ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Organizers from the Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank announced their plans for the festival, which celebrates art, music and food over Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 2.
Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse, hosted for the press conference for this event on Tuesday morning. They will also be presenting their cuisine at the festival.
Jon Witz, event producer, began with a moment of silence for L. Brooks Patterson who died on Saturday, August 2. “To honor Brooks for his contribution to the county, we will be re-naming Washington Street, L. Brooks Boulevard for the duration of the festival.”
“We are proud to announce that there were no accidents during the festival in its 21-year history. And we are in the top 50 of the art fairs in the United States ranking as high as No. 7 and No. 4 so far.” Local band, Your Generation in Concert, performed songs from some of the headliner bands appearing at the festival. “We are pleased to announce our national music lineup.”
Friday, August 30
- The Fab Four-BeatleMania Live!
- Starship
- Headliner: All American Rejects
Saturday, August 31 (Country)
- Matt Austin
- Walker Hayes
- Phil Vassar
- Randy Houser
- Headliner: Phillip Phillips
Sunday, Sept. 1
- The Four Tops (celebrating 60 years of Motown)
- Your Generation in Concert
- Headliner: Third Eye Blind
Monday, Sept. 2
- Night Ranger (hits of the 80’s)
- Theory of a Deadman
Raul Venegas from Soaring Eagle says there are food offerings from 60 restaurants and caterers who will share their unique tastes for all to enjoy. Some examples are Wahlburgers, Freshii, Famous Dave’s and Soaring Eagle cuisine machine. The Soaring Eagle stage will also host the Howling Diablos on Friday night.
Oakland County Commissioner, Marcia Gershenson, noted that $5.3 million was raised for local charities in the region. The Board of Commissions is proud to be supporting the festival.
Lisa, a representative of Flagstar Bank, announced that patrons can receive one free admission to the festival by donating three or more canned goods at participating Flagstar locations. The Flagstar Bank Food Drive provides nearly 10,000 meals for local individuals and families.
Diane, Priority Health, will have fitness activities, smart food options and give away sunscreen sticks (for cancer prevention) that changes color on your skin to know when to apply additional sunscreen. They are also supplying the Information Booths for navigation of the festival. “We are also having a Zumbathon on Saturday morning. Tickets are $10 which includes admission to the festival.”
“We are blessed to have Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) as our partner,” says Witz. Alison Jean, Asst. Director DIA, noted that the DIA is featuring puppet shows, classical dances, storytellers and interactive entertainment in the Kids zone.
Mike Fournier, Mayor of Royal Oak, announced over $100,000 has been raised for Royal Oak non-profit charities.
The festival welcomes several new steakhouses to the Eats this years. Fogo de Chao, Prime 29 and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. More reasonably-priced options include Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria, Wahlburgers, Cafe, Muse, Sedona Taphouse, just to name a few.
Oakland Community College brings in the OCC First Responder Simulator which sends you driving a fire truck through narrow streets, twisting turns and breathless intersections. There will also be a Touch-a-Truck Fire truck to explore.
More than 330,000 visitors attended the 2018 Soaring Eagle Arts Beats & Eats. The much-anticipated annual tradition will line the streets of downtown Royal Oak over Labor Day weekend and a guaranteed fun time will be had by all. See you there.
For more information about Arts, Beats & Eats, visit http://www.artsbeatseats.com
