Discover 'Detroit's Got Talent!' at Heidelberg Project 2012 Festival

Posted: Aug. 5, 2012 at 1:48 p.m.

DETROIT - Heidelberg Street will soon heat up thanks to rising local chefs, artists, performers and musicians. Detroit is known worldwide for talent and innovation, and we intend to take it to the streets Aug. 11 at the Heidelberg Project's ninth biennial festival, "Detroit's Got Talent!"

The Young Adults of Heidelberg, a branch of the Heidelberg Project, designed this free community festival as a celebration of Detroit's talented young adults in the areas of theater and performance, music, visual arts and culinary arts. "Detroit's Got Talent!" will provide a unique platform for young adults to connect with some of Detroit's leaders in these same featured areas, thus cultivating mentor-ship and insight into Detroit's growing arts industry.

On Saturday, Aug. 11 from noon to 8 p.m., the Heidelberg Project - a funky outdoor art environment on the 3600 block of Heidelberg Street - will be transformed into a talent showcase featuring live cooking exhibits, variety performances and displays of visual art. Kids will find the Children's Corner packed with interactive arts and activities, while the whole family enjoys a day of entertainment and community.

A number of community partners and sponsors join HP to present the festival this year, including ACCESS, the Cultural Alliance for Southeast Michigan, Quicken Loans, Arab American National Museum, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Miller Canfield. Even the uber-popular Detroit-area food trucks El Guapo, Ned's Travel Burger, Treat Dreams, The Green Zebra and Frank's Anatra are parking their talents on Heidelberg Street for the fest, serving it up curbside all day.

"As Detroit continues to reshape itself through arts and culture, the Heidelberg Project remains at the forefront of this reinvention," said Anthony Curis, vice president of Curis Enterprises and partner of El Guapo. "The biennial festival is another example of the Heidelberg Project's commitment to supporting and improving the lives of young adults through artistic expression. It's an honor to be involved in this event as both a supporter and a patron of this terrific."

Local Detroit talent will also provide the entertainment throughout the day. The Sights, who will be touring with Tenacious D this year, will perform with Jarrod Champion. Jarrod Champion will also have his own set.

Onsite parking will be along the streets of Heidelberg neighborhood. Shuttle service will be provided at two active locations to bring both east and west Detroit communities right to the festival. For more detailed information, please visit www.heidelberg.org.

About the Heidelberg Project
The Heidelberg Project, a 26-year young nonprofit organization, designed to improve lives and neighborhoods through art, is the third most-visited cultural site in Detroit.