Rockin’ the Riverfront Detroit

Disclosure: The GMRENCEN and the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center partnered with me for this experience. All opinions expressed in this piece are my own.

Rockin’ the Riverfront Detroit

Friday nights in downtown Detroit are rocking with the 2017 Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront Summer Concert Series. The annual FREE concert series is in its 12th season at the Detroit Riverfront this summer. Welcoming classic rock and roll bands, the series began on July 14 and will end on August 18. If you are looking for an entertaining night on the town, I highly suggest Rockin on the Riverfront. 

The shows, which run from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday nights, take place in the GM Plaza, directly behind the GMRENCEN – located along Detroit’s beautiful RiverWalk. Convenient parking is available for $5 per vehicle (after 5:00 p.m.) in the GM surface lot at the intersection of St. Antoine and Atwater, adjacent to the GMRENCEN. 

This year’s rockin line up includes: 

• July 14: Night Ranger
• July 21: George Thorogood and the Destroyers 
• July 28: Loverboy
• August 4: Gin Blossoms
• August 11: 38 Special
• August 18: Everclear 

For more information about each show, please visit the official Chevrolet Rockin’ the Riverfront webpage. 

My Rockin’ the Riverfront Experience:

On Friday night, July 28th, I was invited to rock the riverfront with the 80’s band, Loverboy. As someone who was born in the early 1970’s, the music from the 80’s had a great impact on my life. Loverboy songs like “Working for the Weekend”, “Loving Every Minute of It”, and “Turn me Loose” remind me of the good old days. 

One of the most memorable experiences you can have on a Friday night this summer can take place along the riverfront in Detroit. Although the 2017 Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront Summer Concert Series can excite music lovers of all ages, an experience that includes dinner and/or a night’s stay at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is sure to please all! 

My Friday night experience was one I will never forget! It began when I entered the beautiful lobby of the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center where there was a musician playing his guitar and singing some classics in the Volt lounge, which is located right next to the customer service desk. Behind him was one of the most gorgeous skyline views I have ever seen. With American flags flying in the background, it was such an amazing sight. 

After a carefree check in, I headed directly up to my room on the 58th floor. One of the things I discovered immediately is that security in the Marriott is top-notch. To use the guest room elevators, you must have a guest room key. The elevator will not move without first scanning your key. Considering the coming and going of people within the common areas, this helped me rest assured that I was safe. 

When I entered my room, I literally teared up at the view from the room’s window. It was the most breath-taking skyline and river views I had ever witnessed. I had to open the curtains fully to stand and take in the view for a few minutes. 

I had a friend joining me for this experience, so I headed back down to the Volt lounge to wait for her arrival. While in the Volt, I had an adult beverage and listened to the live music. The Volt is a great place for a drink or a meal while viewing the river and the Detroit Skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was so relaxing that I almost didn’t want to leave. 

After my friend arrived, it was time to head to dinner. We choose to eat at Granite City Food & Brewery which is located in the GMRENCEN. Our dining experience included a couple of appetizers and delicious cocktails. There are other options for dining within the GMRENCEN including two other fine dining restaurants, casual dining options, and a food court. For a full list of options, visit the GMRENCEN website. 

The Show: 

The show started at 7:30 p.m. with an opening band called Standing Room Only. They played for about an hour before Loverboy hit the stage just after 9:00 p.m. My friend and I enjoyed viewing the beautiful skyline and boats anchored in the river while listening to the live music. We also took part in a lot of people watching which can be entertaining in itself. The show ended at 10:30 p.m. with an encore. At that time, we didn’t need to worry about finding our car and driving home because we were staying the night in a beautiful room with an amazing view. 

After a good night of rest, we awoke to the sunshine and our amazing room view. Breakfast in the Volt lounge was the first thing on our agenda. We both had the breakfast buffet which included an omelette bar, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, lots of baked goods, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, and more. Everything we tasted was delicious, including our breakfast Mimosa. 

After eating, we walked along the riverfront to take in the views of both Detroit and Windsor, Canada. The riverfront was extremely active with people walking, running, biking, reading, and relaxing in one of many available chairs or benches. There was also a lot of activity in the river with jet skis, sailboats, small cruise boats, and freighters. I was so impressed with how well maintained the riverfront was and all the thought that went into the seating arrangements, flowers, landscaping, available activities, and more. 

Some tips for your night on the town:

1. Parking must be paid for with a credit card. 
2. Snacks and beverages, including alcoholic, are available by cash payment only. 
3. Bring your own lawn chair for the show. 
4. It can get cool on the riverfront, so bring a light coat.
5. Come early and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants located inside the GMRENCEN.  
6. Enjoy the encore and don’t worry about the drive home by booking a night’s stay at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. 
7. If staying in the hotel or just passing through, download the GMRENCEN Wayfinder App, which is available through iTunes. 
8. If you have time, walk the riverfront or find comfortable seating to take in the view.