PONTIAC, Mich. – June 17, 2009 – Nationally known recording artists will make Downtown Pontiac come alive this summer with the launch of Pontiac Live, an world class lineup of summer concerts at the Phoenix Amphitheater.
Born out of the Pontiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Pontiac Live was established to showcase downtown Pontiac as an entertainment destination location. Its eclectic music line up offers something for everybody by featuring musicians of all genres including jazz, hip hop, country, alternative, pop and rock and roll. Its impressive schedule, found at www.pontiaclive.com, is expected to draw visitors from Oakland, Livingston and Macomb Counties, Flint, Ann Arbor and Windsor.
“The Phoenix Amphitheater is a top-notch concert venue with 3,000 fixed seats, 3,000 lawn seats that will be utilized to its full potential this summer. We hope concert goers will spill over into neighboring nightclubs, restaurants and shops, which will stimulate the local economy,” said Sandy McDonald, Director of the Downtown Development Authority.
Last year, jazz musicians Frankie Beverly & Maze, featuring Dwele kicked-off Pontiac Live on Friday, July 17. Other scheduled performers included:
- Hip hop artist Rick Ross and friends
- R&B superstars EnVogue with Bell Biv DeVoe
- Grammy winner Chaka Khan
We look forward to another exciting year in 2010.
The Pontiac DDA contracted Encore Management to produce its summer concert series.
Pontiac Live will be known as the “home of the $10 ticket,” which is the entry-level price point for all shows. Concert tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets, beginning with a pre-sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17,Tickets for the general public will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19.
The Phoenix Amphitheater has undergone a major renovation including a new tent-like canopy roof that has been installed over the viewing area. The Phoenix Center also has opened the Phoenix Café, a full-service restaurant.
Within the last four years, Pontiac has been rejuvenated with an enhanced streetscape and improvements to many of its downtown buildings. During that time, six downtown buildings were restored completely. The local landscape also has been modernized, while keeping its rich architecture intact. Hidden River Park was redeveloped to create a natural green landscape among the many city buildings. Nowadays, the walkable streets are attracting people to linger and enjoy the downtown experience.
The Pontiac Downtown Development Authority works toward restoration of its downtown by revitalizing infrastructures, housing, creating development partnerships and overall downtown ambiance. Pontiac’s downtown has become one of the best examples of a traditional downtown in the Metropolitan Detroit region. It is close to downtown Flint and Detroit, and has become a main attraction for Oakland County’s entertainment functions.