To a crowded room full of media, city officials and possibly just a few folks wanting free food and drinks, a partnership between Bikes, Blues & BBQ and the AMP was announced at George’s Majestic Lounge today. The partnership is an effort to bring in more music, introduce a new event, and to help make this the best in the bike rally’s ten-year history.

The track complex on the UA campus is no longer available for concerts due to the addition of a permanent track but Bikes, Blues & BBQ Executive Director Nelson Driver along with Arkansas Music Pavilion owner Brian Crowne saw an opportunity instead of a hurdle.

A celebration cake

“Rather than having one main act at the Randal Tyson Track Center as we have done in the past, we have teamed up with the AMP to provide two big nights of classic rock and a Saturday full of free blues music,” said Driver. “By working with the AMP music line-up, we hope to raise more money for local charities and offer people a better venue to listen to great music.”

Scheduled to play are Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet on Thursday night, followed by the Marshall Tucker Band and Oreo Experience – a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Steve Pryor on Friday night. “And the crazy thing is, tickets are only going to be $10.00,” said Crowne. A portion of the proceeds will go to Bikes, Blues & BBQ and other local charities.

In addition to the concerts, the AMP is also hosting a full day of regional blues music and a brand new event, Bikes, Blues & Hot Rods Too, on Saturday. A car show with over $5,000 in prizes and featuring classic cars, trucks and street rods will highlight the event. Free tours of the Gibson Guitar museum bus, helicopter rides and the Vixen models will also be at the AMP. Admission is free to Saturday’s events and things will kick off at around 9am.

Mayor Jordan listens to Steve Clark

Both Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Chamber President Steve Clark were on hand to say a few words as well. “All of us who attend these events are going to have a great time, but people who don’t attend are going to benefit through the charities that are going to be supported. My hat goes off to all of these gentlemen,” said Clark.

“This is truly people helping people,” said Mayor Jordan. “Because at the end of the day, it’s going to give hope to some who don’t even think they have a prayer. I think it’s a great partnership.”

Bikes, Blues & BBQ is the largest non-profit 501(c)(3), family-friendly motorcycle rally in the country. Organizers hope that with the addition of the AMP as a destination venue, the 10th Anniversary rally will be the best yet. This year’s events are from September 23-26, 2009.