Motors and Music Experience Brings Out The Crowds

Motors & Music Experience

(By Ashley Zlatopolsky)

The week of the DREAM CRUISE is always a massive annual event in the metro DETROIT area. Car enthusiasts and spectators come for both the showcase of beautiful classic automobiles and the musical talent that accompanies them during this time of the year, and so it's only appropriate to have a festival called "Motors and Music Experience" during the cruise.

The MOTORS AND MUSIC EXPERIENCE festival last Saturday at the PONTIAC SILVERDOME during this year's cruise was exactly that -- a fantastic experience that combined everything related to both motors and music.

On the motors end, LAS VEGAS-based EMPIRE FREESTYLE stunt riders put on a show every hour throughout the day. The riders (who stood on their heads and did plenty of other dangerous tricks) attracted a ton of attention and gasping onlookers. Guitarist DJ ASHBA of GUNS N' ROSES made a surprise appearance to do signings and promote the launch of his new car, the "ASHBA CHALLENGER," and there were also numerous classic cars to check out on display in the parking lot.

Many of DETROIT'S biggest radio stations, including 96.3 WDVD, 101.1 WRIF, and 99.9 THE FOX, were at the festival promoting and selling merchandise, as were dozens of local vendors, selling everything from jewelry, to art, to clothing.

The biggest draw, however, was the incredible musical lineup for the day. Three stages combined a mix of some of the best talent to come from DETROIT -- rising stars and big names such as CHIODOS, ICE T, SHINTY TOY GUNS, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, KALEIDO and more. With a mix of so many different varieties of music, there was something for everyone.

After recently reuniting, FLINT, MICHIGAN's own CHIODOS (original lineup) brought in die-hard fans early in the day. Drawing on a tremendous local fan base, lead singer CRAIG OWENS reveled in the support of the crowd, standing on the hands of his fans and singing in the middle of the audience. "We're here for you, Craig!" was a continuous shout heard throughout the band's set.

A few hours later, ICE T took the stage and was joined by his wife, COCO. The old school hip-hop artist had the place jumpin' and brought the party with him. An onstage entourage sprayed the crowd with champagne and rapped alongside ICE T, as he dropped classics such as "I'M YOUR PUSHER/PUSHERMAN" and "O.G. ORIGINAL GANGSTER".

As the sun set over Michigan, SHINY TOY GUNS provided the entertainment on the main stage. The charismatic vocalist, CARAH FAYE, exerted raw talent through both the mic and on the keyboard. Two of the group's biggest hits, "LE DISKO" and "MAJOR TOM", had the audience singing along to every single word.

And closing out the night, MOTORS AND MUSIC EXPERIENCE presented the STONE TEMPLE PILOTS in the kickoff of the group's current tour. With the biggest audience of the day, it was clear that this was the real treat of the festival. Lead singer SCOTT WEILAND'S snake-like moves and magnetic stage presence had all eyes on him. Guitarist DEAN DELEO'S riffs during "VASOLINE," "BIG EMPTY" and "INTERSTATE LOVE SONG" sounded even greater live. With the crowd begging for more, the band played a much-deserved encore that started with a quick rendition of a FRANK SINATRA song, then followed by "DEAD AND BLOATED" and "SEX TYPE THING."

Taking one final bow, the STONE TEMPLE PILOTS topped off a wonderful festival that gave the best of both the motors and the music world.

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