Kid Rock aids Arts, Beats & Eats
Adam Graham / Detroit News Pop Music Writer
Kid Rock is getting into the bailout business.
The homegrown rocker is tossing a lifeline to the annual Arts, Beats & Eats festival by sponsoring a stage at this year's event through his clothing company, Made in Detroit, festival officials announced Tuesday. Rock will sponsor the fest's previously named Big 3 Stage, which now will carry the name the Kid Rock-Made in Detroit Big 3 Stage.
"We heard the festival was facing financial challenges this year and thought this was the perfect venue to show our support of Ford, Chrysler and GM," Rock said in a statement.
"As a company, Made in Detroit always aims to help out people around the state who are facing tough times right now, and this seemed to be another perfect way to help out."
Rock's contribution to the festival totals nearly $20,000 and gives a much-needed boost to the event, which has struggled with sponsorship dollars in light of the area's fluctuating economy.
For the first time in the downtown Pontiac event's history, there will be a $2 admission charge for this year's fest, which runs Sept. 4-7 and has been newly christened by organizers as "Oakland County's Festival of Hope."
Rock's donation puts Arts, Beats & Eats within $30,000 of "being comfortable financially," said festival producer Jon Witz. He said a number of companies have been chipping in with sponsorships over the last few weeks, but the Kid Rock/Made in Detroit sponsorship "is the icing on the cake."
Beyond the financial support, Witz says the move is "a huge gesture" from Rock.
Rock, who performed two sold-out concerts at Comerica Park last month, is not expected to perform or appear at the event. He is booked for out-of-town concerts Sept. 4-6.
agraham@detnews.com (313) 222-2284
http://detnews.com/article/20090819/ENT04/908190316/1422/ENT05/Kid-Rock-aids-Arts--Beats-&-Eats
No comments:
Post a Comment