Orion Festival 2014

[warsaw7]

Can't say I didn't see this coming. Not buying the fact that they are touring in Europe the same time the festival would have taken place. If this is their "flagship" festival, don't you think they would have scheduled their European tour a little differently? Something is not afloat here. In my opinion I believe the state takeover has something to do with this. Feel free to chime in, as I am curious as to why this festival is suddenly not taking place on Belle Isle anymore.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE

[Bham1982]

A heavy metal concert is an absurdly inappropriate use for state parkland.

[jerrytimes]

A heavy metal concert is an absurdly inappropriate use for state parkland.

What an ignorant, unfortunate comment.

[Johnnny5]

Can't say I didn't see this coming. Not buying the fact that they are touring in Europe the same time the festival would have taken place. If this is their "flagship" festival, don't you think they would have scheduled their European tour a little differently? Something is not afloat here. In my opinion I believe the state takeover has something to do with this. Feel free to chime in, as I am curious as to why this festival is suddenly not taking place on Belle Isle anymore.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE

I'm sure the DNR was less than excited about hosting the event, and honestly I don't think that's such a bad thing. The city gained very little from the festival due to it's isolated location and many people [[Myself included) were upset about how disruptive the festival was for other users of the park.

[Honky Tonk]

Can't say I didn't see this coming. Not buying the fact that they are touring in Europe the same time the festival would have taken place. If this is their "flagship" festival, don't you think they would have scheduled their European tour a little differently? Something is not afloat here. In my opinion I believe the state takeover has something to do with this. Feel free to chime in, as I am curious as to why this festival is suddenly not taking place on Belle Isle anymore.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE

Hey! Good News!

[dmike76]

I actually don't think this has anything to do with the state takeover. It seems to me that Metallica was not making enough money or losing money on this show. It seems like they're not having the show at all, not moving it to another city. Also, I don't have a problem with this event on Belle Isle. IMO, they need to have more events during the summer to make money for the park and the city.

[mikeg19]

So this is "Good News" to some people? I'm not sure how. Possibly the most popular heavy metal band of all time decides to bring a festival to Detroit. The first year nobody knows what to expect, as it's trying to gain its footing and establish itself. I'm sure there were a lot of wrinkles, as there should be putting on a show this large. I hear all the time from people saying that it'd be nice if Detroit had a festival like Bonaroo or Coachella to hang its hat on. I'm fairly certain those festivals didn't draw hundreds of thousands in their infancy.

You guys really thought it was so "disruptive" to other users of the park, yet I don't hear you bitching and moaning about the Grand Prix every year or the boat races. Don't be selective and single out something when there are other events that take over the entire island for a weekend as well. I almost think it's a perfect spot for a concert venue. Or would you rather have music blaring in downtown for three days like DEMF, with people trashing the city and nobody left to pick up after it once it's over?

How did the city gain "very little" from the concert? They got paid to host it, the fields that it took place on were replanted by the concert promoter, and it essentially gave Detroit another event that to host on a yearly basis. I think that hosting a signature event like this is exactly the type of thing Detroit needs, and the mentality that it's small potatoes and no big deal is flat out wrong.

[Bham1982]

You guys really thought it was so "disruptive" to other users of the park, yet I don't hear you bitching and moaning about the Grand Prix every year or the boat races.

I assume none of these things will occur at Belle Isle if the state control actually goes through and it's officially designated a state park.

Can you imagine car racing, heavy metal concerts, and speedboat races at state parks? That's completely at odds with the purpose of state parkland.

If the city wants to keep Belle Isle, they can do whatever they want. But the state should not allow such disruptive uses on state parkland.

It would really suck to have rock concerts and drag racing at Hartwick Pines, Saugatuck Dunes, Ludington, or Tahquamenon Falls Parks. Why would we expect a different set of rules for Belle Isle? No hillbilly races or death metal festivals on state parkland, please.

[mikeg19]

I assume none of these things will occur at Belle Isle if the state control actually goes through and it's officially designated a state park.

Can you imagine car racing, heavy metal concerts, and speedboat races at state parks? That's completely at odds with the purpose of state parkland.

If the city wants to keep Belle Isle, they can do whatever they want. But the state should not allow such disruptive uses on state parkland.

It would really suck to have rock concerts and drag racing at Hartwick Pines, Saugatuck Dunes, Ludington, or Tahquamenon Falls Parks. Why would we expect a different set of rules for Belle Isle? No hillbilly races or death metal festivals on state parkland, please.

I understand what you're saying Bham, but the places you've listed are pristine wonders of natural beauty. Belle Isle is an overgrown island with a beach masquerading as a State Park. Not to say it's not a unique venue and a little TLC will make it more appealing, but lets be real here. I'd think that the state might make an exception and allow the Grand Prix to be continued on the island.

[motz]

I understand what you're saying Bham, but the places you've listed are pristine wonders of natural beauty. Belle Isle is an overgrown island with a beach masquerading as a State Park. Not to say it's not a unique venue and a little TLC will make it more appealing, but lets be real here. I'd think that the state might make an exception and allow the Grand Prix to be continued on the island.

Yeah Bham, ummm, if you haven't checked a map recently, Belle Isle is in the city limits of the largest city in Michigan, and Hartwick Pines, etc are located in fairly isolated locations. If the state can find a way to generate more money and reinvestment it into the park, I support it fully. Grand Prix races, concerts, festivals, etc are all great ideas to draw people to the island that would not normally come and possibly create some new friends of the park. Saying that all state park land has to have these strict usages doesn't make sense when one of these things isn't like the others.

[Bham1982]

. Grand Prix races, concerts, festivals, etc are all great ideas to draw people to the island that would not normally come and possibly create some new friends of the park. Saying that all state park land has to have these strict usages doesn't make sense when one of these things isn't like the others.

I think these are terrible ideas for state parkland, and don't understand the effort to have the rules not apply to Belle Isle.

To me, this is yet another example of "Hey Michigan, we want your money, but, no, we don't want your accountability".

If state money, ostensibly going for natural preservation, is used on Belle Isle, the state should not be soliciting private operators for monster truck rallys or whatever nonsense. It should be preserved as open space for recreation and enjoyment, not privatized and commercially exploited. I could see a very limited number of events, under very strict guidelines, maybe, but less is more and all control and revenues should go to Lansing.

The whole argument in favor of making Belle Isle a Metropark or State Park was to have Detroit treated the same as everywhere else. Now everyone is saying let Belle Isle be as freewheeling as before, but let's just take the state's money.

[Johnnny5]

So this is "Good News" to some people? I'm not sure how. Possibly the most popular heavy metal band of all time decides to bring a festival to Detroit. The first year nobody knows what to expect, as it's trying to gain its footing and establish itself. I'm sure there were a lot of wrinkles, as there should be putting on a show this large. I hear all the time from people saying that it'd be nice if Detroit had a festival like Bonaroo or Coachella to hang its hat on. I'm fairly certain those festivals didn't draw hundreds of thousands in their infancy.

You guys really thought it was so "disruptive" to other users of the park, yet I don't hear you bitching and moaning about the Grand Prix every year or the boat races. Don't be selective and single out something when there are other events that take over the entire island for a weekend as well. I almost think it's a perfect spot for a concert venue. Or would you rather have music blaring in downtown for three days like DEMF, with people trashing the city and nobody left to pick up after it once it's over?

How did the city gain "very little" from the concert? They got paid to host it, the fields that it took place on were replanted by the concert promoter, and it essentially gave Detroit another event that to host on a yearly basis. I think that hosting a signature event like this is exactly the type of thing Detroit needs, and the mentality that it's small potatoes and no big deal is flat out wrong.

The "good news" is those that would like to use the park for things like fishing, picnics, hand ball and cycling won't be blocked from doing so for weeks on end this year. The Orion Festival closed the entire park to just about every other use for 3 days, and the preparations and cleanup closed sections of the park for weeks. If the Orion was the only event that did this there would not be a lot of complaining, but add the Grand Prix and the boat races and we have nearly half of the prime summertime dealing with closures, barricades and construction crews.

I have zero issues with the Orion Festival coming to Detroit, heck I even considered going to it myself last year. The problem I have is it's a for profit festival and allowing it to basically take over the entire island is not an appropriate use of a public park. You mention both Bonaroo and Coachella, but both of these festivals are held in the sticks and on private property, not a major city or a park. A better example would be Lolapalooza in Chicago's Grant Park. The bad part there is in years past rain turned the location into a mud pit and the large number of attendees caused major damages that closed sections of the park for months and cost nearly 1 million dollars to repair.

[Honky Tonk]

So this is "Good News" to some people? I'm not sure how.

I'm was tired of listening to Metal Licka' 5 minutes after they started. You don't seem to realize that this isn't Yasgur's farm. People actually LIVE around there and make that area their home. Some don't want to spend their days off listening to loud, head banging, "music".

You guys really thought it was so "disruptive" to other users of the park, yet I don't hear you bitching and moaning about the Grand Prix every year or the boat races.

Probably because you're deaf from the Metal Licka' "concert".

Don't be selective and single out something when there are other events that take over the entire island for a weekend as well. I almost think it's a perfect spot for a concert venue. Or would you rather have music blaring in downtown for three days like DEMF, with people trashing the city and nobody left to pick up after it once it's over?

WOW! We wouldn't want to disturb the sleeping yupsters in Midtown, now, do we? But trash and disturb the populace and the area around Belle Isle? Well, that's Ok. "As long as it isn't in your backyard".

How did the city gain "very little" from the concert? They got paid to host it, the fields that it took place on were replanted by the concert promoter, and it essentially gave Detroit another event that to host on a yearly basis. I think that hosting a signature event like this is exactly the type of thing Detroit needs, and the mentality that it's small potatoes and no big deal is flat out wrong.

Thanx for your thoughts. Tell you what, host it in your backyard, and keep the money.

[mikeg19]

So this is "Good News" to some people? I'm not sure how.

I'm was tired of listening to Metal Licka' 5 minutes after they started. You don't seem to realize that this isn't Yasgur's farm. People actually LIVE around there and make that area their home. Some don't want to spend their days off listening to loud, head banging, "music".

You guys really thought it was so "disruptive" to other users of the park, yet I don't hear you bitching and moaning about the Grand Prix every year or the boat races.

Probably because you're deaf from the Metal Licka' "concert".

Don't be selective and single out something when there are other events that take over the entire island for a weekend as well. I almost think it's a perfect spot for a concert venue. Or would you rather have music blaring in downtown for three days like DEMF, with people trashing the city and nobody left to pick up after it once it's over?

WOW! We wouldn't want to disturb the sleeping yupsters in Midtown, now, do we? But trash and disturb the populace and the area around Belle Isle? Well, that's Ok. "As long as it isn't in your backyard".

How did the city gain "very little" from the concert? They got paid to host it, the fields that it took place on were replanted by the concert promoter, and it essentially gave Detroit another event that to host on a yearly basis. I think that hosting a signature event like this is exactly the type of thing Detroit needs, and the mentality that it's small potatoes and no big deal is flat out wrong.

Thanx for your thoughts. Tell you what, host it in your backyard, and keep the money.

I'm not going to get into a trivial argument over something you're incorrect about. I can literally refute every idiotic comment you made but don't really wanna waste my time.

[Honky Tonk]

I'm not going to get into a trivial argument over something you're incorrect about. I can literally refute every idiotic comment you made but don't really wanna waste my time.

Great! Because you'd be wasting mine too.

[dmike76]

I think a lot of people have a problem with the GP and Orion is not being singled out. Also, Belle Isle does and should live by different rules than the other state parks, IMO. It is in Detroit and extremely unique. Given its location in a major city, it should be partially used as a tourist/event destination for concerts, etc. It doesn't have to always be shows like Orion festival, but there should be something there every weekend in season. Belle Isle is pretty big, and there is plenty of room for events without 'disrupting' park-goers. The only disruption is the fact that there's only one bridge, which is valid . On a side note, I think that next year's inaugural Assemble event should do something there.

[mikeg19]

I'd say based on the comments you have made in other threads, you've wasted more people's time than most on this board, and that's saying something.....

So anyways, based on the state running Belle Isle, is it no longer going to be able to host events like the Grand Prix and such? Is there a clause that says state parks are not allowed to have major events like that hosted in their boarders? Can someone clarify please?

[mikeg19]

Just for clarification

State Parks Allow: Walking, looking, pictures, swimming, hiking.

Do not allow: Anything else or anyone who thinks that anything else should be allowed or done in them.

[motz]

Just for clarification

State Parks Allow: Walking, looking, pictures, swimming, hiking.

Do not allow: Anything else or anyone who thinks that anything else should be allowed or done in them.

WRONG, No cameras, they have motors inside them sometimes and motors are obviously bad and young people won't move here if you have motors on state land. Because the reason that young people don't flock here, but instead flock to Chicago, is that we allow people to use the state parks for uses beyond "walk around and look at stuff".

Also DetroitYES poster and noted scholar on how state parks should be used and reasons why youth are not flocking to this state "Bham1982", I acknowledged that I can understand why someone might not want a larger festival like Orion or the Grand Prix on Belle Isle, but you convienantly ignored that to push a non-existent point. The parks are meant to be enjoyed, each in their own seperate and unique way. Applying blanket rules would make every single park bland, you need to allow variation and uniqueness within reason.

[Downriviera]

Looks like the WABX Air Aces won't be having their kite-ins anymore.

[ggores]

Looks like the WABX Air Aces won't be having their kite-ins anymore.

The Orion fest was an overall positive, high-profile public event for the City of Detroit. At the time, there was also much optimism that the X Games would come here. Just imagine all the complaining that would go on around here these days. Boat Races, gone. Grand Prix joke, etc. Put the screws on the St. Pat's Day Parade also [[no more beads or candy tossing). Let us all relish the extravagance and word-wide acclaim of the upcoming Target 4th of July Fireworks! Other than that, enjoy the lazy hazy strolls thru this wondrous town. It's cool. It's Detroit! "Sorry Lars, it's lame. Don't lose any sleep over it."

The Hoe Down is still a go, right? Yeeeeeeee ha!

Tongue is firmly planted in cheek.

[Honky Tonk]

Looks like the WABX Air Aces won't be having their kite-ins anymore.

Bummer, I dug the VW "sound bus" with the Crown & Bose equipment.

[noise]

No hillbilly races or death metal festivals on state parkland, please.

Well, not even Belle Isle planned either of these, so don't sweat it.

[drjeff]

I have no problem with having concerts on Belle Isle. But last year with Orion and the Grand Prix being at around the same time, almost all of the Island was inaccessable for weeks. We have our annual departmental picnic there in June and had trouble even finding a spot for it.