DETROIT – Leading figures from the world of music, sports, business, fashion and media took part in this weekend’s Roots Motown Super Soul Revue in support of the ‘Music Rising’ charity. 

Motown superstars Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Contours and The Velvelettes topped the bill for the evening atDetroit’s historic landmark The Roostertail, the preeminent venue for Motown acts in the 1960s.Organized by Roots and D.O.C. Optics, the Revue attracted some 500 people. Hosted by Roots Co-founders Michael Budman and Don Green and D.O.C. President Richard Golden, the crowd included Robbie Robertson (Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame); producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel); Paul Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks (who were playing in today’s Super Bowl); Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer who while in office was instrumental in bringing Super Bowl XL to Detroit; Movie producer Nick Wechsler (who most recently produced the 2005 film, North Country, which received Academy Award nominations for two of its actors); Rolling Stones world tour producer Michael Cohl and his wife Laurie; Executive Producer for the NFL David Salz; Chairwoman of ABC-TV Anne Sweeney; Former Motown Records President and Executive Producer of TV specials “Motown 40: The Music is Forever” and “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever”, Suzanne de Passe;and Mathieu Schneider of the Detroit Red Wings.

In addition to supporting Music Rising, which is helping flood-ravaged New Orleans, the Rootsboys and their longtime Detroit friend Richard Golden planned the evening in honour of the city and music of their youth as part of Super Bowl Weekend in Detroit.

The party showcased an exclusive, specially designed hand-painted Gibson guitar signed by U2’s TheEdge and Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones that will be auctioned at a later date to raise funds for Music Rising.  The guitar is expected to generate $100,000 for the cause. Developed by The Edge, legendary music producer Bob Ezrin, and Gibson Guitar CEO Henry Juskiewicz, Music Rising is a charitable initiative to replace the instruments and gear lost by musicians in the hurricanes and floods that devastated New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast last September.

Via Rail’s Director of Marketing Pierre Santoni hosted guests from France, Germany and Switzerland. Ahead of last night’s event, Via Rail provided elegant transportation to the Roots delegation from Toronto to Windsor, just across the river from Detroit.

The event was produced by Roots Director of Special Events Raymond Perkins and Public Relations Coordinator Anisha Pillay.

“Roots and D.O.C. wanted to do something that would benefit a good cause and also celebrate the incredible heritage of Detroit and the legacy of Motown culture,” says Michael Budman. “This event was one way we wanted to show our appreciation for our hometown and to add to what was truly a historic weekend in Detroit as it hosts the Super Bowl.”

For further information, contact:
Robert Sarner,
Director of Communication and Public Affairs
416-781-3574 ext 4280
E-mail : rsarner@roots.com

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