More than 25 legendary musicians paid tribute to Dick Wagner, the Maestro of Rock, in a rockin’ four hour show of beloved Dick Wagner songs. Star performers included Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), Brad Whitford (Aerosmith), Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Jimmie Bones (Kid Rock), Dick Wagner’s son, Robert Wagner, Miss Wensday, Maryann Cotton (from Denmark), and many more. All donated their time and talent to honor the memory of their dear friend and mentor, Dick Wagner. All profits were donated to the Children’s Miracle Network and Beaumont Children’s Hospital.
The special “Pre-Show” screening of the award-winning film, Louder than Love (The Grande Ballroom Story kicked off an evening of soulful and compelling entertainment. Louder Than Love is the untold story of The Grande Ballroom and the rock and roll scene in Detroit during the Sixties.
Popular Silent Auction items included guitars signed by Alice Cooper, Mark Farner, Brad Whitford, Derek St. Holmes, and the entire cast of the Dick Wagner Memorial Concert; Charles Barkley’s size 16 signed shoe and signed basketball, a classic Shinola watch, poster art by 1960s pop artist icon, Carl Lundgren, and much more.
VIP donors were invited to an exclusive Meet & Greet with the musicians, and were treated to wine, dinner, and a celebrity goodie bag.
More than $10,000 was raised for the Children’s Miracle Network and Beaumont Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Generous sponsors and donors provided funding, auction items, and delicious food for the musicians, crew and VIP guests (For details, See ABOUT Sponsors and Donors). After the evenings festivities, the Dick Wagner Memorial Concert donated a feast of leftover food (shrimp, chicken, salads, soft drinks, and side dishes) to C4 Urban Outreach, a non-profit organization that feeds the homeless of Detroit.
By popular demand: The Memorial Concert will RETURN in 2016 with another star-studded show to benefit children’s charities.