Amid Michigan’s ongoing pandemic restrictions, the veteran Michigan festival promoter had postponed Rock ‘n’ Rides, his Royal Oak carnival and music event, to a date in September.
Whitmer’s announcement set off a flurry of phone calls between the promoter and Royal Oak officials, who ultimately gave their blessing.
For Witz and his team, getting here was a mad three-week scramble to put together a festival that would typically involve months of planning.
While outdoor events are officially back at 100% capacity, the reality of COVID-19 isn’t lost on the proceedings: Unvaccinated guests will be encouraged to wear masks and socially distance, with food and beverage servers masked as well.
The festival’s vaccine initiative was spearheaded by Dave Woodward, chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, who said such events will be crucial as Oakland County aims to hit a 70% vaccination rate.
“Rock ‘n’ Rides is a demonstration that we’re getting through this, but we’ve still got to be vigilant,” Woodward said.
For the bands and other musicians involved with the fest, this weekend is a long-awaited milestone: a chance to once again do their thing in a big public setting.
Many artists found ways to keep the music playing this past year, including online shows, bar dates and private events.
Sunday with its full stage presentation — a Motor City-themed set full of car parts, mic stands made of auto gear and working smokestacks.
“As a veteran band of the local scene, we’re trying to go big time,” said guitarist Ray Kaan.
Rock ‘n’ Rides was born in 2019 of a logistical dilemma: River Days, the longtime Detroit Riverfront Conservancy festival produced by Witz, was moving to West Riverfront Park downtown.
Still, like everyone in the events world, he’s just happy to have stuff up and running again.
Witz cites the big response to the festival’s Community Day on Thursday, which partners with several youth nonprofits to offer free admission, rides and lunch for 1,500 children and their families.
“That kind of response on short notice has been really cool,” he said.