CITYFEST GALLERY
The 2007 Comerica CityFest will have a brand new opening act this year—the Comerica CityFest Gallery Preview Party, a benefit for the New Center Council, Inc.

Each year the Festival features an art space in the lobby of the Fisher Building.  This year the work of several notable Detroit artists will be showcased the evening before Comerica CityFest opens to the public on July 3rd in the Fisher Theatre Lobby from 8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight.

Net proceeds from art purchases and beverage sales will benefit the New Center Council, Inc., producers of the annual Comerica CityFest.

FEATURED ARTISTS

GWEN JOY – A painter of trippy, child like art which often incorporates her renditions of real people and animals. She is also the creator of one of a kind doll's called JoyToys; part animal, part clown, part whatever. Always amusingly charming and slightly off kilter, quite like the artist herself. LENI SINCLAIR – A photographic archivist of the Detroit music scene going back to the mid-1960's as well as current and relevant artists. Leni has photographed many Jazz, blues and Rock musicians like Pharaoh Sanders, John Lee Hooker and the MC5. JULIA KOHL – A painter in acrylic and oils of vivid imaginary scenes not unlike Robert Williams or Neon Park (creator of Little Feat album art, among other things). Her art is intelligent and provocative. CARL LUNDGREN – An illustrator of Rock poster art in the similar vein of friend and mentor Gary Grimshaw of Grande Ballroom poster art fame. J. R. – Former owner of Royal Oak's Padded Cell is a creator and fabricator of wonderfully symbolic and often erotic jewelry, objects, clothing and sculpture. NIAGARA – One of Detroit's best known painters and a silkscreen master. Niagara is the closest thing we have to a media icon and art star. Her work is very similar to Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. More recently her work as taken on a more exotic feel with oriental and calligraphic aspects in her Opium series. SHAY SPANIOLA – A sophomore at U of M’s school of art and design, will exhibit her work and also act as Gallery Manager through out Comerica CityFest.  Spaniola uses earth tones in her contemporary abstract paintings, and focuses on contrast and texture.  She will also exhibit her photographic work of environmental portraits. CHRIS TURNER – A Downtown Detroit staple who as a sculptor transmutes the grit of our city into symbolic yet enigmatic pieces. He is co-designer of the "Millennium Bell" in Grand Circus Park. CAMILO PARDO – This former CCS graduate and founding member of the legendary "Propeller" artists collective has had a soaring career as an automobile and fashion designer and painter. After a two year stint in Milan Italy he returned to head up the design team of the amazing Ford G-40, a beautiful street legal speed racer. GLENN BARR – The world renowned surrealist painter blends retro and futuristic icons into sensual fantasy scapes like no other. Glenn just returned from a retrospective showing of his work in Australia. J0HN ARETAKIS – This versatile artist has worked within the television and motion picture industries and has recently gravitated to neon sign art. Influenced by what remains of signage that once lit up the avenues and boulevards, he incorporates traditional techniques with urban themes. His well crafted neon signs are truly works of art.

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Modern Skate & Surf
Modern Skate & Surf's “Extreme Team” will once again be performing their aerial acrobatics at the 2007 Comerica CityFest in Detroit, this time on a specially made street course that will feature a mini half pipe and many gaps for riders to launch themselves over while demonstrating the fun and excitement of their individual sports.

This year will feature the skateboarding talent of the Nemesis professional skateboard team.  A combination of in-line skaters and skateboarders (occasionally accompanied by freestyle bike riders, the Modern Skate & Surf Extreme Team puts on a show that you won’t want to miss!

Featured in many newspaper articles, television and radio talk shows, the Modern Skate & Surf Extreme Team has astounded and entertained spectators, as well as promoted the sports that they love for many years.  There will be several special guest appearances by professional skateboard, inline and BMX riders throughout the Comerica CityFest weekend.

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Roller derby, a truly American contact sport, is played at both professional and amateur levels. While traditionally for both women and men, roller derby has developed a predominately female circuit during its current revival.

The Detroit Derby Girls is Detroit's only skater-owned and operated, all-girl, flat track roller derby league.

Watch The Detroit Derby Girls scrimmage on the flat track, which circles the Modern Skate & Surf street course, in the Youth Zone. July 4 - 8, at various times throughout the day

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The Cruising Climber
Kids can test their rock climbing skills and get a different perspective of the festival.  Cost is $3 for each climb to the top. Climbing will be available all hours of the Comerica CityFest.

The Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock bring their year-round hoops "Basement Experts Truck Tour" to the Comerica CityFest.  Stop by to test your skill at four basketball hoops or check out the display area with Piston NBA Championship trophies, Palace Sports & Entertainment memorabilia, and replicas of the Pistons and Shock locker rooms.

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If the thought of going to a gym or group exercise class appalls you, then Punk Fitness is for you!

REVOLVA: “EXTREME HULA HOOPING!”

A dancer since childhood, Revolva added hoops to her repertoire five years ago. Since then, she’s wowed audiences across the globe, from her hometown of Detroit, Michigan to Germany and South Korea.

As the hoops whirl around her body, Revolva seamlessly weaves mind-boggling tricks and jaw-dropping flexibility (did she mention her background in gymnastics?) into one flowing dance.

Just don’t expect circus music. This showstopper leaves audiences cheering for more with performances to electronic, funk, rock, swing, drums and everything between. www.myspace.com/revolverhoops