It's easy to make fun of these "GM Rockin’ on the Riverfront" shows, because they're a sorry mish-mash of yesteryear hitmakers (Doobie Brothers) barely-were-beens (.38 Special, Kansas), solo artists from has-been bands (Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Burton Cummings of The Guess Who), and lawsuit-avoiding, barely chooglin' Dad-rock (Credence Clearwater Revisited).
But they're free concerts, and how can anyone in America make fun of something that's free (and of course is then some kind of corporately sponsored thing, because this is America, where everything not outrageoulsy expensive or almost lethal is powered by advertorsement).
Whatever, Eddie Money just got added to the lineup, and hey I bet that the Doobie Brothers show will be great, because how can it not be.
So be sure to make sure your Dad doesn't get too loaded because you know that those Mexican quaaludes interact weirdly with his high blood pressure meds!
GM Rockin’ on the Riverfront celebrates 10 Years
Annual concert series celebrates 10th anniversary, adds encore concert featuring Eddie Money
DETROIT (May 29, 2015) – Celebrating a decade of classic rock on the Detroit riverfront, the General Motors Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series returns this summer to strike a chord in the D. Kicking off on Friday, July 10, the annual concert series will welcome rockers of all ages to the riverfront plaza, between the GM Ren Cen and Detroit River, to enjoy six consecutive Friday evenings of music from 8-10 p.m. Special this year in honor of the tenth anniversary, organizers have announced the addition of an encore performance featuring Eddie Money on Friday, Aug. 21.
“Ten years is a long time, and we really wanted this milestone year to be special,” said Claudia Killeen, General Motors Renaissance Center Development manager. “Rockin’ on the Riverfront would not be possible without the thousands of fans who come out each year to the support the shows, and adding another night of music to the schedule is our way of thanking ROR fans.”
This year’s complete lineup includes:
July 10: The Doobie Brothers invite you to Listen to the Music for a feel good evening on the Detroit River.
July 17: .38 Special will be Rockin’ into the Night with the Motor City.
July 24: Dennis DeYoung of Styx will invite rockers to Come Sail Away.
July 31: Burton Cummings of The Guess Who will serenade Detroiters with hits like These Eyes and Stand Tall.
Aug.7: Credence Clearwater Revisited will be rollin’ on the river to Proud Mary.
Aug. 14: Kansas will Carry on the rockin’ with the Motor City’s Wayward Sons.
ENCORE Aug. 21: Eddie Money will take Two Tickets to Paradise and serenade the Motor City’s rockers.
Admission to the concerts is always free and no tickets are necessary. Viewing space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, but outside food, beverages and coolers are not permitted. In addition, boaters on the Detroit River are welcome to anchor near the riverfront and enjoy the shows from the water.
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront will provide refreshments and food concessions at several locations across the plaza. Andiamo Detroit Riverfront and Joe Muer Seafood will accept dinner reservations before and after the concert and both restaurants offer outdoor patios overlooking the Detroit River and the General Motors Rockin’ on the Riverfront stage.
The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is the official hotel of the General Motors Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series and is located adjacent to center stage. Make a night out of your visit downtown and stay in one of the newly renovated guestrooms so it’s just a quick elevator ride home from the concert. For reservations call 1-800-352-0831 or visit the website.
