Arts Beats and Eats held a press conference today to announce the music and entertainment schedule and preview the fun to come this upcoming Labor Day Weekend at the Arts, Beats & Eats festival.

Here are the performers scheduled for the MI Lottery Stage:

FRIDAY
Royal Oak Symphony
Royal Oak High Marching Band
Saving Abel
Candlebox
Sponge

SATURDAY
Alto Reed
Rhythm Corps
Mayer Hawthorne
Kenny Wayne Shepherd

SUNDAY
Alexander Zonjic & Friends
War
Macy Gray

MONDAY
Kansas
Clint Black

L. Brooks Patterson announced that because of the move to Royal Oak, the festival will see much growth, i.e. 200 bands on 9 stages (that's 3 more stages than last year); 56 restaurants (a 20% increase); 400 aspiring young artists that participated in the Summer Arts project; 135 of the best artists from across the US (chosen from among 400 applicants); 60 community organizations who will participate and share in the benefits of the festival; 10,500 parking spaces; and an expected 10 million economic impact for the city.

The stages will all have different themes. For example, the Budweiser stage will be the Rock stage, Pepsi will feature Jazz and R&B, Ford Fiesta will have Alternative, and the new Vince and Joe's stage will feature both International Cooking (with Vince and Joes chefs) and International music. Be sure to visit the B3@ROMT Made in Detroit Stage which will feature local bands and After Parties.

After the entertainment schedule was announced, we sampled selections of great food that will be featured at the festival. Here is a preview of what you can expect:
Sangria, Melting Pot of Troy, Saunders, Vince and Joe's, Tom's Oyster Bar, the Famous Turkey Legs, Cutting Board, Zimba Mexican Grille, Blackfinn and so much more. And, just like last year, no food item will be more than $5. Additionally, local business Garden Fresh Salsa has purchased a booth and will forward all proceeds to the Boys and Girls club.

While sampling the food, musicians and entertainers from the lineup performed and we viewed a display of some of the art that will be showcased at this year’s festival. There are pieces made using all kinds of medium... metal, wood, glass etc. The festival gives the community an opportunity to speak to the artists and ask questions about their pieces. I met with Teresa Saborsky, the President of the National Association of Independent Artists, and she was very excited to assist with the arts component of the festival by helping to bring the artists to the festival so they can display their work and gather support from the community.

Arts, Beats and Eats has expanded its offerings for the younger crowd this year. Family fun is a definite focus and will be present in the Kids Area. The Creative Arts Studio of Royal Oak Kids Arts & Crafts will give kids a chance to "Squirt the Shirt," paint pottery, bead mosaics, etc. The Oakland County Parks Kids Stage will feature clown acts, music tricks, puppet shows, music (including the Detroit School of Rock), and much more.

Everything is looking good. The vibe at the press conference was positive. The event organizers are pumped to be launching the festival in its new location this year. Speakers at the press conference included:

• L. Brooks Patterson, Executive, Oakland County
• Jon Witz, Event Producer, Jonathan Witz & Associates
• Jane Englehart, Vice President/Account Supervisor, Ford Dealer Advertising
• Katie Groves, Associate Director, Children’s Miracle Network & Special Events
• Teresa Saborsky, President, National Association of Independent Artists

I am looking forward to this year's big event. I attended last year in Pontiac and I am eager to see the changes as the festival is held in its new home, Royal Oak.

Arts Beats and Eats will be held in Royal Oak this year from September 3 to 6.