Kid Rock aids Arts, Beats & Eats Festival

Metro Detroit-born music superstar Kid Rock has stepped up to help out the Arts, Beats & Eats – Festival Hope with a major last minute stage sponsorship for the festival that has lost more than $400,000 of sponsorship backing in 2009. In true “Pay it Forward” fashion, Kid Rock saw how the cultural music festival offered up recognition for the Big 3 and decided to help out by paying for all of the costs of the Big 3 sponsored stage, through his clothing line, “Made in Detroit.” The total contribution to the festival will also include exhibit space and nearly $20,000.

Arts, Beats & Eats is Oakland County’s premier music and taste festival with the top ranked HealthPlus juried fine art show.

"I am proud to announce that Made in Detroit is sponsoring the Big 3 Stage at Arts, Beats & Eats," said Kid Rock. "We heard the festival was facing financial challenges this year and thought this was the perfect venue to show our support of Ford, Chrysler Group LLC and GM, as well as the festival. As a company, Made in Detroit always aims to help out people and organizations around the state who are facing tough times right now, and this seemed to be another perfect way to help out. "

His sponsorship includes the renaming of the Big 3 Stage to the Kid Rock - Made in Detroit Big 3 Stage. True to Kid Rock fashion, this stage will serve as a tribute to local Detroit-area musicians. Among the bands slated to perform on this stage include Pato, Robin Horlock Band, Persuasion, Tim Diaz Band and Ultra Violent Hippopotamus.

Coinciding with the eve of the Beatles re-releasing its entire library digitally REMASTERED, and the release of Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band, Art, Beats & Eats and WOMC Oldies 104.3 have just announced Beatlemania Live will perform on the Kid Rock – Made in Detroit Big 3 Stage on Monday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. The aforementioned titles represent the first time that any of the recent slew of music-related video games will feature any Beatles songs, let alone a large selection.

Earlier this year, festival organizers announced free sponsorships for the Big 3. Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors each were awarded a 3,500 sq. ft. exhibit space, significant signage space, logo placement on entrance treatments and sponsor towers and a major presence on the festival’s Web site, www.artsbeatseats.com. Additionally, the Big 3 received inclusion in festival advertising and the renaming of the Big 3 Stage to the Kid Rock –Made in Detroit Big 3 Stage. Also, messages of “Buy from the Big 3. Support Detroit” will be broadcast throughout the festival.

Arts, Beats & Eats will be charging $2 donation and sharing the proceeds with thirteen local non-profits including Rochester based Rainbow Connection already familiar with Kid Rock's generosity.

"It isn’t surprising that Kid Rock would step up and reach out to help local charities and support the Arts Beats and Eats Festival of Hope,” explains The Rainbow Connection Executive Director Mary Grace McCarter. “This is yet another example of his commitment to Detroit and to the great state of Michigan.”

The Rainbow Connection grants wishes to Michigan children stricken with life threatening illnesses. Made in Detroit is a clothing line that features graphic t-shirts, hoodies, Kid Rock’s signature tank tops known as “beaters,” hats and jackets for youth, men and women. Its products are sold online at www.MadeInDetroit.com and select boutiques throughout Southeast Michigan.

“We can’t thank Kid Rock enough,” said Jon Witz, Arts, Beats & Eats producer. “He came through during the home stretch of the festival’s fundraising efforts, and his generous contribution underscores his appreciation for community events and for the automotive industry in his hometown.”

The annual Arts, Beats & Eats, Oakland County's Taste, Music & Arts Festival, is held over Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, 2009 in downtown Pontiac. The four-day festival will be open from 11a.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday (with art fair opening at 4 p.m.), 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Labor Day Monday. For additional public information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com or call 248.334.4600.