ABOUT US
DMW commissions, produces, presents and markets a full spectrum of performances; music, dance and theater. Showcase stages offer opportunity to up-and-coming artists, invigorating the pipeline of next-gen talent. Cultural organizations, restaurants and retailers are invited to add to the fun by offering performances and activities whether on-site or in their own location.
Most importantly, the Detroit Music Weekend brings together the fans and supporters of each participating artist, performing company, and organization. Collectively, this begins a new narrative that we are a unified Metropolitan region using the arts to create productive working relationships between the city and suburbs.
Detroit Music Weekend proclaims it to the world: “Detroit is open for business!!!”
History
FOUNDING DIRECTOR: Vince Paul
In 2017, founders of Detroit Music Weekend partnered with the City of Detroit, Detroit City Council, Detroit Theater District Business Association, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Carr Center, Detroit Opera House, Motown Museum, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, R&B Music Hall of Fame, and over 40 arts organizations to create an annual destination weekend in Detroit.
DETROIT MUSIC WEEKEND IN NUMBERS
Total audience: 20,000+
Event days: 4
Economic impact: $1.5MM+
All-day Saturday audience for free performances: 15,000+
Outdoor stages: 4
Paid performers: 400
Civic significance: Madison Ave. renamed “Aretha Franklin Way”
Keys to the City presented to Aretha Franklin and The Jacksons to date
City Council endorsement & street naming ceremony partnership
Part time jobs created: 300+
Emerging artist groups selected for paid showcase appearances: 20 (from 175 submitted)
Genres of performing arts presented: 25
Cultural & retail pavilion booths: 30
Corporate sponsors: 46+
Individual sponsors: 53+
City, State and National government partnerships: Mayor Duggan, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Governor Snyder, Senator Gary Peters, Representative Debbie Dingell
Media links: 45
Local and global coverage: unprecedented…TV, radio, newspaper and magazine interviews, profiles, in-depth artist and sponsor features & exclusives
Media reach: worldwide including CNN and HLN
Youth receiving complimentary music education: 200 pre-k and elementary-age students
Consent letters and cooperation from site partners: 8
Funds raised for arts education programs: $200,000
Area restaurant and retail shops sales: reported increases district-wide
Addition of new digital fans, followers, and subscribers: 100,000+
Demonstration of the power of the performing arts to contribute to Detroit’s economic comeback: YES!
Who is behind this effort
FOUNDING HOST COMMITTEE
Larry Alebiosu · Pamela Alexander · Maggie Allesee · Tina Bassett · Leland K. Bassett · Marvin Beatty · Maxine Beatty · Jessie Beld Elliott · Wayne Brown · Chuck Bennett · Gina Coleman · Janice Cosby · Ara Darakjian · Dr. David DiChiera* · Hon. Debbie Dingell* · David Di Rita · Pamela Dover · Maria Duey · Mayor Mike Duggan* · Cameron B. Duncan · Nicole Eisenberg · Sue Ellen Eisenberg · Byna Elliott · Anthony Elliott · Amanda Fisher · Linda Finkel · Gordon Follmer · Carol Friend · Janet Girodat · David Girodat · Renee Godin · Ed Gordon · Jennifer Granger · Tatiana Grant · Ann Hall · Joyce Hayes Giles · Karen Healy · Sonna Johns · Council President Brenda Jones* · Danialle Karmanos · Peter Karmanos · Hon. Damon J. Keith* · Paulette Koffron · Hon. Brenda L. Lawrence* · Don Manvel · Karen McBride · Jill Miller · Steve Miller · Juanita Moore* · Faye Nelson · Alex L. Parrish · Vincent C. Paul · Senator Gary Peters · Gail Perry-Mason · Vivian Pickard · Dr. William Pickard · Laura S. Raisch · Maureen Roberts · Roy Roberts · Janice Rosenhaus · James Settles · Governor Rick Snyder* · Hon. Debbie Stabenow* · Michael Steinback · Robin Terry · Donna Vanneste · Jeff Vanneste · Jim Vella · Joe Vicari · Rosalie Vicari · Ed Welburn · Tobin Williams · Sarah Winkler
*Honorary Chairs