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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe Austin
Tanya Gonzalez
231-722-6520
info@summercelebration.com
www.summercelebration.com
MUSKEGON, MI, May 6, 2008
- The Muskegon Summer Celebration, The BIG Party, presented by Esurance, announces more acts for the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge Main Stage for this year’s event, June 26 – July 6. In addition to previously announced Miller Lite Headline Artists, The Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, The Whispers, Sean Kingston, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Bucky Covington, Seether, Finger Eleven, Staind, Hinder, and Sammy Hagar, are Kansas, Jonny Lang, REO Speedwagon, and Blue Oyster Cult. “With one night to fill and support for Miranda Lambert to still be announced, we have 17 strong national acts. When all is said and done, we should have at least 20 with a combined cost exceeding one million dollars,” said Chair Bryon Mazade. “Because of the great Sappi Eleven-Day Pass value, we felt it made sense to offer a deal to Grand Rapids patrons as well as our hometown residents. With the economy as it is today, the pass is a great way for festival fans to enjoy lots of great music without spending a lot of money.”
Returning to Summer Celebration after a twelve-year absence is Kansas on Saturday, June 28. One of the most popular bands of the late 70s, Kansas got off to a slow start. The band was formed in 1970, but it wasn’t until 1974 that their first album was released. They toured relentlessly to make a name for themselves, but it wasn’t until their fourth album, Leftoverture, was released in 1976 that they catapulted to stardom. After Leftoverture sold three million copies, their 1977 effort, Point of Know Return, which featured “Dust in the Wind,” was even more successful. A couple more albums until the group disbanded in 1983, but reformed in 1986 and released several more albums, the last being, Somewhere to Elsewhere in 2000. Other memorable Kansas hits include, “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Play The Game Tonight,” “Fight Fire With Fire,” “All I Wanted,” and “Point of Know Return.” Opening for Kansas will be the sensational blues guitarist, Jonny Lang. He signed to A & M records in 1996 at the age of 15. Just one year later he was on top of Billboard’s New Artist Chart with his first album, Lie to Me. He has since released three more albums including Turn Around in 2006 which earned him a Grammy. This album was a new venture for Jonny as this album includes several gospel numbers. Some of his hits that have landed on the mainstream rock chart include, “Hit the Ground Running,” “Lie to Me,” “Still Rainin’,” and “Wander This World.” Don’t miss the opportunity to see one the world’s greatest blues performers, Jonny Lang.
On Tuesday, July 1, one of the most popular classic rock bands to ever grace the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge Main Stage, REO Speedwagon, returns to Summer Celebration. After appearing in 1995 at Summer Celebration’s first “sold out” show and then again in 2001, REO Speedwagon continues to be one of the most requested acts. With 17 albums under their belt including their latest 2007 offering, Find Your Own Way Home, REO Speedwagon has charted over 25 singles as well including number ones "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling" along with other charted hits "Take It On The Run," "That Ain't Love," "Keep The Fire Burning," “In My Dreams,” “One Lonely Night,” and "Ridin' The Storm Out." Blue Oyster Cult makes their Summer Celebration debut as the opener for REO Speedwagon. The group went through several name and personnel changes in the early years but eventually signed a deal with Columbia Records in 1971. They struggled with their first three albums, but their fourth, Agents of Fortune, eventually went platinum and produced the hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” which was featured in the movie Halloween. Several gold albums followed, but their ninth, Fire of Unknown Origin, went platinum as well and produced the number one hit, “Burnin’ For You.” Other well known Blue Oyster Cult Hits include, “Take Me Away,” “Shooting Shark,” “Godzilla,” and “Dancin’ in the Ruins.”
Also announced today is the first ever Grand Rapids Sappi Pass Party on Thursday, May 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at River City Slims at 243 Commerce SW. “River City Slims will provide a great venue for this event. This gives our Grand Rapids patrons a chance to take advantage of the great value the Sappi 11-Day Pass offers at a special price,” said Executive Director, Joe Austin. “With this pass patrons can enjoy any or all of the nights of Miller Lite Headliners for one low price. It’s a great deal for a million dollars worth of music.” Adult passes (ages 13 and up) will be sold for $95 and youth passes (ages 6-12) will be $45. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Besides the opportunity to purchase passes, there will be prize drawings, Miller Beer specials, the Miller Lite Girls, Emily with the FOX 17 Road Crew, and personalities from Classic Rock 97LAV, Pure Rock 107.3 KLQ, and 105.3 HOT FM.
The following night, Friday, May 16, Sappi 11-Day Passes will be available at the Muskegon Sappi Pass Party at the LC Walker Arena from 5:30 – 9:30 PM. Come out and enjoy DJs on the Run, children’s activities, your favorite food concessions and beverages, and personalities from, Star 108, A Better Variety, Total Rock 101.7 WMRR, and 107MUS, The Moose. Pass prices on the 16th are $93 for adults (ages 13 & up) and $45 for youth (ages 6-12).
All new seating options and general admission tickets for the June 28 and July 1 shows will be available beginning Saturday, May 10, at 9:00 AM at all Star Tickets PLUS outlets which include most Michigan Meijer Stores and the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are also available on-line at www.starticketsplus.com or by calling (616) 222-4000 (in Grand Rapids) or toll free at 1-800-585-3737. Tickets for the previously announced shows are available now. If you cannot make either Pass Party, Sappi 11-Day Passes will be available through Star Tickets Plus starting Friday, May 16, at 9:00 AM through the internet or by phone only. Starting Saturday, May 17 they are available by phone or internet or at Meijer locations. Adult passes will be $99 and youth passes, $49 plus convenience fees. For more ticketing information including upgraded seating options and a diagram of their locations, please visit www.summercelebration.com. Prices for the concerts announced to date and special seating options are listed on the following pages. |
