Girl Talk, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Headline Saturday's Oakaloosa Music Festival
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit is hosting a unique music festival on Saturday, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the restoration of the city's Historic Fort Wayne.
More than two dozen of Detroit's newest and brightest musicians will join headlining acts Girl Talk and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at the region's first-ever philanthropic music festival -- taking place on Saturday, July 27 from noon until midnight at Fort Wayne.
Adam Bleznak, the festival's program director, said Bone Thugs-N-Harmony will be performing at the festival as part of their 20th anniversary reunion tour. He said it's the first time all five original members of the Grammy-winning rap group have performed together since the '90s.
Other featured artists include homegrown talent, such as Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, Trick Trick, Robert James, Royce Da 5'9", Dj A.M.F., Kaleido, Ro Spit, Hir-O, Freddy Todd and Paulina Jayne.
"The wide range of genres featured in the Oakaloosa lineup is intended to reflect the diversity of Detroiters themselves," Bleznak said in a statement. "We are looking forward to bringing all types music fans from across Detroit and the region to enjoy a completely unique festival experience at Historic Fort Wayne, one of the most amazing historic gems in Detroit."
Bleznak said the festival will have two stages set up near the Fort's barracks and the Detroit River, with the open field available to festivalgoers.
A variety of local food trucks will be on site, selling snacks and meals, along with beverage tents selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
The festival will also promote a number of positive service projects in Detroit through the "Oakaloosa Community Corridor." The corridor will feature a row of more than a dozen non-profit organizations that will be on site to help spread awareness of their initiatives and projects to festivalgoers.
General admission tickets are currently on sale through Oakaloosa.com for $45, or $55 at the door. VIP tickets will be on sale for $65 at the door and include access to a VIP bar area and viewing location during the festival. Parking in the Oakaloosa festival parking lot will be available for $10 a car.
Additional proceeds from the festival will benefit Defeat the Label, the Detroit Recreation Department and the festival's non-profit producer, Detroit Sports Zone, Inc.
"For us, this festival is all about boosting the city, having a good time and giving back," Bleznak said.
Historic Fort Wayne is located at 6325 West Jefferson Avenue. Festival gates will open at 11:30 a.m., with the first band kicking off at noon.
For more information, visit www.oakaloosa.com.
