BENEFITS OF MUSIC PRODUCTION PLUGINS

Everyone loves music. Listening to it makes us happier, less depressed, and improves our performance if we're working out. Additionally, science has proved that playing any instrument can make you smarter. That transitions as technology progress and people are now learning how to produce it with a digital workstation.

Basically, you have a program on your personal computer or laptop, and in it, there are numerous features that mimic instruments. That's like directing an entire orchestra with a single click. For example, you select a guitar, or a synthesizer and you play the instrument digitally. You can record a tune or a combination of melodies and edit them. Click here to read more.

On top of that layer of notes, you can add drums and more instruments. Based on the composition you want to make; you will hear a masterpiece without calling pro musicians to try it out. It makes the entire creation process easier and more entertaining. But with a digital workstation, you will also need a few musical plugins to make everything run smoothly.

It saves money in the long run

Getting a bundle of products is much cheaper than getting each individually. People who invest in these kinds of things typically fall into three categories. The first category is beginners who are just starting out and looking for what's available on the market.

The second category is the experimenters. These are people who are either looking for some new additions to their setup, or they want to do their own thing. For them, combining different plugins is the key to making a fire track. Finally, the third category is the gear obsessed. They want what's newest and best. They never want to be stuck in a rut, and they're always looking for a new bundle to add to their collection.

It doesn't matter which category you fall into. At some point in time, you're going to need a new vocal or an extension to your sound palette. Getting to know a single developer's program like DAW VST Hub professionally will also save you a ton of time. You will already be accustomed to their graphic user interface, and that will take hours away from learning how to use their other plugins.

You will be in the zone longer

When you're creating something, there is a whole process involved. Some people need the inspiration to start and others sit down and start working until it comes to them. In both cases, you can feel when you are in the zone. A few psychologists have called this zone a flow state. When you are in this state, time passes by faster and you are getting all of your work done.

It's as if all your ideas make sense and everything adds up to complete a puzzle. The good thing about having similar plugins is that you can switch from one to another without losing any focus. This is extremely important because if something breaks your flow state, it's extremely hard to get back in it.

View this link for more info https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2020/april/music-production-rap-electronic-dance-digital-audio-workspace-quarantine-college-students/

Since a single developer or company makes all of those programs, their GUIs will be the same. You won't have to adjust to new buttons and menus. However, if you had different applications, you can experience mental friction. This is a thing that happens when you instantly switch work environments. Instead of focusing on the piece you're making, you divert your thoughts on how the new program operates.

The best thing about getting bundles is that often times, they come with a master rack. That's a tool that you didn't know you needed, but you absolutely do. It will make your life easier because you can access the entire collection of plugins from a single interface. That means more than six thousand presets within one single interface.

What happens when you produce your first song?

The main reason you're doing all of this is to make a song or an instrumental. After spending days or even weeks on it, you will finally reach that eureka moment when everything clicks and falls right into place. As soon as you listen to it, the first thing you will feel is happiness and pride. Merely listening to good music makes our brains release dopamine, which is responsible for excitement and joy. Click here to read more.

After you pat yourself on the back, it's time to do work again. Now you need other people to listen to it too. However, this industry is overpopulated since many people are doing it, and you're going to need to take everything a step further. Posting it on social media is a great idea since many of your friends and family will support you.

However, that's not enough people. The best thing you can do is to find channels on YouTube or Instagram that shout out upcoming and underrated artists. Often times, they have millions of subscribers or followers. Since the niche is pretty tight, contact channels and pages that are similar to the genre you are producing. That will significantly increase your chances of getting more recognition early on.

Also, don't be afraid of constructive criticism. Instead, embrace it. However, it would be best if you found the balance between constructive criticism and comments based on someone's personal preferences. If you're producing EDM and the person giving you feedback is a hard-core rocker, then it makes no sense to take what they're saying to heart.

A few final words

Playing instruments decreases our overall stress levels and improves our health. Most of the time, stress is the cause of illnesses and diseases. Simply listening to your piece will make you happier. The moments that you will value the most will be in the flow state of producing. It would be best if you learned how to enjoy that thoroughly.

When it comes to plugins, try to pick one that is best suited to your needs. You know what you want to do, and there are programs made specifically for each genre. Experiment and let your creative side take control. You will be surprised by the results.

YOUR KIDS LEARN MUSIC WITH BEGINNER GUITARS

Don’t you ever look at your kids and think: Back in my day, things were definitely a lot different. True enough, things really have changed since the previous generation. Children are becoming more and more detached to the outside world and more focused on the virtual world they have on screen. Like seriously, 5 year-olds of today have way better tech than I did when I was in university and it was only not too long ago (really) that I graduated. iPhones, tablets, iPads., I mean really?

All I had when I was that age was a toy phone that said “How are you?” whenever you press the call button – in a really weird, squeaky voice at that.

But you know what? Despite my low-tech childhood, I can really say that I was able to savor the moments of growing up. These days, kids grow up without ever feeling like they were kids in the first place! They live in this grown-up world, with grown-up rules, and their only escape is by means of video games or social media.

Would you believe that 14-year-old girls have way more intelligence than me at my age? They know how to work it better too. Children are trying so hard to live in this world of adults when all they really have to do is act their age – and actually enjoy it. Read more about this phenomenon.

I think that one thing that really saved me back then was music. It was something I really enjoyed too. My cousins and I used to go camping during the summer holidays and sing merry songs round the bonfire. When I look back at it now, it was one of the most precious times of my childhood and the memory of it is so colorful and so vibrant that it literally makes me teary-eyed whenever I go down memory lane. Music made my younger years really, really fun indeed.

Why don’t you encourage your kids to take up music too? Maybe this way, they’d grow a deeper connection with the world outside. Maybe this way, they’d be able to live in the moment better. It’s not too hard or too expensive either. One of the very best ways to introduce children to music and actually get them to live it is by giving them a beginner’s guitar.

Introducing Your Child To Guitars For Beginners

A beginner’s guitar is really nothing too fancy. It’s often a simple guitar with a smaller frame (compared to professional ones) for better handling. They’re not too expensive either. In fact, you can get a perfectly nice model with just a couple hundreds – sometimes, even less than that. Just imagine that for a measly amount – it’s almost changed even – you can give your beloved a childhood so memorable he or she would revisit it, again and again, no matter how much time passes. I think that’s the most beautiful gift you can ever give a growing child. These Top 5 Reviewers can help you get started.

Those video games, Instagram photos, and YouTube videos they keep following will die out in their memory in time and all that will be left is a void in their childhood that they’ll find so hard to fill.

Fill it up with music

As a parent, you have to make it your responsibility to help your kids make the most out of their time as children. Let them be children for it is the most precious and impactful time of one’s life. You have to nurture each and every piece of their childhood memories with fun, laughter and wonder. I personally think that’s what makes great adults in the future. Rather than exposing them to social media all the time, where all they learn is compare and contrast their lives with others, getting them into a more productive activity will definitely be a hundred times better!

Check out this interesting article:

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/10/babies-everywhere/502757/

How To Get Your Kid Started On This New Hobby

Buy A Beginner’s Guitar

If you’re going to introduce your kid to this new activity soon, it’s best that you prepare the most important equipment in advance – the guitar! It would be harder to convince him to get into it otherwise. If you just talk to your child about it, he or she may not get the reason for the whole thing entirely. But if you show it to them, the mere instrument may spark enough interest in them already and that’s what’s going to encourage them to start.

Remove Other Distractions

Your main goal here is to actually reduce unproductive activities (e.g. excessively long hours of playing computer games, watching YouTube videos for hours at a time, too much scrolling on social media) and start replacing it with more productive, involved, and engaging ones. In order to let your child actually invest time and attention to learning a new instrument, you have to remove the factors or elements that might be preventing them from fully immersing themselves in the said activity. Limit their hours online or establish a “game curfew.” They might hate it at first but no good change comes without sacrifice. Check this out, for instance.

Hire A Good Mentor

I could suggest letting them learn from YouTube but it would be sort of counterproductive from what you’re trying to achieve here, right? So instead of risking reinforcing the negative behavior, even more, I think hiring a good music teacher is a better idea. It helps promote their social interaction too.

I could suggest letting them learn from YouTube but it would be sort of counterproductive from what you’re trying to achieve here, right? So instead of risking reinforcing the negative behaviour even more, I think hiring a good music teacher is a better idea. It helps promote their social interaction too.

BEST 80S DRUMMERS WITH SOME OF THE BEST SOLOS

Drummers With Some Of The 

Best Solos Of The 80s

Being artistic is not something you strive to become. It’s something you’re born with, a natural instinct. When a drummer is given the spotlight at a concert, the performance is a dynamic measure of their innate individual creativity that has nothing to do with the band’s rehearsed show. It’s not something that you can truly script but instead comes from within.

The music from the 80s is an epitome of the music medium. Those who were fortunate enough to live within that era reminisce at what a fantastic point in time it was—one for which there can be no duplication. But mimicking the sounds of that period using many 80's drum samples that are popping up proves there is a strong desire to try.

The genre diversity was great from classic rock to jazz, with straight, bold rockers on to the extreme of metal drummers, taking the instrument to levels that never deemed possible. The love for hard, heavy metal overtook the industry and brought the world together—thus starting a revolution unlike any that came before. The 80s would make its mark on history with later attempts to resurrect.

Famous Drummers In The 80s

Drummers blowing the doors off their instruments electrified the audiences in the 80s with their pulse-pounding performances. Some were flawless in their efforts displaying complete control without overplaying or distracting from the rest of the band, merely moving the direction forward.

** Lars Ulrich / Metallica

Aside from being one of the founding members of Metallica, along with the primary songwriter, Lars Ulrich played the drums. He attended a rock concert with his father in 1973, where he had exposure to hard rock and heavy metal for the first time, after which his life’s focus became music, specifically drums.

His signature drum moves include double-bass pedal and synchronizing with the rhythm of the lead guitar, which became Metallica’s signature sound. He boasts of making some of the best songs in the history of music using a simplified playing style that millions around the world love and inspiring massive numbers of kids to begin playing the drums. His abilities are somewhat controversial, but that doesn’t bother him as long as the public is enjoying what he’s doing.

** Tommy Lee / Motley Crue

Tommy Lee boasts as playing with intense voraciousness, with not many being able to give off the same charisma as he musters with his performances. His famous showmanship and ear for the rhythms helped in giving Motley Crue the unique sound it came to know. Click for a list of some other top-rated drummers at the time.

** Neil Peart / Rush

Neil Peart had an incredible 40-year run with the progressive rock legendary band Rush, where he took music to its extreme. His philosophical, mythological, fantastical lyrics were matched only by the intricacies of his complicated time signature and magnificent flourishes. His use of the oversized drums was the inspiration for many wannabes to lay down countless dollars for equipment of similar caliber. He was well known for his extravagant concert solos of sometimes more than eight minutes in duration, where his set touts as rotating in mid-beat. He is remembered as among the top drummers of his time.

** Phil Collins / Genesis

To begin to understand the skill level of Phil Collins, listen to ‘The Musical Box,’ which is technically from 1971. That displays his ability, but then when you come forward into 1980, his talent becomes more pronounced. He has a distinct sound consisting of adding ‘ reverb’ to the drums as well as ‘gating’ which was to cut short the echo with the snare. The sound would be known as ‘gated drum reverb.’ His music evoked from his love of Motown soul and tribal beats, which translated into sleek, melodrama for many of his pieces. Go to: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/503751/how-phil-collins-accidentally-created-sound-defined-1980s-music to see how the age created a transformation.

** Alex Van Halen / Van Halen

Alex boasts as having a drum rock intro among the most exceptional of all time. The drummer touts as being a ‘Virtuoso’ who offers technicality along with sheer enthusiasm for play. The word is that he can use his equipment, the sticks, and his body in ways that no one else has ever been able to do. He touts as the perfect complement to the flamboyance of the lead singer and that of the lead guitarist. The speed metal tempos, snare patterns, and ingenious kick drum arrangements contribute to the celebrity that is Van Halen from the early days.

** Roger Taylor / Queen

Aside from being a powerful drummer, Roger Taylor had aspirations to indulge in songwriting and lead vocals with the band, which came to fruition for him a few times. He was a prominent harmony vocalist on all the music, but his skills on the kit more than supported a frontman as commanding as that of the band’s spectacular lead singer.

Summary

Many iconic memories stand out from the 80s, but one that no one will forget is the music. Some were not a fan of the sounds coming out though, for the most part, it was beloved. There were a host of new music styles having their introduction in this era alongside the launch of MTV that brought the rise of the music video culture. Among the inspiration for drummers worldwide spanning multiple generations is Phil Collins gated drum reverb discovered in 1981.

The word is that the artist stumbled onto this sound ‘accidentally.’ You can reproduce it by recording the drums while playing in a room with an extremely ‘live sound’ for max reverberation with a noise gate applied that cuts off the natural reverb abruptly. When the stick strikes the kit, the sound that generates is like that of a cannon blasting. The technique became a big deal for drummers in the 80s and made an enormous impact on the style of that period. It is synonymous with the sounds of that era.

People have an interest in recapturing the 80s. The time period wouldn’t be what it was without its drummers and, more specifically, Phil Collins. Unfortunately, we can’t go back and enjoy the 80s again, but we can try to recreate some of its effects.

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY RETRO KIMMER'S BLOG!!!

Kim is a talented and widely-respected writer, show promoter and storyteller. She has been in the center of the Motor City Rock scene for decades (having been born in Ypsilanti, MI and raised on alt-rock, blues, Motown and country music) and works with some of the region’s top talents, including  her friend and partner Machine Gun Thompson (of MC5), Niagara Detroit, Scott Richardson, Steve Hunter, Dick Wagner, Deniz Tek and many more stellar artists. (Chris Cordani Revenge of the 80s Radio)

The Retro Kimmer Blog is not just about music. She writes about many topics, taking us back through the 1960s and 70s with posts about art, scandals, crime, stars, books, and people with intriguing stories. Kim’s blog is informative, interesting, and (as George IV, the Prince Regent from Blackadder III would say) “a cracking good read.”

TOP 4 UK HOME ENTERTAINMENT BROADBAND NETWORKS!

What are the Most Trusted Home Entertainment and Broadband Networks in the UK?

Are you thinking of switching to a better internet provider or want to move a house? You need to consider many things such as contact, speed, cost, and others. You will also be forced to decide which package is good for you since most service providers have numerous packages at different prices.

The following are some of the best broadband providers in the United Kingdom.

Sky Broadband

Sky Broadband should not be confused with Sky Phone Numbers. Sky broadband has numerous packages to select from—and the cheapest entry level is the 17 Mbits/sec on the list. Customer service is also highly rated in the UK with the annual survey by Ofcom revealing fewer customers complaints compared to the other big providers.

The network has 18-month contracts. The highest package costs 35 pounds per month that are 76 Mbits/sec, and the lowest is 17 Mbits/sec at 19 pounds with a contract length of 18 months.


Virgin Media Broadband

Virgin media has the fastest network than the Sky, which reaches up to 300 Mbits/sec at 47.25 pounds. The lowest speed offered by the Virgin media is 100 Mbits/sec at 32.25 pounds. The usage allowance is unlimited with a contract length of 12 months. It is clear that the packages are not cheaper. You may save a lot of cash if you go for the entry-level package. Generally, if you wish to save some cash, you should not go for the Virgin network—but if your goal is to have high speed, the virgin network is your choice.

EE Broadband

It has excellent competitive prices. It is mostly understood as cell phone network, but it has numerous broadband deals with good broadband suppliers. Its tariffs are unlimited, and some provide customers with bonuses who have their cell phone numbers with the company like extra 5GB of data. The highest speed provided is 76 Mbits/sec per month.

BT Broadband

The telecoms conglomerate provides some of the best and consistent internet packages with generous and reliable speeds. It has competitive prices, and the most reliable option is the BT Home Hub 4 router. Even though BT might not provide faster speed, majority of the customers who sign up for the BT unlimited package infinity 1 package claim that they receive 90 percent of quoted speeds at peak times, based on the annual broadband report by Ofcom. The highest speed you can get is unlimited 76 Mbits/sec at 45 pounds and the lowest is 17 Mbits/sec at 27 pounds per month.

Hope the article serves to clear up any confusion with regards to best internet providers in the United Kingdom. We have reviewed internet packages provided by the UK internet providers offering critical information.

You do not need to fret—the above list should act as a helpful guide in purchasing a package that fits your budget, reliability, and speed needs. What is important is this: when choosing a broadband provider, you should keenly observe the monthly cap usage—and in case you are migrating from one is to another one, or you are simply switching from DSL to the fiber, decide whether you should invest in a new router or not.

2017 DETROIT RIVERDAYS FULL MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP!

Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (18 May 2017) - The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is excited to share the complete national and local music lineup of nearly 50 musicians and bands, as well as exciting programming for the 11th annual GM River Days presented by Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Many local favorites, as well as new acts, will perform on the Michigan Lottery Stage and Chevrolet Stage, which feature a mix of rock, pop, blues, alternative, soul, funk, and country.

This year’s GM River Days festival will feature a star-studded music lineup on the Quicken Loans National Stage, including rock superstar Ann Wilson of Heart along with local tribute band FiftyAmpFuse on Friday evening. Soul sensation The Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley, along with Grammy-nominated Soul and R&B singer Freddie Jackson, will perform on Saturday night. Grammy-winning R&B group 112 will perform on Sunday evening, followed by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Joe.

While all GM River Days performances are included with admission to the festival, VIP premier seats are now available for the headlining performances taking place on the Quicken Loans National Stage. The limited VIP premier seat tickets are available for purchase from RiverDays.com/Music. VIP tickets are $35 and include admission to the festival and seating for the national entertainment. These tickets are only available for purchase in advance of the festival, and quantities are limited.

QUICKEN LOANS NATIONAL STAGE SCHEDULE:

Friday, June 23
1:00 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
4:30 p.m. The Gia Warner Band
6:15 p.m. FiftyAmpFuse
8:30 p.m. Ann Wilson of Heart

Saturday, June 24
3:30 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
4:30 p.m. Notorious
6:25 p.m. Freddie Jackson
8:30 p.m. The Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley

Sunday, June 25
3:30 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:00 p.m. Brielle Lesley
6:50 p.m. 112
8:45 p.m. Joe

MICHIGAN LOTTERY STAGE SCHEDULE:

Metro Detroit’s R&B, reggae, rock & roll and country acts will fill the Michigan Lottery Stage, located along the Detroit Riverfront just east of Beaubien Street, featuring:

Friday, June 23
12:00 p.m. Josh Birdsong (Indie Pop)
1:00 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
2:00 p.m. Sami Mei (Pop/Rock)
3:45 p.m. Speak Easy (Rasta-Funk)
5:00 p.m. Madelyn Grant (Neo-Soul/R&B)
6:45 p.m. Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils (Roots Rock/Americana)
8:30 p.m. The Persuasion Band (High Energy Party)

Saturday, June 24
11:30 a.m. Ali McManus (Americana)
1:00 p.m. Lilac Lungs (Alternative Pop)
2:30 p.m. King Mellowman and Mellow Runnings (World/Reggae)
3:30 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:00 p.m. Scarlet Lies (Glam Pop Rock)
6:45 p.m. LaShaun Phoenix Moore (R&B/Soul)
8:30 p.m. Matt Austin (Young Country)

Sunday, June 25
11:30 a.m. Zander Michigan (Singer/Songwriter)
1:00 p.m. The Boa Constrictors (Rockabilly)
2:30 p.m. Fangs and Twang (Monster Country)
3:30 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:00 p.m. New World Soul (R&B Soul)
6:45 p.m. The Messenger Birds (Rock/Alternative)
8:30 p.m. The Orbitsuns (Outlaw Country)

CHEVROLET STAGE SCHEDULE:

The best of metro Detroit’s alternative, country, funk and soul bands will play on the Chevrolet Stage, located along on the GM Plaza in front of the Renaissance Center, featuring:

Friday, June 23
11:45 a.m. Grace Elizabeth (Indie Pop)
12:45 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
1:00 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
2:00 p.m. Escaping Pavement (Americana)
3:05 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
3:30 p.m. Rev. Marc Falconberry (Blues)
5:30 p.m. Harlow (Hard Rock/Alternative)
6:40 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
7:00 p.m. The Ruiners (Party Punk)
8:30 p.m. Kaleido (Rock)

Saturday, June 24
9:30 a.m. 3rd Annual Outdoor “Yoga on the River”
11:15 a.m. Maticic (Folk/Americana)
12:20 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
12:45 p.m. Jaime Marvin (Singer/Songwriter)
2:15 p.m. Melophobix (Reggae/Rock/Funk/Fusion)
3:30 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
4:30 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
4:45 p.m. Austin Scott (Family Friendly Country)
6:05 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
6:30 p.m. Stewart Francke (Rock & Soul)
8:30 p.m. Stone Clover (Paddy Slag)

Sunday, June 25
9:30 a.m. 3rd Annual Outdoor “Yoga on the River”
11:30 a.m. Acoustic Ash (Singer/Songwriter)
12:35 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
1:00 p.m. Al Bettis (Soul-Funk)
2:05 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
2:30 p.m. The Reefermen (Rock)
3:30 p.m. Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
4:45 p.m. The Flutter & Wow (Americana)
6:05 p.m. Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by EyeGlass World (Trivia Contest)
6:30 p.m. Alise King (R&B Soul)
8:30 p.m. Larry Lee & Back in the Day (Funk/R&B)

FLAGSTAR BANK KIDZONE

Located at Rivard Plaza, the Flagstar Bank Kids Zone produced by The Parade Company is introducing a new carnival-themed kids zone. This year’s Kids Zone will include a larger-than-life “Monster Mural,” as well as face painting, craft stations and interactive activities with the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan Science Center, Arts & Scraps and more. New this year to the Kids Zone, families will be able to enjoy carnival games and strolling carnival buskers. Additionally, an entertaining lineup will perform on the Meijer Kids Stage including DynaMike, Storytime with VB and Animal Magic. Parents can pick up a free sticker for additional activities in the Kids Zone from the Flagstar Bank booth at the festival.

MEIJER KIDS STAGE SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, JUNE 23
11:00 AM GM River Days Kickoff Ribbon-Cutting
12:00 AM Michigan Science Center Stage Show
1:00 PM Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
2:00 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
3:00 PM Michigan Science Center Stage Show
3:45 PM Storytime with VB
4:45 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
6:00 PM Storytime with VB
7:00 PM DynaMike, Master Magician

SATURDAY, JUNE 24
11:15 AM Michigan Science Center Stage Show
12:00 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
1:00 PM Michigan Science Center Stage Show
1:45 PM Storytime with VB
2:45 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
3:30 PM Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
4:30 PM Storytime with VB
5:00 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
6:30 PM DynaMike, Master Magician

SUNDAY, JUNE 25
11:15 AM Storytime with VB
12:00 PM Michigan Science Center Stage Show
12:45 PM Storytime with VB
1:45 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
2:45 PM Michigan Science Center Stage Show
3:30 PM Emcee for Tuskegee Airmen Museum Airshow
4:30 PM Animal Magic
5:45 PM DynaMike, Master Magician
7:00 PM Animal Magic

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will provide a variety of hands-on activities, including a rock climbing wall for children and adults in the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor during the festival. Guests can stroll through the park and talk with wildlife and fish experts, foresters, and conservation officers. There will also be a laser gun trailer to educate families on hunting. Booths will be set up across the park with education games tables, live animals and fishing demonstrations. Festivalgoers will also have a chance to try their hand at archery and other outdoor skill challenges.

AARP Block Party

For the first time ever, AARP will be bringing its Block Party to GM River Days. The Block Party will feature radio personality Donnie Simpson, a virtual reality experience, special prizes, and other activities for the entire family. The AARP Block Party is a traveling exhibit that engages attendees with interactive experiences that relate to AARP’s programs and mission. Visitors who stop by the AARP Block Party can experience virtual reality and receive a free AARP-branded Google Cardboard VR viewer.

The Block Party will also include a photo booth, prize wheel, a free ice pop stand, and a “commitment wall,” where attendees can leave heartfelt messages to the city. As a part of AARPs efforts to support the local Detroit community, they will be making a $1 donation for every ice pop given away at the AARP Block Party (maximum donation of $5,000) to the Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO), a nonprofit, multi-service agency founded in 1955 in response to the needs of low-income families and communities in Detroit. The check will be presented to NSO on Sunday, June 25. Simpson, a long-time radio DJ and movie and TV personality with Detroit roots, will have a meet and greet at the Block Party tent. Check aarp.org/mi for his appearance schedule.

Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by Eyeglass World®

Festival guests will be invited to compete in Eye on Detroit Trivia presented by Eyeglass World, a contest challenge with a focus on Detroit music and sports. The winner of each trivia contest will receive VIP tickets to the Main Stage performer for that evening of GM River Days. The Grand Prize Winner on Sunday will receive a weekend getaway to Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, a $750 value.

Airshow by the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum

The air show, a crowd favorite, will return over the Detroit River for its third year. Staged by the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, show performances will be at 1 p.m. on Friday and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. New this year, the show will include a Heritage Flight which consists of a WWII aircraft and its modern equivalent flying individually and then joining together for passes with the modern aircraft flying on the wing of the WWII aircraft. Also scheduled to appear are aerobatic pilots flying upside down and sideways, jets from the World Heritage Air Museum, an airplane flown by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, several racing airplanes and a demonstration of precision formation flying by the museum’s own four-aircraft demo team. The airshow will feature emcees at all festival stages. This is one of the very few airshows in all of North America that features mostly local performers.

Coast Guard Cutter Tours

A fixture on the Detroit River since 1874 and a unique representation of Detroit’s distinction as being an international border, the United States Coast Guard will have a presence this year at GM River Days. The USCGC BRISTOL BAY (WTGB-102) will be onsite and free to tour during the festival. The cutter will be docked at GM Plaza. Tours take place on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 from 11am-5 pm.

The primary mission of USCGC BRISTOL BAY (WTGB-102) is icebreaking. The 140-foot cutter, which is homeported in Detroit, conducts its icebreaking mission in the Great Lakes.

Detroit Marriott – The Official Hotel of GM River Days

As the official hotel of GM River Days, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center invites families to explore the Detroit Riverfront during the festival or any weekend this summer and stay downtown in their guestrooms. For reservations visit DetroitMarriott.com or call 1-800-352-0831.

Presented by the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, buskers and street performers are back at GM River Days. The entertainment will include circus-style performances including stilt walking, aerialists, fire-breathing and more. Scheduled performances will be located at the GM Fountain area and on the RiverWalk west of Rivard Plaza.

Volunteer positions for GM River Days are still open for afternoon and evening shifts. Volunteers receive a GM River Days Festival Volunteer T-shirt, complimentary parking, and opportunities to receive festival food vouchers and more. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit riverdays.com/volunteer/ for more information.

GM River Days presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is supported by General Motors, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Flagstar Bank, AARP, Pepsi, Michigan Lottery, SPAM®, Meijer, Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, National Vision, Imperial Beverage, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Sprint, L.L. Bean, MetroPCS, T-Mobile, Eagle Security, Help Eliminate Auto Thefts, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Barefoot Winery, Made in Detroit and Detroit Pistons.

ELVIS PRESLEY'S ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX GRAND OPENING MAR 2-5 2017

  
Elvis Presley’s Graceland announced the official opening date for its new, $45 million, 200,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment complex, now named “Elvis Presley’s Memphis," which is currently under construction across the street from Graceland Mansion.

March 2-5, 2017 will be the Grand Opening Celebration weekend, as Graceland welcomes visitors from around the world to its largest and most significant expansion since first opening to the public in 1982. The opening four days of Elvis Presley’s Memphis will feature major celebration events each day, including live concerts that will celebrate Elvis’ incredible life and career, and honor Memphis’ rich musical legacy across genres, including Blues, Rockabilly, R&B, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

READ FULL ARTICLE ON GRACELAND.COM

BLUE MAN GROUP RETURNS TO DETROIT APRIL 21-26!

YAY WE LOVE THEM!

The BLUE MAN GROUP is coming back to the Fisher Theatre for a one-week engagement, April 21-26.

BLUE MAN GROUP is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as "One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged." E! Entertainment News exclaims, "BLUE MAN GROUP is what every live performance aspires to be." The Baltimore Sun raves, "Blue Man Group packs a wallop. It's a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!"

Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that BLUE MAN GROUP is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, BLUE MAN GROUP is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. BLUE MAN GROUP is now on the road for its first U.S. theatrical tour. This unique experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else; guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget.

Tickets are still available - and we've got great last minute deals too. See all of the available offers & special events below.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW ONLINE