ROYAL OAK
Once again, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats – presented by Citizens Bank – will feature an energy-packed line-up of national and local musical acts on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 3. With more than 150 local bands and entertainers performing for crowds on nine stages, and well-known acts taking to the Michigan Lottery Stage, the 2012 musical line-up is sure to excite and entertain guests of all ages and musical tastes.
The Michigan Lottery National Stage features high profile, up-and-coming national acts as well as established international stars. Located again this year between Main and Center streets at Seventh Street, the official list of confirmed national acts include multi-platinum rock band R.E.O. Speedwagon, best known for their hit number one singles "Keep on Loving You" and "Can't Stop This Feeling"; laid-back alternative and blues band G. Love & Special Sauce; Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and internationally renowned rock band The Guess Who; the funk legends Morris Day & The Time; local neo-soul breakout musician Mayer Hawthorne & The County, whose work has evoked praise from industry leaders from Mark Ronson to Snoop Dogg; as well as Detroit deaf hip-hop artist Sean Forbes, who will perform on the Michigan Lottery National Stage in compliment to the Deaf Arts Festival.
Detroit's best local bands will be featured on six additional music stages, with a quality mix and variety of music that is unmatched by any other festival. The local stages include the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Stage, Citizens Bank Stage, Ford Focus Stage, Made in Detroit Stage, Budweiser Stage, and the Pepsi Stage. Top local talent this year includes Amy Gore & Her Valentines, The Howling Diablos, Broadzilla, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, and Annabelle Road.
