Two tickets to paradise -- or to anyplace -- won't get you far this summer as concerts are canceled to help fight the spread of coronavirus ... But that doesn't mean you have to cancel all the summer fun.
313 Presents announced today it will host a Virtual Summer Party presented by DTE on Friday, June 12. The party will begin at noon across the venue's social media channels providing a full-day event of fun, engaging content for a digital summer kick-off celebration. The festivities will culminate with a rebroadcast of the late Eddie Money's 2018 traditional season opening performance at DTE Energy Music Theatre at 5 p.m. on 313Presents.com, 313 Presents YouTube page and the venue's social channels.
The season kick-off at DTE is a long-standing rite of summer passage for Michiganders, and the classic rocker graced the stage dating back to 1983 and hosted an amazing run as the venue's perennial season opening act for 28 consecutive years from 1992-2019. Money's performance included smash hits, "Baby Hold On," "I Wanna Go Back," "Take Me Home Tonight," "Think I'm in Love," "Two Tickets to Paradise" and "Shakin'."
"We are pleased to partner with Forgotten Harvest to offer assistance in one of the most critical areas of need right now. These are unprecedented times, and while we are unable to currently host live events, we can still all come together to support one another and our community," said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. "We look forward to the day we will host live entertainment at our world-class venues. While we have time to reflect, we would like to thank all health care workers and those on the front lines helping during this time of crisis."
Beginning at noon, DTE Energy Music Theatre's Facebook (@DTEEnergyMusicTheatre), Twitter (@DTEEnergyMusic) and Instagram (@dteenergymusic) will engage with fans as events would normally unfold during a typical concert day. Using the hashtag #DTEVirtualParty, fans will be asked to share memories, photos, videos and anecdotes from past events, their favorite concert attire or band shirt, and showcase pre-show tailgates and parties from their driveways or inside the comfort of their own homes.
Prior to the broadcast of the concert, Eddie Money's children - Dez, Jesse and Julian - who opened for and performed alongside their father, will provide opening remarks and give an acoustic performance from their home.
AXS TV filmed Eddie Money's concert at DTE Energy Music Theatre on May 28, 2018, and aired his first-ever concert special, "Eddie Money: The Real Money Concert," in April 2019. Money passed away in September 2019 and the rebroadcast honors his legacy and enduring connection to his fans and the commencement of summers in Michigan.
As part of the show and to support those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, 313 Presents has partnered with Forgotten Harvest and will host an online fundraiser in support of the non-profit's food recovery and distribution efforts. Metro Detroit has seen the demand for food rise significantly due to the coronavirus and additional financial support during this crisis will ensure families, children and seniors are guaranteed a supply of heathy food during this difficult time. Throughout the day, donations of support can be placed by visiting www.forgottenharvest.org/dtedonate or by texting "DTE20" to 91999.
