MI Fest Cuts Several Local Bands From Lineup
BROOKLYN (WWJ) - Just days before the festival was set to begin at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, organizers of MI Fest announced one of their three performance stages is being eliminated, along with the nine bands scheduled to play on it.
A spokesman for TGIF Entertainment in Farmington Hills said the decision was made because of scheduling conflicts and disappointing pre-sales.
Though the inaugural event has been billed as a celebration of all things Michigan, the cancellation list is made up of local artists, including Alto Reed, Hot Club of Detroit, The Ragbirds, Jill Jack, Howling Diablos, The Juliets, Bear Lake and The Thornbills.
Organizers are quick to point out, however, that their lineup still includes 18 artists, two-thirds of which hail from the state, including Mitch Ryder, Ty Stone, the Rockets, the Romantics and Jeff Daniels. The festival's headliners, The Raconteurs, featuring Detroit natives Jack White and Brendan Benson, along with singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, are still set to perform.
Ticket prices, which were originally $79, have also been reduced to $59. Festival-goers can also purchase a $109 VIP ticket, which includes red-carpet benefits like shelter, special parking, VIP-only entrances and a chance to mingle with performers.
The pre-festival activities kick off on Friday, with camping at MIS that costs $35 for rustic sites and $50 for electric sites for the entire weekend. Then, the festival gates will open at noon on Saturday.
On top of music, the festival features food from Michigan restaurants and companies, an artist gallery, outdoor marketplace, farmer's market and souvenirs.
Here is the revised music schedule:
MI Fest Stage
- 12:30 p.m. The Ben Daniels Band
- 1:25 p.m. Mitch Ryder
- 2:30 p.m. Wendy Starland
- 3:05 p.m. Jeff Daniels
- 4:10 p.m. Mark Farner
- 5:15 p.m. The Romantics
- 6:45 p.m. Ronnie Dunn
- 8:15 p.m. Sheryl Crow
- 10:00 p.m. The Raconteurs
Grandee Stage
- 12:00 p.m. Shock Wave
- 12:40 p.m. Jessica Hernandez
- 1:30 p.m. Black Belles
- 2:20 p.m. PUJOL
- 3:10 p.m. Black Milk
- 4:00 p.m. JEFF The Brotherhood
- 4:50 p.m. Whitey Morgan
- 5:40 p.m. Ty Stone
- 7:00 p.m. The Rockets
For more information, visit mi-fest.com.
