Detroit River Days 2009

Organizers of this year’s River Days, presented by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, are pleased to announce the list of performers from across the country and metro Detroit that will provide free musical entertainment to festival-goers all three days of the festival from Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21.

BANK OF AMERICA STAGE

Located just west of Rivard Plaza, the Bank of America Stage will feature a diverse mix of popular acts across the nation from classic to rock n’ roll to R&B and alternative rock. River Days’ national music lineup includes:

Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
For the third year in a row, the DSO will bring its world-renowned musicians to River Days for a free performance. Led by conductor Robert A. Moody, the DSO will delight audiences with favorite concert and film works such as Jurassic Park by John Williams, Guillaume Tell by Rossini, 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky and American medleys by Gould and Sousa.

Starship starring Mickey Thomas
In 1979, Mickey Thomas joined Starship as lead vocalist, immediately scoring a #1 hit with “Jane.” The band continued to record an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out” and “Sara.” Earning them an Oscar Nomination for the number-one hit “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” from the movie “Mannequin.” Every Starship album released since 1979 has gone Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum!

Gin Blossoms
Alternative power popsters Gin Blossoms were formed in 1987 in Tempe, AZ and released an impressive 1991 debut album, Up & Crumbling. The Gin Blossoms rocketed into the mainstream with their 1993 hit single “Hey Jealousy.” Following the Congratulations…I’m Sorry tour, the Gin Blossoms disbanded in 1997. Reunited in 2001, they’ve been touring ever since.

Ginuwine
Ginuwine started his career in 1996 with his hit “Pony.” He was later a featured artist on P. Diddy’s number-one hit “I Need a Girl (Part II)”. Soon after, Ginuwine started his own label, Bag Entertainment. Ginuwine put out his sixth album, A Man’s Thoughts, in 2009. He has been nominated for multiple American Music Awards and continues to record.

K’Jon
A Detroit native and a talented singer, songwriter and producer, K’Jon earned himself a spot on the 2 Fast 2 Furious soundtrack in 2003. A few years later, the song “Yes Sir” caught the attention of several Detroit DJs. K’Jon continues to explore new music and work with up and coming Detroit talent, all the while writing, producing and recording his own original tunes.

Larry Lee and the Back in the Day Band
After his NFL years were done, and with a little persuasion from a good friend, Larry Lee decided to return to his childhood passion, music. In its short existence, 6 years, Larry Lee and the Back in the Day Band has shared the stage with artists such as Brian McKnight, Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers, Smokey Robinson, Little Richard and the Temptations, just to name a few. Larry Lee and the Back in the Day Band also has been nominated as the R&B band of the year at the Detroit Music Awards four consecutive years and will be at River Days for the second year in a row.

The Dramatics
The Dramatics did not make it big until their 1971 single, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get.” The song was featured in the 2005 documentary Sunday Driver, as well as a few major motion pictures. The band most recently released their compilation album The Best of the Dramatics in 2007.

Pop Evil
Pop Evil is an American post-grunge band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The band released its first album, War of the Roses, in 2004. In 2009, after their second album was released, Pop Evil was signed to record with Universal Records and is now touring with Judas Priest and Whitesnake on the Judas Priest, British Steel 30th Anniversary North American tour starting later this month.

Gospel on the River III - featuring Bill Moss Jr. and Shana Wilson
Bill Moss Jr. is the son of the late gospel legend, Bill Moss, lead singer of The Celestials. Detroit born Moss Jr. has been wowing audiences with his musical talent alongside his parents since childhood. Moss Jr. has toured internationally and in 2007, he produced, wrote and directed Anita Myles hit project “Are You Willing”, which is now nominated for the Independent Gospel Album of the Year. Moss Jr. released his debut album in 2007 and continues to work behind the scenes with other gospel artists.

Shana Wilson grew up singing gospel in her parent’s Detroit church. She has written a number of songs including: “Press In Your Presence,” “You are Holy, Lion of Judah,” “So Amazing,” and “Shout to the Lord,” which are all featured on her debut album “The Nations Are Waiting.” Wilson has traveled to numerous venues including a performance in Russia, singing and spreading the word of God. She hopes to continue her ministry through music for years to come.

The Return – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band
The captivating, fun, exciting spirit that came to be known as “Beatlemania” is alive again in The Return – one of the world’s most authentic and entertaining Beatles tribute band. These four lads, all in their early to mid-twenties, have carefully recreated the Beatles experience by not only performing all the great songs of the original four, but also by sporting the same suits, boots, mop-tops, musical instruments, and gear. The Return make it possible for music fans from every generation to experience the same thrilling rush felt by fans who were fortunate enough to attend an actual Beatles concert in the early sixties.

Related Links:

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy