With headlining acts such as American Idol’s Adam Lambert and Ludacris, the Common Ground Music Festival is set to take over Lansing’s Adado Riverfront Park starting Monday.
The festival, now in its 11th year, is slated to run through Sunday and features acts throughout the week on three different stages.
Malinda Barr, media coordinator and spokesperson for the event, said this year’s lineup includes a newer feel of music for attendees.
“For the most part, it’s new rock,” Barr said.
“New bands you’ve been listening to on the radio for under a year pretty much.”
In addition to the entertainment Common Ground provides, the weeklong event also boosts the local economy.
Scott Keith, president and CEO of Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, said the event brings a great deal of tourism and a noticeable boom to the local economy.
“This festival is a community event and a tourism generator for the region,” Keith said.
“It brings affordable entertainment into the city and generates economic impact for the community.”
Keith also said the festival creates up to 200 temporary jobs, some full-time positions.
He said the festival will generate more than $4 million for the community as a whole each year it occurs.
Although the main focus of the event is the national-level musical acts, the festival offers food vendors and activities for family members of all ages, Barr said.
“Picnics and camaraderie and exposure to downtown — there’s all kinds of fun stuff going on,” Barr said.
“It is a fabulous outdoor festival with all different types of music. There’s something for everyone.”
Aaron Breidenbach, an East Lansing resident and MSU alumnus, said Common Ground seems like a festive way to boost Lansing’s economy while having fun.
“It’s great that the venues come to our community and communities like ours to bring extra income and money and raise a good economic awareness throughout the community,” Breidenbach said.
Weeklong tickets starting at $99 can be purchased online, beginning at basic access and rising in price for upgraded access.
Basic daily tickets also can be purchased online for $32, with a special on Sunday beginning at $11, for basic access.
Tickets also can be purchased the day of the event at the festival grounds.
For more information and a schedule of Common Ground performances, visit the website at commongroundfest.com.
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