I've hosted more than 300 concerts at Chene Park, but the magic never goes away. The whole city buzzes with excitement the night of a show. The amphitheater is situated right on the river, so people can park their boats right next to the stage. The front-row seats are so close that fans can almost reach out and touch the artist.
Everyone comes together at Chene Park. It's a lot of diversity right in the heart of the city. It's boosted by a lot of pent-up energy, because we have such long and gruesome winters. We love any opportunity to do something outside, and trust me, this is a music town. Motown was just the start of it.
Why I love Detroit: I was planning to stay three years for a job, and instead I've been here 15. Detroit gets a bad rap; media find the one burned-out house or the one guy with no teeth. I'm not in denial; we have a lot of issues. But some of us are middle-class and well-educated, and we stay.
I love this community. There are people here trying to save the city. I stay here for them, because I know I have a big voice here. Someone needs to speak for the people who are excited about the future of this city. That excitement is infectious.
NEXT: Keith Stickley
