Fifth Third Ballpark to Host First Concert
June 22, 2004 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - After more than a decade of bringing West Michigan the best family fun, the Whitecaps are branching out and trying something new - an outdoor concert. On Tuesday, August 24, The Bob Dylan Tour featuring Bob Dylan and his band, Willie Nelson and family and special guest The Hot Club of Cowtown will take the stage in centerfield at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The stop in Comstock Park is part of a tour of minor league stadiums for Dylan and Nelson that kicks off August 6 in Cooperstown, N.Y. The performance in West Michigan will be the duo's only appearance in the state and will take place rain or shine. "We're truly thrilled to be hosting this event," said Whitecaps CEO and Managing Partner Lew Chamberlin. "This is new territory for us and we're not sure exactly what to expect as far as attendance goes, but, with names like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, I think the concert will be a huge success."
Tickets for the event will be general admission with seating available on the outfield grass and in the ballpark's seating bowl. "By placing the stage in the outfield, we will be able to accommodate more fans close to the stage to allow for a more intimate experience," said Chamberlin.
The Whitecaps and concert promoter Jam Productions are attempting to keep the cost low for families by offering free admission to children 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets are $45 for everyone over the age of 12 and can be purchased at the Whitecaps Box Office at Fifth Third Ballpark or any TicketMaster location beginning Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m.
This tour is the first joint venture for Dylan and Nelson. The two have performed together on several occasions, but have never headlined a concert together. Dylan, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, is best known as the pre-eminent lyracist and songwriter of his generation. Often credited with reviving the folk-rock genre, Dylan has released more than a dozen albums and four of his songs have cracked the Billboard Top 50.
Nelson has also been performing since the mid-1960s and most recently topped the country music charts in 2003 with Beer for My Horses, a duet with Toby Keith. In 1985, Nelson and several other artists started the Farm Aid Concerts, which, as of 2003, has raised more than $24 million to benefit farming families in the United States. Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993.
The Hot Club of Cowtown is a western swing and jazz band from Nelson's hometown of Austin, Texas. Before joining Dylan and Nelson in West Michigan, the trio will be wrapping up a three week tour of Europe and Canada.
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