This year, we are celebrating our 13th annual “Auburn Hills Summerfest.” Located in the heart of the city’s lively downtown at Auburn and Squirrel Roads, Summerfest features unique activities, exceptional attractions, and memorable music for everyone to enjoy. The festival will run from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 22 and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 23.
We had the opportunity to sit down with some of the band members from Your Generation in Concert who will be performing at Summerfest on Saturday night to learn more about their life on road and how they create such memorable performances for all ages.
AH: Tell us a little bit about the history of Your Generation.
YG: We originally started by our manager, Steve Trudell. From his experience in the music industry, he wanted to produce something different and have a group to be more than a bar band. Something that would bring a show together. He also wanted to highlight all of our musical talents and have something people would enjoy. Trudell has a really good sense of finding members that all ‘jive’ together really well and that is how we came to be.
AH: How long have you been performing at Summerfest?
YG: We have been performing as Your Generation in Concert at Summerfest for about 3 years.
AH: How many shows does Your Generation in Concert do a year? Where do you usually perform?
YG: We do about 150 shows a year. About 90% of our shows are in the Metro Detroit area and in Michigan. We have traveled around to other states like, Florida, California, Colorado, New York, Ohio, and Illinois.
AH: What draws the group to perform?
YG: There is such a vast amount of talent that has been pulled together over the years and we always have a good time together. It’s a real thrill to be up on stage. Also, with all of our concerts and traveling together we have become family and that’s probably the best part. We all want to bring each night and don’t quit until the end.
AH: Tell us a little bit about the process in creating your performances. How do you decide what music is put in the show?
YG: We normally get together at the beginning of the year and spend time reviewing the music, looking at what new songs to add and what to take out. From there, we work out how the show is going fall into place. Our process is similar to how a play is developed. We hash out the order and transitions of songs, do vocal rehearsals, test out lighting and sound, and make tweaks here and there. Once we have the show worked out that is what we play for the season.
AH: What kind of music do you play?
YG: Everything. We typically start in the 60s and move all the way up to now.
AH: Are there any popular genres with the audiences you’ve performed for lately?
YG: Right now, the 90’s seem to be a hit. Then there are always the classics like, Aerosmith and Journey.
AH: Anything new on the horizons for Your Generation in Concert?
YG: We are actually in the process of producing our own record. It’s great because everyone has been involved in some part of the music and we’ll be excited when it’s done.
Your Generation will be performing on Saturday, June 23, from 8 – 10 p.m. at Summerfest. For more information our community events, check out our website: www.auburnhills.org, or give us a call at: 248.370.9353
“Auburn Hills Summerfest” premier sponsors include: Power Home Remodeling, Genisys Credit Union, Go Ape!, Auburn Hills Optimist Club, the Auburn Hills Downtown Development Authority, and Night Nature Alliance.
Torri Mathes, Media Communications Specialist
Mike Mansour, the City of Auburn Hills Parks & Recreation Naturalist, worked with Will Rogers Elementary School students, Ronald Brown Academy middle school students, and the Boy Scouts to plant over 300 flower bulbs along with tree plantings at the Nature Center.
