Posted on: January 13, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The 2008 North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) annual black-tie Charity Preview welcomes the legendary pop-rock band Barenaked Ladies to the red carpet. The Canadian born band will entertain Charity Preview goers on Friday Jan. 18, 2008 at Cobo Center.

Barenaked Ladies — Ed Robertson, Steven Page, Tyler Stewart, Jim Creeggan, and Kevin Hearn — are a top concert attraction and musicianship has been one of the band’s founding principles ever since they began playing together in their teens at a summer music camp in Ontario, Canada. Mixing socially-conscious observations with crafty lyrics, Barenaked Ladies have racked up memorable hits like “Pinch Me,” “If I Had A Million Dollars,” “Brian Wilson,” “The Old Apartment,” “Too Little Too Late,” “Falling For The First Time” and the Billboard Number One Hit, “One Week.”

“We’re thrilled to have the Barenaked Ladies perform at Charity Preview; it promises to be a stand-out event,” said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. “We’ve also received word that some manufacturers plan to feature some A-list celebrities, adding even more excitement and glamour to our gala than ever before.”

The NAIAS also expects many local, national and worldwide celebrities to attend Charity Preview. R&B Singer Kelis; legendary DJ Funk Master Flex; veteran artists Hall & Oates; Celine Dion, Comedians Steve Harvey and Tommy Davidson; Kevin Bacon; Kid Rock; Jay Leno; Veronica Webb; Tony Danza; Jeff Daniels; The Apprentice star Omarosa; and TV Host Rachel Ray have attended the black tie event in the past. The potential parade of stars for NAIAS 2008 is sure to wow crowds.

Charity Preview, however, is not just about celebrities — it’s about kids. The sale of each Charity Preview ticket significantly benefits local children’s charities. The purchase of a single Charity Preview ticket buys goods, clothing and health and support services for many local kids.

Tickets for the event are $400 each, $390 is tax-deductible. For more information on the NAIAS 2008 Charity Preview or to purchase tickets, call 888.838.7500. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.naias.com.

As lead sponsors of Charity Preview, RBS/Charter One and Sprint will add to the evening’s festivities by sponsoring the Charity Preview Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Barenaked Ladies performance, respectively.

“Charter One is excited to join in making Charity Preview an even more amazing and memorable night for our region and the remarkable children’s charities it benefits,” said Sandy Pierce, President, Charter One, Michigan. “It is a privilege to support a world-class event that kicks off the North American International Auto Show, Southeast Michigan’s single largest economic impact event that celebrates Detroit’s rich history but also underscores our future as a world leader in new technology and innovation.”

“Sprint is proud to join the North American International Auto Show to celebrate this special evening for Michigan with our community partners, community leaders and companies from all over the world,” said Kim Green-Kerr, area vice president — Michigan & Northwest Ohio, Sprint. “As one of the largest single-night fundraisers in the country, the Charity Preview is an extremely rewarding opportunity to support the children and families in southeastern Michigan.”

Beneficiaries of the 2008 Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children’s Center; Children’s Homes of Judson Center; Children’s Hospital of Michigan; Children’s Services of Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League; the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; The Detroit Institute for Children; Easter Seals — Michigan; March of Dimes; and ThinkDetroit PAL.

Jon Witz, president of Jon Witz and Associates, the event expert behind successful signature metro Detroit events like WinterBlast and Arts, Beats and Eats, will be managing the appearance of the Barenaked Ladies at the 2008 Charity Preview.

NAIAS 2008 Official Dates

Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 13 through Tuesday, Jan. 15. Industry Preview will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Thursday, Jan. 17. The annual black-tie Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 18. Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 27.

The North American International Auto Show
Rod Alberts – Executive Director

Entering its 20th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris- based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com. Don’t Miss It for the World!

Leave a Comment