Starting this Friday, the three-day 7th Annual GM River Days festival is expected to draw visitors from throughout region with more than 75 street performers and musical acts, along with full array of outstanding family programming; Popular ArtScape competition expands across RiverWalk
“We are pleased to have such an outstanding lineup of musicians and performers throughout the festival,” said Detroit RiverFront Conservancy president and CEO, Faye Alexander Nelson. “It is wonderful to see some of Detroit’s best local musicians performing on the same stage and during the same festival as internationally renowned legends.”
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is offering a "Free Friday" promotion where admission will be FREE to the festival between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Guests admitted before 5 p.m. on Friday can stay through the whole evening.
Also, the festival admission fee for Saturday and Sunday is included in the event registration for runners participating in the DMC River Days Run 5K on Saturday.
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| The Guess Who |
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| The O'Jays |
On Friday night, Motor City rock powerhouse SuperLast will take to the Michigan Lottery Stage. Then, on Saturday, Soul Preacha’s featuring Marcus Cole & Mark A’lleven will light up the evening with their soul stylings. Local R&B favorites The Infatuations will open for George Clinton on the National Stage on Sunday evening. Cliff Bell's is also bringing some exciting local flavor to the line-up including Melvin Davis performing on June 22 and Gerard Gibbs performing on June 23.
On the Chevrolet Stage, festivalgoers can enjoy an eclectic selection of music from local bands, including blues, rock, funk, country and indie. On Friday, guests can enjoy local Larry Lee and Persuasion. On Saturday night, the Savage Rascals and Kaleido hit the stage. And finally, on Sunday evening, The Muggs and David Shelby close out the festival with upbeat Motor City Rock and country repertoires.
The Soaring Eagle Stage will feature a strong local lineup that will feature back-to-back sets from blues rock ‘n soul performer Dr. Pocket, Motor City funk band T $ Green’s Roadwork and local blues rock legend Laith Al-Saadi as headliners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
In addition to the electrifying musical lineup, this year’s GM River Days also features a full schedule of exhilarating, family-friendly programming.
Detroit River ArtScape
The juried Detroit River ArtScape showcase and competition returns for its second year and will feature the work of 15 finalists (up from 10 in 2012) along the RiverWalk, with early expanded dates beginning Monday, June 17 through Sunday, June 23. The artwork sculptures, paintings, photography, glasswork, murals, metalwork and mixed media pieces from artists across Michigan and Ohio. While a professional jury will determine the winners of the show, festival attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite “People’s Choice” artist through a special text-messaging program, courtesy of ePrize.
Outdoor Activities Abound
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will bring the joys of the outdoors to the RiverWalk with more than 40 activities and programs that will take place inside the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor, including the department’s Rec 101 programs, educational stations and an area for first-time campers. Experts and outdoors professionals from the DNR will be present to offer hands-on instruction and safety lessons in the ever-popular archery range. Guests can also learn how to hunt responsibly on the laser shooting course. Other recreational activities include demonstrations on fishing, birding, disc golf, and camping, hiking and biking. Guests with a sweet tooth can take part in a campfire building and s’more making exhibit.
On Saturday evening, an area will be setup and sectioned off for 144 first-time campers from foster homes around Metro Detroit. These campers will work with Michigan State Park Rangers to learn about all aspects of camping, including pitching a tent, safe fire starting and food preparation.
Rivard Plaza, The Place for FREE Family Fun
In the middle of the festival, Rivard Plaza will be abuzz with family-friendly activities. The Flagstar Bank Kids Zone will keep kids laughing and playing all weekend long. Produced by the Parade Company, the Kids Zone will feature face painting, hand painting with the Detroit Institute of Arts, recyclable crafts with Arts & Scraps. Additionally, the Meijer Kids Stage will be home to a full lineup of entertainment programs, including magicians, story times, interactive performances from AM 910 Radio Disney.
Returning to River Days in 2013 will be the amazing Sand Sculptures presented by Quicken Loans, also in Rivard Plaza. The event will feature one 50-ton sand sculpture designed by Team Sandtastic and sponsored by Quicken Loans. Team Sandtastic, from Sarasota, Florida, creates 50 to 60 sand sculptures each year and will showcase their amazing talents near Rivard Plaza & Pavilion.
Saturday Morning Walk/Run For a Good Cause
On the morning of Saturday, June 22, the festival will kick off with DMC River Days 5K Walk and Run, which will showcase the Detroit RiverWalk, including Milliken State Park and provide a healthy, fun experience for participants. Proceeds from the event will help support the non-profit Conservancy. Interested runners may register at RiverDays.com.
Captivating Street Entertainers presented by Quicken Loans
Strolling busker entertainment presented by Quicken Loans is back for the second straight year. The talented lineup of street performers will be concentrated in three areas around the festival located at the GM Fountain area, along the RiverWalk at St. Antoine and along the RiverWalk west of Rivard Plaza. Whether it is watching the humorous plight of a mime, the playful acrobats of circus-style performers on stilts, or awe-inspiring juggling feats, this popular feature of GM River Days will have something for the whole family.
Excitement and Entertainment on the Water
As always, there will be no shortage of fun for guests on the water. Diamond Jack River Tours will dock and depart from Rivard Plaza every hour for one-hour tours of the Detroit River. Tours will run from 1 – 7 p.m., June 21 – 23 at a discounted festival rate of $10. Festivalgoers can also take tours of the Appledore IV tall ship presented by Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center docked at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Dock.
Furthermore, festival favorite, Typhoon Tommy and his world-class jet ski team will use the Detroit River as their stage to perform big air jumps, flips and underwater dives for the crowds along the riverfront. These must-see demonstrations run June 21 – 23 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Pepsi Taste of Detroit Food Court
The 7th Annual GM River Days 2013 offers an extravaganza for the taste buds again this year. Featured on the General Motors Plaza will be Andiamo Italia, serving its finest fare and demonstrating why Andiamo is consistently voted Detroit’s “Best Italian” restaurant. Detroit’s own Cliff Bell’s will offer its upscale comfort foods for the first time in the festival’s seven years. Soaring Eagle Casino also will bring its renowned chef and his mouth-watering menu to the riverfront, and Palm Palace returns with its exquisite Lebanese dishes. Guests can also indulge in the finger-licking flavors of Wingstop’s signature chicken wings.
Share Memories of the RiverWalk at the RiverFront Video Booth
In honor of its 10th anniversary, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is inviting guests to share their favorite memories of the Detroit RiverWalk. A video crew from M-1 studios will be onsite filming on the RiverWalk near Rivard Plaza on Saturday, June 22 from 3 – 7 p.m. By sharing their stories of their most memorable strolls along the walk, family nights out or visits to dynamic public events, guests can be part of the Conservancy’s 10th anniversary video.
The full music schedule is as follows:
MUSIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
2013 GM River Days Music Schedule
Michigan Lottery Stage National Recording Artists and Featured Local Artists
Friday, June 21
5:00 p.m. Otto Vector (Pop/Rock)6:30 p.m. Random Family (Rock)
8:00 p.m. SuperLast (Motor City Rock)
9:30 p.m. Guess Who (Classic Rock)
Saturday, June 22
5:00 p.m. Melvin Davis (Motor City Soul)6:30 p.m. Katrina Carson (R&B)
8:00 p.m. Soul Preacha’s featuring Marcus Cole & Mark A’lleven (Soul)
9:15 p.m. Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences
9:30 p.m. O’Jays (R&B)
Sunday, June 23
12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Gospel by Pastor E.L. Branch, Greg C. Brown, Minister Carvell, J Moss and Anita Wilson7:00 p.m. The Infatuations (Rock ‘n Soul)
8:30 p.m. George Clinton (Funk)
Chevrolet Stage
Friday, June 21
11:30 a.m. Milan-Music For Grasshoppers (Experiential)1:30 p.m. Carl Henry (Blues)
3:00 p.m. Abigail Stauffer (Singer/Songwriter)
4:30 p.m. The Secrets (Motor City Rock)
6:00 p.m. O.T.I.S. (Space Funk)
7:30 p.m. Larry Lee (Ol’Skool Funk)
9:30 p.m. Persuasion (Straight Up PARTY!)
Saturday, June 22
8:00 a.m. Free Beer (Party Rock) - Fun Run Start and Finish11:30 a.m. Britney Stoney (Neo Soul)
1:00 p.m. Electric Graffiti (Alternative)
2:30 p.m. Free Beer (Party Rock)
4:30 p.m. Citizen Zero (Motor City Rock)
6:00 p.m. Jennifer Westwood (Blues/Rock)
7:30 p.m. Savage Rascals (Eclectic)
9:30 p.m. Kaleido (Rock/Pop)
Sunday, June 23
10:00 a.m. Urban Solace Yoga11:30 a.m. Ally Shermetaro (Singer/Songwriter)
1:00 p.m. Mary McGuire (Indie Cool)
2:30 p.m. Gerard Gibbs Trio (Motor City Cool)
4:00 p.m. Blood Sisters (Rock)
5:30 p.m. The Reefermen (Funk ‘n Rock)
7:00 p.m. The Muggs (Motor City Rock)
8:30 p.m. David Shelby (Country)
Soaring Eagle Stage
Friday, June 21
11:00 a.m. Emilio Basa (Acoustic Pop)12:30 p.m. Cliff Gracey (Singer/Songwriter)
2:30 p.m. Corktown Popes (Rock/Pop)
4:00 p.m. Two Tone Tobacco (Rock ‘n Country)
6:00 p.m. Dr. Pocket (Blues Rock ‘n Soul)
7:30 p.m. Dr. Pocket (Blues Rock ‘n Soul)
9:00 p.m. Dr. Pocket (Blues Rock ‘n Soul)
Saturday, June 22
11:00 a.m. Michigan State University Detroit Rock Camp (Pop/Rock)1:00 p.m. Candance Sosa (Singer/Songwriter)
2:30 p.m. Tom Butwin (Pop/Rock)
4:00 p.m. Josh Smith (Alternative/Pop)
6:00 p.m. T $ Green’s Roadwork (Motor City Funk)
7:30 p.m. T $ Green’s Roadwork (Motor City Funk)
9:00 p.m. T $ Green’s Roadwork (Motor City Funk)
Sunday, June 23
4:30 p.m. Chunky Funk (Soul/R&B)6:00 p.m. Laith Al-Saadi (Blues Rock ‘n Soul)
8:00 p.m. Laith Al-Saadi (Blues Rock ‘n Soul)
Meijer Kids Stage
Friday, June 21
11:00 a.m. WDIV Super Singer12:00-5:00 p.m. AM 910 Radio Disney
1:00 p.m. Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront
3:00 p.m. DynaMike
4:00 p.m. Story Time
5:00 p.m. DynaMike
7:00 p.m. DynaMike
Saturday, June 22
12:00 p.m. Wayne State University School of Theater and Dance Stage Play1:00 p.m. Story Time
2:00 p.m. Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff
3:00 p.m. DynaMike
4:00 p.m. Ventriloquist Vikki Green
5:00 p.m. DynaMike
6:00 p.m. Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff
7:00 p.m. DynaMike
Sunday, June 23
12:00 p.m. Story Time1:00 p.m. Story Time
2:00 p.m. Magic of Randyl Lee
3:00 p.m. DynaMike
4:00 p.m. Puppet Show: Punch & Judy
5:00 p.m. DynaMike
6:00 p.m. Magic of Randyl Lee
7:00 p.m. DynaMike
Detroit RiverWalk Buskers
Friday, June 21
Area 1:5:00 – 9:00 p.m. George Tait, Living Statue
Area 2:
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. N.E. Entertainment, Juggling
6:15 – 8:15 p.m. Michael Roy’s Cirque du Papier, Origami Performance
Area 3:
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Detroit Circus stilt walking, aerialists, fire breathing, acrobatics, juggling
Saturday, June 22
Area 1:12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Buddha the Mime
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. N.E. Entertainment, Juggling
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Zeemo, Juggler/Comedian
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. George Tait, Mind Tapped
Area 2:
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Classic Fit, Barbershop Quartet
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Bucket Drummers
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Buddha the Mime
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. N.E. Entertainment, Juggling
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Bucket Drummers
6:15 – 8:15 p.m. Michael Roy’s Cirque du Papier, Origami Performance
Area 3:
12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Detroit Circus stilt walking, aerialists, fire breathing, acrobatics, juggling
Sunday, June 23
Area 1:12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Yo Jake, Yo-yo Performance
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Joshua Wilde, Magician
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Audacious Hoops, Hula Hoop Performance
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. George Tait, Living Statue
Area 2:
12:15 – 2:15 p.m. Zeemo, Juggling/Comedian
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Yo Jake, Yo-Yo Performance
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Audacious Hoops, Hula Hoop Performance
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Joshua Wilde, Magician
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Allan Barnes, Saxophone
Area 3:
12:00pm – 8:30pm: Detroit Circus stilt walking, aerialists, fire breathing, acrobatics, juggling
Visit the River Days website for more information on the 7th Annual GM Rivers Days presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Enjoy!
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