Wednesday, February 23, 2005
BY BRIAN McCOLLUM
FREE PRESS POP MUSIC WRITER
Detroit artist Kevin Saunderson has signed a three-year contract with the City of Detroit to produce Hart Plaza’s annual techno party.
With the new contract comes a new name to adorn the marquee in downtown Detroit: “Fuse-In Detroit: Electronic-Soul Movement.”
The signing, which came late Tuesday after two days of negotiations, means the groundwork is in place for a festival this Memorial Day Weekend, though hurdles remain for Saunderson and his team, who have indicated that a scaled-down event may be necessary to clear the way for 2006.
Saunderson is expected to name Fuse-In’s top staff later today, include Ade Mainor of Submerge Records as festival director and Los Angeles events veteran Scott McIntyre as marketing director.
This marks Saunderson’s first year as sole producer of the event. Last year, he coproduced the Movement festival with fellow techno star Derrick May.
May, who owns the Movement name, decided last fall to step down from the festival business, citing heavy financial losses and the stresses of producing an event that has come to be regarded as a Detroit cultural showcase. Saunderson submitted his own proposal to the city in September, and began discussions with officials in January.
The late start puts Saunderson into a scramble for sponsors, vendors and artists. Publicity director Barbara Deyo said several options remain in play, including the possibility that this year’s Fuse-In will be a ticketed event, with admission passes in the $5-to-$10 range. Such a move would require approval of the Detroit City Council. Lucius Vassar, director of cultural affairs for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, would head up any political pitch to the council on the festival’s behalf.
Saunderson broke onto the dance-music scene in the mid-1980s, scoring several international hits that combined Detroit’s fledgling techno sound with classic R&B elements. He’s aiming for a Fuse-In lineup that will feature an equal number of live groups and dance DJs.
“He wants more live acts, a wider variety of music,” Deyo said Wednesday. “Kevin really wants to show the crossover between genres, and broaden the festival’s horizons.”
In previous interviews, Saunderson has indicated that he will rely heavily on the Detroit-area techno community for financial and logistical support. A series of fund-raising events is in the works – including parties in Detroit (Fifth Avenue Downtown, March 13) and Ann Arbor (April 3) – with details to come.
Steven Tebor, a Livonia electronic music supporter, said he’s confident area fans will come through to ensure the festival doesn’t die.
“If it’s a matter of money – and I know that’s what it always comes down to – then let’s get it started,” he said. “I think people will pull through to get this done.”
Contact BRIAN McCOLLUM at 313-223-4450 or mccollum@freepress.com.