtaw, guitarist from local band Spitting Nickels (opener at last week's Blue Oyster Cult concert), in their thoughts and prayers.

Well folks, it's finally here -- the last Rockin' on the Riverfront concert of the 2008 season. It has been an AMAZING couple of months and this year's series has proved to be nothing short of a success. We send an enormous thank you out to everyone who has attended the concerts, viewed this blog, posted comments or sent e-mails to us at rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com. Please feel free to continue e-mailing us after the concert with any comments, photos or questions.

Foreigner will rock the Riverfront stage this Friday, Aug. 22 -- ending the 2008 Rockin' on the Riverfront concert series with a bang!

Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Foreigner was universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours. From “Hot Blooded” and “Jukebox Hero,” to “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” Foreigner's thrilling mix of blustery blues and impeccably crafted pop continues to captivate generation after generation of music fans.

SIDENOTE: Check out this hilarious YouTube video of a 4-year-old lip-syncing to Jukebox Hero!

Foreigner is celebrating four decades of music making, regrouping with an exciting, brand new lineup. Led by the group's creative brainchild, chief songwriter, musician and producer, Mick Jones, the band includes veteran members, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs and rhythm guitarist Tom Gimbel. New recruits include bassist Jeff Pilson, drummer Jason Bonham (the son of the late Led Zepplin drummer John Bonham) and vocalist Kelly Hansen.

Hunter Brucks (pronounced Brooks) will open the show from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. His music has been described as “motor city soul meets southern rock ‘n’ roll.” Foreigner will play from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Again, we appreciate the support from ROR fans all across Michigan and various other cities. Thanks for making ROR 2008 a smashing success!

More Cowbell! Blue Öyster Cult Jams on the Riverfront Friday!

2008-08-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

What is more iconic 70's Blue Öyster Cult than the jam "Don't Fear The Reaper?" And, thanks to Saturday Night Live, the hit has made a HUGE comeback as a generation X hit as well.

If you haven't ever seen the skit and aren't familiar with the background, here's the scoop: The song was the focus of a 2000 SNL sketch in which guest host Christopher Walken played "famed producer Bruce Dickinson" who repeatedly demands "more cowbell!" during the recording of the song.

Though a producer named Bruce Dickinson is in charge of the production and remastering of BÖC's back catalogue, he actually had no connection with the 1976 production of Agents of Fortune. The sketch also includes a completely fictional member of the band, "Gene Frenkle" (played by Will Ferrell), whose sole function is playing the cowbell.

In reality, the song does include a faint cowbell, which is best heard during the opening and other instrumental segments.

In recent years, BÖC has embraced the publicity generated by the SNL sketch, and has one of their roadies appear on stage when they play the song to re-create the "Gene Frenkle" character by enthusiastically banging a cowbell!

Take a minute to watch the video here and more importantly, get your cowbell out because we're ready to hear these 70's icons perform it live this Friday!!!

After BÖC, we're down to only one concert...Foreigner on August 22! Hope to see you on Riverfront Plaza!

- Downtown Detroit Diva

For Detroit, Kansas is More Than Dust in the Wind

2008-08-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Kansas concert -- it was wonderful!

Now onto some more big gigs -- Blue Oyster Cult this Friday, Aug. 15 and Foreigner next Friday, Aug. 22.

Hope to see you on the riverfront!

1970's Legendary Band Kansas Takes Over Detroit This Friday!

2008-08-05T06:04:00.001-07:00

OK all you rockers out there -- we're getting down to the wire! Only three more concerts left in the 2008 General Motors Rockin' on the Riverfront concert series, so if you haven't made it down to the Riverfront yet this summer, you better get shakin'!

The highly-successful mid-to-late '70s American band Kansas takes center stage this Friday.

PLEASE NOTE: Michigan native Anisa Hayes will open the concert from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kansas will take stage at approximately 9 p.m.

Kansas' music features British-style progressive rock combined with elements of heavy metal and classical music topped off with a hard rock edge. The bands more popular hits include “Carry on Wayward Son,” “All I Wanted” and “Dust in the Wind.” The video may be a bit cheesy (especially the ruffled, collared shirts!) but man that song produces some goose bumps! I can't wait to see it performed live on the Riverfront.

Aside from producing the above hits, Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks throughout the ’70s and ’80s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan.

The current members who make up Kansas are: Phil Ehart (drummer), Billy Greer (bass guitar, vocals), Robby Steinhardt (violin, vocals), Steve Walsh (lead vocals, keyboards) and Richard Williams (lead and acoustic guitar).

Here are some quirky and interesting facts about the band and some of their songs:

Kansas is indeed named for the state. Kansas is a Sioux word meaning "People of the South Wind" (which happens to be the name of one of the band's songs!)

"Carry on Wayward Son" was written by previous guitarist Kerry Livgren. According to Livgren, the song was not written to express anything specifically religious, though it certainly expresses spiritual searching and other ideas.

Livgren also wrote "Dust in the Wind." He was inspired by a line in a book of Native American poetry - "For All We Are is Dust in the Wind." The song is about the true value of material things and success.

If you can't make it to Kansas, you've got two more chances before the ROR train departs the station for the year! Up next is Blue Oyster Cult on August 15, followed by the much-anticipated finale concert on August 22 -- FOREIGNER!

Questions, comments? E-mail us at rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com. Thanks to all of you so far who have utilized this e-mail address to contact us with questions or to share your ROR experience. We appreciate the love!

- Motor City Mama

The Guess Who ROCKED Detroit!

2008-08-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Larry Garcia of VenuPix

Members of The Guess Who (wsg Justin Lee) pose for some photos with fans before Friday night's concert.

For those of you that were lucky enough to catch the show, what was your favorite song they played?

I really enjoyed "Shakin' All Over," although all of the songs were great and played with an amazing energy!

- Downtown Detroit Diva

Be sure to check out the One Source Detroit Web site for more photos and a rockin' slideshow of the concert!

Guess Who's Ready to Rock the Riverfront This Friday???

2008-07-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

That's right, it's The Guess Who!

The legendary band will take the stage this Friday from 8-10 p.m. in downtown Detroit for the continuation of the FREE GM Rockin' on the Riverfront concert series.

Everbody knows a Guess Who song... From “American Woman,” to “These Eyes,” “No Sugar Tonight,” "Shakin' All Over" and "Share The Land," there's a hit fit for all classic rock musical tastes.

Here's some fun facts we dug up regarding The Guess Who in Hollywood:

"Undun" is heard briefly in the movie Jackie Brown, although it doesn't appear on the film's soundtrack.
"No Time" plays during the student riot scene in the 1999 docudrama Pirates of Silicon Valley.
"Glamour Boy" is heard in Don McKellar's Last Night.
"American Woman" is used in the film American Beauty.
A karaoke version of "American Woman" is sung in The Cable Guy.
Both the Lenny Kravitz and The Guess Who's versions of "American Woman" are in the movie Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

We can't wait to hear them live -- they ROCK! As always, feel free to contact us at rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com with any concert questions.

- Dowtown Detroit Diva

Classic Rock All Stars -- Oh, What a Night!

2008-07-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

A special shout out to Radenko of Windsor who just may be the Classic Rock All Stars biggest fan! He was able to enjoy front row seats and sent us some photos from the concert.

A few of the Classic Rock All Stars jamming on the GM Riverfront stage
Classic Rock All Star drummer Peter Rivera with Radenko

We're so happy you had fun, Radenko!

We send you some Detroit love.

Classic Rock All Stars, Rick Derringer - THIS FRIDAY!

2008-07-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Alright Rockin' on the Riverfront fans -- we're approaching the midway point of the FREE classic rock concert series. So if you haven't made it down to the Riverfront yet, you better mark down the remaining concerts in your calendar!

The fourth concert in the ROR series is this Friday, July 25 featuring the Classic Rock All Stars and Rick Derringer. The Classic Rock All Stars have been touring together since 1990 and include the following rockers:

Jerry Corbetta is the founder, keyboardist and former lead singer of Sugarloaf – a ’70s band that hit it big with the song "Green-Eyed Lady.”
Peter Rivera is the former singer and drummer for the ’70s group Rare Earth whose songs "Get Ready" and "I Just Wanna Celebrate” propelled the band to fame.
Mike Pinera is known for his role as lead singer and guitarist for Blues Image and Iron Butterfly. He is known for his song "Ride Captain Ride" (Blues Image) and “In a Gadda Da Vida" (Iron Butterfly).
Dennis Noda is a bass guitarist known for his funky style and work with Cannibal & the Headhunters, a band that struck international acclaim with their hit "Land of a Thousand Dances."

Rick Derringer headlines the concert and is best known for his big hits, "Hang on Sloopy" (performed with his former band, The McCoys) and "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo." A seasoned musical veteran, Derringer has recorded four blues CDs, numerous jazz hits and has produced and written albums for the World Wrestling Federation.

The Classic Rock All Stars will take the stage at 8 p.m., followed by Rick Derringer.

Don't forget how easy it is to park downtown. And, if you're coming from outside of D-town or just don't want to deal with the hassle of driving home late, check out the Ren Cen Marriott's special ROR room package starting at $149. Be sure to listen to 94.7 WCSX-FM starting at 2 p.m. on Friday for interviews with the band and all the up-to-the-minute concert details.

Questions, comments, suggestions? E-mail us at rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com.

-Motor City Mama

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas Lit up the Detroit Riverfront

2008-07-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

This past Friday's Rockin' on the Riverfront concert with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas was another smashing success! The weather was perfect, the crowd was impressive and Mickey and his pals did not fail to entertain. Here are a few photos for those of you that may have missed the concert:

I must say -- Stephanie Calvert has some AMAZING vocal chords! If anyone doubted that she could live up to vocal prowess Grace Slick, Friday's concert proved them wrong. That girl can SING! Mickey and Stephanie were the perfect complement to each other (especially during the ballad Nothing Gonna Stop us Now). If it wasn't for Stephanie's obviously young features, you wouldn't know that the duo hasn't been performing together for decades. Mickey and the rest of the band definitely rocked it like there was no tomorrow. The cheers, screams, chants and horn toots from the boats were countless!

Next up: Rick Derringer and the Classic Rock All Stars! They'll take center stage at 8 p.m. this Friday, July 25. Don't forget about all the other great amenities offered at the General Motors Renaissance Center. Shop, dine and rock out all night long!

- Motor City Mama

Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas Ready to Rock D-town This Friday

2008-07-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's the third week of the General Motors Rockin' on the Riverfront summer concert series and the excitement continues to gain momentum! This week's rock jam fest is Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled Starship (formerly known as Jefferson Starship before Mickey jumped on board) through the decades of the 80's and 90's. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Thomas has established himself as one of rock music’s most recognizable stars.

Some of the band's more recognizable and popular songs include We Built This City, Sara and the ballad Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now. Click the links for some classic, and rather entertaining, 80's music videos of these tunes!

We Built This City features Mickey Thomas and former band member Grace Slick on lead vocals, and the single version reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on November 16, 1985 and also number 12 in the United Kingdom.

So what the heck is the city referenced to in the song? According to Wikipedia, the city that the band is singing about in the album version of this song has been generally thought to be San Francisco, Calif. But according to Slick, it was actually written about early-1970s Los Angeles. Regardless, it's a great tune to rock out to -- and I'm it sure it will generate some fan excitement at this week's concert!

Don't forget how easy it is to park! Parking is available for $5 per vehicle at the GM surface lot at the intersection of St. Antoine and Atwater, adjacent to the GM Renaissance Center. Valet parking is also available at the GM Ren Cen North Lobby on Jefferson Avenue. And why not make a night out of your trip downtown? Special Rockin' on the Riverfront overnight packages are available at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center from $149. Visit the Detroit Marriott Web site or call 1-800-MARRIOTT.

- Motor City Mama

As always, send an e-mail to rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com with any additional questions/comments about the concerts. See ya on the Riverfront!

It's A Beautiful Night in Detroit

2008-07-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

As of 5:30 p.m., the crowd was starting to stake out

spots to hear the music along the riverfront.

Kids playing in the fountain in back of the stage

It's going to be a wonderful night to rock out with Mark and Mitch!

Shop, Dine, Play and Stay at the Ren Cen Friday Nights

2008-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

To ensure the best concert seating arrangements for any of the Rockin' shows, make sure to get to the riverfront as early as possible to set up camp.

To do this, we always recomend to people to make the Ren Cen your desitination for a whole night out on the town -- afterall, the concert is free and there are so many neat things to do (like take a tour, shop or eat!), so bring a group of friends so some can hang in the seats while the others check out what this sweet Detroit icon has to offer.

Prime example: To gear up for Mark and Mitch coming to rock Detroit on Friday, we decided to check out Pure Detroit in the Ren Cen for some cool motor city inspired concert gear. Here's some of our favorite finds:

313 - The best area code for rock in the midwest!

Fitted Hat - $24

Detroit Soul, Detroit Funk...Whatever way you put it, Pure Detroit's got it!

T-Shirts - $24

Detroit Mugs - $8.99

Pure Detroit is located in Tower 400 on Level 1 in the Ren Cen (across from Allegra Print & Imaging). The store specializes in Detroit and GM-themed apparel, bags, purses and glassware and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information on Ren Cen Shops and resturants, please visit www.gmrencen.com.

Great White of Soul: Detroit's Own Mitch Ryder

2008-07-08T13:45:00.001-07:00

“Hollywood. That’s where I could’ve gone if I wasn’t such a punk. If I just learned to bend over and say thank you a little more politely, it could’ve been great."

—Mitch Ryder

This quote from Mitch sums up exactly the kind of nitty-gritty Detroit attitude we all like to hear and can't wait see in action on stage at this Friday's concert.

A Hamtramck native, Ryder is often noted for his gruff, wailing singing style influenced by Little Richard and his dynamic stage performances influenced by the late James Brown. As a teen, Ryder sang backup in a black soul group known as the Peps, but racial animosities interfered with his continued presence in the group.

Ryder formed his first band, Tempest, when he was in high school, and the group gained some notoriety playing at a Detroit soul music club called The Village. Ryder next appeared fronting a band called Billy Lee & the Rivieras, which had limited success until they met songwriter and record producer, Bob Crewe. Crewe renamed the group Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, and they recorded several hit records in the mid to late 1960s, most notably, the smash hit "Devil with a Blue Dress On."

Ryder’s last successful ensemble release was Mitch Ryder's Detroit in 1971, which featured the drummer from the original Detroit Wheels, then called Detroit. The album saw Ryder moving from his earlier soul music-influenced sound to a guitar-dominated hard rock sound more in keeping with the early 1970s.

In 1983, Ryder returned to a major label with the John Mellencamp-produced Never Kick a Sleeping Dog. The album featured a cover of the Prince song, "When You Were Mine," which was Ryder's last foray into the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Ryder continues to record and tour, and his influence is felt in the music of such blue collar rock artists as Bob Seger, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen.

Here's a few fun facts about Ryder:

Actress Wynona Ryder took "Ryder" as a stage name, after seeing a Mitch Ryder album in her father's collection.
“Little Latin Lupe Lu” is known for being one of the best Detroit rock songs of all time.
Ryder was born under the name of William Levise, Jr.

Check out Ryder belt out hits such as "Sock It To Me, Baby" and "Good Golly Miss Molly" this Friday at 8 p.m. on the Detroit Riverfront.

See you on the Plaza!

- Downtown Detroit Diva

Catch Rock Patriot Mark Farner This Friday!

2008-07-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

This Friday, July 11, Detroit-area music fans will have a wonderful opportunity to see two Michigan natives rock the Riverfront Plaza stage with two FREE concerts starring local legends Mark Farner and Mitch Ryder.

To celebrate, we're honoring the veterans of rock in our blogs today and tomorrow, starting with Mark.

For a little history on the Flint native, we did a little digging and came across his MySpace page, which had some great tunes and a lot of great information about the legendary rocker.

Here's a part of the information included on his page that gives us a glance into the history behind the singer (Adapted and rewritten by Rob Whitehurst) .

Yes, it’s the same songwriter. The same guitarist. That same unmistakable voice that powered Grand Funk Railroad to 12 platinum and 15 gold albums.

Mark Farner is a true rock ’n roll legend. He found fame and success at the age of 20 as the leader of one of America’s most successful rock bands, Grand Funk Railroad. With GFR, Mark recorded 17 albums with total sales of more than 25 million records, and toured the world, which isn’t bad for a guy who only had three formal guitar lessons.

As a teenager in a garage band, Mark played the usual dates - school dances, VFW halls, wedding receptions and the like. After leaving high school, Mark entered the professional world, working with The Bossmen, Terry Knight and the Pack, then just the Pack (this time without Terry Knight, but with future Funk drummer Don Brewer).

In 1969, Mel Schacher, who had been a member of ? and the Mysterians, was invited to join Mark and Don, and power trio Grand Funk Railroad (named after the Grand Trunk Railroad in Michigan) was born.

But it wasn’t until the Atlanta International Pop Festival in July 1969 that GFR first caught anyone’s attention. The only unsigned act on the show, Grand Funk Railroad played before 180,000 people in 110-degree heat and the acclaim was instantaneous. Following their Atlanta appearance, the band was signed by Capitol Records and their first album On Time, was recorded and released within four months.

In early 1977, Grand Funk Railroad called it quits, and after taking a year or so off, Mark Farner signed a solo deal with Atlantic Records and issued two critically acclaimed albums: Mark Farner and No Frills.

In 1981, a reunited Grand Funk Railroad recorded a new album, Grand Funk Lives for Full Moon/Warner Bros. Records, and a second album, What’s Funk, shipped in 1982. Mark released 4 contemporary Christian albums from 1983 through 1994. His continuous touring schedule kept him in contact with both his longtime Grand Funk fans, and the new fans that first noticed Mark during his solo years.

In 1995, Mark toured with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, then toured with The Northwest Airlines All-Stars before reuniting with Don Brewer and Mel Schacher to record their Bosnia album for Capitol-EMI. Grand Funk Railroad toured in 1996, 1997 and 1998 and was named to Pollstar’s Top 100 Tours of 1998. VH-1’s "Behind The Music" on Grand Funk Railroad has been airing since early 1999.

Today, Mark is still traveling the world, both with the All-Starr Band and fronting his own band, N’rG, pleasing GFR fans everywhere and continuing the legend begun with Grand Funk Railroad!

All we know is we can't wait to see him perform "Rock 'N Roll Soul" live on Friday!

- Downtown Detroit Diva

Feel free to email rockinontheriverfront@gmail or check out GMRenCen.com if you have any questions about the show.

Pat Benatar Re-Cap

2008-06-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for Friday's concert! Pat was amazing live and all had a good time! Erin and Sarah show off the Rockin' on the Riverfront stage in front of the GM Renaissance Center

Andiamo Riverfront workers Dawn and Jen decked out for Pat Benatar

Observer and Eccentric Newspapers -- Pink! Girls Night Out winners

Pat and Neil rockin' out on stage

Next up: Michigan natives Mark Farner and Mitch Ryder will take Riverfront Plaza by storm on July 11.

Be there or be square!

Special Thanks To Our Wonderful Media Friends

2008-06-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

We have been thrilled to receive so much wonderful coverage for Rockin' on the Riverfront! We'd like to give a shout out to the media outlets who have covered the series so far:

About.com - Detroit
Absolute Michigan
AmericaJR.com
Crain’s Detroit Business
dBusiness Magazine
Daily Tribune
Detroit Army
Detroit Donyell
D-Tales
The Detroit News (shout outs to Adam Graham and Melody Baetens)
Detroit Free Press (thanks Brian McCollum!)
Detroit Monitor
FilterD
Free Is My Life
Guide2Detroit.com
GreatStuff2Do.com
Macomb County Voice
MetroAlive.com
metromode
MiCentral Events
Model D
MotorCityRocks.com
MadManMike.com
Observer & Eccentric (special thanks to Wensdy and Stephanie at Pink!)
Parents Connect
Strut Magazine
The Oakland Press
TellUsDetroit.com
Toledo Blade
Twist (Detroit Free Press)
Visit Detroit
WebVomit.com (Shout out to Jasper!)

Also, of course, WCSX-FM does wonderful mentions all the time. We couldn't ask for a better radio partner!

Thank you all for supporting us during the series. We can't wait to see the mass of people that show up!

Stage Set-Up Going On Now

2008-06-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the rockin' set-up for the concerts!

(behind the stage)

(in front of the stage...notice the beautiful riverfront to the right!)

FIRE UP. T-6 hours!

Pat Benatar: Ready to Rock the D TONIGHT!

2008-06-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, all! Hope you all are ready for the kick-off concert tonight with Pat Benatar!

If you have any questions about parking or anything regarding the concert, please feel free to email the Rockin' on the Riverfront team at rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com. We'll be sure to respond quickly! Also, be sure to email us your photos after the show. We'd love to post them on here.

As far as weather, it looks like there is a slight chance for a storm tonight. The only thing that could make seeing Pat unsafe is if there is lightning. We're going to keep our fingers crossed that doesn't happen, but just is case, we'll keep you posted with the status on here.

Get ready to rock, Detroit!

TIME WARP: Pat Sings Truth - Love IS a Battlefield

2008-06-24T14:24:00.001-07:00

To gear up for the debut of Rockin' on the Riverfront (kickin' off this Friday!!!), we've decided it's time to pay homage to the leading queen of rock herself, Pat Benatar.

To give credit where it's due, let's review one of her fan favorites and arguably one of THE best songs ever to do karaoke to: LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD.

The song, written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, was recorded by Pat and was released as a single from Benatar's album Live from Earth, which was popular in the early '80's.

The certified gold single has been her most successful, topping Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart and making its way to number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Besides being an incredibly likable song by the masses, one of the coolest elements inspired by the music is its dramatic music video, which depicts Benatar as a teenage runaway who gangs up with her girlfriends to empower women everywhere to do as they please.

The vid was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in '84 and believe me -- it's worth watching for the 5 minutes it takes to run, even if it's just to take a nostalgic adventure into an '80's time warp.

Detroiters: get ready to do some shimminging, some fist pumps and some mad finger snapping this Friday on Riverfront Plaza. Love is a Battlefield.

-Downtown Detroit Diva

Pat Benatar Will Rock The 'D' on Friday, June 27

2008-06-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Classic rock queen Pat Benatar will take center stage on Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m. to officially kick off the 3rd annual 2008 General Motors Rockin’ On The Riverfront summer concert series.

The Rockin’ On The Riverfront (ROR) concert series features an all-star lineup of classic rock headliners every Friday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 27 through August 22.

Future ROR concerts include:
· Mark Farner and Mitch Ryder – July 11
· Starship, starring Mickey Thomas – July 18
· Rick Derringer and Classic Rock All Stars featuring original members of Sugarloaf, Rare Earth, Iron Butterfly, Blues Image and Cannibal & the Headhunters – July 25
· The Guess Who – August 1
· Kansas – August 8
· Blue Oyster Cult – August 15
· Foreigner – August 22

Admission to the concerts is free and no advance tickets are necessary. Viewing space will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. In addition, boaters on the Detroit River are invited to anchor near the riverfront and enjoy the view of the stage from the water.

Refreshments and food concessions will be available at several locations on the plaza. Outside food, beverages or coolers will not be permitted. Additionally, pre-concert dinner options are available at the GM Renaissance Center’s delectable full service restaurants – Coach Insignia, Andiamo Riverfront, Seldom Blues, River Café, Sweet Lorraine’s and Asian Village.

Convenient parking is available for $5 per vehicle at the GM surface lot at the intersection of St. Antoine and Atwater, adjacent to the GM Renaissance Center. Valet parking is also available at the GM Ren Cen North Lobby on Jefferson Avenue.

WCSX radio personality Steve Kostan will be broadcasting live from all concerts and will interview band members and Detroit celebrities prior to each concert.

WCSX will also raffle off a ’69 Camaro at the August 15 Blue Oyster Cult concert as part of The JJ & Lynne’s Stone Soup Project™. Tickets are $25 and proceeds will benefit Forgotten Harvest. Visit www.wcsx.com to purchase tickets.

For more information about ROR, call (313) 568-5600 or visit www.gmrencen.com

Register to Win a Rockin' Classic Car

2008-05-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hey classic rock lovers -- want to know how you can win a souped up '69 Camaro at the Blue Oyster Cult concert on August 15? Rockin' on the Riverfront's media partner, 94.7 WCSX-FM, will raffle off this awesome classic car to one lucky winner!

Here's the scoop on how this whole car giveaway idea was born. The JJ & Lynne’s Stone Soup Project™ was inspired by the old stone soup fable where everyone throws something in the pot to make a great meal. This event harnesses the generosity and ingenuity of WCSX listeners from around the Detroit area to work together for a common cause - building a rockin’ classic car!

It all started when someone donated a shell of a vehicle. Then someone donated an engine, a company donated a new grill, a group of mechanics offered to spend their next eight weekends putting it all together - you get the idea! Then over the course of a few short months, that shell is transformed into a ride any car enthusiast would envy. But only one lucky person will be able to claim that custom car as their own. And all it takes is a $25 raffle ticket! All the proceeds from the raffle will benefit Forgotten Harvest. Go here to buy tickets and see when and where you can stop by the WCSX Stone Soup booth to purchase raffle tickets.

So remember, purchase your tickets for the Camaro raffle (c'mon it will benefit an amazing organization!), then be sure to attend the August 15 Blue Oyster Cult show at 8 p.m. on the beautiful Detroit Riverfront. E-mail questions to rockinontheriverfront@gmail.com.

Best of luck and a big THANK YOU to all who purchase tickets!

- Motor City Mama

Rockin' on the Riverfront 2008!

2008-04-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official blog for Rockin' on the Riverfront -- Detroit's hottest, FREE classic rock concerts on the beautiful, revitalized Riverfront.

After much anticipation, we are finally able to officially announce the bands for the series. We hope you will be satisfied with this year's lineup -- we think it's the biggest and best yet!

Setting the tone for the series will be legendary queen of rock Pat Benatar, who will perform her power hits such as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love is a Battlefield” at the June 27 kickoff concert.

Other bands performing throughout the summer on the scenic Riverfront include:

Mark Farner and Mitch Ryder – July 11
Starship, starring Mickey Thomas – July 18
Rick Derringer and Classic Rock All Stars featuring original members of Sugarloaf, Rare Earth, Iron Butterfly, Blues Image and Cannibal & the Headhunters – July 25
The Guess Who – August 1
Kansas – August 8
Blue Oyster Cult – August 15
Foreigner – August 22

For more detailed information on the series, visit http://www.gmrencen.com/ and click on the Rockin' on the Riverfront tab.

Keep watching this blog, too -- we'll be sure to post all kinds of fun links, photos and videos of the bands to come. Be sure to email us your photos from the concerts and comment on what you like and dislike about each one.

Get ready to party in the the D -- classic rock style!

- Downtown Detroit Diva