HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - 2023.07.20 - 40270
AGENDA ITEM: Sponsorship of 2023 Arts, Beats & Eats Festival in the City of Royal Oak
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, July 20, 2023 8:35 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2023-3082
Motion to approve a one-time appropriation of $50,000 from non-departmental transfers General
Fund Special Projects line-item budget to the Department of Economic Development Special
Projects line-item budget for the purpose of sponsoring the 2023 Arts, Beats & Eats festival in the
City of Royal Oak; further, the FY 2023 Budget shall be amended as reflected in the attached
Schedule A – Budget Amendment and authorize the Board Chair to execute the required
Agreement on behalf of Oakland County. Furthermore, the Director of the Department of Economic
Development shall act as the agreement administrator.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Michael Gingell, David Woodward
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
In 2022, the four-day festival attracted an estimated 365,000 people and generated over $332K to
donate to local charities. Since the event began in 1998, more than $6 million has been raised by
the festival for community and charitable organizations.
Arts, Beats & Eats was founded in 1997 to celebrate the quality of life in Oakland County by offering
a culturally unique presentation of artists, musicians and food exhibits, from the Metro Detroit area
and throughout the United States; and
Arts, Beats & Eats is held annually on Labor Day weekend in the City of Royal Oak; and
Arts, Beats & Eats has a strong history of drawing significant economic activity and interest to
Oakland County, with as many as 400,000 people attending the four-day festival and raising more
than $6 million for local charities since its inception. The economic impact of the festival to the
region has been measured at $40 million, according to the event’s website; and
Oakland County government has a long history of supporting the Arts, Beats & Eats festival, this
sponsorship exhibits a strong investment towards attracting economic and cultural activity in
Oakland County as well as measurably support for the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com, or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Michael Gingell, Commissioner
David Woodward, Commissioner
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 7/20/2023
AGENDA DEADLINE: 07/30/2023 8:35 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. FY 23 Arts Beats and Eats - Schedule A
2. ABE+2023_June+Announcement_FINAL
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2023-06-15 Full Board - Refer to Finance Committee
2023-07-12 Finance - Recommend to Board
2023-07-20 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Robert Hoffman
Seconded by: Commissioner Angela Powell
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Kristen
Nelson, Christine Long, Robert Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia
Gershenson, Janet Jackson, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ajay Raman (16)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Gary McGillivray, William Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles (3)
Passed
Oakland County, Michigan
Board of Commissioners - Sponsorship of 2023 Arts, Beats And Eats Festival in the City of Royal Oak
Schedule "A" DETAIL
R/E Fund Name Division Name
Fund #
(FND)Cost Center (CCN) #
Account #
(RC/SC)
Program #
(PRG)
Grant ID
(GRN) #
Project ID #
(PROJ)
Region
(REG)
Budget
Fund
Affiliate
(BFA)
Ledger
Account
Summary Account Title
FY 2023
Amendment
FY 2024
Amendment
FY 2025
Amendment
E General Fund Non-Departmental FND10100 CCN9090101 SC731822 PRG196030 730000 Special Projects $(50,000)$-$-
E General Fund Economic Development Admin FND10100 CCN1090101 SC731822 PRG171000 730000 Special Projects 50,000 --
Total Expenditures $-$-$-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT S
June 7, 2023 Natalie Stavale / 248-417-8510
Blake Roselle / 231-631-6675
Natalie@CatalystMediaFactory.com
Blake@CatalystMediaFactory.com
SOARING EAGLE ARTS, BEATS & EATS PRESENTED BY FLAGSTAR BANK
RETURNS IN 2023 WITH NEW AND RETURNING CULTURAL,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Four-day event of sights, sounds and tastes returns Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4
Initiatives include celebrating diversity, inclusion and culinary arts, doing away with plastic bottles
and cups
Tickets available in advance for the first time in festival’s 26-year history with “Fast Lane” entrances
Corewell Health signs long-term festival partnership and Soaring Eagle brings “Times Square” feel
Commemorative edition poster designed by one of the festival’s artists unveiled
ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Organizers of the Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank
today announced the return of the festival to Royal Oak, Michigan, Sept. 1 through Sept. 4. Oakland
County’s annual Labor Day weekend celebration of art, music, food and community will feature new
cultural, environmental and community initiatives from new and long-term partners, who are also
elevating a number of returning offerings at this year’s festival.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort plans to add to the vibrant atmosphere of Fifth Street, transforming it
into a New York-style Times Square featuring a mesmerizing video wall showcasing captivating scenes
from the festival and Soaring Eagle. These LED Video Boards will illuminate both Washington and the
Fifth Street entrance by day and at night to welcome attendees. Soaring Eagle’s plans for its 2023
activation also include continued sponsorship of the festival’s rock stage, delivering incredible tastes
with its Cuisine Machine and more to be announced at a later date.
“The success of Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats is a result of collaboration among many partners that
enable the event to continue offering creative and culturally unique initiatives, while also supporting the
community,” said Raul Venegas, Executive Director of Marketing, Entertainment & Sales, Soaring
Eagle Casino & Resort. “We’re proud to be a part of this effort to celebrate and enhance the quality of
life across our region. Attendees are in for another exciting Labor Day weekend with diverse lineups of
entertainment and offerings for all to enjoy.”
Partner Corewell Health, formerly Beaumont Health, announced a three-year commitment to the
festival, including its return as official sponsor of the Arts, Beats and Eats Juried Fine Art Show,
ranked among the top 10 art fairs in the country, as well as supporting three first aid stations at the
event. Additionally, Corewell took title sponsorship of the 10th annual Family Days, in collaboration
with the Judson Center and the Ted Lindsey Foundation Hope Center. On Saturday, Sept. 2 and
Sunday, Sept. 3, hundreds of children on the autism spectrum and their family members will receive a
one-day access pass to enjoy festival offerings at no cost. The access pass includes free parking, lunch
and carnival rides. There will also be a calmer environment available as Family Days guests will have
access to the festival for one hour before it opens to the general public. The support from Corewell
doesn’t stop there, as it has stepped up to provide more seating areas, faster ticketing access and
sponsorship of a free festival shuttle from Royal Oak High School.
“As an organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness, we are excited to once again be a
primary partner for this year’s Arts, Beats and Eats, including as sponsor of Family Days, a lower
sensory experience for children with Autism, sponsorship of a free shuttle and health tent, and
supporting a festival first, presale tickets for advance ticket holders,” said Corewell Health’s Dr. Dan
Carey, President, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. “Our bold commitment to health extends beyond
traditional medical care: we believe in prioritizing overall well-being. By partnering with Arts, Beats &
Eats, we aim to encourage a vibrant and active lifestyle that aligns with our mission of encouraging
people to live their healthiest lives possible. We invite the community to come together to connect and
enjoy all the wonderful activities this extraordinary, end-of-summer celebration has to offer.”
GOOD-BYE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND CUPS
In a concerted effort to prioritize environmental sustainability, this year’s festival will implement a series
of initiatives aimed at reducing the festival's ecological footprint. For the first time in its history, Arts,
Beats & Eats will not be selling single-use plastic bottles in partnership with official canned beer
sponsor Anheuser Busch, official canned soda sponsor Faygo and official canned water sponsor
Liquid Death, as well as Kroger. For non-canned beverages, eco-friendly biodegradable corn-based
cups will be provided. With this measure, along with new bins to collect recyclables located throughout
the festival footprint, organizers strive to foster a greener and more sustainable festival experience.
HOUSE OF DANK POP-UP INSTALLATION EYES SALES AND CONSUMPTION
House of Dank will bring a new and improved immersive pop-up experience that features
Instagrammable opportunities, loyalty games, custom limited-edition House of Dank apparel and
accessories to light up the night when the evening entertainment begins. There is also pending a
special first-ever activation at a major Michigan festival that features the sale and consumption of
cannabis. Both spaces will be open to all Arts, Beats & Eats attendees 21 years and older.
“One of the big stories for the festival this year is that the City of Royal Oak approved cannabis sales
at Arts, Beats & Eats, and we are excited to present a safe, confined and creative space for sales and
consumption of cannabis,” said Michael DiLaura, Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel,
House of Dank. “While the city has approved us, we are still waiting on approval from the State of
Michigan and look forward to that happening soon to solidify a truly unique addition to this year’s Arts,
Beats & Eats.”
CULINARY COLLABORATION
Baker College, with a new flagship campus in Royal Oak, is presenting a distinctive collaboration at
the festival between students, businesses and a key local nonprofit that will showcase its top culinary
arts program. Royal Oak’s Give Thanks Bakery and ImaginATE restaurant will generously open their
kitchens to share their culinary expertise and passion for cooking and baking with a Baker student.
Within this exciting endeavor, three talented culinary students from Baker College have been selected
to create exclusive menu items for the festival. These delectable creations will be served by the Royal
Oak eateries and complemented by a specialty cocktail that will be available at various beverage
booths. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beverage and $1 from each sale of the two menu
items will be donated to Open Hands Pantry, a community-based nonprofit food pantry. The festival
aims to raise $5,000 in funds for this cause.
“We have campuses throughout metro Detroit, and we are truly integrating with our local communities
and the region to improve and celebrate the quality of life for residents and our students,” said Jacqui
Spicer, president and CEO of Baker College. “Partnering with Arts, Beats & Eats has been and will
continue to be a great way to support community.”
CELEBRATIONS OF CULTURE, DESIGN + DIVERSITY
This year’s Arts, Beats & Eats will feature an abundance of diverse art and cultural elements, including
new collaborations focused on showcasing important and intricate elements of culture, diversity,
inclusion and awareness.
One such collaboration is the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, the nation's first
Historically Black College/University focused on design. Made possible through a partnership with
Kroger, students have been invited to develop and design a mural that will be created and showcased
at this year’s festival. The mural theme will be uniting people through shared community experiences
and events, much like how Arts, Beats, and Eats has brought people together in its 26-year existence.
FLAGSTAR BANK PRESENTS CULTURE ON 4th
Arts, Beats & Eats’ presenting sponsor Flagstar Bank once again will offer booth space for a collection
of BIPOC-owned artists and small businesses throughout the Culture on 4th area designated to
celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures. A Royal-Oak based minority women owned retail shop
and several veteran-owned and operated businesses are just a few that festival goers can peruse and
purchase goods from.
Culture on 4th will also be home to food vendors offering incredible global tastes and the Flagstar
International Stage featuring performers and musicians who will deliver dance and music from across
the world, such as Celtic, reggae, Brazilian and polka, that will be announced at a later date.
ZUMBA FOR ALL
Get ready to groove and sweat as Zumba enthusiasts gear up for the annual Priority Health
Zumbathon, a dynamic, high energy charitable event that will return to this year’s festival.
Transforming the Michigan Lottery Stage into a vibrant hub of dance fitness, this beloved festival
activity will ignite the stage from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. New for this year, not only
will participants enjoy an exhilarating workout, but their involvement will also contribute to supporting
the Special Olympics.
This year’s Zumbathon will once again be in collaboration with Vibe Fit Studio, a prominent fitness
studio in metro Detroit, which recently began offering “Fitness 4 All” classes for teens and adults with
special needs after noticing a lack of inclusive activities available for this underserved population once
they transition out of the education system. In celebration of this and in inclusivity, students from Vibe
Fit’s Fitness 4 All class will be participating on stage at this year’s event to inspire others to get up and
get moving no matter what challenges they may be facing. A registration fee of $10 includes parking,
bottled water and a free admission ticket to the festival.
“We are grateful for the unwavering support of our new and returning sponsors for Arts, Beats & Eats.
Their generosity and belief in our vision allow us to curate an unforgettable festival experience year
after year. Because of their invaluable contributions we are able to bring in fresh and exciting
attractions that keep attendees excited to return,” Jon Witz, Arts, Beats & Eats producer. “We look
forward to this year's festival, where we will celebrate the power of art, music, food and our vibrant
community in a way that will inspire, entertain and create memories for all who attend.”
2023 COMMEMORATIVE ARTS, BEATS & EATS POSTER
For the first time in its history, Arts, Beats & Eats organizers have proudly partnered with Adam
Hoffman, one of the festival’s long-time juried fine art show artists, to bring to life this year’s
commemorative edition poster. Hoffman is a self-taught digital artist with an engineering background
that specializes in fractal art for its infinite possibilities and its technical nature. Hoffman said he drew
inspiration from the energy of the Arts, Beats & Eats festival, creating a piece called ‘Electric Elegance’
with circular feathery shapes representing music and the grids of smaller circles resembling stage
lights. A small quantity will be available for purchase at the festival.
NEW! – SKIP THE LINE WITH COREWELL HEALTH
To offer attendees more flexibility and convenience, Arts, Beats & Eats will be pre-selling tickets for the
first time in 2023, as well as offering specific Corewell Health Fast Lane entrances for advance ticket
holders only. Tickets will go on sale in late July with discounts available for advance ticket purchases.
2023 FESTIVAL HOURS AND ADMISSION
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats will be open 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 through Sunday,
Sept. 3; and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Tickets will be sold for $7 in advance. Admission is
free before 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 and $12 after 5 p.m. Every other day, admission is $10 before
3 p.m. and $12 after 3 p.m. Cash and credit card transactions will be accepted at gate entrances.
2023 SPONSORS
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Flagstar Bank, Anheuser Busch, Baker College, Corewell Health,
Fabiano Brothers, Faygo, House of Dank, Kroger, Liquid Death and Priority Health.
FESTIVAL STATS
In 2022, the four-day festival attracted 365,000 people and generated over $332K to donate to local
charities. Since the event began in 1998, more than $6 million has been raised by the festival for
community and charitable organizations.
###
The Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank is Oakland County’s premier festival held
annually during the Labor Day weekend. The festival paints downtown Royal Oak with a variety of art, food and
music for the community to enjoy. More than 365,000 visitors attended the 2022 Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats &
Eats. “LIKE” artsbeatseats on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @artsbeatseats. For additional public information,
visit www.artsbeatseats.com or call 248-541-7550.