So, was Arts, Beats & Eats a success? Going by the numbers, yes. The 2010 edition of the festival, now at its new home in Royal Oak, brought in over 400,000 people over Labor Day weekend. The event in Pontiac in 2009 drew a total of 225,000 attendees.
We went on Saturday specifically to hear two bands. I remember seeing Rhythm Corps sometime in the mid to late 80’s with my brother. Their anthem “Common Ground” still resonates. The distinctly 80’s hair and fashion, however, are now replaced with middle age baldness. And, I’m OK with that.
Mayer Hawthorne played directly after Rhythm Corps and the difference in the audience was dramatic. The fans of Rhythm Corps were 40-ish, devout fans that sang along to every tune and were happy that the band had gotten back together. Hawthorne’s fans were young, trendy hipsters ready to listen to the soul man and he put on a great show.
Mayer Hawthorne performing at Arts, Beats & Eats.
I thoroughly enjoyed both performances.
What about the rest of the festival, you know, the art and food? We tried to walk around and experience everything but it was frustrating. I don’t mind crowds but it just seemed like the festival was crammed in too tight. I’ve heard a lot of people grumble about the crowds and the parking.
A mural being painted live during Arts, Beats & Eats.
Royal Oak will, most likely, make a great home for this Labor Day tradition in the future. They have some kinks to work out and they need to address the problem areas to make the event a more enjoyable experience.
I just hope it doesn’t become like the Woodward Dream Cruise where the residents of Royal Oak and the surrounding communities flee the area during this time of year to avoid the hassle.
Did you attend Arts, Beats & Eats? How was your experience?