BY BTL STAFF
The 20th annual Ford Arts, Beats & Eats this year presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Downtown Royal Oak brings more than 200 local and national musical acts on nine stages.
Jon Witz, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats producer, said $100,000 over and above previous years' entertainment budget was spent to "ensure we offer the most premier schedule of musical performers in the festival's history."
Some of those acts include the B-52's, Candlebox, 311, Grand Funk Railroad, the Wallflowers and George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars.
In addition, a highly-ranked juried fine arts show, and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in Metro Detroit will be offered. Each year international, regional and local attractions at the festival make the city of Royal Oak the premier destination for Labor Day weekend.
Last year, more than 400,000 people attended and more than $350K was raised for local charities.
Festival hours are Sept. 1-3 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Admission is $3 until 3 p.m., $5 after 3 p.m. and $7 after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It's free to enter until 5 p.m. and $7 after on Friday only. All of the concerts are free with VIP upgrades available.
