17th Annual Ford Arts Beats and Eats announce extinctive lineup of activities and events

Festival continues to cultivate awareness and appreciation for outstanding art, music, cuisine and family fun, while promoting health, wellness and community service in special featured programs

ROYAL OAK, MI - Celebrating its 17th year and returning to the bustling streets of Royal Oak from Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats presented by FirstMerit Bank will entertain thousands of visitors from across the region with its outstanding music line-up, stellar arts programming, mouthwatering selection of food, and a number of new attractions. From the chart-topping musical headliners, the stunning artwork of all mediums, to the succulent dishes from some of the best restaurants throughout the state, this event will be one of the most diverse and exciting weekends of the year.

THE BEATS GOES ON
Ford Arts, Beats & Eats has once again assembled some of the country’s best musical acts and an outstanding lineup of local acts to the area that will perform on nine music stages, with more than 200 national and local bands on the festival bill. Among the national recording artists that will play on the Michigan Lottery National Stage are home-grown singers Jena Irene, 2014 American Idol runner-up, Jeff Gutt, 2013 runner-up on The X Factor, as well as Motown legends The Spinners. Additional nationally-known performers include Night Ranger, .38 Special, Loverboy, Village People, Third Eye Blind, Theory of a Deadman, Randy Houser, Maddie & Tae and John King.

The local band lineup includes Stewart Francke, Chris Emmerson, Annabelle Road, The Gasoline Gypsies and 50 Amp Fuse on the Michigan Lottery National Stage; Dragon Wagon, Corktown Popes, Ryan Dillaha and The Miracle Men, and Alan Turner and The Steel Horse Band and more on the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Americana Stage; Killer Flamingos, The Mike Leslie Band, Otto Vector, and Alyssa Simmons as some of the highlighted acts on the Ford Stage; Laith Al-Saadi, Nigel & The Dropout, Blaire Alise & The Bombshells, and The Howling Diablos are featured on the Bud Light Rock Stage. Also headlining will be Hotsauce, Thornetta Davis, Laura Rain & The Caesars, and Larry Lee & Back in the Day Band on the MetroPCS R&B/Jazz Stage; Golden Rain Marimbas, The Whistle Stop Revue, The Apple Seed Collective, and the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings on the DIA Acoustic/Cultural Stage; while featuring La Crispa & Company, Sean Blackman’s In Transit, Roots Vibration, and The Polish Muslims on the FirstMerit Bank International Stage.

THE ART OF FOOD
With more than 50 of the area’s favorite restaurants, caterers and food-related attractions set up along the streets of Royal Oak displaying their culinary arts, visitors will find something for every taste with booths featuring everything from seafood, to summer fun food, to delicious sweets and dessert offerings, to savory cultural dishes. Along with the impressive array of food, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats will also include many upscale choices rarely featured in outdoor festivals.

Leading the lineup of new restaurants is Morton’s The Steakhouse, the world-famous, high-end eatery chain which includes a location in Troy, Michigan. Also debuting this year is Andiamo Pizza Pie, part of the Andiamo’s family of nine Detroit-area locations, featuring pizza and panini, and Famous Dave’s, the award-winning national eatery with three Detroit-area locations, known for its authentic, mouthwatering barbeque choices. Joining Morton’s in the lineup of participating highend restaurants is Prime 29 Steakhouse, bringing back their popular filet mignon sliders, and Mitchell’s Fish Market and its fresh seafood fare.

Other high level restaurants and food providers include the Soaring Eagle Cuisine Machine, Green Lantern, Eskimo Jack’s, Vintage House Banquets and Catering, Hamlin Corner, Polish Village Café, Pronto!, La Marsa, Jackson’s Five Star Catering, Peking House, Lockhart’s BBQ and others.

AWARD-WINNING JURIED FINE ART SHOW
As one of the nation’s premier juried art shows, the Juried Fine Art Show again will be a highlight of this year’s festival, with top artists from across the continent vying for cash awards totaling $7,500. It will showcase original art in a variety of media, including ceramics, digital art, drawing, fabric/fiber/leather, glass, graphics/printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media 2D, mixed media 3D, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood. Artists will come from all over North America, including Canada and Mexico, to display, share and sell their work. Festival patrons have the opportunity to explore the works of more than 135 artists.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN AT FORD ARTS, BEATS & EATS
Ford Arts, Beats & Eats has long been recognized for the quality and quantity of its family-friendly entertainment. Continuing the tradition is the DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Kids Zone, guaranteed to attract youngsters with fun, interactive programming throughout the four days of the festival.

Radio Disney will hold Doc McStuffins Clinic on Saturday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and kids are invited to bring their stuffed animals along with them to participate in an interactive program where they can learn while having fun! On Saturday and Sunday, Radio Disney’s D-Tour will be on the Oakland County Kids Stage at Noon with a show guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Rosco the Clown, Mysterious Illusions, Imagination Magic Show, Cool Tricks & Funny Stuff, Punch & Judy Puppet Show, Randyl Lee Magic and Tim Salisbury – Juggler.

Inside the DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Kids Zone again this year is a Petting Farm sponsored by Huron-Clinton Metroparks. From 12 p.m.-6 p.m. each day of the festival, children will have the opportunity to get up close to safely touch and feed the assortment of cuddly and cute, furry animals.

There will be added excitement this year at the DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Kids Zone. Festival guests will have a chance to see PANDA One up close and personal from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Friday. Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s Pediatric And Neonatal Dedicated Ambulance (PANDA) is available 24/7, 365 days a year to quickly and safely transport critically-ill and injured children and infants to Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

The creativity will flow at the Arts & Crafts area, sponsored by Great Impressions Dental Centers and organized by volunteers from Genesis Church. Royal Oak Inflatable Playspaces and the Kiddie Carnival will be sure to please even the youngest festival guests with their moonwalks. Additionally, The Detroit Red Wings will be back with interactive displays and activities for all members of the family.

TO YOUR HEALTH
On Saturday morning, August 30, the streets of Royal Oak will be filled with hundreds of runners for the Priority Health Arts in Motion 5K/10K Walk/Run Presented by Life Time Fitness. Participants will wind through the city’s tree-lined streets and neighborhoods as performers and artists from Michigan Youth Arts cheer them on throughout the course. The run will again benefit non-profits Michigan Youth Arts, Rock CF and the Life Time Fitness Foundation. Registration information is available at www.michiganyoutharts.org/5k. In addition to getting a little exercise and helping a good cause, registrants receive freebies including a Tech Shirt and four tickets to the festival.

Also returning this year is the Priority Health Zumbathon® Celebration which will transform the Michigan State Lottery Stage into a red-hot, exhilarating dance fitness explosion on Saturday, August 30 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Last year, nearly 1,200 people participated in the huge Zumba class-style event at the festival. In conjunction with Vibe Fit, a metro Detroit fitness company, the class is anticipated to draw a record number or participants. Advance registration is $7 and day-of registration is $10. For more information, please visit www.artsbeatseats.com/priority-health-zumbathon.

Although known for its great arts, music and cuisine, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats has developed a great reputation for its commitment to help spread the message of healthy living within the community – and deliver it in an entertaining manner. To this end, Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company, the area’s top health and fitness centers, is joining the fitness fun as an event partner. Life Time will be hosting Zumba classes on the Rockstar Performance Pit stage on Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. Participants can RSVP for the classes on any Detroit Life Time Facebook page and receive a “Stronger Together” t-shirt.

This year, St. John’s Providence Health System also returns as the title sponsor of Color Me Healthy, to continue the festival’s focus on health and wellness. The Color Me Healthy tent – located on 7th St. just east of Washington Ave.– will again provide an opportunity for younger festival guests to color health themed coloring books while parents can take a seat, relax and gear up for the next festival destination on their must-see and do at Ford Arts, Beats & Eats list.

Priority Health will also bring back its Healthy Options for the 2014 Festival. Just look for the Healthy Option logo on each food vendor sign for healthy items that are on the menus of local restaurants and eateries participating in Ford Arts, Beats & Eats.


INTERACTIVE FORD DISPLAYS
Stop by the many interactive Ford display areas throughout Ford Arts, Beats and Eats to check out the latest Ford vehicles in all categories and sizes, hybrid vehicles and even a special edition Mustang GT while learning about the about new technology, and even having an opportunity to test drive an all-new Ford vehicle. The attractions offer skill competitions, technology demonstrations and the opportunity to win exciting prizes. By registering at any one of the Ford display locations, adults and any children they wish to sign up will receive a wristband to join the fun. Each registered adult, 18 and over, will automatically be entered for a chance to win a Ford vehicle of their choice!

• Take a Test Drive in a New Ford Vehicle – The popular “Ride & Drive” returns. Stop by 4th St. and Washington Ave. to take a spin in your choice of a variety of new Ford vehicles. Experience a smooth ride, learn about cool new Ford technology and earn six food tickets for completing the test drive.

• My Perfect Match – Answer 8-10 questions in a new digital quiz modeled after the famous “Dating Game.” The fun, interactive game intrigues consumers to learn about themselves and Ford products too. Players walk away with Ford trinkets, while supplies last.

• EcoBoost Power Kick Challenge – Test your ability to work against a countdown clock to kick as many soccer goals as possible in this motion-sensor contest, promoting the Ford Escape’s EcoBoost engine, for a chance to win cool prizes.

• Green Light Photo Op – Participants scan select images best suiting them and pose in front of the 1.0: EcoBoost Green Screen for a witty and clever photo opportunity, promoting the fact that smaller is often better. The resulting image appears on the kiosk where it can be sent to the subject’s email address as a souvenir.

• EcoBoost Power Wheel – This popular game returns and players spin the giant wheel for a chance to win the “EcoBoost Cash Jackpot”!

• Various Ford Oval Count Challenges – Another returning favorite, players test their estimation skills by guessing the quantity of Ford ovals inside a clear acrylic box to win a gift card.

DIA PARTNERSHIP
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), this area’s cultural beacon for more than a century, is bringing back a collection of high quality reproductions of artistic masterpieces from several notable collections to this year’s Ford Arts, Beats & Eats and will be exhibiting them at several Inside/Out locations within the festival grounds. The displays will offer patrons a first-hand encounter with an incredible display of paintings, videos and other visual arts. These exhibits join the ranks of a small number of cities and other venues that value the connection between the community and Detroit’s cherished art museum. As a further reward for patrons visiting the DIA’s on-site locations, an Inside/Out Passport Contest has been introduced this year. Festival-goers can obtain a map of all Inside/Out locations and a “passport.” Those who visit all of the works in the Inside/Out areas and complete the passports by recording the corresponding numbers posted will receive a special gift and will be entered into a drawing to win a weekend at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, dinner for four at The Royal Oak Town Tavern, or prize packages from Ford Arts, Beats & Eats.


CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
An eclectic display of classical, multi-cultural acts will once again take place on two stages: the DIA Acoustic/Cultural Stage and the FirstMerit Bank International Stage. The stellar lineup of cultural programming offered this year includes performances from around the world in the form of passionate flamenco dancing by La Chispa & Company, the colorful Indian costumes and dance from Nadanta, the pounding rhythms of Raion Taiko Japanese Drums, classical Indian music from Kasturi Paigude troupe, the enduring sounds of historical Jewish music from Kidz Klez of Michigan, the upbeat Greek music and belly dancing of Enigma Detroit, along with chamber music with ensembles presented from Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings.


SALUTING OUR VETERANS
In thanks for their service and sacrifice for our country, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats is teaming up with Oakland County Parks to offer two great opportunities for veterans to enjoy this year’s festival. Veterans can choose from one of the following: four free admission passes, valid any day and time of the festival or four admission passes and four VIP passes for a special Veterans’ concert featuring 50 Amp Fuse on Monday, September 1 at 5 p.m. on the Michigan Lottery National Stage, with complimentary soft drinks and appetizers.

Up to 1,400 admission passes will be redeemable on any day of the festival, in addition to the special passes for the concert. The complimentary passes will be distributed by a grassroots outreach to local veterans’ organizations. Recipient organizations include Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, Oakland County Veterans’ Services Division and the VA Center. Outreach began August 1 and a significant turnout is expected.


All interested veterans can RSVP their requests to www.artsbeatseats.com/veterans-program-sign-up or by calling the Ford Arts, Beats & Eats office at 248-541-7550 to receive passes. Reservations received before August 23 will be mailed. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.


FOR THE COMMUNITY
The 3rd Annual Family Days for Children with Autism invites families with children on the ASD spectrum for a special visit to the festival sponsored by Ford on Saturday, August 30 or Monday, September 1. The festival will open an hour early at 10 a.m. for these families and includes free parking, admission to the festival, carnival rides, lunch, and a bottle of water. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information visit www.artsbeatseats.com/family-days.


THE DEAF ARTS FESTIVAL
Returning for the third year to Ford Arts, Beats & Eats and sponsored by Ford is The Deaf Arts Festival, whose mission is to celebrate the arts by exhibiting diverse, quality visuals and performing arts by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population and create a personal interaction with Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists. Wonderful and unique art presented by 11 Deaf artists will be displayed from a location on 7th St.


GOOD HAIR DAYS
Adding to the unique, multifaceted festival, this year’s event introduces Hair City, a showcase of downtown Royal Oak’s premiere salons with 16 hair shows scheduled throughout the festival twice per day each on the Ford Stage and Bud Light Rock Stage. The new cutting-edge festival addition also includes mannequin model exhibits highlighting street corners.

This fashionable new facet to Ford Arts, Beats & Eats will show festival-goers why Royal Oak is known for its style and is a mecca for top hair salons including participating Hair City businesses Aqua Salon, Black the Salon, Clark Bailee Salon, Iconic, L’Esprit Academy , Palazzolo Salon at the Fifth and The Hair Salon.


BIKE CORRALS
Returning this year, Huron-Clinton Metroparks will be the presenting sponsor the festival’s Bike Corrals in conjunction with KLM Bike and Fitness in Birmingham and Rochester. This initiative is good for the environment, eases traffic congestion and also raises awareness of health and wellness issues by encouraging area residents to bike to and from the festival and lead a more active lifestyle. The bike corrals are located in two locations at the north and south of the festival. The northern bike corral is located on Washington and Second Ave. at the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and the southern corral is located on the right southbound lanes on Washington Ave. extending south from Lincoln St.


WHERE TO PARK
Parking information will be available on the festival website www.artsbeatseats.com starting August 15.


2014 SPONSORS
The 2014 sponsors of Ford Arts, Beats & Eats include: Ace & Sons, Alex & Ani, American Laser, American Metal Roofs, Atlas Home Improvement, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Beaumont Hospital, Birds Eye Step Up to the Plate Tour, Budweiser, City of Royal Oak/DDA, Comcast, Dave & Busters, Detroit Red Wings, DJP Entertainment, DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan, DPro Marketing, DTE Energy, ESPN, Famous Dave's, FirstMerit Bank, Ford, Forte Dentistry, Great Expressions, Hanson's Windows, Hawthorn Suites, HOUR Detroit Magazine, Huron-Clinton MetroParks, Leaf Filter, Life Time Fitness, M1 Studios, Made in Detroit, Majic Windows, Matrix Basement Systems, MetroPCS, Michigan Lottery, Milestone Brands, Minacs, Morning Star Farms, NBA, New York Times, Oakland County Parks, Oakland Press, Observer & Eccentric, OurTunez, Pepsi, Post Cereal, Priority Health, Renewal by Anderson, Rockstar, Snappy Eats, Soaring Eagle Properties, St. John Providence Health System, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Top Cat Sales, Urbane Life/Street Eatz, U.S. Marines, US Park, WAHL Face the Day Tour, WCSX, Weathergard Windows, WDIV, Westin Southfield and Window Pro.

The 17th annual Ford Arts, Beats & Eats, Oakland County's Taste, Music & Arts Festival, will be held over Labor Day weekend in downtown Royal Oak, August 29 – September 1, 2014. Event hours are 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on August 29-August 31 and 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on September 1. Admission is $3 daily before 3 p.m. and $5 daily after 3 p.m. Nearly 400,000 visitors attended the 2013 Ford Arts, Beats & Eats in its fourth year in Royal Oak. “LIKE” artsbeatseats on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @artsbeatseats. For additional public information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com or call 248-541-7550.